A few days ago, I announced the arrival of the Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleansing Cloths. I mentioned that I had been looking for a similarly convenient and paraben-free product for quite a while, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a package. I did just that a few days ago, and here’s my take on the product.

Because this product is so simple, we’re going to skip the normal Pro/Con list and I’m just going to sum up my experience with them. I bought them at Macy’s and got a makeup touch-up while I was there, during which the sales girl put waaaaaaay too much bronzer on my pale, pale face. I probably looked like a crazy person to everyone else at the mall, but it managed to provide a good test for the wipes when I got home.

The packaging is fairly minimal, but I would have done away with the cardboard ring encircling the wipes – it was wasteful and unnecessary. After you pry that off, things work just like the MAC wipes most of us have used before, and the packet is resealable. One wipe managed to remove all of the caked-on bronzer from my face, as well as the makeup I already had on underneath.

I didn’t experience any of the stinging that some people have reported, despite the fact that my face tends to be dry and sensitive. The wipes also didn’t leave me feeling tight or like I had a chemical residue left over – I simply put my moisturizer on afterward and was on my way.

These wipes are a bit pricey, but for people who like to cut corners but still want good results for their skin, I’d definitely recommend them. Get two packs and leave one in your gym bag.

Sephora, $20.

I had always been a devotee of MAC’s makeup-removing face wipes, but after I read some negative things about the types of chemicals in those types of wipes, I stopped using them and starting looking for a greener, face-friendly alternative. Well, thanks to Philosophy, I think I’ve finally found what I wanted.

The Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Cloths are a quick and convenient way to take off the day without the need for water or rinsing. They’re perfect after a late night or plane ride if you’re exhausted but still want to treat your skin correctly, and they don’t have any parabens, sulfates, dyes, fragrances or phthalates, among other things. My favorite unexpected use: removing sweat and grime after a trip to the gym before it settles into your pores during the car ride home.

Sephora, $25.

Oooooh I got this in the post and I’m in love!

Philosophy is a great brand but I’m not always that enamoured of their products. But this one is a keeper.

Included is a body wash and the most scrumptious smelling firming body lotion ever.

And the packaging? You guys know I’m a sucker for great packaging and… well, this is pretty awesome.

$25 – Apricots and Cream Gift Set

I have been using Philosophy products for years. Indeed, I always keep a Philosophy lip balm in my purse, at work, and in the bathroom. I simply can’t live without it and, if Philosophy ever discontinue it, I will maintain a vigil outside their head office until they change their mind.

So, I’m totally excited about their Magical Minis. It gives me the chance to trial out their skincare products without the risk of spending hundreds of dollars, only to find it gives me a reaction or doesn’t work.

Included in the Magical Minis are:

- 2.0 oz Purity Made Simple
- 0.25 oz Help Me Night Retinol Treatment
- 0.5 oz hope in a jar
- 0.5 oz Hope In A Jar SPF 20
- 0.25 oz Eye Hope™ Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream
- 2 x Microdelivery Peels

Magical Minis

$45 – Philosophy

If you’re like me, you have mornings where you wake up, look in the mirror and just say ‘urrrrgggh’.  Crepey eyes and cracked lips are never a good look.

On those mornings, I always reach for my tried and trusted Hope in a Tube Eye and Lip Cream by Philosophy.  This provides instant hydration to damaged and dry skin, and is a lovely cream for day to day use.

Hope in a Tube Eye and Lip Cream

$33 – Philosophy

Philosophy’s Celebrate! Set is just the kind of gift that will appeal to your selfish, me me me side. But, really, who can blame you? After all, it’s not every day that a dazzling trio of champagne-inspired 3-in-1 bath gels/shampoos/bubble baths falls in your lap. All for $30, no less.

And with scents like lavender bubbly, pink bubbly, and pomegranate bubbly, there’s no way you won’t be intoxicated – perhaps literally – by this set.

There’s only one thing to do: Buy two.

Whether it’s Sunday brunch with your girlfriends, or you’re traipsing around the market doing the weekly shopping, this is a product you can literally throw in your handbag and apply at will.

Kiss Me is infused with kiwi, vitamine e and almond. A non-greasy balm, it will leave you with beautifully soft and kissable lips.

Application is simple, thanks to the angled tip. Just squeeze and apply liberally. Then, sit back and watch this most beautiful of products go to work.

Pros: easy application, it really works (!), great value for money

Cons: limited shade range – red, pink and clear

Kiss Me Lip Balm

$10.00 – Philosophy