Philosophy for Dry Skin or Olay Active Hydrating?

My Skin

My Skin (winter): During the cold, dry, winter months here in Illinois, my skin is combination-dry...but I still have a bit of oiliness in my t-zone. It is pretty sensitive, switching products can either help my acne and dryness immediately or it can break me out like a 15 year old (like I am right now :'(

My Skin (summer): During the horrendous summer months here, the humidity poses a great challenge to me since I already have an oily T-zone to begin with, add humidity to that mix and I'm literally a hot, oily mess. Acne flares up like none other and yet, I still will have dryness on my cheeks...

Fall/Spring: My skin is so temperamental and sensitive that during these two seasons my skin flares up. If the temperature increase or decreases suddenly by 10 degrees, I can kiss my clear skin GOOD-BYE.

As you can see...I get quite frustrated with my skin, always looking for my HG (holy grail) products, always thinking "there's got to be something else better". This has been my mentality since I was 14...I'm 22 now and I feel like I'm still searching. Searching for the perfect cleanser, toner, serums, night treatments, and masks. On the plus side, I do think I have found my HG moisturizer.

Philosophy: Hope in a Jar, for dry, sensitive skin

I have been using this moisturizer for about 5 years now, which is super long for a person like me since I am a product junkie (and DAMN proud of it haha).

Positives: I love this moisturizer.period. It doesn't break me out, it keeps my face moisturized, and it doesn't dry out throughout the day. The lotion sinks in, although not immediately (you have to give it 2 mins before applying foundation). I'm okay with that too because I know it works so well to keep my foundation fresh, non dry, and just GLOW. It has never let me down with dryness or breakouts which is so incredibly hard for me to find in a face moisturizer. Normally, it's a toss up. Either I deal with dryness but have no breakouts, or have the breakouts and no dryness...yeah, screw that. I want my cake AND eat it too! One last plus is that you don't need much to use on your entire face. The lotion is concentrated enough that a dime size it perfect.

Negatives: It does nothing to help with oiliness, but I wasn't buying it to help with that. I figured out over time, any moisturizer used to help with oil would be WAY too drying on my face, therefore, my makeup looks caky, flaky, and just plain disgusting. I've had to find other alternatives to deal with oiliness which I can discuss in a later hub. Also, as much as I love this moisturizer for the spring, fall, and winter, it's a bit too moisturizing during the summer.

Oh, and don't even suggest the normal Hope in a Jar, that shit smells and stings my eyes like none other....and I don't even put that near my eyes! lol

Another negative...price. It's $38 for 2 oz. and I'm pretty sure that's across the board at Ulta, Sephora, and Macy's.

Bottom Line: I love this philosophy lotion. Anytime I stray away, I always come back to it. I'm sorry I've doubted you Philosophy, I will never stray again.

I highly suggest it for anyone who is Dry or Combo-dry!

I recently purchased this lotion because I was looking for a cheaper alternative to my expensive Philosophy lotion (located above).

Positives: The price! I got this for about $10 at my local Target store for a 6 ounce container. Lightly moisturizes. Hygienic with a twist top.

Negatives: Here we go...First off, the smell. It's the strangest smell...like plasticy with a hint of floral? If that makes sense. It kind of has this medicinal smell to it. I don't know, whatever it is it's nasty. Since it more of a light moisturizer, I have to use almost twice as much to get some what of the same moisture effect that I get from my philosophy moisturizer. Another problem that I have with it is that I still have that dry, tight feeling after the moisturizer has absorbed. Also, on the back of the bottle it claims that it does not clog pores. Ever since I began using this moisturizer, it has caused me to have cystic acne. I have NEVER had cystic acne before and now suddenly I do? Along with tons of blackheads and whiteheads. I know this must be the culprit because it is the ONLY new item I have added to my beauty regime.

Bottom Line: I'm going to give this to my sister. She might have a better experience with this than I have. If not, maybe I will pass it along to my mom. I hate throwing away a bottle thats more than half full.