I bought this as part of a Philosophy kit. I was worried about trying it because I have sensitive skin and certain products tend to cause redness and irritation. I have always had good experiences with Philosophy products so I thought I would try this as well. I used the serum at night after washing my face. I only need a small amount and it does go on feeling greasy and heavy, but it absorbs very quickly into the skin. The scent was just okay, it was not very strong, but had a slight outdoor scent. This product did work very well with firming the skin, I could see a slight reduction of fine lines, and it did not irritate my skin or cause any redness. I only received a small bottle of this with the kit it came in, so I don't believe I would buy it again, it is a bit pricey. Absorption Goes on feeling heavy, but really does absorb well. Doesn't Clog Pores This product does not clog pores at all, I did not experience any breakouts while using this.

karra1031

USA

I have been using Philosophy's When Hope Is Not Enough serum for about 5 years. I'm 39 and I don't have tons of wrinkles, but I do have some, and this serum really seems to help minimize them. The main benefit for me seems to be the hyaluronic acid, which plumps up the skin. I use the serum every morning after my toner, but before my moisturizer. I apply it all over my face and neck. I make sure to apply it all around my eyes, because that is the area where I most want to minimize lines. It really seems to have an immediate (but very subtle) plumping effect, and I believe that with the hyaluronic acid and peptides, it also has long-term benefits. One of my favorite things about this serum is that it absorbs in almost immediately, and leaves no stickiness or greasy film behind. My skin is very oily and it is extremely difficult to find anti-aging products that aren't greasy or that don't break me out. My least favorite thing about the serum is that it is very expensive, but I've been unable to find a comparable product at any price, much less a cheaper price, so for now I'm willing to pay for it. At least the bottle does last quite a long time. I only use 7 drops to cover my face and neck, and I use the 1 oz. bottle, which lasts for months. I wish the bottle wasn't glass because I have dropped a full bottle on my tile and shattered it.

soundring

Panama City, FL

I have written many reviews of philosophy products. Many years ago I used to work at their counter in a department store, so I got to try most of their skin care collection. When hope is not enough facial firming serum is a product I still use to this day. The serum is to be used right after using a cleanser, before you apply a moisturizer. Many serums I have tried over the years are kind of heavy, or feel kind of sticky. Most of the time I wonder if I needed a moisturizer because serums I had tried were so thick. Well that is not the case with this product. The serum comes in a medicine-dropper applicator. Simply put two or three drops on your fingertips, rub together, and apply to your face. It soaks right in and doesn't feel greasy or tacky. It is fairly odorless as well, which is nice. Right after application I swear my skin feels so soft and smooth. And once I apply my moisturizer, I'm good to go. Now I'm still fairly young (36) so it's hard to say if it helps with already present fine lines and wrinkles, but I can attest that it helps keep them away. Still to this day no signs of aging. Good genes? Possibly. Good skin care regime? Yes!

jvan8829

Chicago, IL

Where to start with this absolutely amazing Firming Serum? Finding a skin care product that actually works and firms your skin is so hard - I looked for years before stumbling upon this one, and I couldn't be happier. Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Firming Serum is absolutely magical, and I will never be without it - I just hope they don't discontinue it! It comes in a really easy-to-use dropper bottle, and, while it's a small amount, it goes a really long way - my last bottle lasted eight months (and that's applying it twice a day!). It smells wonderful, and it really really really does work. My skin looks so radiant and healthy and firm, and it's closed up my once really ugly pores. I use it twice a day: once in the morning, followed by eye cream (also by philosophy), moisturizer (also from philosophy!), and sunscreen; and once at night, followed by night eye cream (philosophy, of course), and night time moisturizer.

susannnnnnnn

USA

I got philosophy's When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum in a makeup optional kit from Philosophy.  I wasn't sure what to expect from this product as I have never used a serum before this and have just started to be concerned with my skin's age and my first fine lines around my eyes.  I wanted the Purity and Hope in a Jar from the set and thought, why not try the whole set.  I like the texture of this product, it is slightly oily but sinks right into my skin.  The smell is alright, similar to other philosophy products a little woodsy and takes some getting used to, but not bad.  My face feels smoother after using this, but I am not sure about the long term effects of this product.  That's not to say that I don't think it works, I just don't know.  It feels great for the short term and I like the idea of fortifying my skin with so many nutrients.  I'm not sure if I'll buy this product when I run out, but I will keep using the bottle.  I'm just not sure if the added step is really helping out my beauty routine.  UPDATE: I didn't repurchase this product. It felt great, but not sure if it was for me and it does smell soo woodsy.

Surveyal

Boulder, CO

I gave this product a six month try and used all of the skin care line that is recommended to go along with it. I really didn't feel I was getting nearly the anti-aging protection that I had with my previous line of skin care (which I have returned to) Like so many of the products that are sold mostly on tv and not much in department stores I guess the hype got to me and I should have listened to my inner self.

bshiggins

Gardiner, ME

This product is a best seller because it does (at last) everything and more that it claims to do. When you smooth it onto your skin, you honestly see, and feel your skin drinking it up. It has a light fragrance, but they do offer a "hope in the jar" for more oily, sensitive types. But take it from a green eyed very light skinned person that easily burns, the original works on me. A little goes a long way. It may seem pricey, but it will last much longer, and provide lasting results and changes, than a less exspensive commercial brand.

lovelaffy

richmond, CA

I was VERY excited to try this product. I had read wonderful reviews about it and it sounded just like something that would work for me! Unfortunately, I could not get past the smell of it. It just stunk!!! I used it for a week, thinking I would sooon get over the smell, but it never happened! I don't think I used it enough to actually see any results. I love the idea, but they need to work on the odor. Maybe I just had a bad bottle, but I won't be trying this again. It's too pricey for me to take another chance on it. I am all for paying a little more for products that really work, but this one is definitely a "two thumbs down" for me. Sorry, Philosophy, I love your fragrance lines, but not sure about facial items after this experience.

jaburrack

Ames, IA

Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum is the perfect thing for women of ALL ages! I started using this dream serum about a month ago and I am only in my early 30's. The reason I started was that I wanted softer skin and I've always been a huge fan of the wonderful products from the amazing people at Philosophy. Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum has all these amazing wonderful things in it that when you apply it after cleaning your skin in the morning and night pretty much eliminates the need for you to use moisturizer! My skin looks better than it has since I was a teenager! It is softer with a more even tone and a much much more even texture. The amino acids and such that are in this really make your skin feel so great. If you try Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum just once you will be hooked! Better stock up on it in the 4 oz size bottle because you will not want to run out!

CEONimzFamily

Neenah, WI

The Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum is a thick water-based gel. Feels kind of goopy when dispensed onto the hand, but it goes on easily and gets absorbed super quickly leaving skin feeling silken and smooth. There's no shininess, no greasiness, no tackiness. There's also no chemically odor nor any heavy fragrance, which makes it fabulous for those with sensitivities. So far so good. But the cons are there, too. For one I didn't see any big difference in the appearance of fine lines and such in my skin over several weeks. I also didn't see new ones appear and maybe there's the real hope offered by this serum. It definitely seems to hydrate skin right away and leave it much softer. Also, it's on the pricey side, as serums tend to be (theoretically a little goes a long way) and i could not wear it under my makeup, because the foundation wouldn't go on right. Finally for a line that has such a cult following, i'm surprised they haven't yet done away with noxious chemicals in their creams, serums etc: parabens, edta, pthalates and more. not a fan of those.

gracer

New York, NY