Offering a kaleidoscope of gift options, philosophy successfully covers the skincare, fragrance, and bath & body landscapes with its cleverly named and innovative formulas. Bordering on a lifestyle brand, the whimsical empire pulls out all the stops for the holidays. When an opportunity to work for a day with some of my favorite people during the seasonal 12 days of wishes event at QVC presented itself, I cleared my schedule immediately. Fun fact: I’m a philosophy groupie.

My philosophy story…

As a beauty industry enthusiast with an uncanny memory, I remember vividly my first encounter with philosophy. Exhibiting no signs of aging circa 2002, I treated myself to a set called very appropriately ‘the graduate’. Priced at $42 (see the crazy details I can recall?), the tin trunk, which I have til this day, came filled with what at the time were some of the most sought after essentials. Fifteen years later, the legendary purity made simple face cleanser continues to hold a permanent spot in my ever expanding skincare repertoire. Legit classic status.

The QVC factor

As a philosophy fan who went beyond chasing first to sell out formulas after multiple placements on Oprah’s Favorite Things, I have followed the brand’s QVC journey since the appearance by brand’s first founder. Meeting the on-air educators and product aficionados, Dara Lynn and Mari Lyn at the network last week, was an absolute highlight. First, the West Chester, PA compound that is QVC studios is a Star Trek operation with multiple security checkpoints, beautiful sets, most perfect lighting, gorgeous food court, a Starbucks even and a not-to-be-missed company store. True story: I did not want to leave.

With notable brand presence and loyal customers, philosophy has mastered the art of creating QVC exclusive sizes and configurations. Guilty and proud of my proclivity to overindulge, I scored deals on the microdelivery resurfacing peel or Cinnamon Buns 3-in-1 in supersize. There is no better value than Today’s Special Value aka TSV for ‘those in the know’. Fans of layering their favorite philosophy fragrance, make sure to tune in on December 2nd for an incredible deal on a 4 piece kit… You can get a sneak peek by viewing item A306785… You’re welcome.

Upon my arrival at QVC, I was whisked away to the philosophy holiday pop up shop to experience every available seasonal scent, kit, and value. After a walk-through of the major highlights that would soon be featured during the two hour live segment, we experienced the actual set and watched the ultra-smooth preparatory work of the operation.

Joined by the network veteran and industry pro, QVC host supreme-o Mary Beth Roe, we learned first hand about connecting with the customer, describing scents on live TV, and how much she personally enjoys on-air testimonial calls. A class act, Mary Beth personified the adage that when you choose the job you love, you don’t work a day in your life.

Very on-brand, the cozy and perfectly lit set evoked the feel of a festive philosophy wonderland. Every bottle had been primed for a seamless demo, runner tables had been filled with ‘coming up next’ offers, and each model’s bowl of water and washcloth proved how easy purity made simple removes every trace of makeup. Dara Lynn’s product presentation in real time was beyond impressive. Her approachable demeanor and honest enthusiasm felt like friendly advice rather than a sales pitch.

My Holiday Shopping Tips

Spruce up your shower!

There is nothing more pampering than a bottle of the signature 3-in-1 in the shower! The cornucopia of ‘flavors’ runs the gamut across your taste buds with some unique mouth-watering aromas. Having switched from Pumpkin Icing to Holiday Pajamas, I am embracing flannel moments by the fireplace. New this year, Pink Chocolate Macaroon is my official pick for a calorie-free baked good fix between holiday meals.

Those looking for clean, crisp and neutral scents won’t go wrong with Snow Man or Gingerbread Man. Neither of these scents linger after rinsing. After all, who wants to smell like a cinnamon bun all day long. Am I right? Limited editions sell out quickly, so don’t wait!

Up your skincare game!

Yes, purity made simple is iconic and my desert island goto, BUT the newly reformulated microdelivery wash is a must-have when battling that dull winter complexion. Offering just enough grit with a healthy dose of skin brightening Vitamin C, this winner of a cleanser is a perfect addition to your shower shelfie.

Being the mask connoisseur that I am, I cannot recommend the purity made simple pore extractor and when hope is not enough gel-oil formulas too highly. The first is a perfect pre-party treatment that smooths the surface and tightens pores; the latter helps with post holiday debauchery and wipes out any signs of fatigue while it plumps up parched, dehydrated skin as you sleep.

Allow me to mansplain…

Expanding into grooming was a brilliant move for philosophy since the brand’s products for men are among the best I have experienced. There’s nothing wrong with a bar of soap, but stay below the neck with that. Begin to exfoliate gently with the microdelivery for men and follow up with the renewed razor sharp for a close, non-irritating shave.

Since moisturizing is a crucial step in everyone’s skincare routine, use the renewed hope for men, which offers an outstanding mattifying option for guys who need help fighting that excess shine by lunch time. This fully comprehensive system is the perfect gift for the most discerning guy in your life.

Explore the philosophy holiday shop on QVC.com! While I was compensated for my time during the QVC visit as well as for creating content for the brand, my product recommendations and opinions are genuine, honest, and 100% my own.