Packaging

The 3-in-1 comes in a 16 ounce plastic bottle with a black flip top lid. The product is a rich chocolate brown color, fairly thick, and smells just like warm, melted chocolate. The bottle has a recipe for hot cocoa: 1/2 c. granulated sugar, 1/3 c. hot water, 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder, 4 c. milk, 1/8 tsp. salt, 3/4 tsp vanilla extract. Mix cocoa, sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture boils. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Stir in the milk and heat, but do not boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Blend well. Serve immediately.

Performance

I usually use the 3-in-1 products as a body wash, occasional bubble bath, but never as a shampoo. I've found, from past experiences, that most 3-in-1 products just aren't formulated correctly to properly moisturize and cleanse my hair. I use about 1 tablespoon of the product on a shower poof, and it lathers SO well. Just a small amount creates a wonderfully foamy lather that makes the whole bathroom smell like rich chocolate. The tight fitting flip top lid means that I can leave this in my shower, and when the water runs down the side of the bottle, it doesn't leak inside and water down the product. Some people have complained that dark colored shower gels stain their bathtubs. I have not had this experience. This is probably the darkest shower gel I've ever used, and it never leaves a stain on my white porcelain bathtub. While using the product, I can enjoy the wonderfully sweet smell, but afterwards, there is hardly a lingering scent. This doesn't bother me and actually makes me happier. I use scented body lotions/perfumes, and if this left a lingering scent, it would probably have an off-reaction with my normal day-to-day lotions.

Recommendation

For $16, I'd say this is a splurge item. I don't normally spend that much on shower gels, but hubby bought it for me, and I'll let him splurge on chocolate whenever he wants!! The bottle really does last a long time, so I'd say while it's a splurge, it's still reasonably priced. I've had my bottle for about a month now and it's still about 3/4 full. I'd say I use it 4-5 times a week. I love all the Philosophy products and would definitely recommend this to anyone with a sweet tooth! The smell is delightful and it leaves your skin soft and moisturized.

Recommended:
Yes