Finding Graceland: New Philosophy Store Lands in Arizona

Oh sure. You can pop into your neighborhood Sephora or Nordstrom to get your Philosophy fix. But until recently, only one store in the land allowed you to totally immerse yourself in the good vibes and aromas of our favorite Phoenix-born brand -- the flagship Philosophy store in the Casa Paloma Shopping Center in Chandler. And now there are two. The newest standalone Philosophy location has opened its doors at Dana Park Village Square in Mesa, the East Valley's premiere shopping destination. Tucked among stores like White House Black Market, Z Gallerie and Anthropologie (and not far from one of our fave day spas, Fuchsia), the philosophical space offers a light and airy backdrop for the multi-sensory shopping experience that awaits. On our first visit, not only were our olfactories overstimulated but we were amazed with all the new skincare innovations and fragrances. Among them, the award-winning Purity Made Simple facial cleanser is now available in a high-foam formulation for those of who love the lather. Hope in a Jar daily moisturizer now comes in an SPF 20 formulation (hallelujah!). The beloved Amazing Grace line has given birth to offshoot fragrances called Pure Grace and Inner Grace, each exuding a feeling of peace and purity. A new soda fountain-inspired bath and body collection sent us over the edge with cherry cola and root beer "flavors" and luscious matching lip shines to boot. Finally, we also got a preview of the not-yet-released holiday collection and suffice it to say, watch out Gingerbread Man, the Party Girl collection is in the house and the potent pomegranate fragrance will knock your fuzzy socks off. The word is that more Philosophy stores are in the works with a Santa Monica store set to launch within the next few weeks. But for now, Phoenix holds its own as the land of Philosophy. Sign up online for the Philosophy emails and receive a free gift at www.philosophy.com. Photo: Philosophy Amazing Grace scented candle, $30.