Thursday, March 15, 2012

My Kiehl's skincare regime and review

I've been consistently using the Kiehl's skincare products that I received from their PR event for the last 6 months or so, now that some of the products are nearing empty I thought it was high time for me to get a review up xD. Cue the longest review post ever.

Day:
Ultra Facial Oil Free Toner
"Our Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner is formulated to visibly reduce excess oil on skin’s surface, while leaving it instantly fresh and healthy looking.  Made with Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract and Antarcticine to soothe and hydrate skin, our non-drying alcohol-free formula gently removes any remaining residue, dirt and oil without stripping skin of vital moisture. PH-balanced, and tested for safety and gentleness.  Oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free."
Nunu sez:
A refreshing toner that is awesome for Summer. In the Winter it is sadly lacking as it simply does not have adequate hydration. Unlike other Western brand toners that I've tried, this one does not make my face tight or weirdly greasy and I love it for that reason.
All in all I would repurchase this when I run out just for use during the Summer months.

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion
"Our Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion is a lightweight moisturizing lotion that helps visibly reduce excess oil on skin’s surface, leaving a shine-free and balanced appearance. It is non-greasy, and retains essential moisture in skin for a healthier, rebalanced skin barrier. A complex of hydrating ingredients – Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine and Vitamin E – helps keep skin fresh and healthier looking all day. Oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free."
Nunu sez:
This is a lovely cooling gel lotion. I do feel that when I use this in combination with the toner my face greases up slower/less compared to when I was using my regular moisturiser. On application you get a tingly cooling sensation that goes away after a few seconds. I initially hated this feeling because it felt like a burn but I learned to appreciate the cooling feeling in the Summer! I prefer rich, deeply moisturising cream for night time use and I felt this lotion was inadequate in this respect, however, it is sufficient for day use and is a nice base for makeup.

Night
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
"This oil-free, quick-lathering cleansing foam thoroughly removes impurities and visibly reduces excess oil on skin’s surface, while leaving skin looking more balanced. With Imperata Cylindrica Root and Lemon Fruit Extracts, our non-stripping, sulphate-free formula leaves skin clean and refreshed without over-drying. Gentle enough for sensitive skin types. Paraben-Free. Silicone-Free. Fragrance-Free. Oil-Free."
Nunu sez:
A basic cream cleanser. A tiny bit creates the thickest foam so this tube is going to last me forever. I use this cleanser once a day in the evenings with my Olay Pro-X cleansing brush and I don't find it too harsh or drying, however, I do have rather oily skin so your mileage might vary. For $25 it's a bit more than what I'm comfortable with paying for a cleanser but considering how long the 150ml will last me, it's something I'm willing to overlook.

Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate
"This Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is formulated with a high concentration of 10.5% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) known for its affinity with skin and its powerful ability to improve the appearance of skin aging. With continued use over time, this treatment has a significant and progressive effect on marionette lines around the mouth and sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows a noticeable improvement in texture and radiance."
Nunu sez:
This is one of Kiehl's most popular and most raved about product. Its effective ingredient is the 10.5% of stabilised Vitamin C in every bottle. Vitamin C prevents you from getting scurvy, aids in the production of collagen and is an antioxidant.
On application, there is a slight warming feeling which goes away after a second or two. After application, skin feels incredibly soft and smooth.
While I don't yet have any marionette lines, I have begun to develop some fine lines around my eyes that don't go away even with sufficient hydration. After using this concentrate for 3 months, I have noticed that the deeper of fine lines are much less visible and lighter ones have even disappeared.
I have one major dislike of this product and that is the amount of silicone it contains. Silicone and its ilk create the appearance of a smoother surface by filling in any voids from wrinkles or uneven skin texture. Makeup primers are silicone based. While perfectly safe for you, I tend to dislike silicone based products because in the process of forming a seal over the skin, they clog pores and trap in dirt and sebum. For someone with oily, acne prone skin, I really do not encourage the use of a silicone base product.
My friend Justine said that this concentrate lightened her scars, unfortunately I did not experience same. I did, however, notice a much brighter complexion overall.
Due to its high silicone level, this product functions really well as a makeup primer. I also noticed it tended to pill when applied after a sheet mask.
I'm undecided as to whether I'll repurchase this product. While it was effective in diminishing under under eye wrinkles, I am rather concerned with how high silicone sits on its ingredient list.
The concentrate sells for a HEFTY $77 in Canada whilst going for a more palatable $56 in America. You figure that one out.

Midnight Recovery Concentrate
"This lightweight, readily-absorbed elixir effectively restores skin’s healthy appearance overnight, resulting in smoother, more radiant complexion by morning. Enriched with Squalane, a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids, Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential moisture to depleted skin. These naturally derived oils instantly penetrate the skin surface to help replenish it. Our recovery concentrate works at night when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors. With skin hydrated, supple and soft, rest assured you can say goodnight to tired-looking skin. Paraben Free. Fragrance Free. Mineral Oil Free."
Nunu sez:
This blend of essential oils has been an absolute savior to my Winter parched skin! I apply about 2 drops to my entire face every night, wait 10-20minutes for it to sink in and then apply my moisturiser. In the morning I wake up with glowing, hydrated skin even despite the heat being on overnight. As it is an oil, it's best used at night. Will definitely repurchase!

Eye Alert
The ultimate solution for eye-area fatigue after a long flight or a long night!
Made with cooling extracts to energize and hydrate the thinner skin of the eye area.
A potent blend of vitamins and Caffeine fights fatigue; helps combat dark circles and puffiness.
With regular use, skin appears strengthened and the look of fine dehydration lines is reduced.
Nunu sez:
I don't suffer from puffiness or excessive dark under eye circles, all I really wanted was a eye cream that provides an extra boost of hydration to the skin around my eye without causing any milia or breakouts. I had previously used the Laneige Eye Designer gel and had to discontinue as it caused tiny white heads and hive-like breakouts to develop on the skin around my eyes. Kiehl's Eye Alert did just that. It is a light, oil free gel with little beads that dissolve as you rub it in. It provided the needed hydration without breaking out the sensitive skin around my eyes. Good for those who are looking for a basic eye cream.

*deep breath*
Overall I really enjoyed the Kiehl's skincare system that was recommended to me. There were some outstanding products like the Midnight Recovery Complex and the Ultra Facial Oil Free trio that I would definitely repurchase. If only the Vitamin C Line-Reducing Concentrate wasn't so heavy on the silicone I would love to continue using it for the effect it had on my fine lines.

4 comments:

  1. i reaaaaally wanna try the Midnight Recovery Concentrate but this judgy always finds better things to spend her $ on...like nail polish XD must try this!!
    but since i am a cheapo asian, will wait till they hv their FF sale heeheeee

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  2. Oh wow. It looks so amazing. and intense!! :O I really wanna try their concentrate ^^

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  3. Such good reviess of these products! I've always wanted to try Kiehls things, but it's even more expensive in Australia than in Canada. Dx *dies!!*

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  4. I am a great fan of both the concentrates I think they are brilliant. I do wish that Kiehls was cheaper here!

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