Kiehl's 10 Day Change Your Skin Challenge

I was recently invited by Kiehl's to participate in their 10 Day Change Your Skin Challenge. The challenge was simple, use Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate for 10 days and report the changes it made to your skin.
What Kiehl's says about their 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."

 

I must confess that I had a bit of an unfair advantage when it came to doing this challenge, I have actually been an avid user Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate for the last 2 years, and is is my absolute favourite Kiehl's product.
Oil is often vilified in skincare, especially by those with blemish prone skin. If anyone had suggested that I put oil on my face back when I was a teenager, I would think that they were deranged! We believed that oil causes breakouts and tried our utmost to remove any trace of oil from our skin. Little did we know that by doing so, we were robbing our skin of the sebum crucial to protecting our skin as well as sending our sebaceous glands into hyperdrive. Hyperactive sebaceous glads = excess sebum = clogged up pores = pimples. Now that I'm older and a bit wiser, I've learnt that keeping my skin moisturised goes a long way towards keeping it healthy.
Keeping skin hydrated at night is especially important. Medical studies have shown that skin is more permeable at night making it more receptive to active ingredients but also more susceptible to rapid water loss. Indoor heating during Winter makes protecting our skin at night even more of an imperative.
I have combination skin, it is oily around the T-zone with dry cheeks, in addition my skin also gets very sensitive during Winter. After using Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, I no longer wake up with tight, blotchy red skin, instead I have radiant, soft and supple skin by the morning. My skin tone is noticeably more even and the lines under my eyes have become fainter. In addition to using it on my face, I also use it on my knees and elbows and anywhere else that needs an extra boost of hydration.
Despite being an oil, the Midnight Recovery Concentrate is easily absorbed and doesn't leave any greasiness behind. It it very easy to apply using the enclosed dropper and has a soothing lavender scent
I really have nothing but good things to say about this product, I've purchased it for my mom and godmother and they both love it on their more mature skin.
There is a reason why the Midnight Recovery Concentrate has 63 pages of 5/5 customer reviews on the Kiehls.ca website and why it is recommended by 388 out of 389 reviewers (haha I sound like a toothpaste advert xD), the reason is simply that it works.
The Midnight Recovery Concentrate can be purchased at Kiehls.ca and Kiehls retail shops for $48

Kiehl's shop-in-shop at The Bay Pacific Centre

The Bay at Pacific Centre was the landing spot for Kiehl's first ever Canadian shop-in-shop. Shelly Rosenwald, Senior Vice President of The Bay's cosmetics department, Kristin Armstrong, Kiehl's Canada's Vice President General Manager, Donna Paty, Kiehl's National Education Manager, and local designer, Jason Matlo, joined shoppers and media to celebrate the special opening event.

 The shop-in-shop was designed to emulate the atmosphere of their New York flagship store, and will bring the full Kiehl's experience to shoppers.

 I took the opportunity to sniff their new Aromatic Blends collection!! If you are a fan of fruity sweet scents you should definitely check it out!

 Kiehl's teamed up with local designer Jason Matlo to create a special edition T-shirt featuring a fantastically blinged out Mr. Bones. All proceeds from the sale of the T-shirt will go to Camp Goodtimes, a charity which organises Summer camp for children with cancer.

 Jason and his team spent over 50 hours bedazzling Mr. Bones with over 30,000 Swarovski crystals. This dapper Mr. Bones will be a permanent feature at the shop-in-shop.

 The artist with his work. Funny story, I later found out that Jason and I have mutual friends. Talk about 6 degrees of separation.

There is a plan to introduce the shop-in-shop concept to Bay stores across Canada, but in the meantime you visit them the next time you are in downtown Vancouver. Ask one of their awesome technicians for a skin analysis and pick up some great skincare!

p.s what would a post on Kiehl's be without the famous Kiehl's dog? Fresh from a bath with Kiehl's Cuddly Coat <3>

Kiehl's Richmond Centre Grand Opening

I was invited by Kiehl's Canada to attend the grand opening of their Richmond Centre store a few weeks back. Now normally I'm about as excited to go to Richmond as I am to go to the dentist but Kiehl's lured me with the promise of Photobooth and kisses from Mr. Bones. Thankfully I had a hot date in the form of Emily from Rites of Beauty.
All jokes aside, since being introduced to the brand a year ago, I've pretty much become a die hard Kiehl's fan. Heck, even my dog is a Kiehl's fan (btw did anyone else see his photo up on Kiehls Canada's Facebook page???!!). I've found a couple of Holy Grail products from them and we shall live happily ever after in our swamp.
The new store officially opened on June 23 and is located near the West end of Richmond Centre, next to La Senza, across from the Apple store. It has more floor space than their Metrotown store but retains their signature Warhol meets old world apothecary interior. As always, Mr. Bones, the crystal chandelier and the tribute motorbike each have their own spot on the floor.

Unfortunately we arrived a wee bit late and missed the video presentation, however, we were soon put into groups and given a (literally) hands-on introduction to some of their most popular products - all whilst plate after plate of decadent hor d'oeuvres were presented to us by attentive servers, as if we'd needed any urging!

We each received a personalised skin consultation. Donna recommended that I stick with the Ultra Facial Oil Free range which has been working well for me, but to switch my toner to their Calendula toner to target my redness and the Ultra Facial Oil Free gel to provide better oil control for the Summer. I've been using the gel for the last two weeks and I must say I have noticed less oil on me face!

Whilst others were getting their consultations, some of us made a bee-line for the Photobooth. What happens when a bunch of vain girls descend upon a Photobooth? Chaos and feathers. Four seconds is NOT enough for me to put on my best pose okay??!
I like to call the following set of photos "Shorties in heels".

And with a kiss to Mr. Bones, I bid the party adieu. Thank you Kiehls Canada for the wonderful evening! I wish you all the best in your newest enterprise! See you again soon!

Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque review

They sez: 
"Our Rare Earth masque helps purify and detoxify skin while minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. Formulated with Amazonian White Clay to gently draw out oil, dirt and toxins that can clog pores. The addition of Oatmeal and Aloe Vera will help soothe, hydrate and protect sensitive skin."
Nunu sez:
Once a month my face degrades into a hot oily mess full of swollen pores and spots, and whilst sheet masks are awesome at keeping skin hydrated, sometimes I just need something to drain all the oil and calm down any inflammation. This masque is simply fab at doing just that!
I use this as both an all over mask and as a spot treatment by dabbing it on an active breakout and leaving it on overnight. My skin is noticeably softer and brighter after use, and any swelling and redness I have from active breakouts are down significantly by morning.
Be forewarned that this masque is definitely not for everyone! It BURRNNNSSS for the first few seconds after application so I don't recommend it for people with dry sensitive skin. At the very most use it once a week as an all over mask. As an overnight spot treatment you should be fine using consecutively for a few days. I apply this masque to clean skin after a shower, it dries in about 5 minutes but I try to leave it on for a bit longer before washing it off.
Don't expect it to minimise your pores, pore size is determined by your genetics, skin type and age, and nothing short of Photoshop or Shrink-Ray will be able to do anything about it.
You can buy your own jar here for $26.
Some action shots.

Doing my best Pucky expression whilst waiting for masque to dry:

It's dry!

All clear!

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.

Win a weekend getaway for 2 to New York City courtesy of Kiehl's!

2011 marks the 160th Anniversary of Kiehl's. Yup, it's been 160 years since the very first Kiehl's Apothecary opened on Pear Tree Corner!
To mark this momentous event, Kiehl's has released 4 of their all time customer favourites in limited edition packaging:

 The collection features:

• Ultra Facial Cream;
• Ultra Facial Lotion;
• Calendula Toner; and the
• Original Musk Oil

While this greasy pirate is personally on the oil-free version of the Ultra Facial range and loving it, I am told that the original Ultra Facial range works a treat for dry skin, and that the Calendula Toner smells like Crysanthemum tea...mmmm...Crysanthemum tea.
Even more exciting is the opportunity for Canadian Kiehl's fans to win a weekend getaway for 2 to New York City or their ultimate wish list of Kiehl's essentials! To enter, simply visit Facebook.com/KiehlsCanada to participate in their "Send Kiehl's a Birthday Wish" contest.

Step 1: Publish a photo/video along with your birthday wishes for Kiehl's

Step 2: Create a wish list by choosing your favourite products (psst! may I suggest the Line Reducing Concentrate and the Midnight Recovery Concentrate?)

Step 3: Fill out a short contact form

Step 4: Share your Kiehl's birthday wishes on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for the Kiehl's Canada newsletter!

New York, New York is where it all began for Kiehl's, and when yours truly is in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of come October, I shall make it a point to visit their flagship store.

Kiehl's Canada will also be hosting a series of exciting in-store events from tonight through September 30. Follow them on Twitter @KiehlsCA for updates!

Kiehl's Pampered Pooch Collection, Hobo Puppeh's first review!

I was just lying there, taking a snooze, minding my own business...

When all of a sudden, my ferocious and unwilling to be bathed self was unceremoniously dumped into a tub of the wet stuff!!
I was sudded up and dunked, and scrubbed and rinsed, and brushed and blown, until I looked like this:

 

Ohmaidog!! They've turned me into a girl!!! HALP!! my sexy machismo scent is gone!! Do you know how long I had to roll around in the park to make me smell like that?!

 Look at this blinding shade of white I have turned!

My girlfriend is gonna dump me cos I smell too girly!! and it's all your fault!

These 3 bottles are to blame!

 

Indignant dog is indignant

Indignant dog may be indignant, but we couldn't be happier with the Kiehl's Cuddly Coat shampoo and conditioner.
We often wonder if Lucky is indeed a dog and not a skunk because he sure smells like one. He will, without fail, find the stinkiest spot of the park and proceed to log roll all over it. There's a reason why we've nicknamed him "Hobo Puppeh", the smellier and dirtier he is, the happier he is.
The Kiehl's Pampered Pooch range is soap free and PH-balanced which comes as good news for those doggehs who need to be bathed more often or those who have sensitive skin. It is also has Chamomile flower extract which gives a lovely lingering scent. Actually we find the scent so intoxicating that we've been burying our face into Lucky's coat at every opportunity much to his disgust!
The conditioner detangles and leaves his coat amazingly soft. Oh so squishy soft....*nuzzle nuzzle*...oops sorry got distracted there, but seriously, his coat is SO soft! He is more like a small walking cloud really.
Everything rinses clean with minimal effort and whites are left bright with no yellowing.
We're also fans of the Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spritz which is a rinse free shampoo intended for use in-between baths. As the HoboPup deems a walk unsuccessful unless he comes homes with brown feet, with this spritz, we no longer have to first wet his paws, apply shampoo, and rinse whilst holding him awkwardly in the basin.
I highly recommend these products for the pampered pooch in your life!

The shampoo, conditioner and spritz is available as a kit on Kiehls.com for $44. Kiehls Canada does not appear to sell the kit but you can buy the shampoo and conditioner separately for $20 each and the spritz goes for $16.
A PR sample of the products were provided.

Please sir, I want some more

Kiehl's Metrotown Opening

I was very kindly invited by Rebecca of NKPR to attend a sneak preview of Kiehl's new store at Metrotown a day before it was open to the general public. Whilst there, I was given an in-depth history of the brand, a tour of the store, and treated to an amazing one-on-one skin consultation by the knowledgeable Donna Paty.
Did you know that Kiehl's started out as a small family owned apothecary (old talk for pharmacy/chemist's) in New York's East Village back in 1851? Today, their New York flagship store resides on the very same spot.
They meld together their age-old pharmaceutical knowledge with the very best ingredients from nature to bring you naturally derived products which deliver effects. Many of their products are also alcohol and paraben free which is good news to those who are sensitive to these ingredients.
What was most impressive to me was their level of service. Each store has a dedicated consultation area where their highly trained staff can recommend products based on the customers' skincare concerns and needs. I am also most impressed with their very generous samples! This way you can try everything before you buy. On top of that, they offer a 100% money back guarantee!! If you're not happy with the product, you can bring it back for a full refund!
Enough babble and onwards to the photos!!

I love their store's eclectic decor and that vintage chandelier is simple gorgeous!

A vintage motorcycle is on display inside every Kiehl's store as a monument of former owner Aaron Morse's intense love of motorcycles.

The original Kiehl's team:

A scrapbook of interesting tidbits on the original store. The pear stands for Pear Tree Corner where the original Kiehl's Pharmacy was located and where the Kiehl's flagship currently stands.

Unlike many skincare brands, Kiehl's doesn't leave the menfolk stranded! In fact, 30-40% of their customers are men. They have a dedicated line of products for men and best of all, no girly packaging! Maybe one day I can get Mr. Nunu to try something other than soap eh?

3 of Kiehl's collection of Dermatologists Solutions

Limited Edition New York Heritage Collection. Customer's favourites in special 160th anniversary packaging.

 Skin consultation area:

Donna Paty, National Education Manager:

Getting educated on what is healthy skin. Damaged skin barrier = loss of natural oils and moisture resulting in oily skin and no protection again irritants! The key to healthy skin is adequate moisture!!

I was extremely fascinated by their healthy skin test! They press one of these tabs on your forehead and one on your cheek and depending on how much oil transfers onto the tab they can determine the condition of your skin!

I've got a normal to oily forehead and normal to dry cheeks!

 My personalised Kiehls skincare regime!

 Vanessa and Christine (who has an awesome name and also rides a Harley in stiletto boots.)

I really really really want that chest of drawers in my house. I can squirrel all sorts of stuff in there xD

What I came home with at the end of the day.....I feel guilty...I really do.

Thank you so much Kiehl's and NKPR!! I had an absolutely fantastic time! I learnt so much from Donna and I really look forward to trying out the various products and writing about them. All the best on your latest opening!