Kiehl’s Review and 7 Products that I Will Repurchase

I have been a loyal Kiehl’s user since 2011. I had bad acne skin during teenage years and I was searching for “Cure”. Well, there isn’t any, age helps to tune down my hormones. Nonetheless, I have found Kiehl’s during those years for my hot red and sensitive skin. I have tried numerous products from them. I got my mum to use Kiehl’s too. Now I have combination/oily skin while she has ageing and dry skin. What I love about Kiehl’s is that, their products are not too pricy and it has been consistent in its quality and their products work for my skin. Furthermore, all their empty bottles are recyclable, and you can exchange them with travel sized products. I love knowing my wastes could be less harmful to the environment. Below are some of the products I will continue purchasing as soon as they run out, I will also share some thoughts on other products I really like but would like to try something else in the market.

Since the #CB started, I have been watching many youtube videos and reviewing my skincare routine. I am now really into actives (i.e. Vitamin ABC). I have just placed 2 orders from Paula’s Choice, and there are many more from Paula’s Choice that I would like to try. I have also tried other brands and products that probably I would give some reviews on them next time.

1. Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner

This is the absolute holy grail toner. It is really calming on my face and mind. The signature calendula floral smell relaxes me every time I pat it on. It is effective when there’s redness/inflammation caused by popping my pimple, or squeezing out those clogged pores. In that case, I will damp a cotton pad and let it sit on affected area for 5 minutes. I have not found anything better than this to treat the skin whenever it feels sensitive.

2. Power-Strength Link-Reducing Concentrate 12.5%

I added this a while back to use together with the clearly dark spot solution. It is the only concentrated active (L-Ascrobic Acid, i.e. Vitamin C) I am using currently. I am not sure if it has helped my skin much, maybe I need to exfoliate my skin for it to work better. This has a waterless texture and gives a warming sensation upon application. My Mum commented that this makes her skin softer. I will definitely continue to use Vitamin C in my routine, especially in the morning. However, in the same consistency, I might want to try a more affordable alternative by L’oreal or something in a more watery form to see what I likes better. Nonetheless, I will still continue buying this for my mum until I find other alternatives.

3. Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Initially I only get this for my mum, then when the Kiehl’s girl mentioned that it could reduce the appearance of my acne scars, I started using it as well. I am not sure it actually reduce any dark spots for my mum, cause I still see the same dark spots on her face. (I need to mention that, my mum is not consistent when it comes to skin care, and she will use tiny little amount to apply ‘cos she’s very thrifty in every way). I am not really sure if it helps with my acne scars too, because I understand that, scars or dents are likely to be permanent, probably only plastic surgery helps. However, my skin does feel softer and less dull over time. It is hydrating enough that during the daytime, I do not need a moisturizer after applying this. I like its watery consistency and it has no fragrance in it.

4. Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I do not use this oil at all in Singapore, however, my mum uses it every night. I like its Lavender smell. It feels like a luxurious treatment when you rub it on your face. I often see people say good things about this oil, but I only truly appreciate it when I travel to cold places. When in Singapore, my face couldn’t absorb it, maybe due to the humidity that my skin does not lose as much moisture as compared to in the colder climate. If you have the same skin type as me, this will be a good travel buddy to calm and hydrate the skin in that harsh winter cold. This is also the one of the few products that my mum always request to top up.

5. Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

I have never been consistent with any Masks, I only use them when I remember to. Especially now with a baby, sometimes I hardly have time to apply my skincare, let alone enjoying putting on a mask. I only regularly use this whenever I feel I need some deep cleansing. This pot lasts forever and its price point is great for re-purchasing.

6. Amino Acid Conditioner

This is hands down the best conditioner I ever used. I always request this along with Amino Acid Shampoo as my choice redemption for travel size. So it is the first time I bought the full size. It has a pleasant light coconut scent and as all conditioners do, it smooth out the kinks and does not leave the hair with the greasy feel that other conditioner does. Whenever I use other conditioners, I often get sick of its smell, or how it makes hair overly silky and when I wash it off, my back often feels greasy. Not sure if anyone of you girls out there also feel the same.

7. Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream

This deodorant is non sticky, long lasting and does not leave any marks. It absorbs really well and does not has any strong fragrance. (Lol, by now you can tell that I really like fragrance-free items) In the morning or at night, you can apply quickly and get dressed without airing your armpit and worrying about the stain marks. (Fun Fact: the best time to apply deodorant is immediately after shower, before your glands start producing any sweat. Also, in case you forget to apply in the morning, this deodorant still works!) This is a squeezing tube, so its application is really simple and hygienic.

Cleansers: I am not so particular about Cleansers. I always use Bioderma Micellar Water before cleansing my face at night. Kiehl’s cleansers are affordable for its size and I do not have any complaints with it but also nothing fantastic. I’ve tried Ultra Facial, Ultra Facial Oil-Free, Rare Earth and Calendula. I actually like Ultra Facial Oil-Free the best, as my skin feels squeaky clean afterwards. However, I will always be open to try other cleansers and I think any cleansers will work fine as long as you do double cleansing.

Serums and Treatments: Tried both Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate and Daily Reviving Concentrate, did not repurchase. Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion is nice, but I am gravitating towards more of chemical exfoliation now.

Moisturizers: I love the Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream as it is non sticky, cooling, moisturizing and has the signature calendula scent. My mum uses Super Multi-Corrective Cream, and I remember I used it quite a bit before I was pregnant with Gwen. It does makes my skin softer as compared to other face cream I used. However, ever since I was pregnant I stopped using it as I felt my skin became more oily and it just did not absorb well. Not sure if it does help with ageing, but it’s not bad a night cream. Again, for my skin type, I will use it for cold climate. I have also bought my mum Fresh Lotus Preserve Dream Face Cream to try to see what she likes better. As I have oily face, I have also tried the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (How can I not to!), but it just does not work for me. It felt like there is a film wrapped around my face and does not absorb at all. I have just introduced Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream to my routine, however, its applicator is not working!! Unacceptable for such an expensive product. Not sure if I will like it, but I guess likely will not buy it again due to its faulty applicator.

Eye Creams: in general I don’t really find any effects of any eye creams I have tried. I have been using eye creams since I can’t remember when, but only in recent 2 years, I start to feel tight at my eyes area after cleansing if I do not apply any eye cream. So I am good with anything that can moisturize. My mum seems to feel the same lol.

Masks: I often get to try other masks through the samples. Did I mention that Kiehl’s is super generous in giving samples? I have tried Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque and Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Overnight Mask, all are alright, not something I would repurchase.

Sun Care: I have gone through Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA+++ and also the normal version. This does work by preventing sun burnt and prevents my face getting dark, but I am not sure if it’s this sunscreen or just my face, I always get really oily by mid day. I have purchased Supergoop! matte sunscreen to try see it if helps.

Lip Care: their #1 Lip Balm was probably one of the most raved products in the history. However, it’s really thick and oily, and its packaging makes it rather messy to apply and store. Hence, I never go back to this products. There are so many lip care products in the market now, I particularly love Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy, it really hydrates your lip before you apply any (matte) lippie or lip balms. It is really the only product that works wonder for me so far.

Hair & Body: generally their hair and body products are nice to use, but again, I always try to get samples for those. Their sample sizes are big enough to last a while, with other hair and body products, I almost never need to buy the full size.

I am still discovering new products but after a while, I always go back to the Kiehl’s oldies. Do you have any must have products?