Kiehl's products that didn't work

 

you have heard me rave about Kiehl's products... and to make my reviews as transparent as possible. I decided to write about the products that didn't work for me. 

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

This product claims to instantly boost radiance and have anti-aging benefits such as reducing fine lines. 

I discovered this product when I made a mistake and ordered this. I was planning to purchase the "Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate" but somehow bought this instead. They are both the same price and they look the same and I made a mistake and bought this instead of the other one. Unfortunately, my skin didn't like this as much as I thought it would though, this is more of a "me" issue than Kiehl's. My skin has reacted badly to most Vitamin C products I have tried. I thought Kiehl's might be different since most of the products I have used from them worked well, but I was wrong.

Hours after applying this product, my skin still did not absorb the Vitamin C contents which made my skin very wet and sticky. I was able to feel and smell the product (especially the Vitamin C's metallic odour). Although it didn't worsen my skin's condition, it didn't make it better either. The most frustrating part was that it just sat on my skin and didn't absorb.

I was also unimpressed with their container, similar to the Precision Lifting and Tightening Concentrate, this product's container is made of plastic. 

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate

If you are ever planning to give this product a try, Kiehl's provides a disclaimer to NOT travel with it. It contains a mild dose of Cannabis (as the name suggests) and some countries have strict laws of possession (think Brittney Griner).

I have heard many good things about Cannabis skin care products about their ability to calm and relax the skin.

However, my experiences were different, and this is one of the products that didn't work.

My skin hated this oil and wasn't able to absorb most of it. It ended up staying on the surface of my skin for hours. This also means that I had to smell the weird weedy grassy scent and it got all over my hands, clothes and phone... >___<.

Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

All Skin Types, including Sensitive Skin A potent Retinol serum in a daily-strength micro-dose that visibly reduces wrinkles, evens skin tone, firms skin, and minimizes the look of pores with minimal discomfort. Maximum efficacy and maximum tolerance for even first-time users, sensitive skins, and for use around delicate eye areas. The formula is paraben-free and fragrance-free. The other main ingredients are peptides and ceramides.

I have heard many... MANY great things about Retinol, so I decided to order this and give it a try. Boy, was I wrong. The formula was silky smooth and it glided easily on my skin. At first, my skin was willing to absorb the serum (which was a good sign!) however, I started noticing my skin getting worse.

At first, I thought my skin was purging... and so I didn't think much of it (and was actually glad there was purging) BUT... after a month of using this... my skin had worsened to the point that there were dry patches, acne forming in different areas and my skin just seemed unmanageable. It had a hard time properly absorbing other products. I switched out this serum and my skin slowly got back to normal. 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream review

This is one of Kiehl's best sellers and I can see why. I am currently on my fifth jar and it is one of my favourite products. It is one of my holy grails.

There was a time I used a wrong product and my skin stung and was reacting badly. The moment I applied this facial cream, my skin immediately calmed and the stinging was gone. That is how good this product is.

This isn't only for those emergencies in need of lifesaver moments, it serves as an amazing product for daily use.

I use it on a daily basis and it has improved the condition of my skin significantly.

Product details

Price: $76 CAD for 125ml

key ingredients: Glacial Glycoprotein and Squalane

Glacial Glycoprotein

This ingredient is notable for its ability to thrive in extreme climates as it is derived from sea glaciers.  It is known to deeply hydrate, protect, and help prevent water loss from the skin. This diminishes signs of aging and retains the skin's firmness. 

Squalane

Squalane is a highly refined moisturizing oil derived from olives known for its exceptional affinity to skin. This helps restore essential lipids in the skin and protect against moisture loss.

impressions:

• very hydrating
• very "creamy"
• no scent
• works as an immediate relief as well as a long term care product
• fixed my skin barrier issues
• suitable for super-sensitive skin
• protects and restores skin barrier

cream's consistency

I am extremely impressed with this facial cream. it was love at first use and I haven't bothered to go look for other moisturizers (the only one I am interested in is the overnight mask version of this product which I plan to try and review a bit later). 

For daily use, it only takes an hour or so for my skin to reveal and recognize how good this product is. The first time I used this product, it felt as though I had previously soaked my skin in water and the layer "underneath the surface of my skin" felt very hydrated and moisturized. When I touch my skin, I could feel a bit of a watery protection layer cushioning and protecting the skin underneath my skin.

I am not a fan of slabbing creamy textured products on my dehydrated skin but every time I do, this product does not disappoint.

It has fixed my problematic skin barrier issues and has made it stronger and less susceptible to harsh dry and cold weather and climate. 

Score: 10/10

Website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skincare/view-all-skincare/ultra-facial-cream/622.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh1kCP1B8X1kBK5Az4170a7dHBJe-Z6xc8MsNGnuxvAucoDNy6JQrxcaAo6ZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#start=4&cgid=face-moisturizers

Kiehl's Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate review

The way I will define this product is that it is a moisturizer at the price of a serum. I was introduced to this product by a Kiehl sample. But don't get me wrong... this is worth what you pay for.

I was heading off to a girl's weekend getaway in a cabin near mount Fuji and didn't know what to bring since it was a Friday and it was the start of Golden Week and I had gotten off work, I was only able to put so much into my night bag without looking unprofessional at work. 

I was staying in a cabin that the woods that used a combustible heater and my skin instantly became very dry. however, the moment I applied this product to my skin, it instantly quenched the dryness. 

Anyways, enough of my experiences, let's talk about what this product actually is.

Product Details:

The highlight of this product is that it is a pore-minimizing serum. It helps lift and tightens the skin. This product helps smooth, firm and lift your skin with a potent yeast extract. It is suitable for all skin types.

The Container:

I was a bit disappointed that given the hefty price tag, the container is made of plastic. The pump is also not very well made. The only two aspects I could appreciate about the pump are that 1. you can adjust how much product comes out and 2. you are able to lock it (prevent the product from coming out) with a simple twist.

Scent:

There is a strong essential oil scent from the Bergamot Essential oil and Geranium Essential Oil contained in this product. But for those who are concerned, the fragrance/aroma disappears as you rub the product against your skin.

Pros:

• instantly hydrates and relieves skin
• it improves the texture and health of your skin in the long run
• the scent (but this can be a pro or con depending on your fondness for the aroma of essential oils)
• a little goes a long way (I suggest 2-3 pumps at the max output amount)

Cons:

• it can be a little pricey
• it can feel sticky
• the plastic container
• Kiehl's calls it a concentrate and describes it as a serum, but it is thick, like a moisturizer

Verdict:

Out of Kiehl's Concentrates, this is my favourite one. I can always count on it to relieve my skin's tightness and dryness and in the long run, it improves my skin's texture and overall health. I have been using this product for over 4 years and I love it... I have gone through multiple bottles and it hasn't failed me or my skin.

Whenever I use masks, I develop mask acne but thankfully this product instantly relieves my skin from dryness and irritation. 

score: 9.5/10

website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skin-concerns/lifting-and-firming/precision-lifting-pore-tightening-concentrate/598.html

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer review

If you are ever looking for a product which fixes your skin after 2 uses (fix=rescue from dryness, redness, itchiness, etc) then this is my highly recommended product! I always end up using this product (every single winter) after failed attempts with other products. It has not failed me so far.

I have been using this product for 2+ years already, and it has saved my skin in two countries, Japan and Canada. 

Product Description:

All Skin Types, including Sensitive Skin A lightweight, daily moisturizer for stressed skin.

Infused with Rosa Gallica Botanical Extract, Mannose and Chamomile, our ultra-light hydrator helps reduce visible signs of stress while delivering all-day hydration for a fresh, radiant and even skin tone. Instantly comfort skin with our daily moisturizer for stressed skin.

Helps diminish visible signs of stressed skin including skin redness and fatigue Instantly comforts skin and helps repair skin’s barrier, leaving it less susceptible to the effects of daily stressors Delivers all-day hydration for well-balanced, healthy-looking skin For stressed and sensitive skin

List of Ingredients:

Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Propanediol, Undecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter, Tridecane, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-20 Stearate, Mannose, Lauroyl Lysine, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ammon ium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/ Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Tocopherol, P-Anisic Acid, Ectoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Xanthan Gum, Ceteareth-25, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Rosa Gallica Extract/Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Ceramide NP, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NS, Chamomilla Recutita Extract/ Matricaria Flower Extract, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

(The bolded tests are the key ingredients that differentiated this product from others)

1. Mannose is a sugar sourced from wood pump or Birch and Maple trees which help fortify and protect skin making it less susceptible to daily stress
2. Rosa Gallica Botanical Extract helps minimize skin's visible response to stress
3. Chamomile soothes and comforts the skin

impressions:

• definitely on the pricier side, but it is worth it
• no artificial scents
• very thick (my ever first break-in to product consists 47-50 pumps before I see product)
• two-three pumps is all it takes to cover the whole face
• works well with sensitive skin (no irritations so far)
• lightweight, in a sense your skin absorbs every bit of the product so you don't feel it
• it works well alone (no need for additional products, e.g. serums, oils, moisturizers, toners, etc)
• you don't have to use it every day
• results are long lasting
• does not irritate eyes

Verdict:

As stated, this is my all-time favourite product, It does such a good job, you can apply it with or without other products so it is a great product to travel with. It is a thick cream but at the same time, lightweight since your skin will absorb all the product, there is also no weird or overwhelming scent. 

score: 9.9/10

website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skin-concerns/lifting-and-firming/skin-rescuer/1327.html

Kiehl's Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist review

Hello, my beautiful friends, sorry for being MIA for so long! I try to update my daily blog but I haven't had the motivation to try and test out new products. I have been using this hydrating mist for two years now and I decided I am confident to give a review.

French version/side of the product

This is the first Kiehl's product I have featured on my blog but it isn't the first one I have used nor will it be my last. 

What is this mist

This is a cooling refreshing spray/mist which purifies and hydrates skin. 

It is perfect for hydrating your skin when you wake up, or when your skin feels dry during the day. 

It is formulated with Cactus flower which is a good skin refresher and Tibetan ginseng which increases skin cell respiration. According to Kiehl's, this formula helps skin maintain its essential moisture to keep it soft and smooth. This product doesn't contain any Parabens. 

This mist can be used under or over makeup to keep skin hydrated especially in dry environments (where you need to turn on your AC or heater).

It supports natural skin-cell respiration and helps maintain essential moisture to keep it soft and smooth while detoxifying and protecting skin from environmental aggressors.

The full ingredient list:

• Cactus Flower: Moisturizes and supports natural skin moisture. 
• Tibetan Ginseng: Invigorates skin and protects against environmental aggressors. 
• Geranium, Lavender and Rosemary: Soothe skin. 

Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycerinpeg-40, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil / Lavender Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower, Oil Linalool, Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus, Indica Flower Extract, Citronellol Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil / Rosemary Leaf Oil, Geraniol Phenoxyethanol, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Ethylhexyl, Glycerin, Citral, Limonene.

How to use:

There isn't a set rule or instruction but this is what I use when I feel my skin is dry or after I wake up.

on your dry skin, spray 3-5 times and use your fingers to massage the product into your face. 

First impressions:

• has a very essential oil scent (can be a pro or a con for some people)
• very light
• works immediately
• skin absorbs this product nicely (but I always massage my face with my fingers to help it absorb better)
• quenches skin
• effects (soft and smooth) last for a while but would recommend using a moisturizer after
• a slightly sticky residue remains on hands (not a fan of this)

I am a big fan of aromatic/essential oils, so I am used to this type of scent, however, I feel some might find the scent a bit too strong. It will take a while to get used to it. The scent will go away in 5 minutes of using it so don't worry about it lingering. 

Despite the mist containing a lot of oils, it does not feel "oily" at all, in fact, if I haven't checked the ingredients list, I wouldn't have known it contains any oil. 

Because of its lightness, the product is able to go under the dry skin barrier and replenish your skin. It somehow moisturizes the inside and hydrates your skin from the inside to the outside making your skin feel soft and smooth. It reminds me of how ionic hair dryers dry your hair from the core and works its way to the outside... except this product moisturizes your skin from the inside to the outside.

I really like this spray and highly recommend it.

score: 9.3/10

website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skincare/facial-toners/cactus-flower-tibetan-ginseng--hydrating-mist/WW0016KIE.html

Kiehl's.ca - Free Express Shipping! Offer ends Feb. 9, 2014! (ended)

This is for all of you Canadian Kiehl's Fans! Kiehl's is offering Free Express Shipping On All Orders! (No Code Required) Offer ends Feb. 9, 2014!

For those in the USA, Kiehl's is offering 3 complimentary samples + free shipping (on orders of $50+)