Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask (100ml for $45)
Honestly, one of the least memorable masks. I don't really enjoy using it, and it's hard to pinpoint the exact reason. It feels slightly cooling on application, and you are left with a mild tingling sensation until you take the mask off. I don't feel it to be that soothing and/or hydrating, and maybe that's the problem.
Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate (75ml for $68)
The name doesn't reveal it but this is actually a Vitamin C serum: 10.5% L-Ascorbic Acid, this formula is infused with additional 2% Vitamin Cg and fragmented Hyaluronic Acid. It works well although the texture is thick and dimethicony. But it works as a Vitamin C very well -- line reducing, not so much.
Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask (full size 100g for $45, or smaller size available)
Made with Avocado Fruit Extract, Avocado Oil and Evening Primrose Oil, this mask is supposed to leave the skin feeling nourished while helping prevent water loss by sealing in moisture. The texture, when you open your tub, is definitely interesting. It looks "hard" but once you dig in, you can feel the creaminess itself. What I do, I take a bit, mush it up in my palms, and then apply a layer on my face. I "love" the marketing pictures for this mask: it seems like the model literally has a whole tub on her face. You don't have to do it! But maybe, if you actually applied a thicker layer, the mask would have been more nourishing -- I don't know. I am not going to try to waste this product for experiment purposes. Bottom line is, it's a very average mask. Yes, it's nice, mildly nourishing, but definitely over-priced for what it actually is. I wish it was more nourishing -- at least, that was my expectation. An expectation that, unfortunately, was not met.
Kiehl's Calendula Infused Water Cream (50ml for $44, but also available in 28ml and 100ml)
This is probably one of the hardest reviews I ever had to write. I really enjoy the product on one hand side, but on the other, the ingredients make me cringe. But let's go back a little bit. I first tried it as a night cream-- it is watery but leaves a soft veil on your skin. I actually liked it. Then, a bit later, I realised that this soft veil is just dimethicone, i.e. silicone. Don't get me wrong-- I understand that skincare products often have dimethicone in them, but here, it's the second, 7th and 18th ingredient-- almost all before the actual Calendula. Hmmm... The cream does have some positive sides: being oil-free, it is suitable for combo/oily skins. But is also equally suitable for my dry skin (although, over time, dimethicone dries out your skin, so I guess, that is more a temporary positive side). I will use it up, but never as a night cream again. It's probably best suited if you plan to apply makeup. (PS: at least I made a pretty photo)
Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol Free Toner (125ml for $21, bigger sizes available)
Alright, let's talk Kiehl's and this particular toner. Basically, Kiehl's just says that it "cleanses and refreshes" without being harsh on your skin. I wonder how many more toners can make similar claims? A hundred? A thousand? Yeah, something like that. It's alcohol free too-- but that's not something you can wow me with anymore. You need to use a cotton pad- the calendula does come out! I normally use the other side of the soaked cotton pad, just to not get calendula all over my face. It's also extremely uneconomical-- I have (almost) used up the 125ml bottle in less than 2 weeks of not daily usage! Yes, I like it, but it's watery, so I normally go for 2 layers. I don't think this toner is exciting. Yes, it's nice, but it's a very simply toner.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Can be bought in 3 different sizes, where a 50ml would cost $30. Now, some of you might say this moisturiser is basic. And maybe you are right, it doesn't half of the periodic table in it. But then again, a good product doesn't have to. It is lightweight, but hydrating. Leaves the skin moisturised for a good while. We don't think it's the strongest moisturiser, but it should be ideal for those who have normal to normal/dry skin. Overall, we have nothing bad to say about it. It is definitely above average.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (30ml)
A 30ml bottle retails for $49. This product is loved by many, but we have also read some negative reviews for it. This is mixture of different facial oils, to be applied after your moisturiser. Kiehl's promises that "in just one night, our top-rated facial oil helps replenish skin for visibly smoother, more radiant skin by morning". And we do agree with that. This oil blend did not dry us out. In fact, it took quite a while to fully sink in. And in the morning, our skin felt nourished. But everyone's skin is different. And sure, you can get a cheaper facial oil.
Kiehl's Eye Alert (15ml)
In some countries, this product is called "Eye Fuel" and is mainly marketed to men. But since we don't believe in gender segregation, we bought it anyway. According to Kiehl's, "this energising gel formula minimises the appearance of dark circles and puffiness while moisturising the under-eye area". It is actually not a gel, it is more of a cream. It's not a bad moisturiser. And it is not completely worthless as a de-puffer. However, we believe that it is a rather weak cream with an average performance. There are better creams for these purposes.
Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash (75ml for $14)
This product also comes in a bigger size. It is designed for normal to oily skin (hence why we have been using it this week). Infused with Calendula and Glycerin, the gel formula activates with water to create a foam. Cleanses away impurities and dirt effectively. Gently lifts away impurities, dirt and oil Deeply cleanses skin without over drying or stripping Help skin look and feel instantly refreshed and revitalized There is nothing bad with this gel cleanser. It is very pleasant. But honestly, it's not exactly something special. You can buy similar products for half the price.
Kiehl's Glow Formula Skin Hydrator (50ml for $38)
It is weird, but I have recently been trying quite a lot of "glow" enhancing creams-- weird (it was definitely not planning). I really can't complain about this cream-- it is great, even for dry skins. The cream itself is of a more brown-ish colour and has micro shimmer particles in it. It hydrates very well and leaves skin naturally glowy. However, if you want an even more affordable alternative: try The Body Shop's Carrot Moisturiser. It is half the price of this one and is similar in the results.