KIEHL’S

KIEHL’S Cucumber Herbal Toner and Ultra Facial Toner Reviews

May 10, 2012

I have finished using my KIEHL’S Cucumber Herbal Toner and the Ultra Facial Toner recently so I thought I would do a quick review for them. The older I get, the better I know what my skin needs and it appears my skin always reacts better to the gentle products. I bought these primarily because both of them are gentle, hydrating and most importantly – they are alcohol free. It may sound like quite a simple criteria but if you check out the ingredient list of your toners, you might find that a lot of them contain alcohol.

The KIEHL’S Cucumber Herbal Toner is my second bottle. I love it! The texture is exactly the same as water, and appears as reminiscent of the real cucumber water. Both the name and the smell appears very organic and natural to me, and I find it very enjoyable to use. It instantly hydrates and soothes my skin, and it can also be used as a very mild astringent (but alcohol-free!) so it purifies the skin gently and reduces the appearance of pores. This is exactly what I am after from a simple product that I can rely on all year round and works well with any skin condition. It’s been with me through the transition from summer to winter and my skin was more sensitive during the change of seasons, and the KIEHL’S Cucumber toner is my savior.

The texture of KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Toner is milky white, and has a thicker consistency than the cucumber water and it is fragrance free. It mainly contains ingredients such as Glycerin, Hyaluronate, Sweet Almond Oil, Kernel Oil which all help to moisturize the skin. It does prep my skin well for other products as it absorbs immediately without any residue. As a toner alone it is quite average in my opinion – it hasn’t done any harm but neither has it impressed me. I sometimes use it after the cucumber water as a more moisturizing intensive toner, but most of the time I like to use it as a quick mask lotion. I bought these amazing cotton pads and each sheet can be separated in to 5 sheets when it is wet. So I like to completely soak it with the Ultra Facial Toner and leave them on my face and neck for 5 minutes as a quick fix for hydration. That way it leaves my skin feeling super moisturized, smoother and softer.

Japanese Cotton Pad (bought here)

{ 4 comments }

Labels: KIEHL'S • SKINCARE

My Skincare Routine Part 2 – Minimizing pores and congestion

September 7, 2011

If Part 1 of my skincare routine is all about keeping my skin soft and hydrated, then part 2 is all for a smooth and congestion free complexion. Congestion is probably my biggest skin concern – I have been battling with it (mainly the nose area and some pores on the cheeks and chin) for years! I used to go for facials (for extractions) at least once a month – although it really helped to keep the pores clear, it was just a temporary fix as my pores would be blocked again within weeks. I also noticed that my pores were enlarged over time. For years I have been seeking every possible way to keep my skin congestion free as well as have my pores minimized. This is the routine I have been following and I have noticed a significant improvement in my skin.

The best thing I have ever done for my skin was to stop using the products that are designed for oily skin. I had oily skin so I was told to use the oil controlling products at every cosmetics counter I visited. These products were so harsh to my skin that they completely stripped the natural oil, and as a result my skin became even more oily. The day I switched from these products, my skin completely went back to normal – I didn’t have to blot my face throughout the day anymore!

Other than taking care of my skin in the right way on a daily basis, these are the products I use probably once a week to keep my complexion smooth, radiant as well as helping the prevention of blackheads and whiteheads from occurring.

EXFOLIATORS – twice a week

I am quite addicted to using exfoliators as I love the smooth feel of the my skin afterwards. I am currently using the Cosmedicine Self Adjusting Exfoliator – my all time favorite..sad that this brand has been discontinued…Glad that I have recently found Elemis Skin Buff which is just as good, love the extra fine granules. The Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-texturizing Micro Dermabrasion is not a bad product, but I find it doesn’t make the skin as smooth as the other two exfoliators.

PEELS – once every 2 weeks

My recent obsession. Peels keep my skin staying radiant and fresh for days. I have already reviewed the Philosophy Microdelivery Peel, it does what it claims to but I was on a hunt for a better product. Absolutely love my recent purchase of the Decleor Experience De L’Age Resurfacing Gel-peeling – it is easier to use and it makes my skin silky smooth and luminous for days.

DEEP CLEANSING MASK – once or twice a week

At the moment I am using REN Multi-Mineral Pore Minimising Detox Mask. It is a gentle deep cleansing mask designed to reduce the pore size, combat blackheads and leave the skin decongested. It comes in a soft clay texture and it can be removed by rubbing it off with fingertips.

AHA and BHA – I use it whenever I see blackheads/whiteheads forming

I don’t have congested skin on my cheeks and chins anymore. But when everything else fails to keep the pores clear on my nose, I like to apply AHA and BHA on the affected area. I used to use Neo Strata AHA 15 in conjunction with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA – they work great but might be irritating for sensitive skin. The Avene Cleanance K with AHA and BHA is a more gentle version and can be used daily to help eliminate blackheads and other blemishes.

{ 7 comments }

Labels: DECLEOR • ELEMIS • KIEHL'S • Philosophy • REN

May Favorites

June 2, 2011

The problem with having too many makeups is that I never know which product to use..it’s like a kid in a big candy shop..too many options to choose from. Monthly favorite posts help me to share my love equally – I like to put the makeups I have been using for the past month aside and pick a new set of makeups for the upcoming month.

Being a makeup minimalist, I like to stick with just a small handful of makeup items for the whole month.

MAKEUPS:

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Lipstick in Baby – my all time favorite lipstick by Guerlain, gives you baby lookalike lips!

YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 06 – been raving about it for the entire month 😛 reviewed here and FOTD here

Nars Blush in Luster

Chanel Ombre Essentielle in Fauve

Becca Lost Weekend Eyeshadow Palette (Fall Limited Edition)

Mac Eye Kohl in I get No Kick

Chanel Under Eyes Corrector

Nars Larger Than Life Volumising Mascara – truly exceeded my expectations!

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Stila Convertible Color in Peony

Stila Lip Gloss in Blush – a nudy pink color

SKINCARES:

KIEHLS Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion: It does its job and it’s gentle enough to be used every two days.

My Beauty Diary Sunflower Face Sheet Mask: Long time fan of their masks, this limited edition is beyond amazing! For those of you who aren’t aware, Beauty Diary has recently improved their face sheet – it is a lot thinner and adheres to your face without any air bubbles . I have to stock up more before it is discontinued..

L’OCCITANE Ultra Rich Body Cream in Vineyard Rose: Another limited edition product that was recently released. A very rich body cream that smells like..Heaven. If you love rose and soapy scents, then this is The One! It can’t stop sniffing at it.

HAIRCARES:

TSUBAKI Head Spa Extra Cleasing Shampoo with essential oil: I use this one once a week – it is better than any of the high end clarifying shampoos that I’ve tried.

TSUBAKI Head Spa Massage Mask with essential oil: It’s a treatment for the scalp, feels relaxing and promotes healthy hair growth.

Living Proof Frizz Free Styling Cream: a silicone free product that really works!

KERASTASE Nectar Thermique: a weightless gel that protects my dry hair from heat everyday

KERASTASE Serum Nuit: an overnight treatment I’ve been using every night that renews my hair from looking dull and lifeless

Geez..I am quite high maintenance aren’t I 😛