Why you gotta love Kiehl's!
What Bobbi Brown is to Makeup, is what Kiehl's is to Skincare in my life. That's got to be the easiest way to explain my affinity towards this premium skincare brand. I'm certain that you would get that equation if you have been following ShimmerMe over the last few months. For a brand that has been around for over a century, my introduction to Kiehl's has been rather recent. It was sometime in 2014 that I picked up a bottle of Midnight Recovery Concentrate, a cult favourite. Fast forward to 2016, I am 3 bottles down and I have found more favorites like the 'Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution', 'Ultra Light Daily UV Defense, Creme De Corps Body Moisturizer, Turmeric & Cranberry Energizing Radiance Masque amongst others. On this post, let me share with you the reasons why I am in love with Kiehl's and why you should too :-)
Old-world Apothecary, offering herbal remedies
The brand that we see as retail stores around the world today started off as a full service pharmacy offering its customers, homeopathic and herbal remedies for skin concerns. True to its heritage, Kiehl's chooses naturally- derived ingredients for all their formulations and some of their formulas date back decades. Thats like the astuteness of Pharma world meeting the finest skincare ingredients from Mother Nature. 'Pure Vitamin C' to reduce the signs of skin aging, 'Squalene' to visibly improve skin texture, 'Caffeine' to reduce puffiness, 'Rosa Arctica' to stimulate collagen and elastin production - these are just a few of the handpicked ingredients that have gone into creating some of the brand's award-winning products.
Extensive range
From dedicated line of products catering to skin, face, body and haircare to targeted treatments for anti-aging, hydration, pigmentation, you can take your pick based on your skin type and skin concerns that need to be addressed. The exclusive range for men is a huge hit worldwide and can be the perfect gifting option for the men in your life. The shaving gel and face wash are hot favorites of the hubster :-) They also have a line of products for tiny tots made from gentle natural ingredients to keep the little munchkins' skin delicate and supple.
Availability in India and worldwide
With presence in about 45 countries and over 500 stores, Kiehl's has a loyal fan base around the world. In India, there are 9 stores across 6 cities. If accessibility is a concern for you in India, Kiehl's is also partnered with e-commerce portals like Nykaa and Amazon India making the products more accessible. Detailed information including an exhaustive list of ingredients used in every product and list of customer favorites should ease your decision-making. I am a huge fan of 'Kiehl's on Wheels' for repurchases of my favorite products. All you need to do is call the store and you would have your staples delivered at your doorstep for COD.
Complimentary In-store skin consultation & Product samples
Walk into any of the Kiehl's stores and you can get yourself a free consultation to assess your skin's health. Using a Dehydration Analyser Tool (DAT) and two tabs (one on your cheek and the other on your forehead), your Kiehl's consultant will be able to measure the amount of water, oil and sebum in your skin. I recall taking the test in their store at Dubai Mall after an island holiday and I got a reading of 22* which meant my skin was extremely dehydrated. The Ultra Facial Cream came to my rescue then ,to restore the moisture levels and has ever since been a staple in my skincare routine.
(*<30% - Extremely dehydrated, 31% -50% - Slightly dehydrated, <50% - Sufficiently hydrated)
If you have been a Kiehl's loyalist, you would know this that when you leave the store with your purchase, you will also be taking home a few trial size samples to test. Kiehl's is big on samples - over 40 million samples are distributed worldwide every year, now thats quite a number. Are the products pricey? I would think so. Are they worth it? Totally! Kiehl's understands that no two skin/hair types are exactly alike and products work differently on each individual. Trial samples help you make an informed purchase decision.
Global Philanthropic and Eco-friendly initiaties
I have huge respect for brands that give back to the society and environment. Kiehl's serves over 100 local community initiatives around the world dedicated to HIV/AIDS research, Environmental issues and Children's well-being. A few of the initiatives are Literacy and Leadership Development programs for girls and young women, Limited Edition product ranges (proceeds of which go to organizations fighting child abduction and abuse), amfAR, a program dedicated to ending AIDS through research etc.
The 'Recycle and Be Rewarded' program lets you participate in and contribute to a greener planet. Your empty bottles of Kiehls can be returned to their stores for recycling and you will receive travel size products, based on the number of bottles that you return. Over 1.5 million bottles have been returned and recycled ever since the program's launch in 2009. I find that super cool :-)
Kiehl's as a brand has withstood competition and stood the test of time. The brand has constantly introduced award-winning products and cult classics. The acquistion by the French beauty giant, Loreal in 2000 is a strong affirmation of the credibility enjoyed by Kiehl's worldwide. Friendly and knowledgeable consultants are there to guide you with the right product purchases and to ensure that you leave the store with a smile on your face.
P.S. Follow shimmer.co on Instagram and participate in the contest to win a goodie bag worth INR 5,000/- from Kiehl's India. The contest ends at 8 PM IST and is open only to those living in India. I hope you win that bag :-)
