Showing posts with label Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

AMW Reviews: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

When I accepted the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Challenge, I am very serious about it.  So serious that I tried to complete 7 hours of sleep.  (I use "tried" because there were some days I failed).  To jumpstart with the challenge, I went for a simple facial wash from Mineral Flowers, no scrubs nor toner was used as I went straight to this Concentrate even on days without electricity!  (It's not hard to put on skincare product with flashlight! hahaha)  I even had to tote this bottle along when I stayed in a hotel!

In most cases, it takes me at least a month to review skincare products as I strongly believe most products do not work miracles and it takes time for the skin to get used to the product and of course, to see its effectivity.  Since the challenge calls for 15 days, and I think with this challenge meant the company is confident enough that consumers and users like myself will see some changes as early as 15 days after. 

I have to clarify that my skin is okay to start with.  I don't  have acne marks nor scars *knocks on wood* but one thing about my skin --- it's my "sensitivity-oh-meter"!  My skin has occasional pimples and allergies from food, from environment and of course, from different beauty products!  Let's not forget the dryness that I've been complaining for years since my mid-20s!

I've done The Challenge for 15 days and I've reported about it once in awhile, here's my summary and of course, photos to show!  Ready?  Set?  Go!


Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate says ---
One night.  Two drops.  Younger-looking skin by morning.  99.80% Natural Ingredients.
  • Paraben-free
  • Skin looks visibly restored by morning
  • Enhances skin's natural recovery activity
  • Recyclable glass bottle, dropper and plastic squeeze top in a protective 100% recycled board carton.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • wonderful dropper that's easy to "gauge" how much product is needed

  • no product wastage
  • does not cause breakouts nor skin irritations/allergies
  • skin looks hydrated and fresh in the morning, non-oily at all
  • this product is paraben-free and silicon-free!  Which makes my skin breathe
  • smells great and relaxing
  • this full size bottle will last forever!  As only the stated 2 drops are needed because this is a "concentrate"!

  • has manufacturing date included on box which makes it easier for you to know the expiration of the product

  • my hubby and myself can see the "brightening effect" after a week!
  • skin feels and looks moisturized
Cons
  • putting a lot may cause breakouts
  • oily-skinned individuals: may find this really oily and uncomfortable upon application
  • first few days of application may cause "discomfort", some sensitive skin may react to this!
  • a bit pricey especially to those who are not working yet!
Overall
Imagine the "Korean actresses" glow we are longing to have?  Well, I kinda achieved it with the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  It was a glow I am not used to as I found myself re-applying face powder all day thinking my skin is oily but I mistaken the brightness to oiliness!  *laughs*  My bad!  After a week, I found myself getting used to the brightness and waking up and taking a look at my skin in front of the mirror is my favorite activity after using this product for 15 days!  (Note: I am not that vain!) After the challenge, I found myself using this product and incorporate it with my favorite moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated after the challenge!

Does this product work?  It does!  And I shall say, this will probably work better after longer duration.  15 days for me is still not enough to see the overall effect of this product!  So the review continuous! 

Tips
from Kiehl's
Apply 2-3 drops on cleansed skin. Gently press fingertips to cheeks, forehead, and chin to evenly distribute the application before gently massaging it into the skin. Can be worn alone or under moisturizer. 

from AMW
  • greasy feel on first few usages, it takes time to get used to this product
  • drop 2 drops and gently pat on your skin until absorption is felt
  • if skin irritations occur, stop using product immediately
  • include your neck on application
  • the rest? I rub it agains my knees and elbows!  
Will I repurchase?
Maybe, if I finish up the current skincare products I own.  I have a lot to test!  *laughs*  Do I recommend this?  I strongly suggest to test on samples as not all skin types would work well on such concentrate.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Kiehl's Store Greenbelt 5 for Php2,880 (approx $63.00)

The dropper I love, easy to create 2 drops

The concentrate, though feels oily, is actually light and looks like water


My skin diary
My skin definitely went a bit crazy on Day 1, not used to the oily after feel
The 4th day felt better as seen on photos






Before and after shot from Day 1 and Day 15.  PhotoShop was used only to crop and watermark photos.  Camera settings was set the same, whatever lighting changes are due to natural fluorescent lighting.  Both photos taken at night.

You can click photos to enlarge.  As seen on before and after photos, there wasn't much difference on my skin, only that my second photo has this weird smile!  *laughs*  But in person and up close, I have seen some "brightening" effect on some areas especially on my cheeks.  Take a look at the "shadow" part near the hairline was actually lightened up!  And most of all, I was able to survive without moisturizer with this concentrate. 


Do I really need the concentrate?  I can live without it but its definitely a nice "addition" for that added luxurious feel. 

*whew*  Long post, loads of photos and lots of things to say! 
But overall, I want ONE LOCAL Reader to try this concentrate!
Do check back as I'll be posting the details on the contest anytime within the day!

Do check back!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Thursday, July 15, 2010

An Update: The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge (Days 9-11)




AMW signing on reporting on Days 9-11 using Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  I have to admit, the first 8 days felt a bit like a chore, a "task" that I must complete!  On days 9-11, things have changed, I've found myself enjoying the regimen before I go to sleep!  Before I tell you my observations, let me admit one thing!  I haven't been doing the 7 hours sleep because of some "jobs" I need to finish up!  But read on before you judge me ok?  *blushes*
  • I took time in massaging this concentrate on my face and neck and pat my fingers gently onto my skin
  • Remember the dryness around my nose area?  Gone because I made sure not to forget that area
  • Mark my words:  I seriously saw the brightening effect!  The effect was seen by my hubby on the 10th day!  
  • Brightening effect: At first, it looks like "oiliness", I found myself not used to the "brightening" look that I kept on patting face powder thinking it was my oily skin!  But looking closely, it was the unexplainable "glow".
  • Moisturized?  I haven't been using any moisturizer as I want to see the full effect of this concentrate, since my skin is super dry, there are some dryness on random days but it is bearable. This probably won't happen to oily skinned individuals and I should really use a moisturizer after the 15 days challenge!
  • No allergies nor skin irritations
  • Skin never feels oily as compared to the first 4 days!
  • Skin feels really soft.
Do not forget to read the other 3 Beauty Bloggers' take on this challenge!  And get a chance to win a full  size bottle for yourself and see if this product works for you!


I will definitely sum up all my observations after the 15-days challenge!  We'll have photos for sure!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Monday, July 12, 2010

An Update: The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge (Days 5-8)



Though I've been mostly sick from Days 5-7, I did not fail with the challenge, I made sure to apply this prior to going to bed and I actually slept more than 7 hours on these days because I've been sick and tired.  Thank goodness I am better now! 

What happened for the next 3 days after my last update?
  • the oily feel is totally gone, I don't have the "icky" feel like that of the first 3 days
  • the concentrate absorbs my skin way faster as compared to the earlier days of the challenge
  • I wake up with clear skin, no signs of irritations or allergies
  • no huge difference judging by the look on the mirror
  • skin feels soft the next day
  • I skipped moisturizer after this concentrate at night (it is actually ok to do so, but I refused for the sake of this challenge)
  • the rest of my face is normal but the sides of my nose gets a bit dry, I guess I wasn't able to include the concentrate on this area.  Will do so for the coming days
Here's my bare skin on Day 8
(no alterations done, Photoshop used to crop photo)

I'll keep you readers informed for sure!  Let's wait for the 15th day!  I want to thank Kiehl's Philippines for this lovely photo! Don't forget to check out the other blogs for their experience!  Click photo to enlarge.


Stay tune for the giveaway!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

An Update: The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge (Days 3-4)



Okay, so you read about "The Challenge" I've accepted to try on the new Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  There are 7 habits to healthy sleeping that I've followed and so far, I've been a good girl!  I may lack an hour of sleep on the first day, but the rest of the days?  I've been sleeping soundly for 7 hours or even more!  Especially last night as I wasn't feeling too well!

Though its still too early for a detailed review, this post is just an update on how my day 3 and 4 went. 
  • First 2 nights, I have this weird oily feel that I get from using this concentrate, day 3 and 4 is a bit easier as I lessen the drops from 3 to 2 drops for my entire face.
  • Woke up with no skin irritations nor breakouts
  • In the morning, skin feels and looks the same but found my skin is definitely more moisturized and I can even skip moisturizer
Here's a sample of my skin right after Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Application
See the shine and "oily" look?  It doesn't feel heavy though



I'll give you more updates for the coming days!  Please stay tune as I'll be giving away a full size bottle of this to ONE lucky local reader!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
I'm getting ready to catch my zzz's soon!


Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge

Anyone who reads my blog would know that my blog's content is basically everything that can make a person feel beautiful in and out.  And most of you will find loads of product reviews from yours truly as I believe in spending your hard earn money on products that deliver!

When Sheena Dy from Kiehl's contacted me (and 4 other beauty bloggers, I believe) to try the new Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, it was a right timing as I just finished  my Cellnique's Intensive Hydrating Complex, my skin is all ready to try on other products!  I don't mind testing on Kiehl's as I own a skincare travel pack gifted to me by my brother and I don't have issues with the ingredients used by the brand.  

What's The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge?




I was encouraged to follow the 7 Habits of a Healthy Sleeper:
  1. Get at least seven hours of sleep each night - goodluck to me on this
  2. Drink soothing beverages before bed such as herbal tea, water or milk! - I definitely go well with water
  3. Try to avoid exercise near bedtime - definitely will!
  4. Stay away from late afternoon, early evening stimulates like caffeine. - no issues on that, I finish 2 cups of coffee before 10am! And I'm not into sodas *hahaha*
  5. Enjoy relaxing activities before you go to sleep, like reading or taking a bath.  - how about blogging?  It's relaxing for me! (seems like I'm being  hardheaded eh?)
  6. Shut the TV off when you are ready to fall asleep.  - definitely!  I even need to turn off lights!
  7. Curb your alcohol consumption. - No problem at all!  Not into alcohol!
Over the course of 15 days or less, I am encouraged to write my experience about the experience.  This is also a way for busy bloggers like myself to recover my sleep-life!  And I'll definitely share my experiences to you for sure!  Expect honest to goodness review from me as always!  Feel free to ask me questions as I go through this challenge and encourage me to sleep early!
I started the challenge July 5, 2010 Monday night and here are my impressions and reactions. As you all know, this is a concentrate, a 99.8% natural, paraben-free serum which was said to be proven to rejuvenate my skin while I sleep.

Nikki's Stats:
Skin Type: Dry/Normal (I included normal as I've been using the right type of products and my skin condition isn't as dry as before)
Skin Condition: Sensitive
Products used: Facial Wash, Toner and Kiehl's Midnight Recover Concentrate (nighttime)

AMW's First impression: (Days 1-2)
  • looks and feels like oil but doesn't feel heavy or oily
  • feels a bit weird after application because of its texture
  • my skin is dry and I feel it takes a bit of time to absorb, can you imagine how long it'll take for oily skin to wait for this product to absorb?
  • the concentrate absorbed to the skin approximately 5-10 minutes depending on temperature of the room
  • no itchiness nor skin irritations
  • no signs of redness or allergies



  • woke up minus the oily look and feel
  • no signs of change after first night, after the second night, skin feels moisturized even after washing my face with facial wash
For 2 days, those are my observations!  I'll definitely report more in the coming days!


Before I end this post, good news to my local readers (sorry to my international friends! I will be hosting contests soon for everyone across the world and universe!)!  The people from Kiehl's will give one reader a chance to try on the new Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate in Full Size!  Keep on reading and I'll announce the contest soon!

WIN YOUR OWN BOTTLE SOON!!!


Encourage me to do all 7 steps ok?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!