Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Measures

I've known Kiehl's since their sought after Lip Balm ---> which I got in Hong Kong way before they arrived here.  Then next favorite product from the brand is their Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I've finished approxiately 3-4 bottles as of date!  

The brand is out there, I know they make good skincare but I don't really get to test all their products because I have the tendency to be "Loyal" to whatever works for me.

But recently, due to stress and weather condition, my skin is looking and feeling totally different from how it was for the past years.  I find myself confused and a bit alarmed that I don't seem to know my skin that much anymore!  

When I saw a bunch of Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening products on my table, I gave it a use for once or twice a week, inserting them in between my "usuals".  So whatever information I'll be sharing to you are mostly "experiential basis", I will talk about the feel, the texture and the immediate effect.  Do not expect a detailed review on these products because that's how I review skincare products, it really takes time because I need to insert new ones one at a time.

Comprende? :D 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser
Php1,450.00

This exfoliating face wash gently purifies skin and helps remove dirt and environmental pollutants while visibly improving overall clarity. Infused with White Birch Extract and Peony Extract, this formula gently removes dirt, oil and pollution. Formulated with Pearlstone, a natural exfoliant, this skin brightening face wash smoothes and refines the feeling of skin for a more radiant appearance. Help clarify and visibly brighten skin with our purifying cleanser, gentle enough for use twice per day.

There's a New Facial Oil in Town --- Marula Oil

Even with dry skin, I find myself veering away from anything "oil" on my face!  The first oil-based product I've used is Kiehl's Midnight Recovery, which worked for me by the way.  Afterwards, I've heard so many brands coming up with their own version of oils and I find myself staying shy and just going for what works for me.

Recently, I got Marula Pure Beauty Oil for review.  I was extremely hesitant and did my research first.  Marula Pure Beauty Oil is the only doctor-endorsed and scientifically proven all-natural beauty oil.  It is the ultimate age-defying beauty oil made from 99% marula oil with 1% blend of natural essential oils for a light, natural scent.  This is complete free of preservatives, synthetics and parabens which gave me a strong push to try out this product.

The Pure Marula Facial Oil is housed in a glass bottle with a "dropper" which I appreciate.

Happy 10th Year Anniversary Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions + Something New!

A lot of you may not know this but Kiehl's started year 1851 in New York!  With wide array of products coming out to suit the needs of consumers, one reknowned range called Dermatologist Solutions is actually 10 years old!  It was launched during the year 2005 and they just recently celebrated their 10th year anniversary and AMW was there!

The Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions range is indeed Dermatologist Favorite!  They have been recommended worldwide because of the powerful, yet gentle, non-invasive skincare solutions.

Antipodes is Now In The Philippines!

I first learned about New Zealand Organic Brand Antipodes from fellow Beauty Blogger (also a really good friend) Paris B. of My Women Stuff, she's done a lot of reviews on Antipodes products and I can't help but wanting to try them all!  

Thankfully, it didn't take years for me to wait, it's just around a year or so when these landed my desk (literally) via courier one boring day. 

Are they really locally available now?  Thankfully, according to my very reliable source, They are!  Antipodes are definitely HERE TO STAY!

Upon seeing the products, I am most interested with the Divine Face Oil --- under the moisture boost line.  I immediately washed my face and gently massaged the oil mid-day, in between phone calls, research and interviews --- wow!  I was immediately relaxed! 

So as much as I want to use all 3 products at once --- I didn't!   I chose just 1 from the 3 products I got and settled on trying out Divine Face Oil first and added Anada Gentle Toner the week after!  I'll share more about my first impressions after the jump!

How To Keep Your Skin From Looking Dry and Fake after Foundation Application

Hi AMW Friends!  Happy Monday!  I am off for a talk with Philippines' top company and I can't wait to share you all about it when I get the chance!  As for now, you may follow me on Instagram (@AskMeWhats) as I will definitely update my status there!

It is Monday, you're probably too lazy to get up and even lazier to do your makeup!  I mean who int he world would even use liquid or cream foundation on a hot and crazy weather like here in the Philippines?  

A tip for you especially commuters out there, well, you can actually do your makeup when you arrive in the office!  Let me know if you want me to share some tips on Office Makeup! 

And another tip I may share is that, you can actually use your favorite liquid or cream foundation without looking like you have a fake mask, or worst, when they create flakes up close!  That's a huge NO-NO especially if you have a client meeting or a Monday morning meeting with the boss!

Today, I have created a very simple yet effective tutorial on how to keep your skin from looking dry and fake after foundation application!  You only need to add one product in between!  Are you ready?

Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector and Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate

I have always been a fan of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate as it is one product I've tried that instantly brightened my skin overtime!  Read my past reviews HERE and HERE. 

That was years ago and I guess I got sidetracked with different skincare products to try!  BUT, this year, I was sent Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector to try and I was mum about this because as much as I would love to try this for myself, I never change my skincare routine "abruptly" because of my sensitive skin history!  So I actually brought this along with me on makeup gigs to use on clients!  Just so you know, I value skincare routine so much I inject that on each of my clients!  But of course, I always check with them if they have skin sensitivity to particular brands or ingredients.

One of the most-loved brand that I get positive response from clients is Kiehl's!  I've used the Micro-Blur Skin Perfector serum prior to makeup application and so far, I love the immediate blurring effect it gives.  It may not be as obvious as those Pore Erasing products like that from Benefit POREfessional but this gives a good "headstart" before I start makeup application.

Thanks to my clients' feedbacks, I was told this skin-smoothing formula is lightweight and do not cause them to oil up midday!  Of course, most of the time, I use this on clients only once so I can't tell if this product will help lessen pores in the long run!  I can't try this as I have very dry skin so I have non-existent pores! :)  (yabang no? hahahah)

AMW Reports: Kiehl's Stories + Giveaway

Congratulations to the 4 lucky winners!

• Cat Quiambao
• Ann Cagalingan
• Jo-An San Joe
• Maricel Fajardo

Last May 29th, I was one lucky girl to be invited to the Kiehl's party atop the Zuellig Sky Garden to celebrate more than 160years of Kiehl's!  Yes, it has been that long!

Kiehl's launched in the Philippines in 2007 and I can literally hear a lot of "YES!" from Kiehl's lovers like me!  No more pabili abroad! :)

According to Kiehl's Brand Manager Sheena Dy: "Today, we want to talk to more Filipinos and share with them the stories that Kiehl's has formed throughout the world and in the Philippines.  We want to share stories of skin care - skin care that ha no frills, skin care that works, and one-of-a-kind skin care that will answer their one-of-a kind needs."

AMW Reports: The Opening of Kiehl's Powerplant Mall + Giveaway! (Contest Closed!!!)

Kiehl's has been around since 1851 but let me tell you how I get to know about the brand.

I was just new in the blogging industry then and my first few product review was about lip balms that I've kissed.  Because blogging is such a wonderful tool to communicate with people around the world who has the same interest as I do, I was advised to try the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in which I happily obliged and purchased 2 tubes during my Hong Kong trip.

I knew about Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 first before the brand itself.  *embarrassed*

Thanks to my dearest brother who gifted me with a Kiehl's Skincare Travel Set and I'm starting to fall in love with the products.  The Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover is cream based but "supremely" gentle and my eyes doesn't blur out or sting at all!  It's a must for people with sensitive eyes!

Let's not forget the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Challenge in which I took part to try for 15 days?  *heads high*  I thought I'm one Kiehl's Brand Expert!

When I got a cute "boarding pass" type of invite from our friends from Kiehl's for their Powerplant Mall store opening, I was ready to jump in and enjoy my old time favorites!  (That's what I thought!)

Outside the store, I can immediately see how busy it was! 

Contest Winners

I picked the winners for contests that ended last Friday!  If you have joined any of my contests, kindly scroll down and check if you're one of the lucky winner!

AMW Gives: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Congratulations to ---

Dulce Dela Cruz

Jergens Gives: Soothing Aloe for the Summer

Congratulations to ---

Gail Te

Congratulations to ---

Girlie Camungay

Avon Gives: Anti-Aging Miracle

Congratulations to ---

Baby Flores-Yap

Oracare Gives: 3 Gift Packs for No Sting!

Congratulations to ---

Jamee Uy

Congratulations to ---

Winnie Pascual

Congratulations to ---

Junellene Sapinoso

Thanks everyone for joining!
Don't lose hope, keep on joining and may the odds be forever in your favor!  *laughs*

Thanks to Kiehl's Philippines, Avon, Oracare and Jergens!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Gives: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (for the 2nd time around) --- CLOSED!!!

Kiehl's Earth Day was yesterday!  To continue the celebration, AMW would like to share something exciting to the readers as I have been blessed to be one of the few who road tested Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate almost 2 years ago!  (You can read the diary HERE.)

It is effective and would you believe I'm saving up every drop of it?  I still have a few drops left but I try to use it on nights I feel like I need the "glowy look" in the morning!  I would love to keep this bottle close to my heart but of course, I would rather share this new bottle to a reader who would want to give this a try but doesn't have the means to!  

YES!  This is your chance!!!!

Restore every night: Midnight Recovery Concentrate Php2,880.00  (approx $67.00)

"A powerful concentration, it was specifically formulated to biologically replicate skin's natural lipids for optimal skin repair during the night.  This potent elixir is 99% naturally-derived and paraben-free.  During the day, the skin's function is to protect itself against internal and external aggressors.  At night it needs to regenerate, repair and replenish what is has lost as a result of daily stresses." 

How to join?

• Comment ONCE in this blog post together with your name and email address.
• Like Kiehl's Manila on Facebook.
• Tell me: "Which part of my review made you want to try the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate?"  (Feel free to check back my reviews HERE.)
• Contest starts today ends May 12, 2012 (11:59pm local time).
• ONE winner will be picked via random generator.  Winner will be emailed and must respond within 48 hours.  A new winner will be picked if no response was received within the stated timing.
• Contest is open for Philippine Residents.  Prize will be sent via courier by yours truly!
• Cross your fingers and stay positive!  

Goodluck!
Feel free to LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook and feel free to ask me questions there! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: My Day and Night Regimen

A reader once asked me what my present skincare regiment is!  To be honest, I haven't been using much skincare products as I always try to finish up or use at least 3/4 of a product before I move on to the next.  I don't like to confuse my skin and I would like to see the effectiveness of a product before I move on to the next (if needed).

I am proud to announce that I have finished my Pond's Flawless White products which I started March 2011 and Finished it around June of 2011.  From then, I've been using the products mentioned in this post and it's time to reveal the skincare regimen that's helping my skin stay *hopefully* the way I want it.

My skincare regimen is quite straightforward, I just need a cleanser, sometimes toner, serum/essence, eye cream then moisturizer.  I did not include toners as I don't use them regularly.

Daytime Products ---

• Clinique Turnaround Concentrate
• Clinique Superdefense SPF25 PA+++
• L'Occitane Immortelle Harvest Eye Balm

 Clinique Turnaround Concentrate

I've been using this for a month now and the reason why I put this up on my AM regimen is because of it's silky, lightweight texture that I can easily pile up my makeup without the heavy feel.  I believe this concentrate can be used both day and night but I like injecting new regimen slowly (but surely).

Here's what I read about the Clinique Turnaround Concentrate that excites me!!!  True or False?  We'll see ....

**please click photo to enlarge

Clinique Superdefense SPF25/PA+++

I actually got a sample of this together with my Clinique 3-Step Skincare system but I just left this inside my "samples box".  It was when I visited Singapore (October of this year) that I started to use this and guess what?

I ended up loving it and will definitely repurchase.  Ah, the joy of testing products and the JOY of  discovering more *laughs*

The Clinique Superdefense SPF25/PA+++ is definitely a daytime moisturizer.  The texture is lightweight and gets absorbed into my skin as fast as 1-2-3.  This is one of the few moisturizers I've tried that doesn't feel heavy or oily yet, my skin looks moisturized the whole day!

On a side note, I appreciate a good sized sample from Clinique, I was able to find products that works for me through their samples and they give enough for you to know if the product agrees with your skin or not.

L'Occitane Immortelle Harvest Eye Balm

Since I entered the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge, we weren't required to use an eye cream from the Flawless White range so I took out the L'Occitane Eye Balm my brother bought for me when he went to Canada.  Housed in a glass jar, I actually used this for more than 8 months....

I still have 1/8 left and whatever the price is...it's worth it!  The light, creamy texture of the L'Occitane Eye Balm is what I love to use in the morning as my under eye concealer glides on easily. 

Oh, before I forget, my facial wash in the morning is really light as I think my face won't get THAT dirty during sleep (not unless I sleepwalk and play on streets!  LOL).  I am currently using Shu Uemura's Skin Purifier Foaming Cleansing Water.  This is actually my 2nd bottle.  Review can be found HERE.

On to my nighttime regimen...

 It's either this....

OR This

Nighttime Products ---

• Estee Lauder Cyberwhite Brilliant Cells or Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
• Estee Lauder Time Zone Night
• Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage

Estee Lauder Cyberwhite Brilliant Cells

I am seriously clueless how much product is still left in this bottle.  All I know is that I've been using this for quite some time.  I like the "pearlescent" color it exudes once you pump the product out of the bottle.The texture is just right and I can easily massage the product onto my skin and it gets absorbed immediately leaving a slight glow.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I alternate the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells for the fact that they both have the same brightening function.  I use the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate on days that I think my skin is too dull and needs the extra "boost of glow and moisture".  This works and I'm saving this up.

I challenged this serum and wrote about my experiences HERE.

Estee Lauder Time Zone Night

This cream is Anti-line and Anti-wrinkle, a very potent cream moisturizer that's meant to be applied before going to sleep.  I never wake up with dry patches even inside an air-conditioned room.  I can't say anything about anti-line or anti-wrinkle as I don't have much to start with *denial stage*.  It's not too late to start using such product though.

Checking the date written at the bottom, I've started using this July of this year once a day using a "spatula".  A tiny amount really goes a long way!  I am a bit sad that only 1/4 is left but it's definitely a moisturizer worth checking out if you have the budget.

For the cleanser, I alternate 2 cleansers at night. Do you still remember the Skinsonic Skincare System that I reviewed last month?  True to what I said, I still use this system every other day and each time I do so, I use the most gentle cleanser I have tried and that goes to the Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Cleanser.

I am lucky as this inexpensive face cleanser works for me really well!  I'm actually on my 2nd tube.  This proves that you can mix high end and low end skincare products as long as your skin agrees to it!

On non-SkinSonic days,  I use the Pond's Gold Radiance Mousse.  I have actually finished a tube of Pond's Gold Radiance Facial Foam and my skin did not react negatively on this so I don't mind trying out the Mousse version.  So far, it's working quite wel.

The reason why I injected the Gold Radiance line from Pond's is because of the Brightening/Lightening serum that I've been using, I wanted to "boost" the brightening effect I want on my very dull skin! (Trust me, without makeup, my skin does look dull on some days.)

For now, that's my most updated skincare routine!
Some of the products are almost up so it's time to dig in those samples again and try other products!
I know!  Why can't I just stick to one?  I can't...it's an addiction!  *laughs*

What's your current skincare regimen? 
Share to me your ---
Cleanser
Toner (if any)
Serum/Essence (if any)
Moisturizer
Eye Cream

Let's compare notes! It'll be fun!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Winner!

First of all, thank you so much for sending in all those wonderful entries for the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Contest!  There are a total of  26 entries and me, together with the judges (2 of them who wants to hide their identity) <--- Hint: Family member, LOL.  Finally chose the winner!  All the touching stories are well written and I seriously hope I can give more prizes out there!  Here it is, the winner ---

Congratulations to
Ms. IYA CONSENGCO

Iya is a 21 year old model who is engaged!  Yes, she knew she's too young to be engaged but let's not judge her!  She's in love!

Iya used to be a model but gave this up to concentrate on her life being a married woman and of course, to finish up college.  

Just like a regular young girl, Iya is quite insecure as she may look perfect on photos because of makeup and Photoshop, she worries about her skin not looking good!  She's afraid that the "perfection" that people see in photos is not the real her and when people get to see the real Iya minus the makeup, people may judge her!  That's why she joined the contest to give Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate a try and see if it will help her current skin condition!  She wants to look good not only for other people but also for herself!  She wants to have a good skin even without makeup, without Photoshop.

Such a wonderful story!
Thanks Iya for joining the contest!
Again, congratulations for winning and for being engaged!

Before I end this post, we picked another 3 for Consolation prizes.  Each will receive 2 Full Size Bottles of SunSilk 200ml Shampoo and a pack of Rexona Naturals Bio Protection 1x Deo and 1x Roll-on.

 Congratulations to ---

Angelica Aragon

Bernadette Villanueva

and
Emiliana Sison

I will email you all for mailing information!
Again, Congratulations!  There will be more contests soon! 
So please do not feel bad if you did not win ok?

Huge hugs and love to everyone!

AMW would like to thank Kiehl's, Sunsilk and Rexona for wonderful prizes for my dear Readers :D

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW & Kiehl's Give: A Full Bottle of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (Contest Closed)

Dear Philippine Readers:

Finally!!!  After 15 days and more on my Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Challenge, today is the day!  ONE lucky local reader will get the chance to win his/her own bottle to try this concentrate and see if this will give the "brightening" effect I've experienced! 

How? 

1. Send me an email together with your photo (not more than 500kb) and tell me why you deserve to win this full size bottle worth Php2,000+!

2. All entries should be sent on my email address (nikki@askmewhats.com), no entries should be sent in this comment box

3. Duplicate entries will be disqualified

4. One Philippine reader will be chosen by "judge" friends

5. Winner will be picked n August 15, 2010!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay positive!

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!