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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!