Kiehl's Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Let's talk a little bit about hair care today, shall we. If you have been following my blog for a while you know that I have raved about the Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. As such I was pretty excited when I saw the Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment which comes from the same range. Plus, an exfoliator for your scalp, really? Sure we are all familiar with using scrubs for the body, face, feet but scalp? That concept is pretty new to me. As a result I decided to give it a go in case I was missing out on something amazing in my life. 

Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

First things first, what's this product for? Simply put it helps loosen flaky buildup, purify and restore a healthy balance to the scalp. The lady at the Kiehl's counter also told me that this product stimulates the scalp and promotes faster hair growth. Sounds really promising if you ask me. In terms of ingredients it contains: argan exfoliators, vitreoscilla ferment, apricot seed powder, menthol and rosemary leaf oil. It's dermatologically tested. It's recommended that you use it 1-2 times a week or as needed. You apply this prior to shampooing on dry or wet scalp. Gently massage and leave for about 5 minutes before rinsing.

Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Now, my thoughts. I really enjoy the minty scent. It's very refreshing, but that is pretty much where my liking for this product ends. It's very difficult to work into the scalp be it dry or wet. As naturally you have all the hair in the way. I would imagine this would be easier to use for people with short hair but if you have anything shoulder length or longer it will be a struggle. Once you have managed to get the product distributed into the scalp it's a pain to rinse off. My hair never feels completely clean after using it. There is always a greasy residue. When it comes to purifying and balancing the scalp I haven't honestly noticed any difference. 

Would I recommend this product? Hell, no. I think it's a gimmick. If you want an effective treatment for your scalp I would highly suggest the Scalp Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. It's fantastic and you can actually see the difference. Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment on the other hand made washing my hair a very tedious and unpleasant process.

Hope this review was helpful for some of you.

Until next time,
Muffy

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

Today I am bringing your way a product that is somewhat a hybrid between makeup and skincare. It's the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30. I have been using this product consistently throughout the summer and have formed a pretty solid opinion. To find out what I think about it, just keep on reading!

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is quite a recent addition to the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective range. I have previously tried the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution from the range but it didn't do much for me. Thus I was a little bit sceptical about this product. It comes in a handy 15ml squeeze-tube. It claims to instantly brighten the under-eye area, visibly correct dark circles and protect from UV damage & future discolouration. It contains Activated C and Licorice Root Extract. It's paraben and fragrance free. It's safe for sensitive eyes and formulated with 100% mineral filters. As you can see this little guy promises to deliver a bunch of benefits. 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 Packaging

The first thing to note is that the actual product is tinted, like if you were to use a concealer. Unlike concealers that are available in an array of colours this product comes in one shade. The consistency is slightly runnier than your average concealer and you need just a tiny little bit as it's extremely pigmented. It blends out like a dream without emphasising the fine-lines. It seriously brightens and conceals. I don't need to use a corrector underneath to counteract the darkness anymore. As said a little goes a long way with this product. Prior to purchasing a full size I got a few samples, and one sample sachet has lasted me for a couple of weeks at least. Just to give you an idea how little of this product you actually need. A 15ml tube will last you for a very long time. 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 

I have really been enjoying this product. For now it has replaced my trusty Bobbi Brown Corrector in Bisque and La Girl Pro Conceal in Creamy Beige. I highly appreciate the fact that it has an SPF 30, especially as I am getting older and want to take better care of the under-eye area. I don't use this product as a replacement for an eye cream but for lazy days or if you don't have any major concerns, why not. In my opinion it's not painfully expensive for what it is and how well it seems to work for me. As with all Kiehl's products you can ask for a sample and see how you get along. I would especially recommend trying out a sample first for ladies and gents with medium to deeper skin tones.

This is for sure one of my favourite makeup/skincare discoveries this year. It's a great multitasking product. It conceals dark circles and helps to look more awake. It blends into the skin seamlessly with fingers and with a brush. It does not crease throughout the day (I do set it with the powder though). If you are looking for a product that will work magic in concealing those pesky dark circles and at the same time offering skincare benefits and protection from UV damage, look no further!

Let me know if you have tried this product and what are your thoughts!

Until next time,
Muffy

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

Let's be honest, it's hard to tell if an eye cream is doing anything unless your wrinkles disappear miraculously over night. On the other hand understanding if the eye cream is not working for you is way simpler. You can figure it out after several uses. I've had Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum for some time now and let me share my thoughts!

Kiehl's Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

It promises to visibly lift, firm and restore youthful looking shape to eyes. You can use this eye cream underneath your eyes and for the lids. It contains 10% of Botanical Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate. It comes with a pretty standard amount of product for an eye cream - 15ml, but what's not so common, it has a pump. I think it's a big plus since you don't have to dip your finger into a pot (that can be pretty annoying if you have longish nails). The packaging is made out of a light weight material, my guess it's aluminium but don't quote me on that. This makes it fantastic for travelling as it's not prone to breakage as glass would be. You can also control how much product you squeeze, meaning you can press lightly and get a small amount or apply more pressure and pump a larger amount of product. 

Kiehl's Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

When it comes to the actual product it has a relatively light weight texture. It's not heavy by any means. I haven't noticed any overpowering artificial scent to it. So far so good, right?  It absored pretty quickly when I tried it on my hand, but when I applied it on my lids it was a totally different story. It would just sit on the lids and under the eye area. After waiting a good amount of time for it to absorb (around 10-15 min) it still felt tacky. The best part was when I tried to put my eye-makeup and concealer on and it started to crumble. It was not a good look nor feel. Frankly speaking I was really disappointed. It's not cheap and I was hoping that it would at least help in the moisturization department, needless to say have eye-opening properties. I tried to work with it multiple times. I would stop using it and later come back to it and give it another shot. Every time I would do so, I would catch myself thinking that I know why I stopped using it on the first place. I actually started to wonder maybe I got a bad one and it's just a bad luck. My friend has tried a sample of this product and she experienced exactly the same problem with it crumbling off.

My final verdict, I would not recommend this product. If you want a good all-rounder that will absorb quickly, keep your dry eyelids at bay and one that would come with a pump, I say look in the direction of Biotherm Aquasource Biosensitive Fragile Eye Contour. This eye cream has not let me down and one of a few I can actually see working for me. If you are not concerned with dry eyelids and want something more potent for the area under the eyes that would also brighten I would suggest getting a sample of Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Eye Balm and see how you get along.

Let me know what is your all time favourite eye cream or have you found one!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence

Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence has caught my attention about six months ago. I have been waiting for a moment when there will be finally a product along the lines of essence that is so popular in Asia. I am sure you have heard of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which is one of the most known in the skincare industry. Asians incorporate essence as part of their everyday skincare routine. I have given it a fair test and to find out if it's a marketing gimmick or something worth looking into then keep on reading!

Let's start with defining essence. It is not a toner nor a cleanser. Due to its high doses of active ingredients it's meant to sink deep into the skin when it has already been properly prepped. However, it shouldn't be confused with serums that come in smaller jars with an even higher concentration of ingredients. Kiehl's Iris Essence comes in a 200ml plastic bottle. Traditionally essence is stored in glass bottles, but I don't really mind the plastic. It means that it's that much lighter to carry if I take it with me whilst travelling. It is paraben and oil free. As with all essences the texture is very similar to water. It's runny and velvety. You need just a few drops to cover your entire face. Do not put this product onto a cotton pad, rather squeeze a few drops directly into your palms. I suggest patting the product into the skin instead of rubbing.

The key ingredient as the name suggests is the Iris Florentina Root Extract. It also contains Lipo Hydroxy Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate. It claims to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, dullness and rough texture over time. It's suitable for all skin types. I have been using this product since March, so for a good 5 months. I apply it in the morning and evening. This product should be added as an extra step in your skincare routine after toning and before serum. It helps prime the skin and ensures that whatever you put afterwards sinks in faster, penetrating the deeper layers of your skin. I have been really enjoying this product and I noticed somewhat of a difference in my skin. I like it mostly for its hydrating properties. My skin is extremely dehydrated while being combination. Therefore I really look for a product that will add moisture back to my skin without leaving it feeling greasy. And I see this one ticking all the boxes. In terms of fine lines and rough texture I haven't noticed a massive difference. However, I think that my skin looks more radiant and plumped. I haven't gotten any new breakouts either. I also noticed that the serums and masks absorb more rapidly after I incorporated this product into my regime. 

Is this a must have product? It depends. I personally like it. I enjoy having that extra step in my routine and it works in terms of keeping my breakouts at bay and providing hydration to my skin. That being said if you are used to products that deliver over night results this is not it. With this product you have to use it consistently over a course of weeks in order to notice a difference. Regarding its anti-aging properties I can't really comment either. I would say if anti-aging is your main concern maybe look for something more potent. 

As with all Kiehl's products you can ask for a sample prior to purchasing a full size product. I suggest asking for a couple of sachets, those will last you for a good week or so. You can get this product at your nearest Kiehl's counter or online.

Let me know if you have tried similar products and what your thoughts are!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 vs Lush Honey Trap

Nobody likes the look and feel of dry lips. Lip balm is an essential product in anybody's everyday routine. Despite being such a staple, it is difficult to find one that actually works. Now I became even more picky as I want it to be cruelty free, paraben free and do it's job. Lately I have been testing out Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush's Honey Trap lip balm. If you want to hear my thoughts, then keep on reading!

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm

Kiehl's lip balm comes in a squeeze tube which I think is a big plus, as you don't have to dip your finger to get the product out. You get 15ml of product, and it retails for 8,00€, which is reasonable. It doesn't have any distinguishable fragrance, but to me it is very reminiscent of vaseline scent. My biggest problem with this lip balm is the consistency. It is very slippery, it doesn't absorb into my lips and just pretty much sits on top of them. Hence, you are left with a glossy finish on your lips. The list of ingredients is not too impressive either. At the very top you get Petrolatum and a few natural ingredients appear at the end like the Aloe Leaf Extract. Kiehl's is considered a brand that tests on animals since its products are sold in China, which requires imported cosmetics be tested on animals.

Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm and Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 Packaging

Next up is the Honey Trap lip balm from Lush. Unlike Kiehl's lip balm it comes in a pot so you have to scoop the product out, which I am a little bit iffy about. It comes with 8g of product and is sold for 11,50€. I really like the consistency, it is very moisturising without feeling greasy. It gives your lips a slight sheen but nothing too glossy. I personally really like the scent, I can definitely pick up the notes of honey and vanilla. In term of ingredients it is packed with nourishing goodies like shea butter, almond oil, honey and extra virgin olive oil. It does contain Beeswax, so it is not suitable for vegans. But don't you despair, Lush also has a vegan version called None of Your Beesewax. It replaces beeswax with an extra virgin coconut oil and shea butter to give it a light texture and a slip. Among other ingredients are exotic mandarin oil, murumuru and cupuaçu butters. I don't own this one but I tried it at the store and I think I will be picking it up when I run out of the Honey Trap.

Overall my verdict is that Kiehl's lip balm #1 is an overrated vaseline with not so good ingredients. Honey Trap on the other hand
ticks all the boxes for me: it is cruelty free, paraben free and helps my dry lips. If you are looking to try a new lip balm, I say skip Kiehl's and check out Lush's Honey Trap instead! You can get it at your nearest Lush store or online. 

If you know of a good cruelty free, paraben free lip balm with an spf, let me know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Sensitive & Flaky Scalp? I got you sorted

Let's be honest: sensitive and flaky scalp is not fun or attractive. But don't you despair! I got you covered - let me introduce Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo. 

Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo

Since I have atopic eczema, my entire skin tends to be super sensitive and dry, including my scalp. This winter I had the worst episode of dry flaky scalp. It was flaking like no other and I felt very self conscious about it. I tried various oils and treatments for my scalp from the pharmacy but, frankly speaking, nothing worked. It might have taken the itching sensation off for some time but it would not stop my scalp from being super dry and flaky. It was my friend who suggested I try Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Dandruff Shampoo. I went to a Kiehl's counter here in Finland( you can find it at a central Stockmann in Helsinki and Tampere)and asked for a few samples. That is what I like about Kiehl's. They have an amazing customer service and will always give you samples if you ask. In terms of ingredients, as the name suggests, it contains Zinc which helps to fight dandruff, redness and itching. It is also packed with essential oils such as Rosemary Leaf and Marjoram Oil. 

This product has a very pleasant none intrusive minty scent, which I personally like. It is non-stripping and leaves my scalp feeling refreshed. After a few uses I could already notice that the skin was less irritated and having used this product for a month I could see a massive difference. Now my scalp is back to normal, and I keep this product in my weekly hair care routine. I don't use it every time I wash my hair but at least once or twice a week. 

This is now my holy grail product (as many bloggers and youtube's would put it) and I could not be without it. The thought of running out gives me a slight panic attack! In terms of price, it costs 22,00€, which in my opinion is not too bad. You don't need a lot, so a little goes a long way. I bought mine in winter and I am only half way through. 

If you suffer from sensitive and flaky scalp I highly recommend you try this guy out. As said you can always ask for samples at your nearest Kiehl's counter and see how you get along. 

Cheers,
Muffy