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

Catrice Blushes Cheap and Cheerful

Catrice is a brand that I haven't heard much about or come across for that matter. However, a friend of mine visited Central Europe and brought me some makeup goodies. Among those were the Catrice Defining Blushes. I put them to the test with low expectations but boy was I wrong!

Catrice Defining Blushes in 020 Rose Royce, 030 Love & Peach,
 090 Mandy-rine

Catrice is an affordable makeup brand that is mostly sold in Central Europe. It is cruelty free and has a wide range of products to choose from. These blushes are dermatologically tested, oil free and infused with Vitamin E. They do contain talc, so be aware of that. Besides blushes I have tried their single eyeshadows and lipliners which are both really good. I have featured them in my recent posts, so if you're interested you can check it out here and here. In their blush assortment they have 6 colours plus 3 NEW shades, which is not bad for a drugstore brand. In my possession I have: 020 Rose Royce - dusty rose, 030 Love & Peach - coral and 090 Mandy-rine - peach.

Clockwise: 030 Love & Peach, 020 Rose Royce and 090 Mandy-rine

L-R: Rose Royce, Mandy-rine, Love & Peach

In the pan they look matte, however when applied to the cheeks they have a slight sheen to them. It is especially evident in the Rose Royce shade. I would say they have a satin finish. In terms of consistency they are not chalky nor powdery. They are well pigmented, some more than others. For instance Mandy-rine swatches beautifully, it's opaque in one swipe. Rose Royce on the other hand needs a little bit of building up. I actually don't mind that you can build up the intensity to your liking. Helps to avoid a clown look if you know what I mean. When it comes to longevity they perform relatively well. They are not as long-lasting as Makeup Geek blushes but they did stay on my cheeks for a good 5 hours. My friend wore Rose Royce in 30°C weather and it did not budge, so there is that.

Normally I am not a fan of drugstore packaging, because 9 out 10 times it looks and feels very cheap. With these I don't actually mind it. I think it looks sleek with no unnecessary bulkiness. It's surprisingly sturdy, so you don't have to worry about your blush crumbling all over your bag. You get 5g of product, which is a decent amount. The best part, these blushes retail only for 3,45€ (at least in drugstores in Austria, so there could be slight price variation based on the location). I say these are equivalent if not better then Rimmel, Maybelline and L'Oreal blushes. The only downside is the availability. We can't get Catrice products in Scandinavia. But I do have good news for my readers in USA, I heard that Ulta started carrying Catrice products! 

Overall my two cents on Catrice blushes are that they are worth checking out if you are on the hunt for reasonably priced, oil and cruelty free blushes. You can't go wrong with these. Next time you are heading to Central Europe I say stop by a Catrice counter and see for yourself!

Do you have any other recommendations for hidden gems in drugstores?

Cheers,
Muffy