With every year I get older (and hopefully…wiser?) skincare becomes more and more important to me. My skincare routine is a consistent self-care moment in the day – the ritual of getting ready or unwinding before bed, having that me-time at the start and end of my day. For me, looking after my skin makes me feel happy, calm and confident. Makeup is fun, but I find as I invest more time and energy in my skin, I wear less and less makeup.
In May, I was invited down to the Kiehl’s store on King Street to have a full consultation and to try their brand new Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream. This super lightweight moisturiser is perfect for Summertime. The gel texture makes it silky smooth, non-greasy and really hydrating. If you have combination skin like me, you need this in your life! It sits so well underneath makeup and has a fresh, light fragrance (if fragranced products aren’t your thing, check out their cult favourite Ultra Facial Cream for something more sensitive-skin friendly).
The consultation was so helpful. As a skincare enthusiast, I love to learn the science behind skin and the ingredients in the products I’m using. My consultant Clare was so helpful, answering all of my burning questions and giving me loads of tips and tricks to make my routine work best for me.
Skincare tips from Clare at Kiehl’s
- Having an oily t-zone, Clare recommended gently sweeping and patting products into my skin, rather than rubbing or massaging. Less stimulation = less oil production! Especially during the day I’ve found it makes me less shiny. Who’d have thought?!
- A Vitamin C serum is essential if you live in the city. We know air pollution is bad for our health, but it can also affect your skin!
- Hydrated skin = happy skin. Every skin type needs hydration, not just dry skin. I’ve been making a conscious effort to drink tons more water too. If you want more tips on that, let me know.
- The best thing you can do for your skin? Wear SPF every day. This is your first port of call if you are concerned about preventing fine lines or damage.
Clare asked me a ton of questions about my lifestyle, current routine and more to determine what was best for me. She also tested the oil and hydration levels in my skin. If you’ve been to Kiehl’s before you’ll have seen these, but if you haven’t – they’re small paper pads that your consultant gently presses on your cheek and forehead, to determine the oil production of your skin. Mine came up normal-oily which is no surprise to me! She also had a handheld device that detects the hydration level in my skin. Technical stuff!
My main concerns are protection/prevention and dehydration. Clare really listened and prescribed a routine that fit perfectly with me.
I wanted to share some standout, must-have favourites from my skincare routine with you today.
Kiehl’s Skincare Routine Favourites
Ultra-Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF50
This was brand new when I got to try it and I was so excited! The original formula has fantastic reviews and this is a lightweight gel texture version, designed for humid conditions. The word lightweight is batted around a lot in skincare marketing, but this is truly lightweight considering it’s a high SPF. It feels and smells lovely and doesn’t slide around under makeup. A Summer staple!
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Clare wanted me to wear this daily, especially if I’m outside or headed into town It’s a Vitamin C based serum that improves your skin’s texture and glow, as well as help protect against pollution. My cheeks can get quite red and rosy, but I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the evenness in tone since using this daily. This also contains hyaluronic acid, which is essential for hydration.
Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
I don’t use eye creams…I know I should, but up ’til now I’ve just not bothered, being totally honest. If you’re new to eye creams as well, this is a great place to start. It’s gentle moisture for your under-eye area, which actually needs more hydration than you’d think.
I notice a difference when I don’t use this. My eye area looks dry and dull, and my concealer doesn’t sit as nicely throughout the day. I feel like eye cream is one of those products that you probably should start using in your skincare routine mid-twenties…I’m sure you’ll thank yourself later in life!
Midnight Recovery Concentrate
This guy is a serious game changer and one of Kiehl’s top products for a reason. Facial oil is a must-have for me and I’ve tried a sample of this in the past, so knew I loved it. A beautifully scented nighttime facial oil that leaves you glowing. If your skin is feeling a bit ‘meh’ – dull, dehydrated, irritated, hormonal, whatever – a few drops of this patted in and you will wake up looking 10x better. I’ve used so many oils before but this is the only one that has lasting results for my skin. This helps improve your skin’s texture and speeds up the healing of spots and blemishes (hence the name recovery). A must-have at that time of the month for me. Close your eyes and breathe in whilst you apply it – you’ll feel like you’re at the spa.
Creme de Corps Body Lotion
Don’t neglect the skin on your body! Since committing to using lotion (most) days my body feels so much smoother and hydrated. It’s easy to skip but those extra few minutes make a big difference. My tan goes on better and fades without cracking, my eczema improves and I don’t panic if I need to get my legs out on a hot day. Creme de Corps is another cult favourite from Kiehl’s and this is my first time trying it. Wow. This stuff gives serious hydration. If you want to feel baby soft and supple, use this. It’s the only body product I’ve used that has lasting results, as my skin feels supple and hydrated (the shower water runs off you!) for days after applying it.
My only advice is put it on straight away and hang out in your undies or dressing gown whilst you get ready. It’s rich and hydrating so needs a few minutes to settle in.
Are you a fan of Kiehl’s? What shall I try next?!
*Kiehl’s kindly gifted my routine. However, I was under no obligation to post anything about it! I genuinely love the products I share on my blog and all opinions are my own, honest thoughts.
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