Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye

For your cold weather eye needs Kiehl's has out new Midnight Recovery Eye.  It's a companion  to last year's Midnight Recovery Concentrate , which I  ended up really liking despite being afraid of the oils.

What's nice about this new  eye cream is that it's  moisturizing, but not heavy or sticky. It has light feel , you only need a little and it sinks right in. I like it for the moisture but it also , according to Kiehl's, has great effect on puffiness. That I can't attest to.

Midnight Recovery Eye  has 99.8 % naturally derived and ingredients including  Butcher’s Broom, to reduce puffiness  and improve microcirculation and Squalane, Evening Primrose and Lavender, " to reinforce the protective barrier and slow the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles"

Available now for $ 36.00

Kiehl's LideRide for amFAR Wrap Up

Last Friday I told you about the Kiehl's LifeRide for amFAR that kicked off in Philadelphia.

Yesterday was the last day , concluding with a ride thru NYC  to the Kiehl's flasghip for a BBQ.

Many celebs rode and Mark Paul Gosselaar came in  just for New York and Tricia Helfer began in Philly, went back to LA, and then back to NY for the finale.

For Saved By The Bell fans, Tiffani Theissen turned up for support on Saturday so there was a Zack/Kelly reunion.

The best account of the ride including pictures is liferider Paul D'Orleans blog- The Vintagent.  A motorcycle blog  normally but for those interested in the ride - who was there and where they went, it's a great source . So far Day 1 is posted and linked here, but I am sure more will come.

Kiehl's Facebook page has a large gallery as well.

Kiehls 2nd Annual LifeRide for amFAR

On Monday August 1st, Kiehl's kicks off it's 2nd annual LifeRide to benefit amFAR. The extra neat  part- it's not just in NYC.  The kick off is in Philadelphia and  then riders will go to Massachusetts and then to NYC . The ride goes thru August 6th and  celebrity riders include Jason Lee, Tyson Beckford, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tricia Helfer, Justin Chatwin, Katee Sackhoff and Teddy Sears  .

The Philadelphia event takes place at the Center City Kiehl's store and will also feature food by Top Chef contestant and noted Philly chef Jennifer  Carroll of 10 Arts Bistro.  The event winds up with a BBQ at the NYC flagship.

To coincide with the ride an LE , a special design of   Ultra Facial Cream, is to be sold at all Kiehl’s stores and Kiehls.com beginning Aug. 1.  100% of net profits up to $25,000 will benefit amfAR. Together, from the ride and the product, Kiehl’s will donate $100,000 to amfAR.

The rest of the ride details per Kiehls:


Our very own Chris Salgardo, President of Kiehl’s USA, and Alain de Cadenet, Le Mans racer and ESPN “Speed Channel” Host, will lead riders from Pennsylvania to Massachusettes to New York City, with five stops along the way.

Kiehl’s will make donations to amfAR at each stop on the route – totaling $75,000. The LifeRide will finish at our flagship store on 13th Street and Third Avenue in the East Village. In honor of LifeRide, for every customer that visits Kiehl’s free-standing stores on these dates, Kiehl’s will donate $5 to amfAR, up to the $100,000 total donation.

Here’s the 2011 LifeRide itinerary:

July 31st: King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, PA – 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

August 1st: Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

August 4th: Stop 1: Burlington Mall, Burlington, MA – 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Stop 2: Newbury Street, Boston, MA – 12: 00 pm to 1:30pm

August 6th: NYC Flagship Store BBQ/Block Party, New York, NY – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

**In the spirit of giving, Kiehl’s will offer a Celebration Discount of 15% off all purchases at each store – the day it is hosting an event, and for those unable to attend the events, in honor of the LifeRide, Kiehl’s is also delighted to extend complimentary ground shipping and a week’s supply of Creme de Corps when you purchase the new Limited Edition or standard Ultra Facial Cream online at www.kiehls.com. Simply enter the code LIFERIDE upon checkout – offer expires 8/7/11.


http://www.kiehls.com/

Kiehl's for Share Our Strength May 14th

Off to the Makeup Show in New York today .

Wanted to share , though, Kiehl's fundraising initiative in  their stores today.

Read on for the official info.


On May 14, 2011, Kiehl’s proudly unveils a national event called Erase Lines, Fill Needs, and Ensure That No Kid Goes Hungry in America.


Taking place at all Kiehl’s freestanding stores nationwide, we’re inviting our patrons to visit the stores and:

· Help us reach our overall donation goal of $75,000, by giving at the cash register between May 14 and May 31, 2011 (visit Kiehls.com to find a Kiehl’s freestanding store near you.)

· If you’re unable to visit a freestanding store, donations will be accepted at Kiehls.com, May 14 through Dec. 31, 2011, to reach the total donation goal of $75,000.

And, on May 14, in all Kiehl’s freestanding stores:

· In all stores, receive a complimentary 10.5 day supply of Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate and Kiehl’s will donate $1.50 per customer visit to Share Our Strength (up to $10,500)

· In select stores, purchase treats from a bake sale hosted by Ambassadors of Share Our Strength to further raise funds for the organization.
Participating Kiehl’s stores are:

Kiehl’s Since 1851, 109 Third Avenue, New York
Kiehl’s Since 1851, Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
 Kiehl’s Since 1851, 2360 Fillmore St., San Francisco
Kiehl’s Since 1851, 112 Newbury St., Boston
Kiehl’s Since 1851, 832 Lincoln Rd., Miami
· In all stores, partake in additional Vitamin C with complimentary offerings of oranges and orange juice

· In all stores, participate in two raffles for a Kiehl’s gift valued at $150

**$1 can help connect a child to 10 meals!**

Gifts made to Share Our Strength represent a gift to our organizational mission and will be used to reach the highest number of children facing hunger in America. Share Our Strength does this by combining your gift with others to address child hunger community by community, state by state. Your gift today will leverage the time, expertise, and additional funds needed to end childhood hunger once and for all. And because we are an outstanding 501c3 organization, your gift is tax deductible.

Find information about this project online at:

www.kiehls.com/shareourstrength

Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Skin Cream

Kiehl's Rosa Arctica  is the cream to reach  for if you have  winter dry or desert sun  parched skin. It's loaded with  moisture from cocoa butter, shea butter , fatty acids, squalene and glycerin.

Kiehl's new  key ingredient here is the Resurrection Flower, a plant indigenous to  Bulgaria , that is know to survive in the harshest condtions. The flower itself can survive periods of dryness ( and completly dry out) for up to 31 months, according to Kiehls,  by  miminizing water loss  and then come back to normal growth and flower after  moisture is once again added.  All this means that this new ingredient is said  to "jolt" skin cells , wake them up,  and help to reduce wrinkles, increase elasticity and smooth.

That's the scientific speak. What I can tell you from trying it, is that Rose Arctica cream is  a thick , silky cream ( you can tell there is shea butter in there) that obviously is super moisturizing. It is the richest cream in  the Kiehl's lineup.   It sinks in fast  and is soft not sticky on skin.   It's far too heavy for me, but as I said in the beginning, if you have super dry skin this is exactly what you are looking for. Think of this as like  the heavy hand cream you use but made for your face with anti-aging properties.

Retail is  $ 60.00 for  1.7  oz jar.
http://www.kiehls.com/

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

Rich and luxurious- good words right ? Well today rich and luxurious is brought to you by Kiehl's  new  Creme  de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter.  You might recall last year's offering -Imperial  Body Balm. Still one of my all time top body creams. Now we have this new addition   to the Creme de Corps line

The body butter  is thick but also whipped so it's light and souffle like in texture. In other words, it's pretty delish.  It's  also super moisturizing and sinks into skin pretty fast.

There is  a good bit of scent-mostly a  sweet honey scent . Rather pretty .  Ingredients include shea butter , beta carotene, and jojoba oil and vitamin E.

8 oz  Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter is $ 35.00

Kiehl's for holiday  2010 has also partnered with artist Jeff Koons to do special LE  containers of  4 products  in the Creme de Corps line.

100% of Kiehl’s net profits  worldwide (up to $200,000)  from the sale of each of the special edition product will benefit The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).

See more at http://www.kiehls.com/

Kiehl's Mother's Day Sets

Just in time for Mother's Day gifting, Kiehl's has put together several special sets with mom in mind. Featured here are two, the rest can be viewed in Kiehl's stores or online .

I particularly like the lavender set for moms. My dear friend The Movie Mommy notices I often gift her with lavender everything. She's a mom of two youngsters, works full time and has the hubby, the house, etc. I think she needs it. Every mom needs a little stress reduction. Pampering is good too and both these sets deliver on that.

Lavender Collection $ 54.50

• Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe, 8.4 oz.
• Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser in Lavender, 8.4 oz.
• Deluxe Hand & Body Lotion with Aloe Vera & Oatmeal in Lavender, 8.4 oz.
• Midnight Recovery Concentrate (deluxe)
• Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (packette)

Creme de Corps Essentials $ 73.50
• Creme de Corps, 8.4 oz.
• Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream, 6.8 oz.
• Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish, 6.8 oz.
• Midnight Recovery Concentrate (deluxe)
• Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (packette)

http://www.kiehls.com/

Earth Day

It's Earth Day and you will no doubt be inudated with messages and ideas and products to help the earth today. It's no different here. I've chosen a few eco-friendly options that have Earth Day promotions, but are often Earth Day everyday as well. It's important to remember it's the little things sometines and all little things count. Buying a product that is even a little bit more earth friendly is good. Unplugging the cell phone charger. It all adds up. Personally, not only do I try to recycle as much as I can, but I am extra judicious about paper. Even scrap pieces go into the recycling bin . I am also all about saving the seals, polar bears and wolves. I don't do it all, but I try do what I can and that's a start.

Elemis- There is very little Elemis doesn't do right. Their Monoi line is a favorite here. This Earth month the Exotic Lime & Ginger Travel Duo is a featured product. Both products are paraben, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLES) free. Elemis does not test on animals and 100% of net proceeds ($10) from every purchase made in April 2010 goes to CARE'S Climate Change Innovation Fund to support their on-the-ground programming, research, innovation and advocacy around climate change.
$20 Elemis Travel Duo

Pure and Natural- A line I've passed in the Target aisle more than once and finally sniffed and tried . I love a good grapefruit scent and their Renewing Pomegranate and Grapefruit smells spot on. Tart and citrus. It comes in both a shower gel and hand soap. The line uses ingredients derived from nature( 94% natural origin), is biodegradable, paraben free , and not tested on animals . The new, nicer packaging is recyclable and they are making an annual donation of $ 100,000.00 to one of my very favorite charities The World Wildlife Fund .

The shower gel is $ 6.29 and hand soap $ 4.49. ( 3 other scent combos available).

Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin- We all love Juicy Tubes, right? Now there are new versions to try . I have Rose Pretty and it's very subtle flush of light rose tint. It also happens to be the 10th birthday of Juicy Tubes , and to celebrate Lancome brings us Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin. A limited-edition collection with honey as its main ingredient. The formula, flavors and pigments are 100% natural origin and preservative-free.

Lancome is also partnering with Lancôme spokesmodel and environmentalist Elettra Wiedemann’s charity, http://www.justonefrickinday.com/. By logging on its website, you can calculate and donate just one day of your daily pay, or any amount you choose , to make a difference. The charity’s latest project will raise funds to help install Solar Electric Panels that will provide sustainable power to a hospital in one of world’s poorest countries, Burundi.

Lancôme will also make a donation to http://justonefrickinday.com/ to kick off this special Earth Day offering.

Kiehl's Acai Damage- Protecting Mist - Kiehl's has partnered with Jeff Koons, Pharrell Williams, Malia Jones and Julianne Moore and has had each of them create a Limited Edition label for Kiehl’s Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist – itself part of a skincare collection that is not only Eco Cert certified organic, but is also the first skincare range ever to ever receive gold standard Cradle to Cradle certification – meaning that it is made with the least amount of waste from start to finish.

Photographer David LaChapelle took photos of each celeb. incl this one of a fabulous looking Julianne Moore ( but then she always looks fab doesn't she ?).

100% of net proceeds (amounting to $200,000) will be raised worldwide to benefit Rainforest Alliance with this collection. $ 26.00. http://www.kiehls.com/

Thymes: Enjoy for one day only( April 22) a free Clean Slate Experience Kit with any $100 purchase. Also take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more until Wednesday, May 5th, 2010.

The Clean Slate Experience Kit is valued at $61 and combines Thymes’ best selling Face Polish with customer favorite Body Scrub. This duo includes everything you need to scrub away yesterday and renew your skin’s resources.

Made with essential oils, natural ingredients, Thymes is botanically based Bath & Body products that are biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Online orders only: http://www.thymes.com/

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl's newest product is Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Having oily skin I didn't even intend to try this highly emollient serum, but I am glad I was encouraged to do so.

I still think it's a bit too much moisture for my skin most days, but I had the chance to see and feel for myself what a fabulous product it is.

The idea is the blend of evening primrose oil, squalene and numerous essenial oils such as lavender, coriander seed, rosemary leaf, rose flower as well as sunflower seed oil ,will help to return your skin to a better place overnight, working while your skin is most receptive to repair.

All you need is 1-2 drops. As I said it is very moisturizing and can be lightly applied to your face and allowed to sink in.

The softness you get after using this is very noticeable. Not only did I feel it on my face, but my on my hands. (It's best to drop the concentrate onto hands and then apply to face.) My hands were about the softest I have ever seen them. You wake up with soft skin and a little glow not to mention very hydrated.

Listed for all skin types, but for those with normal and especially those with dry skin, this will be well worth using.

TIP: I have been adding a drop to my hand or body lotions and mixing it in. Makes your lotion that much better .

The bottle size is 1 oz so this will last long. Retail is $ 42.00

Midnight Recovery Concentrate is 99.8 % natural, has no parabens or fragrance added.

http://www.kiehls.com/




*press sample

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

One of the nicest things about fashion week in New York is that you get to visit in person places or stores you haven't been to in some time, and then discover some great product you should have tried long ago. One of those products is Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, tested on a trip to the flagship store on 13th and 3rd yesterday.

Not only is this eye cream highly moisturizing with shea butter and avocado oil, but it has what Kiehl's calls a "water burst " effect . When you apply the cream it goes on thick, then bursts into a thinner , refreshing formula that blends easily . It's really quite neat once you try it and you have to try it to truly get the feel of it.

A .5 oz jar is $ 25.50 at all Kiehls stores and online at http://www.kiehls.com/

Best of Beauty 2009

It was a great year for beauty . It's never easy to pick the best of they year. The list could be big, but there will always be standouts among an already solid lineup.

Here is my tops of 2009 in no certain order and with links to my original post/review if there was one ( please add your favorites in comments, I'd love to know)

Kiehls Imperial Balm - This one is making every best of list. Does an amazing job on your skin and smells so darn good and spicy warm. I bought the Kusmi tea made to go with this, and it's just as good. The warmth sticks with you long after you're done sipping.


Rouge Allure Laque by Chanel - Gets not simply the best lipstick of the year but perhaps best ever, tied in the year end version with Lancome La Laque Fever, next on the list. Everything I ever wanted in a lippie. Creamy, shiny, lasting, smoothing , elegant, luxurious. The feeling I get when I use this can't be discounted. If a lippie makes you feel that good, it's worth the price.

La Laque Fever by Lancome - One of the best easily. Full coverage , long lasting but never uncomfortably dry. Makes your lips look like you lined them and took more time than you did . Every makeup kit needs one.

Lierac Diopti - I have recommended these to many. All have raved . A full eye care line , one for each issue and they can be combined. These work, the most important thing of all.

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Baby - A tinted balm from Guerlain. I swooned at the thought. Color, sparkle, moisture in that silver case. These are loaded with moisturizers and are not just a pretty case.

Heeley Ophelia Perfume- I smell a lot of perfumes. Any regular reader of this blog will know that. So for me to fall immediately for a perfume at first sniff and want to buy it on the spot means a lot. Such was the case with Heeley Ophelia. I didn't buy it ( at $ 175.00 it was simply too much a splurge at holiday time) but I am still smitten with the thought of it. I recall a big but light white floral . Not heavy, not cloying but beautiful. Fellow sniffers at Barneys seemed equally appreciative.

MAC Suntints- MAC Tendertones have made this list since the beginning. They are still one of the tops , but this year gave us Suntints. Tinted lip balm with SPF in a tube. Thank you MAC. Serious moisture with very light tint and a little shine , perfect for almost anytime .

Reviva Vitamin E Stick I blogged about this and then several months later it was in Lucky magazine. I am so way ahead folks ( well sometimes ). This little, $ 3.00 stick is power moisture for the eyes, lips or wherever you need it.


Dior Escale a Pondichery A fragrance for any and all times. I never need to think if I am in the mood to wear this , if it's too heavy or is just not going to sit right that day. It's always just right, and a little uplifting. I do wish it lasted longer but citrus types usually don't. More re-spritzing, that's all.


Bobbi Brown Chrome Eyeshadow- The Pewter shade is my standout . This color is so beautiful . It looks amazing on it's own or paired with any number of other shadows or liners. It flashes silver, grey, taupe , gold and looks like liquid metal. Hard to describe and very unique. One I reach for all the time. ( Gold shown in image)


As for last year's list, just in case you were wondering, I am still very enamored of those as well . Bobbi Brown Glitter Balms , and MAC Tendertones are among others could easily have made this list again.

Full list from 2008:

http://thebeautyalchemist.blogspot.com/2009/01/2008-favorite-things.html

Kiehl's Hand for a Cure- World Aids Day

Today is World Aids Day and Kiehls is one of the companies joining in to create awareness and help.

"Maintaining its long-standing tradition of supporting HIV/AIDS charities, Kiehl’s Since 1851, is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

In proud support of World AIDS Day, on December 1, Kiehl’s will introduce Hand Care for a Cure, a Limited Edition version of its customer favorite, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. Donating 100% of net profits of each product dedicated to stemming the loss of life from HIV/AIDS, this heavy-duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection to hands. Featuring a blend of select ingredients that allows skin to actually draw and absorb water from the air, this hand salve forms a “glove-like’ protective barrier against moisture loss."

$ 12.50 for 2.5 oz

Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm

Russian winters are tough, so I hear. They certainly look it, so a body balm inspired by keeping warm in those winters is sure to be a winner.

Such is the case with Kiehl's new Imperial Body Balm. Loaded with antioxidants, nut butters, and honey and fruit glycolic acids this balm smooths , softens and moisturizes. My skin was so much smoother after using it thanks to the AHAs. This is a very thick cream but it isn't greasy or heavy.

The balm is infused with Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil . The Sea Buckthorn fruit has oils, amino and fatty acids, and a high level of carotenoids. The carotenoids lend the balm it's deep yellow color.

Imperial Balm is highly aromatic. Just taking the jar lid off gives a nice waft of scent. The smell is deeply rich. A little amber, a little honey, a little spice. It definitely evokes winter and warm fires.

Premium tea company Kusmi Tea has created a complementary tea to go with the Imperial Body Balm. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to buy a tin when next at a Kiehls counter. If it smells anything like the balm , then it will be good.

Kusmi Tea Imperial Label is green tea blended with orange, cinnamon , vanilla, licorice and the Sea Buckthorn berries. It's exclusive to Kiehls


Imperial Body Balm is $ 42.00 for 8 oz
Kusmi Imperial label Tea is $ 18.00 for 20 bag tin

http://www.kiehls.com/

Holiday Gift Guide Part 1

I had so many ideas for gifts that I have decided to do several gift guides. For the next week or so they will pop up.

Some items are one I have posted on before so I was brief and put the link in for the old post. Most are in the collage above, with 2 having their own pics. I hope you enjoy them. A lot of time was spent putting them together and I think there's some great ideas here.


I also tried to include many price points


Please feel free to leave a comment if you'd like some help finding a gift. I'd be happy to help you pick out the right thing.

-Biotherm Eau Pure Set- I love this fresh citrus scent and wore it all summer. Now you can get a well priced gift set for $ 45.00 including the full size fragrance . My original review Here
Set Incl.:
Eau Pure Spray 100ML
Body Lotion 75ML
Shower Gel 75ML
http://www.biotherm-usa.com/


-Clinique Happy to Go- A set of 3 perfume pencils. Yes pencils. Darling, cute , portable & pretty smelling. The set gives you one pencil in Happy, anf then breaks down the Happy notes into the two others - Hint Of Citrus, and Wealth of Flowers. Comes in a nice carrying case and with a sharpener. Avail. in December and LE. $ 30.00


-Acqua Di Parma Iris Nobile Coffret- I adore this scent and this would be very welcome at my house. Elegant, soft and a slight metallic cool. $ 101.00
Full size EDP, smaller Body cream & Shower Cream
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

-Be Delicious Keychain- a unique, fun gift. Almost anyone is sure to love this. $ 35.00 only at Sephora. My previous post on this perfect gift Here


-Molton Brown Elemental Bath & Shower set -10 of the most popular Molton Brown shower gels in 50ml sizes. Great for the traveler or to introduce someone to the brand. $ 40.00
http://www.beautyhabit.com/
http://www.moltonbrown.com/



-Dermalogica Body Buffing Set- set of 2 huge 16 0z.bottles of Dermalogica's siganture scented body products and a buffing cloth. The lotion and shower gel are both very moisturizing and have a lemon / vetiver scent going on. A little woody, a little smoky , a little citrus. Can easily be unisex. $ 55.00 You can read my review of the yummy matching candle Here


http://www.dermalogica.com/ and Ulta stores



-Kiehls Delights Set- Anything Kiehls is a good gift. This set brings loads of good products at a nice price. $ 35.50
Creme de Corps, 8.4 fluid ounces., Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream, 6.8 fluid ounces,Lip Balm #1, 0.5 fluid ounces., Deluxe sample Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish,Kiehl's yellow monogrammed wash mitt.


-Estee Lauder Sensuous Cathedral Square Compact- Wow. Thats all. This is exquisite. Meant to look like St. Basils cathedral in Red Square, Russia this is too pretty for words. Exclusive to Neiman Marcus.$ 300.00

And one for the men:

Ralph Lauren Polo Modern Reserve-Most men love Polo in one form or another. Modern Reserve is to celebrate the 30th anniversary and highlights more of a citrus note than the original. I really liked it. There is a special gift set that includes a leather case. The guys should love this if Polo is their scent.

40z EDT is $ 62.50

Numbered Leather Gift Set $ 200.00 , LE of 3,500
http://www.bloomingdales.com/