The Big Kiehl’s 20% Off Sale Is Here To Save Your Post-Lockdown Skin
For a face that has been largely free of makeup most of the year, mine has definitely not enjoyed my busier social calendar of late. Since pub gardens opened and picnics became my favourite activity of all, the maskne has been real and, somehow, my skin is more dehydratedandoily at the same time. It’s not surprising, what with all the makeup, the eating and drinking out, not to mention the stress and anxiety of getting out there again. I’ve been really putting my skin through its paces and it’s in desperate need of some TLC.
Luckily for me, Kiehl’s famed Friends & Family Sale kicks off today, offering 20% off when you buy two or more products (excluding Heritage Limited Edition Products)*. Running from 13th to 18th May, you can expect all of Kiehl’s most iconic products to be included, from the bestselling Ultra Facial Cream to the cult favourite Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
But when there’s so much to choose from, how do you work out what’s really worth the hype? From hydrating facial oils to skin-strengthening serums, I asked around the Refinery29 office for the products we’ll be adding to our own shopping carts this week.
*Offer valid from 00:01 on 13/05/21 to 23:59 on 18/05/21. To redeem offer use code: SALE at checkout. Excludes products listed here. Only 1 transaction per customer.
This is the ideal everyday cleanser for oily skin prone to breakouts because it helps maintain your skin’s natural pH balance while gently cleansing it. All-star skincare ingredients squalane, vitamin E and avocado oil help moisturise, while apricot kernel oil gently exfoliates. A little goes a long way to leave you feeling fresh without that tight, uncomfortable sensation. If washing your face at the end of the day, this is best used as the second step in a double cleanse to remove every last trace of makeup, dirt and grease.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, $, available at Kiehl’s
There’s a reason why this face cream consistently makes must-have beauty lists – including our beauty editor’s own. It’s thick to the touch but has a lightweight texture that sinks into skin quickly without leaving any sticky residue. Even better, it’s formulated for all skin types and won’t irritate sensitive skin or cause you to break out, while still packing a serious moisture punch. Thanks to buzzy ingredients like avocado and apricot kernel oils, glacial glycoprotein and squalane, it even promises to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and retain water for longer. This is a trustworthy daily moisturiser which you won’t have to switch up for the changing seasons.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, $, available at Kiehl’s
We’re big fans of products that do all the hard work for minimal effort and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is a great example. At £41 for 30ml, it’s not cheap but those who use this facial oil swear by its revitalising power. Simply massage a few pumps onto skin – pre- or post-moisturiser – for a well-rested, glowing complexion, the likes of which you can only really get from plenty of water and a full 10 hours’ kip. Bonus: the lavender and primrose oil in the mix give you a luxe, spa-like feeling at home.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $, available at Kiehl’s
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of those magic ingredients that beauty editors rave about. And no wonder: it’s a naturally occurring humectant that works like a sponge to help skin retain water, leaving it plumped and dewy and minimising fine lines. HA works with every skin type but tired, dull skin will especially love this serum – a herbal mix of ginseng root and holy basil adds to the glowing results. Apply after cleansing and on damp skin for the best results, then layer your moisturiser over the top to lock in all the goodness.
Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum, $, available at Kiehl’s
When the dream is plump, glowing skin but your reality is back-to-back bottomless brunches, you need a product that is more than skin deep. Kiehl’s Iris Extract Essence Treatment is described as a ‘first step’ in an anti-ageing skincare routine, which simply means it tackles fine lines and smooths skin texture with a gentle, lipohydroxy exfoliating acid. Leave-on acid toners like this are ideal if you’re new to the exfoliating acid game. After cleansing, pour a few drops into your hands then gently pat into your skin to help prepare it for the other lotions, potions, serums and concentrates in your arsenal.
Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence, $, available at Kiehl’s
We all know how important it is to wear SPF in all seasons and all weathers – particularly when we’re all spending so much time outside. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV SPF50 is a strong contender for our favourite everyday SPF. It’s non-comedogenic so won’t block your pores, is ultra lightweight, sinks into skin effortlessly and won’t leave a greasy trace or pill when makeup is layered on top. Not to mention it protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, skin-damaging pollutants and moisturises at the same time – a win-win if you hate the typical oily sunscreen feel. My only complaint is that a 30ml tube runs out quickly so best to stock up.
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++, $, available at Kiehl’s
If you’re anything like me, your lips show the first signs of dehydration, be it too many cocktails and not enough water, aggressive heating and air-con or dry, summer heat. This overnight mask from Kiehl’s is a godsend, using coconut oil and mango butter to sink deep into the lips’ natural moisture barrier. Best applied before bed for plumper, softer lips, although it can also be used throughout the day for a quick fix.
Kiehl’s Buttermask For Lips, $, available at Kiehl’s
While I try to remember how to dress for summer, this stuff is saving my dry elbows and knees, leaving my skin super soft and with a delicious cocoa butter scent – the perfect accompaniment to shorter hemlines, strappy tops and backless dresses. My favourite part? Feeling ultra decadent after every bath or shower as the rich cream soaks in.
Using the right serum can really transform your skincare routine. I’ve struggled to find a product that ticks every box but think I’ve found my match with this concentrate. It’s a powerful mix of stabilised vitamin C for super glowy skin, hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and L-ascorbic acid for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture. Even better, it has antioxidant properties that protect skin throughout the day. Apply before you add your SPF for a tough barrier between your face and everyday aggressors.
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, $, available at Kiehl’s
Avocado is not just great on your toast, it’s also a saviour for the delicate skin around your eyes. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested, this rich, shea butter-infused cream is a favourite for those with sensitive skin as it doesn’t cause irritation. It also feels ultra refreshing on tired eyes. As someone who wears contacts – which can really dry my eyes out in the summer heat – this feels so good at the end of a long day.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $, available at Kiehl’s
If there’s one lockdown skincare step I’m making a regular part of my routine, it’s an occasional deep pore-cleansing mask to lift out impurities and debris, especially now I’m using makeup regularly again. Take off with a warm muslin cloth for an extra touch of exfoliation and a soothing DIY massage.
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, $, available at Kiehl’s
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