5 Reasons to Love Kiehl’s for Christmas!
How many times have you stared at rows of beauty products and wondered where to start? Kiehl’s could solve this problem for you, and that’s why this week’s #FaLaLaFriday feature is focused on this beauty brand.
It’s a fabulous time of year to create a Kiehl’s Christmas wish list through a consultation like I had at one of their stores. However, chatting to a professional during the consultation was beneficial in regards to knowing what my body personally needs and how to get the most out of the skin I am in.
But, before anyone jumps to any conclusions- this is not a sponsored post. In fact, I contacted Kiehl’s after an amazing experience I had with an employee in July.
On a sunny summer afternoon I had a media tour of Seven Dials to learn more about that London area. One scheduled stop was at Kiehl’s on Monmouth Street. I spent about 15 minutes with one of the store’s consultants, Gillian.
This is when I decided that a full feature on Kiehl’s would be valuable to Sunny readers.
Here’s what you might not know and need to know about the beauty brand:
Kiehl’s Fact #1: Brand Philosophy
As someone who worked in media, I’ve always found their non-traditional approach to marketing intriguing. They rely on word of mouth endorsements from existing customers and innovative marketing techniques, not advertisements. Think about it.
I explained to Gillian that after living in New York for 10 years, I was fully aware of Kiehl’s popularity and genius ‘advertising’. And I absolutely knew about their top selling product…
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Gillian was phenomenal. In my fifteen minute visit, she hustled and gave me as much information as she could. Her product knowledge was extensive. She’s been with Kiehl’s for over ten years. She sent me home with a hefty bag of samples like I’ve never received from a brand.
Excited about the experience, I purchased Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, and of course, the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. But I wanted more. I wanted to start trying all my samples, but I was overwhelmed with where to start.
I wrote the company and asked to interview Gillian so I could learn more about Kiehl’s. Then, I learned they had just opened a new store on Regent Street! 
Kiehl’s Fact #1: I <3 New York
The brand is exploding. Since L’Oreal purchased it in 2000, the brand has blown up. They’ve quadrupled sales and opened 30+ flagship stores, while staying true to their core values. I love that the Regent Street store really honors the beginnings of Kiehl’s. It was founded in 1851 as a homeopathic pharmacy in the East Village of New York City. 
The Regent Street Kiehl’s has a photo booth decorated like a subway car, and they are still keen to rock the London love.
Kiehl’s Fact #2- They’re wheely cool
One of the key developers of their skincare line had several motorcycles. They’re featured in some of the stores.
Kiehl’s Fact #3- Apothecary Concept
Avid Sunny readers know there’s a British beauty brand that I rave about consistently. No sense hiding it. I’m sure you have more than one favourite food. Both brands stay true to core values and use natural products. And, they feature simple, apothecary style packaging. I like that.
Kiehl’s Fact #4- They’re not just for girls
Kiehl’s has one of the largest male clientele of all beauty brands. So much so, they have an entire area devoted to the boys in their Regent Street store.
Kiehl’s Fact #5- Consultations are Key
Kiehl’s arranged for me to have a personal consultation with a beauty representative. I felt really special, but I learned that they offer this to everyone. Again, it’s part of their philosophy.
I spent about 30 minutes with Luis. His product knowledge was as impressive as Gillian’s, and he is pretty easy on the eyes too! 😉
As we sat in the area pictured above, he assessed my skin through asking me several questions about my concerns and by checking oil levels on my face. Specifically, he used two strips on my forehead and cheek to do the test. As someone who has always has about a gallon of water a day in my diet, I was shocked to learn I had very dry skin.
Apparently people who measure a 35-50 on the test are classified as dehydrated. While my face always ‘feels’ oily, I scored a 31.5.
Here’s my formula and beauty plan of attack:
– Cleanse with Centella Skin-Calming Facial Cleanser
– Apply Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
– Use a serum, moisturizer and eye solution. Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate, Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate
– Protect and replenish with Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate
Kiehl’s- My Personal Pitch:
Now here’s where I am going to seem like a brand pusher. I am fully aware that most brands would offer to do a consultation for you. However, from my experience, Kiehl’s feels very different. Their focus is not on pushing products. I felt I was sitting with a trained advisor who was eager to give me information, not a sales pitch.
80% of the Kiehl’s marketing budget is based on samples of products. In fact, they give away more than 12 million samples a year. By ‘not selling’ and avoiding any kind of inflated hype, they attain phenomenal results. They also give tons to charity. Really… what’s not to love?
The products truly do sell themselves. If you get a small sample of Midnight Recovery Concentrate, it’s entrancing. You’ll never go without it. Trust me. Forget what the stuff does to your face. The smell alone is enough to put you in to a sensual coma.
Don’t believe me?
Well, then I guess you’ll just have to try it!
I suggest popping in a store for a consultation. If you don’t walk out with one or two items, I know they’ll be on your Christmas list. That’s something I definitely won’t have to check twice.