Review: Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

I haven’t done a skincare review in a while but I just finished a bottle of this and with summer coming, up, it seems like the perfect season to get yourself a bottle of dark spot reducer. I received the Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution as a sample from Kiehl’s in February and I have been using it every day and every night for the past nearly 3 months.

My skin profile: I have very dehydrated cheeks with a t-zone that gets oily. I occasionally get break-outs, usually 1-2 around that time of the month. My main skin concerns are hyper-pigmentation and dehydration in the cheek area and fine lines in the eye area. My ideal skincare products are ones that provide good moisture to my skin, absorb quickly and leave no left-over product sitting on top of my skin.

I used this product twice a day, two drops in the morning for my face and four drops at night for my face and neck. I use this together with the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer both morning and night, and then also a layer of sunscreen during the day as well.

What it claims (from Kiehls.com): Clearly Corrective™ DARK SPOT SOLUTION is a fast-acting serum that evens skin tone and diminishes dark spots to impart overall radiance and luminosity to the skin:

• In as little as 2 weeks, 55% of women clinically demonstrated a significant reduction in dark spot intensity.
• In 4 weeks, 69% of women clinically demonstrated a continued reduction in dark spots intensity and 73% of women showed a significant reduction in acne scarring.  Reduction in other skin discolorations was clinically evident among 69% of women.
• In 8 weeks, 87% of women clinically demonstrated more uniform skin tone to deliver breakthrough clarity.
• With continued daily usage, Clearly Corrective helps to prevent the formation of future dark spots and other skin discolorations.

No Silicones. No Parabens. No Fragrance.
No Colorants. No Optical Diffusers.

Price: $49.50USD/$54CAD for 30mL

Texture/Scent: Light watery serum, very subtle herbal scent

The good: It is a light watery serum that absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. It is gentle on the skin and does not sting or cause any irritation, even with continued and prolonged use. I love that helps the Ultra Facial Moisturizer absorb quickly and the products together leave my skin hydrated, supple and healthy. Most importantly, I felt that my skin was brighter, smoother and more luminous. I also felt that because of the vitamin C in the serum, it helped to increase the cell turnover in my skin through exfoliation, which also help acne spots heal faster and any leftover scars will also lightened faster.

• Light, absorbs quickly and leaves no residue
• Gentle on the skin
• Skin is brighter, smoother and more luminous
• Helps cell turnover in the skin due to the vitamin C

The bad: I did not notice any reduction in dark spot (i.e. freckle) intensity, which was its main claim. If anything, I felt my spots were even more prominent because the rest of my skin was more luminous and bright. I am not a fan of the dropper packaging, because every time I use it, the serum is exposed to oxygen, and over 2-3 months, that is a lot of oxygen. Also as I am nearing the end of the bottle, I have to pour out the rest of the serum because the dropper doesn’t go all the way to the bottom.

• Does not lighten freckles
• Dropper packaging lets in a lot of oxygen and also not effective at releasing all of the product

Overall: I love this product when used with Ultra Facial Moisturizer, so much that I updated my review of the Ultra Facial Moisturizer because the Dark Spot Solution, when used in tandem with the Moisturizer, really helps to improve the efficacy of both products. Even though I didn’t see a reduction in my freckles, I did feel that this serum was worth investing in because it made the rest of my skin brighter, more luminous, and overall more healthy looking. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for an effective skin brightener that is still gentle and can be used twice a day for prolonged periods of time. It is hydrating enough for people with dry to normal skin, and it is light enough for people with oily or combination skin. I just finished my first bottle… and will be on to my second very soon =)

Product: 18/20
Packaging: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 25/30 | A-
Repurchase? YES!

FYI for an another review of this product, head over to Just J to read Miss J’s take.

Ingredients:

Kiehl’s event to celebrate NEW Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

A few weeks ago, Kiehl’s contacted me to see if I was interested in collaborating with them to host an event to celebrate their new Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. I’m a fan of Kiehl’s products so of course I jumped at the opportunity. Last week the event took place at the Kiehl’s Metrotown store after the mall had already closed (private partay!!) with about a dozen bloggers, Youtube vloggers and friends.

We were given a short history of Kiehl’s by the store manager Vanessa. We were then taken in one by one to do a specialized consultation by one of the Kiehl’s specialists, including providing product recommendations. I had my consultation with Judy, who is the assistant manager of the Kiehl’s Metrotown store and the one who contacted me in the beginning about hosting this event. As suspected, Judy tested my skin to be dry to normal (boo!). After taking in my thoughts about how I like to take care of my skin, Judy provided several recommendations of products that would be suitable for me. I was also given quite generous samples of each product to take home and try.

The event was catered with the most amazing smoked salmon ever, I think I ate about 10 pieces with bread. They also had a cheese platter, Vietnamese spring rolls and delicious cupcakes. I had an absolute blast at the event, chatting with bloggers as well as Kiehl’s specialists. It was great seeing everyone again, as well as meeting new friends. Overall the event was a success; I hope to do another one soon!

Review: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is another one of their newest, most popular products, along with the Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. These were meant to be used in conjunction with one another to get the most out of them and to yield the best results. Unfortunately I found that this product was also too heavy for me, however, my mother loved it. Because of this, I will be doing my own review as well as adding my mother’s thoughts for you (which will be highlighted in italics) as I feel it is important for you to see both of our opinions.

My skin profile: I have very dehydrated cheeks with a t-zone that gets oily. I occasionally get break-outs, usually 1-2 around that time of the month. My main skin concerns are hyper-pigmentation and dehydration in the cheek area and fine lines in the eye area. My ideal skincare products are ones that provide good moisture to my skin, absorb quickly and leave no left-over product sitting on top of my skin.

My mother’s skin profile: Currently in her late-40s, her skin is relatively wrinkle-free, with only some fine lines here and there. She has normal skin that does not break out nor dry out (meaning she can go without moisturizer and feel fine). Her main concerns are hyper-pigmentation in her cheek area, brightening sallow skin, and preventing wrinkles in her eye area.

What it claims (from Kiehls.com): This lightweight, readily-absorbed elixir effectively restores skin’s healthy appearance overnight, resulting in smoother, more radiant complexion by morning. Enriched with Squalane, a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids, Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential moisture to depleted skin. These naturally derived oils instantly penetrate the skin surface to help replenish it. Our recovery concentrate works at night when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors. With skin hydrated, supple and soft, rest assured you can say goodnight to tired-looking skin. Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, Mineral Oil Free

Price: $43USD/$48CAD for 30mL

Texture/Scent: Light oil

The good: I liked the scent and how it felt on my skin. My skin was smoother and softer right after I applied it. Even though this only comes in a 30mL bottle, the thing lasts FOREVER because you only need 2-3 drops at a time, which makes it extremely good value for the price. My mother enjoyed using this as well (along with the Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate). It hydrated her skin and made it soft and supple. While she didn’t notice any changes with her fine lines, she does feel that this makes her skin feel comfortable. It absorbed easily on her more mature skin.

• Smells good
• Skin is smoother and softer after application
• Lasts a long time, very good value for money
• Absorbs easily on mature skin

The bad: I felt it absorbed very slowly, and just as a personal preference I don’t like that. Also because you were only supposed to use 2 drops, I found it hard to spread on my face. If I used more, my face became greasy very fast. The dropper was also hard to use as you press down on the cap to suck up the oil and to dispense it, and as time passes, the oil seeps out making the bottle slightly oily. Every time I used it, I woke up with extra greasy skin. My mother also disliked the dropper.

• Absorbs super slowly
• Hard to spread on the face
• Skin becomes greasy quickly
• Dropper hard to use

Overall: I didn’t like this product very much as it just doesn’t absorb completely on my skin and also left it greasy. Both my mother and I found the dropper packaging hard to use. Fortunately, it made my mother’s skin very soft, supple and just very comfortable that she continues to use this religiously every night. I feel this product is probably more appropriate for people with more mature skin, perhaps ages 35+ as it will absorb better and the effects of it will be maximized. For your information, the rating below is using my mother’s experience rather than mine.

Product: 17.5/20
Packaging: 2/5
Value: 4.5/5
Overall: 23.5/30 | B+
Repurchase? Maybe

Ingredients list:

Review: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

This review has been updated! Read my updates at the end, under Overall.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Collection is the brand’s main skincare collection that focuses on simple steps to get healthy, well-balanced skin. The Ultra Facial Moisturizer is one of their most popular products that has a cult following. Because my skin, especially my cheeks, lean towards dry, I chose the Ultra Facial Cream instead of the Moisturizer as it is touted to provide 24-hours of hydration to the skin.

My skin profile: I have very dehydrated cheeks with a t-zone that gets oily. I occasionally get break-outs, usually 1-2 around that time of the month. My main skin concerns are hyper-pigmentation and dehydration in the cheek area and fine lines in the eye area. My ideal skincare products are ones that provide good moisture to my skin, absorb quickly and leave no left-over product sitting on top of my skin.

What it claims (from Kiehls.com): Inspired by our original, beloved Ultra Facial Moisturizer, this 24-hour, light-textured daily hydrator leaves skin comfortable and visibly well-balanced, particularly in harsh weather conditions. Our formula is made with Antarcticine–a Glycoprotein extracted from microorganisms sourced from sea glaciers and notable for an ability to protect skin from cold temperatures–as well as Imperata Cylindrica, a plant indigenous to the Australian desert which possesses superb water retention properties in dry conditions. Our unique combination of ingredients helps reduce moisture loss while drawing and absorbing moisture from the air. With continuous water replenishment throughout the day, skin is smooth, healthy-looking, and “moisture-even.”

Price: $24.50USD/$32CAD for 50mL; $46USD/$56CAD for 125mL

Texture/Scent: Thick gel-cream, scent-free

The good: It is completely scent-free, so it is good for those sensitive to fragrances. The gel-cream formula is lighter than a true cream and does not clog pores. The packaging is simple and fuss-free; I received the 160th anniversary packaging in the black and gold and it is very appealing to look at on my counter.

• Scent-free
• Does not clog pores
• Simple, straightforward packaging

The bad: This does not completely absorb and leaves a greasy film on my face. If I use this alone, it is not hydrating enough and leaves my skin feeling tight. If I use this with a serum underneath, whether water-based or oil-based, it will not absorb completely.

• Does not completely absorb
• Not hydrating enough to use on it’s own,

Overall: This is a good product if you have very dry skin to use with a serum, or if you have drier-combination skin. On my dry-to-normal skin, it is not a good product, unfortunately. I felt that it was too heavy to use with serums but too light to use on it’s own, which is very frustrating. It works a little bit better at night because I don’t have to apply sunscreen on top, but because it does not absorb completely on me, I cannot use this with sunscreen during the day (because my face will just turn into a greaseball). This is a very good basic moisturizer, and if you fit one of the skin types I described above, then you should check it out in store.

[UPDATE 19/5/2012] I absolutely LOVE this moisturizer. I’ve noticed that you cannot use it with serums that contain silicone or any kind of “protective” ingredient because then it will not absorb. I have been using it with the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution for the past nearly 3 months and it absorbs really well into my skin, leaving it healthy, moisturized and supple. I highly recommend this product as a simple moisturizer for everyone with dry, normal or combination skin, as long as you don’t use a serum with silicone or protective ingredients (such as petrolatum). The ratings below have been updated as well.

Product: 18/20
Packaging: 4.5/5
Value: 4.5/5
Overall: 27/30 | A
Repurchase? YESSS

Ingredients:

Review: Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is one of their newest, most popular products, along with the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which I will review later. Unfortunately I found that this product was too thick and heavy for me, however, my mother absolutely loved it. Because of this, I will be doing my own review as well as adding my mother’s thoughts for you (which will be highlighted in italics) as I feel it is important for you to see both of our opinions.

My skin profile: I have very dehydrated cheeks with a t-zone that gets oily. I occasionally get break-outs, usually 1-2 around that time of the month. My main skin concerns are hyper-pigmentation and dehydration in the cheek area and fine lines in the eye area. My ideal skincare products are ones that provide good moisture to my skin, absorb quickly and leave no left-over product sitting on top of my skin.

My mother’s skin profile: Currently in her late-40s, her skin is relatively wrinkle-free, with only some fine lines here and there. She has normal skin that does not break out nor dry out (meaning she can go without moisturizer and feel fine). Her main concerns are hyper-pigmentation in her cheek area, brightening sallow skin, and preventing wrinkles in her eye area.

What it claims (from Kiehls.com): This Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is formulated with a high concentration of 10.5% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) known for its affinity with skin and its powerful ability to improve the appearance of skin aging. With continued use over time, this treatment has a significant and progressive effect on marionette lines around the mouth and sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area as well as other facial lines and wrinkles. In addition, skin shows a noticeable improvement in texture and radiance.

Price: $56USD/$77CAD for 50mL

Texture/Scent: Thick creamy liquid, feels like a light silicone primer, mostly scent-free. Warms up upon contact with the skin as the Vitamin C is activated.

The good: I like the warming sensation and the nice, simple packaging, but that’s pretty much it. This has been a miracle product for my mother. Her skin has visibly brightened and her hyper-pigmentation, which are in patches on her cheeks, has visibly lightened. It also absorbs quickly on her more mature skin.

• Nice warming sensation
• Simple packaging
• Visibly brightened the skin
• Lightened hyper-pigmentation on the cheeks
• Absorbs quickly

The bad: I felt it didn’t absorb at all, just sat on my face and felt greasy. My mother couldn’t think of any downsides, just that it’s expensive to purchase in Canada compared to the US price.

• Did not absorb at all, skin felt greasy
• Expensive to purchase in Canada compared to the US price

Overall: I did not like this product at all, I have no idea why it did not absorb and rather just sat on my skin, but I am very happy that my mother enjoys using this product. It has significantly improved her skin-tone and also lightened her hyper-pigmentation in her cheeks. From our experience, this product would probably be better suited for more mature skin, maybe age 35+ and can take such heavy products. For your information, the rating below is using my mother’s experience rather than mine.

Product: 19/20
Packaging: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 26/30 | A
Repurchase? Likely, probably in the US though

Ingredients list: