IT'S A MAN'S WORLD: Kiehl's Review

Guest blogger, comedian Kieran O'Neill will be appearing on Style & Sound from time to time to  give a guy's perspective on the hottest new products out there.  Here he is reviewing some of the skincare range from the lovely people at Kiehl's...

I HAVE been asked by Lalita to review a selection of Kiehl's grooming products for men. This was always going to be interesting as I view myself as a fairly low maintenance guy. However being in my 30's I need to start taking care of myself more, and that includes my face. 

Me really enjoying my holiday in Milan

 I was introduced to Kiehl's whilst on holiday in Milan, after I wandered into the shop looking for aftershave. 

The extremely helpful assistant was able to give me some insight into what sort of products I should be looking to buy, and after an ego crumbling session of looking at products which double as aftershaves and also a number of anti aging products, 

I get the feeling the lovely girl was trying to tell me something. So based on her sagely advice, I offer you my average Joe review of some of Kiehl's top grooming products for men.

Me scaring the pretty Kiehl's shop assistant in Milan

 

Facial Fuel Transformer Age Correcting Moisture Gel, RRP £27 for 75ml

The blurb on the packaging states that the product has a skin-optimising action which instantly transforms your appearance.

It also claims to conceal visible signs of aging by smoothing fine lines and unifying skin tone. The Transformer contains blue algae, which is a source of skin enriching proteins, amino acids and vitamin B. 

Evaluation post application: My initial impression of this product has been a very positive one.  The moisturiser was fairly light, absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy residue and smelled quite nice, but not overpowering. Even after just one application my face looks much smoother, with a brighter complexion, which adds weight to Kiehl's claims of it being age correcting. The most surprising aspect was that it worked so well as a moisturiser that it even made my stubble feel smoother, which I'm sure your better half will appreciate gentlemen!


Facial Fuel Energizing Moisturiser, RRP £21 for 75ml

This is another facial moisturiser in the Facial Fuel line of products. Rather than being age correcting, this product specialises in being energising. The blurb on the packaging states that it wakens and uplifs dull, fatigued skin and therefore acts as a 'facial recovery accelerator". Fair enough. Ingredients include vitamin C and E, chestnut extract and soy.

Evaluation post application: My initial reaction has been a very positive one. It feels incredibly light on my skin, absorbed quickly and left a strong scent. As a result, you wouldn't need to use an aftershave with this, as the smell is strong enough to act as one. 


It had a very cooling sensation and I only needed to use a surprisingly small amount to cover the whole face, which will result in value for money and it was still an effective moisturiser.

I wasn't sure if there would be any difference at all between the Transformer Age Correcting moisturiser and the Energising moisturiser, but surprisingly there was. Both work excellently, but it depends on what you need your product to specialise in. 

If you want a light, but deep moisturiser with a subtle smell which helps to smooth the look of the face and brighten the complexion, then the Transformer is the product for you. If you just need something to brighten a tired looking face, which is extremely light and can also be used as an aftershave then the Energiser is your best bet.

Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream, RRP £30.50 for 50ml

The blurb on the tub states that it defends against the signs of aging, surface wrinkles and loss of firmness. Ingredients include extracts of chestnut and citrus fruits, soy and vitamins C and E. 

Evaluation post application:  It was very cooling, however it felt heavy and thick and tightened my face too much. Personally it felt more uncomfortable than anything, however for those who need it more for the skin tightening properties, it may fit the bill perfectly. Unfortunately just like my nature and personality, I suffer from very sensitive skin, and although cooling, it seemed to irritate it and leave my skin feeling even more sensitive after a while. This really upset me and made me want to cry a little. Of course those with different skin types will have different results, and I have spoken to some men who swear by it. Perhaps it's best to try before you buy and test it for yourself.

Cross-Terrain All-in-One Refuelling Wash, RRP £16 for 250ml

This product comes from the Kiehl's 'Cross-Terrain' range and is a shower gel for both the hair and the body. The blurb on the bottle states it can also be used as a shaving gel. The ingredients include aloe vera, menthol, vitamin E and wheat amino acids, all of which Kiehl's claim create a "refreshing and tingling sensation" whilst "scaling high mountain peaks, riding massive waves or free falling from the sky with grace". Which is nice. 

Evaluation post application: Honestly, brilliant. Whether you're Rambo in the jungle having a quick shower in-between causing massive explosions, or you're an adrenaline-junkie washing your overly-long hair then you'll love this product. With the menthol in the wash it was cooling and refreshing and did not dry my skin out at all. Where it really shone was as a shampoo. It was fresh, cleaned my hair thoroughly, did the job thoroughly without needing to rinse and repeat and left my skin and hair smelling fresh and lively.

So there you have it folks. Kiehl's isn't exactly the cheapest range on the market, however, their products are of exceptional quality which surprised me by actually doing what it says on the bottle unlike so many cheaper high street brands which can be hit and miss.. 

If you have the money to treat yourself to such a product then in my opinion you won't go wrong with these.

Kieran x

Check out Kieran at his own blog, Thoroughly Modern Kieran,  here or at Twitter here

Check out the full range at Kiehl's here