Insider Goss

Kiehls Arrives

March 2, 2010

The Kiehl’s story is really cool, it’s one of those family businesses that has endured for over a century while remaining true to its roots. Even the purchase by mega cosmetic giant L’Oreal hasn’t changed the company one iota.

Kiehls started in 1851 in New York City on Pear Tree Corner at 109 Third Avenue, East Village. John Kiehl specialised in homeopathic and herbal remedies, curative oils, teas and potions to relieve all manner of ailments. Some of his original products had intriguing names like Money Drawing Oil or Attraction Powder. So it wasn’t just a runny nose that would see his devoted customers returning.

The apothecary spirit remains, although now Kiehl’s is predominately a skin care company albeit one for humans, canines and horses! Yes, over the years as the family needs grew, they started making products for pet dogs and horses as well. They satisfied their needs and the world followed!

Today, there is still a Kiehl’s store on the original site and now there’s a Kiehl’s counter at Auckland’s Smith and Caughey on Queen St. To keep with true Kiehl’s tradition there’s a brick wall, Mr Bones, Harley Davidson and other recognisable paraphernalia. If you haven’t already gone to check it out - have a look. And try one of the divine products.

Kiehl’s has a healthy celebrity following and is frequently featured on beauty pages in most fashion magazines. Kiehl’s use natural ingredients where possible.

I’ve been lucky enough to try the Dermatologist Solutions High-Potency Skin-Firming Concentrate and I LOVE it. Yes, they do dream creams with active ingredients too. On another note - the Lip Balm is a goodie as well.

To celebrate the Kiehl’s NZ launch I have two Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 to give away worth $75 each. It’s a goody - it contains squalane, an emollient derived from olives which is similar to the skin’s natural sebum. It is fragrance and colour free with a light texture. So hands up! WHO WANTS ONE!!!!

Tamsin xo