Avenue Magazine Edmonton

Posted by Emma and Rita in Beauty Blog on Sep 1 2009 12:36

Rita: Unless you’ve been living under a construction site, you’ve noticed the huge billboards and signs leading up to the grand opening of Southgate Centre’s new extension. Thirty new retailers fill the more than 150,000 square feet of additional shopping space. And some fabulous stores are cutting the ribbon alongside the mall.

Emma: Some of the stores are the first of their kind in Alberta, such as Kiehl’s (Since 1851), although it’s had a counter at the Holt Renfrew downtown for a while.

R: It’s clear the company and staff are not taking this responsibility lightly. Emma and I got the full VIP treatment — a behind the scenes look at the new store, and the chance to try out some new, tried and true Kiehl’s products.

E: The first thing that came to mind when I walked into the Southgate outlet was, "Wow, this place has style."

R: It's quirky, eclectic, and emotes an artsy New York-vibe. The walls are decorated with classically urban and raw art. The ceiling is soaring, the back wall is exposed brick, which, along with hardwood floors, makes the space feel warm and established.

E: On the other hand, the marble countertops, sky-high shelving and stainless steel accents are a purposeful shout-out to Kiehl's pharmaceutical and medicinal roots.

R: After walking through the entrance, it doesn’t take long to realize there is in fact something for everyone… Kiehl’s moto. Not only are there lines for skin care, body care and hair care, and there are also lines for every skin type and skin condition.

E: There are lines for your friends and family. And that includes men, who can try the masculine, but not overpowering products located at the front of the store, alongside airplane figurines, and a motorcycle that hit the road with none other than Steve McQueen himself. Oh, and pets, too. Kiehl's carries a dog line with shampoos, conditioners, and deodorizers, and a more limited horse line.

R: Kiehl's has been around since 1851, and just as it has established a place of respect in the beauty industry, it has also established a very loyal clientele. Many people we talked to say once they tried Kiehl's, they found their brand for life.

E: … and Kiehl's returns the favour. Not only does it offer a generous sampling program, but it also has intensely trained staff who meet with customers, walk them through the products, provide consultations, recommend lines, and touch base with them later on, to see how the products are working.

R: I have fairly normal skin, but its a bit oily in the T-zone. So, Kiehl’s staff recommended the Yerba Mate Tea line. Yerba Mate, hmmm… I used to drink Yerba Mate tea… It was interesting to find out the extracts of this delicious tea can also benefit the skin. It’s a South American botanical, loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients. It’s gentle and effective for all skin types. The cleansers work deep into pores, removing dirt and excess oil, leaving a healthy, youthful glow —

E: — the line includes the Yerba Mate Tea Cleanser, Yerba Mate Tea Toner, and the Yerba Mate Tea Lotion.

R: That’s right! Sorry, I think I got carried away! Anyway, after using the line for a couple of weeks, I noticed a natural glow eminating from my skin. It feels softer, and the products never feel like they’re drying out my skin. I can truly say this line works wonders!

E: I also have fairly normal skin but I'm concerned about wrinkles, so the line suggested to me was the Abyssine Collection. The moisturizing line focuses on anti-wrinkle treatments, and hydrates the skin, while protecting it with Abyssine and Coralline ingredients. Both compounds come from the ocean. I tested out the Abyssine Serum, Abyssine Lotion SPF 15 and the Abyssine Eye Cream. All three are rich, soak deep in your skin and are as preventative as they are corrective.

R: All that anti-wrinkle arsenal is preceded by the creamy, refreshing, foamy Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and the gentle, milky, hydrating Ultra Facial Toner. Both these products are incredibly popular and versatile. They are recommended for all skin types. They’re fresh, soft and clear your skin feels after using these products. Fantastic!

E: In all my years trying different skin care products, I've never felt the need, or desire, to stick to just one. Well, I have to say, Kiehl's might change all that. Some have described the brand as "a drug" saying once you claim its products as your own, you'll never settle for anything else. Despite being a dedicated "sampler",” not just as part of my job, Imay soon join the legions of fans loyal to Kiehl's… since 1851 (sorry, couldn't resist).

R: Amazingly, there’s so much more we want to say about Kiehl’s, so look forward to upcoming Kiehl’s products covered in the next months.

Emma and Rita are young Edmonton women working (and playing) in the capital city. Together, they have roughly 50 years of beauty experience, and have what some might describe as an unhealthy addiction to potions, products and pampering.