If you live in the northern hemisphere you’re probably feeling it right now — the undeniable effects of the change of seasons. Or maybe you live in a warm climate but the inevitability of growing older is taking a toll.
There comes a point in your life when you realize — whoa my skin needs more moisture and attention than it used to. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “should I invest in a good night cream or serum?” Or, “am I ready to start using anti-aging skincare?” — you’ve already answered your own question. (Or as we say in Trinidad, you asking answers!)
If it’s a question in your mind, the time to begin an anti-aging skincare regimen is now. I already spoke about some of this in a post titled The Grown Woman’s Skincare Regimen, but from the comments and questions I get on Twitter and Facebook, I realize it’s something that needs regular reiteration!
I’m 32, at that special age where anti-aging skincare questions switch from maybe-I-should-consider-it to I’m-pretty-sure-I-need-it. I do my best to take extra special care of my skin at night, when it’s so important to wash off the day’s makeup and dirt, and prep your skin for bed. Your skin’s cells reproduce the most between midnight and 4 a.m., and that’s when your skin is most ready for nourishment. That’s where Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate comes in. This light, heavenly scented serum gives my skin life while I sleep at night, whether I use it on its own, or layered over my night cream of choice. It’s 99.8% naturally derived and paraben free, and it doesn’t clog my pores or contribute to breakouts. At night I smooth it on my face, my neck, my decollete. When I wake up the next day my skin is smooth, soft, and ready to face the day’s elements.
I love it.
I love it so much that I collaborated with Kiehls yesterday on a special Twitter interview with @ChrisAtKiehls, AKA Chris Salgardo, the President of this venerable, highly respected skincare brand. For an hour yesterday Chris answered my questions live on Twitter, all about MRC, Kiehls history, and finally we ended by announcing a very special Twitter giveaway!
I took the liberty of cleaning up the interview transcript, so for those of you who don’t use hashtags or expect everything abbreviated and concentrated down to 140 characters, this will make more sense! And if you ARE on Twitter, follow #KiehlsMRC for the questions, submissions & giveaway details – this is a Twitter only giveaway, bellas! And it ends October 21!
Afrobella — Chris thanks for your time! You’re an incredibly busy exec as head of one of the most long respected American skincare brands. What’s a day in the life like for you?
Chris — (I spend my day) focusing on strategic development of a brand that I love and that people all around the world love, which I am grateful for!
Afrobella — What are some of the most classic Kiehls products, in your opinion?
Chris — I would say our most iconic products are Lip Balm #1, Creme de Corps, Blue Astringent (a fave of Andy Warhol) & Ultra Facial.
Afrobella — Kiehls is a brand with history and longevity for a reason. I have admiration for that! Since 1851!
Chris — Thank you! And this year we celebrated our 160th year in continous business! We’ve been around before Lincoln was president.
Afrobella – what are your personal must have products? I know one of my followers asked about men’s skincare earlier.
Chris — For day, I swear by eye cream (LOVE Cryste Marine) & a good face cream – our Rosa Arctica is my go-to…Daily SPF is important to me too – I use Kiehls Super Fluid SPF 50+ because it is light, not oily & protects me from UV rays. And for nite, I religiously use Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate, Midnight Recovery Concentrate & Midnight Recovery Eye.
Afrobella — I’ve improved my night time skincare regimen and LOVE your #KiehlsMRC – what makes it so incredible?
Chris — It’s one of my all-time faves too! Skin is most receptive to repair at night time (between midnight & 4 am). #KiehlsMRC capitalizes on this & includes extra-hydrating ingredients including omega 3, 6 & 9 & therapeutic lavender oil. Put on 2-3 drops before bed & your skin will feels softer & look more radiant by a.m.! I use it over night moisturizers…my new trick is pairing it w our Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate.
Afrobella — The reviews I’ve read online are all amazing — I was just reading rave reviews from users on Makeup Alley!
Chris — thank you! It is a product I love and am really proud of! It has really proven itself as being effective!
Afrobella — It smells like the spa. And Kiehls just opened a spa! Any plans to expand? To…let’s say….Chicago?
Chris — we just opened our 1st Spa 1851 on NYC’s Upper East Side this past July & LOVE applying our skincare expertise to spa treatments! No new spa plans in the immediate future but you never know 😉 As for Kiehls in Chicago, our midwestern flagship will be opening in your neighborhood soon! I’ll keep you posted on the exact date.
Afrobella – Sounds amazing!! Next time I’m in NYC I’ll have to check out Kiehls Spa 1851 – I’m guessing facials are your specialty!
Chris – definitely! But we also offer some great massages & grooming services! You’ll have to visit us on your next trip!
Afrobella — Talk to me about Kiehls and motorcycles. There’s a historical connection there. Judging from your avatar, you’re a fan!
Chris — Yes! It actually began with 2nd generation Kiehls owner Aaron Morse! When he was discharged from the Air Force in 1947,he befriended the original “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen & began a collection of vintage motorcycles. In the late 70’s/early 80’s, Mr. Morse decided to display his collection in our Flagship. Men weren’t as skincare & grooming savvy then so Mr. Morse wanted them to be entertained while the ladies shopped! Do you think your hubby would’ve liked Mr. Morse’s thinking?!
Afrobella — Mr. Morse was brilliant – I know my husband would rather look at cool motorcycles than skincare! (even though he uses it!). One thing I love about @KiehlsNYC is the connection to charity. Tell me more about the charities Kiehls supports! Has this always been part of the company credo?
Chris — Today, we stay true to the brand through our #KiehlsGives platform which proudly supports 3 charitable pillars — children’s well-being, the environment & AIDs research.
Afrobella — Even this chat — you’re donating to Chicago children’s charity I Have a Dream. Thank you! you’re welcome!
Chris — we are proud to 🙂
Afrobella — I am absolutely loving #KiehlsMRC and I know my readers will too! Tweethearts, if you want to win #KiehlsMRC and MR eye, follow me and @ChrisAtKiehls and use #KiehlsMRC to tell us your DREAM for your skin. This contest will run from now until 10/21! There will be 5 lucky winners getting a $104 combo of @KiehlsNYC skincare! Good luck!
What’s my dream for my skin? My dream is for flawless skin, smooth texture and free from hyperpigmentation (the bane of my existence!)
How do you enter??
Go to Twitter, follow me @afrobella and @ChrisAtKiehls and use the hashtag #KiehlsMRC to tell us your dream for your skin — you could win your very own containers of Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and Midnight Recovery Eye — an overnight elixir designed to address puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles overnight, that’s paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free and mineral-oil free! That’s a $104 value. And this contest will run from now until 10/21!
Good luck, beautiful bellas!
Full disclosure — In compensation for yesterday’s Twitter chat and giveaway, Kiehls will be generously donating to Chicago’s I Have a Dream foundation on my behalf. Thank you, Kiehls!
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