There is so much hype about this new serum from Kiehl’s! Ever since its launch way back in February 2010, I’ve seen the wave get bigger and bigger. But I’m going to fuel the hype further by telling you that this is a great product. For me anyway.
The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is a night serum designed to help repair your skin as you sleep and deliver hydration and balance your skin with its key ingredients of squalene and evening primrose oil. Let me tell you though what my favourite part of this serum is – lavender oil.
The Midnight Recovery Concentrate is infused with the wonderfully relaxing scent of lavender. I started using this about 2 months ago during a rough time when quality sleep is a priority, and believe me, this helps! I’ll tell you how I use it for maximum benefits below.
But first the packaging. I love the deep blue glass bottle this elixir comes in. I love the dropper but I’m sorry Kiehl’s, your plastic cap does nothing for this product. It actually jars against the beautiful glass bottle for me. Also, I’m not sure if my bottle is faulty, but I find it hard to depress the squeeze top enough to pick up the serum. I dread to think what will happen once the liquid level drops and I can’t get the serum out – what then? Might a rubber squeeze top be better? One wonders.
Fortunately, you only need about 2 drops. But another thing I noticed is that the vacuum isn’t strong enough, so the dropper does not hold the serum properly so it will drip. Not that many people will be holding it out in the open, but I thought I’d mention it because it bugged me 😛
Now, are the directions to be believed? Do you really only need 2 drops of this powerful elixir to wake up to glowing skin?
Yes. Do not be like me and be sceptical and try to use more. 😛
You see, this serum has a very liquid texture so 2 drops is hardly anything. I started out using 3-4 drops but found that it was just too oily on my skin. That’s what I mean about trying to be too clever. If directions say 2 drops, stick to 2 – there’s a reason directions are given 😛
So after about 4 days, I cut back down to 2 drops. Here’s how I use it:-
- Drop 2 drops of Midnight Recovery Concentrate into your palm
- Rub hands together.
- Hold palms in front of nose and take 3 deep breaths of the lavender scent
- Apply palms to skin, starting with the cheeks then forehead, nose and chin, pressing slightly on the skin
- Follow up with regular moisturiser or not as you like
You might wonder where the 2 drops of oil have gone on your hands, but it is enough for your skin. Apply over your skin and lightly press your palms against your face. It absorbs and dries quite quickly.
What I noticed almost immediately is how velvety my skin felt. There are no silicones nor parabens in the Midnight Recovery Concentrate so its not attributable to silicone. It does not feel nor look oily if used correctly and my skin feels plumped up *toing*
Initially, I used the elixir with night cream but found it a little heavy, so I used it on its own, without follow up moisturizer. It felt sufficient even in an air conditioned room. But after 2 weeks, my skin felt a little dry so I started using moisturizer again on top. 2 moisturizers that work very well for me with this elixir is the Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream and Estee Lauder Cyberwhite EX Extra Brightening Rich Moisture Cream. Eeks!! Do you realize what that will do to my wallet?!
Kiehl’s says your skin looks visibly better in the morning. I tested this theory in the 2 weeks that I used only the Midnight Recovery Concentrate without night cream. Yes it does look good in the morning. It looks rested and better and I feel more rested too! I attribute it to the lavender oil that helps me relax so I sleep better and so with my body relaxed, of course the skin will look better. I use it now with night cream and things are looking pretty good. Somehow the combination just works.
As I said, I was going through a rough time when I started using this serum, and I believe it helped me so I did not experience break outs nor clogged pores nor did I look like turd at this time 😛 The ingredients (listed below) are supposed to be 99.8% natural and its paraben free and mineral oil free.
I will say this though: I’m not 100% sure what this serum is for. Its not quite an elixir of youth as it does not promise any anti-aging properties. Its not 100% a moisture serum although that appears to be the first thing it addresses. To me, its a serum to boost moisture in the skin plus keeping it looking radiant sorta like an all in one if you aren’t sure what to address but want something extra for your skin.
That said, I really like this one and I think Kiehl’s has scored itself a winner here! 😀 Ok I’m going to shut up now.
Pros: Skin feels velvety smooth and plump, Smells wonderful and relaxing, No breakouts, Skin does look better in the morning
Cons: Cap thing does not draw up a lot of serum, Serum is liable to drip from dropper, Some people might consider this expensive
A 30ml bottle retails at RM200. Its not expensive because 2 drops a day means one bottle will last you close to a year, used nightly only. Its been 2 months and the liquid level has barely dropped. Absolutely worth it!
Oh and I realized that since using this serum, I can use a light moisturizer at night and my skin still looks sufficiently moisturized when I wake up in the morning. I sleep in an air-conditioned room and we know how drying that can be. So, I believe that the moisture delivered to the skin by the Midnight Recovery Concentrate is helping so I don’t need to use as thick a moisturizer at night.
Its been out for a month or so now, and you might be able to get samples, if Kiehl’s stores have them. Do give it a shot and let me know if you like it as much as I do. I swear I’m addicted to the smell 😛
Psst! Go get it! 🙂
Paris B
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate retails at RM200/30ml at all Kiehl’s stores
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Squalene, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil/Evening Primrose Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Oil/Jojoba Seed Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Oil/Coriander Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Lavandula Angustifolia oil/Lavender Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Linalool, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Cucumis Sativus Extract/Cucumber Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Extract/Turmeric Root Extract, Limonene, Citral, Sclareolide, Rosa Spp/Rose Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale Extract/Jasmine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil fmla 685449/18 Code F.I.L: D39273/5
Hmm…I still don’t know what to make out of this product for my skin. I guess I’ve been using too many oils to notice that much of a difference. But I do like the texture; compared to most oils, it’s velverty like what you experience and not oily at all. The absorption is very fast.
Yep its a good start for those who might be wanting to experiment with oils on their skin because its not oily at all. Will be waiting to see what you think of it 🙂
I think the main benefit for this is the “brightening” and “awake” look it gives plus the suppleness of the skin! that’s what I’ve experienced so far for 2 weeks and more. I guess that’s why I said I can go away without this because “brightening” effect is not the ONLY thing I’m looking for in skincare! I’d love it if it has extra anti-aging properties 😀
You’re right Nikki! Its not a must have although if someone wants to use a serum but aren’t sure what they want to target, this might be a good choice. But I do really like it, and I like how my skin feels, plus the relaxing effect. I guess I could go away without it, as you say (I wouldn’t want to travel with that glass bottle!) 😉
oh, I love this serum and I even have a set combination of products that I use with it. True that one can’t really put a finger on the purpose of this product but it sure makes the skin look fantastic the next morning
Will be waiting to see what you use this with. I think I just like how nice it makes my skin feel when I use it
Great write-up ParisB! 🙂 I can’t wait to get a bottle of it and try it for myself. Btw just out of curiosity, what’s your skin type?
I’ve got combination skin – little oily on T zone and chin little dry on cheeks but nothing extreme 🙂
Hi PB,
when i first saw this product, i was drawn to it because of the deep blue glass packaging! but i wanted to wait for more reviews and yours really comes in handy! 🙂
anyway i just received an email from Kiehl’s abt this and was told that if I forward the email to a friend, we will be entitled to receive a one-month’s supply upon showing the email at the counter! guess what? i’ll be rushing to the counter with my buddy!
Hey that’s a great deal you’re getting Coraline! Do try it out and I hope you like it as much as I do 😀
Hi Coraline. Can I ask where you got that email from?
Hi milktea,
i registered my email with khiel’s counter when i bought an item from them sometime back..so on and off they will send me details on offers and new product launch. u can registered your email on their website too, under store locators! 🙂
I like the smell too, oh man.. i been using for more than 2 drops.. >_< on my cheeks, gives me a good night's rest too. Essential oils not cheap somore, this one is a gem.
Yep Its a keeper alright!
bad Paris! *smack* not yet another product you’re goading me on to try now….arrrgghh!!
*cowers from the wrath of Bee* But… but… you’ll like it. I swear! 😛
Hahaha… 😛
*joins Bee in glowering at Paris* Yeah, bad Paris for making want yet another product that I didn’t know about before I read this article… 😛
*hides* but its goooddd….
berry berry good! 😀
Hi PB,
Very timely! Since you suggested this a couple a days ago, I have made it my mission to get my paws on it this weekend…..plus you say it helps with sleep which is a bonus for me since its been hard these couple of months! Thanks…
It sure helps me with sleep – its that lovely lavender scent that is oh so relaxing! I hope you like it as much as I do 🙂
so tempting…to try it out….I am a fan of lavender smell
then you might just like this very much 😛
The lavender essential smell so relaxing, and helps my sleep! Most importantly its not as oily and absorb pretty well ….yum~
Yep I like how relaxing it is… provided you like the smell of lavender 🙂
I’m gonna put on a thick (skin) face and ask for a sample of this from Kiehl’s. Failing which I will go down to Caring or Vitacare pharmacy to get a tube of Esmeria’s (remember this brand?) Rejuvenating Night Face Cream and hope for the best! 😀
Kiehl’s store policy is to be generous with samples so do ask! I haven’t tried the Esmeria night cream but if you do get it, it’ll be nice to hear how you like it 😀
Wow, sounds like a great product to have.. I have the sample of this product but haven got to trying it out.. Will try it tonight.
Definitely try it – and hope you like it.
I’ve been looking at this product for a while. I was wondering if it plays a similar role as Estee Lauder’s ANR?
Hmm… ANR seems to address anti-aging concerns. but since I haven’t used ANR for a while I can’t compare.
Hie PB, am wondering the same thing too, how does it compare with Estee Lauder’s ANR?
Now you two girls have me wondering too! Gotta get me hands on some ANR 😉 though I believe ANR has antiaging qualities as its primary target 😉
Parisb i could kill u for all ur reviews (joking), makes my wallet lighter everytime i come here . LOL . I tried the Haba Lado Lotion n Vichy Aqua gel for my very dry skin . Works wonderful ! N now this !!! We women need to rob the bank soon . LOL . Anyway thanks for the review. I have combination skin too,tzone prone to blackheads but after using blackhead water it got better so am thinking to try this see whether it’ll cause any breakouts on me . =) btw , does this brand has a counter in penang ?
*runs for cover and hides* I’m glad what works for me works for you too. Now you know to gird your wallet before you visit this site yes? 😉 I believe Kiehl’s does not have a counter in Penang at this time. I do know they have a few stores in KL and PJ
so sad . was planing to try this out .. sad sad .. i want to try .. sad .. lol
Well there’s something for you to get when you come to KL
Hi Paris,chance upon ur site,really handy.will try to get this serum,i love lavender scent.too bad that penang counter really stingy in giving samples or maybe i do not look interested enough.will go back again n tell u the outcome.TQ
Hi PB, jus wanted to update u .. I finally brought this and the Oil Free Moisturizing Gel , This is a must have definitely ! Before using i was worried bcoz my skin clogs easily whenever i use oil based skin care . But this , wow ! Nothing , no clog pores , better, smoother , smaller pores all in one night ! N i actually use more than 2 drops (3 drops) n its good ! Have been using for about 3 weeks , i realize that my skin is better overall .!
Hai PB, thank for reviewing this. I bought it already and can’t wait to use it. So it’s okay if I only use this alone without moisturizer? Thanks!
I suggest you try it with say 2-3 drops and see if your skin feels comfortable without moisturizer. Some people prefer not applying moisturizer over it. I prefer it with. Either way, you’d know best 🙂 Enjoy!
Great write up. I recently received this as a sampler and have been using it consistently. I do also use Burt’s Bee’s Repair serum and wonder how many similarities are between the two.