At exactly 51 days from my wedding, life is currently quite hectic. I haven’t been discussing the upcoming nuptials much, mainly because everyone time I bring it up my heart starts to race, the adrenaline gets pumping, and most likely, my blood pressure elevates; it is an exciting, but EXTREMELY stressful time. Kiehl’s Since 1851 is clearly sympathetic and more than willing to troubleshoot the effects of this stress on my skin with two new products: Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator and Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream.
The Hydrator (pictured above, $40) works first to treat, calm, and hydrate the skin with chamomile extract, glycerin and shea butter, then works to limit inflammation which gives the look of obviously stressed skin, but using Rosa Gallica extract to minimize the flare ups. Last, the product reinforces the skin barrier with mannose (a sugar derivative), squalane (comes from olives) to heal, and a mix of ceramides (lipids) to protect and strengthen that aforementioned, all-important skin barrier. Use it for several weeks to see results of improvement as the visual signs of stress on your skin begin to dissipate.
Next, in lieu of a powder, foundation, and primer, I’ve been using the Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream (“BB” here stands for “blemish balm;” $37, available in four shades), which takes a different approach to the category by zeroing in on skin tone correction. Uneven skin tone, including dark spots, is a concern for most people, and via a high concentration of Vitamin C and light yet buildable coverage, imperfections disappear while the true problem is chipped away at and a noticeably smooth, even, and brighter look will emerge. The BB Cream also uses glycerin, which helps retain moisture all-day long, along with the previously noted Vitamin C, natural mineral pigments, SPF of a whopping 50, and a variety of UV filters.
In a few more weeks, my wedding to-do list will diminish, and I’m banking on my skin looking radiant and fresh for the Big Day — thank you Kiehl’s for masking while repairing me!
