Christabelle's Closet – The Blog

By Christabelle…

I love Kiehl’s…I don’t know one person that doesn’t. Their products never, ever disappoint…and now they are launching a Limited Edition Collection comprised of four historical formulas developed at Kiehl’s venerable East Village apothecary, in stores worldwide this month. Elated…these are all my faves.

 Kiehl’s Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care was founded as a classic pharmacy in the East Village neighborhood 160 years ago. Kiehl’s founding family established their apothecary to fulfill the individual needs of every customer who came through its doors.

Assuming the establishment from Mr. John Kiehl, the Morse family nurtured their community, cared for their customers as neighbors, and welcomed every visitor to Kiehl’s as if it were home. In doing so, Kiehl’s founding pharmacists and chemists launched a tradition of personalized service that’s become legendary.

Nearly 160 years later, the magic that is the “Kiehl’s experience” extends around the world as the company continues to delight patrons with its high quality products that assure the health of their skin and hair. Today, the family’s message endures: “We are delighted to serve you.”

In honor of this tradition, Kiehl’s proudly introduces the Limited Edition New York Heritage Collection, in stores September 2011, and available in the New York City Flagship Store, and Kiehl’s stores worldwide.

Comprised of four historical formulations that are still customer favorites today, adorned with limited edition black and gold packaging inspired by Kiehl’s New York roots, the collection features:  Ultra Facial Cream and Moisturizer, Calendula Toner, and Original Musk Oil. 

Only available for a limited time in stores this September – December, 2011, Kiehl’s hopes to bring to customers the magic of Kiehl’s old-world formulas and to delight patrons with the many stories each have helped create.

Original Musk Oil

Formulation Date:   1921 – Re-introduction Date: 1963

Retail Price: $38.50 for 1.7 fl. Oz. / 50 ml

1963: Love Oil is Discovered

Original Musk Oil, a “cult classic,” is shrouded in myth surrounding its origins. Kiehl’s lore has it that the oil was formulated in the early 1920s by a relative of Kiehl’s founding family – an actual Russian prince! According to legend, the formula was stashed away in a vat labeled “Love Oil” in the basement of Kiehl’s venerable Flagship; the vat was not opened again until 1958, at the time of its discovery.  Officially introduced to Kiehl’s customers in 1963, Original Musk Oil is believed to be the first incarnation of the musk scent ever offered to the public. It was called “original” because there was no scent known to the formulators at the time to be associated with the word “musk.” A scent synonymous with Kiehl’s nearly 50 years after its introduction; the company formulates the popular essence in the same manner for customers to this day.

Ultra Facial Cream and Moisturizer

Formulation Dates:   Ultra Facial Lotion – Early 1960s / Ultra Facial Cream  – 2005

Ultra Facial Moisturizer – Retail Price: $21.50 for 4.2 fl. Oz. / 118ml

Ultra Facial Cream – Retail Price: $38.50 for 1.7 fl. Oz. / 50 ml

1960: Ultra Hydration

Kiehl’s original Ultra Facial Moisturizer was first offered in the early 1960s and since that time,  remains one of the most requested products among patrons and is a “must have” among Hollywood’s professional make-up artists. It is perhaps the most versatile and widely used facial moisturizer in the Kiehl’s line due to its lightweight, silky feel and suitability for both normal to dry and normal to oily skin types. Adventure-tested since 2005: Kiehl’s was a proud sponsor of the “Greenland First Ascent” expedition, the inaugural climb of peaks rising from the island’s ice-covered glaciers. This extreme location was where Robert Anderson and his expedition tested early samples of Ultra Facial Cream, a 24-hour, light-textured daily hydrator and richer version of the company’s iconic Ultra Facial Moisturizer still popular today.  In 2010, Kiehl’s sold over 1,480,000 pieces of Ultra Facial Cream around the world!

Calendula Toner

Formulation Date:   Late 1960s

Retail Price: $34.50 for 8.4 fl. Oz. / 248ml

1960s: Still Handpicked:  Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner became an instant classic in the 1960s in part for its soothing and refreshing properties. Calendula, derived from the Marigold flower, is sprinkled into this alcohol-free formula to gently tone oily prone skin. Made with real whole flowers that are still handpicked to this day and placed in each bottle, Kiehl’s has received countless letters from patrons raving about this classic toner. Kudos for Calendula!  Calendula Toner remains one of the top five selling products in Asia, and it was also voted as one of the “Best Beauty Buys” in InStyle Magazine in 2010 (UK).

Kiehl’s was founded as an old-world apothecary in New York’s East Village neighborhood. Its unique and extensive background represents a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal, and medicinal knowledge developed and passed on through the generations.  In addition to Kiehl’s freestanding stores nationwide, Kiehl’s products are available at www.kiehls.com, by mail order at 1-800-KIEHLS-1 as well as through select specialty retailers worldwide.

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