Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Serum

As much as I’d like to hoard everysinglegoodmakeupforever, the sane thing to do is to restrict myself. Especially since I spend probably 70% of my time wearing no make up at all. And so recently I’ve been more into beauty products I can enjoy with out make up like those shower / bath thingamajigs, some body smoothies, and this crowd favorite, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Serum.

It promises three “R’s” regenerates, repairs, and replenishes and as for it’s visible results, skin should look smoother and healthier, which I am pleased to say it does excellently (no whacking needed guys :D).

Fun fact, Lancome now owns Kiehl’s, got this info from Quinn — one of my fave bloggers with pro magazine like photography skillz, she wrote an interesting brand psychology review on Kiehls.


does it live up to its reputation?

I’m not gonna lie, majority of the reason why I bought this was because of its pretty blue bottle. Guys it glows when direct light hits it O.O The little gamer in me likes to think that it’s a magic potion, which is actually very fitting to what it does. It smoothens out and shrinks my small pores making my face look SUPER CLEAR in an instant! And it also makes my skin glow in a non-sticky nor oily kind of way.

It gets better in the morning. I wake up with a rosy, clearer, flushed, healthy glowy face, and it lasts long unlike Kiehl’s Midnight Concentrate Eye Cream not a good eye cream. stay.away. These effects still fade in time, especially when I wash my face, but the improvement remains noticeable. This stuff makes me feel more confident to run outside in the morning wearing no foundation or concealer.

I have a dry combination skin type so I’ll say that this will work best on girls with similar skin type as mine. As for those with oily skin type I can tell you that my T-zone area, which usually is the first area on my face that shines from oil, never got oily from this serum. Has anyone here with oily skin type tried this product?


the serum’s downside

It is so ridiculously expensive it might as well have come from the fountain of youth. My bottle cost PHP2600 (USD59) online, which is a lot cheaper than the ones sold at the mall. But you have to consider this will last a long time in your beauty stash, around 5 drops is all you will need per application. Also, contrary to what others say, from my experience this isn’t a very good substitute for a daily moisturizer. The results are A LOT better when i use this every other night. It works best as an occasional booster for days where your skin needs extra moisture (e.g. winter time).

recommendations

Definitely not a practical purchase and probably not something you need. Although, you will want this in your life after trying it. The logical answer to the question “is it worth the money?” would be a straight no. But guys it is one of the best splurges I’ve ever made and for that, in a beauty enthusiast way of thinking… it’s worth it for me. If only I could fill up an entire tub of this for me to soak in I would lol.

You will like this serum if — (one) You feel like splurging and treating yourself, or if you have no shopping limit, in that case ihetchu (kidding :D). (two) You often enjoy pampering yourself with luxurious beauty products. Or (three) if you need an instant moisture repair for your dry skin areas. I strongly suggest you check this out. REALLY.GOOD.STUFF :)

80 Comments

  • CJ says:

    Heya Shayne! I've heard a LOT of good stuff about this. But its price tag is RIDICULOUS for such a small bottle. I can't even. I do like their whipped body creams though. It's so nice to comment here again. I feel like I haven't done that in a while. :)

  • oh my…I'll try this when I can already splurge non-stop (meanwhile I'll just be contented with missha's time revolution night repair ampoule) heard a lot of good stuff about this serum from bloggers and vloggers

  • Natasja says:

    hmm, well I can't blame you for buying it. The blue bottle is quite appealing! And I completely understand what you're saying about how it does its job but that it's not worth the money seeing as it's crazy expensive. I am still happy you're pleased with it and indeed, you can use it for a long time!

  • Pooja Mittal says:

    I definatly need to try out the serum with 3 R's
    Happy Weekend
    http://www.beingbeauyifulandpretty.com

  • Diana says:

    Actually kiehls is Own by L'oréal (who owns lancôme, YSL, Dior, Maybelline, The Body Shop, recently Urban Decay and if I'm not mistaken Bioderma as well)
    This looks like a really nice serum! I've been curious about their products – specially their sun block! Andd I've heard wonders about an other eye cream from them (not the one you got…). I really need to go there and check it :P
    Oh and I understand your love for the packaging! Looks so pretty :3

    Take care <3 Have a nice day!*

  • I had try that product and love it you did an impressive review and your images always look amazing. Hi doll enjoy your Saturday.
    http://tifi11.blogspot.com

  • I got some samples of this serum and it's divine. I really love the smell. But you're right, the price point is hard to swallow.

    gingercatqueen.blogspot.com

  • I am seriously considering this one for a serum. I am using the kiehls ultra cream, but it needs some boost for that radiance. PS: I love Quin's photography too.

  • Thanks for the review! I've heard good things about this serum, so seeing your trusty review is more validation! I haven't barely hit the 3/4 mark of my Tarte Maracuja Oil Serum yet, so I can't even begin to think of what serum I should buy next! I've been eyeing this one for awhile though, so maybe I will give this one a go!
    <3 Pauline, ­­Addicted to Makeup

  • Liz raved about this as well, for clearing up her acne scars (not sure, hope I got it right). Didn't realize it would benefit dry-to-combi skin as well. Aaack so curious now!

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    its so nice to see you comment again its been awhile nga and i missed your witty remarks! :D how much is their body cream? sana its not so expensive. this bottle i think is around P2900 at the mall :S i think it will last me around 5 – 6 months but we'll see i could be wrong hehe :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    thanks for the reco sis! ill check on their reviews din, its always nice to find cheaper alternatives. i also read that the skin food serum is nice you might want to check that too :D

  • CJ says:

    A big tub (8 oz) is roughly 2800 PHP(?) or less. Cheaper in the US though. But it feels oh so goooood.I wouldn't recommend for summer but I still use it at night anyway (sometimes).

    It literally looks and feels like whipped butter. If you've had those butter spreads that are light and fluffy and seem to melt in nanoseconds on your toast. It's pretty similar. But it's like gold. Huhu. Super expensive!!! Body shop's body creams are nice too but this just doesn't compare. Try a sample! (if they even give those out here in the Philippines. I mean foreign products are idiotically overpriced here I'd much rather order online. Drugstore L'oreal here is Sephora makeup price. So stupid. ) but Khiel's is very generous with samples so I think they might have some. :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    it has that apothecary feel to it too which i like :) im guessing this bottle will last for maybe 5 months and if thats the case i wouldnt mind repurchasing it when its all used up. unless i find a better serum at a cheaper price :D

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    wow i didnt know they own Urban Decay too! good to know good to know :) btw diana i have a couple of kiehl's samples here if you like and if there's enough weight space left i can include some in your box so you can try their stuff :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    thank you jackie! its a great serum :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    it is :( and this was the smaller bottle i think. if i am not mistaken there is another bottle bogger and more expensive than this lol, i also love the scent. at first i thought it was too herbal and less lavender like compared to its eye cream but as i use it more ive grown to like it :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    i haven't tried their ultra cream yet but i think i have a sample of it somewhere here, ill go look for it. and yes go buy hihi, i have a feeling you're going to love this serum :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hi pauline! thank you! :) ah it takes forever to put a dent on a serum. one drop goes a long long way, when your done with your tarte serum i strongly suggest you try this next :D

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    wow good to know the serum can do that too! sayang nga Kiehls doesn't have these in satchet sample sizes for trial, like their other products. i dont think its enough to swatch it at their stores, much better if entire face to see the full effect :)

  • Judith says:

    I'm also more into skin care lately and brushes. I got a gift card from mac at my bday and I ddin't know what to buy. I just have too much make up. As for kiehls I heard a lot of good things but never had the chance to try their products

  • Anna Luisa says:

    Great review! Glad to see this one worked out for you, unlike the eye cream. :)

  • Sunny says:

    Hey Shayne, I'm glad to hear this works well for you! I think I tried a deluxe sample and liked it, but ended up not purchasing it. I am not allergic to lavender per se, but I prefer to stay on the safe side, and I didn't use it every day. Sorry to hear it's so pricey there!

  • Victoria says:

    Okay, just basing on the price, I know for sure that this is not for me. However, I really really like the Ultra Facial Oil-free Gel Cream from Kiehl's. It's an amazing moisturizer! <3

  • Diana says:

    They bought it recently.
    Ohh that would be nice *__* <3 thank you <3 *__*

  • Ganda sana.ONe of the most common downside of ultra expensive products ay dinadaan lng sa packaging,di sa quality. I'm glad that you are happy with your purchase Shayne.Thanks a lot for the wholesome review. Hi to blogging again! I miss reading your posts <3

    love lots,
    Tin

    mypoeticisolation.blogspot.com

  • Christine Uy says:

    Kiehl's skincare products are really divine but oh my gosh.. sooo expensive! But it's definitely one of the top skincare lines in the market, I guess when it comes ot our skin, we have to pay the price to get the effect we want. I'm scared to invest on expensive skincare products becuase they're really pricey and my skin is so sensitive and picky. I wish there's more sample size available that we can try. I definitely want to invest on SK-II products, thousands of women swear by it. =D

    Take care always, love Christine ~ xo
    http://www.chriissydollxo.com
    BLOG | BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

  • the black sugar serum! how I wish I could ask someone to buy one for me from korea (it's darn expensive here) oh for the missha by the way there are some who doesn't like it but it works well on my skin :)

  • Ishna says:

    Hi Shayne! Natawa naman ako sa because of the pretty blue bottle. Haha. Ako, I tend to get lured by pretty packagings. Super! Buti na lng this is worth whay youbpaid for and you get great result.

    As for me, not willing to shell out yht amount of money. Kuripot e. Haha. :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    expensive din pala huhu. ill check it out next time im at kiehls :) perhaps ask for a sample if they have one, they are pretty generous with samples. ay i do the same thing, i just buy almost everything online now. the prices at the mall are so unreasonable sometimes. and online i get to play with the coupon codes pa :D

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hi judith, funny you mentioned brushes cause my first set of brushes are deteriorating and im planning on investing on a brand that will last for a long time. im thinking mac or sigma brushes since its cheaper than mac. have you tried those? :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    yea everything is a lot pricier here :( and even when i order it online cause of the shipping fee. may i ask what serum youre using atm, if youre using any? :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    i actually just applied the ulta facial cream now lol. i just have a sample sachet and since you recommend it, binuksan ko na haha. i tried their ultra facial wash too and its nice, but i wont purchase it cause it acts like cetaphyl on my skin :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    thanks kitty! :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    thats true! buti nalang the quality of this one is as pretty as its bottle lol :D i think this is going to last half a year on me (sana) and hopefully before its all used up ill find a cheaper version. thank you sis!! <3

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hi sis! the SKII products are starting to go under my radar, is it more expensive than kiehls? i think i saw these at luxola once and thought they were expensive. if the kiehls stores there are as generous with samples here i think you can ask for a lot of samples. so far ive gotten more than 10 samples of their products from them :D

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hahaha, super weakness ko talaga pretty packaging. i guess its the same with all girls :P buti nalang this product wasnt a miss kase if it is i just wasted a lot of money lol. sis try checking skinfood its good daw and a lot cheaper :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    yez! how much is it here? :) until now i havent found an online store that imports korean products. so frustrating nga eh, theres a ceertain korean serum that i wanted to try which was a lot cheaper than kiehls sana

  • I would fall for that pretty blue bottle too. I’m sure it really looks like a magic potion, I could pictures it while reading your description. The fact that it shrinks your pores and smoothens out the skin instantly is already a good reason to spend a bit more money on a product like that, especially if it’s going to last you for a while. Lately everyone is into serums and raving about all kinds and brands and it’s my understanding serums do tend to work better than a moisturizer and enhance the moisturizer properties, but I haven’t discovered it for myself, reason why I want to try a serum badly!!!
    Thank you for the review and tips on this product.
    Take care and kisses!

    http://momodicted.blogspot.pt/

  • Stephanie G says:

    This product seems amazing! I nominated you for the Sunshine blogger award check it out if you have the time sweety!
    http://steph-g.blogspot.com/2014/05/diyhair-velcro-sunshine-award.html

  • Angel E. says:

    i'm a sucker for nice packaging and i'd buy this too in a heartbeat sis.hehehe.but the price tag is a major turnoff for me.hahaha! nice review sis. this would probably be a great gift for mother's day :)

  • Vanessa N says:

    RIGHT??? HOW DOES QUINN MAKE HER PHOTOS SO GORGEOUS I DON'T UNDERSTAND I THINK I NEED TO HACK HER COMPUTER OR SOMETHING ITS NOT EVEN FAIR.
    I'm glad this worked out for you though! But tbh, I don't think it's /that/ expensive for a serum/treatment/oil when most other bottles are roughly the same price-ish?

    (Also, did you send me a message/email recently about our swap or something? …I feel like I've dreamed this up or something….because I can't find the email LOOOL. This is why I'm not allowed to read emails/messages at 5am because I don't remember the contents and I don't remember what I did with this hypothetical message)

  • SHHAAYYNNEE:D YOU'RE BACK! YAAAAAYYY! AHAHAA

    Omg, I was just looking at this yesterday at Kiehls because I heard good stuff about it! I was actually inside trying to look and find out about creamy eye treatment since I heard a lot of good things about it too! The serum sounds fantastic and makes me want to head out and buy it:) I don't mind shelling out a bit of cash on skincare rather than makeup if it really works:D

    This is probably so random, but are you up to date on OUAT?:)

    ♥ Charms | My ∞ Fashion Confession

  • Czarina Mae says:

    Hahaha nakakabaliw talaga pag nakakita ka ng product with pretty packaging :P Especially if you know that you don't really need it, nakaka attract lang yung packaging. Weakness ko rin yun! Haha. Anyway I've always had the impression na crazy expensive yung Kiehl's products every time I walk past an outlet, so I never really took interest in their products :P But if it can really last that long, I guess it's worth it naman na :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    i actually only have tried three serums, the other one was a korean brand called It's Skin you might like that, since you are into korean brands :) plus its a lot cheaper than this brand. i heard the skin food serum is also nice too :D thanks xana!!

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    thanks steph and congrats on your award! :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    it is! :D if i had more moneyz id buy every girl i know a bottle of this serum haha :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hahaha! i mentioned something about the box at my comment in your blog but im not sure if i sent you a twitter msg or an email lol. why are you waking up at 5am i thought you are on vacation! :D
    not sure about the serum prices but the korean serum that i wanted was almost half the price of this one, i guess the popular brands like estee lauder are around the same price as kiehls :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    yes! hahaha i watch it every week, lol im addicted to that show, pls tell me you are too! if your planning on getting an eye cream from kiehls the eye cream version of this serum isnt that good :S but i heard good reviews on their avocado eye cream :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    their stuff are crazy expensive :S and mostly hit and miss for me, they are also pretty generous at giving out samples so if you like next time you pass by their store you can speak with their consultant and she can give you samples of products that suits your skin type & needs :)

  • Belle Femme says:

    Loved your review. I am really impressed with this serum. Adding it to my wish list :-p
    http://naturelbellefemme.blogspot.com

  • You don't even have to tell me how great that stuff is because I love it! But I totally agree with you, it is so expensive. The other day I went to bloomy's to buys some and left without it because it is expensive, haha.

  • MITCH says:

    Oh, I think my mom has this, I'm so gonna try it :D I was disappointed with the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. Hopefully this one works great on me. Love your honest review!

    xx,
    felishmichelle.blogspot.com

  • Omg, same! I am addicted. I am so upset/sad/frustrated/heartbroken (ahaha, take your pick)that Neal is gone T.T They said he's really going to be dead. But he'll come back only during flashbacks T.T But I hope that isn't true and that he'll come back somehow because I want them together. Are you for them or for Captain Swan?:) HAHAHA I remember your review on the eye cream of this line xD HAHAHA, I hope it's gonna be ahit for the avocado cream or my wallet's dent would be created in vain. AHAHAHA

  • Emae says:

    Gosh, I wanna try this din. :( My acne marks take foreverrrrr to lighten. :(

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    ccchhaarrmmmsss have you seen the season finale?? omg! i dont wanna give out any spoilers in case you havent watched it yet but OMG at the new char for the next season. i actually didnt want neal to die but im feeling good vibes between hook and swan too. what im really upset at is what happened bet regina and robin at the season finale! btw i think you can ask for a sample first before buying the product. a little sachet of eye cream goes a long way :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    thanks belle! its a nice present to get actually youll like it :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hahaha, it can burn the wallet :D i hope it goes on sale so you can get one too, perhaps at the upcoming nordstrom anniv sale? :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hi mitch have you tried the serum? :) (i realized im way behind the comments here) i find that kiehls products are so unpredictable on my skin. ive tried a lot of their samples and so far only 2 out of 15 i think worked for me. thanks for the warning on the corrective solution ill keep this in mind :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    tellie mentioned that its pretty effective at lightening scars din daw, i havent really tried it for that reason but good to know, next time i get acne scars ill know what to use :)

  • the skinfood?libo din hehehe. the missha? i bought a 10ml sample togethether with the first treatment from missha din at around 600 (i got them on sale) pre-ordered them from an online shop

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    ooo from which online shop? :D

  • from sae sil but I bought it on sale (korean shops usually have a monthsale anyway), sometimes I check gmarket first and ask another seller; Bae Lu, to buy it and other korean stuff for me :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    sae sil parknshop? thanks for the reco sis, dami palang nagsale this may :) and again on june (semi annual sale scheds) kakabaliw :D

  • Vee Coco says:

    It's so pricey but I'd like to buy this. I can see from the ingredients it seems to be a really pure product, hence the price.
    http://www.vworldrocks.blogspot.com

  • yes siya nga although medyo mas mataas yung price niya compared to bae lu, medyo mas mabilis yung shipping because there are online sellers that order from her too so mas mabilis mapuno box niya. there are times that the korean online shops go buy 1 get 1 and other crazy promos that makes me go crazy and my wallet payat hehehe

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hahaha those promos talaga brings out the urgency to shop. like this june 9 bath & body works is having its semi annual sale. i feel like stocking up some lotions para im all set till next year lol

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hope you get to try and experience it, its worth the cost for me plus itll last long too :) hi vee!

  • hahaah I ccan totally relate to you when you said that you buy so much makeup but you barely wear any. :)) I keep on seeing this on Khiel's best seller shelf but I never actually got to read a review about it! I'm still trying out the Shu Uemura Tsuuya serum but I might get this when I run out! :)

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    hows the shuemura? :) a friend suggested i check out their serum & moisturizer but never got the chance to, i get intimidated kase with their branding, feeling ko its too expensive haha.

  • Tania says:

    I wanted to love this product as it has so many glowing reviews but it consistently causes me to break out whenever I give it a try! Argan oil does that to me also, although my skin is ok with some facial oils.

    xo freshfizzle

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    oh :( but its good that you know specific ingredients that irritates your skin, thats very observant of you :)

  • bath and body works sale=DANGER

  • Anonymous says:

    Hello! Thanks for the review. I've been reading about this when I became curious with serums. And like the others, I've read so much good reviews about it, my only problem is, I'm not sure if this works if I sleep during the day since I am working every night.

  • Shayne ♥ says:

    You're welcome! ^^ i think it'll work with your sleeping time as well. I've been using this serum in the morning before i go to the gym with out makeup from many months now. It brightens up my skin so nicely :)

  • Yan says:

    Hi! So how do you use it? When do you put it? After cleanser/toner/moisturizer? I want to try this but yeah sobrang mahal huhu and I’m afraid it won’t sit well with other products if I put it last. Thanks for the review! <3

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