A '60s fave has a new offspring: The Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe Masque

Skincare

Jul 7

Even among people with similar skin conditions and concerns, building a good regimen is largely a personal process. Finding the right product for your needs can feel very overwhelming because of the sheer number of options available. That's why it's wise to look for products that are properly formulated to be gentle on the skin. If the Kiehl’s Calendula line’s everlasting popularity is any indication, this TLC approach to skin care definitely works for the long haul!

Since Kiehl’s first released their Calendula Herbal Extract Toner (P2,425) in the '60s, fans of the brand the world over have been amazed by the soothing formula that serves to refresh and hydrate normal to oily skin types. It continued to be such an in-demand product that they added the Calendula Deep Foaming Face Wash (P1,725) to complement it. Recently, Kiehl's launched the Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque (P2,950 for 100ml and P1,150 for 28ml), which adds a moisturizing and nourishing step that your skin can benefit from.

While guests enjoyed a sneak preview of the latest addition to the collection, Patrick Liew, Kiehl’s Asia-Pacific Retail & Education Director, told the story of how fans would fish out the hand-picked calendula petals suspended in the toner solution. The petals would then be applied directly to the face just so the skin can absorb any remaining traces of toner (kind of like lotion masks!), and this became something of a precursor to the Calendula & Aloe masque.

So what exactly is their latest addition like, and why does it look like it will take the beauty world by storm once more? First and foremost, the two key ingredients of the Soothing Hydration Masque are all-time favorites for skin relief.

Calendula flower has anti-inflammatory benefits
Aloe leaf juice is known for its soothing and healing properties.
Unlike the traditional forms of mask that either feel like clay or like a thick cream, this comes in a gel form that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky, except for the mildest hint of tackiness as it dries. It feels pretty similar to aloe vera gel.

To use, you just need about half a teaspoon of masque to be applied between the cleansing and toning stages of your skincare routine. Just let it dry for 10-15 minutes before lightly dabbing it off with a damp towel. You can also use this as a sleeping mask by slathering it on as the final step in your regimen. A jar would last for a long time because so little is required for each masking sesh!

Calendula petals suspended in the masque

Just as this gel-formula masque offers comfortable application that’s perfect for the Philippines’ perpetual humidity, it also helps perk up the senses with a little bit of scent therapy. To me, it's a clean scent with citrusy and woodsy notes that remind me of ginger and cedar. It’s a mild unisex scent that doesn’t linger beyond 5 minutes, and it strikes me as both relaxing and invigorating at the same time. In comparison, the calendula toner and cleanser share a rich, buttery scent that kind of makes me crave for pastries!

The anecdote above has got me thinking: Have you ever owned a product so precious that you found creative ways to extend its lifespan and maximize its usage? And if you're a calendula toner fan, we'd love to hear about how well it worked for you, and if you'll be getting this matching mask next!

Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque is now available in Kiehl’s stores. They are located in Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, SM Aura, SM Makati, SM Mall Of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and Trinoma Mall.