It took me till my mid-20s to start using sunscreen (very reluctantly) and till last year, to start moisturising at night. I dislike beauty routines that take more than a couple of minutes, and I wasn’t expecting to use this essence more than a few times before falling off the wagon. But it surprised me. I splash on the slightly-heavier-than-water concentrate after cleansing and before moisturising my skin, daily. Twice. And it does what it says on the bottle. Maybe it was the nourishing Iris Florentina Root Extract or then the exfoliating Lipo Hydroxy Acid (LHA), I couldn’t tell exactly. But in barely a week, my otherwise dull skin began to enliven. It appeared more supple, even and glowy. And the essence does actually affect the way the other products in your routine take to your skin, they absorb better which means those things I fear most about lengthy beauty routines – grease and cakiness – are no longer threats. I will be cradling it lovingly for a while to come.
Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence (200 ml), Rs 3,500, will be available in July
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