The $62 daily moisturiser that'll fudge your makeup routine

"When I go foundation-free, I’ll get compliments saying that my skin looks flawless when all I have on is this cream."

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It is a rare yet wonderful joy in life when you stumble across a skincare product that actually does what it say’s it’ll do.

Not only does it give you those instant, noticeable results but it can also feel like a product was made SPECIFICALLY for you. Of course, it’s not, but when you find something that seems to address all of your skin concerns, it really makes you think that the perfect product actually does exist.

For me, that product looks like the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (because it is.)

It’s a great all-purpose moisturiser and I’ve literally never been more loyal to anything other than this. Okay, other than my boyfriend.

Basically, it's as much a part of my daily routine as my morning matcha and you won’t ever catch me leaving the house without this slapped on my face. Sometimes, it’s all I wear... apart from clothes, get your head out of the gutter.

Anyway, I’ll get into the deets now and you get your bank deets ready, k? 

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The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. Image: Supplied

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Before I ramble too much about all the juicy ingredients and sciency stuff, a quick rundown of my skin:

She’s dry in places, always red around the nose and is flakier than your high school friend that keeps rearranging coffee dates.

What is the Ultra Facial Cream?

Okay, okay, onto the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. It’s an ultra-lightweight moisturiser that offers 24-hour hydration, particularly for dry and sensitive skin. 

It works to help recover the skin barrier 55% faster and gives you 2.3X the hydration, leaving you with plump, glowy and smooth skin, even in the skin's driest areas (here’s looking at you, area around my nose.)

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What are the main ingredients?

The hero ingredients doing all the heavy lifting are Glacial Glycoprotein and Squalane.

Glacial-what?! Squal-who?!!

Well, Glacial Glycoproteins are a form of peptide derived from, you guessed it, sea glaciers, and they work to prevent water loss from your skin, especially in colder temperatures. 

And Squalane is naturally found in our skin’s sebum (aka our skin’s natural oil) but in the Kiehl’s cream, it’s derived from olives. It acts as an emollient, helping to seal in moisture and create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.  

Kidspot chatted to  Kiehl’s Education Manager, Sirichai Mukura to find out a little more about this MVP ingredient. 

"Kiehl’s signature ingredient Squalane in the Ultra Facial Cream replenishes to restore healthy levels of naturally occurring skin lipids and protects against moisture loss, providing 24-hour hydration for all skin types," Mukura says. 

"Ultra Facial Cream is clinically proven to strengthen all aspects of the skin barrier. On the surface to physically protect from moisture loss and deep down to maintain skin’s water reservoir."

How much does it cost?

Just want to test it out and see if it vibes with your skin? The 50mL will set you back just $62.

Ready to go all in and commit? The 125ml is $115 but trust me - it lasts for ages. 

How do you use it?

After cleansing, toning and using your favourite serums, apply a pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin.

According to Mukura, "Massage it onto the face in an upward circular motion and apply day or at night or as needed."

Glowy, without the foundation! Image: Supplied

My experience and results

I personally love that this cream doesn’t leave your skin with that greasy feeling you often get with other heavier moisturisers. 

It somehow leaves your skin feeling noticeably more hydrated, like your skin has just taken a big drink of water. It’s luxuriously thick and creamy and absorbs quickly too.

I’ve used it for years, so can safely say it’s light enough for summer but still moisturising enough to use in winter. 

Since using it, I’ve found my dry patches have settled down, my redness has been calmed and I feel confident to go without makeup more.

Some days when I go foundation-free, I’ll get compliments from people saying that my skin looks flawless and like I'm wearing foundation when all I have on is some mascara and lippy.

Talk about hacking your beauty routine! Perfect for lazy gals like me and busy mums on the go.

Don't just take my word for it...

I’m not the only one to rave about this product, in fact, it’s kind of a big deal.

The cult facial cream sells every six seconds worldwide and is Kiehl’s’ #1 moisturiser. 

That's all from me folks, now go treat your skin! You know what they say, happy face, happy life! 

Nobody says that, but you will after trying this! Swear!

Originally published as The $62 daily moisturiser that'll fudge your makeup routine