We were hugged, surprised and we were … given!

Thanksgiving Day, an annual tradition in the US and Canada, is traced back over the 16th century, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Despite its secular meaning, there is a religious meaning hidden, of which I was not personally aware, but which I have come to realize since last Thursday, joining the Kiehl’s team "bloggers dinner" in Athens, GR with my best friend David.  In general, I must admit that the venue, the people and the sophistication of Kiehl’s added another enriching experience in our voyage to the world of aesthetics.

Kiehl’s in not a new player in the industry of cosmetic products. Right to the contrary, it is followed by the pride of a successfully long tradition, traced back in 1851, in New York. It all began back then, when John Kiehl established his own common apothecary – and soon to become a world renowned industry-, selling pharmaceutical toners and drug sedatives. The company enjoyed a high reputation among the local community and it was exactly for that reason that Irving Morse (University of Columbia) and Kiehl’s apprentice, decided in 1921, when he purchased the apothecary, to keep its brand name unchanged. Morse expanded the company, providing clients with a wider range of services and products, including honey or even tea and of course selling the first products under the brand “ Kiehl”.

His son Aaron Morse and Second World War pilot, followed his father’s steps, studied pharmacology at the University of Columbia but aimed even higher than him. After taking over in the 1960’s, he managed to develop Kiehl’s from a traditional apothecary to an upscale cosmetics business in the 80s. From this point forward Kiehl’s begins to enjoy international prestige, applying innovative techniques but never failing to preserve its traditional character.

The recognition spread to every corner of the world may be due to Aaron Morse but even nowadays Kiehl’s asserts itself on the international scene of cosmetics as a philosophy, describing a lifestyle full of passion and inspiration first for the Morses and finally for its consumers and many supporters. After Aaron Morse’s death in 1995, his daughter Jami Morse and her husband, Klaus Heidegger, famous world ski champion, inaugurated the All-sport series, addressed to sport fans, whereas their daughter Nicoletta, a horse riding champion, gave birth to the creation of a series of products destined to cater the needs of horse and pony treatment.

Irrefutably, Kiehl’s never fails to satisfy the customer. With an even growing demand, the decision taken from Jami and Klaus to join forces with L’Oreal in 2001 indicates the importance of a strong alliance and the honesty, deeply rooted in the Morses’ family, towards the customer that quantity might count, but it is quality which finally prevails.

Considerations mentioned above crossed my mind from the very first time a Kiehl’s representative welcomed us and initiated us to their fascinating world. No sooner had we been “hugged”, than we was led to believe that it takes no more than half an hour to drive to New York from Athens (GR). The atmosphere had, it occurred to me , the necessary American touch; from the design of the place to the professionalism and gentleness of Kiehl’s representatives, everything was indicative of the history of Kiehl’s, a New York Apothecary founded in 1851, which keeps up with and respects its tradition, in reference with the enhancement of one’s appearance, being at the same time eco-friendly, socially responsible, transparent and finally combining the art of being beautiful with the necessity of applying the scientific knowledge in every product, for it takes into consideration the needs and particularities of all human skin and hair types. Put simply and briefly, Kiehl’s has been answering to the dilemma “ is beauty an art or is it a science” through the axiom that it constitutes the alchemy of both in an ongoing process, which begins with research before the product is sold to the ultimate consumer and lasts during- and even after- consumption.

As an avid user of Kiehl's products, I would like to invite you to become addicted to Kiehl’s world. The range of the products is very wide. Moisturizers, scrubs, masques, toners, anti-aging products and even more targeted treatments for specific needs introduce you to a brand new experience, covering all needs. Most importantly, Kiehl’s products have been chosen on the basis of research conducted on the applicability and the benefits of natural ingredients to your skin and hair, derived straight from botanical extracts from all over the world. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, therefore, that the policy of Kiehl’s is to inform you thoroughly on the ingredients used, or to submit you to a “Patch Test”, so as to test your skin’s sensitivity before use.

A transparent brand, revealing its “own secrets”, could be nothing less than eco- friendly. Animal testing is prohibited and the recycling packaging indicates its all about the quality of the product. Plus, if you ever wish to become member of a thriving community with social causes, you can participate in activities such is the “ Protypi geitonia”( sample neighborhood) , to take place on the 11th of December 2010, where you can plant some trees and give your lights on more sustainably architectural proposals right in the heart of Athens.

We will keep on experimenting with the bag full of presents which Kiehl’s representatives kindly offered to us and keep following them as their most fervently avid supporters.

Jeff Koons // Image Courtesy of Jeff Koons

Jeff Koons and Kiehl's
Kiehl's recently announced a collaboration with one of the foremost internationally recognized contemporary artists, Jeff Koons who is using his creative genius to help children in need around the world. With the shared vision of creating safer, more sustainable environments for children, the Kiehl’s and KOONS partnership will raise awareness and funds through the sale of the Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection, a four-product collection featuring the newest formulation, Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter. The packaging of the four products features the TULIP artwork (oil on canvas 1995-1998) by Jeff Koons. 
100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of each product will benefit The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).