Kiehl's Greenbelt 5

At long last, one of the most awaited and highly anticipated brands in the history of cosmetics will be finally arriving on Philippine shores. Kiehl’s since 1851 will be in October 2007 at Greenbelt 5. Founded as an old world apothecary in New York’s East Village over 150 years ago, the brand is going strong as it steadily expands around the globe. As it launches simultaneously in Malaysia and Thailand, Kiehl’s will have its 40 sqm. maiden store at the ground floor drop off area of the soon-to-open Greenbelt 5. Celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes love their Crème with Silk Groom (SRP: P1,175.00), Mischa Barton favors the Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion (SRP: P700.00 for 4.2 oz.), Amino Acid Shampoo (SRP: P750.00 for 4.2 oz.) is Kirsten Dunst’s fave, while me and Julia Roberts can’t live without our Lip Balm # 1 (SRP: P450.00 for . 5 oz.)

The soft launch was held in the lobby of Greenbelt 3 with Shu Uemura’s Tina Tinio in attendance, who is now based in Singapore, and Kiehl’s product manager in the Philippines, Sheena Dy. We savored hotdogs from Muscle Beach, ice cream from Haagen-Dazs, and popcorn from Chimera. Beauty editors and leading editors-in-chief such as Lorraine Belmonte of Mega, Sari Yap of Lifestyle Asia and Myrza Sison of Marie Claire Philippines were in attendance. We were treated with samples of Kiehl’s Facial Fuel and Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion. Receptionists started taking our orders, in a form of prscriptions, as we enter the event. The items will be picked up once the store opens this October. I can’t hardly wait for my orders. Thanks to Tina Daniac, who designed Tina Tinio’s handpainted dress for the launch, and she decided to tag me along.

On hindsight, I even attended the FGD (focus group discussion) for Kiehl’s back in 2004. I got free L’Oreal items after attending it. Kiehl’s is the sister brand of L’Oreal and Shu Uemura worldwide.