Kiehl’s Since 1851

I absolutely love this store! I’ve had some major skin problems as of late, and through a combination of medication and Kiehl’s products. I absolutely love the dark spot corrector and midnight recovery serum. A growing favorite is the clay mask-​I had to stop by when they had a 22% off sale and get a mask sampler. Jerry had helped me every time I’ve gone in, and he is absolutely AMAZING. My skin has been through hell and back, but Kiehl’s has been my godsend. Give them a try the next time you’re taking a stroll down 4^th street!

I had such a pleasant shopping experience yesterday on Black Friday. The associate that helped me, Melissa, was super knowledgeable and helpful! She was super patient and answered all my questions and helped me find the best products for what I needed. So thankful I have an awesome local store to shop at instead of having to ho all the way to SF… great experience

A young man greeted me as soon as I walked into the store and minute later, came by and started asking me about my skin. I wasn’t intending to buy anything, but who doesn’t love new skin care products? He had me sit down and began assessing and consulting me about my skin. I told him I was on the dryer side, so he used a machine which you place against your face and it reads your hydration levels. How cool! He then proceeded to recommend a routine for me.
What I loved about his salesmanship was he wasn’t trying to push products on me, he was simply stating which products would work best for my skin and which order to use them in. He suggested a sunscreen for me and I pointed out the chemical ingredients, and he immediately brought out a mineral sunscreen. This guy was obviously knowledgable about Kiehl’s products, and I was impressed.
So, I bought the Ultra Cream Moisturizer and the Clearly Corrective serum for my sun spots. He also gave me Midnight Recovery oil samples (I didn’t even need to ask), and let me tell you. I’ve been using these products for a week and I have noticed a DRAMATIC difference in the texture of my skin. My skin feels extremely soft, clear, and feels hydrated. I also love how potent these products are as a little goes a long way. I can tell these purchases are going to last months. I’m going back to purchase midnight recovery and stopping by Sephora to return my previous skin care oils. Compared to other high-​end products, I genuinely think these are 100% worth your money.

Hands down, my favorite Kiehls store in the world (and I travel extensively). The store manager, Maria, is simply a gem and always a breath of fresh air. I’ve always found the staff helpful. But, what I appreciate about this store the most is there connection to community. They always seem to help out great causes either with special evening events or discounts sales that proceeds benefit a non-​profit organization. Even this weekend, August 14 – 16, 2015, they’re having a great sale to benefit a great cause.
I always wait to refill my stock and refuse to buy online, so I can walk into this store and walk out smiling.

Always a good ecperience until today. An African American woman was working and had the most sullen attitude I have encountered in years.
No smile or offer to help. When I asked her about samples, she feigned ignorance. Not sure if I will return — at least not to Berkeley.

I definitely wish there could be NO stars for this review ! I came into this location and was treated unfair and disrespectfully by an employee by the name of Sarah. I was greeted with no excitement and wasn’t acknowledged after. She had an attitude when I approached her with a question, so I left my products and went to another location.

I hate giving this review because I love Kiehl’s products, and normally the service is pretty good, but not today. We both had questions comparing two products. There was only one person working (a blondish woman) but she was busy with another customer. That’s completely understandable, but a good 10 or 15 minutes went by without her even acknowledging our presence with an «I’ll be with you in a moment,» despite the fact that she made eye contact with us.
Then, two other customers walked in and she looked at me as I was opening my mouth to ask my question and instead, she asked the next people if she could help them. At that point, we put the products down and walked out.

Practically every beauty product I own for face, hair, and body is a Kiehl’s product. And I even have backups of almost everything. I can’t sing enough praise for their line and recommend it to absolutely.
This particular store is my primary source and I’ve generally had good experiences here. The staff always greets me and asks if I need help almost as soon as I step in through the door. Lindsay in particular is a total sweetheart and is a wealth of information. The only problem I’ve run into here is their unwillingness to let me return items. On their website it clearly states that if a customer is unsatisfied with a product they will happily take it back. I’ve taken things back a few times and each time I get an interrogation about why I didn’t like the product, and one time they complained to me that returning things was a complicated process that would take too much time. I didn’t go in with an attitude demanding my money back. I simply told them it wasn’t working for me. It doesn’t make me feel like a valued customer when I’m met with such resistance for not liking a product.

I called at 3pm to find out if they were open on Memorial Day. They said yes, they would be open until 6. I got there at 4:30 and the shop was totally closed, lights off, empty. WOW glad I made the trip to 4^th st.
If I didn’t have a kiehls gift card I probably would have gone to Perricone across the street to get what I needed…

I’m so unhappy that I’m the only person who received crappy customer sevice at this Kiehl’s!
I went in on an extremely off day (sometime during a Tuesday afternoon) and the person at the counter didn’t help me with anything. At some point, I asked if it was a possibility to receive samples so I can try something new before committing (and all you Kiehl’s fanatics know that this is not a small commitment), not only did I receive a no. I was just stared at like I was wasting her time. Like she couldn’t believe someone would come into a high-​end skincare store and ask her such a ridiculous question.
… Ok. Well then, that was great. I bought nothing and left with nothing.

This Kiehl’s has a friendlier-​than-​average staff, which instills a bit more shopper loyalty in me. They are very generous with the samples, too!
The products speak for themselves: simple, straightfoward, effective (and pricey). I was very happy to see they have a bottle recycling program, where you can bring in your empty Kiehl’s products to recycle them, and earn points towards freebies. We have already collected 4 empties, and are 1 item away from a free product!
Gotta say, the rice bran conditioning rinse is magic. I once heard two of my co-​workers (who have luminous hair) talking about their obsession with it. That was all I needed to become a Kiehl’s client!

Anyone who knows me is aware of my Kiehl’s addiction. I’ve been a very loyal customer since I was 12. I have tried practically every product suitable for me that they’ve sold since then, whether it be for the face, hair, body, whatever. I’ve literally jumped for joy because of new lines and mourned the loss of discontinued merchandise (RIP Imperial Body Balm). I love the high quality, subtle fragrance, and the drastic results from frequent usage. The offerings are tailored to skin type, hair type, age, sex, and scent preference but there are still some must haves that work for everyone. Kiehl’s, as a purveyor of luxurious goods, is and will always be five stars in my book. Unfortunately, this store hasn’t always lived up to my opinion of the brand itself.
In terms of appearance, the 4^th St. storefront is way nicer than the one on Market. They stock all the new arrivals right away and usually don’t run out of my essentials. I prefer the Fillmore location but it’s a bit far if I just want to pick up one or two things.
The primary reason for the less than perfect rating is the customer service. I used to avoid this location like the plague because one of the main sales women has pissed me off multiple times with her unprofessionalism and the rest of the staff didn’t seem to be well versed in the ingredients of the Kiehl’s offerings. If I wasn’t spending a pretty penny on their products, I wouldn’t care but it sucks having a bad experience with personnel when you’re shopping for some of your favorite things. I’d have lowered the rating even more if they hadn’t hired Lindsay. She’s genuinely lovely and the only employee I’ve encountered here who has been truly helpful to me. If you come here, seek her out for assistance and you will be pleased with her suggestions.
If you roughly know what you want, this location is just fine.

FIRST AND FOREMOST:
This review isn’t really about the Kiehl’s shop on 4^th Street. They’re OK, I guess. It’s about the company at large. And that company sucks.
THAT SAID:
I loved their products. They made the very best shampoos and hair conditioners, excellent soaps and sublime fragrances based on essential oils. I actually made a huge point of visiting their East Village flagship store any time I was in NY, just to be there. Like a pilgrimage.
BUT:
No company in the history of companies has done more to lose my business.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END:
A proud and successful company that started in 1851 was purchased in 2000 by L’Oreal. Sure, profits have gone up by a gazillion percent. Because they’re selling cheaply made products with high margins rather than exquisite products that are more expensive to make.
FIRST WENT THE SHAMPOO:
My favorite lecithin conditioning shampoo, which helped mitigate the harsh chlorine from swimming. BAM! Gone.
THEN WENT MY SECOND FAVORITE SHAMPOO:
It hurts to even mention it.
THEN WENT THE ESSENTIAL OILS:
Cleverly, they changed the name to «essence oils» as if we wouldn’t notice the switch from luxurious, sensual fragrances to acrid, alcohol-​based cheapness. Hear that? It’s the sound of my heart breaking.
One of those essential oils was my secret weapon. Women actually approached me at parties wanting to make out just because I smelled so good. I have about two drops of the original oil in hiding, waiting for just the right occasion, and a couple tubes of the other stuff which I bought out of desperation.
*sigh*
THEN WENT THE SCENTED SOAPS:
All replaced with crappy, ridiculous scents like «orange flower and lychee» and «nashi blossom and pink grapefruit.»
Pisses me off just to think about it. Nashi blossom. WTF
THEN WENT THE CONDITIONER:
This lovely, thick stuff I used as a leave-​in.
WHAT’S LEFT FOR ME?
Eh … their shaving stuff is OK and I still like their Crème de Corps lotion.
But screw that!
I NOW USE MALIN+GOETZ …
… and Dr. Bronner’s and LUSH. They’re organic, sustainably made and marketed, pro-​social and use all-​natural ingredients.
Take that you creepy bastards. I hope you’re happy with your gazillion bucks in revenue and hundreds of locations.
I’M OUT.

WOW!!! If I could give negative stars, I would. I purchased some Kiehl’s eye ointment at Nordstrom and was told that if I wanted to exchange the item that I could do so at any Kiehl’s store.
So, I walk into the shop and there is one other customer in there. I walked up to the employee who did not greet me with a smile and asked if I could exchange my item. She hesitated and replied, «No.» Okay that’s fine. I still want to look at your products. Since I have acne-​prone skin I asked to see the acne line. She replies, «Do you have acne?» Duh? She walks me over to the items but then assists another customer who walked in after me.
This employee in particular was rude. Sorry if I don’t have a fancy purse or expensive wardrobe but you should give me your attention. That is your job, after all. I ended up walking out and vow to never return to this store again.

I don’t see the point in lotion (probably because i don’t use it…) so for me, Kiehl’s is just a good spot to get presents for women
Everyone who we bought presents for liked them… so yay!

Benefit + Kiehl’s + Sur la table + Tacubaya = a happy day that I want to recreate regularly.
I’m a fairly recent Kiehl’s convert and am kicking myself for not walking in there earlier. All those years of 4^th street shopping that weren’t fully taken advantage of!
For the past 6 months or so I’ve been using Kiehl’s ultra facial cleanser, which I love. My face always feels clean, soft and hydrated after using this stuff. No dryness or tightness whatsoever. I used to have more expensive face wash but my Kiehl’s does a better job at a lower cost — $ 19.99 for a bottle that will take about a century to go through since you use so little each time.
The staff at Kiehl’s is always very helpful in recommending products depending on the customer’s skin type, age and gender. This has been one of my go-​to places to get gifts for family members lately. The staff is really generous in giving out free samples, so don’t hesitate to ask for some. Before a recent trip out of the country I was able to get a few free samples of my face wash to put in my carry-​on bag, which help made me feel fresh on my long flights.
I look forward to trying out one of their moisturizers as soon as my current one runs out.

All I can say is WOW. I came here today to get a $ 10 credit because they were offering a $ 30 credit for after Christmas vs. a $ 20 credit coupon. I had 2 items that I didn’t even open, so I decided I mine as well get a credit for my purchase… simple, right? Wrong.
I have been to many Kiehl’s locations before and have always received great service. I walk into this store and Rachel approached me and I advised her that I want to get a $ 10 credit. She said I can not get the offer, so I said I will just return and repurchase and she said I can’t do that either. She said she received e-​mails that we can not return or exchange. So, I left.
While walking around 4^th St., I told myself it doesn’t state anywhere on the receipt I can not return. So, I proceeded back to the store and when she saw me coming, she walked to the back. I spoke to someone at the counter and said I just like to return the products. I told her I wanted to take advantage of the $ 30 coupon and said Rachel advised I could not, but said there is nothing on the receipt I can not return. Rachel comes out from the back and since I had a receipt (btw, I showed her the receipt the first time I wwalked in), they said I can return it and exchange it. She said she asked her manager after I left if I was able to return. I told her that she should have asked her manager when I was in the store earlier and not until I left. She said there were a lot of emails. I advised her it is not on the receipt… told her they should put a disclaimer or final sale if they didn’t want customers to exchange or return based on their promo. It was the worst customer experience I had. She was trying to be nice to me afterwards, but you know, it is your company that has this offer and u should honor it. Maybe next time, have your company offer the $ 30 coupon before Christmas and then $ 20 after Christmas… just saying.
I won’t be back at this store and going to write to the Corporate office in regards to my experience and that additional training needs to be done at this location.

The ladies at Kiehl’s on 4^th Street in Berkeley are extraordinary. A big shout-​out to: Rachel, Morgan, Maria, Sarah, Lindsay, and Marcy — each of whom has made an positive impact on me and my family.
To the manager there I say, «Thank you for your wisdom in your staffing lineup!»
My aesthetician has stopped selling me her private line of products and has instead begged me to share with her my latest Kiehl’s learnings via Rachel, Morgan, Maria, Sarah, Lindsay, and Marcy.
Life is good. And so is Kiehl’s on 4^th Street.

The staff here has been polite every time I have been in this location.
They have been attentive & let me shop when I asked.
I LOVE being able to take my empties in & get rewarded for it! I have gotten 2 lip balms, 2 travel-​sized and $ 25 off so far! Just for bringing in all my empties (they even count travel-​sized!)… I use this stuff anyway!
And yes, I love me some samples and they are always very generous!

Ohhh boy… right before my eyes, I totally turned into one of the people I talk about. Right there in Kiehl’s I became the «can I get that, that, that, that and that SAMPLE FREAK». YIKES!!!
But how could one resist with all the great stuff they had showcased.
How did I not know this store existed is beyond me. Well… that might be a little tale. I’ve entered the Kiehl’s in SF with my Cali BFF many of times but not like I paid any attention to exactly what the store was. And yes, I’ve surely seen their products advertised in many mags but once again, never really paid any attention to it.
That was until this weekend when I guess my Cali BFF decided to have a face intervention with me. After handing me a mirror in MAC and discussing with me that we needed to do something about my blackheads around my nose and talking about scheduling a facial (something that I’ve never had) and all the benefits to it, we opted for the 2^nd best quickie.
Gotta luv real friends who really love you :)
Before I knew it, she was dragging me into Kiehl’s and discussing my blackheads with the girl who worked there. Before I knew it, I was at a mirror and a sink trying some products. And just like that, I instantly saw a few go down the drain. Though I still had much to work with, I was convinced I had to get some samples.
I also struggle with dry skin so I opted to get a sample of their face moisturizer. I couldn’t wait to home and head to bed so I can wash my face and try it.
Woke up this morning and OMG… the stuff works!!!
Kiehl’s…expect to see me there this week :)