The name itself, Kiehl’s Spa 1851, is an allusion to the brand’s heritage. Kiehl’s began 161 years ago as the “Brunswick Apotheke,” an apothecary shop in The East Village. It was not until 43 years later that an ambitious apprentice, John Kiehl, purchased the shop and renamed it “Kiehl Pharmacy.” When Kiehl retired in 1921, he sold the pharmacy to his apprentice, Irving Morse. Morse’s descendant Aaron took over in 1961, later introducing the Kiehl’s dedicated men’s line.
Other highlights in this brand’s sterling history:
1. The late 60s saw the beginning of the manual insertion of Calendula leaves into every bottle of the Calendula toner – a practice continued to this day.
2. In the 1970s, Kiehl’s began its ever-popular practice of generous sampling (just TRY to leave a Kiehl’s without a free sample or five; it’s legitimately impossible).
3. In 2005, the brand branched out into skincare ranges targeting specific concerns (aging, acne, sensitivity) known as “Dermatologist Solutions”.
4. In 2011, Kiehl’s opened its very first full-service spa in New York’s Upper East Side.
With the same commitment to quality and service as its retail stores, Spa 1851 offers a selection of well-edited spa treatments, equally suited to both men and women. It’s worth mentioning that all of Kiehl’s’s products are made with naturally-sourced ingredients.
Their offerings include deep-cleansing and anti-aging facials with add-ons such as peels, microdermabrasion, and lip and eye treatments. Prices range from $35 (hair and scalp treatment) to $225 (re-texturing microdermabrasion facial).Their full-body treatments feature several combinations of exfoliation, moisturization, and massage, with prices ranging from $70 (30 minute massage) to $330 (Ultimate Kiehl’s Body Restoration with scrub, Argan Oil treatment and 60 minute massage).
For the discerning male, there is a whole roster of treatments designed especially with you in mind. From the Men’s Refueling Facial, ($145) including an exfoliating peel or microdermabrasion, to the Close Shaver’s Squadron Service which ($55) features an individualized apothecary masque, Kiehl’s Spa 1851 makes it clear that the patronage and impeccable grooming of gentlemen are their priorities.
Currently, Kiehl’s Spa 1851 has only one location: 157 East 64th Street at Lexington Avenue. To book an appointment, visit www.kiehls.com, or call 1-888-SPA-1851.
And if you’re not lucky enough to live nearby, you can console yourself by walking into your friendly neighborhood Kiehl’s and leaving with your hands full of amazing new products (until a Spa 1851 opens up near you, of course).
