In Thing: Kiehl's beauty treatments

Kiehl's beauty products possess a no-nonsense glamour, cult status among movie starlets, models and fashion designers and a flawless reputation within the beauty industry.

Established in 1851, many of Kiehl's products are still made to original formulas; they claim every preparation is painstakingly produced by hand.

This is not hard to believe judging by their milk, honey and almond scrub (pounds 10.95).

So rich it could be mistaken for unset concrete, it goes on smooth and creamy and washes off a treat. The French rosewater (pounds 5), with petals floating in it, smells sublime and is a fresh and simple toner. The aloe massage cream (pounds 12.50) looks like a banana souffle and is just as light.

Until now you could only get your paws on these products by crossing the pond to Kiehl's charmingly strange Third Avenue shop in New York (decorated with Harley Davidson bikes). Now they're selling here and are being snapped up by those in the know.

Kiehl's at Harrods, 87-135 Knightsbridge SW1 (071-730 1234). Mon/Tues/Sat 10am-6pm, Weds/Thurs/Fri 10am-7pm.

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