If you're wondering why certain products don't work for you or why you still have makeup residue left over after you've washed your face, it could be because your regimen doesn't include a crucial step. Or perhaps you're not doing the steps in the right order, impeding you from getting the complexion you want. Learn the most effective way to wash your face. We make it all crystal clear.
After accepting the fact that facial oils are actually good for your skin, what do you do next? We're giving you three easy ways to add an oil to your beautifying routine with smart tricks gleaned straight from the pros. Get your vial of oil ready, because there's no reason not to use it every day once you learn these tips.
February is going to be filled with exciting, stylish moments, thanks to Fashion Week, award season, and Valentine's Day. With those events in mind, this month's shopping list is all about stunning, snap-worthy street-style jewels, eye-catching handbags, and bold separates that will survive the Winter-to-Spring transition. When the midseason slump has you feeling uninspired, our editors' picks are sure to give your cold-weather look a much-needed lift. From Tibi's lobster-printed skirt to an irresistible (and budget-friendly) pair of exotic statement earrings from ASOS, see and shop our February must haves now!
Gone are the toners of junior high days, when ingredients were so harsh and aggressive, pimple-laden faces were left as tight as the Joker's. But with Fresh's new Crème Ancienne Infusion ($90), a conditioning treatment toner, all the smiling you'll be doing is of the happy, decidedly nonsinister variety.
Formulated with rose flower, lavender, and bamboo waters to balance and soothe, this toner does more than just draw out impurities. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and meadowfoam oil adds nourishment. And because the infusion first clears away excess debris and oil, the rest of the do-good ingredients are then more able to penetrate deeper into the skin. At $90 a pop, clear, radiant skin doesn't come cheap. But during the warmer months when fuss-free reigns supreme, it's the perfect multitasking product that cleanses, tones, and hydrates.
In the latest movie crossover news, Fresh is collaborating with Sony Pictures to create an Eat, Pray, Love fragrance collection ($32 each). Named after Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling book and the upcoming film of the same name, each scent represents a different part of Elizabeth's journey. The fragrances will be available at Fresh stores and online starting July 15. What do you think about the beauty brand's latest perfume venture? Will you eat them up, or are you not really loving it so much?
The rough economy means that spa-goers are spending less money on their pampering routines. So if you do decide to splurge on a facial, you might as well get your money's worth. That's quite easy to do if you get the hookup at Fresh, where you can sign up for a spa treatment and receive the cost of the service in store credit. So if you spend $125 on a 60-minute facial, you can scoop up $125 in whichever products you like — which makes your dollars go farther than they might at a traditional spa. That program is in place in two New York and London stores with dedicated spa areas offering face, body, and makeup treatments.
But wait, there's more — and it's free. Fresh shops in other cities (locations here) offer the ReFresh Spa Express, which offers complimentary minitreatments; they also occasionally have special days that feature free half-hour facials. And don't miss the Fresh spa days going on at Neiman Marcus this month — this events page has details on complimentary 30-minute facials happening at stores around the country. I've signed up for a facial at the San Francisco Fresh store's next event on Aug. 27, so follow my Twitter to find out how it goes.
Would you ever consider spreading mashed potatoes on your face? That's exactly what the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask ($85) from Fresh feels like. But, alas, starch it is not. It's actually made from cucumber, black tea, sake, lychee seed, jicama root juice, and hyaluronic acid, the big guns when it comes to cell hydration.
My favorite parts are twofold. The first is the light and fresh natural tea and cucumber aroma that is both calming and refreshing. The second part is that it never dries so you don't have to deal with that uncomfortable cracking and stiff sensation. It just sort of absorbs and looks shiny.
It's recommended to leave on for at least five-to-eight minutes, but after speaking with Lev Glazman (one of the co-creators of Fresh), he recommends leaving it on overnight two-to-three times a week for an enhanced effect.
When you wash it off, your face has a glowy and smooth look. My biggest beef with the product, besides the slightly funny feeling that occurs when you rub it in, is the price tag. But, if you've got the extra cash lying around, I recommend giving it a whirl.
See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!
I had no idea that a bar of clay could be a panacea to so many different skin ailments, but Fresh's Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar ($38) does the job. Umbria is a clay-rich region in Italy, and the treatment bar is made from pure clay. It has the appearance of soap, but once you feel it, you'll see that it's chalky, hard and much heavier and more fragile than soap.
It helps with breakouts, diaper rash, mosquito bites, razor-burn, ingrown hairs and eczema. It works by regulating the production of sebum in your skin, reducing inflammation, and balancing out your skin's natural acid level. I couldn't believe that after just one use the tiny bumps on the back of my arm (that I sometimes get in the hot summer months) dried up and flattened. After two uses, they almost completely went away.
To use, wet an area of the bar and apply it directly to your skin. It dries to a thin finish and is very gentle so it can be used on the most sensitive skin, even baby skin. You can use it as a mask (leave it on for five minutes and rinse) or as a spot treatment.
Last week Fresh introduced their second mascara to the world called Firebird ($26). This new lengthening mascara was inspired by a famous Russian fairy tale called The Firebird. The story is about a majestic bird with full, feathery magical wings that caused many deaths to the men who tried to seize it.
Firebird mascara won't kill you; it'll just make your lashes look lush. It has an extra-long brush that helps curl, elongate and add volume. Available only in black, it's formulated with seabuckthorn berry oil, red algae, and panthenol. The result is soft, bohemian, wing-like lashes as opposed to glamorous, thick and shiny lashes that you can get from their original SuperNova Mascara.
What I like best is that all you need is one stroke for great results. I can spend upwards of one minute on each eye applying my mascara, but this brush is so lush that it manages to hit just about every lash. (OK, fine, you many need one more stroke here and there to hit those stubborn little hairs closest to your eyes). Also, so far in my experience it doesn't clump or flake. Now that's magical!
Brand-new from Fresh is a summertime eau de parfum called Strawberry Flowers ($38). It launched this past week in the UK and will be exclusive at Sephora come September.
This fruity, floral and sparkling scent is sure to please your sense of smell. It was created by Lev Glazman (co-founder of Fresh), and was inspired by the memories of a perfect Spring morning. It has a true citrus spirit and is made from mandarin, strawberries, freesia, osmanthus, orris, yuzu, white peach, musk, woods and orange blossom.
I tried it for the first time last night and fell instantly in love with the fresh, lush aroma. It is significantly sweeter than Cannabis Rose, but not quite as sugary as Sugar Lemon. Ahh finally, the perfect, happy medium that you can add to your mix of favorite strawberry beauty products.
