What To Buy From Fresh Cosmetics
Fresh is one of those beauty brands that I always go back to. No matter what phase or condition my skin is in, there always seems to be a Fresh product that seamlessly fits into my routine and saves my skin from bad breakouts, dullness, dryness, you name it. Their products are not super scientific or packed with active ingredients but they do have some of the best glow-inducing, moisture-boosting skincare I’ve ever used. What I love most about Fresh is that while the products are incredibly effective, they are also gentle, and will benefit all skin types based on your specific needs and concerns at any given moment. You get results without having to shake up your entire routine.
Of course, there is a downside: Fresh products are not cheap. Their new five-star rated Creme Ancienne Honey Mask is so beautiful it looks almost edible, but cashes in at >£100 and the Black Tea Perfecting Mask which is like a miracle in a jar for dull, blackhead-infested skin will set you back £77 for the full size version. Ready for some good news? Here it is, Fresh are offering my readers 20% off until November 20th with the code GRACEGIRL20.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are curious about where to start I’ve listed all of my favourite products below.
Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask
This mask is honestly like no other product I’ve ever tried. It has a smooth, dense, whipped texture which is kind of fluffy and so somehow reminds me of both mashed potato and sorbet at the same time... I’m rarely lost for words when it comes to beauty but it’s as hard to describe this mask’s effects as it is to describe its texture - it just makes skin look better. Like a brighter, healthier, clearer version of its 20-minutes-ago self. Whether pores, dull skin, dryness, or redness is your bug bear it manages to soothe, calm, and reduce imperfections with a plumping, brightening, smoothing effect. Regardless of your skin type or concerns, this will work for everyone.
Rose Deep Hydration Serum
When it comes to hydration serums, few really go above and beyond - and I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting this to be a top performer, on account of rose being its heroed ingredient and not hyaluronic acid or some such like. Oh no, this is a true moisture-drencher. On rushed mornings, you could easily use this as your only hydrating step since it packs in the moisture and nourishment, and makes skin look bright and dewy. Not only does it make skin look and feel instantly hydrated, it also keeps it looking fresh and flawless - like I just applied it - all day long.
Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliant
I always wake up with dry, chapped lips, and exfoliating them in the shower (no mess!) is one of my essential morning rituals. This balm-like scrub melts upon contact with skin allowing the sugar particles to move smoothly and quickly over lips, buffing away dryness in a matter of seconds.
Umbrian Clay Purifying Face Exfoliant
This is one of the only face scrubs I’m willing to use - although it is a physical exfoliant, it won’t leave your skin raw and red. Not only does it do a stellar job of smoothing skin and buffing away rough texture, but thanks to its clay base it does double duty to deep clean pores - even doubling up as a face mask in a pinch (just apply a thick layer and leave for 10 minutes before removing). When my skin is leaning or oily or a mass breakout is threatening I crave the super clean, smooth, matte finish that this gives.
Rose Face Mask
This face mask is not only beautiful (it has actual rose petals in it), it’s also really effective. If your skin is prone to dryness and dehydration and you prefer a gel-textured mask to a cream, you’ll love this. It instantly brightens skin and creates a radiant sheen of dreams thanks to a formula which includes algae, aloe vera, and green tea. A must-have for dewy skin enthusiasts and those who like to prep their skin with a glow-boost before makeup.
Soy Face Cleanser
If you’re looking for a really great everyday cleanser that you can use morning and night no matter what condition your skin is in, this one is definitely worth buying. It’s a basic-in-a-good-way gel cleanser which wicks skin clean without leaving it feeling tight and stripped. Instead, skin feels nourished and comforted, as if you’ve just moisturised - which is quite rare for a gel formula. It is probably one of my most recommended cleansers of all time, especially for combination skin types (a notoriously hard skin type to find products for) since it does such a good job of cleaning skin but maintaining balance at the same time.
Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask
As someone with eternally congested, breakout-prone skin, I love a clay mask. I firmly believe that anyone with such a skin type should have one in their arsenal for emergencies, and as a weekly preventative treatment to keep on top of clogged pores, congestion, and to take down any existing blemishes. I fell in love with this mask on first use because unlike many other clay-based formulas it’s not super drying - there’s nothing worse than a clay mask that takes all oils (even the good stuff) from your skin. The formula is light and soft (thanks to the high mineral content of Umbrian clay), and contains soothing chamomile and grapeseed oil.
Kombucha Antioxidant Essence
When it comes to toners, Fresh has some great options, but this is the one to try. Much like regular kombucha, the ingredient list contains black tea, which, when fermented, has amazing brightening and skin-protecting abilities. Add glycerin and two types of hyaluronic acid to the mix and you’ve got game-changing hydrating and softening effects - great for anyone who needs to up their moisture intake.
Vitamin Nectar Glow Face Mask
This mask looks like jam, so shooting content with it is super fun - but aesthetics aside, it has awesome skin-brightening and smoothing benefits thanks to fruit acid-derived AHAs and vitamin C. I love this mask for brightening sluggish skin if I’m ill or hungover, or as the middle-step in a masking session (after a clay mask and before a hydration mask).
Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream
This moisturiser looks rich, but absorbs quickly into the skin so doesn’t leave it looking greasy or feeling sticky. The formula’s blend of soothing peach leaf and antioxidant lotus extract is exactly what skin needs through the night, and it feels so refreshing and calming that it instantly soothes any irritation or redness. For anyone who struggles to find a moisturiser that doesn’t clog their pores or incite sensitivities, this is a must-try.
