FRESH! SOUTH COAST PLAZA - AKA THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!
You know when you have such a perfect day you feel like you need to be pinched because you can't believe this is really happening? That was my day with all the girls at South Coast Plaza. That day goes down in the top 5 of amazing. I will be 80 years old and bragging about it to my friends at Shady Pines Nursing Home. I can't thank everyone enough, especially Pamelairene!
Walking into the Fresh store was like walking on a cloud. No, better. Yes, it was better then walking on a cloud. Cloud's generally don't have the most gorgeous products and serve you decadent flutes of champagne upon your arrival. They say St. Peter holds the key to the gates of Heaven. In this case I found the key to be unlocked by Gena and Charlie at Fresh.
Gena is so gorgeous, she told us her age (sorry Gena-but it is newsworthy) and we gasped in disbelief. What? I accused Gena of being a vampire, she laughed and said she just uses her Fresh products. Gena is so smoking hot I refused to stand next to her in a picture. Charlie was a fitting frame for Gena's picture. They could have both won Prom King and Queen. They were both so knowledgable and charming and fun that we stayed so long to learn from them we were late for our next appointment. Did I mention they also gave us Champagne? Class acts all around!
Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, husband and wife co-founders of Fresh, believe that every product must be as enjoyable as it is effective. Sophisticated delivery systems and innovative formulas advance the performance of ingredients both familiar and exotic.
Years ago I was watching Oprah and her absolutely fanatical review of the Fresh products drove me to first purchase their Brown Sugar polish. If it was good enough for the divine Miss O then certainly I had to have it. It was a splurge, but one I loved. That year I bought 3 more for Christmas gifts and got hearty "thank-you's"!
After learning and laughing and just loving life at the Fresh store it was time to go. Before we left, dynamic duo-Gena and Charlie, handed each of us gift bags with Fresh products in them to try out and review. Here's what I tried...
Victoire Face Palette 2 face powders and 6 eyeshadows in a sturdy palette (with a huge mirror and brush!) All of the colors were universally flattering but not boring. It wasn't brown, light brown and gray. The colors ranged from a "Midnight Duel" blue (which I thought would not work on brown eyes until I tried it) and mauves, greens and plums. The staying power, blendable consistencey and slight shimmer are gorgeous. The pink blush powder and shimmer powder work together like a dream and you know you're dealing with a very high quality product. I also want to give props to the massive mirror inside!
Sugar Lipgloss in ShagThis gloss has moved to the purse cosmetic bag. The color is a subtle, easy to wear cherry gloss. It's not sticky, lasts a long time and is a big tube. I think everyone would love great in this freshly bit-my-lip natural color. Anyone thats afraid of RED but wants a healthy, romantic look should give this a shot!
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser Not only did this take off my makeup but it cleansed my face and they're right! Absolutely no need for toner after you use it. It's a powerful 2-in-one that also refreshes your eyes.
Rose Face Mask I love a rejuvinating mask! With my healthy lifestyle (HA!) I love to soothe and hydrate my tired skin. This was probably my favorite item. I felt like I was at a very lush spa with the cooling cucumbers, roses and aloe working into my face. It felt great was so relaxing and it left me with a great glow!
I would consider Fresh a very high-end, luxury line. I can't give anything I tried a so/so review. It all was such a wonderful experience. If you want to really treat someone I would say look no further then this gem of a line. If the Fresh staff was represented by Gena and Charlie then you're in for a great time. They know so much and can tell you every detail on what makes Fresh stand apart! The picture to the left is all of us enjoying our very Fresh experience!
Ladies, tell us what Fresh item can you not live without!
FRESH! BUY IT HERE!
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Reviews
I adore the Fresh line! I discovered it on my very first visit to Sephora in a time long ago (purchased the Brown Sugar Body Scrub) and I now find it impossible to leave without at least one Fresh product! I believe I danced a jig when we first entered the Fresh Store - my first visit to an actual Fresh storefront - a whole boutique bursting with Fresh goodness was worthy of a dance! Gena was a knowledgeable and fun hostess to all of us and we sure did appreciate the champagne reception! Plus, check out what was enclosed in the http://www.fresh.com/html/makeup/makeup.shtml "> adorable, blossom-adorned box I received in my gift bag! Yep, I was the lucky recipient of these two new products from the Spring 2008 line. The Island Reverie palette, which Ddoll did such an admirable job of explaining, just screams, “Here’s your new spring make-up!” A great collection of warm pinks and brown for eyes that I reach for this daily. The pink is just right! The Champagne highlighter is awesome - gives my eyes a lift and isn’t too shiny or sparkley. I also found the Coral blush very wearable and pretty. I’ve never tried a coral shade before but it is really natural and flattering. This was my first Fresh lip-gloss - I’ve been dying to get my hands on one! Love the wearable reddish shade (Sugar Cherry), the not too sticky consistency and of course that iconic Fresh lemon-sugar scent. Yummy and pretty! Of course, I had to make at least one purchase that day and I found an adorable green, white and brown travel make-up bag with foliage inspired graphics to carry all of my wonderful new fresh products! Thanks to Gena and everyone at Fresh for such a fun and enjoyable experience!
I love Fresh products. They not only are high-performers, beauty-wise, but their packaging is so simple, yet elegant. I just love looking at them by my sink. I started trying this company with their Brown Sugar Body Polish. I loved it, especially that it kind of smelled like ice tea mix. Sadly, that was a gift and the hubby forbids me from spending $60+ on a scrub. Anyhoo, I branched out and tried more of their brand and I swear by their Lotus Eye Gel because it not only reduces lines and puffiness, it seems to help my eyelashes grow beyond what genetics intended. I'm also a fan of the Sugar Face Polish to combat flakiness that is a result of harsh New England winters, Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar when my face goes to the opposite end of the spectrum and is too oily, Soy Face Cleanser for being very gentle on my sensitive skin, and their Anise Day Serum because it's like taking an iron to my face (figuratively)--all the lines are smoothed out. Fragrance-wise, I'm in love with their Sugar Lemon (as is the hubby). Makeup-wise, I've only used their palette that came out for "Memoirs of a Geisha", but the cream blush was outstanding and very natural looking. After reading all of your reviews, I'm thinking I need to try their Sugar Lip Glosses.
I received the 2 same items that DD received and I couldn’t describe them any better than she did. Since receiving the palette that has been my go to item every time I put make up on. The gloss is in my purse and hasn’t left it. When I put it on it gives my lips that natural color you had when you were young. I love both products!! One of the items that stand out for me in the Fresh line is their grapefruit products. It smells fantastic. I could not keep my nose away from the area it was on display!! They also have some beautifully wrapped soap, not only do they look beautiful, they smell just as good. I did buy some soap that day and the follow week went to the Fresh store by me and bought my grapefruit lotion along with a great cosmetic bag, yep, Chi Chi I found one too. On my next trip down to Orange County I will be stopping into the Fresh store to say hi to Gena and Charlie and of course to treat myself to another goodie.
Owners of Fresh = LVMH = Owners of Sephora, Guerlain, Givenchy, Dior, Moet, Hennessey, eLuxury.com, Tag Heuer, among many others.
Katie
Kyrss-Must. Get. Sugar. Gloss. Yum.
Whoa, I mean maybe sometimes it might get trumped by my Caudalie Obsession. But if (gasp) Caudalie did not exist in this world...I would still be able to keep on living. Because of Fresh. Absolutely Decadent, natural products that are effective. Instead of Vinoperfect - the Anise Day Serum really gives you the same effect. My other favorite favorite Fresh product is the Brown Sugar Face polish. Great exfoliant with the oils that leave your skin so so soft and smooth. I don't love the rose face mask but I DO love the Umbrian Clay face mask. Kiss your blackheads good bye! And Fresh color? WHOA where do I start. The foundations are amazing! They even have umbrian clay in them to help purify WHILE you're wearing makeup. That's genious! I have to stop now because I could rave for pages and pages and paragraphs about Fresh!
Katie
It’s a fact that I’ve known for years that South Coast Plaza is a very special place. The proof is how the Center has over the years become home to many of the finest retailers in the world. Fresh being one of them. I was so happy when they opened their doors at South Coast Plaza. Thanks for making the ladies day complete. I know they couldn’t t wait to get to Fresh! I also was impressed with the amount of knowledge Gena and Charlie both had pertaining to this amazing line. I was happy to have gotten the Island Reverie Face Palette to review. It is so pretty - I hated to use it.. but I did. It’s easy after the first use.. Every thing in one great compact. The pretties palettes I’ve seen yet this season. I have it on today! It comes with 3 Eye Shadows, not two! They are: sheer champagne, Plumeria, which is so pretty and it has a lovely shimmer of pink. Finally a Rum shadow of the pretties shade of brown mixed with a darker pink shimmer- simply divine! Then it has a Bronzer. This bronzer looks so natural that even when you might not feel so great you will still look healthy! Top this with the blush in Island Reverie, a coral formulated with crushed pearls. Perfection in a compact. I also loved the Fresh Sugar lip-gloss in Sugar Cherry.. It’s yet another great invention they have recently come out with. I have some already in several shades and wear them often. I have three :Angel, Shag, and Flirt. I get complements constantly.. I like that this actually tastes good on your lips. Some glosses are horrible and make a sticky mess.. not this line.. Not FRESH.. I would love to meet the owners and give them all big hugs for being so creative and concerned with skincare. My first purchase was Fresh’s Supernova Mascara, it’s awesome! I am hooked. It is good for your lashes.. it’s enriched with nourishing meadow foam seed oil and strengthening linden bud extract. You’re eyes will look beautiful with one glossy, black coat. Get some, you wont’ be disappointed for a minute! It wasn’t long after that that I was smitten by Fresh’s amazing soaps, one of my favorites is Coriander Lavender Petit Soap, but then a girlfriend heard me talking about their LIMITED-EDITION “Sweet 16” soap and purchased the last two of those beauties the store had as a birthday gift last August. They still have this, however, I’m not sure how long this will be available and of course, it’s now my favorite. I hope they make it permanent. I have turned a close girlfriend and her bath taking husband into complete Fresh freaks.. she loves this store and so does her husband.. It’s not hard to fall in love with this line. Honestly, it is one of the prettiest gifts to give. If you want a special gift for someone this is definitely the way to go.. it’s gorgeous and memorable! Moving right along.. we are now going to talk about what fragrances I have fallen for.. so many to choose here, but the couple different perfumes that I like are: Sugar Lemon Eau De Parfum- it’s just full of citrus scents, yet it has a very fruity and floral scent plus sugar of course. I also love, love, love, their PINK JASMINE EAU DE PARFUM, this is just one of the prettiest jasmine perfumes ever, red orange, freesia, spring lilac - it also has a lot of magnolia, peony, fresh jasmine, tiare flower. Before I forget, I want to push their Soy Face Cleanser. Soy is here to stay; it’s a phenomenal way to treat your skin with something so good for it. I found this to be so unique. It’s a formula with soy proteins and botanicals. It is a fantastic way to cleanse, and remove any makeup. When I use this, I do not need a toner.
I can't wait-I am ordering for Valentines Day-Sounds like you had such a great time at Fresh-your pics looks great. I also have to say I totally enjoyed your "cockail hour" write up this month (2/1). Keep up the good work Meg and know your an inspiration to alot of people!!........... Just say "thank you"
I love Fresh fragrances, delicate and natural like the Sugar Lemon. I have been wanting to try their Rose Face Mask and the Brown Sugar Polish for a loooonnng time. Classic company, sounds like you got the royal treatment. Envy, covet, wish I could have been there!
Oh boy, oh boy, if I didn't love Fresh before, I do now. But I DID love Fresh before so that only made this day even more special. Half of us got the palette and Sugar gloss Meg talks about above and the other half got 2 that are new for spring. I think they actually had them fedexed in for us that day cause they weren't even released yet. (Seriously, this is a GOOD company!) But they're released now so keep reading. I got Sugar Cherry, shimmering cherry rose. It's a pinky red, so spring and absolutely perfect. Plus that yummy sugar aroma. And I also received the Island Reverie palette. They describe it as "capturing the essence of a warm, sun-splashed day spent in the lush tropics". A perfect description and absolutely gorgeous! It has one of the most wearble pink e/s I've ever seen, a sheer champagne, a rich brown plus a coral blush and what might be the best bronzer I've ever used. It's a "just right" shade of light bronze, plus it has crushed pearl in it for the perfect amount of shimmer. Really, go look at this palette and tell me it doesn't make you think of laying on a beach with a pina colada in your hand. I LOVE it! That day I also bought the Milk Rose shampoo cause the smell was just so delicious, like a creamy rose. The scent lingers in your hair and it gives major shine. I could go on and on but I have to give a special shout out to their soaps. They make such a pretty gift, wrapped in pretty graphic papers and adorned with little wires and beads. Seriously, if you don't own something from Fresh-go buy something! You'll be happy you did.
I have started using the Victoire palette's Trousseau (Translucent Shimmer Powder every day and during the days I'm not too pale, I just put that on my cheekbones without blush. I also got the Sugar lip gloss in Shag and it smells like sorbet ice-cream! It's a bit too red for me since my skin is very pale and any hint of color stands out, but even though I know it makes me look weird, I love wearing it just for the smell.
Champion? Really, now that is what I call a girls total shopping experience! I so wish I had one of these Shopping Centers in my area (Toronto, Canada)the Brown Sugar Polish look heavenly, and like you say "If Miss O recommends it it's got to be good", The Victoure Face Palettes look amazing, but I can't wait to try the Sugar lip gloss, as I am a total gloss aholic (always looking for the perfect shine & colour) Well I guess for me I will me maxing out my credit over the net, as this is the only way to get these products, Poor me no champion, just a long distance love affair with the computer. God I so envy you guys!! Guess what I'm getting for Valentines day!!!!!!
Hmmm, I realized I spent all of my post gushing about the products I received from the fine folks at Fresh and forgot to write about the things I already knew I loved! First, the Brown Sugar Body Polish. I think this is still one of the best body scrubs on the market! My skin just glows with regular use of this yummy scrub. As Meg said, this makes a really great present; I’ve had a lot of success with it. It’s just so decadent and luxurious. It’s one of those things people never buy for themselves (unless you’re a product junkie like me) and so anyone is really happy to receive it! Another one of my favorites are the sugar-based fragrances. I’m a big fan of the practically patented Fresh scent - lemon and sugar. So, it’s makes sense my Summer 2007 perfume was Sugar Lemon Eau De Parfum full of citrus scents, fruity floral and sugar. Oh and the makeup! Fresh has such great soft, wearable colors. The eye shadows are “micronized mineral powders” so they wear forever and never crease. I purchased the Eye Shadow Trio “Enchanted” - which contains Blush Princess (opalescent ivory), Enchanted (gold-flecked moss), and Dark Crystal (deep taupe mauve) while in Vegas with Bunny. Guess what was on her Xmas list? That same trio! My mom purchased one for her and than got a second one for herself! Finally, the Sugar Lip Treatment - simply the most luxurious lipbalm out there. The coppery bronze tube is so cool and the sweet and smooth balm is wonderful over color or worn alone. I really think you could buy anything from Fresh and be happy!
I would die without my Sugar lip gloss in Desire. It is brilliant! I have yet to find a gloss that even touches this. It it is such a flattering mauve/plum color. It has a slight shimmer. It is not sticky at all. It is so moisturizing. In a very good and fun way it smells like Fruity Pebbles. It is simply the best. I know that I have said it in other reviews. But I am going to keep saying it everywhere. And I even love it more because they lowered the price by almost $10. It is now $18. WOOHOO!! Buy it now. You will be so happy that you did.
I just got the sugar lip gloss today in Sugar Glory. Wow I love it! It's so smooth and gives great color without being too much. I love the fresh scent and the ingredients.
Excited to try this !