Trying to decide between FreshLook ColorBlends and AIR OPTIX® COLORS? It can be tricky to choose!
The two brands have some similarities. Both contacts are manufactured by Alcon, and both are monthly contacts. And at one point, they sat side-by-side on the shelf.
As of September 2023, the company discontinued FreshLook and encouraged the brand’s loyalists to switch to AIR OPTIX® COLORS. There are now limited FreshLook ColorBlends stocks. But fans continue to clamor for FreshLook.
Wondering why? Me too! Let’s take a look and compare these two Alcon colored contact lenses.
This is a battle of generations: old school FreshLook vs. high tech newbie AIR OPTIX®. FreshLook represents the trusted, classic hydrogel technology of the past, while AIR OPTIX® COLORS represents the breathable, silicone hydrogel standard of the future.
This is, in fact, the most significant difference between these two lenses. It is not their range of colors; it is what they are made of.
FreshLook ColorBlends
A Box of FreshLook ColorBlends
Material: Phemfilcon A (Hydrogel)
Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): ~20
Water Content: 55%
FreshLook uses older hydrogel technology. Hydrogel lenses rely on water content to keep your eyes oxygenated. Since water evaporates throughout the day, the lenses can dehydrate after hours of wearing them. FreshLook has an oxygen transmissibility score (Dk/t) of 20, which is low by modern standards.
AIR OPTIX® COLORS
A Box of Air Optix Colors
Material: Lotrafilcon B (Silicone Hydrogel)
Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 138
Water Content: 33%
AIR OPTIX® uses Silicone Hydrogel (SiHy). Silicone allows oxygen to pass directly through the lens, regardless of its water content.
With a Dk/t of 138, AIR OPTIX® allows nearly six times more oxygen through. This makes AIR OPTIX® more breathable than FreshLook. Because they’re more breathable, AIR OPTIX® contacts are generally more comfortable than FreshLook contacts.
Aesthetics: Colors and Diameter
Alcon uses the same 3-in-1 Color Technology for both FreshLook and AIR OPTIX® COLORS. This refers to the three rings of color on the lens: an outer ring for definition, a primary color to transform the iris, and an inner ring for brightness and depth.
AIR OPTIX® COLORS 3-in-1 Technology
However, the diameter of the lenses makes them look different when worn.
The Diameter Factor
FreshLook ColorBlends: 14.5 mm diameter
AIR OPTIX® COLORS: 14.2 mm diameter
While the difference in diameter is small, it makes a whole lot of difference for FreshLook wearers. FreshLook’s diameter is said to have an enlarging effect, which gives you a doe-eyed look.
AIR OPTIX® COLORS’ 14.2 mm diameter is standard and fits the average cornea more naturally. It lacks the enlarging cosmetic effect, however.
Color Vibrancy and Range
Both lines offer the same color options. The color options are:
Amethyst
Blue
Brilliant Blue
Brown
Gemstone Green
Gray
Green
Honey
Pure Hazel
Sterling Grey
True Sapphire
Turqoise
AIR OPTIX® COLORS and FreshLook Color Options
AIR OPTIX® lenses use SmartShield Technology, which adds a protective layer on the lens surface to shield it from protein and lipid deposits. This also gives it a glassier, more vibrant look. With FreshLook, you get a more natural look.
Price Comparison
This is usually the deciding factor for new users. AIR OPTIX® COLORS is generally more expensive than FreshLook ColorBlends. This is because AIR OPTIX® COLORS uses more advanced, breathable silicone hydrogel technology, justifying the higher cost.
For FreshLook ColorBlends, a box of two lenses is currently $34.95 at EZContacts.
Keep in mind that the price will vary per retailer, especially now that FreshLook has limited availability.
Verified Buyer Feedback
Still unsure which brand to go for? Let’s take a look at verified buyer reviews to see what real customers have to say about each brand.
The FreshLook Experience
Many EZContacts customers were happy with their FreshLook experience. Ilene shared a photo of her blue contacts and wrote:
Loved them ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Love the natural look”
A verified EZContacts client who signed their name as “None” says that:
They look very natural. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I love this brand because I have been using it for many years.”
Adrian P. rues the fact that FreshLook has been discontinued by Alcon:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“These are my go to brand lenses and love the way they change the color of my eyes. Just my damn luck, ALWAYS I find something I like gets discontinued. I’ve tried other brand color lenses sure enough they are LOUSY the colors aren’t real. Why the hell would you discontinue a great product.”
Cavanaugh E. calls out Alcon, saying:
co SUCKS for discontinuing sterling gray fresh looks color blemds ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Company SUCKS for discontinuing sterling gray fresh looks color blends. These are the best contacts and I am MAD they discontinued them. Stupid decision- I am not buying from this company again until they bring their good product- sterling grey contacts back.”
Bubbie disagrees, giving a positive AIR OPTIX® COLORS review while critiquing FreshLook. She shares:
New Air Optix are Wonderful! ⭐️⭐️
“I wore Freshlook colors for several years. They were very comfortable but tore very easily and I was buying so many. They were discontinued and I switched over to Air Optix Colors. They are very breathable and comfortable and they don’t tear. They are thicker but not uncomfortable at all.I can actually wear them much longer than the recommended 1 month. The colors are nice too. I have hazel eyes and True Sapphire makes them a medium blue. They look very natural.”
The AIR OPTIX® Experience
There’s a lot of love overall for AIR OPTIX® COLORS.
Adriana swears by its Sterling Gray color:
Sterling gray ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I love these contacts lenses; the colors are amazing.”
Unique L. is also very happy with her AIR OPTIX® COLORS contacts. She shares:
100% Satisfied with the Air Optix Pure Hazel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I have worn these contacts for years and have always received compliments on how natural they look! They are very comfortable and I will continue to order them! My favorite is the Pure Hazel.“
Of course, not everyone will have a satisfactory experience. Roxy H., for instance, admits that these contacts are “not for everyone.” She claims that:
Not for everyone ⭐️
“They are very uncomfortable, and move when I blink. In addition, I cannot see when I have them on. I ended up buying a different brand and they have been working great.”
Jayjay exclaims:
Terrible! Bring Back Freshlook Colorblends! ⭐️
“I really hate that Alcon got rid of Freshlook Colorblends. I’ve worn them for many many years without any issues. To get rid of something and replace it with something that doesn’t work is crazy. Also, it seems as if they prefer to cater to nearsighted people. I wore +5.50 in pure hazel, and there is no way these Air Optix are +5.50 as they are blurry. Like did they test these out before putting them on the market? Please bring back FreshLooks for farsighted wearers.”
You only wear colored contacts on occasion and don’t need reliable all-day oxygen permeability.
You prefer the doe-eyed look.
Choose AIR OPTIX® COLORS if:
You wear your lenses for more than four to six hours a day, and you need optimum oxygen permeability.
You have experienced dryness or protein buildup with other lenses.
You prefer the “shiny bright eyes” look.
Overall, AIR OPTIX® COLORS and FreshLook ColorBlends both have a lot to offer contact wearers. If you are currently using FreshLook ColorBlends, you may be forced to switch soon as stocks run out. The good news is that AIR OPTIX® COLORS is an upgrade, not just a replacement. If you want to experience the new technology for yourself, give AIR OPTIX® a try!
TL;DR
AIR OPTIX® COLORS and FreshLook Colorblends are both by Alcon.
FreshLook was discontinued back in September 2023, and there’s now limited availability.
The core difference between these two lenses is the material they’re made from.
FreshLook is an older brand and is made from hydrogel plastic, while the newer AIR OPTIX® COLORS is made from silicone hydrogel plastic.
Both have the same color options. However, FreshLook contacts have a slightly bigger diameter, which lends a doe-eyed look.
AIR OPTIX® COLORS is pricier than FreshLook.
User feedback is a mixed bag for both FreshLook and AIR OPTIX®. Many users have good experiences with their favorite brand.
My life rotates through five lenses: distance and reading glasses, sunglasses, contacts, and my diving mask's lenses. If I'm not writing, I'm in the kitchen, gym, or under the sea.
