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 guide compares FreshLook ColorBlends and AIR OPTIX COLORS. It discusses the science behind the materials of both products and looks at genuine wearer feedback for both lenses.
Key Facts: FreshLook ColorBlends vs. AIR OPTIX COLORS
When Alcon announced the discontinuation of FreshLook ColorBlends, the company didn’t give a definitive reason. In a letter to its distributors, it said:
“We appreciate your business and remain committed to providing an array of color contact options through our AIR OPTIX COLORS and DAILIES COLORS contact lenses for you and your patients to discuss.
As we continue to refine our color contact lens offerings, Alcon will discontinue FreshLook COLORBLENDS on September 29, 2023.”
Other than this, we have no other information to go off of. We can, however, make an educated guess as to why the product was discontinued.
ColorBlends was first introduced to the market in 1998. Since then, contact lens materials and technologies have continued to evolve.
AIR OPTIX COLORS arrived 16 years later, in 2014. That means it has the upper hand in terms of its material and tech. Let’s explore these differences a little.
The Core Difference: Material Science
This is a battle of generations: old-school FreshLook vs. high-tech newbie AIR OPTIX. FreshLook represents the classic hydrogel technology of the past, while AIR OPTIX COLORS incorporates the breathable, silicone hydrogel standard of the future.
This is pretty much the most significant difference between these two lenses. Not their range of colors, but what they’re made of.
FreshLook ColorBlends
A Box of FreshLook ColorBlends
Material: Phemfilcon A (Hydrogel)
Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): ~20
Water Content: 55%
AIR OPTIX COLORS
A Box of Air Optix Colors
Material: Lotrafilcon B (Silicone Hydrogel)
Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): 138
Water Content: 33%
Why Does Silicone Hydrogel Matter?
The older, discontinued product, FreshLook ColorBlends, uses traditional hydrogel. AIR OPTIX COLORS is made with silicone hydrogel.
It might sound like a small change to the formulation, but it actually has a big impact on how the material interacts with the eye, specifically the cornea.
The cornea doesn’t have any blood vessels, so it gets the oxygen it needs from the air. Wearing a contact lens over the cornea reduces the amount of oxygen that can reach it.
As more research has become available and contact lens technology has improved over the years, oxygen transmissibility has become more of an important consideration.
Traditional hydrogel lenses primarily use the water inside the lens to provide oxygen to the cornea. You might notice FreshLook ColorBlends has a water content of 55% compared to AIR OPTIX COLORS’ lower figure of 33%. But silicone hydrogel lenses work differently. The silicone component allows oxygen to pass through the lens more efficiently, so they don’t need as much water to deliver oxygen to the cornea.
On average, silicone hydrogel lenses allow up to five timesmore oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea. This means they can achieve a much higher Dk/t without needing a high water content.
FreshLook ColorBlends has a Dk/t of around 20, compared to 138 for AIR OPTIX COLORS.
Illustration of the Different Methods of Oxygen Delivery: Traditional Hydrogel vs. Silicone Hydrogel
Too little oxygen reaching the eye when a person is wearing contact lenses can cause corneal hypoxia. Research has shown that high-Dk silicone hydrogel lenses are less likely to cause hypoxia than older low-Dk contacts, like FreshLook ColorBlends.
Alcon hasn’t publicly stated that oxygen permeability was the reason it discontinued ColorBlends. However, given the difference in oxygen permeability between the older ColorBlends lenses and newer silicone hydrogel options such as AIR OPTIX COLORS, it’s possible that advances in lens technology may have played a role.
Which Is More Comfortable: FreshLook ColorBlends or AIR OPTIX COLORS?
Unfortunately, I really can’t give you a simple answer to this question. That’s because it comes down to the individual wearer.
However, if we look at the stats of the two products and compare this to research that’s been done on the comfort of contact lenses, we can make some predictions.
AIR OPTIX COLORS is made using silicone hydrogel and has a much higher oxygen transmissibility than FreshLook ColorBlends. Some studies have shown that people find silicone hydrogel lenses more comfortable on average.
For example, one randomized trial asked people to score the comfort of hydrogel vs silicone hydrogel lenses. They were asked to rate their level of comfort when inserting the lenses, at the end of the day, and overall. The silicone hydrogel lens scored better in all three areas. The study concluded that 73.9% of participants found silicone hydrogel lenses more comfortable than hydrogel lenses.
The research isn’t unanimous, though. A Cochrane review of seven randomized trials involving 1,371 people found no clear difference in comfort between silicone hydrogel and hydrogel lenses. But the researchers did note that they are “very uncertain about the results.”
So while AIR OPTIX COLORS has clear advantages in terms of oxygen transmission and, in turn, the health of the cornea, comfort is much more personal. Some customers even prefer the older lens, as we’ll see later when we look at reviews of both products.
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
Turquoise
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!
FAQs About FreshLook ColorBlends and AIR OPTIX COLORS
Are FreshLook ColorBlends discontinued?
Yes. Alcon discontinued FreshLook ColorBlends on September 29, 2023.
Can I still buy FreshLook ColorBlends?
You can still find FreshLook ColorBlends at some retailers, such as EZContacts. But once the existing stock runs out, you’ll be unable to purchase this lens.
Is it still safe to wear FreshLook ColorBlends?
Yes, at the time of writing, it’s still perfectly safe to buy and wear FreshLook ColorBlends from a reputable retailer, even though they’ve been discontinued. Just make sure the box is unopened and within its expiration date.
FreshLook ColorBlends has a five-year shelf life. Since it was discontinued in September 2023, leftover stock may continue to be sold until 2028. But you should always check the expiration date on any box of contacts, just to be safe. Never wear expired contact lenses.
EZContacts only sells FDA-authorized contact lenses and does not sell lenses that are past their expiration date.
Are AIR OPTIX COLORS the same as FreshLook ColorBlends?
No. The two lenses have different materials, oxygen transmissibility, water content, and diameters. Both use Alcon’s 3-in-1 Color Technology, but they won’t necessarily look or feel identical.
Why did Alcon discontinue FreshLook ColorBlends?
Alcon didn’t give a specific reason. However, the product’s age could be a factor. FreshLook ColorBlends launched in 1998, and AIR OPTIX COLORS was launched in 2014. So it’s generally agreed that AIR OPTIX COLORS is the modern successor of ColorBlends.
The newer product is made with silicone hydrogel instead of traditional hydrogel, and it has a much higher breathability rating, better aligning with modern contact lens standards.
Do AIR OPTIX COLORS look like FreshLook ColorBlends?
They can produce a similar type of colored-eye effect since both use Alcon’s 3-in-1 Color Technology, but they aren’t identical. For one, FreshLook ColorBlends has a 14.5 mm diameter compared with 14.2 mm for AIR OPTIX COLORS, so they can look different in the eye.
Are FreshLook ColorBlends better than AIR OPTIX COLORS?
There isn’t one answer to this question, since every wearer is different. Some people prefer the way the older hydrogel lens looks or feels. However, AIR OPTIX COLORS has a substantially higher oxygen transmissibility and uses newer materials and technology.
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 product and is made from traditional hydrogel. The newer AIR OPTIX COLORS is made from silicone hydrogel.
Silicone hydrogel has a much higher oxygen permeability, meaning more oxygen can reach the eye during wear. This more modern material is generally agreed to be safer for the cornea.
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.
I cover eyewear news, emerging trends, and industry developments. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, and I’ve worked for Yapak Travel Online, Great Lakes Family Magazine, Echoes Magazine, and R & G Publication. I’m a PADI Master Scuba Diver, and when I’m not writing, you’ll typically find me below the sea.
