Trend Edit - The FWRD Holiday Skin Kit

I treated myself this holiday season and splurged on the FWRD Holiday Skin Kit. For those of you who don’t know, FWRD is a brand curated under the new creative direction of miss Kendal Jenner. Needless to say, it’s a site that has the user interface of Nordstrom, but is tailored to luxury brands. I did a search and there are price-points in all categories (a handful of items under $100), but note this is definitely directed at those with more disposable income to expend on wellness (disclaimer - I do not. But like I said first, I treated myself).

I have tried a lot of holiday sets - like, a lot - and this one ranks so far above the rest I’m embarrassed. Listen to me when I say the following: I bought this kit, and now I feel like one trillion dollars. This is an expert-curated, high brow skincare assortment - but with a price tag that is unfathomable for the all-in value. I’m talking some of the most major skin products to bring you into the new year for a fraction of what it would cost to purchase each item separately. Did I mention that everything was full-size? This is without a doubt one of the most luxurious purchases I’ve made on myself (bc hello the best investment you can make is in yourself??) but I can honestly say it was worth every cent. Every single cent.

Don’t just take my word for it - you’ll notice some of the incredible steals that are in this kit. Throughout the rest of January I will be walking you through each product, but for now here are some of my immediate call outs.

Maison Louis Marie, No. 4 Bois de Balincourt

When I sprayed this on, I immediately felt one thing: expensive. I have been searching forever for a musky, amber, vetiver and sandalwood blend, and this one is major. This is exactly what every person at the URBN headquarters smelled like when I was an intern. It’s such an incredible scent that makes you feel warm, inviting, sexy, fresh and bold without it being overwhelming. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this scent. It’s also super long-lasting…like comparable to Byredo long-lasting. Which is an incredible quality to have when you are dealing with lighter scents.

10/10 - try this out next time you’re ready to switch.

Christophe Robin, Regenerating Mask

I have already shared my affinity for the Chrisophe Robin blonde-toning hair mask, so I was extra excited to see this item in the kit. Behold one of the most hydrating and smoothing hair masks I have used yet. I am a huge BrioGeo fan and still swear by their leave-in products. However, after using this Christophe Robin mask I didn’t even feel like I needed to add leave-in. Smells fresh, keeps your hair hydrated with a healthy shine, and actually might be my new go-to for these chilly winter months ahead.

8/10 — we love it, but maybe in seasons? To each their own. If you want to try, it’s actually on sale now.

ReFa Carat Ray

At a $320 price tag, this little item might be the biggest value within the set. Meet the ReFa Carat Ray. Formulated in Japan under the mother company MTG (self-care/wellness product manufacturer), this product is designed to mimic professional kneading of the face and body with its sleek and platinum coated rollers. Additionally, a light micro-current can be felt immediately during use as you roll — allowing your skin stretch tight and hold firm. Best part? This is the larger ReFa Carat, meaning it can be used over face, neck, shoulders, wrists, arms or truly anywhere you feel tightness or swelling. I will literally never use a gua sha or stone roller again, because I love how active this feels on the face and how deeply it can act on lymphatic drainage.

10/10 - meet your new best friend.

Joanna Vargas, Glow-to-Go Mask Set

Okay, so hear me out. When I opened this I thought it was going to be five of the same sheet mask, but oh no. It’s four different types of sheet masks (depending on what you’re going for) and a bonus hydrating eye mask. WOW - we love a surprise. Joanna Vargas is a name I have heard but have not tried, so I am extra eager. I am trialing some items on my next trip this weekend and have a good feeling these masks will be coming with me. I’d say these are great if you’re a sheet mask lover, or if you are trying to up your travel products.

9/10 - effective products, and convenient uses. Splurge a little and spare yourself later.

Retrouve, Skin Brilliance Priming Pads

To know me, is to know I swear by using a toner or priming pad after cleansing. My skin is naturally sensitive, so I am always careful to use a gentle toner. I tried out these priming pads and they are no joke. If anyone remembers when I shared about Biologique Recherche Lotion P50—it’s basically that but in a round pad and made from natural and non skin-stripping ingredients. Amazing, right? Not only did my skin feel super clean, but I could also visible see more dirt on this pad than the ones I was using previously…which is enough for me to know what I was using wasn’t cutting it.

8/10 - super effective and clean, but use extra moisturizer if you have sensitive skin.

Bottom Line

These are some major products, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they work over the coming weeks. Stay tuned as we dive into each one and what made it so special in this curation. Browse the full list of items below and let me know what you want to hear about next.

Emi Jay Big Effing Clip in Scorpio
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops (10 ml)
slip Disco Fever Skinny Scrunchie in Black
111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask 8 Pack
Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm (full size, 4 g)
Aesop Geranium Leaf Rinse Free Hand Wash (1.7 fl oz/ 50 ml)
Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil (full size, 8.4 fl oz/ 250 ml)
ESPA Restful Bath & Body Oil (full size, 100 ml)
F. Miller Eye Oil (full size, 0.34 fl oz/ 10 ml)
Joanna Vargas Glow-to-Go Mask Set (full size, 1 Eden Instant Lift Face Mask, 1 Forever Glow Anti-Aging Face Mask, 1 Dawn Face Mask, 1 Twilight Face Mask, 1 Bright Eye Hydrating Face Mask)
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Eau De Parfum (full size, 1.7 fl oz/ 50 ml)
natureofthings Cleansing Body & Scalp Polish full size, 5.07 fl oz/ 150 ml)
ReVive Clarte Vitamin C Brightening Serum (full size, 1 oz/ 30 ml)
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound (full size, 1 oz/ 30 ml)
ReFa Carat Ray
RETROUV Skin Brilliance Priming Pads (full size, 24 pads)
MUTHA No.1 Serum (15 ml)