Grapeseed oil for the face: properties, benefits, use in cosmetology

Properties of grape oil

Grapeseed oil is obtained from pressed grape seeds. Oil is a by-product of the wine making process.

It is known for the following properties: its

  • anti-inflammatory
  • antimicrobial
  • antioxidant properties

These properties, along with the high levels of omega chain fatty acids and vitamin E found in grape oil, have made it a popular topical skin treatment.

When used as a treatment, grape oil can help promote healthy skin at the cellular level.

This is because grapeseed oil contains vitamin E, beta-carotene and linoleic acid. These nutrients give the oil its anti-proliferative properties, helping healthy cells regenerate and replace aging or damaged cells. Consider using coconut oil on your face.

Vitamin E's ability in particular can even help skin tone and heal blemishes.

Natural oils that contain high levels of certain fatty acids—such as grape seed—have also been linked to wound healing.

Grapeseed oil can eliminate acne-causing bacteria.

How to use oil for skin care

Grapeseed oil is universal, and for people with sensitive skin it is a real salvation. The oil will bring the greatest benefit:

  • tired, dull and aging skin;
  • for inflammation and acne;
  • to eliminate or reduce spider veins;
  • to smooth the surface of the skin and scars;
  • for skin care around the eyes.

The light texture of the oil allows it to be used as a base for make-up and for removing cosmetics.

Reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate skin

Clean oil is used to lubricate problem areas where tightening is required. But the oil works most effectively as part of masks.

Revitalizing mask for dull skin:

  1. Mix a tablespoon of dry brewer's yeast with classic yogurt and grape oil (1 teaspoon each).
  2. Pour in carrot, lemon and orange juice (1 teaspoon each).
  3. Apply to skin and leave the mask on for 20 minutes.

The juices will nourish the skin with vitamins, the oil will relieve fatigue, and the yeast will improve blood circulation.

Oil masks are convenient to apply with a wide cosmetic brush.

For skin 40+:

  1. Grind some green peas (no more than 50 g) in a blender.
  2. Combine the resulting puree with grape oil and homemade yogurt (1 tablespoon each).
  3. Place the mask on your face and keep it on for 30 minutes, then wash.

If you want to give your skin elasticity, even out color and get rid of wrinkles, soak a napkin with a mixture of grape and almond oil in equal parts. Apply and lightly press it onto the skin. Exposure time - 15 minutes.

Oil compress:

  1. Mix equal parts grape seed and jojoba oil (you can use avocado).
  2. Add 2 drops each of juniper and rose esters (or 1 drop each of lemon, rosemary and lavender).
  3. Soak a thin napkin with oils and place it on the skin, without covering the nose, areas around the eyes and mouth.
  4. Cover it with film on top and place a warm cloth or towel. Keep the compress for half an hour.

This procedure increases skin turgor, regenerates tissue, and smoothes wrinkles.

Video: rejuvenating mask with grape oil

Eliminate acne and open comedones

Having an antibacterial effect, grape oil works well against pimples and acne. It is better to treat sore skin with a composition of essential oils:

  1. To 20 g of grape oil, add 1 drop each of blue chamomile, sandalwood and ylang-ylang esters.
  2. Apply the mixture to acne areas 3-4 times a day. You can make applications.

Oil applications can be used to treat acne.

Blackheads are one of the most common problems, especially with oily skin. Grapeseed oil will not be able to remove them instantly, but constant use will get rid of comedones by normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands and cleansing the skin. Composition for leather treatment:

  • 4 ml grape oil;
  • 3 ml hazelnut oil;
  • 2 ml jojoba;
  • 2 drops each of cedar and pine needles esters.

Every day after washing your face in the evening, apply a few drops of the mixture in a circular motion to areas where there are blackheads. After 20 minutes, remove any remaining oil with a napkin. After some time, the comedones will disappear, and the skin will become blooming and well-groomed. To enhance the anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties of grape oil, it is mixed with esters. For the treatment of acne, a mixture of grape seed oil, jojoba, sandalwood, lavender and rosemary esters is best suited. Wipe your skin with it 2-3 times a day until the rash is completely eliminated.

We treat acne and scars

Thanks to its high concentration of linoleic acid, grape seed oil does more than just even out skin texture. It can smooth out scars and scars and get rid of post-acne.

A high concentration of linoleic acid allows you to even out skin texture

Excellent results can be achieved using ointment:

  1. In a glass container, combine 2 tablespoons of aloe pulp, 60 ml of apple cider vinegar and 30 ml of grape oil.
  2. Beat the mixture with a blender and transfer to a glass jar.
  3. Every evening (2-3 hours before bedtime) apply a thick layer of ointment to problem areas for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash off the mask with chamomile infusion.

The course of treatment is three months. Keep the ointment in the refrigerator.

Getting rid of pigmentation

Grapeseed oil is a wonderful skin lightener. Using it as a base, whitening compositions are prepared. Oily facial lotion consists of a tablespoon of grape oil and esters of lemon, primrose, grapefruit and chamomile (1 drop each). Apply it to your skin before going to bed and do not wash it off. At night, the oil penetrates into the deep layers of the skin and begins to act. The product has a cumulative effect and even gets rid of freckles.

Moisturize the skin under the eyes

The delicate texture of grape oil makes it an excellent product for caring for the thin skin around the eyes. The easiest way is to apply heated oil to the periorbital area with light tapping movements. It moisturizes the skin and eliminates small facial wrinkles - “crow's feet”.

Thanks to its brightening effect, grape oil will get rid of dark circles under the eyes.

In the morning and evening, instead of cream, use a mixture of oils. In 40 ml of grape, add 1-2 drops of rose and sandalwood oils or neroli, sandalwood and limetta oils.

Cleanses, nourishes and eliminates dry skin

A mask with healing mud and grape oil softens and cleanses the skin:

  1. Mix 4 tablespoons of dry healing mud with 10 ml of grape oil.
  2. Pour in 10 ml of jojoba oil and wheat germ oil.
  3. Enrich the composition with 4 drops of rose essential oil and 1 drop of rosewood and jasmine.
  4. Bring the mixture to the desired consistency with chamomile tea.
  5. The mask applied to the face must dry completely. Then rinse it off carefully with warm water.

Mask with therapeutic mud cleanses and nourishes the skin

A mask made of cocoa, milk and butter will perfectly smooth out tight and flaky skin:

  1. Dilute cocoa powder with milk to make a paste.
  2. Pour a teaspoon of grape oil into the mixture.
  3. Apply the mask to your face and rest with it for 20 minutes.

The dried mixture is removed with a cotton pad.

Scrubs with grape seed oil

Grapeseed oil not only nourishes and moisturizes the skin. It helps to gently cleanse the epidermis of dead cells.

Scrub mask

  1. Grind 4 teaspoons of dry grape seeds in a coffee grinder and combine with 2 teaspoons of oatmeal flour.
  2. Mix with 3 teaspoons low-fat sour cream and ¼ teaspoon butter.
  3. Apply the mixture to a cleansed face and gently rub the skin along the massage lines for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Rinse off the mask and apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream.

It is better to do the mask before going to bed. Do not use the scrub on damaged or inflamed areas of the skin.

A scrub made from oil and grape seed flour perfectly cleanses the epidermis of dead cells

Soft peeling

  1. Mix a teaspoon of fine salt with 15 ml of grape oil.
  2. Add a drop of lemon or ylang ylang ether.
  3. Apply the mixture to your face and massage your skin with gentle movements for 2-3 minutes.

Universal scrub

  1. Grind the rice into flour (you can use semolina), mix it with classic yogurt and 1 spoon of grape oil, bringing to the desired consistency.
  2. Add 4 drops of any essential oil that suits you.
  3. Apply the mask to the skin and leave for 20 minutes, then remove with a cotton pad, wash with warm water and lubricate your face with cream.

If the mixture turns out to be too thick, it can be diluted with water.

Benefits of grape seed oil for the face

Grape seed oil for acne

Because of grape oil's proven antimicrobial properties, some people use it to treat acne outbreaks. Although there is no research on how it works, grapeseed oil may give you clearer skin.

Grapeseed oil makes skin softer and more elastic

Grapeseed oil has been tested, along with a number of other herbal ingredients, that claim to improve the elasticity and softness of your skin.

The herbal ingredient really improves:

  • skin moisture
  • tenderness
  • elasticity

Grapeseed oil enriches the skin with vitamin E and vitamin C.

Grapeseed oil evens out skin tone

Grapeseed oil contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin. This antioxidant can improve skin tone when used consistently on your skin.

Grapeseed Oil May Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

The powerful antioxidants in grape oil have another benefit. Grapeseed oil helps in protecting your skin from absorbing the full damage of ultraviolet rays.

A little history

Grapes are one of the most ancient crops distributed throughout the world. In Ancient Greece there was a cult of the vine; cheerful, noisy festivals praised the god Dionysius. Juicy berries were widely used in ancient Eastern medicine.

All parts of grapes were used in the treatment of various diseases. According to one version, one of the winemakers came up with the idea of ​​squeezing berry seeds; he simply felt sorry for throwing away so much valuable raw material.

The beneficial properties of oil were known back in the Middle Ages. A French perfumer created an elixir based on grape seed oil for his beloved to strengthen and shine her hair.

Using grape seed oil on the face for wrinkles

In addition to fatty acids, grape oil contains polyphenols, which help fight premature aging. Polyphenols are known to not only slow down the aging process, but also reverse signs of aging such as sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles. The oil also contains natural astringent properties, which results in firmer skin. Find out how to use almond oil on your face and the benefits of castor oil for skin.

You do not need to dilute grapeseed oil with a carrier oil. But you need to do a test before use to see how your skin reacts to the oil.

Do it:

  1. Rub a small amount of oil into your forearm.
  2. Cover this area with a bandage.
  3. If you do not experience any inflammation or irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use elsewhere.
  4. If you experience irritation, rinse the affected area with cold water and discontinue use.

Once you know that you are not sensitive to grape oil, you can use pure grape oil as a topical skin treatment.

Many fans of grape oil recommend using it as a night serum—something you can apply to your face and neck to improve your skin tone while you sleep. But there's no reason why you can't use grapeseed oil in the morning too.

Three to four drops of oil should be enough to cover your entire face. Rub the oil together between the palms of your hands, then apply it to your cheeks, neck, jaw, forehead and under-eye area using an upward motion with your palms. If you need more coverage, add another drop or two.

Some research suggests that resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape oil, may help protect skin from UV rays. But that doesn't mean you can skip your daily SPF—you still need to protect your skin from UVA and other broad-spectrum rays.

Make sure you apply sunscreen in the morning and reapply as needed throughout the day.

Beneficial features

In cosmetology it is used as a hormone of youth, as it has a unique balanced composition. The oil is easily absorbed, does not leave an oily sheen, and gives the skin a well-groomed, radiant appearance.

Compound:

  • stearic acid protects the epidermis from the effects of aggressive factors, restores water-lipid metabolism, transports nutrients to the deep layers of the dermis, has moisturizing properties, prevents peeling and dryness;
  • oleic acid is a powerful antioxidant, promotes cell regeneration, preserves membrane structures, restores water-fat balance, improves skin structure, is effective for the prevention of wrinkles, ptosis, normalizes the condition of problematic dermis, relieves inflammation, narrows pores;
  • linoleic acid will help restore stressed and dehydrated skin, calm inflammation, cope with acne, it also preserves collagen fibers, prevents the appearance of sagging, wrinkles, is quickly absorbed, softening dead skin cells of the epidermis;
  • flavonoids improve the general condition of the skin, normalize intracellular metabolic processes, strengthen blood vessels, are effective in preventing rosacea, have an anti-inflammatory effect, stop the proliferation of pathogenic flora, and help fight acne;
  • lecithin is necessary for cell structure, participates in regeneration processes, protects cell membranes, transports vitamins and minerals to deep layers, neutralizes the effects of free radicals, improves the absorption of fatty acids
  • Vitamin E slows down skin aging, prevents the appearance of wrinkles, maintains firmness and elasticity, accelerates the restoration of damaged dermis, normalizes lipid balance, and activates cell renewal;
  • mineral compounds prevent swelling and sagging skin, are responsible for the elasticity of capillaries, and a beautiful even tone.

How to use grape seed oil for your face

Using grape oil for your skin can be either simple or labor intensive.

You can purchase pure grape seed oil and use it in its pure form as a serum on your face, applying it before bed. Mixing a drop of grape oil into your favorite face and body moisturizers helps seal moisture into your skin.

If you prefer, you can warm the grape oil a little by rubbing it between your palms. Apply a generous amount to skin as a hydrating mask.

Mixing grapeseed oil with essential oils such as frankincense or lavender can leave your skin feeling extra soft. Add a few drops of juniper, frankincense and lavender together to an ounce of grape seed oil for a mask and leave it on for 10 minutes for a relaxing spa treatment.

You can also purchase grapeseed oil extract in liquid or capsule form. Taking grapeseed oil internally can improve the appearance of your skin if you take it consistently over several weeks. Check out the best facial oils in this article.

Indications and contraindications for use

Grapeseed oil is generally well tolerated. It is indicated for all skin types. The product is suitable for moisturizing, combating acne, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.

Restrictions for using the product are:

  • Individual intolerance.
  • Use simultaneously with medications requires consultation with the attending physician regarding the compatibility of the drugs used.
  • The use of the product should be approached with caution in the presence of skin diseases and injuries.
Showbiz news

In a new interview, Sofia Rotaru shared her amazing secrets of beauty, long youth and creative plans. Read more…

Recipes for face masks with grape seed oil

Face mask with grape seed oil and olive oil

  • Wet your face with warm water.
  • Apply about 1 tbsp. l. from grape oil in your hands
  • Massage your face with oil for one to two minutes.
  • Wipe off the oil with a warm washcloth.
  • One or two drops of olive oil or another oil can be used to moisturize the skin after the cleansing oil has been removed from the face. But this is optional.

I would recommend doing this mask every other day just to see how your skin reacts and then doing it every day. Keep in mind that it usually takes two weeks to see the effects of any new skin care regimen.

Exfoliating face mask with grape seed oil and sugar

What do you need:

  • 2-4 tbsp. l. grapeseed oil (if you want to store it, make sure it is in a closed container)
  • 1 tbsp. l. brown sugar
  • 1 small bowl

Benefits for facial skin:

Grapeseed oil increases the amount of collagen in the skin. It can improve skin color and reduce wrinkles.

Brown sugar is a natural humectant, so it absorbs moisture from the environment and deposits it into the skin. By hydrating and conditioning, brown sugar helps keep moisture locked inside. Brown sugar is also softer than granulated sugar; it will exfoliate dry skin cells and help retain moisture in your skin. It also protects your skin from damaging toxins and keeps it healthy, nourished and glowing.

Applying a mask

  • Mix the grapeseed oil and brown sugar together in a bowl, using your finger or a spoon to stir it in.
  • I would recommend putting the mask on the sink because it's a little messy and I wouldn't want you to get ants.
  • Leave the mask on for 5 minutes and enjoy the smell.
  • Take a warm or hot towel and dry the mask. Then rinse your face with water to ensure that the mask is removed.
  • Feel your skin and smile.

Face mask with grape seed oil and sea salt

What do you need:

  • 2-4 tbsp. l. grape oil
  • 1 tbsp. l. sea ​​salt
  • 1 small bowl

Benefits for facial skin:

Grapeseed oil increases the amount of collagen in the skin. It is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps heal damage and has the ability to improve skin condition.

Sea salt is a natural cleanser that helps in removing toxins that block skin pores. It helps the skin breathe easier, promotes better circulation, tightens the skin and improves skin texture. Also make sure the sea salt you use isn't too coarse. Because it may scratch the skin.

Applying a mask

  • Mix the grapeseed oil and sea salt together in a bowl, using a spoon to stir it in.
  • Leave the mask on for 5 minutes.
  • Take a warm or hot towel and dry the mask. Then wipe your face with warm water to make sure the mask is removed.

Face mask with grape seed oil and lemon

What do you need:

  • 4 tbsp. l. grape oil
  • 1 half lemon
  • 2 tbsp. l. honey
  • Spoon

Benefits for facial skin:

Honey has the ability to absorb and retain moisture and this helps in keeping the skin well hydrated, fresh and elastic. Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-infective agent. It absorbs impurities from pores and helps skin remain youthful, radiant and smooth.

Lemon is filled with acids that help in removing dead epithelial cells and help brighten the skin.

Applying a mask

  • Mix grapeseed oil and honey together in a bowl, using a spoon to stir
  • Squeeze one half of a lemon into a bowl and stir
  • Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.
  • Take a warm or hot towel and dry the mask.

Methods of application

As a therapeutic and prophylactic agent, oil is prescribed for:

  • disorders of the heart and blood vessels;
  • diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
  • gallbladder dysfunction;
  • violation of fat metabolism in the body;
  • male infertility;
  • skin diseases, for healing open wounds;
  • preventing colds and strengthening the immune system.

In cooking, grape oil is used for dressing salads, preparing sauces and marinades. The product smells like a nut and has a spicy taste that can add variety to even familiar dishes.

Grape seed extract is most widely used in cosmetology. It is used in various variations to restore, moisturize, nourish and rejuvenate skin and hair. The benefits of cosmetic oil include rapid saturation with vitamins, regenerative and cleansing functions.

Cream

Creams with kernel extract are suitable for any skin type, because... absorb quickly, do not clog pores and do not leave an oily sheen. The product actively moisturizes, tones and saturates the skin with vitamins. Antioxidants and polyunsaturated acids help restore the natural complexion, smooth out fine wrinkles and prevent their further occurrence. Homemade creams can be used on the face, hands and rough skin on the elbows.

Scrub

Scrubs with a squeeze of the seed help clean pores, remove dead cells, and eliminate the appearance of orange peel. You can prepare such a scrub at home. To do this, the bones are dried, ground in a coffee grinder, olive oil and coffee are added, and mixed to form a paste. Apply to steamed and pre-cleaned skin. It should be remembered that the scrub cannot be used on the face if there are open wounds and inflammations, or an allergy to grapes.

Peeling

Beauty salons and SPA complexes offer grape seed peeling procedures. They contain powerful antioxidants of natural origin that penetrate deep into the skin, removing toxins and harmful substances. Peeling with grape oil and ground seeds is highly effective. This compound protects skin cells from destruction, stops the aging process, and eliminates its first signs. For maximum effect, the procedure is performed in combination with oil massage and wraps.

Peeling does not have to be done in a salon; the procedure can be done at home. To prepare it, grinded seeds and butter are used. The mixture is applied to steamed, damp skin, and the face is massaged for 15–20 minutes. After which the product is washed off with warm water.

In its purest form

The simplest way to care for your face and body is to use pure grape seed oil. Daily use of the product helps even out the complexion, restore tone, eliminate dryness, and protect the skin from the harmful effects of external factors. To do this, simply apply a thin layer of oil onto cleansed skin and leave until completely absorbed.

The product in its pure form is also used for hair restoration. Apply the product as a mask to the hair roots, wrap your head in a towel and leave for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. To improve the health and restore the hair structure, it is enough to perform 10–12 procedures.

Grapeseed oil in cosmetology for the face

Here are some key points about grapeseed oil.

  • Grapeseed oil contains large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids.
  • The oil can be used in hair and skin as part of your beauty regimen.
  • Buy expeller or cold pressed oil to use on the skin.

Cosmetic companies use grape oil in their skin and hair care products. But there are no clinical studies on the effectiveness of using grape oil on skin or hair. Many people use grapeseed oil as a natural solution in their home beauty arsenal.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are critical to skin function and appearance. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the functioning of the skin barrier. The main omega-6 PUFA in grape oil is linolenic acid. This fatty acid can help reduce inflammation in the middle and outer layers of the skin.

Other reasons why cosmetologists use grape oil:

  • skin hydration
  • acne treatment
  • skin lightening
  • pore tightening
  • scar reduction
  • makeup removal

Grape seed oil penetrates your skin quickly and does not leave your skin greasy. To use grape oil on your face, massage a few drops into clean skin before going to bed at night. You can repeat this process in the morning if you wish. Since grape oil does not clog pores, it is ideal for all skin types, including oily skin that needs hydration.

General recommendations for use

Universal oil can be used throughout the year. It can be used for dermatitis, as well as other skin diseases, and for problematic, porous dermis. If you follow the basic recommendations, you can achieve a pronounced, lasting effect of well-groomed, radiant skin:

  • used throughout the year, in summer it prevents the appearance of pigmentation and dehydration, in winter it protects against low temperatures;
  • to improve penetration, the oil must be heated in a water bath before use;
  • goes well with other base oils and esters, can be added to creams, emulsions, including for delicate eyelid skin;
  • Just a few drops of valuable liquid are enough to moisturize the entire surface of the face; it can also be applied to the neck, décolleté, hands and entire body;
  • recommended to be included in daily care for oily, problematic, dehydrated skin prone to rosacea;
  • has a cumulative effect, the longer the valuable product is used, the more noticeable the transformation of the integument;
  • You need to apply it an hour before going to bed or going outside, so that the oil has time to be absorbed, leaving no greasy shine;
  • can be used to cleanse the skin of decorative cosmetics, to enrich finished cosmetic products, to prepare ointments for acne; it can also be used effectively in its pure form.

The best cosmetic grape seed oils for the face, according to reviews from cosmetologists

Cosmetic grape seed oil Sky Organics-100% Pure

Made from 100% natural ingredients, this grape oil is one of the best you can find in stores today. The grape seeds are sourced from Italy and are completely organic for your peace of mind. Containing all essential vitamins including A, K, and E, this oil is designed to support your immune system and neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. It's great for use as a massage oil because it's light and odorless, and you can even use it on your hair. Find out which essential oils are good for the skin.

Natural cosmetic grape seed oil Vie Naturelle

Because it's so lightweight, Vie Naturelle has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it an ideal moisturizer for those prone to acne.

It helps:

  • Improve blood circulation
  • Also used as a makeup remover
  • Dark bottle protects from light

Cosmetic grape seed oil La Tourangelle

Ideal as a massage oil, hair conditioner, or as an ingredient in your skin and hair care product, this grape oil from La Tourangelle can give you the numerous benefits you've been looking for. Packaged in a tin, it helps prevent oxidation to keep the oil fresh for a long time. In fact, left unopened, the oil can be used for 24 months. Once opened, however, you should use it within 6 months and should keep it refrigerated. Since this product does not contain hexane, it is safe to use. The light texture of this oil makes it an outstanding base for your skin lotion and cream or as a massage oil for your hair and scalp. Consider the types and properties of facial oils and their proper use.

Majestic Pure Natural Grapeseed Oil

Majestic Pure absorbs well, smells divine and is cost effective. The convenient dispenser allows for quick dispensing without creating a mess, so even an amateur masseuse can feel like a professional.

  • Comes with storage bag
  • Not tested on animals
  • May help with eczema

Natural grape seed oil Aura Cacia

This cold-pressed virgin grapeseed oil is made from 100 percent natural ingredients. It is undiluted, so you can expect it to be of good quality. It's great to use on your hair to keep it hydrated and strong. Plus, you'll love its wonderful benefits to your skin as it helps heal acne, reduce wrinkles around the eye circle, tighten skin, and help with premature skin aging. On the other hand, if you need a good oil for cooking, you can also use this product as it has a high smoke point, making it safe for your health.

How to get it yourself

How to get grape seed oil

You can make your own grape seed oil at home. To do this you need:

  1. Dry the dark variety seeds in an oven or dryer at a temperature of 40-50 degrees, stirring occasionally;
  2. After this, grind them in a meat grinder, blender or coffee grinder. The crushed mass should be placed in a glass jar and filled with refined sunflower oil;
  3. Over time, the stone mass will absorb oil, so it needs to be added periodically. So that the oil covers the grounds by 1 cm;
  4. After a day, put the jar in the refrigerator for a week. Every two days the mass needs to be stirred;
  5. After 7 days, strain the seeds through cheesecloth or thin cotton cloth and refrigerate for three days. A green layer will accumulate on the surface, which is what we need. Carefully remove it, place it in a dark container and store it in the refrigerator.

The process is labor-intensive, but you can be completely sure that the product is natural.

Rating
( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends: