little white truths

This was the last Alpha-H kit I had in my stores: I bought a few last year whenever I saw an Alpha-H promotion, and I'm so glad I did because I've discovered some HG products that I'll return to again and again.

I haven't used everything in this kit yet and some products I've only used a couple of times, but the Alpha-H Balancing Moisturiser and Gentle Exfoliant has been open for a while and I didn't need to use it much to know that I'll 'have to' buy the full size in future.

I've discovered over the past year that Alpha-H products work wonders for my skin, so I've made an effort to try as much from the brand as I can. 

These little kits are a fantastic way to try a bunch of different products without committing to any single purchase, and they're usually good-value - particularly if you wait for discounts and GWP promotions, of which there are many.

This Renew and Resurface Kit is shaping up to be a good one, and I'm looking forward to testing and reviewing all six products. Here's what you get:

It retails for $99 AUD but you can pick it up for less than this if you shop around. From memory I paid something like $74 for it, and I received a bonus Alpha-H product when I bought it. And of course, it's great value because you're getting 30ml sizes of six products: 30ml is a decent amount and more than enough product to work out whether any items are for you.

Verdict

This stuff is sensational and I've given it an HG tag. I knew from the first use that this product just worked for me, and this has only been confirmed over time.

It's a white cream that feels lightweight and nourishing on the skin. It absorbs beautifully and doesn't have a strong scent, so you should be ok with it if you don't like fragranced products.

What I love about it is that my skin just looks brighter and more radiant whenever I apply it. It also feels firmer and smoother, so for this reason it's a great product to use under makeup. Also, while the description says it's for oily/combination skin, my skin is dry and this works wonders for me in terms of hydration, so don't discount it if your skin is like mine because it may work for you too.

On the product claims: yes it absorbs quickly and appears to help with skin renewal and refinement of skin texture; yes it exfoliates, hydrates and brightens; yes it also seems to have a protective and soothing effect; and yes it reduces dehydration.

I also agree that it has a clarifying effect, and at least temporarily diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. My skin has been less congested ever since I started using this, and while I can't say yet whether it reduces scarring, pigmentation and ages spots (I suspect I would need to use it for much longer), I do feel that it minimises the appearance of open pores - at least for the hours after you've applied it.

I prefer to use this as a day cream because of its impact on how my skin looks, but if you used it twice-daily you may well see faster results. When I do buy the full size (for now, I want to ration the stuff!), I'll likely use it twice a day and I'll update this post if I notice any added benefit to using it more often.

It's also worth noting that I don't think the product is expensive, even if you were to buy it at full price. You do get 50ml in the full size (larger than the standard 30ml), and you don't need to use a lot because it spreads so beautifully and a little goes a long way.

In sum, I can't fault this product and I'll definitely repurchase it. Glycolic acid just agrees with my skin and this cream is yet another Alpha-H product that's found a rare spot in my permanent skincare armoury.

Love.