little white truths

I've already reviewed the Balancing Cleanser, the Rejuvenating Cream and the Liquid Gold, and today I'm looking at the eye gel.

One of the reasons I picked this particular kit over the others available, was that it contained an eye product - I'm running low on those and I wanted to see what Alpha-H had to offer in that department.

Alpha-H claims/product details:

• A lifting and perfecting serum uniquely designed to be applied to lash level and over the entire eyelid to combat dark circles, dark shadows, puffiness, hooded lids and fine lines
• Natural flower acids from hibiscus petals smooth and brighten the skin, while hyaluronic acid and tetrapeptides lift and plump the eye contour
• A soothing and firming gel that refreshes and rehydrates
• With continued use, the need for an under eye concealer is reduced as swelling and dark circles are minimised
• Fine lines, wrinkles and crows feet become less visible as the skin is plumped and moisturised
• For all skin types; ideal for hooded, puffy, tired eyes; dark circles/pigmentation, men and for smokers
• Key ingredients: hibiscus flower extract, cucumber, olive leaf extract, niacinamide, matrixyl 6, sodium hyaluronate, bud of beech tree extract, pomegranate
• To use: gently press serum around the eye area, morning and evening
• RRP $69.95 for 15ml

Verdict

It took me a really long time to work out how I felt about this product, which usually means that it's not super amazing.

In this case, however, I think I had to get used to the idea that a gel this light could be hydrating, since I'm using to heavy duty eye creams that are thick and rich and feel nourishing to the touch.

This gel is so light and runny that you almost don't realise you're putting it on, but it does make a difference. It definitely has a brightening effect and it absorbs and hydrates well.

I've mentioned before that I have an eye wrinkle that appears when I use 'lesser' eye products, and there's been no sign of it since I started using this product a couple of months ago - which tells me that this serum is doing a great job, even though it mightn't feel like it is when I apply it because it's not heavy.

One thing: Alpha-H calls this a serum, which makes me wonder whether I should be putting a cream over the top after each use (as I would with a face serum). I haven't been doing this, but it'd be good if Alpha-H could say something about this on the directions for use.

On the packaging: this gel is so runny that I think a squeeze tube like this isn't the best way to package it. I can't store the tube upright because, if I do, product comes through the nozzle and settles into the lid and around the rim, so there's a lot of waste. For this reason I've been lying the tube on its side, but even then I risk wasting some when I squeeze it - no matter how careful I am - because it's so easy to squeeze too much out. I think the full size comes in different packaging, but eg a dropper bottle (as for two of the other products in this kit) would be better for something of this consistency.

On the product claims: I haven't noticed any effect on my dark circles or hooded eyes since I've been using it. As mentioned above, I do think there's a brightening effect and a slight plumping one too, but that's about it. It does feel refreshing to use and I think there's some firming action going on, but not that you can see. As for any impact on fine lines, it hasn't made them worse but it doesn't do a great deal for those either.

In sum, this is a nice product but it's not one I would buy. I think if you were younger than me you might really love this, but I do prefer a heavier eye cream because I can see and feel the effects of those more readily. This does have an effect, it's just that I've used better products.