Cleanse, treat, moisturise, protect - and eye products go on before your heavier face moisturiser so the thinner texture can absorb properly.

• Cleanse first, then apply targeted serums - my Caffeine + Peptides eye serum goes on right after cleansing.
• Caffeine reduces puffiness by helping with fluid buildup, while peptides support elasticity and fine lines.
• Vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night - don't combine them.
• Apply thinner textures before thicker ones, and let each layer sink in for a minute before the next.
• Finish with SPF in the morning - the eye area needs protection too.

Alpha arbutin works gently by slowing pigment production at the source, while tranexamic acid works upstream on the triggers - it's stronger for hormonal or stubborn pigmentation like melasma.

• Alpha arbutin comes from the bearberry plant and gently inhibits the enzyme that makes melanin.
• Tranexamic acid interrupts the signals that tell your skin to overproduce pigment in the first place.
• For hormonal or deeper-set pigmentation, tranexamic acid tends to have the edge.
• For my under-eye tone and general maintenance, gentler and consistent wins over strong and sporadic.
• Expect initial results in 4-6 weeks, with the bigger changes showing at 3+ months.