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Step 2: Calm - Depuff under eyes. Brighten, firm dull, pigmented skin.

LIGHTEN UP - Brighten + Firm Eyes & Neck

LIGHTEN UP - Brighten + Firm Eyes & Neck

Brighten dark circles. Firm the look of crepey skin. Stay calm.
A sensitive-skin eye + neck treatment that helps wake up tired-looking eyes, visibly smooth fine lines, and support a brighter, more even tone - with a lightweight, cushiony finish that layers beautifully under makeup.

  • Best for: Sensitive, reactive skin with dark circles, puffiness, fine lines/crepey texture and dull, tired-looking eye + neck area.
  • Use*:  AM + PM. After cleansing (and serums), apply a rice-grain amount per eye and a pea-size amount for neck. Gently tap around the orbital bone and smooth over neck.
  • Typical reorder: 10-12+ weeks
  • Perfect pair: Bloom Lift (brightening + firming) + Revive Crème (hydration + firming)

*Hydration and brightening benefits can be seen immediately. Improvement in firmness and hyperpigmentation can take up-to 8-12 weeks - as cell turnover typically takes 30 days.

  • Made for sensitive + reactive skin
  • Fragrance & Essential Oil free
  • 1-3 uses: less tight/stripped feeling. 2-4 weeks: steadier-looking skin*
Size
Regular price $38.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $38.00 USD
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Key Premium Ingredients

11.3% Brightening Complex: Vitamin C (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), Kiwifruit seed oil, Niacinamide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG), Licorice root extract, Resveratrol
3.3% Firming Complex: Tripeptide-29, Bakuchiol, Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide
4% Depuff Support: Coffee seed extract
5.3% Antioxidant Defense: Resveratrol, Vitamin C (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), Kiwifruit seed oil
5.8% Hydration Complex: Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Beta-glucan
4.5% Soothing Complex: Beta-glucan, Licorice root extract, Niacinamide

*Sourced from New Zealand.

  • Vitamin C (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) is a stable, gentle form of vitamin C that helps brighten dull skin, fade the look of dark spots, and support a firmer, more resilient look over time - without the sting some vitamin C serums can cause. It also offers antioxidant support to help defend against daily stressors.
  • Kiwifruit Seed OIl a potent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant known for its skin-brightening properties. Vitamin C helps inhibit melanin production, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
  • Niacinamide (B3) aids mature and sun damaged skin by improving its texture and moisture. It also aids in reducing red blotchiness and the severity of fine lines. It stimulates collagen production and the production of ceramide.
  • N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) reduces hyperpigmentation, increases collagen production, moisture content and elasticity of the skin and increases the speed of wound healing. Niacinamide boots its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation. Derived from the shells of crustaceans.
  • Licorice Root helps brighten and soothe skin, promoting an even and calm skin tone.
  • Resveratrol helps protect the skin from environmental damage, reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and supports collagen production. Plant derived from Japanese Knotweed.
  • Tripeptide-29 increases collagen synthesis and repairs skin, thus promoting anti-aging benefits such as wrinkle reduction, firming and plumping. Derived from seaweed.
  • Bakuchiol is our gentle, sensitive-skin alternative to retinol -chosen to help the eye + neck area look smoother, firmer, and more even-toned without the “peel-y, stingy” feel many people get from traditional retinoids. In a 12-week randomized, double-blind clinical study, bakuchiol performed comparably to retinol for improving the look of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, with better tolerability (less scaling/stinging reported).
  • Hyaluronic Acid (Ultra Low Molecular Weight) penetrates deeper into the skin compared to standard Hyaluronic Acid. This provides deep hydration and helps the skin retain moisture, resulting in a plump and supple appearance. It also helps boost skin elasticity and collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Derived from plant matter.
  • Coffee Seed Extract helps in reducing under-eye swelling and puffiness dark circles, and oxidative stress while improving circulation and collagen production.
  • Beta-Glucan- a humectant and barrier-repair active derived from yeast cell walls, known for binding water, calming redness, and helping strengthen the skin’s natural defenses.

How to Use

First use your favorite Pure + Kiwi cleanser. Then gently apply to the delicate skin around your eyes using clean fingertips. Follow with your favorite Pure + Kiwi serum and moisturizer. Use morning and night.

Pro Tip: Apply once in the morning and again at night. Hydration and brightening benefits can be seen immediately. Improvement in firmness and hyperpigmentation can take up-to 8-12 weeks - as cell turnover typically takes 30 days.

FAQ

What does LIGHTEN UP help with?
LIGHTEN UP is made to improve the look of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and crepey texture- while keeping the delicate eye + neck area calm, hydrated, and comfortable. You’ll see an instant “more awake” look from hydration, and more visible tone + firmness improvements with consistent use.

How soon will I see results?

  • Immediately: skin feels more hydrated, cushioned, and smoother-looking (great under makeup).
  • 8–12 weeks: best window for visible improvements in the look of firmness and discoloration, with consistent AM/PM use.

Can sensitive or reactive skin use this?
Yes - this formula is built for sensitive, reactive skin and focuses on gentle brightening + firming instead of harsh actives. If you’re very reactive, patch test first (especially around the eye area).

Is this an eye cream or a neck cream?
It’s both. LIGHTEN UP is designed for the thin, delicate skin around your eyes and the crepey, easily-dehydrated neck area - so you don’t need two separate products.

Will it work on genetic dark circles?
It can help brighten the overall look and improve the appearance of uneven tone (especially from dehydration or post-inflammatory discoloration), but genetic or structural dark circles may not disappear completely. Many people still notice a more even, rested look with consistent use.

Can I use it if I’m prone to milia?
Most people do well because the texture is lightweight and not overly waxy, but milia-prone skin is individual. Use a tiny amount (rice grain per eye), avoid applying too close to the lash line, and don’t over-layer with heavy balms.

Does it depuff?
Yes - LIGHTEN UP supports a less puffy look, especially in the morning. For an extra boost, apply with a light tapping motion and store it in a cool place if you love a chilled feel.

Can I wear it under makeup?
Yes. It’s designed to sit smoothly under concealer without feeling greasy. Apply a small amount, let it settle for 30–60 seconds, then apply makeup.

Can I use it with Bloom Lift or other actives?
Yes - LIGHTEN UP pairs beautifully with Bloom Lift. Apply Bloom Lift first, then LIGHTEN UP. If you use strong exfoliants or retinoids elsewhere, keep the eye area gentle and avoid stacking multiple strong actives directly around the eyes.

Can I use it with retinol or tretinoin?
You can, but if you’re using prescription retinoids, keep things comfortable:

  • Use LIGHTEN UP on nights you’re not applying strong retinoids near the eye area, or
  • Apply LIGHTEN UP as your buffer/hydration layer, and keep prescription products away from the orbital bone unless directed by a professional.

How do I apply it correctly?

  • AM + PM after cleansing (and serums).
  • Use a rice-grain amount per eye and a pea-size amount for neck.
  • Gently tap around the orbital bone and smooth down the neck.

Where exactly do I put it around my eyes?
Apply around the orbital bone (the bony rim), not right on the lash line. The product will naturally spread slightly as it warms and absorbs.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Many people prefer to keep routines extra simple during pregnancy/breastfeeding. If you’re unsure, check with your healthcare provider and patch test first. (This is a cosmetic product and not a medical treatment.)

How long will one bottle last?
Most customers reorder around 10–12+ weeks with AM/PM use (rice-grain per eye + pea-size for neck).

What should I pair it with for best results?
For the most noticeable tone + firmness results:

  • Bloom Lift (brightening + firming)
  • Revive Crème (hydration + firming)

Ingredients

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin (Vegetable), Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Isoamyl Laurate, Cetyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tripeptide-29, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Resveratrol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Bakuchiol, Beta-glucan, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Resveratrol, Xanthan Gum, Mica, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate and Tocopherol.

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  • We design for “reactive skin reality”

    Made for skin that overreacts - not skin that tolerates everything.

  • Calm-First Method

    We don’t do “more actives.” We do the right order: Cleanse Gently → Calm → Seal

  • Calming NZ Botanicals

    Soothing New Zealand botanicals, science-backed actives - balanced for reactive skin.

  • Barrier consistency = the real win

    No strong peels or aggressive retinoids. No fragrance or essential oils.

The Calm-First Method: Cleanse Gently → Calm → Seal

Stop the sting-and-start-over cycle

If your skin reacts to everything, harsh cleansers and random actives often make it worse. Pure + Kiwi helps you cleanse without stripping, calm flare-prone skin, and seal in a barrier-first routine made for sensitive, eczema- and rosacea-prone, acne-prone, and hormonally reactive skin. Our difference: consistency over intensity -New Zealand botanicals paired with proven actives in a routine your skin can actually stick with.

Find My Calm Routine

Small-batch care with founder-led guidance

Pure + Kiwi is personal: made with intention, with a brand voice that actually understands reactive skin. You’re not left alone after checkout - we help you use products in a way that supports your barrier and reduces flare risk.

Get My Routine Help