This month Algenist revealed their stunningly curated makeup line aptly called REVEAL, thus ending the search for those miracle multi-taskers that can take care of the skin, perfect it and camouflage its imperfections regardless of skin type. The line is based around the same key components found in their skincare, Alguronic Acid and Mircroalgae Oil, and I am currently obsessed with their Concentrated Luminizing Drops, a hybrid serum highlighter. Because let’s face it, I want glowy, radiant and luminous skin all day every day, all year round!
Meet the Brand
I first became acquainted with Algenist a few years back during my pregnancy. I was searching for a more natural yet effective skincare line and a Sephora associate suggested Algenist. Algenist is a clinical skincare brand from San Francisco that traces its beginnings to biotechnology. Scientists behind the brand were studying Microalgae, one of the oldest and most nutrient-rich algae in the world, as a source for alternative renewable energy when they came across an unexpected discovery that revolutionized the skincare industry. Microalgae secrete a compound that not only allows it to survive, but thrive and regenerate in spite of exposure to the harshest of environments. This compound is Alguronic Acid, a key component with significant anti-aging properties, helping to rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful appearance. Microalgae Oil, sourced from microalgae, is the second patented-pending ingredient to come from Algenist biotechnology. Its rich composition containing Oleic Acid, Phytosterols, Tocopherols and Tocotrienols, delivers superior benefits to the skin, replenishing essential moisture and nutrient loss. Per the Algenist website, ‘Microalgae Oil is clinically proven to keep skin hydrated 5x longer than untreated skin over a 24-hour period’.
Algenist products are suitable for all skin types, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. All Algenist products are formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, GMOs and triclosan.
Reveal the Glow
Highlighters have become an everyday staple in makeup routines, as they are one of the easiest ways to fake the recommended 7 hours of sleep. They instantly brighten the complexion without much fuss, but with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know what is right for you.
I have been on the hunt for a miracle highlighter, one that doesn’t accentuate my pores and doesn’t cling to dry patches on my face, for a very long time. The Algenist Luminizing Drops promise that, as well as the added benefit of correcting and treating uneven skin tone while providing long-term anti-aging benefits. The focus of the drops is to nourish the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while capturing and diffusing the light for a soft focus, illuminated radiance.
The drops come in three stunning shades: Pearl (containing silver pigments), Champagne (containing gold pigments) and Rosé (containing pink pigments). It would be rather impossible to pick a favorite as I do love them all. Although I’m typically drawn to gold-tone accessories, which I find more flattering for my complexion, the drops melt so beautifully into the face and impart such a delicate, subtle glow, that I have been using all shades interchangeably and find them equally as flattering. The drops come packaged in an elegant, frosted glass bottle complete with a dropper applicator, a very chic look that lends a modern sophistication to my vanity.
How To Use
The drops can be used on your face, eyes, lips, chest, or any other area that you would like to highlight. They can be used alone or mixed in with your skincare or makeup. I prefer to use them after applying my foundation. I place a few drops on the back of my hand and use my ring finger (or a beauty blender) to pat the product onto the top of my cheeks and the tip of my nose, as well as to highlight the brow bone, brighten the inner corner of my eyes and even as a wash of color on the lids! The formula feels so light and weightless, melts beautifully into the skin without moving the already applied foundation, doesn’t settle into my fine lines nor does it accentuate my pores. The finish is a sheeny, natural, lit-from-within glow, as if you are in a perpetual state of bliss. The coverage lasts throughout the day, without the need to reapply.
I have also added the drops to my SPF on those days when I opt to brave the world with a bare face and also mixed them with my foundation on those rare nights when my husband and I can enjoy a date night and I’d like to feel extra special. The drops are such a confidence booster!
For the makeup look above, I’m wearing Champagne on top of my cheeks and lightly dabbed on the tip of my nose and Pearl to highlight the brow bone and the inner corner of my eyes.
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Cat what a great review! Love your writing style and your photography is simply stunning! I am very tempted by these, especially the Champagne shade! Will be looking into it next time I go to Sephora!
Carmen
Thank you so much, your comment made my day! Yes, definitely get a sample of the Champagne and let me know how you like it! ~ Cat L.
These drops look amazing on your skin, no need for any more recommendation. I had Algenist face wash a while ago and it was really good, I’m tempted to explore that brand a bit more, as it sounds like they have exactly what I like. Fantastic review and beautiful photos Cat 🙂 x
Thank you so much, Anna. I think you would really like these drops. Definitely give them a try if you’re by a Sephora or Space NK. ~ Cat L.
These beauties are exactly what my 37yr old skin needs! I find powder highlighters not as flattering on me as they did up to my early 30s and have been more so interested in cream and liquid highlighters/Illuminators lately… Great review! These are now on my list of products to try^^ xo lisa@beautybemused
Lisa, first off you look amazing, I adore your selfies on Instagram and your skin is absolutely flawless! I didn’t realize we were pretty much the same age! Just as you mentioned, I’d started having a love hate relationship with my powder hightlighters as I approached my mid 30s. I found that my already enlarged pores became even larger and powder highlighters dried up my face and accentuated my fine lines and pores. A liquid, hydrating highlighter such as these serum drops, are the way to go! Definitely recommend them wholeheartedly! Let me know how you like them if you end up trying the drops! Thank you for stopping by and leaving me a comment! Off to check out your blog now! ~ Cat L.
I want to bathe myself in these they look stunning ?, Your images sold me sounds like an amazing brand, which I haven’t tried. Love that they are serum highlighters that can be mixed in foundation sunscreen too as you said.
Oh I am so tempted with these. Santa ? please. Thanks for sharing Cat
Thank you for stopping by, Esnath! Glad you enjoyed the post! Definitely check out Algenist next time you’re at Space NK as I know there’s no Sephora in the UK. I recommend these drops and as far as their skincare line, I really like their Genius cream, Retinol Serum, Vitamin C serum and Eye Renewal Balm. ~ Cat L.
Gorgeous you and what a wonderful review! I so need to get my hands on these!xo
Hi Sandy, thank you for stopping by! So glad you enjoyed the review. These drops really surprised me, they are the perfect combo or serum and highlighter. They keep the skin moisturized and provide such a beautiful, healthy glow! Definitely a must have! Now off to check out your blog, I saw on Story that you’re working on a new post! Can’t wait to read! ~ Cat L.
Cat,
You look absolutely stunning! I just love the lit from within glow that I can achieve with these drops! It’s definitely on heavy rotation this Fall!
Great review!
Xo
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
Dom you are far too kind! Thank you so much for such lovely words!
I read your review on these drops and it came as no surprise that we’re both hooked on these! Algenist really seemed to have created a miracle product! The drops not only keep the skin hydrated and moisturized but they also impart the most beautiful, natural looking glow! I cannot recommend these enough! ~ Cat L.
Such a gorgeous look Cat ! You’re awesome ! Love the pink one 😉 Kisses.
Kédidja | beautymoodboard.com
Such a lovely compliment, Kédidja. Thank you so much! I really enjoy your blog, so your feedback means more than you know! 🙂 ~ Cat L
So kind my lovely friend :))
Wow, I love the look of these drops on you! I’m obsessed with highlighters and after seeing your post I’m super tempted to add this to my Sephora haul. I also like that they combine skincare and makeup in one product!
Hi Jenny, thank you for stopping by! I cannot recommend these drops enough! They impart the most beautiful, healthy glow while keeping the skin hydrated! Definitely try them out! ~ Cat L.
I enjoy your writing whether on your blog or Instagram, and your photos are done so well. Reveal sounds interesting as, like you said, it’s coming from a skincare line. I also prefer liquid glow as I feel it looks better with aging than a powder.
Hi Traci, thank you so much for stopping by and for such kind sweet comments. You are a trained skincare professional and I adore your blog, so your feedback means more than you know! These luminizing drops are definitely worth trying! I love the formula and the finish, they are a big winner for Algenist in my opinion. I also like the fact that you can build them up for a more intense look which often times is not an option with some highlighters like Becca Champagne Pop which although very stunning, is way to bold for every day, at least for me! Off to check out your blog now! ~ Cat L.
All the photos are great! My favorite is the one of you, of course. Would one be able to use these drops all over the skin, underneath a sheer foundation? I love glow!
Thank you so much, Daphne! You are always so kind to me! These drops are a luminizing serum so you most certainly can use them all over the face underneath a sheer foundation. I simply can’t recommend these enough! ~ Cat L.
Cat, I love when you post wearable looks! You make everything feel so very approachable. I thoroughly enjoy your writing style as well. These brands need to pay you for PR because you give such in depth information into the brand. Very insightful. I always look forward to every post!
Oh Regina you are always way too kind to me! Thank you so much for such lovely kind comments, always such a pleasure to read! ~ Cat L.
Sweet Cat, another wonderful review and your beautiful pictures really made me want trying these as well.
I’ve never tried Algenist so i may start with these.
Thank you so much,
Mar
Hi Mar, thank you so much for stopping by. I discovered Algenist about two years ago when I was pregnant with my son. I love that the brand combines nature and science to create their beauty line. I have tried and recommend their Genius cream, Retinol Serum, Vitamin C serum and Eye Renewal Balm. Do let me know if you end up trying any of these! ~ Cat L.
Oh these sound positively wonderful. I love the fact the do not emphasise open pores or fine lines, something that I suffer with. The champagne tone is the one that’s captured my attention and has gone straight to the top of my Christmas list!!!
Looking beautiful as always Cat
Lisa xxx
Beauxdiaries.com xxx
Hi Lisa, these drops are so gorgeous and impart the most beautiful glow, you definitely have to try them! So glad you enjoyed the post! I’m such a fan of your blog, your feedback always means more than you know! Thank you so much! ~ Cat L.
I’m just dying to get my hands on these!!! You really hit the nail on the head, most powder highlighters emphasize my flaws and make my skin look like there’s a deathly pall floating over it. It helps that these look so good on you!
Linda I think you would absolutely adore these luminizing drops! Not only do they impart the most beautiful ‘glow from within’-type luminosity but they’re also a serum for the face! Basically, they tick all the boxes! Hope you do get a chance to try these and hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I have! ~ Cat L.