My Thoughts: Algentist Repairing Tint & Radiance Moisturizer

I’ve recently be testing the Algenist Repairing Tint & Radiance Moisturizer SPF 30 ($42). I’ve been reading positive things about the line from some sources that have been happy with the company’s skincare. Being more of a makeup junkie than a skincare junkie, I thought that this product would be a good entree into the line.

For this San Francisco-based company, algae is the foundation of its anti-aging and moisturizing properties. According to their description, a modified and extracted variation that derives from algae forms “a patented, powerful compound that is responsible for regenerating and protecting the micro algae cell, and that this ingredient has “significant anti-aging properties, helping to rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful appearance.” Another ingredient is Microalgae Oil, which “deliver(s) superior benefits to the skin, replenishing essential moisture and nutrient loss. Microalgae Oil is clinically proven to keep skin hydrated 5x longer than untreated skin over a 24-hour period.”

The Algenist tinted moisturizer incorporates these ingredients. As you probably garner from this description, this product works best for dry skin where the goal includes anti-aging. In my view, the benefit from this tinted moisturizer happens after removal–the skin care ingredient seem to have some type of healing quality, it seems to fade darker areas and I found the sun protection worked well. The day after I used this, I notice my skin looked better. A week after, it’s looking even better, so the effects appear to be cumulative.

Purely as a tinted moisturizer, I prefer other lines (Nars, for example). The feel of the Algenist tinted moisturizer is a little on the heavy side. The coverage is light-to-medium, and when I attempt to build up coverage I do start to see pores (a finishing powder seems to blend these away). It’s not feather-light like some of the serums, nor as light as Chanel Aqualumiere, or Nars Tinted Moisturizer. The Algenist has a slightly-perfumed suntan-lotion scent. Generally, the finish is near matte. However, it does mix well with luminizers-I’ve worn this with a healthy dollop of NARS 413 Blkr Street Illuminizer (a beautiful, cool gold color reviewed here) for several days with very nice results.

Despite the negatives, I’m really impressed with the Algenist. The skincare properties are the best part, so as a multi-tasker it has a lot of offer. The longevity is excellent. And the skincare ingredients really did give me noticeable results–my skin feels lifted, plumper, more even, and healthier-looking. I’ve spent twice as much (or more) to get similar results, so color me impressed.

Because we are heading into summer, I went with Light/Medium, which is a touch too dark for my winter-pale MAC NC15/20 – Chanel Cameo/Ivoire skin tone. More ingredients (click to enlarge):

The Algenist Repairing Tint & Radiance Moisturizer SPF 30 comes on four shades.

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