Phytosurgence Dew of Dawn Spectral Shine Radiance Balm Review & Swatches
Dew of Dawn
Phytosurgence Dew of Dawn Spectral Shine Radiance Balm ($26.01 for 0.25 oz.) is a light-medium, peachy gold with warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had more opaque coverage in a single layer, if desired, but the cream-to-powder texture was drier to the touch (which was as marketed) and worked better with a denser brush to pick up product evenly, otherwise the coverage level was less consistent (could be sheerer, could be more medium).
It delivered on the subtle glow it promised, and it looked better as it wore on, as it became a little dewier and more seamless; this was particularly noticeable applied over a more matte foundation. I liked it better over bare skin, under foundation, or over a dewier base as it wasn’t as smoothing on top of matte foundation for me. I think the formula is at its best–seamless, glowing but not overtly shimmery–on bare skin and has a beautiful, lit-from-within kind of effect. This shade lasted for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Malibu (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Tower 28 Sun Coast (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Desire Fire (LE, $42.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine My Day One (Highlighter) (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Rich #1 (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Milani Rosa Italiana (P, $10.99) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Royal Challenge (LE, $42.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Chasing the Sun (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Inglot J203 Luminous (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Rich #2 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.01/0.25 oz. - $104.04 Per Ounce
It's supposed to be a "cream-to-powder formula" that "can be applied and treated like a pressed powder product." It is designed to give a "gentle veil of luminosity" rather than a "glow from space."
The brand recommends using a brush to apply it, though fingertips could be used; they say to avoid to pushing as it can cause the product to harden and become stiff over time. I liked using a denser, more flat-topped blush or highlighter brush for picking up and buffing product onto my skin with this formula.
It's an interesting texture, as it was, in fact, "dry to the touch" as they brand described. It felt more powder-like than cream-like, and typically, cream-to-powder has a creamier feel that dries down to a powder-like finish. Instead, these just had more glide than a traditional powder (and thus, no powderiness either).
They worked best on top of more hydrated skin or less-matte foundation, as I found that they didn't go on as seamlessly over medium-coverage, matte foundation--it looked drier and more powdery, though it softened and looked better after a few hours of wear. They looked particularly seamless, glowing but not overtly shimmery on bare skin and on lighter-coverage, dewier foundations (like a tinted moisturizer or anything with a more luminous finish).
The effect is really lovely for those who prefer a more hydrating/dewy base, whether that's bare skin or something else, though. It gives a "veil" of glow that delivers a subtle reflective quality that doesn't accentuate skin texture and really diffuses across the skin due to the more transparent base. They wore well for seven to eight hours before fading a bit.
Browse all of our Phytosurgence Spectral Shine Radiance Balm swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isododecane (and) Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Carnauba Wax, Boron Nitride, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Phenoxyethanol (and) Capyrlyl Glycol. May Contain: Titainium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77499, 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
This is possibly even better than the one by Melt that I was swooning over just an hour ago! I feel this would be perfect for more “natural” days when I don’t want a seen-from-space blinding sheen. And lately, I have been toning it down by just applying a sheer veil of highlighter on my high points. Well, except for when I wear ABH Amrezy, as that one blends in with my skintone so we’ll while still lightening up the areas I apply it to.