MissLJBeauty

Well, I did it, I bought the Dupe of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter. I know I am a beauty marketer's dream. I honestly am. In my defence, I do this as a job and I do like to review these viral beauty products for you all, so I am justified, right? 

You know I am talking about the Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup It has exploded across TikTok, Instagram, and beauty blogs, and I had to find out if it truly delivers that lit-from-within glow or if it’s just another overhyped beauty launch. You know I have already reviewed the actual product, this has been "allegedly" duped from so I had to try this. This comes in 7 shades. We all know how I feel about limited shade options, bla. I bought shade 1.5, which is light medium, and I am normally Chanel B30 for reference. I bought mine on an Amazon sale for around £9. 

This is my full, honest review, including first impressions, application tips, and whether it’s a worthy dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter.

What is the Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup?

Maybelline claims this multi-tasking wonder combines:

• Primer

• Concealer

• Highlighter

• BB Cream (or sheer foundation)

It's part of their Instant Age Rewind range, designed to create a radiant, perfected base in seconds, no heavy foundation needed. This is a your skin is youthful and glowing, and you don't even need to try type product. 

Understanding the Product Features

• Available in 7 self-adjusting shades

• Light liquid texture with a built-in sponge applicator

• Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration

• Offers dewy, subtle radiance without shimmer

Think of it as your minimal makeup essential, perfect for light coverage days. This is not for you, full coverage type people, you will hate this unless you use it as a primer. This is your clean girl aesthetic minimalist who can use this as a one-and-done. 

How Does It Work as a Multi-Tasking Formula?

The Maybelline 4-in-1 Glow smooths, evens, and boosts glow all at once. If you're the type who wants:

• A bit of blurring

• A touch of hydration

• Just enough pigment to even out redness

I think you’ll love the convenience of having multiple products in one. Espeically if you are travelling and you need to cut down on your products. This is my biggest fear when travelling as a beauty blogger by the way. Ha. 

What Are the Key Ingredients in the Formula?

• Hyaluronic acid: hydrates skin, keeps the finish looking fresh

• Light-reflecting pigments: enhance glow without chunky shimmer

• Smoothing polymers: help it double as a primer

I have combination skin, I really like this and Great for dry or dull skin, but even oily skin types can make it work with a good setting spray. 

How to Apply the Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup

Twist the built-in sponge applicator until the product appears (don’t overdo it!). Dot onto the face and blend. Right, the elephant in the room is this applicator. I am so on the fence with these. How the hell do you clean them? You are using the same sponge for weeks. You can apply to the back of your hand and apply with your own beauty blender, but you use a lot of product this way. This is a bit of a peeve for me. 

Best Application Techniques: Brush vs. Sponge

You know I put this to the test. Because of the above reason. 

• Brush: More coverage, faster blend, better for oily areas

• Damp sponge: Ideal for dry skin, gives that airbrushed, dewy finish

• Fingers: For touch-ups or no-fuss mornings

I personally love using a dense brush to buff it in, especially around the nose and chin But in a rush, I use my fingers. 

How to Achieve a Flawless Finish

Prep with a lightweight primer if you're oily, or a hydrating mist or primer if you're dry. Don’t forget SPF underneath. This product doesn’t contain any SPF. I wish it did, but nope. 

Set oily areas with a translucent powder, but leave the cheeks glowy. 

Then spray with your setting spray, you know I am now addicted to charrlote tilbury one. 

Tips for Different Skin Types: Oily vs. Dry

What Are the First Impressions of the Instant Perfector?

 Texture:

Silky, lightweight, almost serum-like. Not thick or cakey. 

Smell: 

This has a chemical smell in the tube. I guess this is due to the alcohol in the formula. 

 Finish:

Very glowy, but in a skin-like, not glittery way. 

Does It Live Up to Its Claims of Instant Glow?

Yes, especially for everyday, natural makeup. It gives you that effortless "I drink water and sleep 8 hours" kind of radiance. It’s sheer, so don’t expect full coverage, but it does smooth and lightly blur. It's a clean make up no make-up vibe. 

How Does It Compare to Other Cult Products?

Is the Maybelline Instant Perfector a Good Foundation Alternative?

For no-makeup makeup days? Absolutely. For full-glam nights out? Hell no. This will no have you binning your foundation. This is light coverage at best. 

Can It Be Used as a Primer or a Base?

Yes! It layers beautifully under medium-coverage foundations. I actually Think this is where the perfectior glow comes in to its own. It works lovely under make up and as a highlighter or eye shadow. 

Comparing with Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter

This is where it gets interesting...

Verdict: If you’re looking for a glowy primer/skin tint hybrid, the Maybelline is a fantastic, affordable dupe, but it is not a Flawless filter. I get what people are saying it's way more affordable, but it's too different for me to say it's a dupe. Dont buy this thinking you are getting an exact dupe, you just aren't. 

What Shades Are Available for the Instant Perfector?

Currently available in 7 self-adjusting shades, which blend out to suit a range of light to medium-deep tones. But I think the range needs to be improved. I can't see this working for a lot of people. I think yes, it adapted, but come on, 7 is awful. They are hoping it is so light weight you can make it worth with the help of other products. 

How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone?

If in doubt, go a shade lighter, it blends and adjusts easily. I found this really hard to gauge if I am honest. Maybelline says these are flexible enough to suit most undertones, but a wider shade range would be ideal.

Are There Options for Sensitive Skin?

The formula is fragrance-free, but I do get a chemical scent and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. If you’re acne-prone, please just patch-test just in case.

Understanding the Range and Availability

• Available at Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, and most UK drugstores

• Usually priced around £12.99, often on offer lower or on 3 for 2.

What Do Reviews Say About the Maybelline Instant Perfector?

Customer Feedback:

• Glowy finish = yes!

• Buildable = yes!

• Lasts all day? Mixed opinions

 Common Criticism:

• It can look greasy on oily skin if not set

• Limited shades

Is It Worth the Investment?

If you want:
A no-fuss everyday product
A Charlotte Tilbury type dupe on a budget
A primer + tint + glow booster in one...

Then yes, it’s 100% worth trying. It is a nice product to use and it does have a lovely glow about it. it will give you that my skin is so healthy and I am just so effortless look. 

Is There a Dupe for the Maybelline Instant Perfector?

Ironically, it is the dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Hollywood Flawless Filter.

But if you're looking for other options:

• e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter

• L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion

• Revolution Bright Light

 My Honest Review Of This Product

This is one of those products that really surprised me. It lives up to the glow makeup hype without being glittery, heavy, or expensive. Is it perfect? No. But it’s pretty fantastic for day-to-day, “my skin but glowy” makeup. But don't buy this if you think this is a dupe of that famous product it is its own animal. Yes, I get what people are trying to say, but this is different and it has its own pros and cons. I like it, I don't love it. Do I reach for it sometimes? 

If you love:

• Dewy, natural makeup

• A no-makeup makeup look

• Quick application

Then give the Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow a go, you might just find your new go-to base. But is this one you really need in your collection I am not sure it depends on your style. I like natural makeup up but if you're a full-face kinda person, Instant Perfector 4-in-1 glow foundation might not be the one. But you might like it under your regular foundation. I think this might be a summer product for me. When my skin is a little bit more tanned and I just use it for more casual days. So basically I like it but it's not a love for me.