'I tried the new dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s cult foundation. Here's my honest review.'

Mamamia’s Tried and Tested series is your review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellness. You won’t find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Teresa McNamara from the You Beauty Collective reviews Maybelline's Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup.

Radiant skin. We all want it. That magical JLo glow. But the truth is, it's near impossible to get there without a little help. 

That’s where the cult Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter stepped in and reached legendary status. 

If you see a celebrity on the red carpet with that ethereal, illuminated 'lit-from-within' glow, you can almost guarantee that it's Flawless Filter. 

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Now, the problem is, it can be hard to get hold of due to its popularity, and its price may not be the most practical for everyday use.

Maybelline recently released their Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup that is said to be a dupe, and it had people running out to Chemist Warehouse to snatch it up. I was part of the stampede.

So, is it just as good as Charlotte Tilbury's cult formula? I put it to the test.

Here are my honest thoughts on Maybelline's Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup.

First impressions of Maybelline's Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup.

I'm not going to lie, when I first saw the shade range, I was more than disappointed – five shades! Are you kidding me? Maybelline claims the formulas are 'self-adjusting' so should suit a wide range of skin tones within each shade.

Let’s see how that goes, shall we?

I picked up the shade 'light'. It looks like it might be a bit too light, but the shade really does seem to adapt and match my skin tone. 

The RRP is $29.49 - but you can pick it up from Chemist Warehouse for $17.49.

Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup. Image: Teresa McNamara

Now, my initial impression was that it does give you a “your skin but better” look. I couldn’t tell I really had anything on my face, and it looked flawless. 

I also found that the consistency is a lot thinner that the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, and it moves around quite easily over your face.

What does Maybelline's Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup claim to do?

Well, dear friend, this miracle product claims to be four products in one simple step – an illuminating formula that is a primer, concealer, highlighter, and BB cream. That’s a big brag right there. 

But does it actually live up to the hype?

I've tested it every day since I picked it up a week ago, so let’s break these four claims down.

1. Primer: As a primer this works really well to hydrate, illuminate, and smooth your skin to prepare it for foundation application. It evens out your skin and gives a subtle, soft glow.

2. Concealer: Why, Maybelline. Why? Why claim a product to be something it isn’t? This has a very light coverage AT BEST - and as you will see from my photo, it did nothing at all to conceal anything (I had a few hormonal blemishes on my chin when testing). For the under eyes, this is going to add the tiniest bit of brightness and dewiness but no real coverage.

3. Highlighter: This is possibly one of my favourite ways to use this product. If you prefer a subtle, glossy highlight as opposed to a blinding streak, then this is going to be a favourite for you. No glitter, no colour, just like a little spotlight on your cheek.

4. BB Cream: It doesn’t have a great deal of pigment, but if you really like a one-and-done product that just evens out your tone whilst still letting your skin shine through, then this works an absolute treat.

How did you go with it?

First up, it's a great product for multi-tasking and when you want a relaxed, minimal look, making it the perfect product to wear over the weekend or on holiday.

I went out and grabbed the 'medium' shade, and I am loving using it as a subtle bronzer. 

It's extremely dewy and dare I say it, moist, which is fantastic news for our dry-skinned people. You can touch-up and reapply over other makeup easily.

Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup in shade 'light' (left) and shade 'medium' (right).  Image: Teresa McNamara

On the other end of the spectrum - I have to say that it’s not, I repeat NOT, a concealer.

Also, beware - it does have a shimmer to it and you can see it in the bottle. It applies VERY wet and shimmery but as it sets down, so does the shimmer.

However, it doesn’t feel like it fully dries down? So, it somehow feels wet and tacky to the touch for most of the day – which is not so good for the oily folk. 

Here's what it looks like on my skin (barefaced on the left and wearing Maybelline 4-in-1 Glow Makeup on the right):

Image: Teresa McNamara

Also, I seem to be going through the bottle really quickly compared to other products - which is not ideal.

Final verdict.

So, is this an excellent product for a minimalist with already great skin that wants to show off their glow? Absolutely. 

Is it an affordable and easily accessible alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter? Yes, it is. 

BUT! Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter has so many more shades - and in my personal experience, you don’t need to use as much for a better result.

Here's what it looks like with Maybelline 4-in-1 on left, and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter on the right (both used alone with just mascara):

Maybelline 4-in-1 on left, and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter on the right. Image: Teresa McNamara.

Here's how they compare wearing a full face of makeup.

Maybelline 4-in-1 on left, and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter on the right. Image: Teresa McNamara.

To be honest, I think there are better dupes on the market than this.

However, if I am judging Maybelline's new launch on its own merits, then this is 100 per cent staying on my makeup counter for those days I don't want to wear much.

Want to hear more from Teresa? Follow her on Instagram.

Feature image: Supplied.