Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is a glowy complexion booster that adds soft radiance, a hint of tint, and a smoothing effect under or over makeup. The good news is you can get a very similar look for less. The key is a liquid luminiser with micro-fine pearlescence, a touch of sheer pigment, and a texture that sits smoothly on texture without sparkles.
Below are three proven dupes at friendly prices. You will find an almost one-to-one stand-in with a wide shade range, an all-over body and face glow lotion that mixes beautifully with base, and a drugstore hybrid that can be worn alone on good skin days. Each review explains who it suits, who should skip, shade tips, and how to apply for a lifted, filtered finish.
Quick Picks
- Closest overall dupe: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Soft focus glow with tint and great shade range. Rating: 4.7/5 - Best all-over glow lotion: L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion
Sheer tint with lit-from-within radiance you can wear under, over, or on bare skin. Rating: 4.6/5 - Best one-and-done drugstore glow base: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Glow
Sheer coverage, smoothing, and glow for quick makeup days. Rating: 4.5/5
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Deep Dives
1) e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter — Closest overall dupe
Why it stands out: Texture, finish, and use-cases line up closely with Flawless Filter. It adds a soft focus sheen with micro-pearls and a whisper of tint that lifts the face without obvious shimmer. Owners often call out that it layers under foundation without pilling and mixes well with moisturiser or base.
Coverage and finish: Sheer tint, soft radiant glow. No visible glitter.
Who it suits: Most skin types. Especially good for normal to dry and mature skin that wants a glow that does not emphasise lines.
Who should skip: Very oily T-zones in summer may prefer targeted placement only.
Shade tips:
- e.l.f. shades run 1 Fair, 2 Fair/Light, 3 Light, 4 Medium, 5 Medium/Tan, 6 Tan, 7 Deep, 8 Rich.
- As a fast mapping from Flawless Filter: FF 1 → e.l.f. 1, FF 2 → e.l.f. 2-3, FF 4 → e.l.f. 4, FF 5 → e.l.f. 5-6, FF 6-7 → e.l.f. 7-8.
How to use:
- Under foundation: apply a thin layer on high points, then add foundation where needed.
- Mixed in: 1 pump Halo Glow to 1 pump foundation for a fresh finish.
- Over makeup: tap on cheekbones and temples as a subtle highlighter.
Tip: Keep glow off the centre of the nose and between brows if you have visible pores.
Pros
- Very similar finish to the original
- Wide shade range for drugstore
- Plays well under or over base
Cons
- Big doe-foot is not everyone’s favourite
- Can look too dewy on very oily skin if over-applied
Rating: 4.7/5
2) L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion — Best all-over glow lotion
Why it stands out: A fluid glow lotion with sheer tint that you can wear alone on good skin days, under foundation for all-over radiance, or on the body. The glow reads smooth and expensive rather than glittery, which makes it friendly on texture.
Coverage and finish: Very sheer tint, soft sheen.
Who it suits: Normal, dry, or mature skin that wants a healthy glow without obvious makeup. Works for body highlight on collarbones and legs.
Who should skip: If you want visible blurring, e.l.f. Halo Glow does that better.
Shade tips:
- Four shades: 901 Fair, 902 Light, 903 Medium, 904 Deep.
- Pick by depth rather than undertone. It is sheer and forgiving.
How to use:
- Under base: pea-size across cheeks and temple, then foundation.
- Alone: even out with concealer only where needed.
- Body: mix with body lotion for a soft glow.
Pros
- Versatile face and body use
- Smooth sheen that flatters texture
- Easy to blend and forgiving
Cons
- Fewer shades than e.l.f.
- Minimal blurring on pores or fine lines
Rating: 4.6/5
3) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Glow — Best one-and-done glow base
Why it stands out: A tinted glow base with a smoothing effect that can replace foundation on low-effort days. It evens tone lightly, adds radiance, and sits well on mature or dry skin when applied thinly.
Coverage and finish: Sheer to light, radiant.
Who it suits: Normal to dry skin that wants a quick blurred glow without layering several products.
Who should skip: If you need medium coverage or precise shade matching, keep this for off-duty days.
Shade tips:
- Comes in broad tones like Fair, Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep.
- Choose by depth. Undertone is flexible due to sheerness.
How to use:
- Alone: dot, then blend with fingers for speed.
- Under base: a thin layer on high points, let it sit 30 seconds, then press on foundation.
- As highlighter: tap a tiny amount on cheeks after powder then mist once to meld.
Pros
- Fast, flexible, friendly on texture
- Drugstore price point
- Works with fingers, sponge, or brush
Cons
- Cushion applicator is divisive
- Limited shade nuance
Rating: 4.5/5
How to pick your dupe
- You want the most CT-like effect with blurring: pick e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
- You want all-over glow or body use: pick L’Oréal Lumi Glotion.
- You want a quick, one-step glow base: pick Maybelline 4-in-1 Glow.
Application tips for a filtered look
Keep glow on high points only if pores are visible. Use a damp sponge to press product into skin so it melds with texture. Set the T-zone lightly with micro-fine powder and leave the tops of cheeks glowy.
FAQs
Do dupes have the same skincare ingredients as Flawless Filter?
No. They aim to match look and finish, not formula. Expect similar glow, tint, and slip, not the same INCI.
Will glow products emphasise pores or texture?
They can if you place them across the whole T-zone. Keep glow on high points and set the centre lightly.
Can I mix a dupe with my foundation?
Yes. One-to-one with a satin or natural finish foundation gives a fresh, lifted look. Avoid mixing with very dewy bases if you are already oily.
What shade should I pick if I am between tones?
Choose the lighter option. These formulas are sheer and forgiving. You can always add warmth with bronzer.
Do I apply primer under or over a glow dupe?
Primer first for grip or blur, then glow on high points, then foundation. If you prefer a glassy finish, mix glow into base instead.
See also
Want your base to sit smoother and last longer with a glow product underneath? Start with a texture-friendly primer and a flexible foundation. Compare options in Best Primer for Mature Skin and pick a base from Best Foundation for Mature Skin Over 60. If dark circles are the roadblock, neutralise first with the picks in Best Concealer for Dark Circles.
To lock in a fresh finish without caking, see wear-tested picks in Best Setting Sprays. For quick face-lifting tweaks that pair perfectly with glow, try the practical tips in Makeup Tricks for Older Women.
