Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter is a beloved product known for its ability to create a radiant, lit-from-within look. With its multipurpose use as a primer, highlighter, or standalone product, it has gained a cult following. However, its high price tag of £36 has led many to search for affordable alternatives. Enter E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, touted as the perfect dupe for Flawless Filter, and priced at just £14. In this article, we will compare the two products and assess whether the budget-friendly option lives up to the hype.
Packaging and Application:
Flawless Filter boasts Charlotte Tilbury’s signature glamorous packaging, featuring a glass bottle with a rose gold, ridged cap. It comes with a doe foot applicator, which prevents excessive product usage. However, the combination of the glass bottle and applicator makes it challenging to retrieve the last remnants of the product. On the other hand, Halo Glow’s packaging closely resembles Flawless Filter, with a cylindrical glass bottle and a doe-foot applicator. Although there are minor differences in size and shape, they are negligible. In terms of attractiveness on a dressing table, Flawless Filter takes the lead due to its luxurious appeal.
Formula and Finish:
Flawless Filter has a thin, yet non-runny formula that blends effortlessly onto the skin. It dries down quickly, leaving a satin-like base for makeup or a mattifying effect when worn alone. While it does not provide significant coverage, its blurring and light-reflecting properties create a more even-looking complexion. The product contains polymers and fine powder that help smooth out textural imperfections. As for skincare benefits, Flawless Filter primarily aims to create the illusion of a healthy glow. It includes moisturizing ingredients such as glycerine and squalene, along with hoya lacunosa flower extract, which claims to enhance radiance. Notably, the formula is neither drying nor greasy, making it suitable for all skin types.
Halo Glow’s formula closely resembles Flawless Filter, with a slightly creamier texture and better slip. It effectively blurs oiliness and provides a smooth base for makeup, but its glow appears more sparkly compared to the sparkle-free radiance of Flawless Filter. Halo Glow can be used under foundation for a more noticeable effect but might not be as suitable for standalone wear. Like Flawless Filter, it contains squalene, hyaluronic acid, and fine powders to hydrate the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and imperfections. The lightweight formula feels imperceptible on the skin and does not settle into creases.
Shade Range and Availability:
Flawless Filter offers an impressive selection of 12 shades, ensuring a suitable match for most individuals. However, its popularity often leads to stock shortages, making it challenging to find specific shades. On the other hand, Halo Glow provides a slightly more limited range of eight shades. Nevertheless, the sheer nature of the product allows for more forgiving shade selection, and a lighter shade can be used to achieve a more intense glow. Availability may vary depending on the retailer and location.
Verdict:
In terms of packaging, texture, feel, and skincare benefits, E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter proves to be an almost indistinguishable dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter. Although Flawless Filter excels in offering a more natural glow and luxurious packaging, the budget-friendly price of Halo Glow makes it an excellent option for those who primarily use it as a primer under foundation. Ultimately, the choice between the two products depends on personal preferences and budget. If you prioritize a more high-end look and are willing to invest in the luxurious packaging and subtle radiance of Flawless Filter, then it may be the preferred choice for you. However, if you are primarily using the product as a primer and are looking for a more affordable alternative without compromising on performance, E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter offers a near-flawless dupe.
Both products deliver a smooth base for makeup, blur imperfections, and provide a healthy glow. While Flawless Filter aims for a sparkle-free radiance, Halo Glow offers a slightly more spangly glow, which may be preferable for those who want a more noticeable luminosity. Halo Glow’s formula also has a bit more tackiness on the skin, which can help makeup adhere better.
When it comes to skincare benefits, both products contain moisturizing ingredients and fine powders to improve the appearance of the skin. Flawless Filter includes additional ingredients like hoya lacunosa flower extract, which claims to enhance radiance. However, it’s important to note that these products primarily focus on creating the illusion of a healthy glow rather than providing long-term skincare benefits.
In terms of shade range, Flawless Filter offers a wider selection of 12 shades compared to Halo Glow’s eight shades. However, Halo Glow’s sheerness allows for more forgiving shade selection, and experimenting with a lighter shade can result in a more dramatic glow, especially when paired with a lighter concealer under the eyes.
FAQs:
Can these products be used on their own or only as primers?
Both Flawless Filter and Halo Glow can be used in multiple ways. They can be worn alone for a minimal makeup look, as they provide a subtle glow and even out the complexion. Additionally, they can be mixed in with foundation for a luminous finish or applied on the high points of the face as a highlighter.
Do these products work well for oily skin?
If you have oily skin, using a mattifying primer before applying Flawless Filter or Halo Glow as a primer can help control excess oil throughout the day. While these products provide a smooth base and a radiant glow, they may not be sufficient on their own to keep makeup in place for oily skin types.
Do they have coverage or just blur imperfections?
Flawless Filter and Halo Glow are not designed to provide full coverage like a foundation. They have light-reflecting properties and fine powders that help blur textural imperfections and even out the skin tone. While they create the illusion of coverage, they primarily enhance the skin’s radiance rather than offering substantial pigmentation.
Are these products suitable for all skin types?
Both Flawless Filter and Halo Glow are formulated to be versatile and suitable for all skin types. They are neither drying nor greasy, making them suitable for dry, normal, and combination skin. However, if you have specific concerns such as excessive oiliness or dryness, you may want to consider using additional skincare products tailored to your needs.
How does the packaging of Flawless Filter and Halo Glow compare?
The packaging of Flawless Filter and Halo Glow is remarkably similar. They both come in cylindrical glass bottles with doe-foot applicators for easy and precise application. However, Flawless Filter has a rose gold, ridged cap, while Halo Glow features a light pink cap. Both products may have some challenges when it comes to getting every last drop out of the bottle due to their packaging design.
Conclusion:
The choice between Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter and E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter depends on your individual preferences, budget, and desired level of radiance. If you prioritize a high-end look and are willing to invest, Flawless Filter may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative that delivers comparable results, Halo Glow is an excellent choice, particularly as a primer under foundation.