MissLJBeauty

 Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter has been creating quite the buzz in the beauty community and there is only so long I can really out of trying this viral sensation isn't there with its promising radiant, dewy complexion reminiscent of a real-life filter. As someone who's always on the lookout for products that enhance my skin's natural glow without feeling heavy, We all know I am more of your skin but a better kinda gal. I decided to give this illuminator a try. My socials are full of reviews but how many are actually honest?

So my skin is combination I have dry patches and some imperfections and I spend a lot of time outside so I really put products to the ultimate test of all the elements you could imagine. Let's just say there is one face that really puts beauty products to the test. It's this face, so Let's have my honest take on Charlotte Tilbury's most viral product. I bought the mini in Fair 3 which is described as a warm peach shade for light to medium skin tones. 

What is the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter?

At its core, the Hollywood Flawless Filter is a versatile complexion booster designed to blur imperfections and impart a luminous glow. It's not strictly a foundation, primer, or highlighter-but rather a hybrid that combines the best qualities of each. The product aims to give your skin a "lit-from-within" appearance, enhancing its natural beauty. It'e that cat walk glow we all lust over. 

What are the ingredients in ​Charlotte's Flawless Filter?

Let’s talk ingredients, because that’s where the real magic happens and what can make or break a good product.  Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter is packed with light-reflecting particles that give your skin that light-from-within glow. There’s also a mix of moisturizing oils and smoothing polymers that help blur lines and make everything look soft-focus, kind of like a real-life face filter. Hence the name. It’s got glycerin too, which pulls in hydration (great if you’ve got dry skin like me), and porcelain flower extract to brighten your complexion without being too much. It’s basically skincare and makeup had a glowy baby and I have to say I’m obsessed.

How Does the Applicator Work?

Housed in a sleek bottle, the Flawless Filter features a large doe-foot applicator. This oversized wand allows for precise application, whether you're targeting specific areas like the cheekbones or applying it all over the face. The applicator picks up a generous amount of product, making it easy to dot onto the skin before blending. But I do wonder how I will get the last but of the product out of the bottle. But I guess that's a problem for another time. ​

What Makes This Beauty Product Unique?

What sets the Hollywood Flawless Filter apart is its multifaceted functionality. It can be used in several ways:​

• Primer: Applied under foundation, it creates a smooth, glowing base.​

• Highlighter: Dabbed on the high points of the face, it adds a subtle, dewy highlight.​

• Standalone Tint: Worn alone, it provides a sheer wash of colour and glow, perfect for minimal makeup days.​

This adaptability makes it a standout in the realm of complexion enhancers. It was the first of its kind and other companies have tried to dupe it but they can't quite get Charlotte's glow. ​

Is It a Serum, Cream, or Primer?

The Flawless Filter defies traditional categories. Its consistency is akin to a lightweight cream, offering the hydrating benefits of a serum, the smoothing effect of a primer, and the illuminating properties of a highlighter. This unique formulation allows it to seamlessly blend into the skin, leaving a radiant finish without feeling greasy. It reminds me of a thick skin tint. 

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How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Skin

With 12 shades available, selecting the right one might seem daunting. I was overwhelmed, to be honest. But if you go on their website they have lots of handy tools to try to match your shade or go the old-fashioned way and pop into a beauty counter. 

The shades range from fair to deep, catering to various skin tones and undertones. I have a bit of a strange complexion. I might not look it in person but I have a real yellow/beige undertone Everyone who shade matches me never realises how dark I am. I think it's down to the jaundice I had as a child. I think Fair 3 is ok for spring but I think I will need a darker shade in summer especially as I start to switch up my make up shades with a tan. ​

Understanding the Shade Range and Swatches

The shades are numbered, with lower numbers suited for fair skin tones and higher numbers for deeper complexions. For example, Shade 2 Fair is ideal for light skin tones, offering a subtle glow without overpowering the natural complexion. ​

Which Shade Works Best for Dry Skin?

While the product is suitable for all skin types, those with dry skin might prefer shades that add warmth and radiance. My tip is shades with golden or peach undertones can give a healthy glow, counteracting any dullness associated with dryness. ​

How to Apply the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter

Using It as a Primer or Highlighter

• As a Primer: Apply a few dots across the face and blend with fingers, a brush, or a damp sponge before applying foundation. This method creates a luminous base that enhances the foundation's finish.​ 

• As a Highlighter: After finishing your makeup, dab the product onto the high points of the face cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of the nose and blend for a subtle highlight.

• As a Tint: Use your fingers or blender to spread all over for that no-makeup glowy look Let the pigments give you that glow we all dream off. ​

Tips for Achieving a Dewy and Glowy Makeup Look

• Less is More: Start with a small amount; you can always build up the intensity.​

• Blend Well: Ensure seamless blending to avoid any patchiness.​

• Set Strategically: If you have combination or oily skin, set only the areas prone to shine, leaving the highlighted areas luminous.​

Can It Be Combined with Airbrush Flawless Foundation?

Absolutely. You know she designed it that way, pairing the Flawless Filter with the Airbrush Flawless Foundation gives the ultimate Tilbury glowy finish. Apply the Flawless Filter as a primer for an all-over glow, then follow with the foundation for coverage. Alternatively, mix a drop of Flawless Filter into the foundation for a radiant effect.​

Does It Really Work for Really Oily Skin?

For oily skin types, the Flawless Filter can still be a nice addition. I would advise to use it sparingly, focusing on specific areas rather than the entire face. Setting the makeup with a translucent powder can help control excess shine while allowing the glow to peek through.​

Effects on Radiance and Redness

The product excels in enhancing radiance, giving the skin a healthy, dewy appearance. While it offers some blurring effects, it doesn't provide significant coverage for redness. Pairing it with a concealer or foundation may be a way to neutralize redness but it's not known for helping redness.​

Is the Price Tag Justified? Comparing with NARS and Other Cult Beauty Products

Priced at £39 for 30ml or £15 for 5.5ml the Flawless Filter sits in the mid-to-high range of beauty products. When compared to similar products like the NARS Radiance Primer, it offers comparable quality with the added benefit of multifunctionality. I would say there are dupes of this out there like the Maybelline 4 in one glow but they just aren't the same so its hard to compare. ​

What Makes It Stand Out As One Of The Best Makeup Products?

Its versatility, unique formulation, and ability to impart a natural glow without glitter or shimmer set it apart from other products in the market. The Flawless Filter enhances the skin's appearance without masking it, aligning with the trend towards more natural, skin-like finishes. it feels luxurious and it performs really well and it actually does what it says on the tin and more. This one is viral for a reason. It is not all just hype. ​

Is It Worth the Investment for a Glowy and Radiant Complexion?

Considering all its uses,  l just use a very small amount of the product per application, I think that the Flawless Filter is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a luminous, radiant complexion like me. Its ability to adapt to various functions primer, tint, and highlighter it can fit into many makeup routines which adds to its value. I would start with the travel version if you can get your hands on it and see how much you like it and if you do you can grab the bigger version. ​

My Review and Thoughts

After adding the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter into my makeup routine, I've found i really love it. We all know I was a sceptic. If something is overhyped I go in with a very open mind. 

On days when I want a natural, dewy look, wearing it alone is great, it provides just enough coverage to even out my complexion while adding a healthy glow. For more polished occasions, using it as a primer under my foundation is lovely and sometimes a little dab on my cheekbones or around my nose. I also use this on my legs to add a little highlight to my fake tan. Which gives a lovely slimming effect. I have to say I am definaly going to have this in my kit form from now on. It just makes my make-up look so healthy and like I have my skincare routine nailed which we all know I don't yet. One of the most common complaints is that this causes breakouts for some people but this has never happened to me. 

Yes, there are dupes out there but in my opinion, this one is the best and you need to give it a go.