It’s not often I’m completely blown away by a beauty product - least not one from what’s considered a ‘budget’ beauty brand. However, there’s an incredible glowy primer that’s launched at Boots and my only regret is that I didn’t get my hands on it sooner.
The Collection Gorgeous Glow Filter Finish comes in at £6.99, and is said to be a dupe of the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter , according to shoppers’ reviews.
The affordable alternative went viral on TikTok , amassing half a million page views in 24 hours, selling out in some retailers in just two weeks back in April. It’s since racked up more than 10 million viewers desperate to try the glowy makeup product.
READ MORE: I tried the TikTok-approved Refy beauty lip sculpt that doesn’t smudge AT ALL
The Gorgeous Glow Filter Finish is available in four shades “Fair”, “Fair Medium”, “Medium” and “Tan”, with each self-adjusting shade specifically formulated to cover multiple skin tones. I chose the lightest option, as I have very fair skin, though it must be said that there’s definitely scope for work to be done to offer customers a wider shade range.
I had been expecting the product to have a pump dispenser like a lot of other primer and foundation products, but it actually has more of a doe-foot applicator - like an oversize lipstick applicator. The only other product I’ve seen use this type of applicator in recent years is the Rimmel lasting finish foundation.
I decided to try this illuminating primer a few different ways - firstly, on its own, then under makeup, and over makeup to see how versatile it could be.
Completely fresh faced, I often find my skin looks tired and a bit dull. But when I applied a small amount of the Gorgeous Glow Filter Finish , I was astounded at the difference it made to my no-makeup face.
It didn’t look as though I was obviously wearing makeup, but my skin looked like silk and was GLOWING. The only other products I’ve ever seen offer similar results online is the Rhode skin ‘glaze’ developed by Hailey Bieber, and the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter product .
I looked so bright and awake - the transformation from ‘half-asleep’ to ‘ready to conquer the day'; was really quite something considering I’d not yet had my morning cuppa.
I then went in with my usual foundation, which is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter, at the moment, and noticed how the Collection Gorgeous Glow Filter Finish gives the perfect glowy finish without looking cakey on the skin.
The final way to use this priming product is as a highlighter on top of foundation, so I dotted a small amount on the high points of my face and blended it out with a sponge. It’s very blendable, and equally very buildable if you are looking for a heavier glam look. I have previously found liquid highlighters to be very heavy and leave lines in makeup, but the Collection product is very light and doesn’t take much effort to blend, leaving behind a highlight that really pops.
I was really surprised that such an affordable beauty product was so versatile and effective, and can certainly see why some shoppers have said it’s ‘just as good’ as the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter product , which comes in around £30 more expensive.
Reviewing the Collection product on the Boots website, Niamh said: “Great product. A true Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter dupe.”
Cquinn added: “AMAZING JUST LIKE CHARLOTTE TILBURY, It gives an amazing glow at just a fraction of the price! It’s my go to and perfect as highlight or under my foundation.”
“Paid £36 for the CT Hollywood Flawless Filter, then I saw TikTok saying this was a dupe,” said CJ1234. “Can confirm this Collection filter finish is an EXACT dupe. Colour is the same, same amount of glow and looks same on skin. Annoyed I paid £36 when I could have just bought this for £6.99! Don’t waste your money on CT, this is amazing!”
The primer and illuminating product can be found on the Boots website for £6.99 here – but be quick, as it could sell out again.
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