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If you love the radiant glow of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter but don’t love the price, you’re not alone. As a devoted fan of this cult-favorite product, I can personally vouch for its ability to deliver that “filtered photo in real life” finish.
It’s earned a permanent spot in my makeup routine thanks to its skin-perfecting, lit-from-within effect. But let’s be real—at nearly $50 a bottle, it’s not exactly budget-friendly.
That’s why I’ve tested a bunch of affordable options to find the best Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter dupes, including one that’s just $5.99.
Ahead, I’m sharing the drugstore products that come closest to the real thing—plus my go-to glow hack that involves mixing one of them with the original Charlotte Tilbury formula for next-level radiance.
Is Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Worth the Hype?
Before I break down the affordable options, let me tell you why the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter is pure magic.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
I'm not being hyperbolic when I say this is the most miraculous makeup product I have ever used. I elaborate below.
This product is incredibly easy to use, and as the name suggests, it really looks like I am walking around with a photo filter in real life.
E! Shopping Editor Tip: I can wear this in so many ways: on bare skin, underneath makeup, mixed in with foundation, and over foundation to illuminate the high points of the face.
Shade Options: 13
Celebrity Fans: Tinx, Heidi D'Amelio, Meredith Duxbury
Shoppers Say: "Miracle product. WOW. This really does it all. I have dry, sensitive skin, and I’m a college student, so I’m short on time. This product acts as a tinted moisturizer, primer, and liquid highlighter all in one."
Charlotte Tilbury
My Best Filter Makeup Hack
After going through my skincare routine and applying makeup primer, I put the L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer all over my face using my hands. Then I put some dots of Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and blend with a makeup sponge.
This is the ultimate glowy look on its own. It's a quick go-to for an unexpected visitor or even hopping on camera for a last-minute meeting. I also love this combination as a luminous base under foundation and a full face of makeup.
L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion
Achieve a luminous, healthy-looking complexion with this lightweight glow enhancer that effortlessly elevates your natural radiance.
Shade Options: 5
Celebrity Fans: Olivia Culpo, Alix Earle, Paige DeSorbo, Hannah Ann Sluss, Gia Giudice, Xochitl Gomez, Lisa Barlow.
Customer Ratings: 32,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews.
Shoppers Say: "This is so similar to the Hollywood Flawless Filter by Charlotte Tilbury. It’s so glowy, NOT glittery, and blends in perfectly. I highly recommend this product and I will repurchase often. It’s a new holy grail. It ISN’T too much to use all over or even mix in with your foundation to make it more radiant!"
AOA Studio Collection Makeup Sponge Set- Set of 6
If you want to emulate my routine, here are the makeup sponges I've been obsessed with since 2021.
Customer Ratings: 15,900+ 5-star Amazon reviews.
Celebrity Fans: Meredith Duxbury, Gia Giudice, Kyle Richards
Shoppers Say: "My favorite sponge. These are my top favorite makeup sponges! I’ve tried a lot of them, including the expensive name brand ones, and these are just as good- if not better!"
More Drugstore Filter Makeup
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Transform your skin with this liquid filter that delivers a radiant, flawless finish for an instantly glowing look.
Shade Options: 12
Customer Ratings: 9,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews and 6,300+ 5-star Ulta reviews
Shoppers Say: "Super glowy. This is such a good dupe for the Charlotte Tillbury! Super glowy and great light coverage."
Nyx Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator
Illuminate your complexion with this liquid highlighter, offering a stunning, lit-from-within glow.
Shade Options: 4
Customer Ratings: 4,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews.
Shoppers Say: "This glow lotion gives a natural-looking glow to your skin--not glittery; not oily. It is lightweight; creamy; with no smell. Very satisfied."
Essence Magic Filter Glow Booster
Boost your complexion with this glow-enhancing formula, providing a magical, radiant finish.
Shade Options: 7
Shoppers Say: "Love this! It actually gives a glow and covers really well. It might be my new favorite!"
Is Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Worth the Money?
Yes, the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter is worth the investment for anyone looking to achieve a radiant, "filtered photo in real life" look, as it offers a flawless, luminous finish that enhances your complexion and blurs imperfections. This high-end product is renowned for its ability to deliver a dewy, airbrushed glow that rivals professional makeup results, making it a valuable addition to any beauty routine.
What Are the Best Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Dupes?
According to shoppers, the best dupes for the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter include the L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator, Essence Magic Filter Glow Booster, and e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
These popular, budget-friendly alternatives offer similar radiant, luminous effects and can achieve a comparable "filtered photo in real life" look, making them excellent choices for those seeking high-quality options at a more affordable price.
What Is Filter Makeup?
Filter makeup refers to products designed to create a flawless, airbrushed look similar to the effects of digital photo filters. These cosmetics, such as primers, highlighters, and finishing sprays, are formulated to blur imperfections, enhance radiance, and provide a smooth, glowing complexion. By mimicking the soft-focus effect of photo filters, filter makeup helps achieve a polished, photo-ready appearance without the need for digital editing.
Getty Images/ CoffeeAndMilk
What is the Best Drugstore Filter Makeup?
According to shoppers, the best drugstore filter makeup products include the L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator, Essence Magic Filter Glow Booster, and e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
These well-loved, cost-effective alternatives deliver a similar radiant and glowing effect, closely resembling the "filtered photo in real life" look, making them top picks for anyone looking for high-quality results without the high price tag
Where Can I Buy Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter?
You can buy the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter from several trusted retailers, including the official Charlotte Tilbury website, Sephora, Nordstrom, Kohl's, and Amazon. These stores offer a range of purchasing options, ensuring you can find this popular product at a convenient location or online shop of your choice.
E! Illustration/ Photos Courtesy of Getty Images/ CoffeeAndMilk
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
—Originally published August 8, 2024 at 3 AM PT.