$5.99 Drugstore Filter Makeup That Works Just as Good as High-End Versions

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As a devoted fan of the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, I can attest to its transformative power in creating a radiant, "filtered photo in real life" look. This beloved product has earned a permanent spot in my makeup routine, and I make sure I never run out of it. Its ability to give my skin a glowing, flawless finish is unmatched, and I’m not alone in my loyalty to this cult favorite. However, I understand that its price can be a barrier for many beauty enthusiasts who want to achieve the same stunning results without the hefty cost.

In my quest to find budget-friendly alternatives, I've discovered some incredible drugstore products that deliver similar effects, some as low as $5.99. These affordable gems can provide the same luminous finish, allowing you to enjoy that coveted glow without breaking the bank. 

If you want to achieve high-end results with wallet-friendly products, here are my favorite affordable finds. I also share my daily hack that involves mixing one of these products with the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter for the ultimate effortless glow. 

Drugstore Filter Makeup at a Glance

• E! Shopping Editor Favorite: L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, $12.81 (originally $16.99)
• The Best Price: Essence Magic Filter Glow Booster ($5.99)
• Most Inclusive Shade Range: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, $13.02 (originally $14)

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.

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 and Heidi D'Amelio

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."

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.

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, Summer House star Paige DeSorbo, The Bachelor alum Hannah Ann Sluss, Gia Giudice, Dancing With the Stars winner Xochitl Gomez, and Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow.

Shoppers Agree: This glow-enhancing lotion has 29,300+ 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!"

If you want to emulate my routine, here are the makeup sponges I've been obsessed with since 2021. 

Shoppers Agree: My favorite makeup sponges have 14,600+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Gia Giudice has recommended these too. 

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

Transform your skin with this liquid filter that delivers a radiant, flawless finish for an instantly glowing look.

Shade Options: 12

Shoppers Agree: This glow enhancer has 7,300+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Shoppers Say: "Super glowy. This is such a good dupe for the Charlotte Tillbury! Super glowy and great light coverage."

Illuminate your complexion with this liquid highlighter, offering a stunning, lit-from-within glow.

Shade Options: 4

Shoppers Agree: This glow enhancer has 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."

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.

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.

If you're still shopping, you'll love these five Charlotte Tilbury products every woman should own.