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I’ve been using e.l.f. products since I was in middle school; it was one of the most affordable makeup brands available back then. But beyond boasting low prices, e.l.f.’s products seriously worked better than most leading drugstore options at the time. Like, I could spend just $3 on a blush and its pigment payoff would exceed my expectations. This all still rings true today—while e.l.f.s prices may have risen a tad over the years, the brand’s selection has only grown and grown (while remaining true to its low costs).
Take for instance, the super viral Halo Glow Liquid Filter, which has been called a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s own Flawless Filter repeatedly. I first tried the product out a couple summer’s ago and instantly fell in love. I liked how multi-purpose the product was, and the fact that it could make my oily skin glow without looking greasy, even hours after applying it.
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
To this day, I still keep a bottle on my vanity for moments I want a minimal yet put together look. I will say the shade range could be vastly improved (it is 2024, after all), but the fact you can use it several ways does make it an interesting formula. You can wear it on its own as a sheer tint of sorts, under makeup as a glow-boosting base, mixed in with foundation, or as a liquid highlighter.
I prefer to wear it on its own as a substitute for foundation when I need my skin tone evened out but don’t want a heavy face of makeup. It blends very easily with either a brush or a sponge (since it’s so sheer and lightweight, I do advise using a brush versus a sponge, because it won’t soak up as much product), and plays very well with other products you layer over top.
Whether I haven’t gotten enough sun, sleep or whatever else may have me looking haggard, this formula brings an instantly healthy appearance to my face. A few things to note, though: Despite it not ever making me look oily throughout the day, it does wear off quicker than, say, a regular foundation (it may last better on those with drier skin types, though). It also won’t cover up significant marks on your skin, like acne or scarring. It’s a blessing and a curse though; its sheerness lets my freckles shine through, but I do need to follow up with a concealer for areas that need more coverage.
Regardless, I love throwing the Halo Glow Liquid Filter on for casual makeup days, like when I’m running errands or stepping out for just a few hours at a time, and don’t want to waste my more higher-priced, luxury foundations.
If you’ve yet to try the e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, I highly recommend adding a bottle (or two) into your arsenal. I almost guarantee you’ll reach for it more often than not.