If Catrice can do a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter than so can Essence right? That is probably what they thought in the Essence office because now Catrice’s sister brand has released a new product that seems to do just that. Say hello to the Magic Filter Glow Booster in 10 Light.
This product was released in the recent Spring/ Summer 2024 drop and comes in 7 shades. Shade 10 Light is the lightest shade available. It seems to run deeper than other Essence products but I think this range still lacks in both the lightest and deepest range as far as skin tones go.
Review: Essence Magic Filter Glow Booster 10 Light
We know this is Essence so this will be affordable. At €3.99 this is even cheaper than the Catrice one. The packaging is also cheaper: you get less product at just 14 ml which is half of the Catrice and this comes with a pump rather than with a doe foot applicator. It does come in a glass bottle which is a plus.
What does this product have to offer?
Essence promises this to be similar to the Catrice Soft Glam, ELF Halo Glow and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter products that all do the same. This should highlight, act as a primer and work by itself. Where I felt the Catrice most certainly delivers on that claim, the Essence Magic Filter is best used as a highlighter. The particles are too noticeable to use it all over the face and as you can see below this doesn’t do enough for a base product.
What does this product look like on the face?
Not too great I felt. This just doesn’t do enough when applied all over the face. You can see my face without primer on the left. On the right I applied the Essence product. I don’t see any noticeable glow anywhere, nor do I feel it adds any soft of coverage or blurred effect on my face. Unlike the Catrice which I can definitely wear as is if I want to. It also isn’t the best as a primer as I feel it disappears into nothing and can feel quite heavy on the skin.
What does this product look like on the cheeks?
Since this is a 3-in-1 I of course I had to try it as a highlighter as well. I feel that that suits this product much better. It is easy to pump out on the back of my hand and dab onto my cheek bones. It adds a pretty glow that is sheer and blendable. The only issue? The scent! This smells like burnt plastic and it is very unpleasant. It is also quite thick so this can easily look a little heavy on the skin.
Should you buy the Essence Magic Filter Glow Booster?
Just because something is cheap doesn’t always mean it is a good product. I felt the Essence Magic Filter made a lot of promises it didn’t live up to for me. It is not hydrating and sticky enough for me to act as a primer. It doesn’t have the coverage I want for it to wear by itself and the formula is not the best as a highlighter topped over other products.
Add the fact that this smells like something has gone off and it is just not a product I want to reach for. I’d rather pay a bit more and get the Catrice version which is much more sophisticated and still a great budget friendly alternative. I would not recommend you buy this if you were eyein this one up.
You can buy the Essence Magic Filter here *.
*Link is affiliated.
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