By now it seems like the only hype ELF still gets is if they release a dupe product. And I think this product is the one that really got people talking about ELF again. This affordable drugstore brand was always a beauty community favorite for their price point and relatively good quality (albeit inconsistent), but now they are focusing on doing more expensive products for less, they are really soaring. Let’s review the ELF Halo Glow liquid filter.
This of course is a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. But I feel this is a dupe only in name and style of the product. The shade selection isn’t as good, nor is the formula the same. A far more similar product that is even cheaper than the ELF is the Catrice Soft Glam Filter Fluid, which in my book is a much better deal than the ELF.
Review: ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter 02
While ELF has always been known for being affordable, they definitely know how to hike up the price. All of their products that are clearly dupes for higher end makeup are more expensive than other ELF products. Gone are the days of the ‘white’ $1 and the ‘black’ $3, as this Halo Glow retails for €15. That is one reason why I like the Catrice better as that is nearly half the price at around €8.
What does this product have to offer?
But since I am a: don’t knock it till you try it kind of gal, I wanted to give this its own review as well. This has a lot going for it. It is a glowy base that can be used as primer, highlighter or by itself. It contains skincare qualities and should blur the complexion and give a soft focus effect. It is available in 12 shades, but I got mine before the shade extension. Even though I haven’t tried those, even those lighter shades that were released are still too dark for many people.
What does this look like in a swatch?
My other major reason why I didn’t fall in love with the ELF Halo Glow is the formula. It is much thicker and gloopier than the Charlotte Tilbury and where that feels sophisticated this just feels and smells cheap. Is it pretty on the skin? Yes, but the formula combined with the fact that this really doesn’t do much for my skin, nor does it seem to even come in my shade, is another reason why I am not in love with this any more than I am.
What does this look like on the face?
But my biggest disappointment when trying this product was that it really doesn’t do much for me. Maybe it’s the shade (no. 2 Fair/ Light), which is too dark for me, but I feel that this doesn’t blur my skin the way it promises to and the way I know the Charlotte Tilbury and Catrice products do. Sure my face looks a little less red, but apart from a very subtle glow it doesn’t add much in terms of coverage, nor does it give enough of a highlight to use it as that. So for me, this was a bit of a let down.
Should you buy the ELF Halo Glow liquid filter?
While this is a super hyped up product, I don’t believe this is necessarily worth your money. The Catrice is cheaper and a much better alternative for me personally. I can get the coverage I need for a good makeup day with just a bit of concealer and I would never dare to use this ELF product in the same way.
So there are definitely better alternatives out there. Shade wise I didn’t love this either as it is too dark and none of the lighter shades that have been released have looked to be any better for me. The formula is weirdly thick and I find this doesn’t blend into the skin as nicely.
Overall, the ELF Halo Glow to me is a wannabe product that doesn’t quite hit the mark. I can see why people like it but with so many brands now doing alternatives I don’t think this is necessarily worth it compared to those other options.
Buy the ELF Halo Glow liquid filter here *.
*Link is affiliated.
Leave a Reply