We Tried *That* Viral 4-In-1 Foundation Substitute to See if It’s Worth the Hype
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Key Takeaways
- Maybelline Instant Perfector is a multi-tasking product that serves as a primer, concealer, highlighter, and BB cream.
- Application options are flexible, allowing for use all over the face or as a base under foundation, depending on desired coverage and finish.
- Best results were achieved when applied as an illuminating base, creating a hydrated glow without stickiness.
- Built-in applicator sponge was a bit dry for blending; using a makeup brush provided better results.
- Overall consensus among my colleagues was that the product offers a sheer coverage with a stunning glow, making it suitable for those with dry to normal skin.
- Final evaluation confirms that the Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup effectively meets expectations, especially for those who enjoy a light coverage with luminosity.
Aahh, TikTok, the mysterious and magical land of content where one moment you're watching a day in the life of a cat and the next you're seeing a viral review of a cult beauty product you're desperate to get your hands on.
Hate it or love it, the content-sharing platform has delivered on occasion.
Sure, it tries to tack "core" onto any and every microtrend, but it also gave us Clinique Black Honey, glazed donut skin, and slugging.
With almost 30 million views for the #maybelline4in1 hashtag alone, the complexion product went viral after being dubbed a "dupe" for a popular high-end alternative.
And while I can't say exactly which alternative, it may or may not rhyme with lawless kilter... (IYKYK).
Needless to say, I was more than excited to give it a go, and as a loyal wearer of said high-end product, I was eager to see whether Maybelline's would live up to the hype.
What Is the Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup?
As its name suggests, the Maybelline Perfector 4 in 1 is an all-in-one primer, concealer, highlighter and BB cream.
Its lightweight formula promises to blur, smooth and illuminate the skin in just one application.
Available in five shades, the Maybelline Instant Perfector is said to instantly blend into the face and self-adjust to your skin tone for a lit-from-within glow.
How, you ask? Let's find out.
How to Apply the Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup.
How does Maybelline Perfector 4-in-1 glow work?
When it comes to application, the options are aplenty.
Because it tackles multiple products in one, you can either apply it all over your face for a light sheer look, under your foundation as a luminous base or on the areas of your face you want to highlight.
It really depends on the kind of coverage and finish you prefer.
@elizabethsmakeup Fast and flawless! GRWM using @Maybelline New York #AD #instantperfectorglow #grwm #beauty #maybelline #maybellineinstantperfector #instantglow #maybellinemakeup #grwm #makeuptutorial #makeuphacks #makeuphack ♬ original sound - elizabeth
It also doesn’t contain SPF so you'll still need to apply this at the end of your makeup routine.
The Maybelline 4 in 1 glow foundation features a built-in sponge where the product comes through for easy application, but you can also blend it out with a brush.
When using it for the first time you’ll need to twist the collar in the direction of the arrows a few times until the product appears on the sponge.
Now let’s put it to the test, shall we?
Our Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Foundation Review.
Jasmine, Beauty Editor.
I’m a big fan of any multi-tasking product. Anything that helps cut down my morning routine is already a winner in my eyes.
Determined to put the 4-in-1 foundation substitute to the ultimate test, I road-tested it twice.
The first time I tried it as a foundation but found the finish to be a bit too wet for me (note: less is more).
The second time I applied the Maybelline perfector 4-in-1 glow as an illuminating base under my foundation and wow.
My face finally had *that* glow everyone has been talking about.
It felt really hydrating without being wet or sticky, and sunk nicely into my skin.
Preferring a more medium, semi-matte coverage, I followed it with a concealer to mask my dark circles and a setting powder for my under eyes and t-zone.
The only thing I didn't love so much is the built-in applicator sponge. I found it to be a bit too dry to blend the product in but a makeup brush did the trick just fine.
Curious to see what my fellow AB staffers thought, I asked them to weigh in with their reviews, too.
Maddy, Brand Partnerships Coordinator.
“I went in a little sceptical when giving the Maybelline instant perfector 4-in-1 glow makeup a go for the first time.
I mean, how can one product prime, conceal and give me a gorgeous glow all at once? But this little beauty does.
The twist applicator makes it super easy to apply, which is especially great since I’m not a morning person and any help I can get when getting ready for work is appreciated.
Plus, the formula works perfectly with all of my other products - both the high-end and the more affordable.
While it’s definitely a sheer coverage product, I’ve found that a makeup look (and the corresponding glow) will last me the whole day.
What impressed me more is that it didn’t break me out.
I have pretty temperamental skin but the Maybelline 4-in-1 Perfector Glow slotted into my routine like I’ve been using it for years. Now I can’t imagine my life without it!”
Megan, Social Media Manager.
“I was really excited to try this after seeing it blow up on TikTok.
First impressions are it's a glowy, hydrating dream. It glides onto the skin effortlessly and instantly gives the skin lit-from-within radiance whilst evening out skin tone.
It is on the sheerer side so if you are looking for a matte, full-coverage foundation this probably won't be your jam.
Whilst I am in love with the formula I do wish that it came with a pump top rather than a foam applicator, but that's if I absolutely had to nitpick!
If you're a normal-dry skin type that loves a dewy finish I think this should definitely be on your hit list!”
Sadaf, Senior Beauty Editor.
“I can’t share an image as the shade I had (Medium) was too dark for me, but what I can speak to is finish and coverage.
It went on a little wet for me and took a little longer to dry down on my oilier skin, but I can totally see how someone with drier skin would like it!
The natural but still decent coverage is also pretty good for an affordable makeup product like this.”
Watch 5 AB staffers try and review the Maybelline 4-in-1 in real-time below.
Final Thoughts.
Well, there you have it, folks!
It turns out the Maybelline Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup does, in fact, live up to the hype. Even my cat (^) was jealous of all the attention I'd been giving it.
If you have dry to normal skin and prefer light coverage with an illuminating sheen, the Instant Perfector is a no-brainer.
Especially when considering that you're getting four products in one $35 bottle (!!).
All that's left to do is get glowing.
Fancy more makeup? Here's some more Beauty IQ for your reading pleasure:
