If there's one thing that I love more than a bargain, it's a bargain that claims it can reverse time. And Maybelline's Instant Anti-Age Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Foundation is just that – an overachiever with undeniable glow-giving powers that's now taken up permanent residency in my everyday makeup bag.
As its '4-in-1' name would suggest, this complexion product is a multi-tasking powerhouse. She's that friend who turns up in a time of need, armed with snacks, emotional support and unsolicited (but always correct) life advice. Translation: This is the one foundation that you can always rely on.
Oh, and if you enjoy products with accolades, this one picked up its very own Cosmopolitan UK Beauty Award in 2022... wink, nudge.
The formula itself feels light and almost whipped, promising to prime, conceal, even and highlight in one. Did someone call for a streamlined routine? Cue me, a certified lazy type B girl, raising my hand.
However, when I first picked up this product for testing, I approached it with caution; I mean, anything claiming to do four things at once usually does one well and three somewhat chaotically... that is, in my experience, anyway. But this? This actually delivered.
Once blended into the skin with a makeup brush, it offered a soft-focus finish, leaving my face looking brighter, texture-free and suspiciously well-rested – almost as if I'd hydrated properly and gone to bed before midnight! Even my dark circles, those stubborn relics of adulthood, quietly stepped aside. Impressive.
And its ingredients list isn't to be overlooked. Hyaluronic acid is the favourite child in this formula, retaining and boosting moisture and keeping faces everywhere looking plump and youthful!
Then there's the Black Friday sale price: £6.99! Truly, it's the kind of number that makes you question if the label is missing a digit. The kind of deal that a coffee-and-croissant combo could never compete with. *Cough* A Pret meal deal *cough*
All in all, the questions that remain: Is it literally rewinding age? No. But does it create the illusion of a put-together life? Absolutely.
So, for the glow-chasers, time-poor beauty-lovers and anyone who wants maximum pay-off with minimal effort, ditch the primer, colour-corrector and concealer and instead, acquaint yourself with your new 4-in-1 BFF!
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
