Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m breaking down EVERYTHING about Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup in Medium/Deep. I’ve gathered tons of real user feedback and combined it with my own expertise to give you the no-BS scoop on whether this product is worth your money.
First Impressions & Packaging
Let’s start with what you’ll notice right away – the packaging. This product comes in Maybelline’s signature circular container with a built-in sponge applicator. The design is SUPPOSED to make application quick and easy, but many users have had issues with it:
- Several people mentioned they “can’t get the top off” or found it “tricky to use”
- One reviewer specifically called out that “the container bottle has to be turned to get the liquid on to the sponge and it’s a constant hassle”
- There were complaints about the product leaking (!!) which is honestly such a makeup bag disaster waiting to happen
If you’re someone who needs a fuss-free morning routine, this might already be a red flag. Compared to Maybelline’s other foundation containers, this one seems to be a bit of a pain.
Texture & Feel
The texture of this product is definitely on the lighter side, which some people LOVE and others hate:
- Multiple reviewers described it as “liquidy” or “a little too liquidy”
- One person compared it to “clear lipgloss” (not what you want in a foundation!)
- On the positive side, many mentioned it “feels good on skin” and “easily glides on”
- Several people appreciated that it’s “not heavy” on the face
If you hate heavy foundations that make your skin feel smothered, this could be a good option. The lightweight formula seems to be a major selling point for those who liked it. However, if you need something with more substance, you might want to look elsewhere.
Coverage & Performance
This is where opinions REALLY start to divide. The 4-in-1 Glow Makeup promises to be a primer, concealer, highlighter, and BB cream all in one product, but does it deliver?
For some, it’s a total winner:
- “I have finally found the foundation that’s perfect for me”
- “I’m obsessed with this!!! works so well for such a great price”
- “Love this. Can be used alone or under foundation. This product delivers as advertised”
But others were SERIOUSLY disappointed:
- “DO NOT BUY nothing they say this does actually does… no highlight no foundation color at all”
- “Does not give any color at all”
- “If you have pigment concerns you may still need to use a concealer underneath”
- One particularly unhappy customer who had been using Age Rewind concealer for 10 years found this product had “poor coverage” and was “very heavy”
The coverage seems to be on the sheer side, which works perfectly if you’re going for a natural look but falls short if you’re hoping to cover blemishes or discoloration. Several people mentioned using it as a bronzer rather than a foundation, which suggests it might work better as a complementary product than a standalone base.
Shade Range & Color Match
The Medium/Deep shade seems to run warm, which is great for some but problematic for others:
- One reviewer mentioned: “I just wish it had less of a warm tone”
- Another said: “Well it’s a lil too dark for my tone but the quality amazing I used has a bronze”
- A Spanish-speaking reviewer noted they couldn’t give it 5 stars because the color wasn’t right for their skin tone
This is pretty common feedback for drugstore foundations – the shade range often leaves something to be desired. If you have neutral or cool undertones, the warm base of this product might not work for you. But if you’re looking for something with a bronzy glow, it could be perfect!
The Glow Factor
This product definitely delivers on the “glow” part of its name:
- “Gives you beautiful glow”
- “This product has a shimmer and also makes your skin glow”
- “This one gives me the perfect glow”
However, that glow isn’t for everyone:
- “The glitter was an ick for me”
- It was described as “sticky and shiny” by one unhappy customer
- Another mentioned it being “greasy”
If you’re into the dewy, glowy look that’s been trending, you’ll probably love the finish. But if you prefer a matte look or have oily skin, this might not be your jam.
Skin Sensitivity & Reactions
A few reviews raised concerns about skin reactions:
- One person reported it “gave me hives on my cheek”
- Another found it “suffocating” on the skin
However, many others had no issues at all:
- “Easy to blend and doesn’t break out face”
- “Feels good on skin”
As with any makeup product, individual reactions will vary. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to patch test this one before applying it all over your face.
Value for Money
At a drugstore price point (usually under $15), many users felt this product delivered good value:
- “works so well for such a great price”
- “This is good for the price”
Even those who didn’t love it for its intended purpose often found alternative uses for it (like as a bronzer or highlighter), which helps justify the purchase.
Best Uses & Application Tips
Based on the reviews, here are some ways people are getting the most out of this product:
- Many have success using it as a bronzer: “I use this for my bronzer and it works great for a subtle tint”
- It seems to work well for touch-ups: “Can carry in your purse for easy touch up”
- Some like it under foundation rather than alone
- It appears to be ideal for those wanting a natural, light coverage look
The Bottom Line – Is It Worth It?
This product seems to be one that people either LOVE or HATE, with very few feelings in between.
It’s probably RIGHT for you if:
- You want a super lightweight, glowy finish
- You’re looking for something quick and easy for casual days
- You’re after a subtle bronzer or highlighter
- You prefer sheer, natural coverage
- You want a multi-purpose product for touch-ups on the go
It’s probably WRONG for you if:
- You need medium to full coverage
- You have significant discoloration to cover
- You prefer matte finishes
- You have very sensitive skin
- You find applicator sponges frustrating
- You want a cool-toned product
Final Thoughts
Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind 4-in-1 Glow Makeup is definitely a “know what you’re getting into” kind of product. It’s not trying to be a full-coverage foundation, and if that’s what you’re expecting, you’ll be disappointed.
But if you’re looking for a simple, glowy product for good skin days, this could be a great affordable option. Just keep your expectations realistic about the coverage and be prepared to potentially fiddle with the packaging a bit.
Would I recommend it? For the right person, absolutely! For everyone? Definitely not. Beauty is personal, and this product seems to highlight that fact more than most.
Have you tried this? I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts on how it worked for you! 💄✨
Buy on Amazon: Here