Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup in Light/Medium. After seeing this product EVERYWHERE online and hearing so many mixed opinions, I had to try it myself and compile what others are saying too. Is this under-$10 foundation really worth the hype? Let’s find out!
What It Claims to Do
Maybelline advertises this as a 4-in-1 product that:
- Provides light coverage
- Adds a natural glow
- Hydrates the skin
- Includes anti-aging benefits
All in an easy-to-use applicator with a built-in sponge. Sounds amazing for the price point, right?
First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice is the packaging – it has a twist mechanism that’s supposed to dispense product into the sponge applicator. I say “supposed to” because many users (myself included!) had some issues with this. More on that later.
The formula itself looks quite thin and watery when first dispensed, which made me skeptical about its coverage abilities. It has a subtle shimmer to it that promises that “glow” factor the name suggests.
Application Experience
The Applicator
OK let’s talk about this applicator because it’s a MAJOR point of contention! The built-in sponge is meant to make application quick and easy, but:
- Some users find it “super scratchy” and uncomfortable on the skin
- Several reviews mentioned problems with getting the product to dispense properly
- A few people reported leakage around the sides of the sponge
- One reviewer said: “I’ve twisted the cap forever and it’s pretty watery”
That said, plenty of people LOVE the convenience factor. One reviewer mentioned: “I love the sponge on it” and another said “Need to get your face done quick use this!”
My take? The applicator works if you’re patient with it, but I prefer applying it with my fingers or a separate beauty sponge for better control.
The Formula & Coverage
This is definitely on the lighter end of the coverage spectrum. If you’re looking for something to completely cover blemishes or dark spots, this isn’t it. But that’s not what it’s designed for!
What it DOES do is provide a subtle, “your skin but better” effect. The coverage is:
- Very sheer and lightweight
- Buildable to a light-medium coverage at most
- Gives a dewy, luminous finish
- Has visible fine shimmer/glow particles
As one reviewer perfectly put it: “It’s like having a Snapchat filter on for your complexion but in real life.” EXACTLY!
Another reviewer in her 50s said, “I’m lucky to have decent skin with minimal wrinkles and like products that keep my skin looking fresh and dewy. This foundation accomplishes that goal.”
The Glow Factor
Let’s talk about the GLOW because that’s a big selling point. This product definitely delivers on the promised luminosity, maybe even TOO much for some people.
- The glow comes from fine shimmer/glitter particles
- In natural light, it gives a healthy, radiant finish
- Under harsh lighting, it can look a bit sparkly
Some reviewers noted: “I definitely wouldn’t use this alone. You’ll look like you’ve been gold dipped.” “While I love the brand and product, I wasn’t really expecting so many flakes of gold glitter.”
If you’re not into the dewy look or have oily skin, this probably isn’t for you. One reviewer warned: “This is not for someone that is going for a matte shine-free look or for oily skin as the shimmer makes you look oilier.”
Color Match & Range
The Light/Medium shade seems to work surprisingly well for many skin tones, adapting nicely. However, several users noted that the shade runs darker than expected:
- “I bought shade 1.5 light-medium but it looks way more orange than the pictures.”
- “I purchased the light to medium shade but yet it seems too dark for me.”
But others had great results:
- “Color matched my skin really well!”
- “I got the shade light medium which has a yellow undertone and it’s perfect for my skin.”
If you have very fair skin, you might want to try the lightest shade instead.
Performance & Wear Time
This is where the foundation has some limitations. Due to its dewy, hydrating nature, longevity isn’t its strong suit:
- Doesn’t fully dry down and can transfer easily
- Will need touch-ups throughout the day
- Not sweat or water-resistant
- Performs best in controlled environments (not high humidity or very hot weather)
One reviewer summed it up: “It literally does not dry on your face, it transfers easily to your fingers if you touch your face.”
For all-day wear, you’ll definitely want to use a setting spray, and even then, don’t expect it to last through intense activities.
Who Is This Perfect For?
Based on all the feedback, this foundation is IDEAL for:
- Mature skin – Multiple reviewers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s LOVED this product! “I am a 60 year old and have plenty of wrinkles… This is the first foundation that I have found that does not age me and leaves a sheer natural coverage.”
- Dry skin types – The hydrating formula works beautifully on drier skin.
- Minimal makeup wearers – If you want the “no-makeup makeup” look, this delivers.
- Quick application – Great for those on-the-go mornings.
- Budget-conscious shoppers – Several reviewers compared it favorably to much pricier products: “Bought this because of an influencer review and she wasn’t lying. Love it just as much if not more than my $40 foundation.”
Who Should Skip It?
This probably ISN’T the best choice if you:
- Have oily skin – The dewy finish might make you look too shiny.
- Need serious coverage – This won’t hide much beyond minor imperfections.
- Dislike shimmer/glitter – The glow comes from visible particles that not everyone loves.
- Need long-wearing makeup – This transfers easily and doesn’t last through sweat or humidity.
- Have sensitive skin – A few reviewers experienced irritation: “Although I love how it looks on me… It burns my face a little.”
How I Use It
After trying different application methods, here’s what works best for me:
- Start with moisturized skin (the product is hydrating but works better over a moisturizer)
- Apply small dots directly to the face or dispense onto fingers first
- Blend quickly with fingertips or a damp beauty sponge
- Set lightly with a small amount of translucent powder in the T-zone if needed
- For slightly more coverage, apply concealer on any problem areas AFTER this foundation
One reviewer shared a great tip: “A tip that I use is that I put it on my face and then use spray sellador (setting spray) with a brush with a little powder and that’s it! Ready to shine like the sun ☀️”
Value for Money
At under $10, this product delivers impressive results IF your expectations align with what it’s designed to do. It’s not a full-coverage, long-wearing foundation – it’s a quick, glowy skin enhancer.
Several reviewers mentioned buying multiple bottles and repurchasing: “I’m on my second bottle and still in love with its light, glowy coverage.”
The amount of product isn’t huge, but since you only need a small amount for each application, one bottle should last several months with regular use.
Final Thoughts
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Makeup is a real gem for certain users and situations. It excels at creating that coveted dewy, healthy skin look that’s so popular right now, but without the high-end price tag.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Beautiful glowy finish
- Lightweight feel (“can’t feel it on my face once it has dried”)
- Great for mature or dry skin
- Easy, quick application
- Doesn’t emphasize fine lines or texture
Cons:
- Limited coverage
- Inconsistent applicator performance
- Contains visible shimmer particles
- Poor longevity and transfers easily
- Shade range may run dark/orange for some
- May cause irritation for sensitive skin types
My Overall Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m giving this 4 stars because, for what it promises to do and its price point, it delivers well. It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not for everyone, but if you’re in the market for an affordable glowy foundation with light coverage, this is definitely worth trying!
As one happy customer perfectly summarized: “Perfect for summer time, not to mention it’s light coverage and really gives an all natural finish.”
Have you tried this Maybelline gem? I’d love to hear your experiences too! Drop a comment below and let me know if it worked for your skin type.
Buy on Amazon: Here
