MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Sun Filter and Xtend Lash Mascara review: “Perfect dupe”

Described as ‘mimicking lash extensions’, this mascara is beloved by celebrities like Celeste Barber.

Brittany Stewart

6 min read

August 27, 2024 - 8:56AM

MCo Beauty Xtendlash Mascara is a fab budget-friendly addition to your make-up bag. Picture: Brittany Stewart

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Viral beauty products can feel a dime a dozen, but there’s one brand truly taking over my feed right now – MCoBeauty. From the biggest beauty influencers like Mikayla Nogueira to Real Housewives across the pond, everyone is talking about the pastel pink brand and its emerging cult status as the master of the dupe.

Launched in 2016, the Aussie brand (evolved from the legacy of the also successful ModelCo) markets itself as a ‘luxe-for-less’ beauty brand, with everything under $40. And yes, many of their products really do look … familiar.

Like the MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter, $35. A 4-in-1 illuminator-primer hybrid, this multi-tasking skin product is all about the glow, promising a filter-like finish that’s said to rival the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, $70.

It’s a hard crown to steal from the queen of glow herself. I first tried the Flawless Filter over six years ago and was blown away by the lit from within-esque glow it provided.

Another popular option is MCoBeauty’s Xtend Lash Mascara ($28). One tube sells every 25 seconds and the formula is beloved by celebrities like Celeste Barber. It’s not hard to see why as it’s commonly likened to Kevyn Aucoin’s The Volume Mascara ($53). Described by McoBeauty as ‘mimicking lash extensions’, this mascara has become legendary in the beauty world.

So how do both MCoBeauty products compare? I put them to the test.

The best-selling, celeb-approved product from MCo Beauty

The Xtend Lash Mascara ($28). Described as ‘an innovative tubular formula’ it promises no smudging, no flaking and no panda eyes ever. And with one selling every 25 seconds, it’s not hard to see why.

Frequently likened to the cult and original Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara ($53), both are tubular mascaras. Where normal mascaras tend just sit on the lashes, the glossy tubular formula coats each individual lash in a water-resistant ‘tube’ helping to create maximum length, definition and hold. Because of the way it binds to the lashes, it doesn’t run, smudge, clump or flake.

I first used Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara over a decade ago and was instantly impressed with the lift and staying power on my lashes. So how does MCo Beauty’s stack up?

MCoBeauty’s Xtend Lash Mascara, $28 at MCoBeauty

MCoBeauty Xtend Lash Mascara

Is this mascara really smudge- and flake-proof?

Promising no panda eyes is a big, bold claim for even the best mascaras. So what better day to put it to the test than a 12-hour day moving house? There was sweat, there were tears and to top it off, it rained all day. But when I tell you that there was not a shadow or SMECK of mascara under or around my eyes after a very long day, I mean it. The staying power of a tubular mascara does mean you can’t just makeup wipe it off at the end of the day though – warm water and gentle pressure are needed to remove properly.

MCoBeauty's Xtend Lash Mascara stays exactly where it should all day long. Picture: Brittany Stewart

The brand describes the result as ‘mimicking lash extensions’ which I think is an accurate description. The formula means you can build up multiple layers while wet and the effect is lifted and lengthened without looking like falsies. As well as black, there are also black-brown and clear shades if you want something softer and more natural-looking for during the day.

While a thick lash wand can give you mega-watt lashes, I really like the slender wand for a tubular mascara as it allows you to really get to the root of your eyelashes to lift and curl every single one. I also always use an eyelash curler before applying for an extra boost.

The verdict: is this truly a must-try mascara and designer dupe?

If you’re sick of ending the day with mascara down your face, then this is definitely a worthy addition to your makeup bag. It does exactly what it promises, makes your lashes look great and is budget-friendly to boot.

What is the MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter?

At first glance, it looks identical to the Charlotte Tilbury version, from the doe-foot sponge applicator and label design to the ribbed rose gold lid. The similarities continue with the texture and feel. If I was being pedantic I’d say it’s a touch thinner but it’s hardly noticeable.

The biggest thing to know is that this is neither a foundation nor a tinted moisturiser. It provides glow, not coverage and it’s very sheer. However, you can use it in a few different ways: on its own as a brightening face product, under makeup as a luminising primer, mixed in with your foundation as a glowy addition, or on the highpoints of your face over your makeup as a highlighter. Winner!

MCoBeauty’s Flawless Glow Luminous Sun Filter, $35 at MCoBeauty

best seller

MCoBeauty's Flawless Glow Luminous Sun Filter

So … how does it look?

Brighter looking skin from the first application. Picture: Brittany Stewart

Oh. The. GLOW!

I’m not going to lie, I was hesitant before the first use. But the radiance is instantly noticeable and impressive – a reaction maintained with each wear.

Even after a big week where adequate beauty sleep, water and green veggies were somewhat lacking, I looked and felt brighter. It certainly lived up to its promise of a light-reflecting which could come across as a bit harsh or strong depending on the situation or your preference. I love a dewy rather than matte complexion and it delivered it in spades.

The 3.5 Light/Medium was a great match for my skin. I liked using it as a primer under makeup, applying it with a beauty blender although warm hands work well too. Given it’s winter, it does cozy up to dry skin so having a hydrated base definitely provides a better finish.

MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter: My Verdict

See the difference MCoBeauty's Flawless Glow Luminous Sun Filter makes? Picture: Brittany Stewart

What I really love about this is its versatility. Although offering less in coverage, it delivers more flexibility than a foundation and is a damn hard-worker in your makeup kit.

Like the original, the ingredient list calls out finely milled powders to blur skin and squalene to hydrate. While it offers some “blurring” services, I’d say it softens the appearance of any imperfections or redness rather than actually hiding them. That said, on days where I wanted to look brighter but couldn’t be bothered to do a full face of makeup it was the perfect skin booster with a little concealer and swipe of mascara.

At half the price, you’d be forgiven for expecting half the glow or staying power. Frankly, it could get away with it. But the honest truth is it’s a very even competitor and an excellent dupe.

Is it really better than the original Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter?

Gorgeous glowing skin with MCoBeauty's popular dupe. Picture: Brittany Stewart

Pushed, I’d say the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter’s glowy finish was a little finer. Not in a way that you’d be disappointed, because it’s certainly mega watt, but in a slightly more subtle, naturally radiant way.

That said, the difference really is minor. So if you like your glow turned up a notch or just can’t justify $70 in this economy, then the MCoBeauty version is one dupe absolutely worthy of the hype. I have used it every day since I got it, quickly establishing itself as an essential step in my makeup routine.

So what else is worth trying from the brand?

Many swear their range of Fragrance Mists, $20, which are half the price of the viral Sol De Janeiro versions, smell almost identical. Super Glow Golden Drops, $32, are also heralded as a serious rival to the cult Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops for half the price.

Attracting global attention, MCoBeauty won’t stay Australia’s best kept beauty secret for much longer.

Brittany Stewart is a curly-haired beauty journalist and podcaster with an extensive collection of red lipsticks that look the same but definitely aren’t. From her award-nominated podcast, Beauty Island, to her funny and insightful beauty newsletter, she shares stories of beauty across people, products and more. You can find Brittany on Instagram @brittanybeautybts