Everyone wants the glow. You know the one—that specific, lit-from-within radiance that Jennifer Lopez has basically trademarked since the early 2000s. For years, we all assumed it was just expensive facials and olive oil. Then came JLo Beauty That Star Filter.
It's been out for a while now. In the fast-moving world of "TikTok made me buy it" beauty, products usually have the shelf life of an avocado. But this one? It's kiddy-cornered between skincare and makeup, and honestly, it’s still one of the most interesting complexion boosters on the market.
What is JLo Beauty That Star Filter, anyway?
It’s not quite a foundation. It’s definitely not a traditional highlighter that looks like a stripe of silver across your cheek. Basically, it’s a "complexion booster."
The brand calls it That Star Filter Complexion Booster. Think of it as a sheer, liquid skin-finisher. It comes in four shades: Pink Champagne, Rose Gold, Warm Bronze, and Rich Bronze.
JLo didn't just want something that sits on top of the skin. She wanted something that works with it. The formula is packed with Vitamin E and the brand’s proprietary "Olive Complex" (squalane, fermented oil, and extra virgin oil). It’s designed to fight free radicals while making you look like you just spent a week in the Hamptons.
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The Texture Reality
The first thing you’ll notice is the weight. Or the lack of it. It’s a very thin, fluid consistency. If you’re used to thick, "glitter-bomb" highlighters, this will feel like water in comparison. It blends almost instantly.
One thing people get wrong? They try to use it like a full-coverage product. Don't. It’s sheer. If you have a breakout, this won't hide it. In fact, if you use too much on textured skin, the mineral pigments might actually draw attention to it.
How to use JLo Beauty That Star Filter like a pro
Most people buy this and just swipe it on their cheekbones. That’s fine. But you're missing out on the best parts.
- The Mix-In: Take a pump of your favorite moisturizer or a matte foundation and add a drop of That Star Filter. It shears out the foundation and gives you that "I drink 3 liters of water a day" look.
- The Under-Painting: Jennifer Lopez’s makeup artist, Mary Phillips, is famous for this. Apply the booster (especially the bronze shades) under your foundation. It creates a glow that looks like it's coming from your actual skin, not a bottle.
- Body Glow: Mix a bit with your body lotion. Put it on your collarbones and the front of your shins. It’s an old-school red carpet trick that actually works for dinner dates too.
Choosing the right shade
Honestly, the shades are more versatile than they look. Pink Champagne is the go-to for fair to light skin tones. It has a cool, pearlescent finish. Rose Gold is the universal sweet spot—it adds a bit of warmth without being too orange.
If you’re deeper than medium, Warm Bronze and Rich Bronze are spectacular. Some lighter-skinned people use the deeper shades as a liquid bronzer, but you have to be careful with the "Pink Champagne" if you're very deep, as it can look slightly ashy if not blended well.
The "Dupe" Debate: JLo vs. Charlotte Tilbury
You can't talk about JLo Beauty That Star Filter without mentioning the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. It’s the elephant in the room.
They are similar, but they aren't twins.
Charlotte’s version has a bit more "blurring" power. It feels slightly more like a primer. JLo’s formula is thinner and feels more like a skincare serum. The finish on the JLo version is also slightly more metallic in the bottle, though it blends out to be very sheer.
Price-wise, they’re in the same ballpark—usually around $39 for 1 oz.
Is it worth the hype in 2026?
Beauty trends have shifted. We went through the "Clean Girl" aesthetic and moved into "Glass Skin." Now, people want "Skin Streaming"—minimal steps with maximum impact.
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This product fits that perfectly.
It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. That’s a huge win for people who usually break out from highlighters. However, there is a catch. If your skin is very oily, you might find this gets a little too shiny by lunchtime.
What the reviews say
Looking at data from sites like Sephora and Macy’s, the product holds a solid 4.2 to 4.5-star rating. Users love the "instant filter" effect.
But it’s not perfect.
Some reviewers with very oily skin say it feels a bit "slippery." Others have mentioned that the lettering on the gold bottle can rub off over time, which is a bit of a bummer for a luxury-priced product.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to try it, don't just grab a bottle and hope for the best.
- Prep your base: This product loves hydrated skin. If you have dry patches, use a good chemical exfoliant (like an AHA serum) the night before.
- Start small: Use half a pump first. It’s easier to add more than to try and buff away a metallic face.
- Check your lighting: Always check your blend in natural light. Mineral pigments can look different under bathroom LEDs.
- Try the "JLo Sandwich": Moisturizer, then That Star Filter, then a tiny bit of concealer only where you need it. Skip the full-face foundation entirely for a day and see how many compliments you get.
Ultimately, JLo Beauty That Star Filter is for the person who wants to look healthy, not "made up." It’s about enhancing what’s already there with a bit of Hollywood light-refraction.