Dior's Capture Totale Dream Skin Perfect Skin Cushion: Think of it as an anti-aging product that doubles as a very lightweight foundation. Good for creating that no-makeup look, we sometimes like to use Dior's Dream Skin Cushion just before applying a thin layer of foundation as we find that it helps to conceal pores. The formula is also the lightest of those we tested. If you don't like using traditional liquid foundations and BB creams, this is for you.
YSL Beauty's Le Cushion Encre De Peau: Not only is the cushion among YSL Beauty's best sellers, it is apparently the best-selling foundation cushion at present, period. Providing commendable yet lightweight coverage, the Encre De Peau left our skin looking dewy and luminous without the dampness. And will you look just at that packaging!
Laneige's BB Cushion SPF 50++: When you think of BB cushions, Laneige's inevitably comes to mind. One of the pioneers of the cushion trade, followers like its even and lightweight coverage that hides veins and spots reasonably well. We also like the formula's scent and how well it works with the sponge. It seems to take up just enough with each press. Most cushion sponges soak up a lot of the product, reducing the amount transferred to the skin and wasting the rest – but not Laneige's.
Sulwhasoo's Perfecting Cushion: Favoured by mature ladies – my mum swears by this – for its anti-aging ingredients like apricot seeds and Korean herbs, Sulwhasoo's cushion provides pretty impressive coverage without feeling cakey. It also seems to hide the finer lines. It does, however, take longer than the others to dry and reach that non-sticky texture, but it is nothing a little matte powder can't solve if you're in a rush.
Etude House's Precious Mineral Magic Any-Cushion (in Mint, Pink or Peach): Who says beauty cushions have to only be about BB creams and foundations? We like this as a more affordable and lightweight alternative to other colour correctors on the market. It isn't a primer, but you can still use it as a colour correcting all-over concealer under your foundation or just on its own on an off-day. The downside is that it slides off a bit, so you will have to touch it up if you have oily skin. Touch-ups on the go are what cushions were made for, no?
We Investigate: What Even Are Beauty Cushions?
Are they pushing traditional liquid foundations off the shelves? (Plus, the five beauty cushions on our radar that you need to know.)
| August 31, 2016The South Korean beauty industry can be credited for many of the trends that we have today. Among the many things that they’ve gifted to the beauty world, the most interesting yet is none other than the beauty cushion. Appearing as a thick, circular compact on the outside, each cushion holds a thin sponge and a squishy centre that oozes product when touched, hence the titular “cushion”. It is sort of like the molten lava cake of face products. I said sort of.
First entering the market as an on-the-go alternative for BB cream users of the world, beauty cushions have since evolved to hold foundations, colour correctors and blushers. That’s as far as we know. When it comes to beauty products, there’s no telling what the South Koreans can come up with. How does it differ from regular liquid foundations, though?
Well, think of beauty cushions as liquid foundations that you can actually take along with you for touch-ups. After all, no one wants to carry a bottle of liquid foundation and a beauty blender in their handbags. Just think of the potential mess. A beauty junkie’s nightmare, that one. The product in beauty cushions are also designed to be lightweight and easy to apply, so you get adequate coverage without a cakey or heavy finish. Most also come with some level of luminosity, giving that natural, dewy South Korean celebrity glow.
So far, so good, right? If you’re the sort who likes that no-makeup look, prefer not to cover your skin with traditional liquid foundations or just want some light coverage on an off-day, then the beauty cushion is for you. On days where hardier, long-wear coverage is needed to hide stubborn zits, obvious veins and redness, stick to your traditional liquid foundation.
Did your favourite beauty cushion make the cut? Tell us in the comments below. (Also, we finally got Facebook. Like us over here, maybe?)
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