Cushion compacts have come a long way since the very first version by IOPE in 2008. Since then, the Korean beauty industry has paved the way for international beauty brands to follow suit, in the development of cushion compacts. From the original sponge cushion, to the tension pact with a mesh cover or also a metal disk cover for hygiene, there is now a huge range of cushions with a variety of finishes, skin benefits and coverage to choose from. Honestly, it can be quite overwhelming.
Not to worry – we are breaking down some of the latest cushion compact releases for you based on different skin types and finishes. So carry on reading to find which cushion is best suited for you!
For normal skin, light to medium coverage – Shu Uemura Petal Skin Cushion Foundation
Shu Uemura Petal Skin Cushion Foundation $78
The liquid-to-powder formula leaves a cooling sensation during application and dries down to a soft matte finish, which gives your skin a soft appearance, akin to that of a petal. Not only is it lightweight, the Petal Skin Cushion Foundation also effortlessly leaves a smooth and poreless look to your skin thanks to the mineral fine-pigments, soft focus beads and texture-perfecting liquid formula which gives an even layer of pigments. The deep sea water in the liquid formula does hydrate your skin. However, if you have dry skin, we have more moisturising cushions that will benefit your skin more! Your turn is coming soon.
This cushion foundation has a light to medium coverage but looks so natural that you can hardly tell that it’s on. So if you’re on the lookout for a lightweight, natural and long-lasting cushion foundation, this is the one for you!
For normal skin, full coverage – Laneige Layering Cover Cushion & Concealing Base
Laneige Layering Cover Cushion & Concealing Base $43
This unique 2-in-1 cushion is the first of its kind! In contrast to regular Korean dewy-finish cushion compacts, the Layering Cover Cushion and Concealing Base leaves a semi-matte finish and gives medium to full coverage, depending on which you prefer. The concealing base has a balm-like consistency which melts into the skin and instantly covers pores, spots and blemishes and minimises excess sebum for an all-day flawless finish.
We did a full tutorial on Laneige’s innovative cushion so check it out if you want to see the flawless results!
For dry to normal skin, light to medium coverage – Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion
Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion Light Coverage/High Coverage Refill $55; Case $20
Being the first Western beauty brand to create a cushion compact, Lancôme has been dedicated to combining its renown skincare technology with its beauty products to provide the best of both worlds to beauty lovers. The Blanc Expert Cushion by the French beauty brand comes in two versions – light coverage and high coverage.
The light coverage version is lightweight, luminous, skin-like and protects the skin from pollutants. Aeragel, a major active ingredient in the formula, is twice the lightness and luminosity of a conventional particle, resulting in an almost weightless product that absorbs 4 times its weight in sebum for a flawless finish throughout the day.
On the other hand, the high coverage version is packed with skincare ingredients that protect against effects of pollution while also giving a long-lasting radiant finish. It contains 4 new ingredients, which include Moringa extract and Baicalin – well-known for their antioxidant properties. This one has a wider shade range as well, coming in 11 ivory shades while the light version comes in 4 ivory shades and 1 fresh rosy shade.
For dry skin, medium coverage – Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion EX
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion EX $80
We may be more familiar with this luxury Korean beauty brand for its amazing skincare but Sulwhasoo makeup products that are extremely beneficial for your skin. We know that Koreans love the dewy look, especially with the latest “glass skin” trend, so we’re not surprised that Sulwhasoo has brought out an extremely hydrating cushion foundation for a flawless and radiant finish.
The Perfecting Cushion EX has an improved Slim Fit High Coverage formula which disperses water rather than oil, which effortlessly glides and blends into the skin, leaving it hydrated and glowing for the whole day! The range has 7 different shades in pink and beige undertones so it’s already more inclusive compared to other Korean beauty brands.
For dry skin, full coverage – Aprilskin Perfect Magic Cover Fit Cushion
Aprilskin Perfect Magic Cover Fit Cushion $47
Aprilskin’s Perfect Magic Cover Fit Cushion promises to provide 24-hour coverage while boosting hydration to the skin and protect it from aging and harmful UV rays. Sounds too good to believe? We thought so too but the reviews are pleasantly positive. 67% of the formula is a moisture serum base which is the main hero behind the highly moisturising product. It also contains aloe vera and hyaluronic acid which are well-known for its hydrating properties. The product is so moisturising that you can see the serum base ooze out onto the metal plate when you press onto it!
Instead of a mesh, a metal plate seals the product in, reducing its contact with the outside air and makes using this compact more hygienic.
For oily skin, medium coverage – Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion XP
Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion XP $49.90
When it comes to coverage, we can’t leave out Clio. The Korean beauty brand is well-known for its high coverage products. This new Kill Cover Founwear Cushion XP is more lightweight compared to its other full coverage counterparts but leaves a semi-matte finish that makes it perfect for oily skin. Unfortunately, don’t expect this formula to last you the whole day. According to reviewers, the product doesn’t last more than 4 hours but if you don’t mind heading to the restroom for touch-ups once in a while, then this lightweight product is one to consider.
For oily skin, medium to full coverage – Make Up For Ever Light Velvet Cushion
Make Up For Ever Light Velvet Cushion $72
For those of us with oily skin, longevity is essential when choosing makeup products. The humid tropical weather in Singapore doesn’t help so we need to put more effort in setting our makeup so that it doesn’t slide off our faces while we’re out and about. That’s why Make Up Forever’s latest cushion is the one you have been waiting for. Its Light Velvet Cushion contains a water-based formula which includes silicon dioxide that helps to absorb excess oil in the product and natural oils from our skin to leave a velvet semi-matte finish that holds up the whole day! This formula is also buildable so high coverage, so fans with oily skin can also try the Light Velvet Cushion out!
It also contains SPF50 PA+++ so you don’t have to worry about sunscreen. When it comes to oily skin, the less layers of products on your skin, the more comfortable you’ll feel throughout the day.
We hope this round-up has helped you navigate through the countless cushion compacts. We’ve only included a fraction of the cushion compacts available so let us know which are your go-to compacts for your skin type.
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