What’s all the hype? Why do you need a cushion compact in your makeup bag? What is the reason behind the popularity of cushion makeup not just in Asia? Why is it becoming a necessity for every woman’s makeup collection?
It seems that cushion compacts are becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Just like the BB cream, which also started in Asia, the cushion technology used in makeup is now being made popular outside Asia as well.
A few years ago, you can only buy BB cushion compacts from Korean makeup brands like Laneige. The Laneige BB cushion was the first I’ve tried and it was love at first pat! If you had already tried it, then you know what I mean.
Until now, it’s still one of my favorite BB cushion compacts.
Easy To Use
What I love most about using a cushion compact is its ease of application. It feels like you’re just applying a powder foundation instead of a liquid one. But the finish is more natural, flawless and beautiful. I believe that this is one of the main reasons why cushion compacts are so popular nowadays.
How easy is it to use? Using the accompanying puff, gently press it to the cushion to pick up the right amount of product. Then, apply it to your skin in a gentle, patting motion.
Most cushion BB or foundations provide light to medium coverage. If you want sheer coverage, apply a single layer with light pressure. But if you want moderate coverage, you can simply apply another layer with firmer pressure.
Just pat away to achieve flawless and luminous skin!
Gorgeous Coverage
One of my main concerns is large pores. Especially around the nose area and on the nose itself. While these pores have their important roles in maintaining our skin’s health, I know you’ll agree that they are not pretty to look at.
There are a lot of products, from skincare to makeup, that minimize the appearance of pores. I often use a primer to blur out these hideous pores. But there are times when I don’t want to layer on lots of products.
That’s why I love using Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+. With it, I don’t have to use a separate primer in order to hide my pores.
It does a really good job of hiding my monstrous pores while providing weightless, flawless coverage. Another plus is that it gives a fresh and dewy finish.
When the weather is nice and not humid at all, I could get away with not having to apply powder over it. I really prefer it this way, because my skin looks more luminous and healthy.
Good news for those with lighter skin tones! Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control now has a lighter shade than No. 13 True Beige. The lighter shade, No. 11 Light Beige, is available here.
For women over the age of 30, AmorePacific Age Correcting Foundation Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 is perfect! Aside from having such a chic-looking packaging, its formula is so luxurious.
This cushion gives long-lasting, full coverage that is smooth and flawless. The effect is a more tightened, polished look.
Comes With Skincare Benefits
Most cushion makeup contain ingredients that are beneficial to the skin. Some has antioxidants, anti-aging and whitening ingredients, to name a few.
One of the main reasons why I love the Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control is that it contains Pore Purifying Complex. This awesome ingredient cleans the pores and also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier.
The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact SPF 35 is infused with pink silk tree extract, caffeine and lychee. How do they benefit the skin? The soothing formula boosts the skin by instantly replenishing the skin’s natural energy.
This results to a healthier looking skin. Another plus is that it has an advanced antioxidant blend and SPF 35 which helps protect the skin against environmental aggressors and the harmful UV rays.
Aside from having broad spectrum SPF 25, the AmorePacific Age Correcting Foundation Cushion SPF 25 also has anti-aging ingredients.
Its patented ingredient, Green Miracle T, restores the skin and boosts suppleness, while green tea polysaccharides protects the skin from environmental aggressors.
Sulwhasoo is another brand that caters to women over the age of 30. This Korean brand’s cushion compact, Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening Foundation SPF 50+, is one to consider as well.
It’s formulated with magnolia extract which brightens the skin, promotes even-looking skin and reduces the appearance of discolorations.
Sulwhasoo Cushion Foundation also contains a unique purified water as well as licorice extract which purifies the skin. So if you want a flawless complexion that looks clean and clear, you should definitely try this!
It also promises to give an appearance that looks bright and luminous upon application and over time.
Another noticeable thing to me, in terms of skincare benefits, is the moisture actives. Aside from having a cooling sensation, most formulas also deliver intense hydration.
Who doesn’t love makeup that doesn’t dry out the skin? I guess, because of the patting motion when applying cushion makeup, it also helps to retain moisture.
ON-THE-GO TOUCHUPS
If you’re always on the go, then this is another major reason why you need a cushion compact. They became really popular because of the fact that it makes it easier to apply or touch up your BB cream or foundation on the go.
You don’t have to carry around a liquid foundation, foundation brush or makeup sponge, and mirror. Everything you need is already in the compact, ready to be carried around anywhere, anytime!
If you still haven’t tried a cushion compact, you might be curious how a liquid BB cream or foundation is contained in the compact. Well, the liquid is sort of absorbed by the sponge-like cushion, so you’re sure that there will be no spill.
Then, once you press the puff on the cushion, the right amount of product is picked up.
The cushion is enclosed in an air-tight compact so the product will not dry up. Just make sure that you close the inner lid tightly after each use. This also ensures that the product will stay fresh and clean.
EASY CLEAN-UP
The applicator sponge or puff included in cushion compacts are made out of a material called rubycell, which has antimicrobial properties. A self-cleaning puff? That is so ideal, right? But even with this technology, I would still recommend that you wash the puff after each use. Or at least every week.
I find that using a clean puff results to a better product application. Don’t fret, though! The puff is so easy to clean. You can use an antibacterial soap to clean it.
Just don’t twist and wring it like mind-blowing because you might ruin it. I just press gently with my fingers to work the soap in, then rinse it well. I repeat the process until the water comes out clean.
But if you don’t like washing it every so often, you can also opt to buy new ones instead. Most Korean brands like Laneige sell replacement cushion puffs. Memebox rubycell cushion puffs are available here.
Refills Available
Korean BB cushion compacts usually come with a free refill and a replacement puff. I’ve noticed that the western versions don’t. But, refills for these non-Korean brands are also available for purchase at a lower price.
How do you think that’s possible? I guess, when you take out the cost of the packaging, then the price of the cushion is not as high. That’s why, when using these compacts, make sure to take care of them so you can just buy refills in the future. It will save you a lot of money this way!
When buying refills, just make sure that it’s a refill for the same compact that you have. Otherwise, it might not fit your compact.
I have a tip for you, though. If you aren’t sure about the product and can’t get a sample, buy the refill first! If you liked the product, then go ahead and buy the full compact.
Then, you can either keep the first refill you bought for future use or you can swap it with the one already in the compact and use the new one after you finish up the refill.
Try: Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Refill
Cushion Foundations With No SPF
I really love using cushion compacts. In fact, I’m guilty of having used them a few times during evening events and parties. Then I’d worry that the high SPF would give a white cast, especially in photos.
Thank goodness for makeup brands like Givenchy and Lancome for solving this problem! Now, we have cushion foundations that we can use without worrying about looking like a ghost!
Givenchy TEINT Couture Cushion Portable Fluid Foundation has a buildable, medium coverage. It has active skincare ingredients and a high concentration of water.
When you see water, you immediately think of hydration, right? You’re definitely right! This cushion foundation moisturizes and plumps the skin while giving a natural-looking finish.
But what sets it apart is its metal plaque in the round case. Instead of dispensing the product directly from the cushion, you would push the metal plate with Givenchy’s signature logo, and the right amount of product comes out.
On the other hand, the Lancome Miracle Cushion Liquid Cushion Compact also looks like the Korean cushion compacts. But it’s not to be ignored! It also has skincare actives that boosts hydration and brightens the appearance of the skin. Plus, it’s noncomedogenic and oil-free!
Even Estee Lauder now has cushion makeup! The Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup is a nude foundation that evens the skin tone and delivers a healthy-looking glow.
The good thing with this product if you’ve already been using Double Wear foundation is that you won’t be overwhelmed with the shades because you’re already familiar with them, and you probably already know the right shade for you.
MAC is also not far behind. Their new MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation also uses the innovative cushion technology.
But why did they have to change the shade names? We’re already used to NC and NW shades, so why change something that works and had been working for several years? And something that had already become the basis for all foundation shades! Is shade 1 the same as NW10? How about 1.5? Is it NC15?
But ignoring that annoying fact, I am quite excited to try this product. I have always been unsuccessful when it comes to MAC foundations – either I don’t like the finish or I breakout from them. But this being of cushion technology, I’m curious if I will like it. Will this change the way I look at MAC foundations or will I be disappointed once again?
Other Cushion Makeup
You want more proof that cushion compacts are becoming popular in the makeup and beauty world? Check out these new products that also use the cushion technology!
Lancome Blush Subtil Cushion Blush – with a single touch, it releases fresh color of the blush shade that will deliver a healthy and vibrant glow with buildable intensity. It also boasts of a cooling effect upon application!
The silky formula will give you a sheer, bronzed look that will make it seem like you’ve been hanging around the beach all morning!
Lancôme Miracle CC Cushion (Color Correcting Primer) – this Sephora Exclusive product should not be missed! The four shades available are purple, yellow, green and pinky peach. Purple, which neutralizes yellow skin tones, is for dull and sallow skin. Yellow neutralizes mild redness and cancels signs of fatigue. Green evens out blotchy skin and neutralizes redness. While Pinky Peach conceals dark, undereye circles and also neutralizes darkness.
stila Got Inked Cushion Eye Liner – this intensely pigmented liquid liner is lightweight and easy to use. Because it’s dispensed using the cushion technology, you can use a separate brush like the stila La Quill Precision Eye Liner Brush to apply the product. You simply dip the brush in the sponge then line your eyes in a smooth and fluid motion. The regular price is $28, but as of posting, most of the shades are on sale for just $17.
Lancome Juicy Shaker Bi-Phase Lip Oil – another cushion makeup from Lancome! This addictive lip oil has a cushion applicator as well. It imparts a wash of color on the lips with a hint of shine. Just shake it like you would a cocktail shaker in order to combine the two phases. The first phase is formulated with a blend of nourishing oils which act as a lip balm. While the second phase is the pigment which covers your lips with the beautiful shade of your choice.
Conclusion
You probably noticed that the Western beauty brand with the most cushion products is Lancome. Is it because Lisa Eldridge became their creative director? Lisa, who had just been to Korea last year and took home with her a ton of Korean makeup.
Do you think that she got the idea from Korea and now Lancome has lots of Korean-inspired makeup products? Whatever the real deal is, one thing’s for sure. Now you know why you need a cushion compact in your makeup bag!
Sources: Sephora, Nordstrom and Laneige