A cushion can be a worthy alternative to classic foundation, BB and CC cream, and powder. It combines their best qualities - durability, lightness of texture and compact packaging. Many cushions have the ability to individually adapt to skin color and provide additional facial care. The composition includes ingredients to nourish and moisturize the skin and combat imperfections.
Cushion "borrowed" the best qualities from other tonal means.
According to its purpose, the cushion can be divided into:
- Matting. They fight oily sheen due to the presence of small absorbent particles in the composition. On dry skin, peeling and other shortcomings are sharply emphasized.
- Moisturizers. They have a softer texture. Hydrating ingredients eliminate the dullness and unhealthy color of dry skin.
- Antiseptic. Useful for problem skin. The antibacterial substances in the composition help get rid of existing acne and inflammation, prevent the appearance of new ones.
- Shimmery. Contains tiny pinkish or golden reflective particles. Most often it is mother of pearl.
What else you need to know about cushion:
- Any cushion is at least 30% water, so most of them have a slightly damp finish. If you overdo it with the product, you get an effect that resembles a greasy shine, rather than a healthy glow. Now they are produced that provide matting of the skin. The liquid evaporates quickly, only the tone remains.
- Choosing the right shade of Korean cushion for European girls can be a challenge. Asian women are characterized by yellowish-beige skin tones, so most products are produced in this range. White skin has long been considered a sign of aristocracy; if you have dark skin, it is very difficult to choose the right option. Take a closer look at the products of European brands; they are characterized by a more diverse palette.
- For skin prone to oily skin, Korean cushions are better suited. They level the terrain better. European products provide a light veil coverage and do not pill. If you have increased oiliness and dryness, look for other products - a cushion will only highlight existing flaws (enlarged pores, flaking).
- Cushion provides better UV protection than most foundations. Typical for him is an SPF-factor of at least 25, and often 50. For summer, this is, given the light texture of the product, an ideal option.
- The sponge, if it is constantly in contact with the product, needs regular cleaning. It is best to wash it once every 2-3 days with soap without alkali, hydrophilic oil, and wipe the compartment in which it is stored with an alcohol wipe. Although now many manufacturers have solved the problem of unhygienic conditions by separating the pad from the sponge with a thin plastic partition. The fluid enters through small holes in it.
- Cushion can be used as a concealer on pre-moisturized skin around the eyes and as a base for very long-lasting evening makeup. In the latter case, a persistent foundation is applied on top, shaded well, the result is fixed with powder.
A cushion cannot cover the obvious shortcomings of problem skin.
In addition to foundations, concealers, bronzers, highlighters, blush, even lipstick and shadows are produced in the cushion format. In Russia, they have not yet become widespread, so it is difficult to objectively judge their merits.
If you wish, you can apply makeup using cushions alone, but so far this practice has not become widespread.
Product advantages and disadvantages
The popularity of cushions is due to their undoubted advantages:
- complex effect (not only high-quality coverage, but also skin care);
- compactness and ease of packaging (no need for a separate brush, "powder box" will fit in any purse, the cushion cannot be broken or spilled);
- lightness of texture (after application, the cushion on the face is not felt, when touched, there is no feeling of stickiness, oily);
- natural coverage without mask effect;
- ease of use (the sponge, when pressed on it, "breaks" the product, turning it into an emulsion that lays down evenly, without spots and streaks);
- the ability to dispense the agent (it is drawn on the sponge in the right amount).
A very light weightless texture is one of the main advantages of the cushion.
There are also disadvantages:
- obvious imperfections (acne, post-acne scars, hyper pigmentation) are not covered by the cushion; a thicker product will be required;
- Compared to a regular foundation, the packaging volume of a cushion is smaller (12–15 ml), and it costs more; you have to reapply your makeup several times during the day, so the product is used up quite quickly (its durability does not exceed 5–6 hours);
- bacteria from the skin that get inside, if you do not regularly clean the sponge, can provoke the appearance of acne, acne.
Possible unhygienic conditions are what keep many from purchasing cushions, but when used correctly, the risk of introducing bacteria is minimized.
How to use a cushion correctly
It is very easy to apply the cushion:
- Wash your face, wipe your face with toner, apply the cream as before using any foundation. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes.
Any face cream can be used as a base under the cushion.
- Put the sponge on your fingers (most conveniently - on the index and middle), pressing on the pad, take the product on it.
- Apply it to your face, as if “stretching” from top to bottom. Use light pats to work on the most problematic areas. If necessary, apply a second coat. Professional makeup artists recommend applying the foundation with your fingers, pointwise, and then blending it with a sponge, but this is less hygienic and requires practice; it won’t be possible to achieve an even coating the first time.
- For a long-lasting makeup finish with a colorless mattifying powder.
Colorless powder fixes the cushion, extending its durability for another 3-5 hours.
- The cushion can be removed easily, even plain water will do. For the best cleansing, use foams, cleansing gels, micellar water, hydrophilic oil.
To remove the cushion, simply wash with your regular wash.
Review of the best cushions
Cushions on the market are presented in a good range and in different price categories. It’s impossible to choose “the best”. The needs of each woman’s skin are individual; you need to look for the best option for yourself based on them. Therefore, any rating is always subjective, because it is compiled based on customer reviews. Negative impressions of a quality product are often due to the fact that it simply solves other problems.
Magic Cushion Moisture by Missha
The product deeply moisturizes the skin, restores its tone, and reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands. Reflective particles provide a healthy glow, SPF-50 - UV protection. Hydrolat of bamboo, rose water and extract of baobab fruit are "responsible" for moisturizing, witch hazel fights redness and irritation, soothes damaged skin. You can use a remedy to mask light rashes. A complex of oils (rosehip, avocado, olive, sunflower, tamanu) is necessary for nourishing the skin, prevents moisture loss.
Missha's M Magic Cushion Moisture can be easily identified by its bright blue velvet sponge.
The cushion is available in two shades - light and natural beige. Very comfortable sponge, the material seems to be velvet to the touch.
The palette of shades for the M Magic Cushion Moisture cushion from Missha is not rich, however, this is typical for the vast majority of Korean products.
HoliPop Blur Lasting Cushion by Holika Holika
Created specifically for oily skin, mattifies it well, evens out the relief, masks pimples, inflammation and redness, does not clog into the pores. Natural ingredients fight typical problems for her. Factor SPF-50 protects against photo-aging.
HoliPop Blur Lasting Cushion from Holika Holika provides high-quality coverage, masking imperfections typical of oily skin.
The composition contains extracts:
- lilies and lotus (refresh the skin, restore its tone, even out the tone, lightening post-acne);
- peach (softens the skin, deeply nourishes, smoothes the unevenness of the relief);
- cherries (activates the processes of renewal and regeneration of the skin at the cellular level, saturates with useful substances);
- hydrolyzed lecithin (restores turgor and elasticity).
There are three shades in the palette - Vanilla Blur (light beige), Pink Blur (delicate beige-pink), Sand Blur (sandy-beige, suitable for dark skin).
HoliPop Blur Lasting Cushion by Holika Holika is suitable for both light and dark skin, you can choose the appropriate shade.
Video: HoliPop Blur Lasting Cushion Review by Holika Holika
Gudetama Lazy & Easy Face 2 Change Photo Ready Cushion BB by Holika Holika
A cushion that adapts to a woman’s skin color, giving her face a healthy glow. High SPF factor (50) protects against ultraviolet radiation. Extra strong polymer provides the most durable "adhesion" to the skin.
An additional “bonus” when using the Gudetama Lazy & Easy Face 2 Change Photo Ready Cushion BB from Holika Holika is that your mood invariably rises when you see the funny packaging.
In the composition:
- microparticles of coral and pearls (reflecting light, visually even out skin tone, mask fine wrinkles);
- argan oil (deeply moisturizes, softens, nourishes, prevents moisture loss);
- niacinamide (evens out tone, lightens age spots, activates metabolism);
- adenosine (gives a lifting effect);
- purslane extract (inhibits the activity of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores, restores tone and elasticity);
- chestnut hydrolat (moisturizes, stimulates regeneration).
Gudetama Lazy & Easy from Holika Holika is a whole series of skin care products; you can buy, for example, replacement sponges for cushions.
The composition includes two sponges and a replaceable block. Available shades are light and natural beige.
Saemmul Oil Control Cushion by The Saem
Suitable for oily to combination skin. Gives a high-quality matte finish, evens out the tone, absorbs excess secretion of the sebaceous glands, inhibits their activity.
The Saem Saemmul Oil Control Cushion not only masks imperfections typical of oily skin, but also cares for it.
Healthy Ingredients:
- birch sap (deeply moisturizes, normalizes complexion, evens out tone, activates the process of skin restoration, fights against pathogenic microflora);
- cotton extract (provides lightness of texture, prevents the product from rolling and clogging in the pores);
- zinc oxide (combats high fat content);
- shea butter (nourishes and softens);
- rose hydrolat (moisturizes well);
- adenosine.
The Saem's Saemmul Oil Control Cushion gives a fairly dense matte finish, but without the mask effect.
There are two shades - light and natural beige.
BCDation Cushion Plus by TonyMoly
A universal product that provides the skin with a velvety and smooth appearance, hiding minor imperfections and giving the face a light glow. The cushion can be adjusted to the complexion, provides protection against ultraviolet radiation (SPF-50).
TonyMoly's BCDation Cushion Plus is suitable for all skin types and ages.
Available in three different shades of beige - Vanilla (light), Skin (natural) and Warm ("warm").
The shade palette of the BCDation Cushion Plus cushion from TonyMoly includes three different tones of beige.
CC Cushion by N1FACE
A mattifying cushion that visually evens out skin tone. Suitable for those who like a bleached face. The coverage is unusually dense for a cushion, but it looks natural. Factor SPF-50 prevents photo aging.
N1FACE CC Cushion helps to brighten skin, but the result looks natural.
In the composition:
- ivan tea extract (quickly soothes irritated skin, relieves inflammation, redness, fights rashes);
- white water lily flower extract (activates the regeneration process, refreshes and brightens the skin);
- lavender extract (refreshes, stimulates blood microcirculation);
- purslane extract;
- tea tree oil (a powerful antiseptic).
The texture of the CC Cushion from N1FACE is denser than most similar products.
You can choose from two shades - light and natural beige.
Liquid BB Cream Au Ginseng by Erborian
BB cream of this brand has long proven itself well, so the manufacturer began producing it in cushion format. The product provides deep hydration, feels very comfortable on the skin, effectively evens out tone, and masks individual imperfections and signs of aging. Ginseng root extract is known for its powerful anti-aging and tonic properties, also in the composition of licorice root extract, wild yam, tocopherol.
Erborian's Liquid BB Cream Au Ginseng cushion promises baby-like skin, and women say it's not just hype.
The cushion is available in two shades - light and golden beige.
Erborian's Liquid BB Cream Au Ginseng is well known not only at home, but recently it has a new, more convenient form of release.
Video: impressions after using the Liquid BB Cream Au Ginseng cushion from Erborian
Miracle Cushion by Lancome
A gel-based cushion, a versatile product suitable for all skin types. Provides the face with freshness and radiance, masks imperfections well, evens out tone and relief, protects from ultraviolet radiation (SPF-23). The disadvantage is that it lasts up to 4 hours, you will often have to renew your makeup.
The only drawback of the Miracle Cushion from Lancome, besides the high price, is its relative instability.
After applying the cushion, a slight cooling sensation occurs; a decrease in skin temperature has a positive effect on its tone. Glycerin softens and smoothes, adenosine gives an anti-aging effect, pine needle extract fights hyperpigmentation.
European cushions, especially luxury ones, such as Miracle Cushion from Lancome, have a much wider palette of shades than Korean manufacturers offer.
There are 9 tones in the palette, from transparent porcelain and ivory to caramel and rich beige.
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation by Chanel
By design, the packaging is almost impossible to distinguish from the powder of the same manufacturer. In fact, it is a gel-based cushion, but officially it is called "gel foundation". The product provides the maximum naturalness of the coating, light shine, is completely imperceptible on the skin. SPF-25 protects from the sun. The high water content (56%) creates a long-lasting freshness. It is recommended to apply the product with a special folding brush, compactness suffers.
For some reason the creators of Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation from Chanel do not like the term "cushion", they prefer to call their product "foundation gel".
The composition contains derivatives of hyaluronic acid (actively moisturizes and prevents rapid loss of moisture), Kalanchoe extract (a powerful antioxidant, promotes saturation of skin cells with oxygen), mineral pigments Healthy Glow Booster (refreshes color and gives the skin radiance), Soft Focus microparticles (visually evens out the tone ).
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation is available in 10 shades.
The palette includes 10 shades, from almost colorless to sandy beige.
Video: Cushion Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation by Chanel
