Best Korean Cushion Foundations in 2024

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Korea is slowly turning out to be the epicenter of all the latest makeup trends and we bet you already know since you’re visiting our website and you’ve probably already visited others. After the massive success of BB creams, Cushion Compacts are back in fashion thanks to K-beauty. So what are these cushion compacts, anyway? Let’s find out all about them.

Cushion Compacts are both a skincare product and makeup. Cushion compacts or Cushion foundation is basically the liquid formula stored in the compact containers. A porous sponge, called the cushion, soaks up the liquid formula and the compact case comes with another sponge applicator that you can use for quick touch-ups. Simply put: it is a more convenient way to carry the foundation or BB and CC creams.

7 Best Korean Cushion Compact

We’ve rounded up the best Korean cushion compacts: we know how hard it can be to find the best skincare and makeup products, so we want to give you the tools to decide. A series of answers with questions await for you at the end of this list.

1. MISSHA M Magic Cushion

Available in 4 different colors, Missha Magic Cushion perfectly covers the skin for a flawless look, while hiding imperfections and dull skin tone. It provides sun protection to prevent darkening and premature aging. Silica bead powder helps control sweat and sebum. Long-lasting cushion with bamboo water and baobab fruit extract.

2. Clio Kill Cover Glow Cushion

CLIO’s cushion protects from the sun while blurring blemishes and fine lines. It is enriched with green tea water and hydrating agent Collageneer, to hydrate skin all day long. Available in four shades to match with your skin tone.

3. Moonshot Micro Setting Fit Cushion

Moonshot is a lightweight, perfecting, long-wear cushion foundation with SPF50+ PA+++ for the best protection from the sun. Its smooth coverage blurs the appearance of blemishes and fine lines and leaves your skin with a radiant, matte finish that lasts.

4. 3CE Blush Cushion

3CE Blush Cushion comes in 6 different colors and it creates a natural-looking contour and a vibrant glowing effect. It’s perfect to use on cheeks but you can also apply on the whole face, by using the sponge for a long-lasting effect.

5. April Skin Magic Snow Cushion

April Skin is a hydrating cushion compact that provides high and natural coverage without causing flakiness. Glides smoothly thanks to its water-based formula. Available in 3 colors to suit all the needs.

6. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion

Color Control delivers the perfect blend of skincare and coverage. It’s the perfect solution for dry skin, dullness, and uneven texture. The broad-spectrum SPF 50+ defends against daily exposure to UVA and UVB rays.

7. Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion

Sulwhasoo’s Evenfair Perfecting Cushion is enriched with SPF 50+ PA+++ to protect skin against UV rays. This cushion deeply hydrates skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It includes a moisturizing blend of apricot seed and Korean herbs.

Korean Cushion Foundations: Frequent Answers

How to Apply Cushion Foundation?

The USP of the Cushion Compact is the fact that it is mess-free, less fussy, easy to carry and store, and more importantly, easy to use. All you need to do is press the sponge applicator on the cushion and blend the cream on your face.

How are Cushions Any Better?

Cushion compacts have the advantage of being easily portable as compared to the heavy, breakable bottles of creams. You can easily carry one in your bag even while you are traveling and you can use it wherever you wish! Also, most cushion foundations contain skincare properties and have the ability to hydrate the skin or offer skin protection from the damaging rays of the sun.

Most cushion foundations contain SPF 15-30 and some go as high as SPF 50! Also, depending on the brand of cushion that you buy, you can enjoy a host of other skincare benefits, like anti-aging, oil control, pore size reduction, skin tightening, and more.

Furthermore, the cushion makes the liquid foundation formula lighter. Not just that, the sponge applicator also wicks off just enough foundation that will help you achieve a sheer, light coverage similar to airbrushing. This makes the makeup appear natural. With the cushion foundation, you can say goodbye to caking.

Should I Get Rid of My Regular Foundation?

Even though cushion compacts are known as cushion foundations, it does not mean that it is a replacement for your regular foundation. You can use the product when you wish to have a natural bare-faced look and do not intend to apply heavy makeup. Just a few dabs of cushion foundation can give your naturally healthy looking skin a luminous glow. But if you are troubled by skin blemishes, using other products like a concealer and powder may be wise. In fact, it is advisable to finish off your makeup with a light layer of loose powder even if you have used a cushion foundation.

What Should I Keep in Mind When Buying the Best Korean Cushion?

Choosing the correct shade of foundation is essential to pull off a perfect look. Select a foundation that complements the undertone of your skin. You can apply the cushion foundation multiple times a day if you have dry skin. The liquid formula will hydrate your skin and make it look dewy. However, if you have oily skin, then you can avoid it. Apply a light layer of primer or moisturizer on your face before applying the foundation. This technique will allow a flawlessly dewy appearance. For building a larger coverage, you can simply layer the cushion foundation. Use proper blending techniques to avoid caking. Dab your sponge applicator on the cushion instead of swiping off the foundation. Furthermore, use the same dabbing technique while applying the foundation to your face. Dragging the applicator across your face will give a peculiar texture on your skin.

How Safe is a Korean Cushion Foundation?

The convenience offered by cushion compacts comes at a price.

The applicator sponge, which comes directly in contact with your skin and the foundation, can act as a breeding ground for microbes and bacteria. Thus, you should make sure to wash it at least once a week. Even though some brands offer anti-bacterial applicators, it is a good practice to wash it thoroughly.

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