Cushion foundation compacts hydrate, perfect and protect the skin while promising all-day wear and radiance. JOIE GOH tried eight of the very latest.
Cushion foundation compacts hydrate, perfect and protect the skin while promising all-day wear and radiance. JOIE GOH tried eight of the very latest.
Diorsnow Bloom Perfect Perfect Moist Cushion SPF50/PA+++, $105 (includes one case, two refills and two sponges), and $50 for one refill and one sponge
The finish was natural-looking and gorgeously radiant without being too dewy. My skin felt cool as I applied the foundation, which was very light and comfortable. It also had a lovely scent that wasn’t overpowering. The only drawback: Its sheer coverage didn’t fully conceal my dark circles and blemishes.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Cushion BB All Day Wear Liquid Compact SPF50/ PA+++, $68 (includes one case, one refill and one sponge)
This blended very easily and gave excellent coverage, concealing redness and veins while masking my pores. I applied it on just-cleansed skin and didn’t feel any dryness or tightness – even after three hours. However, I didn’t like the finish. It was flat and not as glowy as the rest.
Shu Uemura Blanc:Chroma Brightening UV Cushion Foundation SPF50+/ PA+++, $20 for one case, $55 for one refill, and $8 for one sponge
The application was hard to control, as the formula didn’t pick up well. The sponge was too soft. I ended up with foundation on my fingers because it had seeped through the sponge when I exerted more pressure. Coverage was decent, but the formula had a tendency to settle into lines and pores, and the finish was heavy 8 and obvious.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact SPF50/PA+++, $21 for one case, and $54 for one refill and one sponge
This gave the most polished, true-to-skin finish with the right amount of dewiness that didn’t appear too shiny. The medium coverage masked pores, lines and small blemishes while allowing the natural glow of my skin to come through. However, usage was tricky. When I pressed too hard on the cushion, the liquid formula overflowed and made a mess of the compact.
Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact High Coverage SPF50+/PA+++, $20 for one case, and $55 for one refill and one sponge
This was the best overall, in coverage and finish, giving a very natural glow and concealing flaws without appearing mask-like. Application could be improved though. The mesh covering the cushion made it harder for the sponge to pick up foundation, and its pattern transferred to my skin. As a result, it required more time and effort to properly blend out.
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening SPF50+/PA+++, $80 (includes one case, one refill and one sponge), and $35 for one refill and one sponge
The light formula made my skin feel hydrated and comfortable. However, the finish and coverage were slightly chalky and unrefined. Small blemishes were not well concealed. It’s more suitable for those who prefer a lighter coverage.
YSL Beauty Le Cushion Encre de Peau (Fusion Ink Cushion) SPF23/PA++, $88 (includes one case, one refill and one sponge)
Just one press of the product in the cushion gave my skin great coverage, hiding zits, scars and dark circles. The long-wearing formula felt lightweight despite its heavy coverage and semi-matte finish. However, while it blended seamlessly, it tended to highlight the fine lines around my eyes.
Biotherm Aquasource Evermoist CC Cushion SPF23, $17 for case, and $52 for two refills and two sponges
This gave the dewiest finish of the lot, and was almost oily-looking. It also left my combination skin feeling nicely hydrated and smooth without any greasiness, even after five hours. However, it doesn't seem to adhere very well to the skin. When I went over my face with the product again for fuller coverage, the sponge took off some of the first layer.
