The Korean Cushion That Will Make You Rethink Your Foundation

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I don’t know about you, but when I heard about cushion foundations I was immediately suspicious. Was it just another marketing ploy to make us buy more products we don’t need? I was suspicious for a while… and then I went to Seoul, South Korea, and changed my mind faster than you can say “glowy skin!”

While in Seoul, I met up with a dear friend who took me on a beauty tour of Seoul, which was just incredible! I’m working on a post on where to buy beauty products in Seoul (there’s one about Tokyo here) but one thing I noticed is that cushion foundations are e-very-where. It’s actually a lot easier to find cushion foundations than in a glass or plastic pump container we’re used to. And since Korean women are obsessed with skin, I figured it was worth checking out.

You can find great cushions in any price range, but my friend recommended the brand IOPE. I trusted her suggestion and swatched all the different options—from the most matte to the most glowy, from the sheerest to the fullest coverage. It’s worth noting that, generally, even the most matte Korean products are not really that matte. Korean women prefer a more natural and realistic finish to the skin, so “matte” simply means “less glowy.” After playing around with several different kinds, I settled on the Air Cushion Natural Glow cushion in the color 21C. It cost me 47,000 KRW, or approximately $43.

Not sure why, but I waited until I got back to the U.S. to open the box and try it out. I think I wanted that memory of being back in Seoul! Anyway, after getting home, I applied it during my quick morning routine (which I can practically do with my eyes closed) and went to work. Around 9:00 a.m., I hunted down a mirror in the office to take a look… and I was shocked! I had never used a foundation that looked so natural. It really looked like my skin, only way, WAY better. I don’t know what kind of sorcery makes the coverage so good (I would say it’s medium) but the result so natural and glowy. It really was love at first use—I immediately put my other foundations away and used the cushion exclusively for about two months.

I was surprised by how long it lasts. Just a light press of the sponge in the product is enough to cover half your face. The key here is to apply lightly and patiently, using little pats to spread the product well. It doesn’t oxidize, and it looks more natural as the day goes on. It also plays nicely with liquid, cream, or powder products. Oh, and the biggest possible test: I’ve worn it in the winter (-5F) and now, during the summer (100F) and the finish is stunning in any climate. Could we ask for more?

It’s wonderful to take in the gym bag. I’ve recently started working out in the mornings, before work, so I put on makeup at the gym and go straight to the office. The packaging is light, compact, and super convenient, which also makes it a great option for those of us who travel a lot. Just knowing that there’s no way it will spill my bag is so relieving! Since the compact has a mirror in it, it’s easy to apply on the go or to touch up throughout the day.

Another aspect that I really enjoy about cushion foundations is that they are a more sustainable choice. Instead of buying a whole new package every time you run out, you can simply buy a refill and exchange the sponge inside. In recent months I’ve been paying more attention to my routine and thought of several ways to reduce its environmental impact. Cushion foundations are wonderful for anyone who would like to be more eco-friendly!

There really is no downside to this product other than the fact it’s a little harder finding the refills in the states. Of course there are still a few foundations I love, such as Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Aqua Foundation and Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk, but IOPE’s Air Cushion Natural Glow has won a permanent spot in my collection and my routine!

Have you used cushion foundations before? How do you like them, and which one is your favorite?

 

Stay curious,

Nati