Into the Gloss calls them the ‘Next Big Thing’ in foundation, Michelle Phan predicts their ‘total beauty industry domination’ and beauty blogs are singing their praises across the interwebs: cushion compacts are everywhere!
Including my makeup bag.
Cushion compacts combine the best of a BB, CC, and foundation in a super lightweight formula that packs sun protection and skincare benefits with sheer-to-medium coverage. The liquid product is housed in a sleek compact covered with a sponge (or ‘cushion’) and is released with gentle pressing from your fingertips or included makeup sponge. Application is foolproof and mess-free.
There are lots of cushion compacts on the market right now, but I opted for the original Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact*; it won the Allure ‘Best of Beauty’ and Elle ‘Genius Award’ and reviewers hailed its ‘flawless, lit-from-within’ coverage. It’s a splurge at $60, but includes a refill and additional sponge if you order from Nordstrom or Amore Pacific’s US website, so it’s like getting two cushion compacts for the price of one.
You guys. It was love-at-first-application. The liquid formula glides onto your face effortlessly with the provided sponge or your fingertips, dries to a semi-matte finish, and makes your skin glow. The coverage is buildable, so you can take it from sheer to medium without . The product holds up well to heat and humidity, never creases, and the coverage lasts all day. But if you need a quick touch-up or extra sun protection throughout the day, the portable compact makes reapplication easy-peasy without ever looking caked-on or heavy. It’s magic!
I will say, the liquid seems to go pretty quickly with daily use. I think the first cushion lasted about 4 weeks before I was pressing around the edges for extra product; but considering the refill and how many products are rolled into one (moisturizer, foundation, sunscreen, antioxidants) I think it’s worth the cost.
However, if you want to try the cushion compact craze without dropping so much dough, the LaNeige Cushion Compact from Target is supposedly an excellent dupe at $34.
* I ordered shade 204 for light/medium skin with yellow undertones.
What do you think?