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3 min read
Gone are the days of drying and patchy formulas; cushion foundations are back and better than ever. Here’s why the compact foundations are gaining popularity for delivering high coverage with a light feel on the skin.
You may remember cushion foundations from almost a decade ago (yes, we feel old). Then, almost overnight, they seemed to vanish. I was a cushion foundation convert at their peak, and while I used them, I’m the first to admit they had flaws. They dried out within weeks, didn’t offer a wide variety of shades and often didn’t deliver on coverage. But they did manage to highlight my dry patches.
However, we’re about to have a cushion foundation renaissance, and I can’t wait. Korea’s favourite cushion foundations have been reformulated with more shade offerings, higher coverage and delivering on glow. No patchiness to see here.
If you’re a ‘do your make-up on the train to work’ person, these foundations are born for it. They come in a nifty compact (mirror included) and take just a few taps to apply – no need to spend an age blending.
We’ve tried and tested the best cushion foundation formulas to determine which ones are worth adding to your handbag.
7 of the best cushion foundations
Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
This K-beauty egg-shaped foundation has gone viral on social media, and after one swipe, it’s not hard to see why. With 40 shades in the line-up, this is one of the glowiest formulas I’ve come across. It covered my redness like a pro while feeling lightweight on my skin.
You can read my in-depth review of the Tirtir Foundation here.
Dior Forever Cushion Foundation
Cushion foundations don’t get any chicer than this. Offering a velvety matte finish with all-day wear, this offers a high-coverage finish that won’t budge, thanks to its transfer-resistant formula.
Gucci Cushion de Beauté Foundation
Available in 12 shades, Gucci’s cushion compact is customisable, offering lightweight coverage that can be built up in just a few taps. The mousse-like formula is seamless to blend and delivers a flawless glow.
Chantecaille Fresh Skin Cushion Foundation
This vegan and cruelty-free formula is infused with skin-strengthening peptides to improve the look of skin. In true cushion foundation fashion, the coverage is buildable with this one, while the water-based formula leaves skin looking dewy and fresh.
Shop Chantecaille Fresh Skin Cushion Foundation at Cult Beauty, £132
Clé De Peau Beauté Radiant Cushion Foundation
Merging the worlds of make-up and skincare, this cushion blends the brand’s innovative skincare ingredient (the ‘skin-empowering illuminator’ – essentially designed to be like Kevlar for your skin) and lightweight pigments, for a fresh, glowy complexion.
Shop Clé De Peau Beauté Radiant Cushion Foundation at Cult Beauty, £62
La Mer Cushion Compact Foundation
Looking for a ‘lit from within’ glow? This delivers luminosity, without any dreaded cakiness. The silky formula is packed with the brand’s ‘miracle broth’ packed with sea kelp and minerals to keep moisture levels topped up throughout the day while leaving skin with a blurred, satin effect.
Armani Red Cushion R21 Foundation
Infused with hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid, this formula has a weightless feel on the skin. The matte finish doesn’t compromise on glow to deliver a ‘your skin but better’ effect. However, we’d like to see a wider variety of shades available.
Shop Armani Red Cushion R21 Foundation at LookFantastic, £49
Image: courtesy of brands
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