Did someone say Cushion?
If you have no idea what I am talking about, then listen up – there is a new type of foundation application in town, and it’s quickly becoming the go-to for an on-the-go glow.
The BB cream has been a big part of the foundation category for a few years now – mainly because of its all in one features of moisture, sun protection, skin care properties and light coverage – creating the barely-there skin trend we see over and over on runways around the world.
It has been a huge hit with first time foundation wearers, an alternative for daywear and popular with makeup artists for that all over skin glow.
But is it easy to take your foundation or BB cream with you on-the-go?
Who wants to get their hands dirty? Who can be bothered with pumps and tubes?
Well, once again the Asian market has a new product trend – Cushion Makeup – Who would of thought?
Image Credit: Zimbio
What is Cushion Foundation?
Compact foundations are not new, however in the past they were always a solid cream and therefore in most cases gave a much fuller coverage.
We have seen a big decline in compact foundations because of the ‘heaviness’ to the look, and now only really use a pressed powder for matte looking touch ups through the centre of the face.
Now, we can have liquid foundation in a compact, perfect for initial application, but more importantly, it’s amazing for on the go!
It’s all in the cushion built into the compact.
Think of it like a sponge. The liquid is housed underneath and therefore when pressed; the perfect amount of liquid foundation is released to give you that touch up feel, anywhere, anytime.
Why choose Cushion?
We all love a makeup touch up throughout the day, but it was always much more difficult before with bulky packaging and/or not the right texture that we need and love.
Cushion technology is convenient and not reducing any skin glow by using a thicker cream compact, or powder – Go the glow with your choice of cushion!
As a Makeup Artist, I have been using them as touch ups on set, it delivers the same effect as a liquid foundation but in more convenient packaging – great for instant freshness and to revive a tired or worn skin during the day.
MB PRO TIP:
I still do love a matte T-zone though. I think its great to have glow, but balanced glow.
Keep the centre of the face matte for a longer lasting foundation effect and everywhere else – cheeks etc., glowing.
Who are the big players?
Lancôme was one of the first to bring this technology into Australia, following the Korean makeup trends, and seeing as we are all time-poor and spending much more time ‘on the road’ why wouldn’t it be?
As Lancôme put it – Quick, Fresh, Portable – definitely a handbag staple in my opinion.
Lancôme Miracle Cushion boasts SPF23, hydrating, anti-ageing and brightening benefits, all in 8 shades! Miracle Cushion, $60 from Lancôme
Other big players are Bobbi Brown and Givenchy who want a piece of the cushion success. They may be a few months behind Lancôme; I think its great to take advantage of this new age of makeup application, suiting the busy lifestyles of today.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact has a higher SPF than Lancôme, being a 30 rather than 23, but still has the same sponge technology, while also available in a refill option.
With airtight packaging keeping the product fresh and added caffeine to re-energise the skin, your skin will be moisture-filled for the perfect glow.
Skin Foundation Cushion Compact, $45 from Bobbi Brown
Givenchy Teint Couture Cushion launches in Sephora next week and is also a similar concept.
Although, rather than the sponge-like cushion being exposed, there is a metal plate, protecting the precious formula and when pressed, the formula is released through the Givenchy logo… Very chic.
Boasting plump and fresh skin with a blur effect, it seems we can all have glow on the go! Givenchy Teint Couture Cushion, $74 –Exclusively available at Sephora
Last but not least in the foundation category, L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique Cushion Foundation SPF 29 has just launched and has a great price point for the same ‘cushion’ technology.
Continuing the on-the-go concept, this cushion is micro-aerated making application with the included puff easy with buildable coverage, suiting any look desired. The tapping application means more product, therefore more glow, so get tapping – available in 6 shades. Nude Magique Cushion Foundation SPF 29, $29.95 from L’Oreal Paris
Korean brand, Dr. Jart, available in Sephora has kept two trends in one with their new complexion perfection product. While they have taken on board the new cushion technology for on -the-go application, they have also kept the effect and lightness of a BB cream.
Dr. Jart Bounce Beauty Balm Moist SPF 30 is not a sponge, but almost like a form netting where it releases a BB formula – Bounce your puff on the netting to release the moisture glow!
BB cream has a little less coverage than a foundation, but this product is all about fresh, bright, glowing skin and as it is only available in two shades, it evens out the skin tone without covering it. Bounce Beauty Balm Moist SPF 30, $67 from Sephora
Whatever your choice of compact, I think its safe to say there is no excuse for dull skin at 3pm anymore, as these little convenient gems of goodness really can be that one handbag product to bring back the glow!