Frequently Asked Questions
What are cushion foundations?
A cushion foundation is essentially a liquid foundation housed inside a compact with a sponge saturated in product—but according to Malova, the formula is what really sets it apart. Cushion foundations tend to be lighter than traditional foundations, making them easy to apply and build up “little by little without it looking cakey,” she says. The payoff is a fresh, skin-like finish with what she describes as “a beautiful, healthy glow” that looks radiant rather than greasy. Many formulas also contain added skin-care ingredients and SPF, making them an easy choice for everyday wear.
Is a cushion foundation good for mature skin?
Yes, cushion foundations can be an excellent choice for mature skin. “I often recommend cushion foundations for aging skin because they tend to be lightweight, hydrating, and buildable rather than thick and heavy,” says Gabbard. “They melt into the skin when applying in light layers,” creating a natural finish that enhances skin instead of masking it.
How did Korea help drive the popularity of cushion compacts?
According to Christine Oh, a makeup artist based in Toronto, cushion foundations were invented in South Korea to make foundation more convenient for touch-ups throughout the day, eliminating the need to carry around a bulky bottle or worry about spills. “Korean cushion foundations also perfectly match K-beauty ideals, which prioritize healthy, radiant, natural-looking skin over heavy coverage,” says Oh.
Why are cushion foundations becoming more popular in the US?
“Western complexion trends have moved towards lightweight formulas that let skin shine through—and cushion foundations fit right in,” says Oh. She points to the rise of the “glass skin” aesthetic and the growing demand for natural-looking, radiant coverage as key reasons more shoppers are embracing the format. They’re also tailor-made for today’s on-the-go routines. “Cushion compacts are easy to carry, quick to apply, and convenient for touch-ups whether you’re commuting to work or traveling,” says Oh. “That combination of natural-looking results and convenience is why more Western consumers are gravitating toward cushion compacts today.”
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best cushion foundations, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
