Korean beauty is lightyears ahead of the rest of the world.
The country is known for its innovation in the hair, skincare and makeup space – which is why its head spas, gadgets and game-changing applicators are as lauded as the products themselves.
The current directive for natural beauty is a direct K-beauty import. The idea is so ingrained in Korean culture that it’s an entire philosophy, whether that comes to your complexion care or cosmetics. “Korean makeup is all about enhancing - not masking - your natural beauty”, explains PURESEOUL’s Lead Product Specialist, Alethea Demetriou. “The goal is to look fresh, youthful and radiant, with a focus on healthy-looking skin. Think sheer, dewy base makeup, soft lip shades and minimal contouring. Rather than heavy coverage, the emphasis is on layering lightweight textures to create a “my skin but better” effect.”
For this reason, cushion foundations are hugely popular in Korea – and their lightweight, buildable coverage is garnering a loyal fan base over here in the UK too. We reached out to the experts to find out why.
What are Korean cushion foundations?
“Cushion foundations are a K-beauty staple that simplifies your base routine by combining foundation, applicator and mirror in one portable compact”, reveals Demetriou. “They eliminate the need for a bulky foundation bottle and separate brush or sponge, making it super convenient to carry in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day”.
She continues, “Most Korean cushions offer buildable coverage with a dewy or satin finish, and often include added skincare benefits like SPF and hydration to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.”
Martine Jarman, founder of SkinScript+ prescriptive skincare range adds that “Most K-beauty makeup also includes skincare ingredients, so it is kinder to your skin while making you look good” – and that is often true of these foundations. “It gives you a natural, glowing look and usually includes skincare benefits like hydration, SPF and soothing ingredients - perfect for everyday wear”. But, she stresses, “Use an SPF50 for added protection”.
How do you use Korean cushion foundations?
Jarman breaks it down step-by-step:
- Lightly press the puff into the cushion.
- Dab the puff onto your skin.
- Start in the centre of your face and blend outward.
- Add more if needed, you can build up the product without it looking heavy.
Demetriou explains that “Using a cushion foundation is quick and mess-free. The tapping motion helps blend the product seamlessly into the skin, keeping it light and natural. You can build it up gradually in areas where you want more coverage, perfect for that natural, flawless base that still looks like your own skin.”
The texture works particularly well for top-ups, but some may find that the included applicator may remove product. In this case, try using a spatula or clean brush. If the consistency isn’t sitting seamlessly on your skin, it could be on account of the previous formulas in your skincare routine or your primer. In this case, a damp sponge works well and blends easily to prevent it going cakey or patchy.
How do you match Korean cushion foundations?
One of the main gripes that many people will have with Korean cushion foundations is the shade range – or the lack thereof. There is rarely a diverse selection so many brands will not work for those with darker skin tones. Jarman says that you can “blend into your skin even if the shade isn’t perfect”.
While in Korea, customers will typically have their shade professionally analysed, Demetriou shares her tricks to finding your optimal colour. “Look at the veins on your wrist: bluish veins suggest a cool undertone, greenish veins suggest warm, and if it’s hard to tell, you’re likely neutral”.
Shop the best Korean cushion foundations below
TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion SPF40 PA++
Cushion foundations are wildly popular in Korea for their buildability, lightweight feel and natural application. The TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion is one of the best on the market - not just because it boasts high-level UV protection with the SPF40 PA++ rating.
The product is very long-lasting, has a blurring filter-like effect on the skin and while it is semi-matte, it is lightly glowy. The coverage is good, more so than some of the other formulas in this edit but it doesn’t feel heavy or cake. There is also one of the most extensive shade offerings with 40 hues.
Buy now £18.80, Stylevana
Missha Magic Cushion Cover Lasting Foundation SPF50+/PA+++
Magic by name, magic by nature, Missha’s foundation is not like the Dream Matte Mousse spongey formula that Noughties kids will be oh-so-familiar with. It doesn’t cake onto the complexion but instead creates a light veil of colour to smooth and a little goes a long way. Boosting with hydrating ingredients, it is relished by the skin and the handy compact complete with a mirror makes on-the-go touch-ups a breeze.
The shade range is not great. In fact, there are only four pale shades to choose between but if you have fair skin, it provides a long-lasting, easy-to-apply light coverage product.
Buy now £8.68, Amazon
CLIO Kill Cover The New Founwear Cushion SPF50+ PA+++
Lauded by the experts as one of the brands to know, Clio has formed a name for itself this way of Seoul for its Kill Lash mascara and liners that simply do not budge. The foundation follows in the same vein for all-day coverage.
The cushion texture eases application, encouraging the tint to glide over the complexion and it’s buildable too. There are seven shades but as a word of warning, the darkest Sand hue closely resembles the golden shade associated with the beach landscape. Here’s hoping darker tones will be unveiled soon.
Buy now £20.29, Stylevana
HERA Black Cushion Foundation SPF34 PA++
There is something quite nostalgic about the black compact of the HERA foundation. It reminds us of our first-ever foundation products back in the 90s and 00s - cushion applicator included. In line with the K-beauty trend in this category, the base product is very lightweight and thin, but it spreads nicely across the complexion and can be layered under bronzer for a golden finish. The formula is enriched with kind-to-skin hydrating ingredients so will not exacerbate dryness in those experiencing parchedness.
There are only nine light shades.
Buy now, Stylevana
LANEIGE Neo Cushion Matte Set
You may know LANEIGE best for its Lip Sleeping Mask but don’t sleep on the rest of its selection, especially this fan favourite. The Neo Cushion Matte Set is lightweight in texture and applies like a dream - simply forgo the cushion provided.
The formula includes ingredients you will recognise from your skincare heroes - like panthenol, vitamin E and blue hyaluronic acid - all of which work to hydrate your skin while it imparts its tint. There are six shades available.
Buy now £29.56, YesStyle
eSpoir Pro Tailor Be Velvet Cover Cushion New Class
Don’t underestimate the camouflaging power of this foundation from eSpoir. It has high-performance coverage is as a result of sapphire powder particles, innovative technology that melts into the skin and locks in. This is enhanced by the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, phytosterol and beta-glucan. For ultimate lasting power, apply after primer.
Buy now £24.79, Stylevana
fwee Cushion Glass Natural
There are a whopping eight types of hyaluronic acid in this Korean cushion foundation that are paired with thermal water so that each time you apply it to your complexion, you are getting hydration at the same time. The beauty of this formula is its buildability. It’s a foundation, yes but also you can use it for touch-ups and to improve skin texture. It is worth noting that the darkest colour is medium, natural beige.
Buy now £15.60, YesStyle
