Sulwhasoo’s Perfecting Cushion and Brightening Cushion Foundations just launched at Beautylish this month. Cushion formulas have become more popular and prevalent in the U.S. but have been around longer on the global market, but if you haven’t tried them before, here’s an overview to get you started:

WHAT IS A CUSHION FOUNDATION?

At its core, cushion foundation is a liquid foundation that has been poured over a foam sponge, which holds the liquid foundation together and keeps it from spilling or moving around, but the sponge easily releases product onto the included puff for easy, on-the-go application. Everything is contained in a travel-friendly compact, and many cushion foundations include an additional refill and/or refills can be purchased, making it a more eco-friendly as well as a more cost-effective solution than it may appear at first. Most cushion foundations focus on providing quality ingredients designed to improve and hydrate the skin as well as high, broad spectrum SPF coverage. Cushion foundations are a multi-tasking product that provides coverage, skincare, hydration, and sun protection.

Most cushion foundations focus on providing quality ingredients designed to improve and hydrate the skin as well as high, broad spectrum SPF coverage. Sulwhasoo’s Perfecting Cushion “helps promote the look of firm skin and provides antioxidants,” while the Perfecting Cushion Brightening brightens the “look of dullness and discoloration” –and both come with broad spectrum SPF 50+ to for sun protection. Cushion foundations are a multi-tasking product that provides coverage, skincare, hydration, and sun protection.

WHO IS SULWHASOO?

“Drawing on the ancient wisdom of traditional Korean herbal studies, Sulwhasoo is a global leader in science-based luxury skin care and a brand under Amorepacific Corporation, the pioneer of cushion compact technology. Combined with advanced delivery systems, holistic botanicals balance the energies of the skin to create a nourished, healthy complexion and defend against damage.

AMOREPACIFIC, Sulwhasoo’s parent company, developed the first cushion compact as a fast, hassle-free way to apply liquid makeup and sunscreen on the go. The touch-activated cushion releases just enough makeup for seamless coverage, and the puff applicator evenly distributes a lightweight, uniform layer—making messy, cakey, or streaky results nearly impossible. The compact slips easily into a purse or pocket for easy touch-ups on the go.” — Beautylish

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PERFECTING CUSHION AND PERFECTING CUSHION BRIGHTENING?

They are both billed as “long-lasting” with “12-hour wear” and broad spectrum SPF 50+. The Perfecting Cushion is ideal for someone looking for full coverage with a dewy finish and has normal to dry skin. The Perfecting Cushion Brightening is ideal for someone looking for light-to-medium coverage with a satin finish and has normal to oily skin.

HOW DO I APPLY CUSHION FOUNDATION?

Start by lightly pressing the included puff applicator into the center of the cushion, which will release the liquid makeup onto the puff.  Then, softly pat the puff against the skin starting at the center of your face and blending out and toward your hairline. Repeat as needed for higher coverage just in the areas you need it.

With Sulwhasoo’s cushion applicator puffs, you don’t have to wash them, as they are anti-microbial.  If you want to wash the puff applicator, use warm water and mild soap, and then let it air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area.