What is cushion and the secrets of use in makeup

The cosmetic product market is constantly updated, manufacturers regularly develop and release new products to keep buyers interested. The Korean beauty industry is also keeping up with the times and keeping up with the rest of the world. Another development of Korean scientists and marketers – cushion – a new generation of tonal means. The journalists decided to figure out what kind of product it is, what it is intended for, what advantages and disadvantages it has, what types of cushons are, depending on the purpose. You will find the most complete and comprehensive information about the new Korean cosmetic development in this article.

Cushion – basic information about a beauty makeup product

For the first time, Korean manufacturers presented the cushion about 12 years ago. Since that time, this product began to gain popularity and firmly holds its position in the cosmetic market to this day. In the country where cushion was invented, more than 40% of all decorative cosmetics are produced in this form. This includes foundation, lipstick, blush, bronzers, highlighters, eye shadow, etc.

In principle, all decorative cosmetics for face and body that are not dry in texture can be produced in the form of a cushion. Since a cushion is a sponge impregnated with a pigmented cream, which can have different purposes. It turns out that cushion is not some special type of cosmetics, but simply a new and unusual form of its release. Take, for example, eyeshadow – the release form can be different – in a jar, a flat set, a mini-tube or in a cushion.

It might interest you! For lovers of new products and all sorts of unusual cosmetics, there is good news. Despite the fact that manufacturers mainly work on developing cushion for the face, and not for lips and eyelids, large brands are trying to bring some kind of innovation to their product. For example, Givenchy has cushion cushions that replace the pigmented sponges with pads made of metal with slits to squeeze out the product when pressed. What this know-how gives the consumer:

1. Stylish look of a cosmetic product. If you wipe the inner surface of the box with a damp antiseptic cloth, it is very difficult to guess that a foundation is hidden under a metal plate with a geometric pattern of slots.

2. The product practically does not come into contact with air, so it does not dry out and retains its properties longer with a minimum amount of preservatives in the composition.

3. The cream is very conveniently dispensed, even with a strong desire, you will not collect more funds on the applicator than required. Accordingly, the consumption of such a drug is reduced, it is used sparingly.

4. Pathogens are very unlikely to penetrate the makeup cream. Especially if you do not forget to periodically clean the sponge.

Cushion in makeup – foundation

Available in cushion form, the foundation combines the properties of a long-lasting foundation, light BB cream and face powder. All cushons look more or less the same – this is a compact round or oval box smaller in size than most powders. At the bottom of the box there is a sponge soaked in foundation. The set includes a second sponge or sponge, as well as a mirror. It turns out that in order to apply the foundation on the face, you need to touch the sponge with a sponge, the cosmetic product will be absorbed from the sponge into the sponge, and it can be used to apply makeup.

What is the advantage of a foundation in the form of a cushion over other cosmetic products that are produced in our usual tubes and jars:

1. A compact package that is not difficult to always carry with you in your purse, as it does not take up much space. Makeup can be tweaked in any situation.

2. During transportation, the foundation enclosed in a cushion does not spread and cannot stain other things in the bag. It takes a lot of work to break or crush this flat jar of cream.

3. A large selection of colors and shades for girls with different types of appearance (we are talking about products of European, not Korean brands). Some cushion adapts to the skin tone.

4. The foundation for making up has a very light consistency, it is practically a fluid. On the face, it is not felt, does not cause a feeling of tightness or stickiness, oily. The effect of a mask or plastering does not appear on the skin, since it is quite difficult to overdo it with the application of such cosmetics.

5. The cushion foundation is multifunctional. It can be used as a concealer to mask dark circles under the eyes when applied to previously moisturized skin. Or as a base for long-lasting evening, festive makeup.

6. The product spreads easily, evenly, in a thin layer, lays down without stains and streaks, does not strip. This is due to the fact that when you press the sponge on the cushion, the foundation, as you 'whipped', turns into a light and airy emulsion. Moreover, the sponge in the cushion box has its place – a separate compartment, so it does not come into contact with the cosmetic product when the box is closed.

7. The face looks as natural as possible, it is imperceptible that you have used a foundation for makeup.

8. High aesthetic values ​​and excellent overlapping properties. The tone of the skin is evened out, aesthetic defects are masked.

9. Careful attitude to the skin of the face, properties of BB-cream – the cushion does not clog pores, contains useful components – nourishing, moisturizing, antiseptic, regenerative, etc. Performing makeup, you not only mask imperfections, but also heal the skin of the face.

10. Better UV protection than most classic foundation. As a rule, manufacturers include powerful UV filters in the composition of such cosmetics – at least 25 is provided, and in some cases even 50. This fact, combined with the fact that cushion has a very light texture, makes them ideal makeup products for the summer .

11. Persistence and duration of the result. The foundation, produced in the form of a cushion, usually stays on the surface of the face for at least 7-9 hours.

12. Easy to remove makeup. You do not need to buy any special preparations; ordinary micellar water or foam for washing will do.

13. The similarity of the foundation, which comes in cushion form, with the usual foundation is that there are several types of preparations. The first group of products – matting, they are suitable for owners of oily, problematic, combination skin, as they contain absorbent particles and provide a matte finish. On dry skin types, such preparations can emphasize not only peeling areas, but also wrinkles and other imperfections. However, it should be borne in mind that almost any foundation in a cushion contains at least 30% liquid, so if you have dry skin, you should not categorically refuse matting preparations if you like this effect in your face makeup. Just test the product on a small area of ​​dry skin and you will see if it works for you or not.

14. The second group of face make-up cushons are moisturizing ones, they differ in a lighter and softer, liquid consistency. The hydrating components in the cushion impregnation provide high-quality hydration, eliminate dullness and normalize the complexion. Therefore, such drugs are mainly used by girls with a dry type of skin. Antiseptic cushons are representatives of the third group of foundation, the real saviors of the owners of problem skin. They help fight existing rashes and prevent the formation of new foci of inflammation. The fourth group of cushion – foundation creams with a shimmery finish. Such products are suitable only for owners of perfect skin without flaws. They create a glowing effect from the inside, as they contain pearlescent particles of a pinkish, golden hue.

Features of foundations in the form of cushion

Before choosing a foundation in the form of a cushion, abandoning the use of traditional foundation or BB, CC creams, you need to know about some of the features of an innovative makeup product:

1. Even if the product contains 30% moisture, this does not mean that the finish will have a damp shine and not a healthy glow. The excess liquid is needed in order to simplify the process of applying, distributing and blending cosmetics. After that, it is partially absorbed into the skin, partially evaporated, leaving only a layer of toning pigments on the face.

2. If you have dark, tanned skin, finding the right cushion foundation can be problematic. This is due to the fact that most of these cosmetic products are manufactured in Korea. As you know, most Asian women are owners of light skin with a yellowish or beige tone. And cosmetics for make-up are designed to emphasize the light tone of the skin, as this is considered a sign of aristocracy. Therefore, the color palette of Korean cosmetic products is mainly limited to a light range, as a rule, whitening components are present in it. But you can explore the assortment of European cushion manufacturers, as it has a more varied and rich palette.

3. Korean manufacturers, taking into account the needs of buyers in their country, produce cushion with a matting effect. Therefore, if you have oily, combination skin, you should pay attention to such drugs. If you need a product that gives the skin a light glow, you should give preference to European counterparts.

4. Another not very pleasant feature of the drug is that the cushion-shaped foundation is not consumed economically and ends much earlier than the preparations of the same volume produced in tubes and jars. The fact is that the sponge, with which cosmetics is applied to the surface of the face, must be regularly cleaned, washing it every 2 or 3 days with a makeup remover to avoid the multiplication of pathogenic microflora. It turns out that the user is forced to regularly wash out unused cosmetics from the sponge, which is completely uneconomical. However, if you learn how to properly dose the product, knowing the characteristics of your skin, you can put the cream on the sponge in the right amount, use it completely, as a result of which the minimum amount of the cosmetic product will be washed out during cleansing.

Disadvantages of cushion foundation

There are not many drawbacks to cushion, but they are, and it will be useful to know about them:

1. Strongly expressed imperfections of the skin cannot be masked by the foundation in the cushion. Despite the fact that for such a light texture the product has rather high overlapping properties, it will not work to hide acne, scars and scars, it will not work with it. Therefore, if you have such aesthetic defects in appearance, you better give preference to the usual foundation for makeup with a dense texture.

2. If we compare the classic foundation and the foundation in the form of a cushion, the last drug loses in volume. Cushion packaging usually contains 12-15 milliliters of the drug. But its cost is higher than that of the usual tonal. This is undoubtedly justified by the high efficiency and other advantages of the innovative cosmetic makeup product. But experts say that the numerous advantages of cushion are a marketing ploy used to promote the drug in the cosmetics market. Take at least the same BB cream – it is no worse than cushion, it has the same properties, but it costs less, since it is produced in a different form, that is, in a simple tube. If a sponge is soaked in cream, the consumer gets the desired novelty instead of the usual cosmetic product. And the manufacturer cuts costs and makes additional profits from the sale of a supposedly 'innovative' makeup product.

3. If you don't regularly clean the sponge, and most girls are lazy or forget to carry out such hygienic manipulations, bacteria will get into the cushion sponge. An ideal breeding environment has been created there – humid, dark, nutritious. As a result, numerous acne may appear on the skin, especially if a girl with problem skin uses the cushion.

4. The cushion foundation, like personal care products, cannot be borrowed, shared, or tested by another person, even a friend or mother. Otherwise, there is a risk of skin infection for both the owner of the cosmetics and the one who took it for a while.

Cushion foundation – how to apply makeup correctly

If the features and disadvantages of makeup cushions do not stop you, then you need to learn how to use this cosmetic product. There is nothing complicated here, if you have already used a regular foundation, then you can easily cope with the task.

The sequence of performing face makeup using a cushion:

1. Wash your face and perform any cleansing procedures you deem necessary. Use toner to cleanse your face or use an ice cube to tone up and close pores.

2. Apply a moisturizer or any other skin care product you are used to using every day. The preparation should be absorbed within 5-10 minutes, the residues can be removed with a paper napkin.

3. A previously applied cream can become the basis for a foundation cushion. But if you want the face to be smoother, and the makeup stays in place for as long as possible, it is better to additionally use a silicone primer.

4. Take a sponge from a box with a cushion, if it has a special loop for easy grip, stick several fingers into it – index and middle, or middle and ring, or all three at the same time.

5. Press the sponge onto the surface of the sponge. The pressure should be light, so as not to accidentally collect more drug on the pad than required.

6. Apply the foundation with light movements all over the face. Where there are aesthetic defects that need careful masking, apply the cream with patting movements, as if driving it into the surface of the face.

7. Let the cream get used to the skin, take its temperature, and self-distribute. If the result is not good enough, you can apply a second layer of foundation on problem areas of the skin.

8. If you want to set your makeup and increase its durability for an additional 3-5 hours, you can apply a colorless powder over the cushion.

9. If the cushion pad has already deteriorated over time, it is not at all necessary to buy a new one. Moreover, a fairly limited number of brands take care of releasing replaceable blocks and accessories for their products, since it is more profitable for them to constantly sell new products, rather than prolong the life of goods already purchased by consumers.

10. So, you can apply the cushion not only with a special applicator, but also with a makeup brush, even with your fingertips. If you choose the latter option, make sure you sanitize your hands first. The technique of performing face make-up with the help of a cushion and improvised means is no different from the standard technique. Only you will need to 'drive' the product into the skin not with an applicator, but with a brush or fingertips.

Cushion foundation – a review of the best drugs

Our experts have selected for you several popular cushion-based foundation with which you can start your acquaintance with a new product and not be disappointed:

1. M Magic Cushion Moisture by Missha. Despite the fact that this preparation is Korean-made, it contains reflective substances, which give the skin a healthy glow. This product has a high UV filter – SPF-50. The cream has an excellent moisturizing effect, since its formula includes such components as bamboo hydrolate, rose water, extract from the baobab fruit. Other beneficial ingredients help reduce sebum production. Cushion is suitable for those with oily and combination skin. It also contains witch hazel and a complex of four vegetable oils, which eliminate redness, irritation, and maintain the moisture level of the skin. There are two colors of make-up foundation available for purchase – light and natural beige. The average cost of a cushion is 1200-1350 rubles.

2. HoliPop Blur Lasting Cushion by Holika Holika. This cushion-based foundation was specially developed for women with oily and combination skin types. The product has excellent matting and relief-leveling properties. Copes well with minor imperfections such as pimples and slight redness. The preparation contains the SPF-50 factor, which effectively protects the skin from the sun and photoaging. Also in the cream formula there are extracts from lily, lotus, peach, cherry and hydrolyzed lycithin, which helps to restore firmness and elasticity of the facial skin. The palette contains three shades, one of them is designed for dark skin. The average cost is 900-1120 rubles.

3. Gudetama Lazy & Easy Face 2 Change Photo Ready Cushion BB by Holika Holika. This product adjusts to the complexion, provides a natural glow, protects against photoaging (SPF-50). The cream contains a special polymer that provides increased makeup durability. The product is characterized by an incredibly rich component composition, which contains coral and pearl dust, argan oil, niacinamide, adenosine, purslane extract, chestnut hydrolat. The color palette is modest – only two shades – light and beige. A distinctive feature of this make-up product is that it comes with two sponges and a replacement block with a foundation. Replacement sponges, if necessary, can be purchased. The second feature is the original, fun design that young girls like so much. The average cost of a cushion is 1700-1900 rubles.

4. Saemmul Oil Control Cushion from The Saem. This make-up product is suitable for owners of oily and combined dermis, as it creates a beautiful matte finish and perfectly evens out the color and relief of the face. The cushion contains components that prevent the sebaceous glands from being too active and absorb excess sebum. Also included in the formula of the drug are birch sap, cotton extract, zinc, rose hydrolate, adenosine and vegetable oil. You can buy the cream in two colors – light and beige. The average cost of a cushion is 800-950 rubles.

5. BCDation Cushion Plus from TonyMoly. It is a versatile cushion for use by women of different skin types. After applying makeup, the skin becomes velvety, smooth, acquires a natural color and natural radiance. The maximum level of protection against ultraviolet radiation is SPF-50. Buyers can choose from three shade options – Vanilla beige, Skin beige, Warm beige. The average cost of a cosmetic product for makeup is 2250-2400 rubles.

6. CC Cushion by N1FACE. This tool is suitable for those girls who have a very light skin tone of the face or those who want to get a similar effect. The make-up with this cushion looks natural, but the coverage is quite dense. The composition contains a high SPF filter. And also a variety of useful ingredients – tea tree oil and extracts from willow tea, water lily flowers, lavender, purslane. Two colors are available – light and beige. The average cost of a makeup product is 1200-1350 rubles.

7. Liquid BB Cream Au Ginseng from Erborian. In this case, we are dealing with a well-known BB cream from this manufacturer, enclosed in a cushion shape. This cream helps not only to even out the tone and relief, but also to increase the moisture content of the skin. In the formula of the drug, the manufacturer included an extract of ginseng root, licorice, yam and the active form of vitamin E. Two shades are available to buyers – light and beige. The average cost of a make-up product is 3800-4000 rubles.

8. Miracle Cushion by Lancome. This cushion has a gel base and is considered universal for use on all types of skin. It evens out the shade of the skin well, refreshes, gives the effect of radiance, masks imperfections. The UV filter is not high – 23, the makeup durability is also not great enough – 3-4 hours. The product contains cooling and tonic components, glycerin, adenosine, extract from coniferous needles. The advantages of the drug are a wide color palette (9 shades, including very dark ones), as well as the ability to buy a replacement cushion block, which costs half the price of a complete set. The average cost of a face makeup gel is 3000 rubles.

9. Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation from Chanel. This face make-up preparation is not so much a cushion as a gel-based foundation. It contains a large amount of water – more than 50%, therefore it creates a powerful moisturizing effect and gives a feeling of freshness. Despite the fact that the kit comes with a sponge for applying makeup, the manufacturer recommends using a brush, not it. The formula contains derivatives of hyaluronic acid, Kalanchoe extract, natural mineral pigments and shade-leveling microparticles. The palette contains the 10 most requested shades. The average cost of a make-up preparation is 4000-4200 rubles.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to say for sure which of these products is the best. The needs of each woman, like her skin, are individual. Moreover, the assortment of cosmetics stores includes a large number of other products of different price categories. Expert opinions are subjective, as are user reviews. After all, it often happens that a certain product receives negative assessments only because it does not solve the problems that the consumer needs to solve. Therefore, in order to find the best cushion foundation for yourself, you will have to experiment with different options. But it often happens that the best cosmetic product is found the first time, nevertheless, cushons are very good, because it is not for nothing that more and more women prefer them.

Other types of makeup cushion

Other types of cosmetics produced in the form of cushons are also used in face makeup. It can be:

1. Cushion primers – create a lightweight and weightless base coat, which improves the 'adhesion' of cosmetics to the skin, the make-up lasts several hours longer and does not 'float' even on oily skin.

2. Cushion blush – the product creates the effect of a natural delicate and light blush without the need for careful shading. The face looks like you have just returned from an outdoor walk.

3. Highlighter and bronzer cushions are an ideal solution for those who want to master the technique of contouring or strobing in makeup, but are afraid that the transitions of dark and light tones will be very noticeable. Highlighting and accentuating, as well as darkening and camouflaging the desired areas is soft, delicate and imperceptible to others. Additionally, these highlighters / bronzers can moisturize the skin.

4. Cushion lipsticks are a safe bet for those who prefer naturalness in their makeup. The sponges are moisturized, natural-looking and at the same time have a rich, sexy color.

5. Cushion shadows are suitable for owners of dry or combination skin, moisturize and nourish the delicate dermis of the eyelids. Make-up is easy, regardless of the chosen technique, the transitions from one shade to another look as natural as possible.

6. Cushion for eyebrow makeup is an excellent tool for those who are accustomed to adjusting eyebrow arches every morning and emphasizing their grace, beauty, color saturation, before applying the main makeup. The paint looks natural on the skin and hairs of the arcs, adds volume and allows you to draw clear contours of the eyebrows.

Make-up with cosmetics in the form of a cushion is performed in almost the same way as if the product is used in the classic form. For example, consider the sequence of actions in the case of the cushion lipstick:

1. Clean your lips from makeup and possible impurities.

2. If your lips are flaky, treat your skin with a special mild scrub that will make the surface smoother. It is useful to scrub the skin even if there are no visible imperfections on it, since the upper stratum corneum is removed, the synthesis of new cells is activated, and the sponges become softer and more tender. The main thing is not to carry out the procedure too often, 1-2 times a week will be enough.

3. Apply a lip balm or whatever you regularly use to care for the skin in this area of ​​the face.

4. Apply a lipstick base, a special primer or universal face primer, to your lips.

5. If you want to make the lips look a little bigger, the skin around them needs to be treated with a highlighter or light foundation.

6. If you want to clearly define the contours of the lips, draw them with a special contour pencil. The lines should be drawn from the center of each sponge to the ends.

7. Physically increasing the volume of the lips and saturating their color for a short time will help the application of a colorless or colored plumper of the appropriate shade.

8. When the surface of the sponges is completely ready, you can apply the lipstick in the form of a cushion. Such a cosmetic product differs from foundation and blush in that it does not include a special sponge soaked in a cosmetic preparation. In this case, the lipstick applicator itself acts as a cushion. Place the applicator in the middle of the upper lip and paint the entire surface in a motion similar to making prints with the tip of the applicator. Do the same on the lower lip. After a few minutes, to consolidate the result, you can run the cushion applicator over the lips as you do with ordinary lipstick – from the center to the sides.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in using cushion lipstick for lips, as is the case with other drugs of this form of release.

A life hack from lip cushion specialists that will help you save money – buy cosmetics with a matte finish. First, matte lips are trending now. Secondly, if the cushion has a matte finish and you want a glossy shimmer, simply apply an inexpensive transparent lip gloss over the last layer of makeup. Even if it contains not very useful components, they will not 'break through' the layers of primer and high-quality cosmetics, and you will get such a desirable gloss on the lips.

How to choose the best cushion cosmetic for yourself

Regardless of what kind of cushion-shaped cosmetics you need, the selection rules remain the same. Follow them in order to buy the right product and not be disappointed with it when doing makeup.

Rules and tips for choosing makeup cushion:

1. The price of cosmetics is not always an indicator of high or low quality. Often, reputable brands release lines of budget funds that are available to a wide range of consumers. These same solid and reliable brands often use their reputation in order to unjustifiably and unreasonably inflate the prices of their products. A small example – the products of Oriflame and Avon firms are of good quality, while the price of cosmetics is quite acceptable even for a consumer with limited financial resources. At the same time, the Chanel brand produces expensive luxury and premium cosmetics, and the quality of the company's products is not only low, but certainly not better than that of cheaper competitors.

2. Based on the information in the first paragraph, you shouldn't pay much attention to the brand. Better, of course, to give preference to trusted brands, but if you frankly do not like a particular product, do not rely on the fact that the company has a good reputation all over the world.

3. Before purchasing a particular drug for the first time, be sure to test it yourself. Cushion is a fairly new product and may have unexpected properties. Therefore, it is recommended to make the first purchase in a stationary cosmetics store, where there are probes and testers, where you can touch, smell, apply to the skin and form your own opinion about the sensations that arise. Some stores have special sections – corners, where products of a certain brand are presented. There is always a qualified consultant who will help with the choice of makeup products and even show you how to use it correctly. In any case, you should evaluate the following properties of the cushion before the first purchase (then you can safely order this product in the online store):

4. Do you like the texture.

5. Are you satisfied with the overlapping properties of the cushion, the saturation of its color.

6. Is the product suitable for your skin type, does it highlight imperfections, or hides imperfections. It is especially important to clarify this issue when choosing a cushion from a Korean manufacturer.

7. How comfortable it is to cushion and 'wear' the makeup on the skin. You should not experience a feeling of tightness or burning, itching. In order to evaluate the result, it is recommended to carry out the test for at least 10-15 minutes. Apply the product to your skin and walk around the store for a bit so that the product has time to show all its properties.

8. How long the cushion is, does it smudge against the skin, etc.

9. Whether the shade of the make-up is right for you – this can be understood only by applying a probe to the corresponding area of ​​the face.

10. Do you like the aroma of the drug, does it cause nausea, dizziness?

11. Find out what level of UV protection your particular makeup product has. This is an important selection criterion if it's summer outside, you have thin and sensitive or aging skin.

12. Read the information on the composition of the product carefully. The first positions on the list should be taken by natural ingredients, not chemical additives. You need to pay special attention to substances that are contained in the product in high concentration – 1% or more.

13. It is good if the packaging of the cushion indicates that the cosmetics are hypoallergenic. Even if you are not prone to allergies, such a drug will be more useful and safe for you.

Also of no small importance when buying a product with a high moisture content is its shelf life, which consists of two aspects:

1. The total shelf life of the unopened package of the drug. It is checked by the batch code (batch code) or in accordance with the date of manufacture and the mark 'good by'.

2. The shelf life of the drug after opening the package, that is, from the beginning of the use of cosmetics. Cushons contain a lot of water in combination with natural substances, and they usually do not include many preservatives. Therefore, the period of use of such drugs is from 6 to 12 months, which is indicated on the packaging in the form of 6M or 12M near the symbol of a jar with an open lid. If the shelf life of a drug with a damaged package is more than 18 months, then it contains a large amount of parabens, it is better to give preference to a cushion with a more natural composition.

3. When determining how 'fresh' a product you intend to buy, it is important to keep in mind that the application period of open cosmetics cannot exceed its general shelf life. For example, if the product is considered spoiled exactly one month later, then you can use it for no more than 30 days, even if the package is labeled 12M.

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