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6 Cushion Compacts That Will Change Your Beauty Routine
If there’s one thing we’ll always do, it’s take beauty advice from South Korea, where new beauty innovations and trends are cropping up on the regular. (Seriously, it’s hard to keep track!) It started out with BB cream, then came CC cream, and now there’s a new one to throw into the mix: cushion compacts. To paint a picture, cushion compacts are what would result if BB cream/CC cream and a sponge had a baby, taking away the tube and throwing in a snap-lock compact instead. They’re transport-friendly (no spillage! small size!), easy to use, and typically offer skin care benefits like your favorite BBs and CCs—think: SPF, hydration, anti-aging. Best of all—when used correctly—each spongey dab creates a radiant, dewy complexion that’ll have you praising the K-beauty heavens. No caking, whatsoever.
Now, you might be wondering: Is the cushion compact trend just some mumbo jumbo or is it as good as they say? In short, it’s even better. So good, in fact, beauty brands are introducing their own iterations of it beyond just foundation. There are cushion concealers, blushes, bronzers, primers, and more out there—and they’re headed your way. Below, the six cushion compacts we think will change your beauty routine. Let’s go shopping!
PRIMER: LANCÔME MIRACLE CC CUSHION
This color-correcting primer in a cushion compact instantly provides weightless color correction to help mask skin discoloration and add hydration. The pigmented formula—with pine extract and glycerin—is available in four shades to address common skin concerns, like redness, discoloration, dullness, and dark circles. Just layer it underneath your foundation and say hello to a bright, flawless complexion.
Need a primer on color correcting before you buy? Read this! Hint: Think back to elementary school art class.
Lancôme Miracle CC Cushion, $39.50
BLUSH: LANCÔME BLUSH SUBTIL CUSHION
Naturally flushed, healthy-looking cheeks have never been easier to attain thanks to this cushion compact blush—available in six gorgeous shades, including corals and pinks—delivering vibrant color with a dewy glow. The innovative cushion sponge allows for buildable, customized intensity. For a sheer tint, tap lightly. For a bolder look, tap firmly to release more fluid. Easy, peasy.
Lancôme Blush Subtil Cushion, $39
FOUNDATION: IT COSMETICS CC+ VEIL BEAUTY FLUID FOUNDATION 50+
Help brighten your complexion, improve your skin tone, and minimize pores with this first-of-its-kind anti-aging foundation and serum infused with pure coverage pigments and liquid crystals. The formula feels so lightweight and airy on the skin, you might just forget you’re wearing anything at all.
It Cosmetics CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation 50+, $38
FOUNDATION: LANCÔME MIRACLE CUSHION
For the perfect amount of makeup with an effortless application, reach for this foundation-soaked sponge that provides a dewy, fresh glow in seconds. Choose from 11 skin-perfect shades.
FOUNDATION: L’OREAL PARIS TRUE MATCH LUMI CUSHION FOUNDATION
Luminous coverage with a single tap? We’re all ears. This refreshing formula—available in 12 shades—offers sheer to medium coverage that’s buildable to suit your taste (and your skin tone!).
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation, $16.99
FOUNDATION: LANCÔME TEINT IDOLE ULTRA CUSHION FOUNDATION
This oil-free, lightweight liquid foundation boasts refreshing hydration, SPF 50, and a natural matte finish. The technology is three years of research in the making, so you know it’s got to be good.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation, $47
Moral of the story: You don’t have to ditch your go-to foundation or tinted moisturizer in favor of cushion compacts, but you certainly should add at least one to your arsenal and give it a try—if you know what’s good for your skin, that is.
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