Cushion compact offers express beauty for today’s busy professionals
Replacing the powder room with a “cushion closet” may be more relevant to what today’s women carry in their cosmetics bag since K-Beauty’s spongy innovation has definitely become a make-up must-have.
American and European brands now offer me-too products of the on-the-go cushion developed by South Korean cosmetics giant, Amorepacific.
Introduced in 2008, the cushion compact houses a urethane foam designed with 800,000 pores for liquid make-up to ooze out when the sponge is pressed with a puff, of which the application reduces the skin’s temperature by 4°C for a cooling effect.
Over the eight years, Amorepacific constantly upgrades its cushion sold under several brands, such as newly-released Laneige BB Cushion collection offering two types of BB cream, one with a whitening effect and the other a pore-control formula.
The cushion’s popularity is driven by the convenient portability of liquid make-up compared to carrying it in a conventional bottle or tube. Moreover, it shortens the make-up routine and is easier for touch-ups while creating the coveted moist and luminous skin look sported by Korean stars.
“With a cushion compact, women can quickly create a natural-looking flawless skin, for express beauty,’’ said make-up artist, Vinij Boonchaisri. “The make-up tends to be more watery, and the application instead of piling up should aim to be as thin as possible for a natural and real-skin look.’’
Limited shades was a setback of this product category previously catering to fair-skinned Korean women, but now a wider range of shades are available from various brands to match the different skin tones of global consumers.
“The K-Beauty look emphasises dewy skin and a fuller face without contouring to define facial features,’’ said Vinij. “Women who still want to do the sculpting, however, can use a darker shade of their cushion product but not overdo the application to still get the natural look.’’
The Korean innovation was inspired by a parking stamp with Western versions, including YSL Le Cushion Encre de Peau, evoking an inkwell, and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact with the refill resembling a coffee capsule.
This year has seen numerous cushion launches from major players in the cosmetics industry.
Dior debuted two versions, reinventing them as skincare additions to whitening and anti-ageing product lines.
“Cushions were only dedicated to make-up until Dior introduced skincare cushions, with the latest Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion containing a hybrid formula featuring the same key anti-ageing and protective ingredients as in Capture Totale skincare products,’’ said the brand’s trainer, Chaiyapoom Channamsai.
Available in three shades, the lightly-tinted formula melts into the skin to deliver a watery sensation while imparting a matte and luminous finish.
“During the day, the cushion format allows easy reapplication of skincare and sunscreen. A quick touch-up, particularly on T-zone or areas darkened by spots, gives an instant freshness and correcting effects to maintain the perfect complexion,’’ said Chaiyapoom.
More skincare versions as well as cushionised make-up such as eyeshadows and blushers are expected to further drive the boom for spongy beauty products.