Cushion Foundations: What The Hell They Are And Why They're Big News

Cushion Foundations: What The Hell They Are And Why They're Big News
Model Having Makeup Applied
Model Having Makeup Applied
moodboard via Getty Images

Keeping up with the trends as a woman is exhausting stuff.

Guys haven't had a new fashion item to get their head around since man-buns, and even then they're pretty self explanatory. Meanwhile, we chicks have had to tackle sheet masks, ear cuffs, neck ties and the return of flares all in the past six months.

And now, cushion foundation. No, we're not talking about setting up your couch cushions for ultimate comfort, or when you sleep in your makeup and get beige stains all over your pillowslip. We're talking about the biggest beauty trend of 2016 out of Korea (the birthplace of beauty trends, let's face it).

"Korean women are well known for their lengthy skincare routines, involving up to 12 separate steps. Their quest for perfect skin extends to makeup, too," makeup artist Natalia Sprem told The Huffington Post Australia.

"BB cream, which was a huge global trend, came out of Korea, and now were seeing cushion foundations gain traction," Sprem said.

Essentially, a cushion foundation is a liquid formula housed in a compact. Compacts are obviously super convenient in terms of application and transportation (AKA touch ups), though have traditionally only come in powder or heavy cream formulas.

Liquids generally come in a bottle or a tube, and are by far the most popular formulation when it comes to foundation globally.

Now, the best of both worlds come together in one little circular offering. The liquid foundation is housed in a sponge-like cushion, hence the name.

"Speaking generally, cushion foundations are light to medium in terms of coverage and are hydrating or luminous. You can layer it to build coverage if necessary," Sprem said.

"They are best suited to those who need a little more coverage than a BB or CC cream, and have either dry or normal skin. I wouldn't recommend them for oily skin."

Givenchy Teint Couture Cushion, on counter April.

A small word of warning -- convenience can come at a cost. The little (supplied) sponge that is used to apply the formula can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so ensure you wash it thoroughly at least once a week, just as you would your foundation brush.

"Cushion compact foundations are a great everyday makeup for women who like a quick and easy solution. They make skin look great in a very small amount of time. That's why they are so popular," Sprem said.

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