What is a face cushion and how to use it?

Cushion is a relatively new product on the beauty market., but already managed to win a lot of fans. Its main advantages are called versatility and compact packaging.

Cushion for the face is not a specific tool, but a new form of production of decorative cosmetics. The name comes from the English word cushion, which translates as "sofa cushion". Thus, the cushion itself looks like a miniature powder box with a mirror, inside of which there is a dense pad with small pores, impregnated with a cosmetic product. The substance is applied to the face using an applicator, also present in the kit. Cushions were created in Korea in 2008, but a few years later they appeared in the range of leading European brands.

Today, in this format, you can buy almost any decorative cosmetics: tonal means, powders, shadows and lipsticks, as well as perfumes. The sponge pad, which is impregnated with the required agent, is able to dose out the substance, due to which, when pressed on the sponge, a very thin layer of cosmetics is formed. Thanks to this, even when applying tone or powder in several layers, you can avoid the appearance of a mask effect.

Such cosmetics have not only masking, but also moisturizing ability, although they are practically not felt on the skin. It has the following characteristics:

• resilience;
• light texture;
• convenient packaging.

Many cushions "adjust" to the skin tone, making the face coverage as natural as possible. The coloring pigments present in the composition effectively mask inflammation, pigmentation and the vascular network. To provide a multifunctional product, moisturizing, anti-aging or whitening ingredients are often added to the concealer. Thus, ginseng, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and other active substances can be found in the composition. Cushions also have sunscreen.

The main advantage of cushions is called it complex impact, since the tool not only creates a decorative effect, but also takes care of the skin. Compact packaging Fits even in the smallest clutch. It’s convenient that you don’t have to carry a mirror or a separate brush or sponge, as all the necessary accessories are hidden in the box. Cushion practically impossible to break or spill. Light texture, reminiscent of a fluid, is practically not felt on the skin of the face. You can also be sure that no sticky film or oily sheen will appear.

Hygienic packaging prevents hand contact with cosmetics or impregnated sponges.

As for the shortcomings, the main thing is still rather high cost of the product. Light fluid unable to cover scars or post-acne, and therefore you will additionally need to apply a denser product. Cushion is by no means economical to use:

• the package volume is only 12 to 15 milliliters, which, of course, is less than conventional tonal products;
• during the day, makeup, as a rule, is corrected several times, so the consumption of the substance is quite high;
• By the way, the durability of the cushion is rather mediocre - about 5-6 hours.

Today, when it comes to cushions, It is customary to distinguish three main types of products: foundations, powders and blushes.

Foundation may be regular cream, light fluid, BB cream or CC cream. This product has a moisturizing and soothing effect, and also provides protection from sunlight. The foundation can be matte or create a natural healthy shine.

Creamy powder has a more moist and velvety texture compared to the conventional compressed version. A huge plus of the cushion is the additional ability to moisturize the skin, as well as eliminate oily sheen.

Liquid pigmented blush is applied to the face with a comfortable sponge, after which it is easily shaded. Often such a cushion looks like a tube with a pad-tip soaked in a product. On their face create an almost transparent coating, so for a denser coating it will be necessary to form several layers.

Although the range of cushions on the market is not yet too extensive, you can choose both budget and expensive options. However, European brands today produce only luxury products, so it is recommended to look for mass market from Korean brands. Below are the products that are popular with consumers.

• The best manufacturers of cushions include 3Lab is an American-Korean brand that was the first to introduce a BB cream in a new format on the market. This tool creates a natural coating, leveling the surface and additionally protecting from the sun. In addition, this cushion is responsible for moisturizing and anti-aging care.

• Lancome Miracle Cushion It is customary to call one of the most popular cushion remedies. The product is suitable for both oily and problematic skin, providing long-lasting matte coverage and SPF 50 sun protection.

• L» Oreal Paris Nude Magique Cushion Foundation is considered the most affordable European product on the Russian market. The moisturizer is ideal for dry skin.

• Missha M Magic Cushion - a product of a Korean brand, which is distinguished by its quite affordable cost and the presence of reflective particles in its composition.Light fluid hides bruises under the eyes and fine wrinkles, and also corrects the action of the sebaceous glands.

• Korean gets good reviews Holika Holika Holi Pop Blur Lasting Cushiondesigned for dry and normal skin. Light shades with a natural finish look especially good on fair-skinned girls. The product contains lily extract, which fights age spots, peach extract, which is responsible for moisturizing and evening out tone, and cherry tree extract. The last component enriches the skin with vitamin C and improves the condition of blood vessels.

• Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation by Chanel refreshes the skin and protects it from the sun with SPF 25. Since this cushion is more liquid than usual, it is recommended to apply it either with a sponge or with a brush. The water content in this product reaches 56%. Light gel texture provides even dry dermis with the necessary hydration. A big plus is that the product does not spread at high temperatures.

• Liquid BB Crème au Ginseng by Erborian suitable for all women, regardless of skin type. The silky substance effectively masks the imperfections of the face, making the tone and relief uniform. Moreover, the manufacturer claims that even small wrinkles are hidden. Cushion with ginseng acts for 12 hours, additionally guaranteeing protection from ultraviolet radiation.

• CC Cushion brand N1FACE forms an ideal skin relief.The product is quite persistent, but does not clog pores, which allows it to be used by owners of any skin type, although, judging by the reviews, it is most suitable for dry dermis. After use, the face remains matte, devoid of excess shine. Light fluid "adjusts" well to your own skin tone. The SPF level in this case is from 40 to 50.

• Teint Couture Cushion by Givenchy gives the skin a healthy glow, in addition, hiding all the imperfections. Light fluid does not clog pores, evens out the tone from the first application and moisturizes the skin, thanks to the minerals and vitamins present in the composition. Small peeling is also effectively masked.

• Pure-Light by Yves-Rocher it is highly resistant, but when applied to oily skin requires periodic adjustment. The product works best on dry skin, as it is instantly absorbed, fights peeling and has a moisturizing effect.

• Nude Magique Cushion Foundation by L» Oreal Paris has a light texture. SPF 29 UV protection is good for summer use. The pluses of this cushion also include the presence of a sponge with absorbent properties.

• Double Wear Cushion BB by Estee Lauder has a smoothing and moisturizing effect, also making the skin radiant. The universal formula contains SPF 50, and the stability of the product itself reaches about 12 hours.

• Definitely deserves special attention. Skin Foundation Cushion Compact by Bobbi Brown. The more liquid texture of the impregnation creates an almost weightless radiant coating that makes the tone even and uniform.The composition of the product includes such important ingredients as albizia extract and caffeine. The product helps fight age-related manifestations, nourishes the skin and protects against aggressive environmental phenomena that contribute to premature aging.

• Cushion blush Wonderful Cushion by Sephora are budget options. There are five shades on the market - from delicate pink-beige to bright fuchsia. Sponge applied blush looks good on the skin, but leaves behind a slightly damp surface. Unlike most cushions, the consumption of this product is as economical as possible, and persistence lasts throughout the day.

• Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion SPF50 PA+++ positioned as a tool that successfully copes with the elimination of age-related skin changes. According to the manufacturer, regular use leads to a reduction in mimic wrinkles, narrowing of pores and lightening of pigmentation. The skin begins to look healthier and less tired. The durability of the product is from 12 to 14 hours, which is considered a very high result. In the assortment of the brand, this cushion is presented in seven shades.

• THE FACE SHOP WATERPROOF CUSHION is a waterproof cream base. The formula used is responsible for absorbing excess sebum, as well as maintaining an even tone throughout the day. The plant extracts present in the composition provide the necessary nutrition and hydration of the dermis.

• Korean D.R. JART TIME RETURNING with snail mucin is multifunctional, as it can be used as a concealer, foundation and anti-aging cream.A fairly resistant substance that adapts to the natural skin tone, has sun protection with SPF50.

• Cushion Gudetama Lazy & Easy Face 2 Change Photo Ready Cushion BB by Holika Holika has a very rich composition. The “cushion” impregnation contains components such as coral and pearl reflective particles that can visually even out skin tone, as well as argan oil, which is responsible for intense hydration. Niacinamide brightens age spots, and adenosine slightly tightens the contours of the face. Purslane extract narrows large pores and controls the activity of the sebaceous glands, and chestnut hydrolate stimulates cellular regeneration.

To choose the right cushion, It is still better to focus on the condition or type of skin. For example, for oily skin the most suitable means with a matting effect. Such a cushion not only reduces greasy shine, but also masks enlarged pores and small inflammations. For dry skin additional hydration is needed. When studying the composition, one should focus on the presence of oils, vitamins and thermal water - such a cushion will not only nourish the dermis, but also revitalize the tone of the face.

For problem skin it is recommended to use a powder with an antibacterial effect, which, on the contrary, does not contain oil components. Cushion will dry out the existing inflammatory elements and prevent the appearance of new ones.

Perfect for older women reflective powder. This cushion evens out the skin and creates a healthy glow. The same tool is recommended when creating an evening make-up. Antiseptic beauty products help get rid of acne, but shimmery ones with reflective particles make the face rested.

Owners of combination or sensitive skin are better to choose hypoallergenic cushions, on the packages of which the absence of oils is prescribed, but the presence of vitamins and minerals. It is important to remember that cosmetics of Korean origin are more suitable for fair skin, as it is considered very fashionable in Asia to add pallor to the face. However, the texture of such products is denser, which, on the one hand, makes the skin heavier, but, on the other hand, allows you to even out the relief and hide imperfections.

In winter time it is better to buy cushions enriched with oils, vitamins and other useful ingredients, and in summer - give preference to cosmetics with thermal water and sun protection. For these products, an SPF factor of 25 to 50 is typical.

It is recommended to choose a shade of blush in accordance with your own skin tone. Before buying a beauty product, you should definitely test it, as it may turn out that a light fluid cannot cope with imperfections or leaves behind a “wet” effect. It is especially important to “try on” the shades of Korean brand products, as they often have a specific palette.

Testing cosmetics should be as comfortable as possible, so if too much fluid is squeezed out of the “pad” or the sponge causes inconvenience, it is better to refuse the purchase. It is important to remember that cushions are not allowed to be used if you are allergic to one of the components present in the composition, as well as if there are pustules, boils or demodicosis on the skin. Some cosmetologists do not recommend using the product for too oily or too dry skin, as well as for the presence of herpes vesicles or crusts on the face.

It is customary to use a cushion like a regular foundation, but with some nuances. Although compact powder usually comes with a sponge, for direct distribution of the substance on the skin, you can use a familiar brush or a modern beauty blender. Some makeup artists do this procedure at all with fingers. Despite the fact that the cushion has a moisturizing effect, the skin can be pre-treated with an appropriate cream, giving it the opportunity to be well absorbed. If you press the cushion pad, then a cosmetic product will be squeezed out through its pores, the volume of which should be enough for one procedure. Nevertheless, this sequence has to be repeated from 1 to 5 times, depending on the density of the substance.

Apply the product correctly with light patting movements, after which shading occurs in the direction from the center to the edges, that is, to the forehead, temples and chin. First you need to tone the forehead, then process the contour, and then move on to the nose, cheeks and chin.If there is a need to mask acne or redness, then this should be done pointwise and with a second layer, using a brush of a suitable size or a cotton swab. To add a matte surface or to fix the final result, you will have to apply a light layer of powder on top of the foundation.

Most of the reviews about cushions from different brands are positive. Buyers note that the coating does not clog pores, does not create a mask effect on the skin, but effectively hides pimples and redness. Many brands last all day longkeeping the surface absolutely matte. Among the advantages are also emphasized ability to moisturize the dermis, Availability high quality UV protection and light texture.

For information on how to properly apply the cushion, see the following video.