From drugstore to high end cushion compact foundations, we pick the best for your skin needs and budget.
Hands up if you aren’t the biggest fan of cakey liquid foundations, beauty blenders or the detailed work that comes with using makeup brushes. If you put up your hand, it’s time to hop onto the cushion compact bandwagon – created by the K-beauty world, these game-changing cake-free formulas are perfectly portable, easy to use, and are chock-full of skin-friendly ingredients. Not convinced yet? We pick our favourite cushion compacts for all budgets and skin concerns.
Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ PA+++
Tired of always caking on foundation? Your skin will thank you for using Laneige’s BB compact cushion ($59) – its two-step oil control system mattifies while maintaining skin’s natural moisture. Got a pore problem? The blurring layer helps to reflect light, making skin appear smooth and covering any uneven skin texture.
Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ PA+++, available at Laneige stores and counters islandwide.
Murad MattEffect Blotting Perfector
Are you always worried about looking oily halfway through the day? If your answer is yes, then you need to try the new Murad MattEffect Blotting Perfector ($68). This isn’t your average compact cushion; the sheer pink liquid formula contains marshmallow powder to absorb excess sebum while the nutrient-rich French Green clay extract soaks up excess oil. We also love that the antimicrobial applicator doesn’t smudge your makeup application and lowers your skin temperature so it has a refreshing effect.
Murad’s MattEffect Blotting Perfector, available at all Sephora outlets, Robinsons the Heeren, and BHG Jurong.
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion
Luxury K-beauty brand Sulwhasoo can do no wrong; its magic lies in its philosophy of combining medicinal herbs with ancient preparation methods. Don’t expect anything less from its cushion compact ($60); this heavyweight contains apricot kernel oil to promote collagen formation as well as antioxidants for optimal hydration and lifting.
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion, available at Sulwhasoo boutiques, Robinsons Raffles City, TANGS@ Tangs Plaza and Vivocity.
Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF50
One thing we love about Clinique: The brand’s focus on combating the degenerative effects of city life. This cushion compact ($59) contains high-level SPF and antioxidants to fight environmental aggressors. It’s also got a winning lightweight, breathable, and buildable formula.
Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF50, available at Clinique boutiques and counters.
Lancome Blanc Expert High Coverage Cushion Foundation
Deathly afraid of cake face? You don’t have to fear that with Lancome’s Blanc Expert cushion foundation ($55). This cushion foundation is ultra weightless, intensely hydrates and gives skin optimal protection against urban aggressions like skin oxidation and UV rays. We’re also awarding major points for its superior cushion as it’s made out of fibres identical to those in fleece clothing to hold more product.
Lancome Blanc Expert High Coverage Cushion Foundation, available at Lancome counters islandwide.
YSL Le Cushion Encre De Peau
YSL’s Le Cushion Encre De Peau ($99) is worth every bit of its hefty price tag – formula is featherlight, and it paints skin with a shine-free finish. Best of all, it’s great for oil control; the texture mattifies skin, yet leaves it feeling fresh.
YSL Le Cushion Encre De Peau, available at YSL cosmetic boutique ION Orchard.
Innisfree No Sebum Correcting Cushion SPF34 PA+++
Natural best describes Innisfree; the brand uses pure ingredients, eco-friendly containers and is dedicated to multiple green campaigns, including its annual mission to preserve Jeju’s natural landscape. One of its star products includes the No Sebum Correcting Cushion ($20.68): a powder which contains Volcanic scoria powder to correct skin tone and sebum control powder to leave skin smooth. Choose between different colours for different skin concerns – peach to brighten dull skin, purple to neutralise yellow skin tones and green to control redness.
Innisfree No Sebum Correcting Cushion, available at Innisfree stores islandwide including Bugis Junction and Ngee Ann City.
Givenchy Teint Couture Cushion
If you’re a sucker for pretty packaging, you have to add this to your makeup bag, ASAP. The round case of the Givenchy Teint Couture Cushion ($83) boasts a unique detail: its metal plaque gives the right amount of foundation with a single push. A high concentration of water leaves the formula fluid and leaves skin with a cooling sensation. Also in its formula are long-wearing pigments, active skincare ingredients and a perfecting blur effect for a flawless finish.
Givenchy Teint Couture Cushion, available at T Galleria by DFS and Sephora online.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation
Top French beauty brand Chanel, has also released a cushion foundation. The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation ($88) has a new ‘aqua-gel’ formulation that makes it super easy to apply and feels cool on the skin due to it being made up of 56% water. This isn’t a full coverage foundation, but you can build up coverage and one of the best things is that you can reapply during the day as you need. The finish is more dewy than matte, but it doesn’t appear at all oily either – it’s a nice balance giving you a very ‘natural’ look. An added bonus is the kalanchoe extract and SPF 25 sunscreen, for ‘breathable’ skin protection, and antioxidant benefits. The foundation is available in 7 shades in Singapore.
Read our Editorial Director’s review.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation, available at Chanel Beauty counters from 15 June, 2017.
