The hype behind cushion compacts

Get the lowdown on this cool new foundation technology

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / May 25 2017

Nothing excites us more in the office than the arrival of a new gadget, and even more so when it involves makeup, with technology hailing from beauty capital South Korea, where the coolest inventions hail from.

The cushion compact has been on our radars for quite some time because the concept is absolutely genius: it’s a sponge saturated in liquid foundation, housed in a compact complete with a mirror and applicator inside. Even when you tip the product upside down, not a drop comes out. Best of all, it’s completely mess-free to apply, and totally transportable. Yep, you can forget fumbling around for a foundation brush!

And take L’Oréal Paris’ new Nude Magique Cushion for example – it’s the first product launched by a mass brand that’s been accessible to us down under, and it’s loaded with SPF29 that will keep you protected from the sun – but don’t forget to reapply through the day to keep it up. The finish is also dewy, but not too shiny, and it’s buildable from a light to medium coverage.

So, why should you own one? Here are our top reasons…

You can build up your base. Glide the product across your skin for a light coverage, and tap to add a luminous glow. Simply repeat the gesture to build up to a medium coverage.

It’s totally mess-free. You can apply the product with the sponge directly onto skin, meaning no messy brushes or fingers involved.

Get your glow on. The finish is natural, and can give you a really nice, radiant glow.

It’s travel friendly. Unlike regular fluid foundations, they pack nicely in your handbag or purse, and best of all, it won’t spill out in your bag (especially handy if you’re hitting the airport!).

Move over BB and CC creams, we’re forecasting cushion compacts to be one of the biggest turning points in makeup history. Secretly, we’re dreaming of other products in cushion compact format… perhaps bronzers, blushes and lippies can be gently dabbed onto skin eventually too?

L’Oréal Paris Nude Magique Cushion

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.