May 26, 2016

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact1

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($35) is a new BB cushion that launched for Summer 2016 that provides weightless coverage, SPF 50 protection, and a lasting matte finish to keep skin flawless and beautiful.

Cushion foundations and makeup are becoming increasing popular here in the US and I personally love seeing the evolution of the trend here on my home turf. You might recall Clinique was one of the first brands to introduce their Age Defense BB Cream to the beauty market when BB Creams were just gaining their footing here in the US. With the popularity of their Cheek Pop Blushes I don’t doubt that at some point we just might get a cushion blush from them as well!

It’s always nice to see Clinique embracing current trends because in most cases they get these trends right and that’s the case with their new Super City Block BB Cushion Compact. This isn’t a cushion makeup they just slapped together and quickly brought to market to appease a trend. There’s a good deal of thought that went into it and that shows in the formula and performance of the cushion.

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact arrives to us in four shade option. If you’re have a mild panic attack that you won’t find one to fit your skin tone I think you can rest easy. The product runs sheerer and has more natural coverage, it also oxidizes slightly so it darkens after application and adjusts accordingly. I tried the fair shade which actually should be too pale for me but it darkens upon application and adjusted very well. I think most skin tones, perhaps not all but most, will find a good match. Below you can see in my swatches how the shade goes from a creamy ivory to a cream lighter beige.

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact swatches

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact blend

The cushion comes housed in a chunky double-lidded compact which is pretty standard for cushion foundation. The top lid opens to reveal a sponge for application and a full size mirror. Remove the sponge and below it is a second lid which can be flipped open to reveal the cushion makeup. If you aren’t familiar with cushion makeup, it’s exactly as the name implies, a cushion that’s saturated with foundation.

I did worry a good deal about this formula as I wasn’t keen on the “lasting matte finish”. I have drier skin with some oiliness in the Summer and warmer weather around my T-Zone. I prefer a hydrating foundation so, I wasn’t particularly happy about the matte finish. I’ve tried many Korean cushions and many are very dry and not suited to my skin type. Clinique formula is quite thick, creamy, and sets to more of a semi-matte finish that’s lightweight without clinging to drier areas. I was pleasantly surprised that it blended flawlessly and applied very easily without clinging to the drier areas on my cheeks and chin. The coverage is customizable and falls in the middle of sheer to almost medium coverage which has enough pigment to ease redness, darkness, dullness, and minor imperfections.

I’m a big fan of my skin but better foundations. I already have good, blemish-free skin but I suffer from dullness which makes my skin look tired. Clinique’s formula brightens my complexion up beautifully and provides natural, flawless coverage that isn’t heavy which makes ideal for Summer. It wears well at around seven hours before showing signs of wear at hour eight. At this point, I do feel the need for a touch up.

As we head into Summer, I feel sure that we’ll be bombarded with even more cushion foundations. Thus far, Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact shows the signs of being one that’s headed to the top of my list as a re-purchase. If you enjoy formulas like Sephora Wonder Cushion and the new Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation SPF 50 but wanted something a little thicker but a little more coverage, you should get on very well with Clinique’s formula.

Muse Approved.

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it, if you tried it.

Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact is available now at Ulta, Ulta.com, Macys.com, Macys, Nordstrom.com, clinique.com, and at your favorite Clinique counters.

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Dee

    This is great news! Longtime Clinique user and was hoping for a good review on this.

  • Heidi

    Hmmm. I’m interested. I do like the cushion compacts I’ve tried, and with SPF? Sold.

  • Chynna

    Excellent review, thank you. I’m bummed that Fair oxidizes to match you because I’m lighter and don’t think that will work for me. Too bad – it sounds great! I can’t find ingredients listed anywhere. Can you tell me if this a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide? Zinc gives me a rash, so if it has that, it won’t matter if the color does match me. If there’s no zinc, I’ll at least go try it out in person.

    • Isabella Muse

      Try heading to a counter and swatch it on your face or your arm and walk around a little in the store with it, see how it goes 😀 I sadly don’t have a box for it, so I don’t know if it is or isn’t a physical sunscreen. My press sample was the compact only, no box 🙁 but I’m planning on repurchasing another shortly so, I’ll post back 😀

  • Krutika

    After this post, I went to Nordstrom to try to find the lancome one but sadly the shades are limited. Then I went online to see if any new ones are coming and omg YSL, DIor and Bobbi brown have released new ones in Asia!! Why don’t we have them yet?!?!? Maybe I should try to find it at the airport in Hong Kong while traveling to India lol

  • Sarah

    I’m OBSESSED with this cushion! Bought it about 2 weeks ago and haven’t touched any of my other tinted moisturizers or foundations. And you nailed the description of it. I really love it and know I will repurchase!

    • Isabella Muse

      yay! So glad you love it 😀 I really like it too!

  • Angie

    I have never used anything like it! I have worked in the beauty industry for over a decade and I have tried many, many different foundations (although, full disclosure, this is my first cushion compact).

    It is remarkably lightweight, even with multiple layers. It builds to solid medium coverage.

    The formula sits/sets onto oily and dry skin exactly the same, resulting in an incredibly smooth appearance. And I have very combination skin, dehydrated, with marked dry and oily patches.

    It manages to remain smooth over time, so it appears to be hydrating as well! I agree, 7-8 hours before a touch up is required.

    And, I received two compliments specific to my skin/foundation! 🙂