Clinique Super City Block BB Cushion Compact Review & Swatches
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 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.
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.