February 1, 2017

This or That Beauty: Cushion Foundation or Regular Foundation?

Are you a cushion foundation fan? Or do you just like regular liquid or cream foundation?

This or that, cushion or traditional foundation?

What’s your fav?

If I had to choose, I’d go with cushion foundation. It isn’t really as crazy here in the US as it is in Korea as a lot of people aren’t convinced that cushion makeup is all that great but it’s an Asian trend I’ve fully embraced. I tend to like sheerer, brightening foundation formulas and cushion give them my skin but better look I’m looking for where as liquids or creams tend to be a bit more pigmented and heavier.

I will say I do like fluids which is probably why I like cushions as many of them have a light, fluid texture! I’ve been trying to find a dupe for Sephora’s Wonderful Cushion because that had a delightful light, fluid texture with a sheer, brightening formula that made my drier, dull skin look lively and fresh. If you haven’t already Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation is pretty fab too and they also expanded the shade range for Spring 2017. It’s now offered in 5 shades I believe which as we all know is pretty amazing for Physicians Formula.

So, how about you?

Which do you prefer?

The light, sheer natural finish of a cushion? Or a heavy liquid or cream foundation?

Do share!

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

  • Virginia

    I actually love cushion foundations ! The new Maybelline Dream Cushion, and the L’Oréal Lumi cushions are my favorite (I’ve tried higher end brands..and not been pleased). I have oily skin, and the L’Oréal one gives me a dewy finish without looking greasy, which I love. It just makes my skin look so nice. I’d be so sad if they were ever discontinued! The my favorite way to apply the cushion foundations is by using a damp Beauty blender. It makes my skin look kick ass

    • Isabella Muse

      Yay! 😀 Me too! Absolutely adore cushions! I always feel like they aren’t getting enough love here in the US!

  • Dee

    I like cushion but if I had to choose I’d go with liquid. Actually stick foundation is my absolute favorite!

  • kimkats

    I’m very meh on cushion foundations. I think they’re terribly gimmicky and it’s mostly wasted packaging. I don’t need to squoosh my foundation from a saturated sponge – I can just pump out a bit from a bottle, thankyewverramuch. I really don’t see the point of them. I have the PF one, and it’s nice and all, but I won’t repurchase it.

    • Isabella Muse

      a lot of people aren’t loving them nor are they convinced it’s a good idea in regards to value and bacteria!

  • Kimmwc03

    I’m not a fan of cushions; I need more coverage. I tried the L’Oreal one but I found it be a waste of time.

  • Eraser

    I’m crazy for cushions! I first tried L’Oréal’s and moved onto Korean ones – my favorite is the IOPE that I got at the Aritaum shop in Las Vegas. Most of the Korean brands have refills too although they aren’t readily available in this country (lots of EBay sellers have them at good prices & free shipping). As much as I love them, I do switch to compact powder in the summertime and I do keep regular BB cream and liquid foundation around. It depends on the occasion and the weather, not to mention my mood.

  • Maria

    I prefer liquid foundations. However I am looking for reviews of the new Wet n wild ones, especially the highlighter and the green color corrector.

  • Aneiren

    I’m still on the mineral powder with a kabuki brush from about 2010. I have taken a few detours but just come back to it. My skin tends to be reactive, especially to foundations. The one I’m currently using has a pinch of sparkle in it, not like glitter, but like a pinch of luminosity and I really enjoy that. Plus I can get it on my face in a single minute.

    • Isabella Muse

      I wish I could do minerals but I’m dry and they make me itchy and stick to my skin 🙁

  • varya

    I like cushions but haven’t found one that works as well with my very cool toned,pale,dry skin as the Erborian BB or Givenchy’s Balm. Any suggestions?

  • Sarah Hill

    You can still purchase Sephora’s cushion foundation for the moment. It’s on sale for $11 now. I just bought two colors recently because I wasn’t sure which one would match.

      • Sarah Hill

        Yes! I even double checked the link you had in your original post about it just to confirm. They should still be there unless something has changed within the past couple of days.

  • Ashley

    My experience with cushion compacts no matter what brand of primer I use, half way through the day, it looks like Im not wearing foundation. Besides there can’t be that much product soaked on a single sponge.

  • Sammie

    Thank you for this great blog. I’m thrilled to hear that Physician’s Formula will offer an expanded shade range for their cushion foundation in 2017. I’m 67 years old and this is the best foundation I’ve ever used. It smoothes over my large pores and wrinkles beautifully, never settles or cakes. If I’m in a rush I even use it under my eyes instead of concealer. I use a flat topped brush to apply and blend, but the sponge is useful for touch-ups. The only downside is that the Light shade is too yellow and the Medium/Light is too tan/dark for my skin. I’m really hoping one of the new shades will be a perfect match for me. Will you be able to show us swatches when the new shades come out? Thanks again!

  • SusanT

    Hey, Muse, what’s up? Daisy sends love & kitty kiddies. I bought the Lancome tient idole cushion foundation from QVC. I had only used it about half a dozen times when (1) the inner lid protecting the cushion broke off and (2) the cushion itself started drying up! And I go light on my foundation! Since it was past the return date with QVC, they told me to contact Lancome & they were kind enough to issue me a refund. This experience has really soured me on cushion products — I really wanted to love them!

  • SusanT

    Hey, Muse, what’s up? Daisy sends love & kitty kissies. I bought the Lancome tient idole cushion foundation from QVC. I had only used it about half a dozen times when (1) the inner lid protecting the cushion broke off and (2) the cushion itself started drying up! And I go light on my foundation! Since it was past the return date with QVC, they told me to contact Lancome & they were kind enough to issue me a refund. This experience has really soured me on cushion products — I really wanted to love them!

  • Jes

    I primarily use cushions, because of the ease of use and great spf, plus I can throw it in my purse. My faves are any made by clio and the etude house Real Powder Cushion. I’m really anticipating the Dior Forever perfect cushion. If I want purrfect glowing skin I always go back to Nars sheer glow foundation with a beauty blender. I’m a complexion makeup junkie though, so I have tons of bb, liquid, cushions, and concealer.

  • genevieve

    It’s fluid foundation for me as I need at least medium coverage to get me through the day.

  • Chris

    I’m late to the party, but I prefer using a liquid over a cushion, for worry about bacteria sitting in that cushion. I also like powder foundation and I use a kabuki brush instead of the sponge that comes with the compact; I feel a lot of the product (liquid or powder) remains on the sponge or cushion. I like the liquid because a few drops on a foundation brush gives me adequate to sheer coverage.