If foundation in warm weather seems all wrong to you, then you should check out cushions ready for spring. Like most modern beauty innovations, cushions come from South Korea, which also first gave us BB and CC creams. The technology basically pours very thin liquid skin tints, which would normally be too watery to apply, into a spongy cushion (similar to those used by bank clerks to wet their fingers to count notes). And it’s housed in a spill-proof compact.
The liquid is dispensed by pressing a sponge applicator into the sprung cushion and blending over the face, as you would a foundation. The upshot is that you get an extremely light, non-greasy base that’s perfect for those who like a subtle, summery, “no makeup” coverage. In eastern Asia (and via special import sites here), you can buy cushion blusher, liner and all manner of other products; but right now we’re playing catch-up and sticking to base only.
Lancôme’s new Miracle Cushion (£29.50) is the first high-profile launch, and I must confess that, despite being sceptical, I like it a lot. It gives great glow, comes in a decent colour range (the palest is still too dark for the porcelain wearer, but the coverage is so sheer it doesn’t much matter) and, unlike many light foundations, offers good hydration. High street brand Kiko has a similar offering for £15.90, except in caucasian-only shades. My favourite is the prohibitively expensive and hard to find AmorePacific CC Cushion Compact, £40. But if you’d like to try a truly Korean product, Laneige BB Cushion (£29.90 for two full-sized infills) is very good value and available online.
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