All you need to know about Korean cushion foundations & their pros and cons

If you’ve spent even a minute browsing Instagram’s beauty content lately, you’ve seen the base makeup product taking over beauty shelves today: cushion foundation. We’re talking about the compact, travel-friendly makeup saviors that offer a dewy, radiant finish with a K-beauty twist.

What is a cushion foundation?

A cushion foundation is essentially liquid foundation housed in a sponge-filled compact. You press a soft applicator or cushion puff into the spongey pan, and apply the foundation directly onto the skin with the same puff.

Originating in South Korea, cushion foundations have been around for at least two decades, if not more. But they’ve found fresh relevance with Gen Z and beauty influencers embracing the "glass skin" trend — a luminous, clear complexion that looks almost reflective. Plus, many Korean and Asian cushion compacts contain SPF, adding a layer of UV protection into one’s routine.

The finish cushion foundations give to the skin

Cushion foundations give a smooth and flawless yet skin-like finish to your skin, which is exactly what Gen Z loves. This is because the sponge-base absorbs excess foundation and dispenses just the right amount of product onto the puff, not too much, not too little. The result? Thin yet even layers which result in a natural finish that looks fresh without feeling heavy.

5 Glossy Lips From The 90s That Should Make A Comeback In 2025

What makes cushion foundations convenient

One of the unique selling points of cushion foundations is that it is compact and comes with built-in tools, making it very travel-friendly. This includes a compact mirror, a puff, a palette to blot off excess product, and the base sponge that contains the foundation.

So, you don’t need a beauty blender to absorb excess product, a foundation brush for application, a mirror to see what you’re applying, or a palette to dab off too much product. There’s minimal mess because there’s no pouring, and no brushes. A cushion foundation already comes with everything you need to apply it, making it ideal for touch-ups on the go.

How veteran actors Neena Gupta, Dimple Kapadia are redefining ageism

The downsides of cushion foundations’ packaging

The very thing that makes cushion foundations unique, also makes it unsustainable. Loaded with plastic, most cushion foundations can’t be refilled. Difficult to recycle, these add to cosmetic waste.

The other downside of this compact packaging is that cushion foundations run out fast, since they don’t contain a lot of product. In addition to that, the sponge base and applicator are not very hygienic. The sponge puff can easily pick up oils and bacteria from your skin and transfer it back into the product, making it less than ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Are cushion foundations value for money?

You’re likely to hit the bottom of a cushion foundation sooner than expected, because they dry up fast, and don’t contain a lot of product to begin with. So, these products don’t always offer the same value for money as traditional foundations. Unlike bottled liquid foundations, which have a better price per gram ratio, here you pay more for the packaging, such as the mirror, case, sponge, puff, and plastic accoutrements.

Should you try a cushion foundation?

If you love lightweight, natural-looking makeup, travel a lot, or are a fan of K-beauty innovations, cushion foundations have a place in your routine. But if you have concerns about hygiene, want a value-for-money amount of product, or are aiming to cut down on plastic use, you might want to think twice.

Ultimately, cushion foundations are a trend with both charm and caveats. Like all beauty choices, the key is finding what works best for your skin and lifestyle.