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15 September 2016

New In: The Body Shop's Fresh Nude Cushion Foundation

I used to be a BB cream-only type of gal until I found a few amazing drugstore foundations that have made me a convert. Foundations come in so many different variants: there's mousse formulas in pots, pump bottles, serum formulas in bottles with pipettes, stick formulas, cream compacts, the list goes on. The latest craze in foundations is cushion compact foundations. Cushion foundations are basically the liquid foundations we all know and own, in compact form. So instead of whipping out your pressed powder compact and powdering your nose, so to speak, you can now whip out a compact of liquid foundation. 

The cushion compact foundation idea comes from, you guessed it, Korea. K-Beauty is on fire at the moment and have overtaken France as the leading role model for women's skincare internationally. Cushion compacts sound messy, I know, but the compact is designed for exactly this purpose. The little cushion only dispenses product when you dab your finger/a sponge/a brush in it, and doesn't ooze foundation everywhere. I haven't managed to find any cushion compact foundations in South Africa, so great was my excitement when I walked into my local The Body Shop store a few weeks ago and saw a shelf full of cushion foundations. I swiftly started swatching and experimenting before walking away with the shade "Comoros Vanilla". It is a little bit light for me and the other shades are too dark, but I'll make this work.


The compact is about the same size as a normal compact and the packaging is sturdy, as well as being easy on the eye. Upon opening it, you see a mirror and a small sponge. Now, don't throw away this sponge, as its shape and size was developed to be used specifically with the foundation.


The part with the sponge also flips up, revealing the cushion. Initially the cushion is dry, but as soon as you touch it, a small amount of foundation is dispensed.


The idea is that you use the sponge to press onto the cushion and then apply it to your face, pressing as you go along. I put my index finger and middle finger through the satin tag on the sponge and then gently press on the cushion. I then press the foundation onto my skin without rubbing it or trying to buff it in. I find applying the foundation with the sponge to be easy, but because I'm not used to this method I struggle to blend it properly. I've had better success with my Real Techniques buffing brush which I gently pat onto the cushion and then buff into my skin. Below are two photos showing the foundation on my skin, and then the foundation blended out on my skin. It looks dewy and fresh and melts into the skin, perfect for summer! 




My thoughts and first impressions:


  • The foundation smells fresh and slightly floral (it's not called "Fresh Nude" for nothing).
  • The cushion dispenses enough product to cover an entire cheek, so I'd say about three-four cushion presses for my entire face. 
  • The foundation is easy to blend (although I have to practice more with the sponge).
  • The foundation looks natural on my skin.
  • Skin doesn't feel suffocated.
  • Can still smell a hint of the floral scent after application.
  • Perfect foundation for summer.
  • Ideal if you want something light, but I'm unsure how buildable it is.
  • Only downside is the price.
This foundation retails for R375 at The Body shop which is a bit pricey unless you buy it on a 3-for-2 special. Or really really want a cushion foundation... Have you ever tried it? Please leave your comments below.

Until next time!

Hildegarde
xoxo

2 comments:

  1. hey, i feel like this cushion is for me, but i'm wondering how about tha staying power and is it makes you oily? Thanks

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    1. I have combo-oily skin and sometimes my skin "eats" my foundation so I'm not too sure of the staying power on 'normal' skins. I do think a primer would help with this. It doesn't make me oily, but it's a very fresh-looking foundation, maybe more suited towards less oily-skinned girls. But that being said, I like that it's nice and light and doesn't feel like I'm wearing a mask. I hope that helps! Thanks for stopping by!

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