A K-Beauty Mogul on the Cushion Foundations That Just Might Change Your Life

As a dedicated beauty editor, global beauty lover, and a proud woman of color, I've always been captivated by non-Western beauty products that challenge conventional makeup norms. The Korean beauty industry has undeniably revolutionized the game, fusing innovation with Korea's rich cultural heritage and wisdom to share with the rest of the world. On major social platforms like TikTok, beauty trends are ever-changing and have global appeal. Frequently, K-beauty takes center stage as the powerhouse behind these trends, with phenomena like glass skin, caramel blush, and the seven-skin method all attributed to the genius of K-beauty moguls and their industry-leading brands.

If you're prepared to get your hands on some of the most sought-after cushion foundations from the crème de la crème of K-beauty brands, buckle up, and keep reading. Prepare for a makeup routine transformation like no other.

I've been obsessed with a certain K-beauty cushion foundation with SPF 50+ for over 13 fabulous years, and I'm not alone—it's one of the brand's top-selling products. Providing a light, airbrushed-like coverage that glides on effortlessly and radiates an incomparable glow, it's the epitome of what makes K-beauty cushion foundations so irresistible. Plus, they're perfect for dry, normal, and dehydrated skin types, as they amp up the hydration factor.

Think of them as a modern twist on Korean rubber-stamp pads. Cushion foundations use a sponge to gently tap a lightweight foundation onto your skin, resulting in an airbrushed look. The compact design makes it a breeze to carry around, simplifying application (or re-application).

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with a K-beauty expert and co-founder of a popular K-beauty brand about the impact of K-beauty and the rising popularity of cushion foundations. According to her, these foundations are taking the beauty world by storm because they offer three incredible benefits: hydration, protection, and flawless light-to-medium coverage. "The formula is sheer, buildable, and typically contains SPF protection, which means you can touch it up easily over your makeup and protect your skin from harmful UV rays," she explains. "There are many cushion foundations marketed to both men and women because of their ability to provide flawless, light coverage that effectively hides pores and hydrates your skin."

Her favorite K-beauty cushion foundation with SPF 50+ exemplifies why these products are so alluring. It works wonders on dry, normal, and dehydrated skin types, thanks to its hydrating prowess. "All skin types can join the party by trying out a blush or bronzer cushion, which takes a cue from the genius packaging of cushion foundations," she adds. K-beauty brands are at the forefront of diversifying the industry by curating an increasingly extensive shade range as they hit the US market.

Though not a K-beauty brand, she also recommends a cushion foundation tinted SPF from a popular cosmetics brand. Its unique formula boasts skin-loving ingredients like mineral sunscreens, rice extract, and niacinamide, as well as a more extensive shade range—something that's relatively rare among East Asian-based product lines. "Shade matching a cushion foundation is the same as matching a foundation stick or classic foundation bottle to your skin," she advises. "As cushion foundations are relatively new to the U.S. beauty market, their shade ranges are limited. However, brands are rapidly expanding their offerings." K-beauty products' widespread accessibility has led to a much-needed, industry-wide push for inclusivity.

While many K-beauty cushion foundations that have taken the industry by storm are yet to reach our shores, some online and in stores have won us over, including top