Cushion makeup is taking over the world, people. It’s not just brand after brand launching cushion after cushion – with the Western ones playing catch-up with the Koreans majorly this year – but also the race to release as many versions of cushion makeup as possible, to capitalise on the trend while women all over the world still love the idea of applying their makeup with a cushion.
This has meant the materialisation of cushion makeup for practically every part of the face. Here, we want to focus on a particular class of cushion makeup that has managed to get us quite obsessed: cushion blushers. Think cushions soaked in colour instead of BB cream or foundation, which you can pat on with the same flat cushion applicator, or, depending on the packaging, pat directly onto your face.
Why do these cushion blushers excite us so much more than regular compact or liquid forms? Mostly, it’s the idea of being able to pat on a soft, natural-looking flush. You won’t be able to do any contouring with these, that’s for sure, but they can also look mighty fine on the apples of the cheeks.
There are more cushion blushers out there than you might expect, in an assortment of packaging and shades that make for some real eye candy. Get ready for lots more coming your way soon enough.
Stila Aqua Glow Watercolour Blush
Some argue that technically, Stila beat AmorePacific in launching the first-ever cushion foundation – Sport Color was launched in 2002, but failed to take off in the US market, and was eventually quietly discontinued. While the Korean brands eventually became known for being the pioneers of cushion, Stila still releases cushion makeup that come with their exclusive mesh touch dispenser. Pick up the watery pigments with a finger or brush, and blend onto the cheeks.
$37, Sephora.
Lancôme Cushion Blush Subtil
Lancôme’s first foray into cushion foundations, the Blanc Expert Cushion, was a hit with the NYLON Singapore team. We really liked the higher coverage it offered as compared to the sheerer BB cushions that seemed to populate the Korean offerings, thanks to the brand’s proprietary Big Cell Cushion: the cushion is made with larger pores, which allows the applicator to pick up more product with each pat, and the formula to go on moist. The Cushion Blush Subtil has all of that, and comes in a nice range of subtle to neon shades for all your moods.
$55, Lancôme counters.
Peripera Ah! Much Real My Cushion Blusher
How cute is this one, though? This one has a more unique packaging with the fluffy cushion applicator found at the end of the tube – just squeeze, and the colour seeps through the cushion, ready to be applied straight onto the face. While the packaging design might indicate otherwise, the shades go on rather sheer, and might even be more suitable as a highlighter.
$15.90, selected Watsons.
ETUDE HOUSE Cushion Blusher
Both the compact and cushion applicator of this blush are small, so you might have to tap the cushion over your cheeks a few times to cover enough ground. Still, the bright colours go on nicely sheer and are easily buildable, and we also like how they can be slipped into the smallest pouches. Just try not to lose it in the clutter of your handbag/makeup pouch.
$18, ETUDE HOUSE stores.
KYE for shu uemura Fresh Cushion Blush
shu uemura is about to launch their first-ever cushion this month, and their first ever cushion blusher is about to follow in quick succession. What makes this one extra exciting is it’s part of the KYE for shu uemura collection, the brand’s artist collaboration with Korean fashion designer Kathleen Kye. That means limited edition packaging that you’ll definitely want to own and have bragging rights. See the entire KYE for shu uemura collection here.
$48, available at Sephora ION Orchard from 14 April to 31 May, and at shu uemura ION Orchard, Bugis Junction, JEM and VivoCity from 1 to 31 May.
L’Oréal Paris Lucent Magique Cushion Blush
Seems like pink and and orange tones are the main colour themes when it comes to these upcoming cushion blush launches, but it’s true that these are two universally flattering shades that easily create that healthy flush. L’Oréal Paris is about to give us a new drugstore cushion option with its upcoming Lucent Magique range, which will include this blush in two shades.
$22.90, Watsons, Guardian and Sasa from April.
