How To Apply Your BB Cushion
How To Apply Your BB Cushion
BB Cushion Compacts are one of the greatest beauty innovations to come out of South Korea. Korean cushion technology is so popular it was even adopted by western beauty companies, including Lancôme and Dior.
Today, we’re exploring how to apply your BB Cushion properly, because cushion technology is different from regular BB creams or foundations.
What Is A BB Cushion?
A BB cushion is a Korean Beauty invention that involves a BB formula soaked into a sponge that comes in its own compact. The formula is more watery and lightweight than liquid bases, which means it also requires a slightly different application technique.
BB cushions offer a more controlled application and a non-cakey finish that makes them perfect for touch-ups on the go. Because they come in sleek compact kits with their own applicator puff, they are easy to slip into your bag, take on holidays, and reapply throughout the day.
How to Apply Your BB Cushion: Skin Prep
Before you start your makeup, it’s important to make sure your skin is properly prepped and hydrated.
Starting with a clean face, apply a hydrating toner in multiple layers. Your first layer should be applied with a cotton pad, following the direction of your skin. Your next layers can be applied with your hands, gently patting the toner into your face.
Next, seal everything in with a hydrating moisturiser. Choose something that sinks into the skin properly, rather than sitting on top and forming a coating.
Finally, make sure you apply your sunscreen. Once that has settled, you’re ready for makeup.
How to Apply Your BB Cushion: Soak The Applicator
First, insert your fingers under the puff applicator that comes provided with every BB cushion.
Next, place the applicator lightly on the sponge part of the cushion to release the BB cream. Lightly soak the centre of the puff, being careful not to press too hard. This helps you avoid picking up too much product at once.
The key is pressure. Cushion foundation is designed to be tapped, pressed and layered, not smeared across the face like a traditional liquid foundation.
Apply BB Cream To Your Face
Rather than using a wiping motion, dab, pat or press the applicator puff into your face. This gives you the best possible coverage while keeping the finish smooth and natural.
For harder-to-reach places, like the skin between your nose and eyes, use the edge of the puff applicator to blend the product in seamlessly.
One of the best things about BB cushions is that you can apply multiple layers without the formula caking or flaking. To get additional coverage, simply dab the puff into your face until you achieve your desired finish.
Apply Your Concealer
BB cushions work best with concealer applied afterwards. Simply apply your concealer over the top of your cushion foundation base, then blend carefully to avoid visible lines.
We recommend The Saem Cover Perfection and Dasique Pro Concealer Palette as excellent options that work well with BB cushions.
How to Set Your BB Cushion For A Matte Finish
If you prefer a matte finish, dust a natural powder onto your face to set your BB cushion.
If you prefer a natural, dewy glow, simply skip this step. This kind of fresh, luminous finish is preferred by many Korean makeup users.
Getting The Most Out Of Your BB Cushion
To get the most out of your cushion, turn the cushion sponge over when you start reaching the end of the formula. This helps you access the product sitting on the underside of the sponge, which often still contains plenty of BB cream.
If your cushion comes with a refill, you can simply insert the refill into the same BB cushion case. This is cheaper and creates less waste than buying an entirely new compact.
Most cushions that come with refills also include a new puff, so you don’t have to worry about spreading germs from an old applicator.
Our Favourite Korean BB Cushions
For Mature Skin: Try Age 20s Signature Essence Pact. This Korean cushion foundation is ideal for dry skin, offering beautiful but lightweight coverage. It gives a classic Korean beauty glow and is perfect for touch-ups on the go.
For A Great Shade Range: Try Tir Tir. Although it is arguably not the best cushion formula on the Korean market, and there are issues with the formula oxidising, it is useful for anyone who struggles to fit into traditional Korean cushion shades because it comes in 40 shades.
For Dry, Dehydrated Skin: Try CLIO Kill Cover Mesh Glow Cushion Foundation. One of the most popular cushion foundations in Korea, CLIO’s Kill Cover combines hydrating skincare benefits with naturally radiant coverage.
For Oily, Normal and Combination Skin: Try JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion. With a matte finish, this cushion foundation is ideal for oilier skin types. Created by one of Korea’s most popular makeup artists, it is a great option for controlling excess sebum throughout the day.
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