Originally popularized in K-beauty, cushion foundations are a key player in the complexion game. And for good reason. "There are many benefits of a cushion foundation, but what I love most is that it provides lightweight, buildable coverage that leaves you with a dewy finish," says celebrity makeup artist Keita Moore. "If you are looking for a more glowy look, then this type of foundation would be perfect for you."
The Best Cushion Foundations
One flaw in the system: Many cushion foundations have limited shade ranges. But as the industry keeps up with this growing product category, there are more options than ever before for all skin tones. Keep reading to find our picks for the best cushion foundations, including expert picks from Moore and Bazaar beauty editors.
Pros
Available in different finishes, if you prefer dewy or matte
Cons
- Some reviewers said their shade oxidized
I succumbed to the TikTok videos and bought my own Tirtir foundation a while back, fully expecting to be disappointed, and I wasn't at all. It applies super-smooth and has more of a medium, but buildable, coverage. And the shade range—especially for a cushion foundation—is really nice to see.
Number of Shades: 40
Finish: Satin
Customer Review:
"WOW is all I can say. I've been using a pricey foundation for a few years from a website that just couldn't seem to get my shade right resulting in me mixing a couple of shades together to get one 'close enough' and it sometimes looked cakey in certain areas. This, however, has a photo option to choose the right shade and it is SPOT ON! It's lightweight and makes my skin look super smooth." –Sara
Beauty Director Pick
DIOR Capture Dreamskin Fresh & Perfect Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Pros
- Comes with one refill
Cons
- Limited shade range with only fair and medium shades
This skincare-infused formula is essentially a face serum that doubles as a foundation. "There are not enough shades of this foundation available. However, if you can find a shade that works for you, the hydration and glow it offers is absolutely beautiful—and I love that it’s SPF 50," says Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein.
Number of Shades: 4
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"I absolutely love this. It was more expensive than any makeup I’ve previously purchased but it actually comes with a refill, making it a much better deal than I realized. I’ve only used it once but it gave me perfect light coverage while looking like I wasn't wearing makeup. It didn’t cake. It didn’t make my face shiny. It was perfect. I’m so happy with this and will be wearing it every day." —NataliaZK
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Pros
- Has hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol to hydrate skin
- 16 shades
Cons
- It's low transfer, but not transfer-proof
"I gravitate towards the Ruby Kisses Cushion Foundation because of how easy it blends and builds," says Moore of this compact. Even better, it comes in a fairly impressive range of shades and costs just $11.
Number of Shades: 16
Finish: Radiant
Customer Review:
"The coverage is full and buildable. It blends really nicely and is very skin like. It’s a glowy finish for sure. I love the shade range and I’ll definitely be grabbing a darker shade soon. I love that it features skincare too." —amethyst.taylor
Pros
- Comes with a refill
Cons
- Limited shade range
"I first picked up the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion in Korea and was obsessed with the immediate fresh glow it gave my skin," says Katie Intner, Bazaar's beauty market and commerce editor. "This luminous cushion foundation is a filter in a compact, while also boasting SPF 50 for extra sun protection."
Number of Shades: 6
Finish: Radiant
Customer Review:
"I have been looking for a new light foundation since Giorgio Armani stopped making Luminescence. Most foundations are too heavy. Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion is just what I need - it offers light coverage and the Ivory Pink is a nice blend able color for my light complexion. What a great purchase! It comes with one refill as well." —Chips
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Pros
- Comes with two cushions and two applicators
Cons
- Limited shade range
If you're Team Skin Tint, you'll love this cushion from Em Cosmetics, which is like a tint, serum, and sunscreen in one. The light coverage is just enough to even skin tone and give skin a nice glow, while ingredients like snow mushroom extract, green tea extract, and rice water nourish skin.
Number of Shades: 6
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"Beautiful light product! It's like skin but better and has an amazing hydrating finish and does not cling to dry spots. I wish there were more shades so I had a better match, but I still buy anyway since it's the only cushion foundation that hasn't made me break out." —Jessica
Pros
- Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic
Cons
- Limited shade range with only fair and medium shades
This is another option with a very small shade range, but those who can try it out will like the 24-hour coverage, with hydration that lasts up to 12 hours. It's also sweat- and waterproof, which is rare for a foundation with a radiant finish.
Number of Shades: 5
Finish: Luminous matte
Customer Review:
"I like a light natural look, this is perfect. I love the sponge applicator and the way my skin still looks like skin. Evens out some redness, builds nicely if needed." —Sarah
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Best Buildable
Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation
Pros
- Comes with two cushions and two applicators
Cons
- Pricey
This water-based foundation is remarkably lightweight, so it feels like nothing on your skin even as it erases lines and dark spots. And it applies smooth as can be—so much so that you can use your fingers (although it still comes with an applicator puff).
Number of Shades: 7
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"This product is unbelievable. I am well beyond a senior citizen, but this product is so simple to apply, it not only gave me great coverage but is gave my skin such a natural glow. I will use this as my everyday makeup and for special occasions will build the coverage for a more dramatic face. Love the case it’s easy to hold while using. It made my aged dry skin look luminous." —Beverly360
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Skin Types Can Use Cushion Foundations?
"Cushion foundations are good for all skin types, but I would recommend using it on dry to normal skin due to the glowy finish," says Moore. The formulas also tend to have more hydrating ingredients, which also makes them great for dry skin.
When Should You Use a Cushion Foundation?
They're great for when you're on the go, since the cushion ensures no spills in your makeup bag. Otherwise, it's really player's choice. "When to use a cushion foundation vs. a regular foundation depends on the coverage level you are going for," explains Moore. "If you are using the product for touch-ups, I’d recommend a cushion foundation because it’s compact, easy to use, and generally layers well."
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Looking for More Foundation Recommendations?
- The 10 Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin Under $20
- Bella Hadid's Favorite Foundation Is Only $12
- It's Powder Makeup's Time to Shine
- The 13 Best Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
Meet the Expert
- Keita Moore is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City who has worked with Iman, Tessa Thompson, Serena Williams, and more.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
