The best cushion foundations excel at several things: compact packaging, even application, and a skin-like finish. Personally, I find myself reaching for them way more often than traditional foundations. Rooted in K-beauty philosophy, they’re all about using thin layers of product to achieve the most natural looking finish. Traditional formulas can be notoriously cakey, which makes them more prone to creasing and lifting, while cushion products are specifically designed to avoid these pitfalls.
Cased inside a compact rather than a bottle, they’re applied with a sponge (no foundation brush needed). If needed, you can build up the pigment, but since you’ll be working in thin layers, the results will still feel weightless and look just as natural.
The cherry on top? Thanks to compact and convenient packaging, they’re great for traveling, since they’re not as prone to leaking as their liquid counterparts. To find the best ones for every skin type, I consulted K-beauty experts and tested some of the most highly rated formulas myself. My favorite cushion foundation was the Tirtir Red Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation, which comes in 40 shades, offers full coverage, lasts 10+ hours without sliding off, and features tons of skin-nourishing ingredients. While Tirtir’s formulas took our best overall spot, we also found options you might love more if you’re looking for a dewy finish or sheer coverage.
The best Korean cushion foundations, at a glance
Best Overall: Tirtir Red Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Tirtir Red Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
- Pros: Offers impressive coverage; doesn’t feel too heavy or cakey; leaves a gorgeous matte yet natural finish
- Cons: Not for those after natural and sheer coverage.
From one of the first Korean brands to pioneer an inclusive shade range in a foundation formula, Tirtir’s foundation is nothing short of impressive. Available in 40 shades in total, this formula is a dream for those of us after a full-coverage result and a blurring finish. Packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hibiscus and red propolis extracts, this foundation will help keep your skin nice and nourished throughout the day—which is all the more important given that it’s formulated to last for up to 72 hours (although we definitely wouldn’t advise wearing it for longer than a full day). Having gone viral all over TikTok for its satin yet blurring finish, this clever formula helps your skin stay dewy and matte in all the right places, simultaneously. “I always reserve this foundation for special occasions. Not only can it easily last me well over 10 hours at a time, but it also requires less touch-up. I never have to worry about it sliding off my face or becoming patchy,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet.
Best for a Dewy Finish: Tirtir Mask Fit Aura Silver Cushion Foundation
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Tirtir Mask Fit Aura Silver Cushion Foundation
- Pros: Great for those after a natural finish; the coverage is easily buildable; delivers a radiant glow
- Cons: May not be the best for those with oily skin.
Another equally impressive iteration from Tirtir, the Aura Silver cushion foundation is ideal for those who find the original Red version a bit too full-coverage—particularly if you tend to favor a dewy finish and a natural-looking result. Like the original, it’s filled to the brim with skin care ingredients. However, this formula does feel a little bit more hydrating, making it perfect for anyone with dry skin, since it’s less likely to cause any flakiness or cling onto dry patches. The result? A radiant, even complexion that stays put for hours on end. “As someone who has dry skin, I immediately loved the idea of a glowier and a more hydrating Tirtir formula. Although it tends to lean a bit more lightweight, coverage-wise, I still found that it was easily buildable—particularly in areas where I needed to cover up my rosacea. Once applied, it layered beautifully with the rest of my makeup products, revealing the exact kind of a glow that you’d get after a hydrating facial,” says Primbet.
Best for Sheer Coverage: Unleashia Don’t Touch Glass Pink Cushion Foundation
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Unleashia Don’t Touch Glass Pink Cushion
- Pros: Offers SPF 50 UV protection; full of nourishing ingredients; great for anyone after a more natural look
- Cons: May not be the best fit for those after a fuller coverage
