SPF in Disguise
The Skin Cushion Trend That's Actually Good for Your Skin
Skin MPLS aesthetician Lindsey keeps her skin glowing with her skincare regimen and rarely wears more than under-eye concealer, mascara, and blush. When she wants a little something extra, she reaches for a skin cushion – which she loves partly because it means bonus SPF. Cushions have long been popular in Asian skincare and were originally developed in Korea as an easy way to reapply liquid SPF over makeup. Since we dug deep into K-beauty (including Dr. Esthé!) last newsletter, this felt like a perfect way to keep the conversation going!
Skin cushions may look just like a pressed powder compact, but they have some key differences. Instead of powder, cushion compacts contain a sponge saturated with a lightweight liquid tinted SPF. They're travel-friendly, hydrating, and typically deliver a dewy finish rather than a matte one.
We looked into some of the most popular choices – and of course asked Lindsey for her expert opinion! As always, experimenting is most fun when your skin is clear and thriving on a solid regimen. Book with Lindsey for the latest technical skin advice tailored to your specific skin type. And if you're acne-prone, always send your aesthetician a link to any product you're considering so we can check the ingredients and make sure it's a good fit for your skin.
1. Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion Lindsey's top pick. SPF 50 and acne-safe – this one has a big stamp of approval, though it's far from the only one she's tried and loved.
2. Hince Second Skin Mesh Matte Cushion SPF 40 with a matte finish and somewhat acne-friendly. Lindsey reaches for this one on occasion when she's in the mood for less dewiness.
3. Amuse Dew Power Vegan Cushion Somewhat acne-friendly with an SPF 50+, this one comes from an up-and-coming K-beauty line, Amuse Makeup, we've been watching. We recently reviewed their other products – learn more about how acne-safe they are here.
4. TirTir Mask Fit Cushion Trending, affordable, and available in a wide range of shades and finishes. Lindsey finds herself reaching for it less often, though – likely because there's no SPF. It's not too concerning for clients who are further along in their acne recovery, but when in doubt, leave the experimenting to us!
5. Clé de Peau Radiant Cushion This one isn't acne-safe due to its argan oil content, but it's a lovely option for those with dry skin. It comes at a higher price point, making it best suited for anyone specifically seeking a luxury cushion experience.