Cushion Compacts
A Korean base makeup invention: dewy skin in a portable, hygienic compact
1What Is It?
Cushion compacts are a Korean invention (patented by AmorePacific in 2008) that delivers liquid foundation through a sponge soaked in product, pressed into the skin with a puff applicator. The format combines foundation, sunscreen, and skincare in one portable compact. Unlike Western powder compacts or liquid foundations, cushions create the 'chok-chok' (dewy, glass-like) Korean skin finish.
2How K-Beauty Versions Differ
3How to Choose
| Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Finish | Dewy/Glow → TIRTIR Red, Hera Black Cushion | Matte/Semi-matte → CLIO Kill Cover, Laneige NEO Matte | Natural → Laneige NEO Glow |
| Coverage | Sheer/Natural → Laneige NEO | Medium → Hera Black | Full → TIRTIR Mask Fit, CLIO Kill Cover |
| SPF Level | SPF 40+ for daily use, SPF 50+ for outdoor activities. Most Korean cushions include high SPF. |
| Shade Range | Korean cushions typically run lighter. TIRTIR offers the widest shade range (up to 30 shades). Check number system: 13=very fair, 21=light, 23=medium |
4Cushion Compacts by Skin Type
Matte or semi-matte finish cushions with sebum control. CLIO Kill Cover Founwear is a common pick for oil control. Look for 'long-wear' or 'matte' in the name.
Dewy/glow finish cushions with skincare ingredients. Hera Black Cushion has a moist, glowy finish. TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion also gives a radiant finish.
Semi-matte cushions or adjustable finish. Laneige NEO Cushion Matte controls T-zone while not drying cheeks. Apply mattifying powder only on T-zone.
Mineral-based cushions without fragrance. Look for centella or cica ingredients. Avoid cushions with heavy fragrance.
5Cushion Compacts by Personal Color
Not sure about your personal color? Take our free quiz
Warm beige shades (#21W, #23W). Look for golden/yellow undertones. TIRTIR shades 17N, 21N work well. Avoid pink-toned shades.
View Spring Warm guide →Cool pink-beige shades (#21C, #23C). Rose undertone cushions. Hera Black Cushion in cool shades suits summer cool skin.
View Summer Cool guide →Deep warm beige (#23W, #25W). Golden and honey undertones. Darker shade range cushions. CLIO Kill Cover in warm beige tones.
View Autumn Warm guide →Neutral to cool shades (#21N, #23C). High-contrast skin suits natural-finish cushions. Avoid yellow-toned cushions.
View Winter Cool guide →6Products in This Category
39 products with Korean retail prices
Chanel
Ultra Le Teint Cushion
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TIRTIR
Mask Fit Red Cushion
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Hera
Black Cushion
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CLIO
Kill Cover Founwear Cushion All New
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Dior
Forever Cushion
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Armani Beauty
Luminous Silk Foundation
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MAC
Studio Fix Fluid
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Givenchy
Prisme Libre
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Estee Lauder
Double Wear Foundation
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Lancome
Teint Idole Ultra Wear
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YSL Beauty
Touche Eclat
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Dior
Forever Foundation
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Laneige
NEO Cushion
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Amorepacific
Color Control Cushion Compact
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Etude
Double Lasting Foundation
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Etude
Big Cover Fit Concealer
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CLIO
Kill Cover The New Founwear Cushion
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Missha
M Perfect Covering BB Cream
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Innisfree
No Sebum Mineral Powder
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Innisfree
No Sebum Mineral Primer
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Hera
Glow Lasting Foundation
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Sulwhasoo
Perfecting Cushion EX
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IOPE
Air Cushion Cover
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Bobbi Brown
Intensive Serum Cream Foundation
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Bobbi Brown
Vitamin Enriched Face Base+
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Bobbi Brown
Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15
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Make Up For Ever
HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation
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Make Up For Ever
HD Skin Setting Powder
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Milk Touch
Dewy Glass Skin Foundation
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LUNA
LUNA Long Lasting Tip Concealer EX
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LUNA
LUNA Long Lasting Conceal Cushion
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LUNA
LUNA Conceal Blender Palette
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The Saem
Skin Perfection Glutathione Toning Cushion
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The Saem
Cover Perfection Tip Concealer
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Maybelline New York
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
TFIT
Translucent Set Finishing Powder
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TFIT
Cover Up Pro Concealer
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TFIT
Translucent Set Essential Powder
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Dolce&Gabbana Beauty
Bergamot Glow Primer
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7Price Comparison: Korea vs International
Buying from Korea (online or duty-free) saves 20 to 60% on most products
| Product Tier | Korea Price | International Retail | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Cushion (Dior/Chanel) | ₩70,000 to 95,000 | $52 to $72 | 20 to 50% |
| Premium K-beauty (Hera/Laneige) | ₩42,000 to 55,000 | $34 to $45 | 20 to 50% |
| Affordable K-beauty (TIRTIR/CLIO) | ₩23,000 to 32,000 | $18 to $25 | 20 to 50% |
8Application Tips
Press and stamp the puff (don't drag) for even, buildable coverage
Use half the puff for the face, fold the other half for precise under-eye and nose application
Build coverage in thin layers. Two light presses look more natural than one heavy application
Flip the puff to the clean side for a final press to set and smooth
Replace the puff every 2 to 3 weeks for hygiene. Cushions come with spare puffs
Korean MUAs dab cushion around the nose and chin last, using leftover product for a natural fade
9Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cushion compact last?
About 1 to 2 months with daily use. The refill system means you only replace the sponge insert, not the whole compact. Refills are typically 40 to 60% cheaper than the full product.
Are cushions enough for sun protection?
Most Korean cushions have SPF 40 to 50+, which provides good protection if you apply enough. However, one layer is usually not sufficient for full SPF. Use a dedicated sunscreen underneath and the cushion as supplemental protection.
Why do Korean cushions have limited shade ranges?
The Korean domestic market is relatively homogeneous in skin tone. However, brands like TIRTIR (30 shades) and CLIO are expanding ranges for global customers. The shade system uses numbers: 13=fair, 17=light, 21=light-medium, 23=medium, 25=medium-deep.
Cushion vs liquid foundation: which is better?
Cushions offer convenience, portability, and natural dewy finish but less coverage. Liquid foundations offer more coverage options and shade range. Korean women often use cushion for daily wear and liquid foundation for special occasions.
Find Cushion Compacts for Your Skin
Take the personal color quiz to see products for your skin tone and type