K-beauty’s hold over the make-up industry is showing no signs of slowing down as a core product is making its way into the mainstream: the cushion compact.
These portable complexion products see formulas soaked into a specialised sponge, offering buildable coverage and easy application.
While it is not a new product concept, with many remembering the cushion compacts of the 1990s and early 2000s, the category has seen major growth in recent years with new skin care-led formulations and soft-focus finishes.
Make-up artist Yong-chin Breslin explains: “Cushion compacts have actually been around for a long time, they are hugely popular in the Asian market, particularly within K-beauty for their skin-like finish, but also for delivering coverage similar to a heavy concealer.”
More and more Western brands are now tapping into this trend from the East, with the likes of L’Oréal Paris and Sculpted by Aimee investing to bring their own versions of this rising trend to the market.
But what is it about cushion compacts that has captured everyone’s attention?
Why cushion compacts are having a moment
Cushion compacts are a focal point for complexion products, but whether these products are a passing trend or here to become a mainstay is still yet to be seen.
Make-up artist Alyson Peacock puts the popularity of these products down to the ease of use, as she explains: “they are so much more convenient to carry around with you and top-up throughout the day [than other complexion products].
“I think there is always room for a convenient product.
“For day-to-day use and portability I think they are amazing – and the formulas have come such a long way.”
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For Jacinta Ruscillo, a make-up artist and founder of wellness community Beauty Class, this is a trend we are “only going to see more and more of”.
Ruscillo adds: “These products are quite different to
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