Trendspotting: Cushion Compacts

Reinforcing the still-sweeping influence of Korean beauty, expect a boom in cushion compacts this year.

In 2008, Seoul-based AmorePacific was the trailblazer, inventing the product category with the launch of Iope Air Cushion; more than 20 million have flown off shelves since.

The innovation’s in the packaging: the cushion is a sponge-y foam insert saturated with a BB-like liquid, tucked into a spill-proof case. Press the sponge onto the cushion to pick up the liquid, then tap onto skin (as if stamping it). The selling point: it’s foundation for foundation-phobes, delivering sheer to medium coverage that feels like nothing.

Now, new contenders abound in department stores and drugstores. Watch for the trend to cross into other product categories as well. Following last year’s launch of Miracle Cushion, this season Lancôme has brought the same compact format to four colour-correcting primers, while both TheFaceShop and Lise Watier are releasing cushion blushes for spring.

M.A.C Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact, available in 12 shades, $43, at M.A.C counters

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion, available in eight shades, $25, at drugstores

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation, available in three shades, $21, at drugstores

Lancôme Miracle CC Cushion Color Correcting Primer in Purple, $45, at Sephora.ca

TheFaceShop Hydro Cushion Blush, $15, at TheFaceShop

Lise Watier Beauty Cushion Blusher, $34, available April at drugstores