The Korean Foundations That Help You Nail the No-Makeup Makeup Look
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Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Limited shade range
This cushion foundation “offers a semi-matte finish that is versatile and beginner-friendly,” says Erin Kim, the general manager of the Clio Cosmetics brand management team. The formula stays virtually transfer-proof once it sets, and an infusion of hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and plump while you wear it.
Shades: 5
Size: 0.53 oz. + refill
Expert review: “Cushion foundations are the epitome of convenience, so I’m sad that they never seemed to take off in the US. I would press the puff a few times into my skin, and one layer would cover the majority of my redness and hyperpigmentation. Then, I would apply one more layer onto any areas that needed it, and I’d be good to go. This formula covers without feeling cakey, and it fills all your pores so that your skin looks like the surface of a boiled egg in the best way.” —Carol Lee
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Pros
- Full-coverage yet lightweight
Cons
- Smaller size
If you’re looking for a full-coverage foundation that truly looks like skin, the TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation went viral on TikTok for exactly that. Not only does it feature an expansive shade range, but it also offers effortless application that blends in seconds.
Shades: 40
Size: 0.63 fl. oz.
Editor review: “After seeing this product and the impressive shade matches it provides all over my TikTok feed, I couldn’t wait to try it out myself. Fortunately, it completely lives up to the hype. With a gigantic shade range, everyone can find their perfect match. And despite the full-coverage, natural-finish formula, it feels like there’s nothing on your skin.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty commerce writer
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Jung Saem Mool is one of the most revered celebrity makeup artists in South Korea, and her specialty is making skin look healthy and radiant. This liquid foundation from her namesake makeup line is formulated to help you fake flawless, glowing skin. The brand recommends using the included puff to help the product meld and adhere to the skin.
Shades: 4
Size: 0.49 fl. oz.
Customer review: “After a long hunt for a lightweight foundation, this is absolutely amazing, it’s literally like a second skin! It covers al ot of my redness and hyperpigmentation. Application is easy, and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. Not to mention the color match is amazing.”
Pros
- Comes with a refill
Cons
- Limited shade range
As expected, this pick from Sulwhasoo feels as nourishing as skin care but camouflages imperfections like a foundation. As it sits on the skin, Schizophyllum commune maintains moisture, and UV-blocking ingredients provide sun protection.
Shades: 6
Size: 0.53 oz. + refill
Customer review: “I love how lightweight this cushion is! I also love using this perfecting cushion as a finishing touch on top of my base concealer because it leaves my skin looking so even in terms of the color. If you don’t have as much redness or blemishes to cover like myself, this cushion would probably be good enough on its own. I also like how it comes with two cushion foundations, making it really affordable with good ingredients that I can trust.”
Pros
- Feels lightweight
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
This formula is designed to look like your skin, only better. Somehow, the buildable foundation has enough coverage to cover mostly everything, yet it makes it look like you’re not wearing any complexion products at all. Prepare to get compliments on your skin—not your makeup.
Shades: 7
Size: 1.35 oz.
Customer review: “It’s a shame I can only give this five stars, because I would give it 10 if I could. I purposefully waited after I used this foundation a few times before leaving a review because I wanted to see how it was over a few days. And all I have to say is that it definitely lives up to its tagline of ‘second skin foundation.’ I don’t know if it’s because I applied it using a spatula, but it applies very evenly and smoothly. Can be layered, but don’t expect too much coverage from it—it gives you a natural glow. I have dry skin, and it doesn’t make my skin feel dry at all. I wear a KF94 mask for my 9–5 job, and there is hardly any rub-off on my mask at the end of the day.”
Pros
- Great for covering redness without weight
Cons
- Shades are slightly darker than in photos
The Erborian CC Cream is a skin care-makeup hybrid that leaves a dewy, even complexion while actively hydrating it. It starts off clear before encapsulated pigments burst to reveal a medium-coverage foundation with a skin-like finish.
Shades: 4
Size: 1.5 fl. oz.
Our expert says: “A lightweight complexion enhancer. Suppose you want the skin to look fresher and more luminous without adding obvious makeup, especially on normal-to-dry skin. This CC cream adapts to the skin tone while adding brightness and glow.”—Christian Briceno, celebrity makeup artist
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Pros
- Larger size
Cons
- Light coverage
Celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno calls the Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream “an industry staple.” Filled with skin-loving ingredients and SPF, the serum-like skin tint helps hydrate and improve elasticity while providing buildable, glowy coverage.
Shades: 10
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Our expert says: “I love this product because it evens out the skin beautifully while still looking natural. It’s light-to-medium coverage with a beautiful, natural satin finish that’s great for everyday skin and works well with most skin types. It also contains SPF.”—Briceno
Meet the Experts
Erin Kim is the general manager of the Clio Cosmetics brand management team.
Lauren Kim is the associate director of marketing and communications at Clio Cosmetics.
Christian Briceno is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles.
What are some tips for applying cushion foundation?
First, Lauren Kim recommends paying attention to how much product you start with. “A common mistake when using a cushion foundation is pushing too hard into the sponge that holds the foundation and getting way too much product on the puff. I recommend starting by dabbing the puff gently on the sponge to get a small amount of product and then using the middle lid of the cushion case to spread out the foundation more evenly,” she says. Doing so will prevent clumping and allow you to get an even layer across your face. Kim also suggests starting in the middle of the face and gradually blending it out, slowly building up as you go.
Additionally, Erin Kim emphasizes that the puff you use can make a huge difference. “All puffs are not created equal! My tip is to experiment with different types of puffs to find what helps you achieve your preferred finish. I also recommend using a foundation spatula as a tool to provide additional techniques in creating a flawless finish,” she says.
How do you make foundation last longer?
It may feel counterintuitive, but try applying thin layers of the foundation instead of covering your face in a thick layer, says Erin Kim. “I also recommend using a primer before applying foundation to create an environment where the skin can hold onto the foundation well,” she says. Of course, adding powder to any oily areas and finishing everything off with a setting spray will keep the foundation from breaking down prematurely as well.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.
How We Test
For this piece, beauty writers Carol Lee and Emma Aerin Becker consulted Korean makeup experts to learn about the best Korean foundations. They also read through countless customer reviews, tested some out themselves, and evaluated each product on its unique features.
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