Finding Your Mr. Right Cushion: A Brutally Honest Review of 8 Viral Korean Cushions

Let's be honest, scrolling through social media can feel like a minefield of influencers declaring every new cushion their "holy grail." It's hard to know what's genuinely good and what's just hype. That's why I've put together this no-holds-barred review of eight viral Korean cushions. I'm cutting through the marketing fluff and giving you the honest truth, so you can finally find your perfect cushion match.

Disclaimer: I don't hate any of these brands, and I've even used some on my clients. My skin is on the dry, dehydrated, and mature side. I typically use shade 21 in cushions, and my main concerns are fine lines and aging. I prefer a light and natural makeup look.

I've previously reviewed the TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Red Cushion, but today's focus is on the pink (Art Class Studio de Teint Nuage Cushion) and silver (Art Class Nuage Aura Cushion) versions. I have the original size in pink and the smaller size in silver, both in shade 21. TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL claims the pink offers higher coverage and the silver is glowier. My experience? Completely different.

These UNLEASHIA cushions were highly requested, but surprisingly difficult to find in stores. They seem to exist solely in the realm of social media. The packaging is bulky and heavier than most cushions, featuring a pop-up design activated by a button. This is a plus for hygiene, as you can wipe the surface clean before closing.

Jung Saem Mool recently renewed this cushion. The packaging is cute, and they offer two versions: Glass Natural and Matte. Despite its name, the Glass Natural finish wasn't glowy at all. It felt heavy, even with a thin application, and was too dry for my dry skin. It might be suitable for oily or combination skin, but the oxidizing and darkening after four hours make it a no-go for me.

This is my current holy grail cushion! NAMING is a relatively new brand, but I've been impressed with their other products. The Layered Fit Cushion in shade 21 White is a perfect match for my skin. It's a true 21, not too yellow, and helps neutralize redness.

Out of all the cushions I tested, this one is the most lightweight. The thin puff works beautifully with the formula, allowing for seamless, almost professional-looking application, even for beginners. It doesn't settle into fine lines, making it ideal for mature skin. I recommend it for all skin types except very oily. The only downside is the limited shade range, with 23 being the darkest option. Even after four hours and Korean BBQ, my makeup still looked good! While it did oxidize slightly, it was easy to touch up thanks to the flexible texture.

The HERA Black Cushion is a classic in Korea. It was the number one luxury cushion in Olive Young in 2024. While I don't use it regularly, I acknowledge its quality. HERA renewed the formula about 10 months ago, making it less dry than the previous version.

The finish is definitely powdery, and the coverage is amazing and buildable. However, it settled into my wrinkles and made my cheeks look flaky over time. I wouldn't recommend it for dry or mature skin. If you have other skin types and prefer a matte or satin finish, it might be worth a try. Keep in mind that the shade range runs darker than other Korean brands.

This cushion is incredibly popular with mature women in Korea, thanks to its heavy promotion on TV home shopping. It contains actual cream and feels more like a hardened BB cream. The coverage is sheerer and the finish slightly glowy. While it's a great option for mature, dry skin, the shades tend to be darker, catering to the older demographic. The color wasn't bright enough for me, but my mom loves it!

Finding the right cushion can be a challenge, even for seasoned makeup users. There are so many factors to consider, from color and coverage to texture and finish. Hopefully, this in-depth review has helped you narrow down your options and discover your perfect cushion match. If you have any other cushions you'd like me to review, let me know in the comments!

And finally, a little sneak peek: I'm launching my own skincare line in 2025! I'll be documenting the entire journey on my blog and videos, so stay tuned. Your opinions are incredibly valuable to me, so I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!