Korean Cushion Foundations, IOPE.

If you've read my blog awhile, you'll know that when it comes to makeup, I'm all over bases. And I need to tell you about another one. 

IOPE is a Korean brand under the Amore Pacific umbrella and they hold ownership of the most popular cushion foundation in Korea so I had high hopes of this when I finally got my hands on it. 

Cushion foundations, if you're unfamiliar, are compacts containing sponges soaked in magic, or in other words, a next-generation-BB and CC makeup base. Like BB/CC creams, cushion 'foundations' aren't just makeup, there are many skincare benefits: anti-ageing, hardcore sunscreen, peptides, take your pick. (This one has ingredients like lactic acid, arbutin for brightening and panthenol.)

Cushion foundations, and especially this one, are known for their texture. Thin, lightweight, watery, undetectable (hallelujah!) , but not in the slightest greasy or odd feeling like Giorgio Armani's Maestro/Loreal's Nude Magique. Yet they somehow manage to be buildable and offer anything from a sheer to medium coverage.

IOPE's Air Cushion compact (my shade is C21, equivalent to around a MAC NC20-25) comes with a special, dense sponge and, in my eyes, this is the only way to apply it as it doesn't soak up the product. Sweep over the skin to sheer out the coverage or dab on like a Beautyblender to build up areas without looking cakey. 

The shade range can seem a little confusing so let me summarise for you: 
N, natural, gives a lighter finish with less coverage. This comes in 21, paler and 23, darker. 
C, cover, offers more coverage but looks no less natural. This also comes in 21 and 23. 
S, shimmer, is a more dewy formula, great for those with dry skin. 

As for skin ailments, does it sort you out? 

Redness, blotchiness, pigmentation, pores. A light dabble later and my redness is knocked back, skin tone evened out and pores disguised. It's brightening, moisturising, my skin looks much healthier, dewy, luminous, alive. It's waterproof, offers sun protection with SPF 50 and lasts all day on my combo skin, somehow staying dewy whilst keeping oil production at bay. 

You get a 15ml refill with your compact, sealed so it doesn't dry out, to give you 30ml of total product, and a top tip: when your cushion feels dry, instead of swapping it out for a new one, flip it over first  to eek a bit more longevity!

I can't say enough good things about this base. If you're after a high SPF, undetectable coverage and a glow, this one's for you.

And great news, you can pick this up at my favourite Korean beauty purveyor, Yesstyle! And if you're stuck in finding the best places to buy Korean beauty products, you can check out my Definitive Guide.