12 of the Best Cushion Foundations on the Market

Nordstrom
Nordstrom
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The next time you load up your makeup bag with your favorite foundations to wear on vacation, consider bringing along a cushion foundation compact — you'll want to thank us later. If you aren't already familiar with the K-Beauty trend staple, cushion foundations are usually characterized by a sponge that's soaked with liquid foundation and housed in a plastic container. The sponge, of course, is to be used as the foundation applicator.

The pros of using this type of foundation compact are plentiful: they're known for being lightweight and easy to apply with the soft applicator, it's perfect for natural-looking makeup as there are plenty of dewy cushion foundation formulas to try, and many are refillable. Plus, some cushion foundations have SPF in them, so you'll be able to easily reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, and not ruin your makeup. Not only that, cushion foundations are one of the most travel-friendly makeup products. Meaning you don't have to worry about opening your carry-on to an explosion of makeup.

Ahead, check out our picks for the best cushion foundations on the market.

Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy

Best Cushion Foundation Overall
emcosmetics.com

Best Cushion Foundation Overall

Em Cosmetics Daydream Cushion Tinted SPF SPF 50 PA+++ ($48)

For the most natural-looking effect, the Em Cosmetics Daydream Cushion Tinted SPF features a serum-like formula that blurs pores and evens out skin tone while providing sun protection. It has buildable wear that will give your complexion an even tone. This cushion foundation contains niacinamide, snow mushroom extract, rice water, and other antioxidants to hydrate and refine the skin's texture. It contains SPF 50 PA+++. The cushion is also refillable for the eco-conscious. It comes in seven shades.

Best Powder Cushion Foundation
sephora.com

Best Powder Cushion Foundation

Dior Forever Cushion Powder Foundation ($65)

If you have oily or combination skin, this Dior Forever Cushion Powder Foundation will deliver a flawless base on the go. This powder version delivers a velvet, soft matte finish that still leaves your skin with a glow. The loose powder is ultrafine and infused with water, so your skin will still feel hydrated with a weightless wear. It's long-wearing, translucent, and available in deep, light, and medium.

Best Water-Based Cushion Foundation
nordstrom.com

Best Water-Based Cushion Foundation

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation ($139)

Chantecaille's Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation is a water-based, oil-free foundation with a lightweight feel, perfect for those looking for something hydrating. Leaving skin with a flawless appearance, this cushion foundation delivers a blurring effect with a buildable coverage. Your complexion will look natural and fresh; just press the puff into the cushion and dab it into your skin. It's available in seven shades.

Best Cushion Foundation For Combination Skin
amazon.com

Best Cushion Foundation For Combination Skin

Iope Perfect Cover Cushion SPF 50+ ($42)

The Iope Perfect Cover Cushion SPF 50+ will deliver airbrushed foundation coverage while remaining lightweight on the skin. It's perfect for those with combination and sensitive skin, especially if you're looking for a natural finish. This cushion foundation will infuse your skin with hydration while providing coverage for blemishes and redness. It contains SPF as well, so it's a great way to reapply your sunscreen while wearing makeup throughout the day. It comes in two shades.

Best Weightless Cushion Foundation With SPF
amazon.com

Best Weightless Cushion Foundation With SPF

Amorepacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($75)

The Amorepacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ delivers long-lasting coverage with a weightless feel. It's a great cushion foundation for those dealing with dullness or uneven texture. You can gently pat the puff on areas where more coverage is needed. With this cushion foundation, you'll have a more even toned complexion and a radiant glow. It comes in five shades.

Best Affordable Cushion Foundation
target.com

Best Affordable Cushion Foundation

Pixi Glow Tint Foundation Cushion ($14)

The Pixi Glow Tint Foundation Cushion is a universally flattering cushion foundation that helps to brighten and even out the complexion. It blends into the skin blurring texture and diffusing uneven skin tone. It's great for those with dry skin as well since it's packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It also has niacinamide to help improve your skin's texture as well.

Best Cushion Foundation For Medium to Full Coverage
bloomingdales.com

Best Cushion Foundation For Medium to Full Coverage

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion ($65)

The Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion will provide your skin with a smooth finish application that feels lightweight. It will help improve the appearance of discoloration and uneven skin tone as well as blurr the appearance of pores. It has a hydration formula that will leave your skin feeling comfortable and flexible. This cushion foundation also has an SPF of 50+, so you can easily take it on the go for reapplying sunscreen on top of makeup. It comes in four shades.

Best Cushion Foundation For Dry Skin
sephora.com

Best Cushion Foundation For Dry Skin

La Mer The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($145)

La Mer's The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 hydrates skin while giving it an airbrushed finish. It's a great lightweight option for those with dry or normal skin types. It contains SPF 20 as well. This cushion foundation delivers a light yet buildable coverage with a natural, skin-like radiant finish. It comes in seven shades with full sizes and refills.

Best Cushion Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin
amazon.com

Best Cushion Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin

Missha M Magic Cushion SPF50+/PA+++ ($12, originally $19)

Aside from its pocket-friendly price tag, the best thing about the Missha M Magic Cushion SPF50+/PA+++ is that one pat will stay put and provide you with enough coverage to get you through even the most hectic days. It comes in five shades. It has a lightweight wear and a buildable coverage. It's great for those with oily or acne-prone skin types since this cushion foundation has smooth silica bead powder that helps absorb sweat and sebum.

Best Dewy Cushion Foundation
nordstrom.com

Best Dewy Cushion Foundation

Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cushion Foundation ($105)

The Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cushion Foundation will leave you with a dewy, lightweight finish that won't have you reaching for your oil-blotting sheets in the hours to come. It delivers a hydrating application with sheer-to-medium buildable coverage. It comes in six shades.

Best Moisturizing Cushion Foundation
neimanmarcus.com

Best Moisturizing Cushion Foundation

Dior Capture Dreamskin Fresh and Perfect Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($90)

Dior's Capture Dreamskin Fresh and Perfect Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 feels completely weightless on skin but will blur any redness and shine while moisturizing it, too. This cushion foundation is perfect for those who want to even out their skin tone and texture since it helps correct the appearance of dark spots, pores, and dullness. It's great for all skin types, and comes in three shades, including a non-tinted one suitable for all skin tones. It comes with a full size and refill.

Best Cushion Foundation For Dark Skin Tones
nordstrom.com

Best Cushion Foundation For Dark Skin Tones

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($47)

The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 50 shade 555 Suede C is perfect for those with dark skin tones. It delivers buildable coverage that's long wearing and hydrating. It sets into a natural skin-like matte finish that will make you look radiant but not shiny.