I’ve been interested in cushion compacts for quite some time but never took the jump to test one until recently. I was researching and shopping for sunscreens in Sephora a few months ago and one of the associates recommended the Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compacts ($60 for 0.52 oz/15 g, plus one full-sized refill) because it had a high SPF, natural coverage and was also one of their best sellers in store. She tried two shades on me, Tan Gold 204 and Amber Gold 208. It was hard to tell with in store lighting which color was best because they both seemed to adjust to the skin and it was early summer so I wasn’t sure how much of a tan I would get. I decided to wait and luckily the Amore Pacific team reached out and offered to send one for me to test. Based on my skintone description they sent Tan Gold 204 for me to try. I’ve been playing with it for a month and am really pleased with it.
One reason why I’ve been hesitant to try cushion compacts for so long is most seem to be pink in undertone. I have distinct olive/yellow undertones so I’ve avoided them for a long time. Amore Pacific’s Color Control Cushion Compact has a limited shade selection but they have two with pink undertones and two with yellow undertones. In testing the four shades at Sephora in store, it was easy to see the difference in undertone.
Tan Gold 204 applies to a perfect match for my skin. It has very natural coverage but manages to conceal uneven areas and redness on the face. The sponge is very thin and absorbs the perfect amount of product to apply to the skin. You have to test it really see how beautifully it performs – you press it into the skin and then blend with the sponge. The finish looks like your skin but so much better. It isn’t like tinted moisturizers or like other CC or BB creams (I find most disappear into my skin). The one from Amore Pacific covers completely but still manages to look natural.
The color starts out a bit light on my skin but it oxidizes to match my skin. It only darkens within the first few minutes but stays the same color throughout the day. I was really impressed with how well it holds up to the humidity and heat (it lasts all day when set with powder through 90 degree weather). When I use it pores disappear and fine lines no longer look like they are visible. There is a noticeable floral scent but it’s not overpowering or irritating on the skin (for reference, it has the same strength as By Terry Rose products but is more powdery smelling compared to a straight rose).
The compact is very well designed. It comes with a mirror and a spot for the sponge. The insert is easy to pop out to replace with the extra refill. The product is in a cushion form, the foundation is soaked in a cushiony sponge. To apply, simply press the sponge into the compact and then apply to your face.
Here’s a look at the compact with the insert removed:
Swatches:
Swatches to a few other Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact shades (I had a sample pack of the pink tones from a previous GWP) and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Groenland and St. Moritz (right now I’m a perfect match to St. Moritz):
Ingredients:
-Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: 7%
-Titanium Dioxide: 4.15%
-Zinc Oxide: 9.8%
Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Alcohol, Arbutin, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Aluminium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Disodium Edta, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylhexyglycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Water, Silica, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camillia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fragrance, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Ci77499).
Given the limited shade selection I’m surprised but really happy to have found a good color match. I’m thoroughly impressed with how natural it looks – it’s like your skin but so so much better. After testing it for about a month now I am pleased to report it evens out the skin, gives the skin a natural glow, is easy to build and lasts all day. Aside from the initial darkening/adjusting which occurs within the first 5 minutes, the color stays put and doesn’t darken with sweat or heat. I love how it feels weightless and like skin on the face. I do set with a powder to make it stay put better – but I set everything with powder. I have sensitive skin but this one did not irritate my face or cause any breakouts. The price of $60 is on point and seems very reasonable especially since it comes with a full-sized refill.
Have you tried anything from Amore Pacific before? Based on the reviews online, most everything in the line seems to be very well received by beauty lovers. I’m new to the line – would love recommendations if you have any favorites! If not – do you have any favorite cushion compacts?
You can find the Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact online at Amore Pacific, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Sephora and Neiman Marcus.
The Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact was provided courtesy of Amore Pacific for review consideration. As always, all opinions are my own.
I have the Laneige BB Cushion in Medium and love it. I think Laneige is owned by Amore Pacific. I think you and I are similar in skin tone because I also use Nars Groenland.
Hi Edith – thanks for the tip on the Laneige Cushion! I saw the line at Target a few weeks ago but didn't have the patience to look or research reviews on my phone while in the store. I'll have to check it out the next time I go 🙂
So glad to see this post! I have been using Amorepacific for years, and it has transformed my skin — SUCH a wonderful line of products. My favorites are all the eye creams, the Bio Enzyme refining complex, and their moisturizer is HEAVEN.
Thanks for the recommendations! I'll definitely check out the Bio Enzyme refining complex. Sounds like the line is really good – I have some minis floating around from previous GWPs I'll have to dig them out and give them a try.
I love cushion compacts! I just wish the shade range was a bit larger, it can be hard to find very light or very dark shades sometimes.
I think the concept of cushion compacts is so intriguing! I do wish the shade selection was better – based on what I've seen I see the same as you, light or dark – most seem really pink, but I'll have to do more research 🙂
I am currently using this product as well, love it, effortless application and beautiful finish, =)
I agree! It's like beautiful skin in a compact 🙂
I love this cushion. If you enjoyed this, check out the Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion from Amore Pacific's sister brand. I did a review of it on my blog comparing it to the Amore Pacific if interested. It's got more coverage and is a bit yellower in tone.
Thanks Joan! I'll definitely look into the Sulwhasoo one! Yellow = better for me!
I have seen this on YT before and it looks amazing, i would love to try this out x
Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave | My YouTube
I enjoy mine as well. Initially I thought it had too dewy of a finish. But then I omitted the primer and wow! It really does look like skin.
What primer did you try with it? I've been testing over Eve Lom Brightening Cream and it applied like a dream – lately some primers seem to have made my skin more dewy – probably because of the heat + layers of product.
I love Amore Pacific products! When the sales associate tried the cushion compact on my skin when I visited Seoul, I knew immediately that I needed it in my life. I'm glad they brought out yellow undertones to North America.
I also love their skincare products – the skin renewal mist, treatment cleanser, eye cream and face serums are all game changers. I have dry and sensitive skin and Amore Pacific products really helped hydrate my skin and reduced redness.
Hi Vivian – thank you so much for the recommendations! The Skin Renewal Mist sounds dreamy!!!
I'm so happy you're giving cushions some attention. I've tried and reviewed 7+ cushions and the AmorePacific is solidly one of my favorites and highest quality cushions (of course, reflected in the price tag). I wear 104 but don't find it too pink when I'm NC20-25. It looks neutral on my warm, yellow-toned skin. –Angela
Thanks Angela 🙂 Cushions is on the list for a while – sounds like you are quite an expert at testing!! Glad to hear that Amore Pacific is one of your favorites 🙂
I am in love with the sulwhasoo perfecting cushion. I have found the amore pacific line in general to be too highly fragranced for my taste. I think they might be the same company though??
Thanks Trish – I'll have to look into the Sulwhasoo one 🙂
I have used the AmorePacific eye cream, and it is, by far, the best eye cream I have ever used. I noticed results after the first use. It is incredibly pricey (I was testing a sample), but an outstanding product. Thank you for this review! I am very interested in trying this foundation.
Thank you Kelli! I just googled the eye cream – which one do you use/like? Eeeps on the price! I splurged on the Chanel Sublimage and I think it will last me forever, lol. I'll look into the AmorePacific one as it sounds incredible but ouch on the price!
I'm not sure if Nordstrom still has it but I bought their kit i think it was 195.00 which you get the cleanser, toner, enzyme peel and a 1oz day cream and 1oz night cream. Their creams alone are 195 and its 1ounce so you get a bunch of other items and their creams. Great deal love it all
Hi Melissa – thanks for the tip! It does sound like an amazing deal – I looked at Nordstrom and there are only 2 sets right now (one is $750). I hope it will launch for holiday because I think it would be a great way to try things from the line!
This looks interesting. I was also intrigued by an ad for the new Lancome cushion foundation but Lancome just doesn't lure me enough.
Thanks, Tanja
Hi Tanja – I saw the ad too! I looked briefly at the cushions while in Sephora – but the testers were very very used (and not in a good way). I'll have to investigate at a different counter next time.
I've been wearing the cushion compact by 3Lab. It is wonderful, but costs $100! I will have to try the Amore Pacific next. Thanks for your review!
I've heard such good things about 3Lab but haven't tried anything due to the price tag. The Barneys Beauty event is coming up very soon though, so I might give it a look.
I used to use their skincare but switched to all Tatcha. 3Lab makes an amazing BB Cream that is very high SPF — also expensive, but a little goes a long way. I use this for days when I'm standup paddling or outdoors in the summer. The coverage is medium and tenacious. The cushion compact is very light in coverage — perfect for every day, but not for sporty days.
i have it in 104 (it's a bit light for me) and i love it. it is a great product. will try the tan gold next time
Glad to hear of another fan! I do wish the color selection was bigger!
i love love love Amore Pacific's Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration. it is a skin mist that i prefer over SKII's or LaMer's. it feels sooooo good on the skin.
i use both AP's cushion foundation and 3Lab's. i like them both! xoxo
Yay another rave for the skin mist – if it's better than La Mer then that says a lot! I'll have to look into it very soon 🙂 Thanks for the rec!!
I've been using AmorePacific cushion compact for a year now and I love it! I'm a little darker than you, but the 204 still ends up matching to my skin eventually. I recently also tried the Sulwhasoo Perfecting cushion, which is another popular Korean line (maybe own by AP). The coverage better than AP's cushion, but unfortunately, the darkest shade was still too light for me. I wish they have a shade for me because it felt soft and moisturizing like the AP one, just more coverage.
the AP is better than the laneige and Iope. i haven't tried the sulwahsoo (sp) one yet but I hear it's on par with AP (it's also the same price). the laneige and Iope are cheaper alternatives. do not use the lancome one, it's a CC compact wannabe
I loved the color match and finish on this but it clogged my skin horribly. I can use it maybe a few days a week at the most before it clogs every pore in my face. It's a shame. I think it may be the sunscreen in it that's the culprit.
I see someone else already mentioned Sulwashoo. I compared their cushion to Amore Pacific's at Bergdorf's. I guess you know, Sulwashoo is made by Amore Pacific. The difference is, Sulwashoo's color lean more to yellow than pink, while Amore Pacific's lean a bit more pink and Sulwashoo's are more matte, compared to the slightly more radiant finish of Amore Pacific's cushion. I thought about a cushion compact and finally decided against it. I prefer using a high SPF CC cream. I like to mix it with a drop of Nars liquid illuminator. I prefer the finish of this combo and depending on whether I use the illuminator in Laguna, 413BLKR or Hot Sand, I can control the color.
I am currently using 3 Amore Pacific items and like them. I use their cleansing oil which removes every trace of eye makeup for me. I use their Moisture Bound Spray after applying makeup to a nice glow. Finally, I'm using their Time Response eye cream which is nice, but not sure if it is worth $260.