From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Instagram / Hera

Korean cushions have always been known to deliver a dewy, natural complexion while cushions from Western brands tend to give a more matte finish with a heavier texture. Now, more Korean brands are coming up with new cushion foundations that marry the strengths from both sides with lightweight formulas that give a semi-matte powdery finish and high coverage.

Korean luxury skincare and makeup brand Hera is a prime paradigm of that.

Hera’s Black Cushion, which was released recently in 2017, is marketed to be a lightweight long-wearing cushion foundation with a soft, powdery matte finish. This cult brand’s cushion has been highly raved about in South Korea, having been featured on many Korean influencers’ videos on Youtube. It has even been deemed many times by said influencers as the “best cushion” they’ve ever used.

The foundation provides SPF 34 with PA++, and comes in a range of 6 shades — from N13 (fair with yellow undertones) to N25 (light-medium with neutral undertones).

To test the brand’s claims of the Black Cushion, I tried it out and see if it really is worth all the hype it’s been getting.

 

Featuring a limited edition Spring Summer 2018-exclusive packaging with Belgium artist Edith Carron’s adorable illustrations, the Black Cushion I received was in the shade N23-Beige.

 

 

Upon application, I was immediately blown away with the high coverage — one layer was all it took to conceal my blemishes and the redness of my skin. Of course, the foundation can also be built up to a semi-full coverage depending on your preferences.

It has a subtle floral scent, making it a great fit for those who dislike strong fragrances in cosmetics.

The cushion gives a nice even finish with a brightening effect. I credit this to the brand’s utilisation of a cutting-edge “Ultra Fine Powder Dispersion” technology. The formula has super-fine foundation particles which allows the foundation to blend seamlessly into the skin for a smoother coverage.  

I have combination skin with a T-zone that tends to get oily, so I appreciate foundations that leave me with a matte finish. The Black Cushion does just that, without looking too heavy and cakey. It also gives my skin a fresh luminous glow.

 

Hera Black cushion

(L-R): Before application, and after

 

Even though the brand claims that it has a non-sticky finish, I find that it does feel tacky initially upon application and requires the use of setting powder to increase longevity. With that said, it definitely does not budge as easily as dewier formulas.

Around the five-hour mark, the foundation has broken up slightly around the oilier parts of my skin — but it’s nothing a little blotting and touching up can’t fix.

It has also started to emphasise the drier parts, such as the pores on my cheeks and some of my fine lines. If you have dry skin, I recommend applying a hydrating primer before using the Black Cushion. You can also look to Hera’s Rosy Satin Cream, a moisturising product that’s designed to prep and hydrate the skin before the application of makeup.

The foundation does not oxidize, so you won’t have to worry about a mismatched foundation shade halfway through the day.

All in all, I would highly recommend this to those with oily skin or combination skin. It’s a convenient alternative to heavier full-coverage foundations with its compact cushion packaging, and delivers a beautiful even finish with a comfortable wear. However, those with drier skin types may prefer Hera’s UV Mist Cushion, which provides a dewier, radiant finish.

Hera’s Black Cushion is available at the Hera beauty counter located at Takashimaya, Level 1.

 

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