Well, its official. My name is Sarah and I am a foundation hoarder. It’s all for good reasons though, right? For me a good makeup base sets everything up. I like a product that is super light-weight, medium coverage, and glowy without looking like you’re a sweaty mess. In reviewing the new Loreal Lumi Cushion Foundation I can say check, check, check.
I’ve seen this beautiful rose gold packaging pop up all over the UK blog scene but have been delaying purchasing it in the US. A big reason is because of how obsessed I am with my DiorSkin Air Nude foundation – which I think to be comparable in formulas. However, Dior is a luxury brand so with it comes a luxury price tag. I cry a little bit inside each time I have to make the refill purchase. Ergo I was looking for a high-street dupe.
For background, the cushion foundation craze started out in Japan/Korea – and we all can attest that their skin is flawless.
The US has been picking up on the trend over the past year but there’s only been a few drugstore brands who have made the plunge. Contrasting to a normal pump or bottle of formula, the makeup itself is stored within a full cushion. You then dab your sponge/brush into the formula for a shockingly amount of coverage.
Packaging-wise I love this product. The sleek rose gold/white container looks gorgeous on my makeup stand and is super compact – perfect for traveling. I also love that there is a fairly sizable mirror in the back of the lid. Personally I’m not a huge fan of the powder-puff applicator that comes with the product. I felt that it didn’t pick up enough foundation and that the texture of it actually soaked up a lot. I have been using a domed foundation brush – the same I use for my Dior foundation – and find that it covers effortlessly. I know beauty gurus like Jaclyn Hill and Lisa Eldridge use a damp beauty blender to get their effect so i’d be interested to try that out.
The formula of the Lumi Cushion Foundation is pigmented enough that gives me YSBB (your skin but better), but it doesn’t cover all of my redness in one swipe. On those spots and in my T-zone I tend to have to apply a second coat. TBH I wasn’t a fan of this at first. However, once I apply my concealer and set my face I fell in love with it. The luminous finish feels so light on my skin and surprisingly doesn’t move throughout the day. The product also mixes seamlessly with powder and cream formulas – which can usually be an issue my oil-based Dior.
Overall it turns out i’m a fan – and thankfully enough I can give my bottle of Dior a break for everyday use. At $17 a pop it is definitely on the pricier side for drugstore, but I love seeing main-stream brands step their game up. This just reinstates Loreal as my #1 drugstore brand. Bravo Loreal, bravo.
The Loreal Lumi Cushion Foundation comes in 12 shades. I wear W3 Nude Beige.
