Get or Forget? Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion

Last week, I gave you a sneak peek of my mini-birthday haul and promised to do separate reviews of makeups you might be interested in. As mentioned, I was stoked to see Sulwhasoo counter in the newly-renovated Nordstrom at Ala Moana (Oahu, Hawai'i). Reason being, their much-hyped "original cushion foundation" has been on my wish list for eons so while I can certainly order it online, I'd rather see and swatch first. I also teased you in my previous post by asking if I made the right choice so after a week of wearing it and employing different techniques and whatnots, I can officially give you my thoughts and recommendation. But first, this photo.... it's a throwback of my staycation from last week, oh take me back to the beach! I was wearing Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion (which by the way has SPF 50), pair of Rayban sunnies, Smashbox Liquid Lipstick Drivers Seat (review and swatches soon) and Tory Burch rashguard.

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💗💗💗 In love with this @toryburch safari #rashguard ☀️🌴 Also, #ontheblog today, I shared part 1 of my #makeuphaul 👉🏼 www.thefabzilla.com #summerstyle #beachstyle #ootd #beachfordays #hawaiilife #lovesummer #bblogger #styleoftheday #fotd 👉🏼 #sulwhasoo perfecting cushion and #smashboxliquidlipstick drivers seat @smashboxcosmetics @sulwhasoo.us #thefabzilla

A photo posted by Kathryne (@thefabzilla) on Jul 7, 2016 at 6:51pm PDT

Retailing for $60 (inclusive of one full size refill), this cushion foundation earned a commendable reputation for its "sheer to medium coverage, lightweight feel, dewy without looking greasy", mostly amongst the K-beauty obsessed demographics. Like the BBs (beauty balm) and CCs (color correcting), this particular formula is predominantly popular in Asia and is finally catching up with the western market. Better late than never, as the adage goes. There are six shades from the brand's website but over at Nordies where I got mine, there are only three (#21 medium pink, #23 medium beige, #25 deep beige). Because of my beach-hoppin' ways the other week, I was tanner than usual when I got "color-matched" by the beauty consultant. She initially suggested #25 but since my neck and the rest of my body are lighter than my face, I did choose #23. Reason being, it's but logical to match a portion of my face to my entirety than vice versa.

From the brand "A fresh, light-weight cushion foundation that delivers long-lasting coverage for a naturally flawless complexion. Each compact comes with a full size refill. It has Apricot Kernel Oil to  promote collagen formation, Jaumdan™ Water and antioxidants to deliver optimal hydration and lifting effects, Flexible Film-Fixing Polymer offers a thin protective barrier for a flawless finish for 12 hours, and SPF 50+ PA+++ protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause photo-aging".

It comes in a standard compact which includes a flat sponge and mirror. The cushion itself is not drenched in liquid which allows you to build your coverage using the sponge. While the latter is nice for patting the formula from the compact to your face, I don't find it equally salutary for further blending because it ain't cutting it. My preferred method for blending is to use a beauty blender then buff with a brush as necessary.

So let's talk about the good points. I like that it's unscented, travel-handy, comes with full sized refill, and has spf 50 (caveat: it's still best to wear sunscreen underneath even if your makeup says it contains one because the amount of protection is relative to the amount of coverage; ergo, a sheer coverage like this cushion is not enough to give you protection against UV rays unless you voluntarily pour all the formula onto your face). It also renders dewy finish which translates to youthful and radiant skin to some people. I understand why there is so much love for this product amongst fair-skinned and flawless Asian ladies: it suits their skin tone very well and considering their nearly perfect visage, this gives decent coverage sans cakiness.

Now let's talk about why I'm not a fan after all. Due to its limited shade range, I had to settle with the lesser evil, which in makeup lingo simply means "it ain't bad but it could be better". While #23 is somewhat a close match to my neck, I still find the ashy/greyish cast a letdown. I know it's because of the sunscreen component but even then, there has to be a shade out there that won't do a Casper-like appearance like this...

Natural lighting: facing the window

Contrary to what others say that it wears long, it's no match to the hot and humid weather of Hawai'i.  It melts and appears patchy on the 6th hour or so even inside an air-conditioned mall and office. Unset or set with powder, I wasn't getting the longevity I expected. But trooper that I am, I had to end this post with a made-up version of me because I can't with Casper, I just can't.

Other makeups used to vindicate myself: Anastasia Glow Kit (review soon), Anastasia Renaissance Palette (review soon), Urban Decay Vice Notorious (matte medium purple, review soon).

Bottom line: What works for some may not for me and vice versa. Skin type, skin color, even weather  to some extent play a role as to the overall quality and performance of certain products.