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 Best Cushion Foundations to Shop Now
How We Test the Best Foundations
Our editors test hundreds of foundations each year, which means we can tell a good formula from a bad one with our eyes closed.
- We test on real skin – Every foundation is worn by a range of testers with different skin types (dry, oily, combination, and sensitive) to see how the formula performs across the board.
- We wear it all day – We apply each product in the morning and keep it on for at least eight hours to track how it wears, fades, creases, or oxidizes throughout the day.
- We pay attention to finish – Whether it claims to be matte, dewy, or natural, we evaluate how it actually looks and feels on the skin.
- We try it multiple ways – Brushes, sponges, fingers — you name it. We apply the product using different tools to see how it blends and builds.
- We check the shade range – We look at how extensive and balanced the shade offering is, especially for deeper and undertoned skin tones.
- We test it in real life – Think: humidity, long workdays, sweaty subway rides, and even flash photos. We want to know how it really holds up.
- We consider the ingredients – Foundations that include skin-care benefits like SPF, hyaluronic acid, or antioxidants earn bonus points.
- We factor in cost – Whether it’s $12 or $65, we weigh performance against price to make sure it’s worth it.
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, they’re 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 face sunscreen throughout the day without ruining your makeup. Not only that, cushion foundations are one of the most travel-friendly beauty products out there — meaning you don’t have to worry about opening your carry-on to an explosion of makeup. Whether you’ve just booked your first summer vacation or you’re going on an impromptu weekend trip, find your new favorite cushion foundation from our curated list of picks ahead.
Update on August 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
User reviews may have been lightly edited for clarity.