YSL Beauty's Take on Cushion Foundation Is Surprisingly Good
Our honest review of the brand’s Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation.
Korean makeup products have influenced so many of the beauty trends we know and love. Whether its because of their impeccable formulas or undeniable innovation, it’s no secret that K-beauty brands are constantly redefining our makeup routines. Because of this, cult-favorite products like cushion foundations have slowly creeped into the Western market — with brands like YSL Beauty cashing in on the hype and releasing their very own versions.
Although most K-beauty loyalists already have their ride-or-die cushion foundation locked down, as a fan of YSL Beauty’s luxe aesthetic and high-performing formulas, the brand’s newly-launched, Charli XCX-approved Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation called out to me. As someone that’s dabbled with the beloved TIRTIR Cushion Foundation, I knew exactly what the category was capable of — more specifically, it became extremely clear that YSL Beauty had a lot to live up to.
What To Know About YSL Beauty’s Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation
Best for: Medium coverage, airbrushed skin
Price: $49 USD on Sephora
Rating: 8/10
Why The Hype?
Known for their ability to deliver that glowy glass skin look, cushion foundations are a must for breathable coverage that’s easy to apply. While K-beauty variants typically lean into skincare ingredients and a skin-first finish, YSL Beauty’s Skin Affair Cushion Foundation in particular is formulated with squalane and niacinamide to hydrate skin and minimize the look of pores. Plus, it claims to melt into the skin to provide a soft, all-day glow.
How To Use
Cushion foundation is synonymous with its intuitive application, and the YSL Beauty Skin Affair Cushion Foundation is no different. Just like other K-beauty versions I’ve experimented with, the foundation comes in a portable compact and includes a puff and mirror for on-the-go application.
To apply, simply hold the puff with two fingers and press down on the cushion to dispense the formula. Making sure the puff is fully saturated, I tap it lightly onto my skin in a circular motion — starting at center of my face and working my way towards the edges. As recommended by YSL, I leave any problem areas, along with my nose and my under-eyes, untouched before finally going in with the very tip of the puff for a more precise application. Afterwards, finish the look off with the rest of your routine as normal.
An Honest Review
For my everyday makeup routine, I try to be as minimal as possible when it comes to foundation. Because of that, I feel that the YSL Beauty Skin Affair Cushion Foundation might be a little too intense for my casual looks. While it looks glowy on the skin and doesn’t feel too heavy when applied correctly, I could see how it still might overwhelm me on a busy day when I’m running around in the hot weather. However, I did like how it gave me that airbrushed yet natural finish, and I could see myself using it on occasions when I want to look a little extra put together or when I’m dealing with especially uneven skin tone.
With that being said, I was pleasantly surprised by it. While it might not be exactly on par with the K-beauty cushion foundations that popularized the format, it’s a close second in my personal rotation. As someone with dry skin, it definitely kept its promise of hydrating my skin — which honestly might be a bit of a drawback for anyone that deals with excess oiliness. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a great foundation to have in your bag for quick touch-ups and an even better introduction to cushion foundations for anyone that’s been curious about trying one.
The Final Verdict
For seasoned cushion foundations users, YSL Beauty’s Skin Affair Cushion Foundation might not be revolutionary. But by all other accounts, it’s extremely wearable and a must for fans of a glowy finish that won’t weigh you down. Personally, I consider it one of the easiest products to apply in a pinch and a foolproof way to get buildable, uniform coverage without the cakiness. Not to mention, it’s housed in an adorable compact that looks gorgeous in my bag and displayed on my vanity — which to me, makes it all worth it.
