It's been a while since I made a review of Laneige Neo Foundation Matte, but before this Foundation became a thing, Laneige released other makeup products that quickly became popular - Laneige Neo Cushion Matte and Laneige Neo Cushion Glow. Knowing my skin type, I knew Laneige Neo Cushion Matte in shade 13N is a product I need to try. Was it worth it or is Laneige Neo Cushion Matte a product you can skip?
I love Laneige, and I heard Laneige cushions are one of the best and most affordable ones. This fact and the design of Laneige Neo Cushion Matte made me buy this cushion.
Types of cushions
There are different types of cushions that you can find but I guess the easiest way to band all the cushions is by their purpose - makeup cushions and sun cushions. Makeup cushions are easy to determine while sun cushions are new in Europe - it's cushions filled with sunscreen. It makes sunscreen reapplication easier and it's very portable. Makeup cushions can be banded in different groups - microfoam cushions and pumping cushions. Microfoam cushion has a foam filled with the formula inside while pumping cushion is a cushion where the formula is hidden under a plastic or metal disc with small holes - Skin79, VDL and Estee Lauder had cushions like that, but I don't know if they still release this type of products. There are also foundations in cream that look like the cushion but I'm not going to focus on them since usually, we use them not as a foundation but as camouflage.
What does the cushion look like?
The cushion has one or two parts - a cushion case and refill or a case with the built-in refill. Each case usually has a built-in mirror. The refill contains filling - (usually) a microfoam filled with formula in a plastic case and air puff on the upper lid of this plastic case.
Refills & air-puffs
When you buy a cushion there are two things to remember - refills and air puffs. Refills are the containers with (usually) a microfoam and formula. They usually have air puffs together with a refill but not every cushion has this option. Refills are cheaper than cushions and usually, it's better to go for the refill option. Normally, each refill contains air puff but you can buy puffs separately - I recommended that if you're a makeup artist or you're allergic. Makeup artists can use this type of puff on their fingers when they put makeup on the client or model to not mess up the makeup while putting makeup on eyelids or lips. There are also refill sets with liquid formula - Klairs based its cushion on this type of refill.
Choice of shades
The most complicated topic ever. Asian cushions have usually a very limited number of shades - 2 or 3 shades, sometimes there's one universal colour, and some brands make 5 or even more shades. Laneige is a pro if it comes to shades. Both Laneige Neo Cushion Glow and Laneige Neo Cushion Matte have a big range of shades, but their availability depends on the place where you live. 13N Ivory is the lightest, the other shades are 17N Vanilla, 21C Cool Beige, 21N Beige, 23C Cool Sand, 23N Sand and 25N Tan. In Singapore and Malaysia, you can also find shades like 31N Brown, 33n Cinnamon and 35N Coffee. July Studio made a great campaign for Laneige Malaysia showing how different shades fit different skin tones.
Laneige also released limited editions like Laneige x Artist Novo or Laneige x Maison Kitsune. Limited editions are usually available only in shades 21 and 23.
About the brand Laneige
Laneige has lately stepped up its game. New foundations, new skincare line with vitamin C and retinol line. I expect to see this series in 2022 in Europe since this series got introduced to the US market lately. Laneige is a brand with 28 years of tradition. Laneige was established in 1994. The owner of this company is Amore Pacific. The name Laneige comes from the French "La Neige", which means snow. Laneige focuses on water and technology. This brand knows how to make your skin hydrated while fighting other skin problems, but it's not only about skincare! The Two-Tone Bar Lipstick used by actress Song Hye-Kyo in the K-drama Descendants of The Sun sold out quickly. I remember Two Toner Bar Lipstick better from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo with Lee Sung-Kyung. Both actresses made an appearance in Laneige commercials. Actress Kim Yoo-Jung is currently the face of Laneige and Radian-C Cream and other Laneige lines - she's been a brand ambassador since 2017. It's quite an affordable brand with sweet but not too sugary packaging. The packaging makes me believe that the main targets are teens and young adults. It's like a transition between Etude House and Sulwhasoo if Etude House is a teenage girl and Sulwhasoo is a mature lady.
Laneige Neo Cushion Matte - Packaging
The design of Laneige Neo Cushion Matte is pure art! Amorepacific got a Red Dot Design Award in 2021 for this design. According to reddot's website - this design is sustainable and can be used by both left and right-handed people. I never had trouble opening a cushion with my left hand before, but I guess that's something I should focus on. Usually, I don't notice the difference unless I can't grab something comfortably with my left hand. When it comes to sustainability, what matters the most is the packaging with no stickers and refills. We barely ever notice that, but if the packaging has no stickers, ink, etc it's way better for the environment since many of us forgot to remove stickers from the bottles. Similar to the foundation, amorepacific projected Laneige Neo Cushion Matte and Glow designs in collaboration with cloudandco - a design studio.
Laneige Neo Cushion Matte comes in a minimalistic paper box. The cushion case is made out of plastic, and each cushion has a refill option.
Laneige Neo Cushion Matte - Texture & Scent
Laneige Neo Cushion Matte has a creamy texture hidden in foam. The scent is also very creamy. The puff texture is incredible since it has tiny holes.
Laneige Neo Cushion Matte - Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Cyclopentasiloxane, Methyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Caprylyl Methicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Propanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Zinc Oxide (Nano), Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Nylon-12, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Fragrance/Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Stearic Acid, PEG-2 Soyamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, BHT, Hydroxycitronellal, Tocopherol
Water hides in a cosmetic product under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. If we want to use water in skincare products, we need to make sure this water is clean and free from minerals, any microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) - is a mineral sunscreen. It protects your skin from UVB and UVA (II) radiation. Usually, Titanium Dioxide leaves a white cast on the epidermis. Many people with sensitive skin prefer to use Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide instead of organic sunscreen (organic sunscreen agents contain carbon, and inorganic sunscreens aka mineral sunscreens don't contain carbon). In this case, Titanium Dioxide works as a pigment. Cyclopentasiloxane is not only an emollient but silicone. I'm aware that because of the internet, people treat silicones like the worst ingredients you can find in the product. But are they as bad as people say? No! Silicones are good for the skin since they work as occlusives - what they do is protect the skin from dehydration. Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile silicone, which means that once you apply it to the surface of your skin, it will evaporate. It won't get absorbed by the skin, so you shouldn't be scared. If you're allergic, the good news is that the chance of getting allergic reactions to silicones is rare. Methyl Trimethicone is a solvent and light, volatile silicone. It evaporates from the surface of your skin quickly, so there's nothing to be scared about. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate or Octinoxate is a non-stable UVB sunscreen agent. Caprylyl Methicone is an emollient and a volatile silicone. Silicones are good for the skin since they work as occlusives - what they do is protect the skin from dehydration. Volatile silicones are evaporating from the skin, they won't get absorbed by the skin, so you shouldn't be scared. If you're allergic, the good news is that the chance of getting allergic reactions to silicones is ultra-tiny! Still, every skin reacts differently that's why it's better to test on your own what ingredient works better for you and then decide if you want it in your makeup (or skincare) or not. Polymethyl Methacrylate or PMMA is a synthetic polymer, it fills the wrinkles and leaves a film on the skin. It makes the texture easier to apply to the surface of the skin.
PEG-10 Dimethicone is silicone, it's mostly used in skincare as an emulsifier but it can have some mild moisturizing properties. Lots of people are scared of silicones even if silicones used in skin care product has to fit restrictive norms. Silicones have a positive meaning to your skin - they make products easier to spread, make the formula more elegant and even protect skin and hair. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the texture of the product smooth to the touch, and it can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Cyclohexasiloxane is silicone, but it's also an emollient. This silicone is a volatile silicone. What does that mean? Previously, when I made a review of AHC Eye Cream some people said some inequitable words about me for promoting a cream with silicones and other ingredients they don't like to use due to problems with apps that help you analyze additives. Been then and I also was one of such people before due to my troubles with food (I can't eat processed food unless I want to feel like I'm dying for an entire week). Silicones are the ultimate pick for the skin since they work as occlusives - what they do is protect the skin from dehydration. Volatile silicones are evaporating from the epidermis. They won't get absorbed by the skin, so you shouldn't be scared. If you're hypersensitive, then the good news is that the chance of getting allergic reactions to silicones is ultra-tiny! Still, every skin reacts differently. I don't want to force you to use products with silicones - we live in free countries. No one decides for you what you should use. Zinc Oxide (Nano) is an inorganic (aka mineral or physical, in chemistry inorganic means that Zinc Oxide has no Carbon atoms in its structure) sunscreen. Zinc Oxide has a wide range of UV protection. It protects your skin from UVB, UVA II and UVA I radiation. What else do we want? It leaves a white tint on the skin which many people might not like, but if you have rosacea or melasma, you should go for mineral sunscreens since it gives you even better protection. Mineral sunscreens are recommended for sensitive skin as well. Thanks to the colour, sometimes you can find cosmetic brands using Zinc Oxide as a pigment. Some brands like to add "nano" to the name of this ingredient, nano version means fewer problems with a white cast. Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a dry emollient and silicone. It creates a film on the surface of your skin. In makeup, it solves the problem of a longer life of your makeup during the day.
Titanium Dioxide (Nano) - is a mineral sunscreen. It protects your skin from UVB and UVA (II) radiation. Usually, Titanium Dioxide leaves a white cast on the epidermis. Many people with sensitive skin prefer to use Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide instead of organic sunscreen (organic sunscreen agents contain carbon, and inorganic sunscreens aka mineral sunscreens don't contain carbon). The Nano version of Titanium Dioxide fixes the problem with the white cast (not entirely, but you can spot the difference). You might not know that, but Titanium Dioxide is a super useful colourant and sunscreen agent. If you have melasma, you want this ingredient in your sunscreen and makeup. It gives your skin a "barrier" that protects your skin from UV radiation. Nylon-12 creates the texture, absorbs the sebum and gives skin a silky finish. Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is an emulsifier that usually comes along with mineral sunscreen agents like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It absorbs the sebum and reflects the light. Have you ever seen a thickener made out of hectorite - a white clay? Meet Disteardimonium Hectorite - it works as a stabilizer, gives your skin a sheer look, and in sunscreen formulas, it makes your UV protection even better. Iron Oxides (Ci 77492) is a pigment used to create skin-matching formulas. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Aluminum Hydroxide is an emollient, but it can be used as a colourant or... a tiny help for your sunscreen. Aluminum Hydroxide is a coating for Titanium Dioxide. Sodium Chloride is a regular salt that you know from the kitchen. What does it do? It's a thickener, but it's also an exfoliant.
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer is a film-former with anticaking properties which makes it ideal for makeup. It makes your skin look soft and helps your makeup last a bit longer. Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate is an emollient and emulsifier used in makeup products. Iron Oxides (Ci 77491) is a pigment used to create skin-matching formulas. Alumina is an ingredient that you might remember from chemistry lessons. It has various positive effects on products like absorbing the sebum or helping with pigments. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Caprylyl Glycol is a moisturizer and an oily emollient. It leaves a delicate, protective film on your skin. But that's not all, Caprylyl Glycol is useful when you want to keep your product free from unfriendly stuff like microbes. Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer is an emollient. Stearic Acid is an emollient that you can love or hate. The problem is that not every skin likes it - mine usually breaks out when you show it Stearic Acid. PEG-2 Soyamine is an emulsifier. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh for a longer time. Triethoxycaprylylsilane helps to spread pigment evenly. Silica is a thickener with magical properties for acne-prone and oily skin. It absorbs sebum, but at the same time, it can reflect light to make your skin look healthy. Iron Oxides (Ci 77499) is a pigment used to create skin-matching formulas. Citronellol is a scent ingredient. It adds a rose/floral scent to the product. It can be sensitizing. Geraniol makes products smell like geranium. It can be sensitizing. Limonene is a scent ingredient, and it makes the product smell like lemon or orange. Limonene can enhance the penetration of other substances, but at the same time, it can irritate the skin. BHT is used in low concentrations in skin care products. You shouldn't be scared of such concentrations, because it works as an antioxidant. Hydroxycitronellal is a scent ingredient. Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars.
How does Laneige Neo Cushion Matte work?
I have to say the same stuff I said while creating the foundation review - I'm jealous of people working with Amorepacific since this brand seems to not only focus on development - Laneige's mother company does lots of research, but this brand has creative marketing, and as a person working at marketing myself - my job is a bit boring since I usually make sure that everyone's work is doing well and sometimes create brand's communication. It can be boring when you're a person with creative skills.
According to Laneige, Neo Cushion Matte is a long-lasting cushion since it can last 24 hours. I bet someone would say, "but Clio has a cushion that can last 54 hours or more". Does anyone wear makeup for 24 hours straight? Not to mention 54 hours or more? The only right answer is no, but I would appreciate it if the cushion or foundation can stay on my face for 24 hours. It's supposed to have good coverage, and natural, skin-like finishing.
Laneige in Neo Cushion Matte and Glow used its patent - Big Pore Sponge. I have to admit, the Laneige Neo Cushion Matte sponge is one of the most comfortable sponges I've ever tried. According to the brand, this cushion won't transfer or smudge. It's sweat-proof and free from caking. It can also protect from blue light - I can't check that, but Laneige has Radian-C cream which can also protect you from blue light. It's also worth a mention that the Matte cushion has an SPF protection level of SPF42 PA++ while the Glow version results are SPF50 PA+++.
I have to admit, I wanted to love this cushion with my whole heart, and tell you that this is the perfect cushion for your skin, but there are some reasons why I prefer Laneige Neo Foundation Matte to Laneige Neo Cushion Matte. The foundation version has one main problem - finding shade 13 is tricky, while with the cushion it's easier. 13N does fit my skin well, but when I apply it on my skin, it doesn't cover my pores well. You can see some pores which I normally don't see even with my makeup on. Don't try to remove a blackhead from your nose and the next day use this cushion - it will be visible.
I do agree, Laneige Neo Cushion Matte lasts quite long, has good coverage, and it doesn't transfer so if you wear a scarf or a mask - no problem with that. But it does cake a bit on my skin, and I believe I might need the Glow version more than the Matte one. A good moisturizer under this one is needed! If you got oily skin, you might end up loving it, but for combo or oily dehydrated skin - a good moisturizer or even primer/base with this one is a must! If you need a base, don't worry Laneige got you covered! Laneige Skin Veil Base_EX - No. 60 Mint Green is a tone-up base, that fits cushion and foundation aesthetic.
I might not repurchase this cushion, but I guess I might try the Glow version to see if it fits my skin better.
If you want to compare cushion and foundation, here you can find foundation review (LINK).
Where to buy Laneige Neo Cushion Matte, and how much does it cost?
Laneige Neo Cushion Matte is available at many Kbeauty stores, sadly this line is not sold in Europe or USA. At a regular price, this cushion on Jolse costs $23.16 (15g) or $35.16 (2x15g - refill option). Olive Young** has this cushion for $33, but you can find it in some good offers. I can't find any set available right now, but feel free to use my code BETWEEND0 for an additional 5% off and make sure to visit Kherblog regularly since I try to search for the best offer for you every single week. Sadly, this cushion is sold out in many other stores like YesStyle, since it's right after 11.11, but I expect it might show up before Black Friday.
Overall, I can understand why this cushion is one of Laneige's best sellers, but I might try the Glow version too.
Did you try Laneige Neo cushion before? What's your favourite Laneige product?
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