Cushions are the type of foundation I'm obsessed with. It's a compact solution which you can easily hide in a pouch and nowadays some brands offer bigger ranges of shades or finishing. One of these products is the Espoir Be Glow Volume 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 a cushion 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 foam filled with the formula inside. There's also a "pumping" type, where the formula is hidden under a plastic or metal disc with small holes - Skin79, Unleashia and Estee Lauder had cushions like that, but I don't know if they still release this type of product. All I know is that Unleashia sticks to this solution and they do have cartridges with foundation that you have to change. 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 and air puffs
When you buy a cushion there are two things to remember about - refills and air puffs. Refills are the containers with (usually) a microfoam and formula. They typically 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 recommend 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 so as not to 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 (I believe it's discontinued).
How can you make more out of the cushion?
This trick is well known - sometimes it's good to change the side of microfoam to get more out of it.
Is it safe for the skin? Are cushions safe for the skin?
Yes, they are! It's like asking if a foundation brush or beauty blender is safe - all the cosmetic accessories should be cleaned and disinfected. Some puffs can't stand water and soap/shampoo and cleaning the puff this way might be a bit tiring so it's good to use disinfectant. There are substances based on isopropyl alcohol, Sephora also has such solutions as well.
What about colours?
Asian cushions usually have a very limited number of shades - sometimes 2 or 3 shades, other times there's one universal colour and some brands make 5 or even more shades. Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion is available in 8 different shades.
Read more about: Unleashia Satin Wear Healthy-Green Cushion
About the brand: Espoir
Espoir is a Korean makeup brand. It's one of the brands that belong to Amorepacific Group. It was founded in 2014 and since then this brand has been loved by many people all around the world. The brand's ambassador is Winter from the K-pop group Aespa.
Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion - Packaging
Espoir's new cushion looks quite luxurious. It comes in a beige paper box with gold details. It has an FSC Mix label. It means that this box is made with materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials or FSC-controlled wood. On the top of the box, you can see a sticker with the number and name of the shade. The left side of the box has braille characters.
There are two types of Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion boxes you can get - a single cushion or a double packaging with cushion and additional refill. Olive Young sent me a cushion with a refill so inside the box I found a golden plastic bag with a refill and a cushion. The case itself looks minimalistic. It's a beige plastic box with an espoir name on it, but the name looks almost like it's engraved. There are golden details. Inside you can see a puff and a mirror.
What's great about Espoir is that each cushion has an engraved cushion name on the microfoam so if you like Espoir cushions, you can always know what type of finishing you get.
Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion - UV protection
The Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion provides UV protection. It has SPF 42 and PA+++. Even if this cushion has some protective values, it's good to use sunscreen under it. Espoir has its cushions too, I reviewed one before.
Read more about: Espoir Water Splash Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++
Is Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion cruelty-free?
The Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion has Eve Vegan certification. It's a vegan-friendly cushion, but Espoir's parent company AmorePacific do have some business in China.
Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion - Texture & Scent
There's no additional scent in the Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion. The scent in this product comes from the ingredients. The coverage of this cushion is quite good, it leaves a healthy glow on the skin.
Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion - Ingredients
Water, Phenyl Trimethicone, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Homosalate, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Niacinamide, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Synthetic Wax, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Iron Oxide Yellow, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Iron Oxide Red, Bismuth Oxychloride, Sodium Metaphosphate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Adenosine, Iron Oxide Black, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Glutathione, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Phenyl Trimethicone is silicone and an emollient. It improves the product's texture and makes it easier to spread on the skin. Phenyl Trimethicone leaves a delicate film on the skin to prevent your skin from TEWL. It's easy to remove it with cleansing products. This ingredient is useful in haircare products since it makes it easier to maintain your hair. In sunscreen, it makes products more resistant to water (it makes sunscreen more waterproof).
Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) is a mineral (or physical) sunscreen agent. It protects your skin from UVB and UVA II radiation and might cover some lower waves in the UVA I spectrum. It has a typical white colour visible on the skin, unless it's a nano version then this white tint might not be visible at all. This ingredient has a second task - it works as a pigment. Titanium Dioxide works perfectly for skin that needs visible protection like skin with melasma, nice that white pigment works as a barrier or protective film on the skin. It has one additional task, it makes products stay fresh a bit longer. Homosalate is a sunscreen agent. It protects the sun from UVB radiation (295-315 nm), and its peak is at 306nm. It's a photosensitive and weak sun-protecting ingredient that's why you can usually find it in a pair with Avobenzone or other substances.
Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Caprylyl Methicone is an alkylmethyl silicone and emollient. It has a waxy texture, and it makes the product easier to apply. It works great with natural ingredients and pigment. It's a volatile silicone so you don't have to worry - it disappeared almost right after application. Dimethicone is a silicone and polymer. Isononyl Isononanoate is a dry emollient. It prevents skin from dehydration. It is widely used in the beauty industry since it makes product application easier. It helps brush the hair and has anti-static properties. It makes pigments more intensive. It leaves a delicate film on the skin and hair.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone and polymer, that works as an occlusive and dry emollient. It prevents skin from TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and makes products easier to spread. Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate is a synthetic emollient. Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 is an emollient. It's a vegan-friendly alternative to lanolin. It makes makeup stay fresh longer, it also makes pigment more vibrant. In skincare & hair care it prevents dehydration, in sunscreen it can increase waterproof values. It makes the application of the product easier. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol.
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is water in oil and water in a silicone emulsifier. Disteardimonium Hectorite is a thickener related to hectorite clay. It's a thickener. It gives your skin a sheer look, and in sunscreen formulas, it makes your UV protection even better. Isododecane is an emollient that leaves a film on the skin. It makes product application easier. 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. Synthetic wax is a synthetic substance that is supposed to work like natural wax. It's an emollient that prevents TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Aluminum Hydroxide or CI 77002 is a white pigment and emollient. It's used in antiperspirants since it absorbs sweat and sebum. It's also a coating ingredient for UV-protecting ingredients.
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that works as an emollient and emulsifier. Iron Oxide Yellow or Iron Oxides (CI 77492) is a matte, yellow pigment. Sodium Chloride is nothing else than a well-known salt. In skincare, sodium chloride is a thickener. We also use it as an exfoliant. Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer is a thickener that leaves an occlusive film on the surface of the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a dispersing agent for mineral sunscreens and pigments. It makes the white cast less visible. It can work as a thickener. Sorbitan Sesquioleate is a water-in-oil emulsifier. Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an anionic emulsifier. Caprylyl Glycol is an oily emollient and humectant. It leaves a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin.
Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Iron Oxide Red or Iron Oxides (CI 77491) is a matte, red pigment. Bismuth Oxychloride or CI 77163 is a pearl-like pigment. Sodium Metaphosphate regulates the pH of the product. Glyceryl Caprylate is a natural oily emollient and emulsifier. It creates a delicate film on the surface of the skin. It has some antimicrobial properties. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Lecithin is an emollient and oil-in-water emulsifier, but it has other uses in skin care - you can use it to encapsulate active ingredients in liposomes. Encapsulation of active ingredients makes it easier to deliver them to the deeper layers of your skin. It boosts your lipid barrier and makes it stronger.
Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the roles of adenosine in our bodies is that of neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss. Iron Oxide Black or Iron Oxides (Ci 77499) is a black pigment. It's used in many coloured products like foundations to get the colour - not always the black one. Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an oily emollient that provides a satin-like film on the skin. It makes brushing your hair easier. Isostearic Acid is a surfactant and emulsifier.
Isopropyl Myristate is a dry emollient. This ingredient makes your skin soft or even velvet in touch, it helps keep moisture inside the skin by creating a delicate film on the surface of the skin. It makes the product less sticky and in hair care products it adds shine to hair. Not every skin might like it, it can be comedogenic. Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to coat sunscreens and pigments. It makes the product easier to spread. Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate is a patented ingredient by Amore Pacific. It's hidden under the name Melasolv. This substance is supposed to help with blemishes, pigmentation and uneven skin. Amore Pacific wanted to create a safe formula that safely fights pigmentation disorders. That's why Melasolv doesn't inhibit tyrosinase, but it suppresses the expression of tyrosinase. According to the brand, 0,1% of Melasolv has the same effects as 2% of niacinamide. Melasolv can help you with melasma and lentigo. The formula uses technologies like liposomes and encapsulation to provide deeper penetration of the active ingredient.
Glutathione is an antioxidant that naturally occurs in the skin. It's a tripeptide made out of glutamic acid, glycine and cysteine. It helps with free radical damage and it inhibits melanin which makes it a powerful ingredient to treat pigmentation. Because of the sulfur amount in glutathione, you can use it to moderate sebum production in acne-prone and oily skin types. It speeds up the skin healing process and supports vitamin C and vitamin E, so it's good to use it with both these ingredients. Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a probiotic. A few years ago ferments became a thing in skincare because they are amazing for sensitive skin. Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate has soothing properties, it supports the microbiome of the skin.
Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps penetrate active ingredients, protects products from drying, and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. 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. Tocopheryl Linoleate is an antioxidant with soothing properties. It's less oily than Tocopherol.
Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein or HVP are proteins obtained from corn, soy, rice or wheat. It's a moisturizing ingredient that creates a film on the surface of the skin. It has antistatic properties which makes it an ideal ingredient for your hair.
How does the Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion work?
Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion is not the newest product on the market. It's a 5th generation of Be Glow cushion. Yes, Espoir keeps improving its products with every generation.
Before we talk about this cushion, let's talk a bit about technologies which Espoir used in this product, because this part is interesting.
One of the most interesting solutions used in this cushion is patented by AmorePacific MELASOLV™. Previously this solution was used in Hera's products and Laneige Radian-C Cream - one of my favourite moisturizers. This component is hidden under the name Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate. It's a great ingredient for pigmentation, and it's a safe solution for the skin. There's a potential that Melasolv might help with age-related dark spots or even melasma. Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion also contains Glutathione, another brightening ingredient.
Read more about: Laneige Radian-C Cream
Vegan Plumping Water™ is another patented ingredient worth noticing. PDRN has been a popular ingredient in K-beauty lately, but Espoir is using its plant-based alternative to strengthen the skin barrier and add moisture to the skin. After all, the healthy glow on the skin starts with the right level of nutrition and moisture of the skin.
There are 8 different shades. I got my Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion from Olive Young as a part of PR, I didn't choose the shade myself. The shade I tested is 21 Ivory. Normally, I would go for the lightest shade 13 Porcelain or 20 Vanilla since the shade Ivory is a bit too warm for me. I do keep using it when I go out somewhere or if I want to add some dimension to my skin, but it wouldn't be my first choice. Even if there are 8 different shades, not everyone will find a match since their colours are more focused on the Asian market.
I have combo skin so usually I go for semi-matte products since I don't like fully matte skin, but I also don't like huge glow. This cushion does feel comfortable on the skin. It gives this moist feeling, but after 5 hours I can see that the natural glow turns into a sebum-derived glow. I end up looking like Moo Deng. Is it bad? I don't care, some people will complain about it, but for daily use? It's a good cushion, people with dry skin will enjoy this one a lot. Also, you can use it with espoir Dewlike Jello Glowrizer* for an even bigger glow. It's a primer.
If it comes to coverage, there's no official chart that compares coverage of this cushion. As you can see I got lots of pigmentation lately and it is visible under makeup. For me, coverage is not enough, but a good thing is that you can build coverage with this product.
If you have oily skin or combo skin type then Be Velvet cushion is a better option for us.
Where to get Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion and how much does it cost?
No matter if you buy a single Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion* or a set (cushion + refill), it costs $53. If you have an Olive Young Gold membership, it costs $37 with an Olive Week coupon. You can also use my affiliate code BETWEEND0 to save an additional $ on your order.
I do enjoy Espoir Be Glow Volume Cushion, but I didn't have huge expectations. It does give a glow and for dry skin, it might be a great solution.
Have you ever tried Espoir cushions before?
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*** This product was gifted by Olive Young, even though it still shows my personal opinion on the topic and product. This post contains affiliate links, all affiliate links are marked with *. By using these links you help me to pay for domain and all the cost related to blogging.***
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