This product was sent to me by StyleKorean for review purposes. I was not paid for this post but please note that affiliate links are used on my blog. These go towards supporting Oh My Stellar and future content.
I had been debating getting my hands on this 3CE cushion ever since its launch and, as usual, it was because of the packaging rather than any knowledge I had about the product (although I have used cushions from the brand before and have generally had good experiences with all of their make up). This cushion, which is shaped like a sea shell, is part of the Love 3CE collection which is all about retro toys and the good old days. The collection includes this cushion, blushers, lipsticks and eyeshadows so there is a lot to look into but I thought that I would check out this obvious star first.
I received this product to review from StyleKorean where it is currently selling for USD$32.90 – the price is higher than a usual roadshop brand, but 3CE has always been a bit of a premium fashion brand, so it’s not that surprising. It is similar in price to a Clio cushion set but, unfortunately, this product doesn’t come with a refill. If it is good though, then I think that cushions and base make up in general is a good investment.
Read on for my full review discussing the positives and weaknesses of this product, and decide whether you think this is suitable for you! If you’re keen on this, or any other 3CE product, click onto StyleKorean to check out their range.
First off, this is the cutest cushion case ever! I love the retro toy collection concept and this compact reminds me of two things – Disney’s The Little Mermaid and the Polly Pocket toys that I used to love so much when I was a kid! I had the little doll house set that looked like this case, while my god sister had a dress up doll set (which I always went over to play with). Although the case is made of plastic and, because of the design, has a bit of a ‘cheap toy’ feel, it doesn’t look tacky and the construction of the product is actually pretty good! I think that whether you like this design or not is going to be up to your own tastes – the quality is fine and, if you like this sort of retro concept, then you’ll likely be fawning over it already.
The case comes in a baby blue and pink box that opens up to look a lot like a toy packaging – but a lot more luxe with a good quality matte print. The inside gives details about the collection in both Korean and English and, on the other side, sites the cushion on a plastic holder – once again, very much like a toy.
I really have to applaud the detail and consideration that’s gone into the design of this. If you’re looking for a present for someone that loves make up and is a child at heart (like myself), this is seriously perfect!
Onto the cushion, this product comes in two shades:
- 001 – A creamy ivory beige to illuminate light-toned skin (shade 19 – 21)
- 002 – A medium beige for enhancing your natural skin tone (shade 21 – 23)
The product claims to have a creamy texture with ‘low molecular hyaluronic acid and pearl particles’ to hydrate without clogging the pores. It has light reflecting oils to give you a glowing, dewy finish as well as ‘anti-darkening pigments’ so the product does not oxidize and stays true to the colour from first application, although it does wear off a little as the hours go by.
If I had wanted a more natural colour then I think that 002 would have been a more suitable shade for me (as I generally am between the standard shades), but I’m used to using a brighter base product and contouring the sides of my face and so I chase the first colour.
The cushion is sturdy and locks easily, making it clean and simple to carry around. However, because of the unique shape of the top, it doesn’t have a full sized mirror. In fact, it is a bit small. The band of the puff also seems a bit wider and, apparently, this is for more stable application though I personally prefer a thinner band because my fingers seem to want a bit more moving space. However, the puff is very soft and it blends out the product quickly and easily.
The sponge has the 3CE logo cut out of it! It is the first time that I’ve seen this design on any cushion and, although it doesn’t really have a functionality, I think that it still looks really great and I hope that they continue to use this sort of style in the other compacts. It looks a bit more high end and fashionable.
And above is a swatch of it on my hand! It is a bit difficult to see, but the cushion gives you a very beautiful natural glow – it doesn’t look too greasy or shiny, but instead makes your complexion look radiant and hydrated. It also blends so easily on the skin while also filling in pores and it feels super comfortable to wear. No drying or caking.
It does wear off a bit in the t-zone through the day, but it still looks natural and isn’t too bad. The creamy formula means that it is easy to reapply and touch up on the go too. Overall longevity is average, but easy to work with.
The coverage would be light to medium and, if you’re wanting to cover up dark circles or problem spots, it will be best to either use a matte concealer underneath or a creamy one on top. It is buildable to an extent, but applying too much can feel heavy on the skin and the product will begin to slide.
I think that this cushion gives me an extra healthy and lively looking complexion. Even though I was originally drawn to this because of the packaging, I have been returning to it because of the formula. I think that this would perform especially well during the colder and drier months because it helps to keep my skin moisturised through the work days.
In comparison to the Clio cushions – which I have loved in the past and I am a fan of – I actually think that I prefer the finish of this 3CE one! However, it is a bit expensive, especially considering that it doesn’t even include a refill (and I bet they don’t even sell refills at all). As a present, it’s great, and if you’re happy to splurge a little on a cute, good quality product then this isn’t a bad thing to spend on either!
Here’s the verdict!
SO WHAT IS IT?
A hydrating, glowing cushion from a retro toy inspired collection
THE GOOD
- Fantastic packaging and concept
- Hydrating formula
- Doesn’t clog the skin
- Light to medium, slightly buildable coverage
- Creamy and blend well into the skin, filling pores
- Doesn’t dry out skin or cake up
- Easy to touch up
- Glowing finish
THE BAD
- A bit expensive
- Small mirror
- No included refill (refills aren’t for sale)
- Wears off on oily t-zone
- Slightly sticky finish
RATINGS
- PACKAGING | 4/5
- PRICE POINT | 3/5
- COVERAGE | 4/5
- FORMULA | 4/5
- LONG WEARING | 3/5
OVERALL RATING? 7.2/10
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Honestly, I think that everyone should get this cushion just for the packaging!
For real though, yes! I think that this cushion is best suited during drier months and for dry to combination skin. It’s very hydrating and comfortable to wear and reapply. It is also best suited for people who like a light and dewy finish. People with oily skin should either use a mattifying primer (like this Fenty one) or look for a more semi-matte finish.
WHERE TO GET IT FROM
The Baby Glow Cushion is available at StyleKorean for USD$32.90. Click their name to go to their homepage or, alternatively, click the below banner to go to the product page:
