Review: Zero Cushion (Rom&nd)

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.

Are you an anime fan? For me, I grew up watching things like Ranma 1/2, Cardcaptors and Sailor Moon – but I have never actually watched Anne of Green Gables. I love the nostalgia and aesthetic of old school anime though so this collection from Rom&nd had quickly caught my eye on Instagram. Of course, it also helped that their promotional photos are also bloody beautiful. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a few things to try out and this is actually my first experience with the Rom&nd brand too!

I will be splitting my review of their products into two posts.

First off is the Zero Cushion, which is available on the StyleKorean website in both the Anne of Green Gables Collection (discounted to USD$22.50) or in the Original packaging (currently full price at USD$27.50). If you’re keen to get your hands on this cushion – especially if you want the Anne of Green Gables case – then jump onto the StyleKorean website as I’m pretty sure it will be gone soon.

Before that though, have a read of my review on this cushion to determine if it’s the right product for you. I personally think that this is a bit of a polarising formula and, depending on your personal preferences, you will either love or or hate it.

Let’s get into it!

Brand & Product Description

The brand Rom&nd was created in collaboration with Saerom Min, or Gaeko (a celebrity make up artist and Youtuber), and has been gaining a lot of traction online with their beautiful packaging and fun cosmetic shades. Looking at the official website, they do have a good range but it seems like they’re also harder to find online.

That being said, the Zero Cushion is one of their main selling base products. The claims are fairly simple and are as follows:

• Lightweight: Air-light system offers tight adherence – as if you’re not wearing make up
• Long Lasting Effect: Wears well throughout the day
• Zero Concealer: You only need a small amount for perfect coverage

It comes in three different shades: Pure 21 (shade 21 with a pink base – which is what I have), Natural 21 (shade 21 with a yellow base) and Beige 23 (shade 21 with a yellow base). This is pretty limited but is also standard for Korean cosmetic lines.

Although all three have the same packaging in the original version, they actually have three different cases for this Anne of Green Gables Edition. I was originally torn between the two number 21 shades but decided to go with the pink base as I find yellow undertones often look too warm on me (and also because I preferred this design hehe).

Packaging

The product comes in a white cello matte finish box with a playful design that matches the case – for this shade, the illustration is of the character with her hat blowing off. I assume that this is different for each shade. The design of the unit carton is still modern and simple though; I like the use of the hints of red, which further gives it that trendy high-quality feel and also enhances the colour of the anime illustration.

Opening it up, you’ll find the case with the cushion compact already inserted – it’s important to note that this cushion doesn’t come with a refill, but the price point is good so I don’t think that’s an issue. The compact is a bit bulky and actually reminds me of the cushions that I used to use a few years ago – most of the more current designs tend to be slimmer – and it’s a bit of a hassle to fit into smaller make up bags.

I really like the look of it though! It has a soft matte finish with a creamy peach colour and the picture on top is actually a good quality print – not a sticker – so it doesn’t scratch or rub off. The compact clicks close and, when you open it up, it has a full sized mirror with no wasted space. The puff also has a red Anne of Green Gables Edition ribbon which is a minor detail, but adds to the design. It’s soft and has an almost velvet feel to it. Although I seldom use the puff to apply my make up, I like them for small touch ups during the day. The lid over the sponge is also quite firm and I’m not concerned about it drying out.

Overall, the design of the packaging is well done. I feel like the actual case shape is a bit bulky and dated but, aside from that, approach to this whole collaboration is really well executed. The case is sturdy and good quality, while great attention to little details like the printing and the puff design. This is a great collectible piece or, if you’re feeling generous, would be a great gift for fans of the anime too!

Formula & Application

As with any cushion, this product is designed to be applied with the puff but I actually prefer to use a brush for my initial application. It creates a lighter, more natural finish whilst the puff tends to concentrate the product into areas. It works well for under the eyes and blemishes, but can make makeup appear heavy. In general, this is a product that looks best sheered and buffed out on skin.

I would consider this to be a light to medium coverage, so most definitely not as intense as is advertised – this foundation is unable to cover up my little freckles (and I only have maybe three) but evens out overall skin tone and covers all redness. You can build it up but, again, I feel like that makes the foundation look too thick – some people like that but it’s not my personal preference,

Finish wise, the product is hydrating and easy to blend out with a very light fruity scent that is barely noticeable. As described, this foundation has a semi-matte finish that leaves skin with a natural glow but is easily set with a little bit of powder too. It adheres well to the skin and I have no issues with it slipping or transferring. As I have oily-combination skin, my face would generally be very shiny by afternoon and this foundation is the same – it doesn’t control oils at all. However, with a bit of blotting, I find that skin is still looking and feeling fresh underneath. There is a bit of fading around my nose but, aside from that, it wears well and doesn’t need much touching up.

Personal Experiences

Above, you can see how the foundation looks when applied to my hand and that’s pretty true to how it wears on my face too. In general, I like how this foundation wears throughout the day. It adheres well so the product doesn’t lift or slip when you’re touching up. Fading is minimal (and to be expected) and it doesn’t cake up around my t-zone at all, which I was actually surprised by. I also like that I don’t need to worry too much about transferring and I’m comfortable touching my face during the day.

However, the reason that I have mixed feelings about this cushion is because I think that finish very dependent on how it’s applied. On days when I would use the puff for my full face, the formula looks heavy on my skin. It emphasises texture and is difficult to smooth out even with powder or touch ups. However, when it is applied with a lighter hand (such as with a brush or blended out) the finish is very natural and skin-like – it’s almost perfect, really!

In addition, the coverage is really not as ‘perfect’ as it claims to be. I don’t mind that so much because I like more natural coverage foundations and would usually spot conceal anyway, but it does go against the claims.

So, here’s the verdict!

SO WHAT IS IT?

A semi-matte finish long wearing cushion foundation

THE GOOD

• Well designed and good quality packaging
• Good price point
• Natural finish but is easily mattified
• Great adherence on skin with no slipping
• No caking and minimal fading
• Easy to blot oils without needing a touch up

THE BAD

• Compact can be bulky
• Can emphasise texture unless applied lightly
• Does not cover blemishes well

RATINGS

• PACKAGING | 4/5
• SHADE RANGE | 3/5
• FINISH | 3/5
• ADHERENCE | 4/5
• LONGEVITY | 5/5
• COVERAGE | 2/5

OVERALL RATING? 7/10

WOULD I RECOMMEND?

This is a difficult one for me to recommend because I feel like the formula is very ‘subjective’. When I first used it, I absolutely hated how it looked on my skin. After I switched out for a brush, however, I was able to perfect the application for my personal preferences. In the end, I think it really comes down to how you use this cushion and what you’re after in a base product too.

This is something that I would recommend if you want to try something new and if you’re also open to experimenting with application methods (tools, or even finishing sprays). However, it is definitely not for everyone. I will personally be continuing to use this though and will update this post if my opinion changes (or clarifies).

WHERE TO GET IT FROM

I received the Zero Cushion from StyleKorean to review, so check out their website where you can find the Anne of Green Gables Edition (which is currently on sale for USD$22.50) or the Original Zero Cushion.

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