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.
One of my favourite kbeauty brands at the moment has got to be Huxley – I was introduced to them not too long ago by the StyleKorean Beauty Guru Competition (where I got the opportunity to try out their sheet masks). Since then, I have used a few other skincare products from them and they have been exceptionally great for my skin. I’m also a really big fan of their signature scent, which is really fresh and light.
That all being said, I haven’t tried out any makeup from their brand (though I have a feeling that this is their first cosmetic product) so I was pretty eager to try out their Moist Cushion – which has been really kindly sent to me by StyleKorean to review. I haven’t been really into dewy finishes lately so, to be honest, I tried out this product thinking that I wouldn’t like it but it is surprisingly nice and works well for my skin type.
In addition, I really just live for this scent and I want to bathe my soul in it.
So, let’s get right into this review so I can tell you about one of the most fancy (but classy) cushion cases that I own.
Product Description
The StyleKorean website describes this as a “lightweight, hydrating cushion with buildable coverage that adheres perfectly to skin.” This cushion comes in three shades:
- White Desert | A bright colour with an ivory undertone mixed with pink
- Sand | A natural colour with a light beige undertone
- Sand Dune | A cool colour with a medium beige undertone
As with most Korean cushions, the shade range is abysmal and, while I understand that they are specifically targeting the Korean market, I hope that Huxley will make the decision to expand on this. They have a lot of presence internationally and it makes no sense not to cater to this. That all being said, I am using the White Desert shade, which I think is equivalent to the usual shade 21.
This cushion has three main claims, listed below:
- Hydrates skin while providing a matte finish | Skin fitting polymers form a thin protective layer that keeps skin hydrated without stickiness to achieve a 24 hours lasting smooth makeup look.
- Enhanced hydrated texture gives an instant cooling effect | Cactus seed oil and cactus water formulated into an enhanced hydrating texture keeps skin hydrated and soothes skin instantly upon application.
- Thin, smooth lightweight coverage | The silicone gel network system created through exclusive technology helps the product adhere evenly onto the skin while providing immaculate coverage over blemishes.
According to the claims, it aims to balance hydration properties with a lightweight, matte, high coverage and long-lasting finish; all of which are my base make up ‘desires’ but are often hard to find in one product. In the case of the Moist Cushion, I feel like it satisfies some of these claims but definitely not all – which I will get into later on.
This cushion is targeted to the following skin concerns:
- Make up doesn’t sit well due to dry skin
- Those who want to soothe redness and blemishes
- Those who want a light and natural look, while still having ample coverage
To target these areas, this cushion makes use of three key ingredients (the main one being, of course, Huxley’s famous Cactus Seed Oil):
- Cactus Stem Extract | Moisture and Antioxidant
- Hyalurosmooth | Long-lasting moisture and improves skin complexion
- Desert Date Oil | Helps retain moisture and nourish the skin
Packaging – Unit Carton
This cushion has one of the most extra unit carton packagings that I have ever come across and – frankly – I love it. I would love to give this as a present because unboxing it kind of felt like I was opening a treasure box. It was exciting to slowly find all of the pieces and I especially like that the design of the box is also deceivingly simple and modern (i.e. not gimmicky).
The box is a soft blush pink with gold foil lettering. When you open it up, you will see the cushion case sitting on the top. Underneath that box, which is labeled with a direction to open it, you will pull it open to find another compartment with the refill and the velvet carry bag.
In total, this product comes with the case, one refill and a carry bag. These is no additional refill for this, so it is rather pricey at USD$40.93 (which is discounted on StyleKorean from the full price of USD$48.15).
Packaging – Cushion Case
The case, on the other hand, is very simple and beautifully designed. It is made of a matte plastic, which is the same blush pink colour as the unit carton. It has a really luxurious feel with a slight weight to it, with the magnetic closure adding to this. Overall, the case has a slim-line shape and a beautiful modern design, as well as being very high quality. In comparison to some of the high end cushions that I’ve used, I think that this is the best cushion case that I’ve ever come across! The product is expensive, so I’m glad that they are putting that effort into both the box packaging and the cushion case too.
This cushion also comes with a puff, naturally, and this one feels very soft and lightweight. It is a light beige colour and, personally, I prefer darker coloured puffs so that they don’t stain so easily – but that’s a personal thing. The puff is a bit thin, but it is still soften and blends out the product easily.
The product is sealed with a sticker and, when you peel that off, the sponge is very highly saturated. In fact, be careful not to go overboard with this. The sponge is more light and porous than what I’m used to seeing and, while this means that it dispenses more product more easily (which is always appreciated), I do wonder if this means the product will dry out faster? I have yet to test that.
Regardless, I’m really happy with the packaging of this and I think that it’s both aesthetically pleasing, high quality and functional as well. I especially love the magnetic clasp and the more porous sponge (as I often have difficulty in needing to squish my puff in). In addition, I also really like the velvet bag that they included in this (see below) – it is made of a thick, beige coloured velvet with a magnetic closure as well. It is quite a tight fit, so you have to fidget with it a little sometimes but it is good for travelling and ensuring that you keep the case looking pristine.
Application & Personal Experiences
This cushion is a little brighter than my natural complexion on first application, but it does set down a little bit darker (not a lot and no oxidising) so it is fairly easy to blend in to the rest of my body. It has a very dewy finish at first but then dries down to a semi-matte. I wouldn’t call this a matte finish like they do, as they skins till has a visible glow to it. This product works both with and without setting powder – which is great because I’ve been a bit lazy with that.
The cushion product has a very thin and lightweight formula, making it super easy to apply and blend out on the skin. It has a somewhat natural finish in comparison to most of the other cushions that I have used, but it’s still visible on the skin. It looks a bit like a cream – a tiny bit thick but not cake-y. I think that this also helps the product to keep your skin hydrated, as I feel that this lasts surprisingly well on my skin.
I put this on in the morning and I often don’t touch up at all (and I get home like 12 hours after). Although there is some fading in my t-zone, the product doesn’t look patchy at all and the oils are rather natural (though is obviously better if it is minimised with a primer or powder). This product is also easy to reapply if needed and blends back in well too.
Overall, I am happy with this Huxley cushion and it’s surprised me – most cushions feel too heavy on my skin now (as I’m used to using thinner foundations) but this one is really comfortable. Although it is hydrating, it isn’t overly dewy and also wears well during the day without touch ups. I find that this works especially well if I use my Hourglass primer underneath it.
Coverage-wise, I would consider this a medium coverage foundation. I have a few spots and blemishes that it couldn’t fully cover, but it evens out the rest of my skin well so I only need a little bit of spot concealing. I think that people with problem skin might feel like this isn’t full coverage enough but it works well if you only have some pigmentation and small blemishes to cover up.
I have combination skin (which becomes quite oily during the day) and this works well for me. I feel like it would be best suited for dry to normal skin, but still works for combination or moderately oily skin types.
And so, here’s the verdict!
SO WHAT IS IT?
A hydrating, lightweight cushion with a semi-matte finish
THE GOOD
- Incredibly intricate and well designed packaging
- Beautiful case with a magnetic closure and a velvet case
- Product dispenses easily from a more porous sponge
- Smells incredible (as per other Huxley products)
- Formula is lightweight and blends in easily
- Immediately hydrating
- Wears naturally during the day with no cakiness
- Medium coverage
- Easy to reapply or layer up if needed
THE BAD
- Expensive with no refill
- Doesn’t look fully skin-like
- Limited colour range
- Not a matte finish as promises
RATINGS
- PACKAGING | 5/5
- PRICE POINT | 2/5
- COVERAGE | 4/5
- LONG WEARING | 4/5
- FINISH | 4/5
OVERALL RATING? 7.6/10
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
As I mentioned earlier, I personally do like this cushion and it’s greatly surprised me! The main downside for this is definitely the price point – which would be more justifiable if it had an extra refill. If this is within your budget though, I would definitely recommend checking this out even if it is just for the luxurious case!
I would especially recommend this for people with dry to normal skin type, but combination skin people (like myself) may also enjoy this. It may not be matte enough for oily skin types though.
WHERE TO GET IT FROM
If you want to buy the Moist Cushion from Huxley, it is selling on StyleKorean for USD$40.93, on sale from the full price of USD$48.15
