Review: IOPE – Air Cushion Intense Cover

Amore Pacific IOPE has decided to fulfil our requests with 4th Generation Air Cushion since Spring in 2017. As one of the most-raved-about makeup products on social media, if you are one of cushion foundation fanatics, there is no way that you have fallen behind the trend.

This release aims to switch up coverage, moisturization and other characteristics. Those were still lacking in the older versions. But does it really live up to the hype? Stay tuned! I’m going to walk us through my review on IOPE – Air Cushion Intense Cover.

1. New Formula in IOPE Air Cushion

IOPE Air Cushion consists of 4 finishes, similar to the previous versions. However, they will be more meticulously geared towards different skin conditions. There are Natural, Cover, Intense Cover and Matte Longwear. What is new here?

Amore Pacific IOPE continues Intense Cover and Matte Longwear, both of which are formulated with Bio Water™ as a hydration magnet, trehalose to attract water moisture to the skin. Not to mention that Bio Water™ was primarily used in the 3rd generation Air Cushion.

Otherwise, the Natural Glow and Moisture Lasting of IOPE Air Cushion are replaced by Natural and Cover. These two possess Air Prism WaterTM for doubling the skin’s moisture reservoir. The technique is created through the incorporation of Bio Water™ and 3D prism pearls to impart a large dose of hydration and a celestial glow for Korean iconic glass skin.

The 4th generation Air Cushion is added with Coloring Technology™ that provides vibrant pigmentation and velvety coverage to go into skin perfectly for flawless looking skin. Infused with whitening effects and sun protection SPF 50+. In addition, the compact has a 3D sponge to cause the constant delivery of pigment and moisture for an even application. Then, which finish is right for you?

Natural

Natural is loaded with the highest level of moisturizing with super-sheer coverage for a moist, glossy looking complexion. Suited for parched, unblemished skin.

Cover

Cover tends to give some more coverage, yet high emollient to even out discolouration and brown spots as well as ward off dryness. It tends to result in a radiant finish.

Intense Cover

If you need full coverage and an ample amount of moisture, I will have you opt for intense cover. It helps hide more serious imperfections like blemishes and redness.

Matte Longwear

Many may be troubled by outrageous oiliness and shine. Then, Matte Longwear is there for you. It claims to result in a semi-matte finish and medium to high coverage with the lowest level of moisturizing.

The air cushion comes in 4 shades:

• No. 13 (Ivory) neutral undertone for fair skin.
• No. 21C (Cool Vanilla) pink undertone for light skin.
• No. 21 (Vanilla) yellowish undertone for light skin.
• No. 23 (Beige) warm undertone for medium skin.

2. Smooth and Buildable With High Coverage

If your skin is suffering from serious dryness and scaling, Natural and Cover will be your top choices. You will achieve a coveted glowing look with a boost of moisturization to keep dullness at bay.

Next, Matte Longwear is cut out for oily skin by minimizing shine and greasiness. After all, my skin is a type of combination and rather dry. I’m very concerned with blemishes, redness and scarring. Then, Intense Cover is my option to disguise those imperfections.

The air cushion is much better than what I got last year, to begin with. When applied over my face, it diffuses evenly. The texture is very buildable and reveals a velvety, impeccable looking complexion.

My skin is inclined to get reddened around my cheeks as well as have breakouts and develop acne scars upon my chin and forehead. Though I don’t need to put on many layers, it effortlessly diminishes the appearance of these nasty flaws. Plus, it does not settle into pores, unlike the Air Cushion XP-3th generation I got 2 years ago.

Apart from that, the product beautifully neutralizes discolouration. Dark circles under my eyes have always been very persistent due to sleeplessness. It’s shockingly amazing that the cushion is able to obscure them in the nick of time without concealer.

The Intense Cover allegedly provides the highest coverage among the finishes. Despite that, it doesn’t feel suffocating or thick at all. It bestows a very lightweight sensation as if you’re wearing your own skin.

Speaking of the cushion’s moisturizing property, it seems mediocre. It’s sufficient for combination skin types. And, I don’t feel disgruntled about this. Its finish is fine, going halfway between matte and glowy. That’s so-called semi-matte.

In fact, the more moisturizing content is added, the more sheen you get to the consistency. To be frank, I’m not a fan of dewy, glossy skin that lots of Korean girls are so fond of. I do like a mild, steady radiance on my skin’s surface though. The gleaming, soaked look actually bothers me on a daily basis.

Otherwise, the Intense Cover amply mimics the skin’s luminosity leaving no greasy, sticky feel. I highly recommend applying toner, serum and moisturizer before the cushion to replenish the skin’s protective barrier against environmental aggressors. That makes your canvas stay intact during the day.

No.21 seems quite right for my skin tone. The pigment has a yellowish, warm undertone that comparatively matches my Asian skin colour. After letting it sit for a few minutes, it turns out to be slightly tan, compared to the rest of my body. But, I think that is not really a big deal.

Above all, I’m disappointed about its deficiency of shades, only four. The majority of the current shades cater mainly to fair and light to medium skin tones. There is not a single shade for dark skin. Hell No! The brand may be called out for its lacking darker shade range.

What else? Hmm… The cushion does have a strong fragrance, but it’s not lingering. Some of us may find it sort of annoying. Moreover, the cushion is pretty long-lasting for up to 8 hours. I don’t usually do setting powder when using a cushion foundation. Sweeping powder on top can make it caked-on.

3. A Clean, Sturdy Compact as Usual

The air cushion is housed in a white, lustrous compact with a peach golden ring (border). The company does not change the overall packaging of Intense Cover and Matte Longwear, whereas, in regard to Natural and Cover, it comes in a silvery pearl base, touted as a mirrorball holo prism case. Sorry that I couldn’t show it in this post.

The liquid foundation soaks into a honeycomb-like, spongy cushion. Natural and Cover are designed with large 3D cell tissues that are able to deliver a great amount of moisture. Intense Cover and Matte Longwear, by contrast, have multiple tiny cells. One thing still kept the same for all the finishes is the puff, which is slender, soft and bouncy.

It really takes time to finish off all over my face in a dabbing motion with this small puff. I wish it would be a bit broader. And, the puff absorbs lots of foundation.

The whole package includes a cushion compact and a refill core (15g). It retails for about $27.

4. Final Thoughts

I think this new formula is very nice except for its limited range of shades. The cushion helps my skin look better without exacerbating breakouts. Also, the price is affordable. I’d like to give it 4 out of 5.

I hope my review is helpful somehow to you. If you have any questions or ideas, please let me know your thoughts. That is my pleasure. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! Stay beautiful!