Hey there! So, have you noticed that there are so many multitasking foundations sold in the market to make wonders for our glamour and gratification? I definitely hunt them down and experience as much as I can no matter what. I mean, they’re not just foundations anymore, they’re possibly whatever you name, BB cream, CC cream, tinted moisturizer or cushion compact.
Each one has its own unique coverage, texture, strength, applicator, and ingredients, so you can pick and choose based on your desire. But, I have to say, cushions have triggered a huge crush on me. I’ve been using them since high school and they’re perfect for those everyday makeup miracles. Plus, if you’re anything like me and not the best at applying makeup, they make things super easy and quick!
Undeniably, this sort of product is designed much better than before and keeps dazzling us. A plethora of products I’ve used come from different brands, mostly from Korea, a “blessing heaven” of cushions. Gradually, I’ve figured out every item brings distinctive benefits that make me want to explore more and more. Of course, humiliatingly, a tight budget couldn’t take it easy on my fanatical interest.
So, in very previous posts, I shared reviews of IOPE Air Cushion in Matte Longwear and Intense Cover, which are kinda good. This time is for something new and fabulous, Sulwhasoo, a high-end brand of Amorepacific Corporation. Honestly, I’m a newbie to this brand; however, its’ epic, complimentary words arouse my curiosity. I’m gonna walk us through the review of Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense.
1. About the Sulwhasoo – Perfecting Cushion Intense SPF50+ PA+++
By the way, I’m gonna recap shortly about the brand to give comprehensive information in case, some of us haven’t been in-the-know. Introduced with the origination of ABC Ginseng Cream in 1966, Sulwhasoo means the magnificent beauty of winter blooms leaping forward in the snow. That tends to emphasize “its’ core philosophy of traditional Asian wisdom” in enhancing the largest organ’s self-restorability by “harmonizing contrasts and creating a balance inside out.”
Moreover, most of the brand’s skincare and makeup are based on Asian Medicinal Herbs, especially ginseng. This is the most luxurious brand above IOPE, Laneige and the other 24 beauty brands, all belonging to Amorepacific.
Let’s get back to our main point! Before the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense, the brand also released two cushion versions, the Perfecting Cushion and the Perfecting Cushion Brightening. three of them seem to be much superior to others of IOPE and Laneige. That’s due to their outstanding, costly quality of formulas, texture, ingredients and packaging. The most astounding is their excellent skincare infused with herbal medicinal ingredients.
The Perfecting Cushion mainly consists of Apricot kernel oil to moisturize skin effectively and recover healthy radiance onto the surface with age-defying properties. Otherwise, The Perfecting Cushion Brightening gives a further concern to resolve skin discolouration, even out complexion and control excessive sebum; formulated with Magnolia extract.
Then, the Perfecting Cushion Intense remarkably surpasses those siblings. It extraordinarily includes red pine extract, one of Sulwhasoo’s optimum, precious herbal elements, incredibly revitalizing and replenishing skin. Motivates skin’s regeneration of collagen and elastin for firmer, youthful-looking skin. Besides, Plum blossom-derived ingredient is taken in the formula to boost rejuvenating properties as well as defend skin against external aggressions.
Vigorously smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, the cushion is made of Sulwhasoo ’s unique technology, “Radiance Pearl Powder Complex,” providing a velvety, translucent surface, beautifully reflecting the light.
The product brings about broad-spectrum sun protection from harmful UV rays (SPF50+ PA+++) based on physical (mineral) filters, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Also, it comes out in 7 shades from the fairest to dark skin color.
- No.11 Pale Pink
- No.13 Light Pink
- No.21 Medium Pink
- No.17 Light beige
- No.23 Medium beige
- No.25 Deep beige
- No.33 Dark beige
2. My Thoughts
First of all, I’m really satisfied right now with the shade I got (No.13) perfectly matches my skin tone, which is light with a hint of yellow. Remind me IOPE Air Cushion Intense Cover 2017, I picked shade No.21 light with a yellowish undertone; but, somehow, it slightly toned down my skin colour, I showed in the photo of my previous post.
Anyway, the current shade is literally amazing; it’s hard to recognize the difference between my face and body. I did a little digging into the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense.
Gotta say the product delivers an impeccable, unrivalled texture that I haven’t seen in IOPE, Laneige, Innisfree, The Face Shop or any Korean cushions. Sorry if I exaggerate too much; however, this is just my very candid feeling. When dabbing it onto my skin, the foundation immediately dries down and spreads evenly instead of sitting on top. I don’t find sticky, greasy surfaces at all.
It’s an utterly clean, refreshing sensation and gorgeously blendable without a streak or patchy marks. The foundation is inclined to leave a marvellously seamless appearance, and does not settle in pores and fine lines. Its pigment is really nice, high quality that you can easily pick up and glides onto the surface.
Additionally, the cushion results in a silky, satin finish that provides a healthy glow to skin. This is not about overwhelming luminosity or wet, soaking coverage like some Korean dewy foundations; otherwise, the sheen is sufficiently striking. It visibly eliminates the signs of dullness and sagginess.
Precisely, compare to the two other formulas, the Intense is inclined to be less shiny; but, shows a more mattifying effect in a subtle way. So, if you crave a glamorous, satiny finish adding up a bit more radiance, the Perfecting Cushion is absolutely top of your choices.
My skin is a type of sensitive skin more likely to get dry, desperately in winter. Often have redness around cheeks and little peeling skin under the mouth. Recently, I wrestle with pimples, dark spots and shallow areas under my eyes due to stress and sleep deprivation, such “a pain in the ass.” The cushion dramatically covers up skin imperfections, about 80%, except for peskier problems, like blemishes. Slightly blurs out whopping lumps and zits.
It does give a sheer to medium coverage, extremely lightweight without a heavy, uncomfortable feeling. Noticeably hides the appearance of redness, dark spots and minor acne scars. One of the most flattering is its’ colour-correcting effect, effortlessly neutralizing my skin discolouration. At the same time, brightens up my complexion rather than leaves an odd, white cast.
The foundation naturally brings about an airy, breathable “no makeup” look for every day, like you’re wearing nothing. If your skin doesn’t cope with acne, it genuinely leaves a lively, flawless look as wished. Or, for higher coverage, IOPE Air Cushion is gonna serve you right. One thing that might turn me off about the product is its’ kinda poor moisturizing property. My skin isn’t hydrated enough throughout the day. After roughly 6 hours, it clings to little peeling skin and cracks on the chin.
So, I couldn’t forget to apply moisturizers prior to the cushion. So, the product is preferable for normal, combination and oily skins. In addition, highly recommend it for summer, warm weather makeup that won’t cause oily traces and clog pores entire the day. Applying setting or finishing powder on top of the cushion maybe not be a wise choice because of unnecessarily drains out your skin.
Eventually, speaking of the smell, I’ve not ever found any cushions with a relaxing, soothing scent of floral like the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense. This really dazzled me a lot at the first opening, not strong, obnoxious fragrance. The coverage doesn’t last long for all day, fading away after 7 hours, you may need to reapply.
3. Packaging
The packaging design is fabulously deluxe rather than other brands of Amorepacific. The cushion comes in a slim compact having deep brown with a hint of amber as well as gold presenting “Korea’s fine traditional brassware.” Rounded border of the case is relatively larger than typical ones of other brands’ cushions, even the two other formulas. That is aimed to protect the mirror. Look at the inside, the seal is also stunning and luxurious, I don’t want to rip it off. A plum blossom decorated, gold foil seal is attached tightly to shield the liquid foundation from bacteria and debris.
I really love the air puff this time, doesn’t look cheap and small like common cushion air puffs. It’s wider and a bit thicker; but also, very soft when you press on. This helps me to apply quickly the cushion onto my skin; I don’t feel inconvenient to hold it or drop it out of hand. Furthermore, the brown colour makes it look less dirty even when used for a long time. As usual, the packaging comes along with a refill of 15g in a plastic bag.
4. Rating 8/10

Finally, I’m literally impressed by its’ texture and pigment, which beautifully amazes skin for an airbrushed look. But, the coverage and moisturizing content are sort of average; I think this works best for normal, clear skin. The scent and packaging are especially cool as well. Sadly, the price is obviously expensive, not everyone finds it affordable, you can check it out below. Then, I’m gonna give the product 8 out of 10.
Hope you find this review enjoyable and informative. If you have questions or ideas about the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense, please speak to me. I’d love to hear you out. Thank you so much for spending your time with us!