I know I’ve struck gold with products when I get excited before actually sitting down for a review. I actually wrote this review before the four that I just published but I didn’t want to rush getting it out there so that I could cover as much as possible. This cushion is not popular without legit reasons, and I will go over those reasons below.
If you’re into K-beauty, you’re probably familiar with this brand. Clio is definitely a well-known brand to many and they have a lot of products to credit for their fame. Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion XP is an incredibly well-received product here in Korea. And while I do have a history of disliking a lot of popular products that have strong followings, I felt the urge to give this another try after a failed first impression. I rarely give products a second chance, so I don’t know what compelled me to give it one but I’m so glad I did.
KILL COVER FOUNWEAR CUSHION XP provides 48HR long-lasting effect with extremely high coverage and velvety matte finish.
While I usually don’t prefer cushions, I have to admit they are the most convenient to have. If not for my IOPE Air Cushion Sunblock EX, I would have easily torched 5 years ago when I was on my honeymoon in Italy. That very cushion saved me from getting sunburned and kept my makeup fresh the whole week while I was traveling. And that’s the thing I like about cushions. They provide you with UV protection and can easily be reapplied anywhere and at anytime.
The original, made more powerful
As you can see, the cushion is not resistant to wear and tear. Although I’m quite gentle with it, it managed to get a few scratches anyway.
Lasting up to 48 hours Clio’s original Kill Cover Cushion made more powerful01 FLAWLESS COVERAGE – Powdered particles of various sizes provide smooth coverage with zero clumping
02 EXTENDED 48-HOUR LASTING – Coverage that lasts longer than its predecessor, with minimal oxidation and a crisp finish from beginning to end
03 VELVETY FINISH – A formula that blends seamlessly into the skin with a non-sticky, transfer-resistant, and matte finish!
How does the Kill Cover Cushion XP differ from its predecessor?
- > Stylishly upgraded design
- > Perfected Coverage
- > Longer Lasting Power
- > Seamlessness with each pat
source: cliocosmetic.com
A few years ago, I had my first experience with this cushion but ended up with a very unflattering shade which ultimately led me to dispose of it. I believe it was before the cushion had a do-over and formula upgrade. Then around the beginning of this year, I decided to look for a new cushion because my Lagom CF Cushion didn’t come with a refill. I decided to look into a more wallet-friendly option and the Founwear Cushion XP had an overwhelming number of positive reviews at a site I often frequent. It made the budget-friendly cut, my only problem was getting the shade right this time. I decided to choose between Lingerie and Ginger because Linen was too yellow for me. I went with Lingerie despite worries it would be too light.
It turned out I was worried for nothing because the shade was perfect. But what was even more surprising was how the cushion formula provided flawless coverage without feeling heavy or suffocating on my skin. I was dumbfounded.
source: cliocosmetic.com
Now while many will probably negate the whole 48-hour wear claim without really testing it, I had the chance to wear this cushion longer than 24 hours. I probably wore it for 36-37 hours and while a lot of it wore off due to humidity, I went home with a bit of makeup on me, albeit not much. However it was still impressive seeing how my eye shadow slipped off by night [something I will explain in an upcoming eyelid primer review] but my lip tint and a bit of my makeup held on. I’m going to have to say had it been less humid where I was, Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion XP could have potentially lasted longer. I guess it’s something I’ll never know.
When I apply Founwear Cushion XP – I notice it stays put until I take it off, which is usually right before showering. So it does have incredible longevity. A tiny bit of separation does occur where I’m the oiliest, which is on my nose and t-zone but it’s nothing major. What I like is the cushion’s formula works really well with my oily skin. A bit of blotting throughout the day usually does the trick.
And true to its claim, the Founwear Cushion XP does not transfer. While I’ve come across reviews of others that said it did, it doesn’t for me. I don’t know if this has to do with the fact that I wear primer or not. It may be that the product coupled along with a primer enhances its adherence. Since I’m a frequent blotter, I’m used to seeing my makeup on tissue or blotting paper. But I notice that my makeup doesn’t come off like it does with other products. The cushion’s ability to adhere is quite impressive.
I recently wore Lirikos Marine Collagen Cushion LX for review purposes and when I needed to blot, I noticed a significant amount of the product ended up the tissue. So I would say Founwear Cushion XP has superior adhering abilities compared to the cushion by Lirikos.
Let’s talk about what you get when you purchase this cushion. You get 15g of product that soaked in the cushion contained in the compact, along with a puff. A sealed refill for the same amount and puff is also enclosed. The ingredients are listed in full in both English and Korean. The expiration is also printed on the box and the cushion compact.
I didn’t really take notice of the puff at first until I decided to buy a few spare ones. That’s when I realized this puff has a lot of rave reviews. I guess I have to join the mass by echoing that it is indeed really good. I like the way each pat just seems to provide beautiful coverage on the skin. Instead of soaking up the product, I feel like it does what it’s supposed to do, which is to transfer the product onto your skin.
Founwear Cushion XP gives me medium to high coverage. I usually find that a single layer and additional pats here and there suffice. The formula provides incredible coverage but it does not look thick nor unnatural. The problem with a lot of formulas that have high coverage is that they tend to yield cakey finishes. However, Kill Cover Founwear Cushion XP is lightweight and doesn’t require a lot of formula to achieve flawless coverage.
What I also really like about this cushion compact design is the mirror. You get two, one on the outside of the case and the other inside. You can check your reflection without actually opening the compact which is genius. It’s great for those of us who like being discreet. But be really careful because my cushion ended up getting a couple of scratches after coming into contact with other products in my makeup pouch.
Okay, now let’s get into some of the things that I don’t like about this cushion. True to it’s claim, it makes my skin look even better on those “good skin” days. However, on days when my skin is misbehaving, I find that this cushion is just like any other makeup item. Since it’s not moisturizing, it tends to make the skin appear drier and really accentuate any existing dry patches.
I have a feeling while this product is my preferred makeup item at the moment, I don’t think I’ll like it as much during the colder months. Although I’m oily all year long, my skin is dehydrated therefore it’s kind of a tricky combination and difficult to deal with at times. If you read my No Self Control Haul, you may have noticed I also purchased the Kill Cover Ampoule Cushion when I hauled this one. It’s because I read this one had supreme coverage and great oil control. The Ampoule Cushion on the other is more moisturizing- which is something I need during the colder months.
The good:
- 3-in-1 [UV protection, whitening & wrinkle repair]
- SPF 50+ PA+++
- long-lasting wear
- non-sticky formula
- medium-high coverage
- comes with a refill
- does not transfer
- matte finish [great for those with oily skin]
- travel-friendly
The bad:
- limited number of shades [might not be ideal for tanned individuals or individuals with darker skin]
- matte formula might not be suitable for individuals with dry skin
- accentuates dry patches
For me cushions = convenience. It’s hassle free and great for people who are short on time. While foundations look great and offer a lot of coverage, I do find applying and blending to require a lot of effort and time – which is fine when time is a luxury I can afford, however it’s not always so. I currently have a number of cushions but this is the only one I reach for just because the shade Lingerie is so flattering. I love everything from the coverage to the finish. If only I had chosen the right shade earlier on, I wouldn’t have had to go through so many different brands to find the perfect cushion.
Hope you’ve been liking the recent influx of reviews. If there’s anything I’m good at, it’s multi-tasking [when I’m not procrastinating]. I’ve got a few more on the way so definitely be around to check them out at later time! Have a great week/weekend! And as always, thanks for reading. Got questions or comments? Leave them below or contact me via the contact form, would love to hear from you!