makeup meets skincare
Foreword
Friends to the blog (hugs!) know how much I love all things Dior. It was a matter of time before I got my hands on the brand's bestselling Dreamskin Cushion, which is the star of today's review. Is it worth the hype or not? Let's find out.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: dry, sensitive
About the Product
Dior Dreamskin Fresh & Perfect Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (82 USD; Made in Korea) - is described as a skincare-infused cushion that promises to blur imperfections, minimize signs of aging and create a flawless look. Currently available in four shades, one of which is non-tinted.
Packaging: true to any Asian-made cushion, this one comes with an extra refill and a rounded puff applicator. Each cushion contains about 15 g/ 0.15 oz worth of product which is soaked in a sponge. The compact is a bit bulky, yet well made. You get a nice mirror, which makes the Dreamskin Cushion a travel-friendly companion. The outer packaging is not as adventurous as on some other Dior compacts, but it is practical and pretty. Refills are also sold separately (42 USD each).
Formula: the nice thing about the Dreamskin Cushion is that it has a decent broad-spectrum SPF. Besides that, this formula is pretty much water-based with a high content of various kinds of Dimethicone (type of moisturizing silicone), Propanediol (softening/soothing), and Glycerin (occlusive layer/hydration).
☺️ PROS
Sun-protecting and hydrating ingredients are at the core of this product's formulation. I was happy to see Red Algae (Palmaria Palmata) here, as it is known for its amazing skin-nourishing properties. Although there is an added Alcohol, it is listed at the end of the ingredients list, suggesting that its content is minimal and is less likely to irritate the skin.
😕 CONS
Longoza Flower Extract, aka Ginger Lily, is highlighted as a star ingredient. However! Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract (derived from the Longoza seeds that are usually harvested in Madagascar) is listed last. This means that the actual content of the advertised ingredient is minimal. Added fragrance sits right in the middle, which is something to consider if you are sensitive to it. Personally speaking, my skin did not react negatively to it.
Wearing shade 010 in the photo above. Natural daylight.
Texture: weightless, serum-like texture.
Scent: a light [cream] fragrance, which disappears once the product is applied.
Coverage: sheer/light.
Finish: natural matte (like a second skin).
Application: similar to any other cushion, the suggested method of application is with the added puff applicator. Patting motion helps build up the product quicker. However, my favorite tool is a densely packed synthetic brush. I simply dip it into the sponge to pick up the product and distribute it wherever I want to add coverage.
The Dreamskin Cushion is unlike anything else I've tried in the past (coming from someone, who has been reviewing products for years now, it says a lot). The liquid spreads with such ease, you hardly see where the product begins or ends. The light coverage and skin-like finish perfect the skin's texture while remaining undetectable to the naked eye (or camera). Call it the wizardry of modern makeup!
Despite its sheer coverage, the Dreamskin Cushion camouflages pores, dark spots, and redness. It does a surprisingly nice job of evening out the skin tone. It mattifies without accentuating texture or drying out the skin. Other makeup applies and blends seamlessly on top of it. There is no peeling or balling up of the product.
who is going to like it
If you are looking for a texture-smoothing, minimal coverage to lightly perfect the look of your complexion yet in the most undetectable fashion, then you might enjoy the Dreamskin Cushion. I can see how it will work for most skin types, including mature ones.
However, if you want actual coverage or have more things to cover (such as acne or discoloration), then you might want to consider other options.
Verdict
Whenever I use the Dreamskin Cushion I am amazed at how airbrushed it makes my skin look. One of the most effortless and flawless bases I have ever tried, so perfect for people that want that truly natural "no makeup" look. Having said that, the shade range is so tragically limited, I know that not everyone will be able to make it work for them. I guess this is something that comes with the territory, after all, cushion foundations are made for the Asian consumer and rarely come in a plethora of shades. However, since this product is sold globally now, I think Dior needs to step up and add more undertones and shades so that more people could find their match here. Is it worth the money? Yes. Is it a must-have for everyone? No. As much as I adore it, I have to take off a point for the lack of inclusiveness, which is why I give it a B+.
More online:
sephora.com (USA)
Purchased product; full disclaimer here
