That damn bear again? Okay okay, I’ll admit it; I’m a huge sucker for cute packaging, especially when it comes to Korean cosmetics. Apart from the cleanser, tints and cushion blushers, I also picked up the limited edition Rilakkuma x A’Pieu Air Fit Cushion XP SPF 50 PA +++ cushion foundation. Even if you’re not a fan of Rilakkuma or cartoon characters in general (is that even possible though??), you might want to read on as this cushion is also available in a permanent standard product. I just think it’s more fun to try out a cushion when it comes in cute packaging. Anyway, here we go..
The Rilakkuma x A’pieu Air Fit Cushion XP foundation comes with a refill and extra puff, so you really get bang for your buck. I’m hoping Western brands will copy this common aspect of Korean cushions in the future (especially drugstore cushions), although it is very unlikely.
I’ve seen a lot of vloggers throwing out the applicator puffs that come with cushion foundations without giving them a chance because “they’re unhygienic”. Of course you can use your favourite foundation brush or the good old beauty blender to apply a cushion foundation, but at least give the applicators a try first. The puff blue rubycell bottom, which has antibacterial properties and yes, you can wash the puff in between uses (please do). Or simply replace it with another if you are really keen on keeping a hygienic routine. The Rilakkuma puffs are sold separately in a pack of 4.
The Rilakkuma x A’lieu puff has a cute yellow design featuring Rilakkuma eating some dango (Japanese sweet mochi dumplings). These types of applicators are best used in a tapping motion to get an even result. You can also bend them to reach narrow areas. Think of it as a flat beauty blender. I love using this to apply the foundation as it doesn’t soak up too much product and applies the foundation really nicely.
The Air Fit XP cushion comes in 2 shades and I opted for the lightest option, #21. Just like with other foundations, not all numbers are equal when it comes to different brands. This #21 is darker than the #21 Holika Holika x Gudetama Face 2 Change Photo Ready Cushion BB I reviewed earlier. Because it also oxidizes during the day, it is a little too dark for me right now, but it works out fine during Summer.
The foundation has a nice sweet scent and feels weightless on the skin. It’s easy to build and offers decent coverage. I will however always use concealer underneath for blemishes to prevent the redness from shining through too much. The Air Fit XP leaves a natural dewy, satin finish that can be a little too much for oily skin types. I usually set my T-zone with a powder to prevent the foundation from shifting during the day. I can see this would work great for people with dry skin, just make sure you don’t have any dry patches the product could cling to.
The most remarkable aspect of this cushion however is its gel-like texture which acts as a blurring tool, making my skin look a lot smoother than it actually is, without having to use a silicone primer. It’s something I haven’t seen with the Western cushions I’ve tried. Of course there are other Korean blurring cushions out there, but for this price you just can’t go wrong. I absolutely love using this cushion ! If only it had more shades..
For more reviews of the A’Pieu x Rilakkuma collection, go here & here. And there’s more on the way. Sorry not sorry!
A’Pieu x Rilakkuma Air Fit Cushion XP SPF 50 / PA+++ cushion foundation – 13,000 KRW
A’Pieu x Rilakkuma Limited Edition
Available at A’Pieu stores (KR) and online.
Dislaimer: The products mentioned were purchased.