'I got my hands on the viral $30 K-Beauty cushion foundation. Here’s my verdict.'

Let me set the scene: it's your final day in Japan, so you’re stuffing your suitcase (and your boyfriend's suitcase) full to the brim with as many exciting beauty products as physically possible because a) you just MUST see if they are worth the hype, and b) Japan is known to be something of a wonderland when it comes to beauty.

Think: glass skin, lit-from-within glows, and incredible formulas.

Stores are fully stocked with the latest and greatest in all things K & J Beauty, making it a beauty lover's dream. 

Watch: Mamamia's beauty editor tries the viral 10-pump foundation hack. Post continues below.

So, if you’ve happened to stumble upon BeautyTok, the name 'TirTir Cushion Foundation' should ring a bell. 

It’s completely taken over the beauty community, being described as one of the best cushion foundations on the market, and it just so happens that I got my hands on one (you can buy it here for $49.95, but it's currently on sale for around 30 bucks!) to see if it’s worth the hype.

Spoiler: it is, so let’s get straight into it.

What is TirTir Cushion Foundation?

Okay, first up let’s talk packaging. I find well-considered product packaging to be essential when trying something new, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll gravitate towards things that you know, love, and find easy to use.

Enter stage left: possibly the most beautiful compact I’ve ever seen.

Image: Supplied

All in all, the packaging feels well thought out and makes it easy to pop in your bag for on-the-go application.

The downside? As far as I can see, there are only nine different shades in Australia — which is pretty disappointing. Especially when you look at brands like Fenty Beauty, which first launched with 40 shades and now offers even more.

According to TikTok, the brand has recently come out with more shades. I'm looking forward to seeing them available in Australia so everyone can enjoy this formula.

How did you go with it?

If there is something I've learnt since putting all my shiny new goodies to use, it's that these products take 'no makeup, makeup' to a whole new level. So, the key to cushion foundation is to work in multiple thin layers, building up to your desired coverage, as opposed to slapping on one thick layer and calling it a day!

As someone who struggles with acne, redness and pigmentation on the skin, to say I was nervous about this would be an understatement. Typically, when doing my makeup I opt for something that instantly provides my spots with some level of coverage, whereas this was a real trust-the-process moment.

Initially, the colour of the cushion itself was a little daunting as it didn't match my skin tone (and looked nothing like the shade I thought I picked up!). However, I pushed through in the hope that this product was truly going to be 'the greatest foundation of all time'. And gosh, am I glad I did!

After the first layer, I noticed very subtle coverage that almost looked like no product had even transferred onto my face, yet my spots were slowly disappearing in a very 'skin-like' way. By the second layer I was starting to see a natural, even base forming, and I was loving the way it looked.

Image: Supplied.

After applying three thin layers on the areas that needed a little more TLC (like my cheeks and around my nose), I was happy with the level of coverage I had achieved, so I went in with the rest of my regular makeup routine to see how it felt once the entire look was done.

I was expecting the multiple layers of product to feel heavy on the skin, as typically whenever I work in layers I notice some caking, pilling or separation in certain sections of my face. However, I was surprised to find the lightweight formula, paired with the cushion applicator, seemed to be a match made in heaven and all the product stayed exactly where I wanted it to.

As with any new base product, I think the best way to truly put it to the test is to pop it on and wear it out for as long as possible so you can truly get a feel for how it settles into the skin — if it oxidises, whether it separates, etc, etc.

So naturally, that is exactly what I did, testing it on a day where I was busy running around with no time to check in on my makeup, let alone touch it up. (I'm such a risk-taker, I know).

I applied my makeup at around 8am that morning, headed into work, and didn’t give it a second thought until I popped to the bathroom around 3pm and had a little sticky beak in the mirror, and to my surprise…..

IT. LOOKED. GOOD.

There was no separation at all, it was still sitting exactly where it was meant to, and my skin was giving 'healthy glow' as opposed to 'oily gal' energy. Pretty chuffed with how it was looking, I went about the rest of my day feeling quietly confident that I had found my new favourite foundation.

Image: Supplied.

By the time I got home, it was nearly 8:30pm and I was prepped and ready to see some signs of wear on my skin… because I mean, 12 hours is a LONG time to be on my face… and while it definitely wasn’t looking as fresh as it was at 3pm, it still looked really good!

The verdict.

Overall, I was impressed with this product on my skin, and I think for under $30 it’s going to be a tough one to beat for me.

With so many trending products doing the rounds on our social feeds, it can be hard to tell the good from the bad, but the TirTir Cushion Foundation formula is absolutely worth the hype and has the acne-prone, sensitive skin tick of approval!

What's your favourite cushion foundation? Have you tried this one before? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.