It has become increasingly difficult to find K-Beauty Cushions for darker skin tones.  My favorite cushion (IOPE Air Cushion in N31) now only offers the typical 21 and 23 shades.  The U.S. release of Laneige and Mamonde cushions do not include shade 31, and jump from shade 23 to 33 (ridiculous).  I just need a cushion for NC37 that can be reliably purchased.

YSL Touche Éclat Cushion
Compact Foundation

The YSL Touche Éclat  Cushion case is beautiful.

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)
Product:  Touche Éclat Cushion Compact Foundation
Shade:  B50 Honey
Coverage:  Sheer
Dewiness:  Semi
Scent:  Cucumber
Oxidation:  None
Price:  $48.00 (Does NOT come with a Refill)
Availability:  Limited (see Where to Buy below)

When you first open the YSL Touche Éclat Cushion Compact Foundation box you are greeted with a gorgeous gold cushion compact case.  This lovely little square case is lightweight which is good for people on the go.  It even has a good sized mirror inside as well.

The YSL cushion uses a mesh well instead of a sponge well.

Upon closing the compact you do not hear that audible *snap* sound we are all accustomed to.  It is easy to accidentally leave open which isn't fun.  I think if you do carry this cushion around with you, place it flat on the bottom of your purse since it doesn't feel like it closes securely.

SWATCH

The YSL cushion looks darker on NC37 but blends beautifully.

BEFORE AND AFTER

No primers or concealers were used for this performance test.

First off, the puff sucks.  It is supposed to be a dual purpose puff where you can pat using one end and swipe using the other.  It does neither of these effectively and seems to just absorb product.  I quickly switched it out for a Rubycell puff (from IOPE) and the application is far better.  The Rubycell puff fits nicely into the YSL cushion case as well.  I get my puffs from Jolse for like $4, but they are easy to find online. 

When I first swatched it I was a little worried that the B50 Honey shade was slightly too dark, but then I realized that it is similar to the IOPE Air Cushion N31 shade.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion blends very nicely on NC37 skin and looks natural.  I have also taken a swatch comparison of the YSL Cushion against the Laneige Pore Control Cushion in shade 31 for reference:
*Note:  Laneige Pore Control Shade 31 is lighter than IOPE Air Cushion N31

The YSL cushion in shade B50 is a little darker than Laneige Shade 31.

The formula has a similar consistency to Philosophy's Renewed Hope in a Jar Skin Tint.  It is very smooth and sheer.  The coverage is not very buildable, and if you already have good skin it will give you a nice healthy glow.  I would say that it gives a satiney finish as opposed to dewy.

HOW DOES THE YSL CUSHION COMPARE TO KOREAN CUSHIONS?

Most Korean Cushion foundations utilize a sponge to hold the product, but with the YSL cushion the product is pushed through a decorative mesh.  The mesh releases just the right amount of product for application and doesn't spill out.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion also contains nearly the same amount of product as most Korean cushions coming in at 0.53oz.

This cushion does not contain SPF like most Korean cushions do.  However, if you already use Korean products then you most likely already use a stand alone sunscreen.  It is important to note that SPF from makeup does not provide enough sun protection and is practically a sales gimmick.  I like to refer to this video of Wayne Goss demonstrating how much foundation is actually needed in order to achieve the amount of SPF protection listed on the packaging.  It's ridiculous :).

One of my biggest pet peeves about Korean cushions is the serious lack of shade range and / or availability.  For instance, the Mamonde Cushion is available for purchase in the U.S. but for some reason the shade range jumps from 23 to 33.  Okay, let's just skip everyone in the NC25 - NC42 shade range.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion comes in 7 shades from B10 Porcelain to B60 Amber.  Still not a large variety but still better than most.  I just like how the YSL cushion is easier to purchase so I don't have to worry about where to source it from when I am running low.

The downside about the YSL cushion is that it DOES. NOT. COME. with a refill.  This means that you are getting significantly less for your money.  The cushion + case is $48.00 USD, and the refills are $38.00 USD each.

Aside from the price, if you are a fan of Korean cushions then the YSL Touche Éclat cushion will be an easy transition.

No - the refill does not fit into any Korean cushion compact.  Just thought I'd throw that out there!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I really like this product, but it is expensive.  However, I do prefer sheer coverage and find that the quality of the formula is excellent.  It does not pill and looks natural.  I would say that this product is ideal for those who do not have any skin issues and are looking to enhance their skin, rather than covering it up.  Blemishes, acne, and rosacea WILL absolutely show through!

I would repurchase the YSL Touche Éclat cushion because of the quality of the formula, the ease of purchase, and the fact that it matches my NC37 skintone.  The price, case, and puff are not a big deal to me but I can see how it might be an issue to some.

In the end, if you love Korean cushions and also have trouble finding one that matches your skin tone then I would give this one a try!  Just keep in mind that the coverage is sheer!

WHERE TO BUY

Nordstrom - Shop Now 💕

Rating

Master Swatch List