[REVIEW] Innisfree Ampoule Intense Cushion SPF34/PA++

I have a thing for cushions compacts--BB, CC, any letter makeup cushion.  Once I tried the cushion compacts, I never went back to the liquid-in-a-bottle alphabet letter creams;  after all, a cushion compact offers such great all-in-one packaging and usage because it includes a mirror, a puff to apply and blend, and an overall enclosed case that's easy to throw into my purse or pocket without the worry of cream accidentally squirting out. 

Innisfree offers a couple of cushion compacts in their makeup line.  The Ampoule Intense Cushion is one of their newest that's specifically designed to keep skin super moisturized during the winter season.  It was all new to me, but apparently there is different makeup and skincare for different seasons.  For instance, in the winter season, you would want products that help retain moisture and fight the damaging effects of the cold, drying weather. However, in the summer, a product that combats excessive oil, doesn't melt off in the heat and/or humidity, and also contains higher SPF may be more suitable.  

As this is my first Innisfree cushion, I was more than excited to try it after hearing such great things about Innisfree's other cushions.  After researching some swatches of their cushions, I got mixed reviews saying colors were too light, too dark, or just right.  I must admit, I had a hard time deciding which shade to choose; it's a shame Innisfree doesn't have a store in the States yet, so I'm left turning up the brightness of my computer screen to guess out a shade to match my face.  Out of the 3 shades (No. 13 Light beige, No. 21 Natural Beige, and No. 23 True Beige), I ended up choosing the middle shade of "No. 21 Natural Beige".  My skin is not the fairest, but is still considered on the "light" side with a yellow undertone.  I figured since I'm lighter in the winter, No. 21 (the middle shade) should work. 

 The color seems to blend out well on my hand, unfortunately, I think when applied to the face, it comes off a little too white for my liking.  Other than the color, the cream dispenses easily from the cushion to the puff, transfers and blends effortlessly onto my face.  The cream is very buildable and doesn't get cakey, but as I mentioned, since the color is somewhat lighter for me, too much of it can make me look ghostly.  For those that like the super milky white look, this shade might work for you.  It's coverage is light to medium and seems to balance out any skin pigmentation, but for any dark acne scars or zits, concealer may still be needed.  As promised with this Ampoule Intense Cushion, the cushion does indeed deliver a super moisturizing feel and also gives off a radiant, dewy look that will last you 4-6 hours before needing touch-ups (makeup primer may help it last longer).  Overall, the Innisfree Intense Ampoule Cushion is great in winter months for that extra boost in adding or locking in hydration and provides good coverage for balancing skin pigmentation.

• Price Point: $
• $24 for the Cushion Compact + came with a bonus refill (retailing for $15) when I purchased around Christmas
• Packaging: Convenient packaging for on-the-go touch-ups; Very large mirror; Light weight (lightest of the 3 cushions I have tried)
• Ingredients: More Natural! (e.g. Seed and flower extracts); No Parabens; Contains green tea seed and leaf extract too (but more towards the bottom of ingredient list)
• Color: No. 21 Natural Beige --very light/white; can be a little pale for those in areas of a lot of sun
• Coverage: Light to Medium; Very buildable coverage
• Wear Duration: 4-6 hours, then may need retouching.  Not super long-wear and transfers easily so may need to wear a makeup primer to help it stay
• Other Notes: Semi strong herbal smell (Characteristic of some Innisfree products); Very moisturizing and gives a dewy finish (not good for those that want a matte finish)