Makeup

This has been the year that I have gotten more into Korean makeup and skincare so I have a ton of new discoveries to share with all of you! One of the makeup products that I have seen so much buzz about and finally tried for myself is the TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation. I have tried cushion foundations before and have liked some but none ever really wowed me…..until this one. I’ve seen so many reviews on it and they have all been raving about the formula, longevity and how it makes the skin look. I ordered it to try for myself and thought I would share a full review in today’s blog post.

Cushion foundations are exactly how they sound – foundations with a cushion-like top that you dab at to get the product out. They are often known to be very skin-like and natural looking. Some have skincare benefits to them and can provide a wide range of coverage depending on the formula. TirTir is a very well known Korean beauty brand that has been making some of the best selling beauty products in Korea for many years. The brand has slowly become more and more popular in the US and after trying a handful of their products,I can definitely see why. Their formulations are amazing, effective and very reasonably priced. The TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation was the product I have seen the most buzz about so it was the first product I tested from the line. Obsessed is an understatement when it comes to my experience with this foundation so I knew I had to dedicate an entire blog post to it.

TirTir Mask Fit Cushion Foundation Review

TirTir markets this as a medium to full coverage, weightless foundation with a soft satin finish and I can say that is really spot on with my experience. It’s designed to give you that “glass skin” look that is been popular in Korea for many years and is now trending heavily in the US market. Glass skin is the term coined to describe skin that looks like glass. Shiny, smooth and almost translucent in its clarity. This foundation definitely delivers somewhat on this claim for as much as real skin can actually look like glass. A bit of hyperbole but the foundation really does smooth out and hide imperfections in the most amazing way. I have three shades that I’ve been testing because there are just SO many shades to choose from so it can be a bit daunting. Thankfully they have mini sizes you can order which are $15. Here’s a bit more about the foundation and how it performs on the skin:

Price Point

This cushion foundation is incredibly affordable at $25 for .63 oz and $15 for .15 oz.

Packaging

Since this is a cushion foundation, it comes in a compact with a spongey cushion that you tap with a sponge, brush or your fingers to get the product out. A separate small cushion applicator does come inside too but I will caution you that when I used that, I got medium to full coverage with just one application. For this reason, I prefer to use my own damp makeup sponge.

Coverage

This is medium coverage but can be built up to be full coverage.

Finish

This cushion foundation gives the most gorgeous soft glow satin finish. It’s truly beautiful. Skin-like and weightless is exactly how I would describe the feel.

Shade Range

I’m going to be honest here and say that I did not expect a Korean beauty brand to have such an inclusive shade range. It is absolutely amazing! And they are continuously putting out more shades after getting feedback from their customers and influencers about expanding the options in the darker shades. THAT is how you keep loyal customers. I wish all brands would follow suit.

Longevity

The name “Mask Fit” references the fact that it is designed to be worn under a face mask which means it needs to be long wearing and able to stay put all day. That is exactly my experience. It is one of the longest wearing foundations I have ever tried. I have even received messages from followers who have shared with me that they have worn this in the heat and humidity and never had it budge.

Ingredients

While this cushion foundation performs like a true makeup product, it is formulated with a ton of amazing skincare ingredients such as hibiscus and red propolis extract to enhance skin elasticity and maintain the skin’s glow.

TirTir Mask Fit Cushion Foundation Swatches

I have tried three of the shades in the TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation and to be honest, they all work for me. 13N is a tad too light for me but I can easily mix it with any of the other shades to work. I alternate between 15C and 17N depending on if I have used self tanner that day. You can see from my photo above that the finish is smooth, creamy and gives a slight satin glow. I did not set it with powder but you can if you have exceptionally oily or combination skin.

How to Use the TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation?

Prep the Skin

Though this foundation is very creamy and nourishing, it works best when you skin is moisturized and prepped. I will often add a layer of the Rhode Glazing Milk right before I apply my foundations because it gives my skin a quick boost of moisture that allows my foundations to glide on effortlessly.

Start Small

Because this is such a medium to full coverage foundation, I recommend using a light hand to apply. You can always build it up if needed.

Use a Damp Sponge for Less Coverage

If you want less coverage, use a damp makeup sponge to apply the product all over.

Use a Makeup Brush for More Coverage

If you want to build up coverage or prefer a more full coverage application, choose a stiff kabuki style brush to buff in the product.

Set With Powder If Needed

Though this foundation is very long wearing, you can still set it with a setting powder and help extend the wear even more. Especially if you are oily or combination, use a setting powder through your t-zone to help mattify and set.

Out of all the makeup categories available, I have the most lip products in my collection. Every single type of formula, color, texture – I just can’t resist trying them all. Ha! At one point there was just lipsticks then lip liners then lip gloss and now there is a ton of different formulas out there to choose from. It can definitely be overwhelming but as someone who loves makeup, I get so excited for all the new options available. However knowing the difference between the types of lip products available can help make your buying decisions easier and more tailored to your specific needs. I decided to dedicate today’s blog post to talking about the differences between lip glosses and lip oils which can be seen as very similar in concept but can be quite different in performance and formula.

Lip Oil Vs. Lip Gloss

Lip gloss and lip oil have a ton of similarities and are often used interchangeably. They look the same on the lips and are marketed in a similar manner but it is helpful to understand the key differences between the two. Especially if you are looking for your lip product to perform a certain way or address specific concerns.

What is the Difference Between Lip Oil and Lip Gloss?

The main difference between lip oils and lip glosses are their purpose or use, formulation/texture and ingredients. This isn’t the case all the time but for the most part that is where the differences lie. Lip glosses are designed to be less treatment based and more cosmetic in the high shine finish they give the lips. Lip Oils are slightly newer to the marketplace and helped to bridge the gap between the color/performance of a lip gloss with a more skincare based formulation. I’ll share a more in depth explanation of each in the  next few of paragraphs.

What is Lip Oil?

Lip Oil is a liquid lip color that provides a more nourishing, sheer and smooth formula designed to treat the lips in addition to providing a minimal amount of color and coverage. Lip oils are often formulated with various oils and skincare ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid) that help to nourish and moisturize the lips more deeply than a regular lip gloss. They are more treatment focused first and then depending on the product can deliver pigment to the lips as well. They are more sheer so they can be worn alone but often don’t last that long on the lips. Lip oils are less sticky than lip gloss and have a smooth comforting feel to them. More brands have come out with lip oils that provide more coverage and pigment if you are looking for something to wear alone rather than having to layer. But on the whole, lip oils will always be a more sheer option than a lip gloss.

What Does Lip Oil Do To Your Lips?

Lip Oils provide nourishment and incredible skincare ingredients to help treat and keep your lips soft. Lip oil penetrates deeper and helps to hydrate, add a bit of sheen and enhance your natural lip color or add a slight bit of tint when worn alone. When layered over a lipstick or lip liner, they can add shine and moisture to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable.

Is Lip Oil Good For Your Lips?

It’s definitely a great option for those looking for more moisture and hydration in their lip formulas. I personally LOVE lip oils and have quite a few that have become staples in makeup routine. Dior Lip Glow Oil is my current favorite luxury lip oil but here are my top 5 favorite lip oil formulas at the moment at all price points:

How to Use Lip Oil?

Layer Lip Oil

The best way to use lip oil is to layer it over a more opaque or pigmented lip color.

Prep Your Lips

Though lip oils are meant to hydrate, they will last longer is your lips are well exfoliated and prepped with a lip balm or lip treatment.

Apply a Liberal Amount

Since lip oils tend to be less pigmented and give a sheer wash of color, you can be more liberal with applying it to fully coat the lips.

What is Lip Gloss?

Lip Gloss is ultimately a liquid lipstick with tons of shine. Lip gloss is designed to be more pigmented, longer wearing and with a slightly tackier feel. Less treatment focused and more makeup focused.

What Does Lip Gloss Do?

Lip gloss is designed to give the lips a shiny and glossy finish. It enhances your lips making them look more dramatic with more pigment and sometimes plumping properties.

Is Lip Gloss Good For Your Lips?

While lip gloss does not necessarily have the same nourishing benefits as lip oil, many formulas have ingredients that still help to keep the lips hydrated. Here are my top 5 favorite lip gloss formulas at the moment (Patrick Ta lip gloss is my most used right now):

How to Use Lip Gloss?

Prep Your Lips

It is always good to ensure your lips are exfoliated and treated before applying your lip products but this is especially important for lip gloss. Lip gloss can enhance texture and dry chapped lips so it looks better on well moisturized lips.

Use a Lip Liner

Since lip glosses are more pigmented they will deliver more color to the lips but due to their liquid formulation, there is a higher chance they will move around and ultimately bleed. To prevent this it’s best to wear a lip liner.

Apply Lip Gloss in the Center Only

If you struggle with your lip color bleeding or moving around too much, only apply your lip gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips.

Is Lip Oil or Lip Gloss Better?

Personally I think they both offer different things and one is not necessarily better than the other. If you struggle with dry lips and want something more intensely nourishing and sheer, a lip oil is your better option. But if you want a shiny finish and rich pigment, lip gloss is best for you.