Who still remembers the time when cushion foundations took the beauty world by storm over a decade ago? The fad has spread to most luxury beauty brands since and I’ve test my share of cushion foundations, but nothing stuck with me.

My best friend knows I’m a fan of the Maison Kitsuné fox and surprised me with their LANEIGE collaboration that launched last year (I know this post has taken me forever). It finally feels like I’ve found a keeper.

LANEIGE NEO Cushion

If you think LANEIGE’s cushion foundations look like brand-new products, you’re not alone. The range was redesigned in 2020 with improved formulas and a new, intriguing square shape that lends a futuristic touch.

Seoul and Seattle -based design studio cloudandco (founded by Korean designer Yeongkyu Yoo, former creative director for Samsung, Nike and Microsoft) was behind the new packaging for LANEIGE’s liquid and cushion foundation range, using Morandi colours and the barest hint of neon orange. The result is a sleek cubic casing that resembles charging cases for wireless earbuds (in fact, the NEO cushion looks so much like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro that the brands debuted a collaboration in a metallic violet shade). Its borderless design fits into the palm comfortably, unlike other clunky cushions that take up all the space in your makeup pouch.

The cushion refill is easily removable with a single rotation – no force or popping required! What’s innovative, however, is that users can opt to rotate the refill by 180 degrees, which means the cover can open to both the left and right, making it extremely user-friendly regardless of what your dominant hand is.

Its soft pastel colours are easy on the eye and aesthetic, the two colours corresponding to different foundation formulas: the NEO Cushion Glow in pink gives a soft, dewy complexion, while the NEO Cushion Matte in mint has an even, matte finish.

The NEO Cushion Matte (as featured in the limited-edition pack) offers a soft, semi-matte finish with buildable coverage. It comes with SPF 42 PA++ and boasts various technologies on top of blue light protection: Vivid Coverage™ with ultra-light powders to cover pores, and Humid Defense™ for sebum control. LANEIGE’s unique puff also has tiny slits on the surface that deposit the right amount of product for an even finish. 

I’ve been using the NEO Cushion Matte consistently on days when I’m too lazy to break out my beauty blender for liquid foundations. Its texture melts into the skin easily without leaving behind a pasty effect and only takes a minute to apply. And I love that its finish feels weightless despite its coverage and is transfer-proof even in Hong Kong’s humid weather! 

Editor’s note: My go-to shade for Korean cushion foundations is 23N and LANEIGE’s shade blends perfectly into my skin with yellow undertones. It might be too light for me otherwise, but I can always dust my face with a bit of bronzer. 

The Maison Kitsuné Collaboration

Paris-meets-Tokyo Maison Kitsuné has been lauded for its aesthetics that combines its iconic fox, a symbol of its playfulness, with streetwear-influenced designs. Its Chillax Fox launched in 2020, offering an (even more) cheeky attitude on its merchandise.

The LANEIGE x Maison Kitsuné collaboration is a stylish take on the brands, featuring teal and cream colours accompanied by a lounging Chillax Fox and the casual greeting “Hey NEO, Let’s Chillax!”

This limited-edition cushion foundation comes in a matte cream casing (in place of the original mint), with the Chillax Fox positioned in one of three random locations. So what you get is always a surprise! As for the foundation itself, only the matte version is offered and in two specific shades: 21N Beige and 23N Sand. An additional refill is included in matching packaging.

Two options were given for the complimentary merchandise: a canvas tote with the collaboration tagline or a flat pouch with an embroidered Chillax Fox and a contrast green trim. Both items are offered exclusively with the purchase of the limited-edition cushion foundation and cannot be bought separately.

Somehow, the NEO Cushion Matte in 23N with the pouch is still available online at a very affordable price (even without the ongoing discount). Given that the product lives up to its looks, here’s your chance to snag it before it’s gone!

So, What Do You Think?

Have you tried LANEIGE’s NEO cushion before? Or maybe you’re not a fan of Korean makeup products.

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below. I’d love to hear what you have in mind!

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