Confession: I've been in a LTR with a Korean sweetheart for many years now. (I'm talking about Laneige's BB Cushion [Pore Control] SPF50+ PA+++, not Song Hye-kyo!) Image: Laneige/YouTube
Hey, K-Beauty buddy, did you know you can switch between techniques when applying your BB cushion, depending on the results you’re gunning for?
So, which is better: Rubbing or patting in your BB cushion compact? Answer: Both are perfectly acceptable. It's all contingent on the level of coverage you’re coveting – #IWokeUpLikeThis nude makeup; full-on Song Hye-kyo glamour; or precision spot correction for pesky pimples. Your choice!
#1. Sweeping statement. First rule of the day: A clean sweep equals lighter coverage. Here’s Laneige Singapore’s in-house trainer Tina Oh: “Using swift, sweeping motions, blend your cushion puff outwards to achieve an ultra-natural look.”
What else? My pal and makeup artist Larry Yeo has a huge axe to grind with girls he’s observed committing this cardinal cosmetic sin: “You should never use the puff to pat randomly all over the face, because your complexion will end up looking terribly blotchy.” Note to self: One should never apply your BB cushion as if it were blotting paper!
Instead, do as he does and glide your way to a gorgeous glow: “Start application by sweeping the puff away from the centre of your face. Use soft strokes to skim towards the jaw and hairline. Sheering out the product this way lends a seamless finish.”
This gentle graduation also blurs out any discernible demarcation between your face and decolletage; always a good thing!
Every atas OL's beauty essential: Sulwhasoo's superb Evenfair Perfecting Cushion. I should know, given the number of compliments I get for my cough, flawless complexion whenever I have this baby on!
#2. Heavy “patting”. Fancy a fuller finish? Scrap the sweeping motions and indulge in a little heavy patting instead. Here’s what Tina Oh of Laneige recommends: “If you want complete coverage that doesn’t look too ‘forced’, pat a thin layer all over your face, then go back in and focus on areas of concern, such as around the nose and mouth.” This targeted second coat is essentially doubling up as a concealer of sorts, quick’n’dirty style!
#3. Brush up on the basics. Want to take your cushion compact to the next level? Bring out the big guns because it’s time to get serious on any spots, scars and such that are still visible after applying your BB base.
Go right ahead and press your clean fingers into your BB cushion if you must, but Larry Yeo is partial to using a stiff angled brush like 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Mini for precision coverage; pick up a tiny bit of product using the tip of your brush, then dot onto offending spots and blend outwards to blur the boundary between blemish and surrounding skin. Easy-peasy. No creases and crinkles after a night of gallivanting, too, from my experience.
Right, then. As it turns out, there’s more than one way to skin a cat – and more than one way to use your BB cushion.
To recap, here are three top tips for fuss-free touch-ups on the go: Glide for a natural finish; pat for complete camouflage; and stipple with a slim brush to obliterate spots. Talk about different strokes for different folks. Good luck, and have fun!
You can contact Larry Yeo at www.larryyeo.com.
Laneige BB Cushion [Pore Control] SPF50+ PA+++, $59, is available at all Laneige counters. For more information visit www.laneige.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion, $74, is available at Sulwhasoo counters. For more information, visit www.sulwhasoo.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.