Cushion cosmetics are having a moment, and color cushion products are at the forefront. Lancome's Cushion Blush Subtil is a good entry into this growing market, though one that's not without a few caveats. As such, it just missed our highest rating.

Cushion Blush Subtil features a sponge (that's the "cushion" part) saturated in liquid blush inside a dual-topped compact. A small plastic cover keeps the blush from drying out, and on top of this sits an applicator sponge and a second, mirrored lid.



Applying this blush is very easy: Just dab the applicator sponge into the cushion and dot it along the cheekbones. The formula sets quickly and you can use fingers or a makeup brush—just be sure to blend fast! True to its claims, this blush is vibrant—you don't need much to get a healthy flush of color, and a little goes a long way. We found that this applied well both on bare skin and over foundation.

The finish is a soft matte but not so matte that it makes dry skin appear parched. Since it's not creamy and has no sheen, it's suitable for oily skin as well. Right now this comes in a small but wearable range of colors (they include peach, pink, and orange-based shades) that work for very fair to deep skin tones.



The only drawbacks are relatively minor, but still worth noting: This blush fades noticeably around the four or five hour mark, which is shorter than most powder blush formulas. If you do have a long day planned, you might have to re-apply, or consider applying this over a powder blush for longer-lasting color.

The other issue is that Cushion Blush Subtil contains fragrance ingredients such as linalool and limonene, as well as fragrance itself. Though they're toward the very end of the ingredient list, it's still a consideration for those who have sensitive skin or prefer their products to be fragrance free.

Ultimately, if you're looking to check out and see what cushion blush is all about, this is a good option to consider!

PROS:

• Easy and convenient application.
• Vibrant color means a little goes a long way.
• Soft matte finish is suitable for a variety of skin types.

CONS:

• Blush fades toward the end of its wear time.
• Contains a slight amount of fragrance, which isn't the best for sensitive skin.