Glow on the go: the YSL Touche Éclat Cushion Foundation review
Written By Jenny Wu on
It’s pretty obvious that YSL is one of my favorite makeup brands: I adore their Rouge Volupte lipsticks and their Touche Éclat foundation has been my go-to for years.
So when YSL released my favorite foundation in a gorgeous gold cushion this past May, I immediately bought it. After 2 months of using this baby, I’m ready to share my thoughts, and of course, pictures!
YSL Touche Éclat Cushion Foundation Overview
- What is it
- “A lightweight foundation with a sheer, buildable coverage to give you a fresh dewy glow and a natural finish.” – pretty spot on if you ask me.
- How I use it
- First I apply the YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer, then I pat this on as I would any cushion foundation.
- Best suited for
- Those with few blemishes to cover. Oily skin folks may want to powder afterwards keep your skin from getting too shiny. Dry skin folks will definitely want to use a primer beforehand.
- Packaging
- A beautiful gold case that’s sadly plastic and needs to be wiped down constantly to remove any smudges. There’s an inner lid that holds the sponge and covers the foundation, but neither the inner lid nor the case clicks when you close them, so they don’t feel airtight.
- Formula
- A lighter version of the original Touche Éclat foundation, which contains gold pigments to give the skin a natural lit-from-within glow.
- Texture
- Very light, even lighter than the original foundation.
- Shades
- 7 total, 5 are neutral shades with 1 warm and 1 cool dark tones. My match is B20 (I’ve also gotten lighter since my YSL Touche Eclat Foundation post), which is pretty close but still a bit on the cooler side.
- Finish
- A very natural finish. The glow factor and coverage are both not as strong as the original, but you can build by patting on more foundation.
- Size & Price
- $48 for the compact, $38 for the refill
- Where to buy
- Nordstrom, YSL Beauty, StrawberryNet (ships worldwide)
What I didn’t care for, ie. the minor details
I’m going to start with things I didn’t like about this foundation, and the first is the puff/sponge. YSL claims the “dual flocked” texture gives you 2 different application methods thus 2 different finishes, but tomayto tomahto – the end results look the same, so just pat, pat, pat the lovely foundation in and you’re set.
Next, and probably my biggest gripe, is the packaging. I love the gold and the rectangular shape, but ugh it smudges like crazy and the insides get pretty messy. There’s this annoying gap between the actual cushion and the case, so when you pat down the edges of the cushion get into the gap and picks up foundation, which then gets everywhere. This has never happened with any of my Korean cushions, so wtf.
Also, I briefly mentioned this earlier but the cushion lid and the case don’t seem to close very tightly. Granted it’s never popped open on me yet, and I’ve traveled with it twice, but I’m a bit worried that this may cause the cushion to dry out sooner.
Whatever, it’s still fabulous
Once I got over the quirks of the YSL Touche Éclat Cushion Foundation, it’s actually pretty amazing. I personally love the light texture and its sheer finish with a subtle glow – it’s the perfect canvas for my makeup, and I can conceal or highlight based on the look I want to achieve. For me foundation should be as light as possible to avoid the made-up look, so this definitely fits my needs.
While you can use this without a primer, I find that you get the best results with one, especially if you use the YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer from the same line. The finish when used with the primer is literally your skin but better – super natural with a subtle glow when the light hits your skin. If you want a more intense glow, that’s what highlighters are for :)
As you can see in the photo above, the YSL Touche Eclat Cushion Foundation does an excellent job of evening my skin tone, minimizing any redness, and covering small imperfections all while still looking natural. However, more obvious blemishes, pigmentation, and dark circles will still require a concealer, which I did not use. I applied 1 layer of foundation throughout my face and touched up with a second layer on my cheeks were I had the most pigmentation. You’ll see that the smaller spots are pretty much covered.
As I mentioned earlier, you won’t notice any glow with this cushion until the light hits your skin – and even then it’s a very subtle glow. It reminds me of how my skin looks right after I finish sheet masking – that chok-chok look that just says healthy skin. Yassss.
I’ve noticed that the foundation also lasts longer when used with a primer, and even when it starts degrading, it does so naturally without any caking. The shade does oxidize a tiny bit, but the difference is negligible, which is an improvement from the original foundation which turned me a shade darker at the end of the day. Oh and the cushion doesn’t contain the joke that is SPF15, so it’s flash photography safe. Woohoo!
-
Packaging
8.5
-
Color Range
7
-
Finish
10
-
Performance
9
-
Price
7.5
This cushion isn't perfect by any means, but if you can find a shade match and you like the light coverage + natural finish, this is a total win. This has been a staple in my regular makeup routine and when I travel, beating out my other Korean cushions like IOPE and Sulwhasoo. For me, it's also an improvement from the original Touche Eclat foundation, and I will definitely be purchasing refills for this in the future.
Hope you found this review helpful, and let me know if you’d be interested in more makeup posts! I know I write a lot about skincare, but it’s nice to switch things up every once in a while :)
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Shireen L. Platt
First of all, you look like a Korean star in your pictures and Jenny, you look so freaking young! Mind you, everyone looks young when you get to my age....
The packaging sounds a bit of a nightmare but I love the finish on your skin. Not sure if I'll ever buy this though... I do love the YSL Touche Eclat primer, I think I like it even more than my Hourglass Mineral Veil which says a lot. Recently I have been mixing glowy primer with my foundations or MUFE Skin booster with my base products and honestly I feel I get the best finish from doing so. I am so serious about my mixing game to the point I bought a mixing plate from eBay! LOL!
Jenny Wu
AHHH sweetest comment ever Shireen, you totally made my day, especially since I'm less than a year away from the big 3-0!! I didn't think you were that much older than me, and you certainly don't look it either!
It's such a shame that the packaging was so poor, especially since that's usually what YSL excels at. It works so well for me though that I'm willing to look past all its flaws, but I can see it being a deal breaker for some. I need to get my hands on that MUFE skin booster and try mixing it with some of my less loved base products...you make the product sound so magical!
Emily
I am less than a year away from 30 as well! It's nice to meet bloggers my age haha. I feel like everyone is so young! :(
-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
Jenny Wu
Oh my gosh I know! There are some bloggers out there that are still in high school and it makes me feel super old when I talk to them, haha. Luckily there's a good number of us more "mature" bloggers out there as well, hehe :P
LindaLibraLoca
I am only two years away from 40 and it sometimes feels like bloggers are 16 to 24, much like female Hollywood stars.
But on the topic of the foundation: I don't think I'd like finish or coverage and I have to admit I don't get the whole fushion trend anyway.
And Shireen: You do look freaking young yourself!
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Jenny Wu
Thanks for reading Anne! Foundation finish and coverage is definitely very subjective, so I can see how this foundation won't appeal to everyone. Also what do you mean by fusion trend?
Lydia
I rarely use foundations like this, but I think I should because this sounds and looks amazing!
http://www.lydstaple.co.uk
Jenny Wu
Thanks for reading Lydia! If you prefer a light coverage with a natural finish I can't recommend this foundation enough. It's so easy to use too!
Shireen L. Platt
Aww, Anne, I love you! ❤️
Emily
OH wow this looks really good on you. I definitely want to try this. To be honest I love their whole touche eclat range (even though it's so annoying to write haha). I have their highlighter that almost has identical packaging, and it is my go-to every day highlighter. It was pricey, but sooo worth it. It has such a natural glow. I think the whole touche eclat series has a beautiful natural finish to it, which I love. Great review, and I'll definitely be checking this out now!! I think I could get past the little quirks.
-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much Emily! I feel the same way about the Touche Eclat range, including the annoyance of writing the name out! The highlighter is also my go-to, and it lasts a surprisingly long time, so I don't feel too bad about the high price point. I believe this cushion is exclusive to Nordstrom in the US if you want to test it out in person :)
Cat L
Jenny first off, you look amazing in the portrait shots!! Your skin is so beautiful and it's like you don't age! I need to get on your skincare regime pronto! Secondly, I tremendously enjoyed this post. The YSL cushion has been on my wish list for a while now. My main issue is I'm just not sure how I feel about the whole cushion concept. I would love to try and I probably will buy next time Sephora has their VIB sale. I feel so left out of the movement! Great post and gorgeous photos Jenny!
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Jenny Wu
Aww thank you so much for your kind comment Cat, you're always so sweet!! I felt a bit self conscious about posting my bare face at first, but then I figured the contrast between the before and after would help drive my point across about the foundation, haha. The cushion concept is definitely different, but once you get used to it you'll be amazed at how convenient it is, especially for travel! Unfortunately this YSL cushion is exclusive to Nordstrom in the US (and of course available on the YSL site), but definitely check it out if you're there for their anniversary sale :D Would love to hear your thoughts on it if you do buy it!
Kris
I love YSL Touche Eclat, I use my highlighter pen all the time!
Have an amazing day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you Kris! I have the highlighter pen as well and it's my go-to for dark circles! :)
Esnath
Beside their lipstick and primer I haven't tried anything YSL much, but the cushion foundation is calling my name. But they don't have a shade in my colour in the UK. What a beautiful review thorough and well constructed, you also happen to look amazing
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Esnath! I hope they'll release more shades for the cushion in the future as well!
Velvet Blush
I actually didn't like the original touche eclat foundation, but this one looks so good on you! I've always wanted to try a cushion foundation as I prefer a lighter feeling formula too xx
Jenny Wu
Thank you lovely, and I'm sorry that you weren't a fan of the original foundation. If you prefer something lighter you might like this cushion more, so definitely try it in store if you get a chance!
Laura @laurantaina
I agree; you look like a Korean film star with that foundation on. I notice a subtle, soft glow that's so prettyyyyy! Wow, even though you didn't rate this cushion perfect you totally sold me this! Weird, I haven't seen YSL selling this cushion at my local counters (yet)? I love the packaging, but a lid that doesn't close securely is a big no-no for me. I have the problem with covers popping open with some Kevyn Aucoin powders and I can't stand it. Anyway, I'll go take a look at my local counter and see about that primer and cushion! I recently bought the Chanel cushion, which I love, but I never seem to have enough base make up... Haha.
Laura x Laurantaina Beauty Blog
Jenny Wu
Aww thank you for the sweet comment Laura! There are definitely flaws with this foundation that keeps it from being perfect, especially the seemingly non-secure lid. I'm sure it's actually secure as it hasn't popped open yet, it just doesn't feel that way and I get very OCD about these things - luckily the finish is great enough (imo) to make me overlook the flaws!
I know in the US this cushion is only sold in 1 specific department store, so perhaps it's the same in Finland? I've got that Chanel cushion on my wishlist now ever since seeing it on your Instagram! You're right, you can never have enough base makeup, hehe :P
Nikkie
I also own YSL lipsticks and lve them! This foundation look slike it'd be perfect for me- always on the lookout for something that'll leave a natural-looking, dewy face. I've also only used korean cushion foundations, so I've never experienced what you've experienced here. That sounds pretty annoying, but the final results are amazing! I love the natural-looking finish. You look so good :) Just followed via Bloglovin'!
P.S. Hahah reading the above comments^ I started blogging in high school, a few years ago, but I absolutely loove reading ladies of all ages' blogs because of your maturity and different personality you bring to the table ;) and beauty bloggers of all ages never age in my opinion ;) keep it up!!
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for your kind comment Nikkie and for following! It is nice connecting with bloggers of all ages because of the different perspectives you get - plus the young ones kinda make me feel young again too (until they use slang that I don't get, and then reality hits me again, haha) \
The final results of this cushion definitely make the flaws more tolerable, and hopefully those will be fixed in the future :) It's exciting to see more Western brands release cushions since Korean ones have very limited shade selection.
Mika
I definitely agree with everyone here, you look like a rich girl from a Kdrama! Your skin is so flawless and beautiful, Jenny! I have the YSL cushion compact (gosh I forget the name) and I really love it. I'm also like you about packaging, I haaaaate seeing any imperfections on a black background. Looking at the packaging I thought to myself that it might not close that well (I find that normal with YSL clasp function), but my hunches were right after seeing your thoughts about it. It's too bad because one of my biggest peeves is makeup coming undone in my bag, so I will have to pass this but thank you for your review!
xoxo
www.hellohimawari.com
Jenny Wu
Awww thank you so much for the sweet comment Mika and so glad to hear from you!! I remember when YSL came out with their first cushion compact (the black one) and while I didn't jump on that due to the more matte finish, I've always loved how pretty the packaging was! I didn't realize this was a common issue with YSL clasps though, as this is my first product of theirs with a clasp, but that's strange. I'm sure it's still tight and it's yet to come undone in my makeup bag (and I'm pretty cavalier when it comes to packing my makeup), but I do still get paranoid :P
Elisa
Love this, the result is just perfect!
xx Elisa
www.francinesplacediy.blogspot.com
DIY & LIFESTYLE BLOG
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much Elisa!
Katya
I love the concealer from the same line, but I had no idea they actually have a cushion foundation! It seems like a great product to check out!
http://stylesprinter.com/
Jenny Wu
I adore the Touche Eclat concealer as well, perfect for brightening dark circles! This cushion is exclusive to Nordstrom, and they just released it in May!
Katherine
The packaging is so nice, does kinda suck that it's plastic. Smudges bug me so much on things! Haha you look so good though, girl! :)
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much Katherine! Good thing I love the formula and finish so much or else these little annoyances would REALLY bother me, haha
Naya
Your skin looks absolutely great with or without this foundation, Jenny! I will say, you don't even need it! Love the finish, but just like you, I am not the biggest fan of packaging which gets all fingerprint-y. I also wish this product came in more colours, but other than that - fab review! x
Naya // www.partyparrotblog.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the kind comment Naya! This product definitely isn't without flaws, though I've learned to live with the finger prints now, haha. They did just release this not too long ago, so hopefully more shades are coming in the near future!
Amy
This looks really lovely on you! I was curious to hear how the cushion version works, as I've been wearing the foundation for a while now. I found that the foundation settles into my skin too much now it's dryer in pregnancy, so perhaps this lighter formula would be better. I agree with the packaging though, I hate it when something looks beautiful on the shelf but is a finger printed mess when used.
https://amyevans.co.uk - Amy
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Amy! I've found that applying a primer before hand as definitely eliminated any line setting issues for me, though I don't think it happened without the primer either. As for the packaging I've given up on trying to hide the finger prints, unless I'm taking a picture of it, haha
Amy
YSL foundations are some of my favorites. Totally worth the splurge. Btw, your skin is just naturally flawless!!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Jenny Wu
Aww thanks so much Amy! Totally agree with you on YSL foundations, I really want to try their other cushion now!
Sabiha
I think this leaves a gorgeous natural finish on you...can't go wrong with YSL! x
www.franklyflawless.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Sabiha! I agree, YSL never disappoints!
Alyssa
This is such a very detailed and honest review! I always wanted to try this product but when I have a chance to buy it I pass :D Anyway, it sounds like a really nice product :)
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Alyssa! You should try it out in store next time, you might end up really loving it :D
Luci's Morsels
Sounds like a great product! I'd love to try it out!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Jenny Wu
Definitely recommend trying it in Nordstrom if you get the chance!
An Dang, TheBeauParlour
You look so beautiful in the shots! Your skin is already super flawless, I envy you hahaha. Yesss YSL is always on point with their packaging, this item will look so great in my collection. The results are almost the same as the Fushion Ink Cushion from YSL which is my all time fabvorite form the highend brands! You shoudl take a look at it, I think you would also love it. <3
Loves, An - http://thebeauparlour.com/
Jenny Wu
Aww thank you so much for the kind comment An! Your skin looks amazing as well girl! For some reason I always thought the Fusion Ink Cushion had a matte finish like the foundation, but now I need to try it to compare. I do remember you raving about it before :D
Laura
This sounds fab formula and the packaging is gorgeous! Too bad about the shade range though x
Laura
Pink Frenzy
Jenny Wu
It really is! Hopefully they'll increase the shade range in the future. Thanks for reading Laura!
Marina Rosie
First of all, your skin is making me so jealous - b*tch, how you be out there looking THAT flawless???? Anyhow, I'm not normally a fan of cushion foundations but this sounds amazing and I love the bougie packaging - right up my street! However, you're spot on with the shade range - I am currently not able to find one for me which is quite sad! xx
Marina xx
https://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much Marina!! This is definitely my favorite cushion by far, much better than a lot of the high end Korean cushions I've tried. Hopefully they release more shades soon!
Face to Curls
Your skin looks flawless! I think the foundation leaves a gorgeous natural finish. I've been check out this YSL cushion but honestly, I'm just not a big fan of the whole cushion concept. I have a couple that I'm finishing up but I just can't get use to the packaging. Great review as always though! x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com/
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much for the sweet comment Ann-Marie! If you're not a fan of the cushion format you might be able to get a similar finish with the original Touche Eclat foundation in a bottle. I did mention the original foundation was slightly heavier and dewier, but I know they've reformulated it since my last review so maybe it's the exact same formula as the cushion now!
Hannah
I've never tried a cushion foundation before, but this one sounds great! Your skin is amazing by the way!xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much for the kind comment Hannah! Cushion foundations take a bit getting used to, but they're so convenient and my choice of foundations now!
Hannah
I've never tried a cushion foundation. I'm tempted to try this, especially because I don't need much coverage (except for serious dark circles). Your bare skin is goals <3 I am loving your blog, you got yourself a new follower!
Hannah
Floraful
Jenny Wu
Aww thank you so much for the sweet comment Hannah, really appreciate it and the follow! Definitely check out this cushion when you're at Nordstrom next time :D
Noelle
I still have yet to use a cushion foundation but after reading your review this sounds great. However, I do know that YSL lacks in color range so I may have to find another brand. Great post!
-Noelle
Elle-no.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you Noelle! I'm really hoping they'll expand the color range for the cushion, it's such a great product otherwise!
ekin
hi ! i would like to know if i hasnt used it for 2-3 month will it dried up ? i actually bought mine and i pressed little bit but i didnt remove the plastic cover on it . just wanted to know if i didnt use it for 2-3 months will dried up without i even using it ? really hope you can reply this ! thankyou
Jenny Wu
I don't think so, mine lasted 6-7 months with regular use, so you should be ok!
Icha
Apa ini oily?apa ini cocok untuk kulit kombinasi?
Jenny Wu
I don't understand...