Estee Lauder hopped right on the cushion foundation train last Fall with the release of the Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup ($46). This foundation is more like a hybrid between a regular compact cushion foundation and a beauty blender where a twist of the bottom pumps the liquid foundation to the surface of a sponge tip. This foundation comes in 13 different shades – mine being 3N1 for my NC25 skin.

I’m generally not a fan of sponge tip applicators mainly because of hygienic purposes since the sponge tip is (usually) not removable – this product is no different. I mean, it’s not bad, but another applicator is definitely necessary. The tip is just too small for the face and it’s not a bouncy as a beauty blender, so I found myself swiping more than dabbing, especially since the foundation dries fairly quickly. After applying, I would go over my face again with a face brush and blend it all one more time before powdering.

The formula of this foundation, however, is freaking amazing! This foundation has the amazing ability to seamlessly blend into the skin with its light and watery formula. I have random dry spots on my face (mainly between my eyebrows and nose), and some foundations enunciate the dryness and flakiness no matter how I put it on, but this foundation applied beautifully on these difficult spots. The coverage is between light and medium with about 8 hours of wear. I find that one layer is perfect for natural coverage where you skin is still visible, but is definitely buildable. I almost forgot to mention the best part: it works extremely well on my combination skin and doesn’t leave my skin feeling or looking oily at the end of the day.

I love the idea of this foundation and overall I think it would be a great foundation for travelling and on the go touch ups. Personally, I don’t care much for the sponge applicator, but I would buy this solely for the foundation itself.

What’s your Holy Grail foundation?