If you’re on beauty TikTok and follow the glass skin trend, odds are you recognize this bright red, egg-shaped cushion foundation as TirTir’s Mask Red Cushion Foundation. I first heard about it last year, when Darcei (@missdarcei), a Black beauty influencer, posted a video trying on the darkest shade (at that point, it was 29N Natural Beige). Needless to say, it was not a match, but Darcei’s public plea to expand the shade range went viral, with over 1.8 million likes. One month later, Darcei and TirTir were back with 11 new shades. And when she tried on the darkest shade—43N Deep Cocoa—it matched! (That video earned 3 million likes, and TirTir has since expanded to 40 shades.)
The expanded shade range, combined with glowing reviews made the TirTir foundation go viral, making it an Amazon best-seller, which is how it ended up in the hands of your friendly neighborhood Cosmo editors. We put it through the ringer, testing the foundation on different skin types, undertones, and with different makeup products, all to answer one simple question: Is the TirTir cushion foundation worth the hype?
Before I get into our reviews, a quick PSA: If you ever wanted to try the TirTir cushion foundation, now's the time, because it's 30 percent off for Amazon Prime Day today only. That makes it—checks notes—less than $18, which is less than some of our favorite drugstore picks.
TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
Pros
- Comes in 30 shades
- Medium-full coverage covers redness and breakouts
- Long-wearing
Cons
- Tricky to shade match
- Can cling to dry patches
About the foundation:
The TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation is a thin, medium-to-full coverage, long-lasting foundation with a natural finish. It claims to leave you with glowy skin and 72 hours of transfer-proof coverage. The formula is water-based, fragrance-free, and contains skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide for brightening, glycerin for moisturizing, and adenosine, an anti-inflammatory. The cushion foundation is housed in an egg-shaped compact that comes with a mirror and a specially designed puff sponge for application. But let's get into what we actually think of it.
Our reviews:
Olivia Truffaut-Wong, news editor
- Skin type: Combo, dry, acne-prone
- Shade used: 24W Soft Beige
How I used: I applied the TirTir foundation over my Kosas DreamBeam mineral sunscreen, added a bit of Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculp Shaping Stick in Light-Medium, and finished off the look with the Ami Colé Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder in Translucent.
My experience: After seeing it take over my Instagram feed, I was SO excited to try the TirTir foundation. And while I do think the formula is worth the hype, it did take a minute to find my correct shade. I would definitely suggest doing a bit of recon on Instagram or TikTok before purchasing.
The application was lovely, though. The included sponge is very thin and flexible, so it easily distributes coverage all over—even in hard-to-reach areas, like around my nostrils or under my eyes. It completely evened out my acne-prone, red face and layered nicely on areas where I needed a bit more coverage. It can get cakey if you apply too much, though, so I wouldn’t try to add more than an extra layer.
Final verdict: The foundation is definitely long-wearing, though I wouldn’t call it transfer-proof. And after about six hours or so, it did begin to cling to my dry patches and gather around my nose and chin. That said, it really does feel like nothing on my skin—no small feat for a medium-to-full coverage foundation—which is a godsend in humidity, so I'm going to keep experimenting with it.
Chaise Sanders, former associate editor
- Skin type: Combination
- Shades tested: 43N Deep Cocoa, 51N Fudge
How I used: I used 43N Deep Cocoa as my base with shade 51N Fudge as a soft contour shade, and added some Tarte Shape Tape concealer and mascara to complete the look.
My experience: I like the packaging and formula because it allows you to control how much product you're actually using. It's a very buildable foundation, and the 43N was a great shade match for me. While I like the sponge applicator to do a base coat, I'm not a fan of it when using the darker shade as a contour. It's not as precise as I'd like and can end up looking messy.
When it comes to how it wears over the course of the day, I never felt like it was cakey or too heavy. Ofc, this all depends on how much/where you apply it. I did notice, however, that the dewy formula can slightly emphasize my uneven skin texture, which is something I'd rather hide. But with a little powder, this could be alleviated.
Final verdict: I tend to opt for skin tints and concealers with light coverage, so I probably wouldn’t use this daily. But I would recommend TirTir to people looking for a buildable foundation that doesn't feel like a foundation.
Sarah Ng, video editor
- Skin type: Oily, acne-prone skin with slight pigmentation
- Shade tested: 24N Latte
How I used: I paired the TirTir Cushion Foundation with the Maybelline New York Master Primer and Base (Blur + Pore Minimize), CoverGirl Clean Invisible Loose Powder in 130 Translucent Medium Warm, Clown Blush by Likely Makeup in Contortion.
My experience: I’m not good at shade matching and was nervous to try (especially given that my shade fluctuates during the summer months). Luckily, TirTir has the shade variety down, and I love how seamless the 24N shade looks, given the random hyperpigmentation I have to account for.
A little goes a long way with this—just a small amount gives me beautiful full coverage. It feels light on my skin, and while I usually have to reapply setting powder on my entire face throughout the day, I only had to touch up my T-Zone once. This stuff stays put! I’m a full-face makeup girlie, so this foundation gives me all the benefits of coverage without any of the cakiness.
Final verdict: I will 100% repurchase. This is definitely my new go-to.
Lauren Gruber, associate editor
- Skin type: Combination, acne-prone
- Shade tested: 21N Ivory
How I used: I used my OSEA Seabiotic Water Cream moisturizer as a base for the TirTir cushion foundation and added a layer of Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder on top.
My experience: I'm always a bit skeptical about TikTok-viral products, especially when it comes to complexion products, but the TirTir foundation actually gave my skin an airbrushed effect IRL and stayed put for hours while feeling super lightweight and comfortable.
Even though I tried to use a light hand, this foundation is very full-coverage. My red spots and pimples were completely hidden without needing to apply concealer on top, and it made my pores almost disappear—even without primer(!). But your shade match needs to be absolutely perfect since it's very opaque. My closest shade match (21N) looked a little pasty for my current summer tan, though I can see it being a great fit as my winter shade. (The next neutral shade down was significantly deeper and made me look super orange, and the 21W was too olive for me.) That said, it's nothing a little blush and bronzer can't make up for.
Final verdict: TBH, I usually prefer lighter foundations or tinted moisturizers, so this is a bit too full-coverage for my everyday. But I can definitely see myself wearing it for special events and nights out when I want my skin to look flawless in pictures. I think it would be perfect for a full glam moment, and for this amazing sale price, it outperforms other full-coverage foundations I've tried at higher price points.
Tamara Fuentes, entertainment editor
- Skin type: Oily (but currently taking Tretinoin)
- Shade tested: 25N Mocha
How I used: I used the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer as a base and topped off the foundation with the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.
My experience: It was so much harder to find my shade match than I initially thought. I originally used the TirTir Instagram filter, which they developed to help you find your shade online (genius), but the shade it gave me (33N) was way too dark for my skin. I ended up grabbing a trial kit on Amazon that helped, but also took about an hour or so of trial and error to land on 25N as my closest shade match, and even then, I don't think the undertone is quite right. (Reminder from the editors: They've since released more shades with a range of undertones that could help this!)
The coverage is pretty impressive when it comes to acne scars, but not as good at covering things like coarse hair. If it wasn't for that, this might have been a new go-to for me. As a glasses wearer, I was kind of upset at how easily the makeup still came off on my glasses at the end of the day (although it was less than my usual foundation, so that is an improvement). I also really enjoyed how light it felt on the skin.
Final verdict: I'll keep the TirTir as a good backup if I ever run out of my usual foundation, especially because it offers coverage without the heavy feel.
Erika Smith, former senior astrology editor
- Skin type: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive
- Shades tested: 21C Cool Ivory, 27C Cool Beige
How I used: After cleansing, moisturizing, and applying my ClearStem YouAreSunshine tinted sunscreen (which doubles as a primer), I applied the TirTir foundation and added a bit of Ciaté DewyStix Bronzing Balm.
My experience: Having light skin, I don't usually have much of a problem finding my shade in a foundation range. But TirTir’s undertones threw me for a loop. I have cool undertones, so I grabbed shades 17C and 21C to test. However, both were a little too light for me (exciting for those with very fair skin). The next shade up with a cool undertone, 27C, was too dark, and the neutral shades in between didn’t look quite right. (Editor's note: After we tested the product, TirTir dropped 10 new shades, including a 22C Peach Beige that I was unable to test in time, which likely would be my perfect match.)
I was able to make them work with some bronzer, though. And formula-wise, the foundation is definitely long-lasting. It stays put throughout my workday, including my hour-long commute involving a sauna-like subway platform in 90-degree weather. The coverage is both buildable and breathable, and I can hardly feel it on my face.
Final verdict: Ultimately, the result wasn’t anywhere near the “glass skin” look. I’ll give the lighter shades a second try in the winter when I’m at my palest, but this didn’t live up to the hype for me. I’m a bigger fan of TirTir’s Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm and My Glow Lip Oils (my fave shade is Rosy).
FAQs:
What is a cushion foundation?
A cushion foundation is a liquid foundation housed in a cushion compact. What makes it stand apart is the application method. “The cushion compact allows you to apply by tapping the applicator puff into the foundation-soaked cushion for flawless, poreless coverage,” says Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam, adding that this technique gives a “sheer, airbrushed finish.” If you prefer a lighter formula, a cushion foundation can be better than other liquid foundations and even more traditional Korean BB cream formulas.
How do you apply cushion foundation?
Cushion foundations are very popular in Korea, but less so in the U.S., so there can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to application. The key, according to TirTir’s many TikTok tutorials, is to not over-apply. Get your sponge, dab it in the cushion, and then pat off the excess on the plastic divider in the compact—that way you don’t waste any product and you won’t risk plastering your face with too much foundation.
Alicia Yoon, K-Beauty expert and founder of Peach & Lily, gave Cosmo her tips on how to use the viral product. “Less is more,” she cautions. “I only dab a small amount onto the cushion itself and pat, pat, pat onto skin with light pressure.” You shouldn’t need to use more than one or two dips into the pan to cover your entire face with a light layer of coverage. The golden rule of applying cushion foundation, according to Cho, is to tap with light pressure. “A cushion is not being used properly if you’re using it to smear or smudge the formula onto your skin,” Cho tells Cosmo.
What's the deal with the TirTir shade range?
TirTir’s Mask Red Cushion foundation currently comes in 40 shades with cool, neutral, and warm undertones. The large shade range—unusual for a Korean cushion foundation—is what helped the foundation go viral. “There is a definite desire and effort by Korean brands to succeed in the U.S. market,” Cho explains. “They are investing in more deeper shades than ever before.”
We were unable to find a tester for the current darkest shade, 55N Espresso, but it’s important to note that the dark shades are still severely lacking in variety and undertone. As pointed out by Crystal Nicole (@beingcrystalnicolee), even with the addition of two new darker shades in June, there simply isn’t enough variety in darker shades for many people to find their match.
Final thoughts:
If you know anything about K-beauty makeup, you'll know the shade ranges are historically less than impressive. But TirTir's foundation has completely changed the game, offering a full range of 40 shades varying in undertone and depth. And even better: The formula itself is great too. Per all of our testers, it feels lightweight and offers up a shocking amount of coverage for something so airy on skin.
With reviews this good, we're pretty sure this 30 percent off deal won't last. You only have today to shop (!!), btw. If you want your skin to look freakin' flawless in all those holiday pics, you'll thank us if you buy now. Just sayin'.
SHOP THE FOUNDATION WHILE IT'S 30% OFF!
Meet the experts:
- Charlotte Cho is the co-founder of Soko Glam, a popular online store for K-Beauty products, and her skincare brand, Then I Met You.
- Alicia Yoon is a co-founder of Peach & Lily and a celebrity esthetician known for her signature glass skin facials. She is an expert in skincare ingredients, formulas and techniques in both Korea and the US.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan with over 10 years of experience writing about culture and beauty. She's written about everything from caffeine eye creams to citrus perfumes and loves trying out new skincare products and makeup.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing makeup stories that range from smudge-proof eyeliners to Euphoria makeup.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
