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Why the Sephora Wonderful Cushion Is Back in the Spotlight
This Article Was Last Updated in January 2026
If you were into beauty back in 2016, you might remember a little compact called the Sephora Wonderful Cushion. It had its moment with a soft, bouncy cushion foundation with that effortless, dewy finish everyone was chasing. Then, just as quickly as it arrived, it vanished from shelves, becoming one of those “whatever happened to…” cult products.
Well, fast-forward to 2025, and guess what’s trending again? Yup, the Sephora Wonderful Cushion is back in beauty circles, popping up on TikTok routines, “Get Ready With Me” videos, and makeup forums. But why now? Is it nostalgia? Is it the glow-up of K-beauty-inspired formulas? Or is this simply one of those rare products that lives up to the hype?
Let’s dive into what the Wonderful Cushion is all about and why people are talking about it again.
What Is the Sephora Wonderful Cushion?
The Sephora Wonderful Cushion name has been used for more than just a foundation. In fact, over the years, Sephora launched a trio of cushion-format products, each with a unique spin on glow, coverage, and convenience:
1. Wonderful Cushion Foundation
Originally launched in 2016, this lightweight, buildable coverage foundation was designed to achieve a fresh, radiant finish.
The cushion compact made it travel-friendly and ideal for touch-ups.
Infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it was a solid entry into the K-beauty-inspired base game.
2. Wonderful Cushion Matte Lip Cream
A soft matte lip color with a sponge-tip applicator for smooth, gradient-style application.
It delivered intense pigment with a creamy texture, free from dryness, resulting in a cushiony color.
Sephora embraced the cushion craze, borrowing heavily from Korean beauty’s travel-friendly, skin-integrated approach, where foundation meets skincare in a sleek, portable design.
Curious how these cushions changed the Western makeup landscape? Check out Allure’s deep dive on why cushion foundations gained traction: “After cushion launched in the Western world … people are wearing less foundation… they don’t feel there’s a need to do a full beat makeup look.
Why It Disappeared (and Why That’s Changing)
When the Sephora Wonderful Cushion Foundation launched in spring 2016, it quickly garnered a dedicated fan base, especially among those who craved a fresh, glowing finish without the heaviness of a full-coverage base. Yet despite its popularity, it was quietly discontinued by late 2016, leaving many fans disappointed. Beauty bloggers and news outlets highlighted its abrupt disappearance, calling it one of the most-missed products of the era.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the cushion is trending again, but interestingly, this resurgence wasn’t sparked by a corporate relaunch or big marketing campaign. Instead, it’s a fan-driven revival: TikTok tutorials, Instagram reels, and “Get Ready With Me” segments began showing off older stash or rare restocks. Users spotlighted it as a “holy grail” balm compact capable of natural coverage and glow. Sephora’s supply chains reflected this renewed interest, random restocks surfaced online, and limited quantities appeared in select stores, often labeled “Wonderful Cushion” again. Though Sephora hasn’t re-announced an official return, its reappearance is being interpreted as a response to overwhelming consumer demand, a true beauty product powered by popularity rather than promotion.
Performance: How Does It Hold Up Today?
Application: Smoothness & Blendability
The Sephora Wonderful Cushion delivers that coveted “bouncy puff” sensation. Simply press the puff into the cushion compact, then gently dab onto skin. This technique allows for seamless, skin-like application, perfect for achieving sheer to medium coverage without caking. Reviewers love the microfiber puff that evenly disperses product and helps cheekbones appear subtly lit.
Finish: Natural Dewy Glow
Consistently described as “radiant” and “fresh,” the formula leaves a healthy-looking sheen, not overly shiny but definitely glowy. One long-time fan said it gives a “lit-from-within” effect, blurring minor imperfections while keeping the skin looking real and hydrated. The formula contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which help reduce dry patches without sliding off.
Suitability for Skin Types
This is a dream for normal to dry skin. The moisture-rich formula helps soothe tightness, even in cooler weather. For those with combination or oily skin, setting it with a light powder or using a primer can increase its staying power. Unfortunately, it still may not offer enough oil control for very shiny skin types.
Longevity & Wear Comfort
Wear time generally falls between 6 to 7 hours, a moderate span, but extended easily with a translucent setting powder. Because it’s lightweight and breathable, many find it perfect for everyday wear during errands, workdays, or casual outings. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or flake during midday, maintaining a comfortable feel from morning to evening.
What the Internet’s Saying
Reviews & Praise
“Skin‑but‑better magic”: Users repeatedly mention they love how this cushion enhances skin tone without masking it,“I feel like I’m just me, but more polished.”
Compact convenience: On-the-go beauty fans highlight how easy it is to pop into a handbag and reapply midday, keeping things light and fresh.
Hydrating without heaviness: Commenters appreciate that it keeps skin dewy but never greasy, even when worn in layers.
Common Drawbacks
Shade limitations: The original release had only about five or six shades, many users struggled to find a match, highlighting a gap for diverse skin tones.
Fades faster than full-coverage bases: Some report light fading after 5–6 hours, especially alongside oily T-zones. A quick powder refresh usually restores it.
Coverage cap: Fans of full-medium coverage find it lacking; this is definitely a natural, skin-like finish, not a heavy-duty foundation.
How It Stacks Up and Where to Snag It
The Sephora Wonderful Cushion Foundation holds its own beautifully next to popular K-beauty cushion formulas like IOPE Air Cushion and Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion. It delivers that same fresh, dewy glow and effortless touch-up convenience, but at a more accessible price point of around $24, making it a smart everyday option. While some luxury Western cushion alternatives target SPF or refill systems, the Wonderful Cushion shines by keeping things simple, portable, and glow-focused, perfect for those who want radiant, "no makeup" makeup without breaking the bank.
And if this sounds like your vibe, now’s the perfect moment to grab it—sporadic restocks are appearing online and in select Sephora stores due to a fan-fueled demand wave. For even more value, check out Saving Says AE to save more on your next beauty essentials haul via exclusive discount codes.
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Conclusion: Is the Sephora Wonderful Cushion Worth it?
There’s no denying it: the Sephora Wonderful Cushion Foundation brings real strengths to the table. Its lightweight, hydrating texture delivers that coveted “skin-but-better” glow without feeling heavy or cakey. The compact format continues to shine for travel and quick touch-ups, and its buildable coverage is versatile, making it ideal for everyday looks or a polished finish. In short, it packs modern cushion benefits and user-loved simplicity into one sleek package.
If you're seeking a radiant, easy-to-use base that's made a strong rebound thanks to genuine fan demand, this cushion is worth a try. It offers real value, particularly during sporadic restocks or promotional events. While it may not be widely available, that exclusivity adds to the charm. So yes—if you spot it back on store shelves or online, seize the opportunity. This comeback is well-deserved, and you might just find your new holy-grail base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the Sephora Wonderful Cushion Foundation good for dry skin?
Yes! Its hydrating formula and dewy finish make it ideal for normal to dry skin types.
Q. Does it work for oily or acne-prone skin?
It can work for combination skin with a setting powder, but those with very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer matte, oil-controlling options.
Q. Is the Sephora Wonderful Cushion full coverage?
No, it offers light to medium, buildable coverage with a natural skin-like finish. Great for daily wear, not heavy glam.
Q. Why did Sephora discontinue the Wonderful Cushion?
It was quietly pulled in 2016 despite popularity. No official reason was given, though limited shade range may have played a role.
Q. Is the cushion foundation officially back?
There’s no formal relaunch, but sporadic restocks and renewed TikTok hype have brought it back into the spotlight in 2025.
