People say HERA Black Cushion does the job of foundation and sunscreen in one. Whether you can really skip sunscreen, and whether it suits your skin, shows on the ingredient list. Here it is in order: coverage and wear, sun protection, and the skin it suits.
The largest ingredients after water are cyclopentasiloxane and methyl trimethicone. Both are silicones that evaporate after you apply them, so the formula spreads smoothly at first and then sets to a soft, dry finish.
Once they evaporate, a thin layer of pigment stays behind. Titanium dioxide and iron oxides even out your tone, and trimethylsiloxysilicate forms a thin film on top that helps the makeup hold. That is where Black Cushion's reputation for coverage and staying power comes from.
It also contains mica, so the finish has a soft glow rather than a flat matte.
Three ingredients protect against UV. Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate mainly blocks the rays that burn skin (UVB). Zinc oxide also covers the rays behind dark spots (UVA). Titanium dioxide does double duty, evening tone while also reflecting UV. The label says SPF34, PA++.
The catch is how much you apply. The SPF on the box is measured with a fairly thick layer of sunscreen, and a cushion is hard to apply that thickly. On days you spend mostly indoors, the cushion alone is fine. On days outdoors, put sunscreen on first and the cushion over it. For touch-ups during the day, the cushion is handy.
How to read SPF and PA is in SPF and PA explained, and how much sunscreen to use is in how to apply sunscreen.
It suits oily and combination skin well. The evaporating silicones cut shine, and the makeup holds up even when oil comes through.
If your skin is dry, moisturize first. It contains hyaluronic acid and tocopherol, but hydration is not what this product is built around. A generous layer of moisturizer underneath keeps it from looking patchy.
If you are sensitive to scent, check before you buy. The list includes fragrance. It contains no parabens or mineral oil.
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