A Short History of Korean Cushion Makeup: From IOPE Air Cushion Onward
A short timeline of Amorepacific’s cushion compact, based on the company’s historical announcements.
The cushion compact is a recognizable Korean beauty format: liquid base makeup is held in a sponge-like cushion inside a portable case and applied with a puff. This short timeline follows one documented development of the format using Amorepacific’s own historical announcements. Company sources describe its products and should be read as that company’s account, not as an independent comparison of every cushion on the market.
2008: IOPE Air Cushion
Amorepacific says it launched IOPE Air Cushion in 2008. In a later company description, a cushion compact combines a designed foam with a liquid makeup formula. The company described its own products as combining foundation, sun protection and skincare elements; formulations and claims for today’s products vary.
2015: The format travels across brands
In June 2015, Amorepacific announced a strategic partnership with Parfums Christian Dior involving cushion technology. The announcement reported that Amorepacific had introduced cushions through multiple in-house brands since IOPE’s launch. That is a documented company milestone; it does not mean every cushion sold internationally uses the same technology or formula.
2016: A reported sales milestone
In November 2016, Amorepacific announced that its cumulative cushion sales had exceeded 100 million units globally. This is the company’s historical report about its own cushion products, not a current market total or an independent measure of all brands.
What should a modern shopper check?
- Match the exact product and shade; coverage and finish vary by formula.
- Check the net weight and whether a refill, case and puff are included.
- Read the full ingredient list, directions and warnings for the specific product.
- If a cushion makes sun-protection claims, read its own label and directions; makeup format alone does not establish protection.
- For practical questions about compact construction and refill compatibility, use THE CAST’s related guide below.
Korean cushion makeup has continued to evolve since these milestones. Avoid assuming that historical descriptions of one company’s products apply to every contemporary cushion.