I was picking out a cushion foundation at a cosmetics store like Olive Young, and there were two boxes that looked exactly the same. One said "main product," and the other said "refill." My foreign friend asked, "Aren't these the same thing?" That's what she asked me. ## What Does a Cushion Look Like? A cushion is a cosmetic product where liquid foundation is soaked into a sponge and placed in a small case. Just dab it gently with the puff, and the right amount picks up. It's said to have been first released in 2008 by IOPE, a brand of the Korean company Amorepacific. It became popular because it's easier to carry around than liquid in a bottle, and it comes with a mirror. ## So why sell just the inner part separately? As you use it, the contents of the sponge run down, but the case, mirror, and lid are still perfectly fine. So they made refills, so you can just swap in a new insert once the old one is used up. A refill box usually contains a new inner pan and a new puff. A dirty puff isn't good for your skin, so it also means you should replace it at the same time. Whether it's to reduce waste or to sell more depends on the brand, so it's hard to say for certain. However, it's thanks to the structure designed so you can keep using the case that refills are possible. ## Check before you buy The case size differs by brand and by product. Refills from other products may not fit. Be sure to check that it's the same product and that the color number matches. If you buy only a refill, you won't get a case, so buy the 'main product' first. 'Special sets' that include both the main product and a refill also come out often. Prices vary by store and by time, so it's best to check at a store or in the app before you buy.