In our previous blog post, we explained what cushion foam cleansing is and the benefits of washing your face with foam that acts like a cushion. But now you may be thinking, “How do I achieve such a rich foam that won’t cause friction between my face and hands?” Look no further, because in this post, we explain exactly how to create the fluffiest, creamiest cushion cleansing foam to achieve supple, mochi skin.
How do you create a cushion foam?
While it is, of course, possible to create a foam with just your hands and some water, it might not be the best method for those who don’t want to spend so much time creating the foam. The easiest and most effective way to create a cushion foam is with the use of a foaming net. A foaming net is a beating net which can create a lot of fine lather just by soaking it in water and applying your foaming face wash of choice. In Japan, it is a beauty tool commonly seen in drugstores and is almost a staple item in a J-Beauty skincare routine.
How do foaming nets work?
Japanese foaming nets are an excellent tool for a better cleanse, and they also help to extend the life of your facial cleanser, allowing you to get the most out of your product. When you lather with your bare hands, you may end up with oversized foam bubbles that cannot penetrate your pores. Foaming nets produce a rich foam composed of micro-bubbles that can easily draw impurities and dirt. Yes, there is a method to the madness, and these J-Beauty foaming nets are a big piece of the puzzle!
How do you use a foaming net?
Foaming nets aren’t rocket science! For proper use, just follow the steps below.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Put a pea sized amount of facial cleanser on a wet foaming net.
- Hold both sides of the net and rub it in a circular motion. Add a bit of water to create more foam.
- Once your foam is fluffy and dense, extract the foam from the net. Hold the net with one hand, while flattening the net with your other hand.
- Gently press the foam on your face without making direct contact with your skin. There’s no need to rub or massage the foam on your skin. The micro-bubbles will do all the heavy lifting!
- Rinse the foam off your face.
- Rinse and hang-dry the net.
Alternative to foaming nets - foam maker
The most popular alternative to the foaming net is the foam maker. These pumps are available in a variety of sizes, and come equipped with a pumping stick, disk, and lid. They’re compatible with both water-based facial cleansers as well as bar soaps, which can be scraped along inside the container and mixed with water for activation. One advantage of foam makers is that you can easily control the foam density based on how much water you mix with your facial cleanser. They’re also affordable and fun to use. The obvious con is that they take up more space than foaming nets, but they also contain more parts that need to be rinsed off after each use, which is why the foaming net is our #1 travel-friendly cleansing tool for busy people on the move. Check out our complete guide to foaming tools here.
Our facial recommendations
KITAO Matcha + Chia Enzyme Powder
This exfoliating washing powder is made with organic matcha (ECO-CERT certified), chia seeds, quinoa and acai. The powder transforms into a dense foam when combined with water. Its gentle granules help buff away dead skin and impurities trapped within your pores, while the gentle papaya extract brightens and refines.
Recommended for: All skin types including sensitive skin
Paraben free, Phthalic Ester free, synthetic coloring free, petroleum mineral oil free
Real Bell Black Charcoal Facial Wash
A purifying cleansing foam made of Kishu Binchotan (highest grade activated charcoal), jojoba seed oil, amino acids, squalane and algae extract. This gentle facial cleanser will remove makeup and dirt from deep within your pores.
Recommended for: Normal, Oily and Combination Skin
Fragrance free, mineral oil free, paraben free, dye free.
Handcrafted and infused with select plant-based ingredients, this alkaline face-and-body bar soap provides a gentle yet thorough cleanse with its “souffle-like” foam. At the same time, you can expect your skin to retain moisture and improve in elasticity. Cherry blossom extract lends hydration, BiProGE lactic acid bacteria rejuvenates the skin, and green tea seed and green tea leaf extracts condition and tone with their high concentration of catechins, Vitamin E, and amino acids. It comes with a foaming net, so be sure to activate your foam for the densest lather.
Recommended for: All skin types.
Fragrance free, artificial coloring free.
Edo Cosme Rice Bran Facial Wash
This is gentle facial cleansing exfoliant scrub that contains rice bran which nourishes and softens the skin with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, Vitamin B, and Vitamin E to improve dull skin and unclog pores for brighter, more radiant skin. Rice bran is ultra-moisturizing and prized in Japan for its anti-aging effects. This facial cleansing polish gently removes dirt and impurities while moisturizing the skin.
Recommended for: Normal, Dry, Oily and Combination Skin
Alcohol free, mineral oil free, fragrance free, colorant free.
Mutenka Sekken Kobe Sake Cold Process Soap
Handmade by artisans in Hyogo, Japan, this handcrafted soap is made of Japanese sake extracts derived from rice to help soothe and moisturize the skin for a more radiant complexion. Japanese sake is rich in anti-aging amino acids and helps to hydrate and brighten the skin.
You won't notice the aroma of the Japanese sake, but rather a hint of hinoki oil. We recommend this for those who do not find the scent of Japanese sake appealing but are interested in the benefits it has to offer.
There are 8 different types of bar soaps made from different ingredients. Choose what’s best for your skin.
Artificial fragrance free, preservative free, colorant free.