The Cushion Compact Foundations We Love
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
THE ONE INDUSTRY INSIDERS RATE…
My Armani To Go Cushion Compact Foundation, £36.60 (was £61)
WHY IT’S POPULAR: Just like the brand’s Luminous Silk Foundation, this cushion compact has earned several rave reviews. Its silky, blendable texture is easy to work with, while ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help to maintain moisture levels within your skin. The result? Dewy, luminous coverage that looks natural and healthy. You’ll need to layer it up to smooth everything out, but the beauty of the formula is how sheer it is, covering just the right amount of uneven texture without ever suffocating your skin. Extra points go to the added SPF and refillable packaging.
Available at ArmaniBeauty.co.uk
THE ONE THAT SUITS ALL SKIN TONES...
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation, £21.60 (was £27)
WHY IT’S POPULAR: Available in a whopping 50 shades, this popular compact is suitable for all skin tones. It also has an award-winning formula – think powder with a satin-y quality – that doesn’t cake or dry up. The added ‘Blur Filt’r’ complex means skin gets an airbrushed finish that’s smooth and velvet-y – it works well to minimise enlarged pores, too. Because the formula is so light, you can layer it up for more coverage or sheer it out with just one sweep to even out your skin and any textural irregularities. It works on all skin types, but especially those prone to oiliness and shine.
Available at Boots.com
THE ONE THAT HYDRATES...
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation SPF25 PA, £46
WHY IT’S POPULAR: This feels more like a serum on the skin than a foundation. That’s because the formula is made up of 56% water – so you can expect long-lasting hydration once you buff it into your skin. The jelly-like texture spreads like a dream and is easy to layer for medium – but dewy – coverage. Despite the sheen it lends skin, it never feels greasy or heavy, so all skin types can use it, including those prone to oiliness. It was designed to mimic the effects of ‘bare-but-beautiful’ skin, and it certainly does just that.
Available at Chanel.com
THE ONE WITH ANTI-AGEING BENEFITS...
PUR Air Perfection CC Compact Cushion Foundation
WHY IT’S POPULAR: You have to be quick with this foundation as it often sells out. Known for its anti-ageing benefits, the formula harnesses the benefits of lauric and myristic acids, both of which smooth the appearance of fine lines over time. As for the coverage, you can expect it to be blendable and buildable, with a silky texture that melts into skin for a streak-free finish. Like others on this list, it’s available as a refill, too. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly only on the areas that need it most – think T-zone, cheeks and around the nose.
Available at LookFantastic.com
THE ONE THAT'S TRENDING...
…KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm, £29
WHY IT’S POPULAR: Loved for its ‘barely-there’ balm texture, this silky foundation promises dewy coverage that really goes the distance. It never goes cakey or dry – plus, it skims the skin beautifully for a healthy, soft-matte finish. It’s also non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog your pores) and it’s been a huge hit with those who suffer with breakouts. We love that it has a skin-loving formula, too – with apple extract it hydrates and nourishes – hence why it never flakes or peels. You’ll find it’s available in a huge array of shades, so there’s something for everyone.
Available at Boots.com
THE ONE THAT LASTS FOR HOURS...
Wanderlust Powder Foundation, £38
WHY IT’S POPULAR: Dubbed a ‘true multi-tasker’, this all-rounder comes with a lightweight and talc-free formula that won’t clog up your pores. The good-to-skin ingredients inside are largely plant extracts and hyaluronic acid – both of which colour correct, reduce the appearance of pores, smooth uneven texture and fine lines, too. As for the foundation itself, it mattifies, blurs and corrects at speed. You only need a small amount, but you can play with the texture – taking it from sheer to full-coverage in just a few applications. The best bit? Because it’s a powder, once it sets, it’s completely budge-proof for the rest of the day. We love that it’s vegan and free from mineral oil, too.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
THE ONE THAT'S BUDGET-FRIENDLY...
Kiko Nourishing Perfection Cream Compact Foundation, £12.99
WHY IT’S POPULAR: You can always rely on Kiko for affordable, yet effective products and their Cream Compact is no exception. Brimming with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, it brightens and hydrates skin, while the creamy texture gives just the right amount of coverage for an even-looking glow. It contains SPF20, too – ideal for general protection – though it’s worth noting you will need more if sitting in direct sunlight. A must-try for those on a budget.
Available at KikoCosmetics.com
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