Compact powders can work wonders as they can set and keep makeup intact while limiting shine on the face.
The best compact powders out there don’t feel cakey on the skin, and instead feel light and smooth. You can expect no dry patches and flashbacks, so you’ll look good in every photo.
So, if you’re interested in getting a compact powder that works, keep reading as we dive into what it is, how to use it, its difference compared to loose powders, as well as a list of the best full coverage compact powder for different skin types.
What is a compact powder?
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Compact powders are called so because they are pressed powders stored in a compact and generally come with their own sponge applicator for ease of application.
They are often used on top of foundation to set makeup or for touch-ups makeup, and sometimes even used on its own as a makeup base.
Some can give you a glowing finish as well as extra coverage, so it can be a perfect boost to even out your skin after applying foundation.
How to use compact powder
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A little goes a long way with a compact powder and too much product may make your base look cakey so you should always start off light when applying it.
Using a powder puff or powder brush, swirl your applicator into your powder and gently tap the puff or brush to shake off excess product.
Slowly buff the powder into your skin, focusing on the oilier parts of your face such as the T-zone, so that you can eliminate shine throughout the day.
Compact powder vs loose powder
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Loose powders have a finely milled appearance that usually requires a makeup brush to apply. Their primary function is to set liquid foundation and concealer.
Since the product is loose and usually comes in a jar or tub, it is prone to spilling compared to compact powders.
Regarding coverage, loose powders only provide light coverage while compact powders can offer light to full coverage.
Compact powders also tend to give a more hydrated look to the skin compared to loose powder, which is why it’s the preferred product if you still want to maintain a glowing look.
Compact powder for oily skin
BNB Fine to Refine Compact Powder Popular in Korea
If you’re looking for a compact powder that’s weightless, long-wearing, and superior in oil-control, then here’s something that checks, checks, checks.
We’re talking about the Fine to Refine Compact Powder by Korean beauty brand barenbliss (BNB).
This unique skincare-makeup hybrid product is formulated with Miracle Bloom™, a complex made with five skin-loving floral ingredients. It also comes in a pretty case that’s inspired by flowers, which makes you want to whip it out for touch-ups just to flaunt it.
Offering up to 24-hour oil control and is sweat- and water-proof, this compact is great for our hot and humid weather, and leaves minimal transfer onto your mask. The result is an air-brushed matte finish that looks good all day.
Thanks to its ultra-fine powder particles of only 0.005mm, the BNB Fine to Refine Compact Powder also covers pores and fine lines, instead of accentuating them – a problem that many mattifying powders are guilty of.
Bonus? It offers SPF25, PA+++ to support your sun protection efforts.
BNB Fine to Refine Compact Powder is available in three shades and retails for RM45.90.
Maybelline Fit Me SPF 28 PA+++ Compact Powder
This compact powder can control oil up to 12 hours, which makes it perfect for those with oily skin.
It is also infused with SPF to add to your sun protection efforts.
It retails for RM28.90.
Wardah Exclusive Two Way Cake Compact Face Powder Foundation
Indonesian brand Wardah has pretty good beauty products, and their compact powder is no different.
It contains a wet process technology to deliver natural-looking makeup that covers well and feels light on the skin.
It retails for RM35.50.
Ofra Pressed Powder
We’ve got a multitasking compact powder here that not only sets makeup, but also acts as a highlight and concealer.
It’s also lightly banana-scented, so don’t be tempted to take a bite out of this!
It retails for RM86.
Gucci Poudre De Beaute Mat Naturel Face Powder
This buildable product gives a lightweight, visibly smooth texture thanks to a combination of micro-reflecting lamellar powders in its formula.
One reviewer from Singapore mentioned that this product is a little too drying, so we recommend this for those with oily skin.
It retails for RM255.
KVD Beauty Lock-It Blotting Powder Compact
Formulated to appear invisible on fair, light, medium, and deep complexions, this just requires you to blot on and touch-up without adding weight to your face.
It is enriched with ultra-fine, oil-absorbing powders to leave your complexion flawless and matte all day long.
It retails for RM147.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Matte Powder Foundation
This compact powder is a matte powder foundation that provides custom coverage based on how you apply it.
It has a two-sided applicator; one side is a sponge for easier pick up and the other is velvety for seamless blending.
It retails for RM208.
Compact powder for dry skin
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder
Great for all skin types, this is perfect for those who prefer a lighter powder.
It is an oil-free, lightweight formula that contains cornstarch, silica, and vitamin E.
It retails for RM179.
Sephora Collection Smoothing & Setting Powder
Available in a universally flattering shade, this is a light, long-wear compact powder that mattifies and sets makeup.
Plus, it is a vegan formula that is free from animal-derived ingredients and is non-comedogenic.
It retails for RM71.
Huda Beauty GloWish Luminous Pressed Powder
You can enjoy all of the coverage with none of the caking thanks to this lightweight, natural-looking radiant powder.
Vegan and cruelty-free, it contains antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients like damascus rose oil, vitamin E, and red bell pepper extract.
It retails for RM145.
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder
This is a “whisper-light” mineral pressed powder that allows your skin to breathe while it does its job.
We love how it contains vitamins A and E to fight free radical damage and environmental stressors.
It retails for RM160.
Dear Dahlia Skin Paradise Soft Velvet Setting Powder Compact
Silky and matte, this formula seamlessly diffuses onto the skin to visibly smooth it out.
Formulated with tea tree oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil, this rich compact powder won’t dry you out.
It retails for RM185.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder
A sheer-to-full coverage compact powder, it can deliver a skin-softening flawless effect in less than a minute.
Thanks to its optical-blurring pigments, it can effectively camouflage pores, dark spots, and other imperfections.
It retails for RM178.
Compact powder for sensitive skin
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Face Base
You’ll be able to achieve even and fresh-faced coverage that will allow your natural confidence to shine through, thanks to this compact powder’s fine texture.
Made with marula and aloe vera oil extracts, it is also sensitive skin-friendly.
It retails for RM99.
Peripera Oil Capture Cover Pact
Made of fine particles, this compact powder evenly adheres to the skin to correct both tone and texture.
Its pentagonal puff makes for an easy application as it perfectly fits into the contours of the skin.
It retails for RM45.
Max Factor Cream Puff Pressed Compact Powder
This is a medium- to high-coverage compact powder that also acts as a foundation.
It’ll give you a flawless look with a subtle glow thanks to the infusion of millions of miracle light reflecting particles.
It retails for RM46.90.
L.A. Girl Pro Face Pressed Powder
Available in 13 mattifying shades, you are likely to find one to suit your skin tone.
It is a long-wearing, oil-controlling formula that can be applied alone or on top of a liquid foundation for extra coverage.
It retails for RM56.30.
