Compact Powders are the ideal makeup product for the girls on the go. Conveniently packed, these pressed powders offer flawless coverage and matched precision with every use.
On top of that, compact powders are very easy to bring, making it the ideal touch-up partner. The best part? These little pressed foundation products also come with a tiny mirror, giving you instant access to your look, wherever you may be.
That said, we don’t see any reason as to why a woman shouldn’t own the Best Pressed Powder. And if you're interested in finding the one that suits your skin type and needs perfectly, then read on as we list down five of our personal picks for today’s best pressed powders.
Compact Powders: Texture, Formulation, and Skin Compatibility
Pressed powders are usually packaged in a compact, giving it its name. This type of foundation generally contains ingredients to make the product semi-solid. For example, a compact powder may often contain silicone and wax.
In terms of texture, a good compact powder is slightly soft to touch and can be classified as semi-solid. These products are typically formulated with silicones and waxes, which give them their physical form.
Compact powders also have slightly bigger particles compared to loose powders, so application should be as liberal as possible. On another note, too much of the product may also cause that cakey and flakey appearance, so it’s best used as a form of quick touch-up throughout the day.
When it comes to formulation, pressed powders are engineered with a carrier, colorants, especially fillers, and binders. Combined, these ingredients modify the texture and appearance of the product. Additionally, most pressed powder formulations come with talc, which modifies the skin feel, wearing, and compressibility of the product.
And if you’re wondering if compact pressed powders are a good fit for your skin type, then the quick answer here is yes. Compact powders come in a wide variety of formulations that are intricately crafted to match various skin types, so you need not have second guesses whether or not it’s right for you.
Essentially, what you’d want to do is find the one that is formulated to match your skin type, and you’re good to go!
Today’s Four Of The Best Pressed Powder
1 MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
Our pick for the Best Compact Powder For Sensitive Skin
Opening the list is a compact pressed powder from MAC Cosmetics. The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a slow-baked face powder that contains very little pearlized pigments. This formulation of the compact powder makes it a perfect fit if you’re looking to give your skin the perfect, natural-looking coverage.
TheMAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural can be used both as your base foundation or for your touch-ups throughout your day. Formulated to stay up to seven hours on your skin, this compact pressed powder is fit for normal to combination skin.
Those with extra sensitive skin may also find joy in using the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, as it is engineered to be non-comedogenic. This compact pressed powder will not clog the pores and will remain intact, without oxidizing even if you wear it all day long.
Offering a natural-looking, lightweight finish, the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is available in 15 different shades. Moreover, this compact powder blends seamlessly onto the skin, giving it that full yet breathable coverage.
However, if you have extremely oily skin, then the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural may not be the best bet for you as its formulation is not as matte as others that are specially curated for oily skin.
Dermatologically tested, this formula helps in minimizing pores and setting your makeup.
2 Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Our pick for Best Compact Powder For Oily Skin Prone Acne
Next up is a compact pressed powder fit for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Engineered to keep the skin shine-free all day, theRimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder also features a long-wearing formula of up to five hours.
Not only is the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder suitable for those with oily skin, it is also a good fit for all skin types. Dermatologically tested, this pressed powder contains natural minerals that control oil and minimize the appearance of pores.
Offering a more natural-looking matte finish, the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder comes in eight different shades to choose from. However, the pressed powder doesn’t offer a very durable and tight compact packaging, making it not the best bet for on-the-go makeup.
3 Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder
Our pick for the best sheer pressed powder
If you’re looking for something that offers sheer, lightweight coverage, then theClinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder is your best bet. Offering an oil-free, shine-absorbing finish, this compact pressed powder is a good fit for touch-ups throughout the day.
Coming in an ultra-sheer texture, this product gives the skin that nice, flawless, matte appearance. A good fit for those with oily skin, the Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder is formulated to keep the skin looking fresh without constantly needing touch-ups.
Moreover, the Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder offers versatility as it can be used all over the face, or a spot-on coverage on oily spots. Easy-to-use, this compact pressed powder can be applied using a sponge applicator or powder brush - the decision is ultimately yours!
4 Max Factor Crème Puff Pressed Powder
Our pick for Best Compact Powder For Dry Skin
If you’re down for something that will give you a dewy-looking, luminous glow, then the Max Factor Crème Puff Pressed Powder is your best bet. A pressed powder that offers a matte finish, this product also provides a good amount of medium-to-full coverage.
TheMax Factor Crème Puff Pressed Powder is an absolute crowd favorite, especially of those who are always down to look luminous without their skin looking too oily. Another thing that makes this product a standout is its lasting coverage of up to four hours that doesn’t get cakey or chalky with time.
This compact pressed powder is also formulated for all skin types, so whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this product is a good fit for you. Formulated with light-reflecting particles, the Max Factor Crème Puff Pressed Powder comes in 11 different shades to choose from, making it a versatile cult classic.