You probably remember them from rifling through your mum’s makeup bag when you were young (aim: putting everything possible on face), or had a brief dalliance with them as a just-found-foundation teenager. Now, you probably associate them with that chalky, cakey look. But after a brief hiatus, the foundation compact is back.
Why? Well, after a few years of pure unadulterated glow, gloss and highlight, we’re heading to the other side, where things are a little more matte and, dare I say it, flattering. At the AW17 shows – see Elie Saab and Erdem – complexions were velvety matte with foundation that was so well blended it was imperceptible. And that’s where new powder technologies come in.
Gone are the days when powder foundations sat on top of skin, clogging pores and feeling heavy; now, they're perfect for all skin types, whether oily and acne-prone (they actually absorb excess oil), dry or normal. Like the creamy foundations many of us swear by, these matte wonders also melt into skin, give that sought-after seamless finish and don’t crease in fine lines. They’re easy, too, and compact enough (pardon the pun) to take everywhere with you. Ahead are five of the best.
If you’re familiar with Vichy’s Dermablend line already, you’ll know it’s one of the best for coverage – there isn’t a blemish, scar, bruise or thread vein that this makeup line won’t disguise. Their new foundation compact is just as brilliant and perfect for those with more sensitive skin – even those with rosacea can use it without risk of irritation – plus it has an SPF of 25, so blend away.
Vichy Dermablend Covermatte Compact Powder Foundation, £20, available at Vichy
Morning after the night before? Then this one’s for you. Ingredients like peppermint and menthol leave skin feeling cool and refreshed while caffeine effectively wakes up the skin and hyaluronic acid technology helps to plump. All while giving a medium coverage without looking too overtly powdery. And yes, that is all in one compact.
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Everyday Perfection Bouncy Makeup, £28, available from August at Elizabeth Arden
There’s nothing worse than flat-looking foundation and that’s something you won't get from this compact. It sinks into skin, masking blemishes but without feeling too heavy, thanks to an ‘elastic gel’ technology that means it goes on creamy and dries to a powder. You’re left with a velvety face.
YSL Le Compact Encre de Peau, £40, available at YSL
You don’t get much more flawless than this oil-free powder; it gives great full coverage (good for nights out and bad skin days) but feels like there is nothing there. Bobbi Brown is also fairly good at getting an assortment of shades out onto the market to suit different skin tones.
Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation, £36, available at Bobbi Brown
Every makeup artist under the sun swears by Armani’s Luminous Silk liquid foundation to create the perfect base; the compact is no different. Within the powder are silky ‘fillers’ which blur and even out uneven skin, while ensuring it stays firmly in place for at least the day (unless you’re more oily, in which case expect to touch up on occasion).
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder, £38, available at Giorgio Armani
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