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Among the many benefits that come with K-beauty products—brighter complexion, tighter skin, a truly luxurious experience—there’s nothing I love more than sheer convenience. And that’s what you’ll find in a cushion compact. Soft, bouncy, and saturated with a potent foundation formula, this handy item can be toted around anywhere, which means smooth, seamless skin is just a few swipes away.
Think of a cushion compact like your favorite liquid foundation in a sponge—it’s conveniently encased in a compact to prevent makeup spills and can be applied with an applicator or your fingers. Basically, it’s the holy grail for the person on the go.
Ready for a makeup routine game-changer? Read on for the best cushion compacts available now.
Undoubtedly considered royalty in the world of cushion compacts, this CC foundation works on all skin types and is flexible enough to give you sheer to full coverage. Many reviewers describe that its finish looks like their skin, but better. It goes on with a dewy consistency and retains that throughout the day, so you have a refreshed, glowy look for hours.
Light-diffusing particles help to give your skin a noticeable yet natural glow. While the formula glides on easily, one reviewer suggests using a damp Beautyblender for extra blending power. And for those who tend to have finicky or bumpy skin, this foundation does a great job of hiding textures without clogging your pores.
This formula packs a punch—full stop. It expertly covers up any discoloration (like redness, dark spots, and more) without feeling cakey. Users love how comfortable their skin feels after application and even after a long day. Plus, it’s ideal for fair skin as the lighter shades feature an array of tones that match perfectly.
Sure, one of the best things about cushion compacts is their ability to touch up whenever you want, but with this foundation, there may not be a need for that. With Estée Lauder's iconic Double Wear formula, your look lasts twice as long without the need to reapply. Users find this foundation to be perfect during the warmer months—it’s not greasy or sticky, and doesn’t melt off in extreme heat.
Hands down, the coolest thing about this formula is the unique technology that essentially refreshes itself and adapts to your skin—which makes this another cushion compact that eliminates the need for touch-ups. In addition to minimizing imperfections, it also features ingredients like thyme, an antioxidant, and pollution-deflecting polymers to protect your skin.
Formulated with darker skin tones in mind, this full-coverage foundation is equal parts moisturizing and balancing. What users love most is that the formula features a skincare element—it’s laced with essential vitamins to nourish and protect your skin while masking any fine lines, spots, and wrinkles. Plus, it’s free of mineral oil, parabens, and sulfates.
Skincare meets makeup in this coveted compact. With buildable, luminous coverage, this foundation is essential to getting a natural glow. It’s also laced with the brand’s Miracle Broth, a technology that offers major hydration and repair. Just make sure to apply liberally all over the face to ensure even sunscreen protection (thanks, SPF 20!).
No transferring, no fading, no problems. This foundation boasts complete adherence—meaning your makeup stays put no matter what. A combo of plant extracts and the brand’s magic fit powder takes this formula to the next level—it sits comfortably onto the skin and doesn’t dry it out. My favorite part: It takes one to two dabs with your applicator to cover your entire face.
Whether you tend to be dry, oily, or both, this formula works well for a variety of skin types. True to its name, it delivers a radiant, but believable, finish. And because it’s buildable, you can reapply throughout the day without it feeling heavy or looking cakey.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation SPF 50
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This mineral-based foundation promises an airbrushed look that suits even the fussiest of skin types. It does it all from reducing irritation to helping to prevent breakouts, all while correcting any visible imperfections. Users like the included applicator and find that it only takes a few tapes onto the cushion to get the right amount of product.
With an impressive SPF 50, this cushion compact is a great pick overall. It features an ingredient called narcissus extract, which is derived from a flower and hydrates the skin. As a result, your skin feels moisturized and your complexion looks supple. Users report that it blends like a dream—try it with a dense buffing brush for best results.