8 Cushion Compacts Your Travel Makeup Bag Would Be Empty Without

If you want to look like one of those Instagram filters where your skin is totally airbrushed and it looks like you spent a ton of time applying your makeup, this cushion compact was meant exactly for you.

The formula brightens the skin, hydrates for deep moisturization, and builds an even, flawless coverage that won't settle into wrinkles or lines. The cherry on top: It contains SPF 50 to protect the skin from sun damage, and a cooling sensation refreshes and soothes the skin during application.

This drugstore foundation works just as well, if not better than its luxury counterparts. This luminous finish foundation goes on light but builds up to full coverage and blends in smoothly. Just pat it on with a sponge and swipe it across your face for a refreshed, glowing look that still covers any blemishes.

The applicator picks up just the right amount of product so you’re never caking it on as you might accidentally do with a brush and bottle foundation. With just one swipe it’s easy to see a major difference while still looking natural and fresh. 

One of the best parts about cushion compacts is that the product goes on light but can really build up to fuller coverage. But no matter how much you apply, it gives the skin a veil of product that makes it look airbrushed.

This cushion compact from the Korean brand MISSHA contains boron power in the liquid to help give you a smooth, lightweight finish. The ​silica bead powder is mattifying to help soak up sebum throughout the day without wearing off.

A Byrdie Editor-favorite, this cushion foundation has double-coated mineral pigments that accomplish the impossible: veiling discoloration and unevenness with a lightweight finish. It's also infused with moisturizer and micro pearls for an ultra-glowy effect.

We also like this compact from Korean beauty brand Peripera. It's infused with mint extracts to soothe and invigorate sensitive skin while the soft-blurring minerals are especially good for covering redness.

Typically, cushion compacts are lighter foundations or BB and CC creams, but this one is straight-up full coverage foundation. At the same time, it feels incredibly light on the skin. When you swipe this formula on with the sponge, it blends in almost immediately and covers any blemishes or redness but still looks and feels like natural skin.

It’s matte without looking or feeling chalky, which is perfect for anyone with oily skin. And it lasts for 16 hours, so it’s not going anywhere throughout long days.

It's hydrating and brightening, perfect for those who have an uneven tone or dry skin. But this Lancôme compact is particularly special since it comes in a wide variety of shades. Since most CC cushion compacts are marketed specifically in K-beauty circles, it can be frustratingly difficult to find those suited for darker complexions.

You would never know this cushion compact was from the drugstore based on the formula alone. Not only is it cruelty-free, talc-free, and fragrance-free, it's also non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. SPF 50 will keep your skin protected from the sun while the lightweight minerals will keep blemishes and imperfections from seeing the light of day.