What is a cushion compact?

A cushion compact is a sponge-like cushion that’s soaked in liquid foundation and packaged in a self-contained compact. They are mess-free and ideal for travel, on-the-go applications, touch-ups, or re-applying makeup after the gym, pool, or beach.

How long does cushion compact last?

Cushion compact lasts about three months, depending on how often and how much you use it. Some cushion compacts are refillable, so you can prevent waste and save on packaging. Be sure to completely close your compact so it does not dry out or spill.

Are cushion foundations worth it?

If you are often on the go or travel frequently, cushion compacts are absolutely worth it. Having a cushion compact on hand saves you from bringing a larger product and brush, and if you keep it in your purse or car, it ensures you always have it on hand.

The 12 Best Cushion Compacts of 2023

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Amore Pacific Color Control at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Wet n Wild Foundation SPF 15 at Walmart

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Best Drugstore:

Maybelline New York Dream Cushion Foundation at Amazon

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Best for Fair Skin:

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion at Sulwhasoo.com

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Best for Medium Skin:

Estée Lauder Liquid Compact SPF 50 at Esteelauder.com

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Best for Olive Skin:

Shiseido Cushion Compact Foundation at Shiseido.com

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Best for Dark Skin:

DIBA Cushion Foundation at Amazon

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Best Full-Coverage:

La Mer Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 at Nordstrom

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Best for Dry Skin:

MISSHA M Magic Cushion at Amazon

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Best for Combination Skin:

L'Oréal Paris Lumi Cushion Foundation at Walmart

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Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

What We Like

SPF 50+ broad spectrum
Weightless
Buildable

What We Don't Like

Color comes out darker than expected

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.

Price at time of publish: $75

wet n wild MegaCushion Foundation SPF 15

View On Walmart View On Wetnwildbeauty.com

What We Like

Wallet-friendly
Nourishing
Creamy feel

What We Don't Like

Comes out a bit patchy

This wallet-friendly formula is lightweight but still mighty. It smooths over imperfections with ease, without feeling heavy or cakey. Plus, the water-gel texture feels refreshing on the skin, even when building up your coverage.

Price at time of publish: $9

View On Amazon View On Walgreens

What We Like

Give a fresh-faced glow
Evens skin tone
Easy to apply

What We Don't Like

Not waterproof

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.

Price at time of publish: $16

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Sulwhasoo.com

What We Like

Boosts radiance
Doesn't look greasy
Breathable

What We Don't Like

Light colors have orange-like tone

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.

Price at time of publish: $65

Estee Lauder Double Wear Cushion BB All Day Wear Liquid Compact SPF 50

View On Esteelauder.com

What We Like

High UV protection
Rich in moisture
Stays up to eight hours

What We Don't Like

Pricey

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.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Cushion Compact Foundation

View On Shiseido.com

What We Like

Has a just-applied look
Water-resistant
Transfer-proof

What We Don't Like

Goes on in a clumpy way

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.

View On Amazon

What We Like

Full of botanical extracts
Sweat-resistant
Washable

What We Don't Like

Could use some lighter shades

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.

La Mer The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20

View On Nordstrom View On Cremedelamer.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

What We Like

Gives a dewy glow
Various shades
Not greasy

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Feels heavy

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!).

Price at time of publish: $140

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Misshaus.com

What We Like

Anti-caking formula
Long-wearing smooth silica bead powder
Doesn't dry out the skin

What We Don't Like

Could spread more evenly

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.

Price at time of publish: $19

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Doesn't cake up
True-to-skin
16 shades to choose from

What We Don't Like

Very thick

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.

Price at time of publish: $20

Courtesy of Walmart

View on Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Has an airbrushed look
Smoothing, firming, and lifting effect
Gentle formula

What We Don't Like

Settles in creases

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.

Price at time of publish: $15

Mamonde Brightening Cover Watery Cushion Foundation SPF 50

View On Shopatkorea.com

What We Like

Moist formula
Creates a classy contour on the face
Intense sun protection

What We Don't Like

Might be too watery to some

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.

What to Look For in Cushion Compacts

Shade

When choosing a cushion compact, start with looking for a shade match. If you are using a cushion compact for touch-ups on the go, you don’t want the shade to differ from your current makeup or skin tone. Look for a brand that offers shades in your range and tone.

Finish

Cushion compacts come in various finishes. Look for one that appeals to your desired look, whether dewy, glowing, matte, or natural. If you have uneven texture or blemishes, look for a compact that can smooth over them without flaking or caking. A dewy moisturized look may be best for dryer skin, while oily skin may do better with a mattifying or dryer finish.

Coverage

When choosing a cushion compact, consider how much coverage you need. Just as with any foundation, cushion compacts range from sheer to full coverage. Sheer coverage can look more natural, but full coverage conceals blemishes. Some cushion compacts can provide plenty of coverage in a single swipe, while others are buildable.

FAQ

What is a cushion compact?

A cushion compact is a sponge-like cushion that’s soaked in liquid foundation and packaged in a self-contained compact. They are mess-free and ideal for travel, on-the-go applications, touch-ups, or re-applying makeup after the gym, pool, or beach.
How long does cushion compact last?

Cushion compact lasts about three months, depending on how often and how much you use it. Some cushion compacts are refillable, so you can prevent waste and save on packaging. Be sure to completely close your compact so it does not dry out or spill.
Are cushion foundations worth it?

If you are often on the go or travel frequently, cushion compacts are absolutely worth it. Having a cushion compact on hand saves you from bringing a larger product and brush, and if you keep it in your purse or car, it ensures you always have it on hand.