In This Story:
If there’s one product I’d always find sitting atop my grandmother’s vanity, it’s the compact powder – a sworn-by solution to soak up excess sebum, blur pores, and lend an even-toned complexion, even in the absence of foundation. This one-swipe wonder formulation is a beauty bag essential, an instant pick-me-up for a flawlessly spotless finish, and you *must* own one.
Today, compact powders are no longer confined to just coverage – they come power-packed with ingredients such as vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and turmeric, and even offer sun protection. Read on, for we have rounded up the best compact powders in India that are budget-friendly and should be added to your cart pronto. However, before we dive in let’s explore the benefits of using compact powders and how to apply them efficiently.
Benefits Of Using Compact Powder
Compact powders prevent creasing, help set your base makeup without making it look cakey or patchy and make it last long. Compact powders are also ideal to touch up your makeup on the go. They often even come with their own poof sponge and mirror to help make application effortless and convenient. Furthermore, it adds a mattifying effect and reduces shine by absorbing excess oil and sweat.
How To Use Compact Powder
1. Applying Over Foundation:
After your foundation is set, use a makeup sponge or buff to pick a small amount and tap off any excess powder. Lightly dab the powder against your skin, while focusing on areas where you want coverage. Ensure you have covered any spots where you need oil control like the nose, forehead, or chin. Build light layers until you have the coverage you prefer and re-apply every few hours to keep your makeup looking fresh.
2. Applying directly:
Start with a clean face and apply any moisturiser or sunscreen you need for the day. Then follow the same steps as above – light dabs focusing on oil-prone areas and build coverage to avoid clumps.
Pro Tip: Ensure you are picking a shade that matches your skin for a natural look. If you’re applying it over foundation, buying a matching shade will give you a seamless finish.
Must-Have Products
1. Nykaa Bestseller
Reasons To Love: 16-hr Oil Control, SPF 28 PA+++
Rating: 4.4
Maybelline New York Fit Me’s matte and poreless compact powder is available in six shades and boasts SPF 28 PA+++ to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Dab the applicator on the compact and swipe it across your skin for an even-toned appearance.
2. SPF-Infused
Reasons To Love: Non-sticky, SPF 40 PA+++, Enriched With Vitamin E and Iron Oxides
Rating: 4.4
This mattifying compact powder promises sun protection with SPF 40 PA+++ and is enriched with vitamin E and iron oxides that protect the skin against blue light from screens and environmental stressors as per a study. Re-apply the powder every 3 to 4 hours for an oil-free, sheer coverage.
3. Hyaluronic Acid-Infused
Reasons To Love: Suitable For All Skin Types, Dermatologically Tested, Enriched With Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E
Rating: 4.3
As the name suggests, MyGlamm’s Super Serum Compact Powder is imbued with the goodness of potent serums and soothing ingredients such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Expert-approved and suitable for all skin types, this formulation sets your makeup while helping your skin retain moisture.
4. Shea Butter-Infused
Reasons To Love: Weightless, 12-hr Oil Control, SPF 20, Enriched With Vitamin E and Shea Butter
Rating: 4.4
Dreaming of silky smooth skin? Even out your complexion with Faces Canada’s Weightless Stay Matte Compact, which absorbs excess oil from your epidermis while adding a healthy dose of hydration.
5. Budget-Friendly
Reasons To Love: SPF 15, Smudge-proof, 100% Organic, Silicone-Free, Cruelty-Free
Rating: 4.2
Biotique’s Magicompact contains minerals, multivitamins, and plant-enriched tints that visibly improve your complexion. The compact is available in four shades to complement multiple skin tones and is a long-lasting formula boasting SPF 15!
6. Vitamin C-Infused
Reasons To Love: 12-hr Oil Control, Enriched With Vitamin C and Turmeric
Rating: 4.1
Mamaearth’s SPF-infused compact has been clinically tested to suit all Indian skin types and is crafted with turmeric and vitamin C to give you an unmistakable glow. Promising 12-hour oil control, this made-safe certified product deserves a spot in your makeup arsenal.
7. Nourishing and Long-lasting
Reasons To Love: Longlasting, Paraben and Sulphate-Free, Enriched With Vitamin E
Rating: 4.3
If reduced pore size is what you’re looking for, this is the product for you. SUGAR POP’s Longwear Compact boasts vitamin E, which helps in pore reduction as per a study and protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Its mattifying finish keeps your skin oil-free and shine-free all day long!
8. Homegrown Offering
Reasons To Love: 12-hr Oil Control, SPF 15 PA++, Water Resistant, Enriched With Vitamin E
Rating: 4.3
Blur away imperfections and minimise those pores with Nykaa’s All Day Matte Compact Powder. It locks in moisture, owing to its vitamin E content, and offers up to 12 hours of oil control. The water-resistant formulation is also infused with SPF 15 PA++ to protect your skin from sun exposure.
9. For Day and Night
Reasons To Love: Weightless, 2-in-1 Compact Powder, Suitable For All Skin Types
Rating: 4.2
This one takes you from day to night with its skin-illuminating and oil-controlling properties. A lightweight, highly blendable formula, the Swiss Beauty compact powder conceals all your blemishes, giving you a matte finish throughout the day.
10. Value For Money
Reasons To Love: Dermatologically Tested, SPF 18, Suitable For All Skin Types, Enriched With Vitamin E and C
Rating: 4.2
A swipe across the skin with Colorbar’s Radiant White UV Fairness Compact Powder is all you need to keep greasiness at bay. Dermatologically approved and SPF-infused, this weightless formula helps your skin glow and sets your makeup in place.
FAQs
1. What is a compact powder used for?
Compact powders are used to absorb the excess oil and sweat from your face. It also helps set your foundation and quickly refresh your makeup base on the go.
2. Are compact and face powder the same?
Compact powders are pressed in a pan and can be applied with a buff for quick touch-ups. Losee face powder or setting powder requires a sponge or brush for even application and is usually the last step of a makeup routine.
3. Can you use compact powder daily?
Yes! If the initial use of a compact does not cause irritation you can apply it regularly. However, it is generally recommended to take a break frequently as it allows your skin to breathe
4. Can you apply compact powder directly?
You can apply compact powders directly for a quick brightening effect. However, this could highlight open pores and acne scars. If you have uneven skin texture, consider using a primer and foundation before application.
5. What are the disadvantages of compact powder?
Getting the amount right is key while using compacts as too much product mixed with foundation can create clumps. Compact powders could also cause irritation to any open wounds on the skin. A study shows that those with sensitive skin are proen to sensory discomfort and people with easily reactive skin types should patch test before using compacts.
