Mien Attraction

Powder, cream, cushion or compact? This handy guide will help you decide what type of foundation you need to put your best face forward.

byArissa Ha May 2017

Powder, cream, cushion or compact? This handy guide will help you decide what type of foundation you need to put your best face forward.

Powder

Loose powder is traditionally used on top of foundation to set the makeup and reduce shine. However, the new breed of loose powders offer lightweight coverage, along with the ability to blur out imperfections and pores so skin looks airbrushed and #InstagramReady.

Clarins Mineral Loose Powder, $60.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Powder, $61.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $70.

BECCA Soft Light Blurring Powder, $58.

BECCA Kabuki Brush, $46.

Cushion

Although BB cushions have been around for some time, they’re still considered one of the newer variation of foundations, especially with Western brands jumping onto the bandwagon in recent years. BB cushions stemmed from BB cream, which offers some skincare benefits on top of lightweight coverage. Its watery consistency leaves skin dewy and hydrated, and some have shine control properties that are suitable for oily skin.

THEFACESHOP Miracle Finish BB Power Perfection Cushion SPF 50+ PA+++, $32.

Mamonde Cover Powder Cushion SPF50+ PA+++, $44.

Dior Diorskin Forever Perfect Cushion, $78.

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense SPF50+ PA+++, $105.

LANEIGE BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ PA+++, $59.

Compact

Compact powders are easy to carry around, and great for touchups. Depending on your preferred texture, they offer light to full coverage. Cream compacts allow a buildable coverage and are ideal for dry skin, while powder compacts control oil and keep your skin shine-free.

Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Le Compact Encre De Peau SPF23 PA++, $99.

Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation, $68.

Chanel Le Blanc Whitening Compact Foundation SPF25 PA+++, $100.

Liquid

Liquid foundations come in a variety of textures, ranging from a watery, serum-like texture to a thicker creamy formula. When blended well, liquid foundation can offer a skin-like finish and is able to reach the sides of the nose without looking heavy or cakey. Liquid foundations also offer versatility – when mixed with liquid highlighters, they allow you to achieve a glowing-fromwithin look.