Compacts

By The Body Shop

Price: £14

Stockist: Stockist

Best for: good value.

You can trust the Body shop for good value for money make-up. This compact is not the most streamlined on the market, but has a handy mirror which works as a divider to keep sponge and powder separate. The powder foundation blends smoothly on to the skin, evens out skin-tone really well and covers light blemishes for most of the day. An extra powder before dinner is a must and if you have spots or scars you will probably need to use a concealer

By Chantecaille

Price: £46

Stockist: Harrods

Best for: treat yourself and look like a pro at the same time.

Chantecaille is renowned among hard-core beauty addicts as the brand for foundation. The scentless powder compact has a mirror and sponge, is soft against the skin and is easy to apply, creating even coverage. It has a light consistency which is perfect for those who want even coverage without being heavy, but if you suffer blemishes you’ll need to cover these with concealer.

By Nars

Price: £31

Stockist: Nars Powder foundation

Best for: a long lasting finish.

This powder gives a fantastic even coverage that has all day staying power. It’s light and easy to use with a pleasant, subtle scent. You get a lot of product for your cash but this means a bigger product that is not really portable and definitely not handbag sized but a great product to keep at home or in your desk.

By Paul & Joe

Price: £24

Stockist: BeautyBay

Best for: a good product housed in beautiful packaging.

We’re big fans of Paul & Joe’s feminine, petite and pretty packaging. Their protective dual powder foundation is applied with a sponge and gives a good all over coverage, even under the eyes. Performance aside, you’ll be more than happy to pull this from you clutch bag on a girls’ night out.