15 Best Compact Powders in India [August, 2024]

Achieving flawless, photo-ready skin is every Indian woman’s dream and compact powder serves as the secret weapon in every makeup lover’s kit. This round pressed cake of powdered perfection instantly blurs out pesky pores, fine lines, marks and evens out skin tone with just a swipe of a brush.

Compact powders are essential to achieve a smooth base, control unwanted shine, set liquid makeup for extended wear or provide touch ups on the go for oily skin types. No makeup kit is complete without one…or five!

But with so many brands offering compact powders that suit different needs – how do you choose the best one for your skin type and concerns?

I evaluated an exhaustive list of the top 20 best selling compact powders in India right now based on actual customer reviews. In this blog, I discuss my detailed thoughts on why I rated the below 15 as the top contenders for the title of Best Compact Powder along with tips on how to choose the right one, application and usage care.

So without further ado, let the battle of the best begin!

1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Compact Powder

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

The Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Compact Powder is specially formulated to control oils and blur pores for up to 16 hours. It provides an imperfection-free, natural matte finish that leaves the skin looking fresh and radiant. The lightweight powder formula goes on smoothly and doesn’t cake.

Key Features

• 16-hour shine control
• Blurs pores
• Lightweight matte finish
• Built-in mirror and sponge
• Available in 12 shades

Our Expert Opinion

This affordable compact delivers impeccable mattifying results while evening out skin tone beautifully. The micro-powders in the formula mattify without drying out the skin, making it one of the best powders in India for oily and combination skin types. The shade range accommodates most Indian skin tones.

2. LAKMÉ 9 To 5 Flawless Matte Complexion Compact Powder

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Lakmé 9 to 5 Flawless Matte Complexion Compact Powder comes enriched with the goodness of macadamia oil and vitamin E. It effortlessly blends into the skin, giving a flawless matte finish that stays put for up to 9 hours. The skin-friendly formula absorbs excess oil while covering up imperfections with its buildable coverage.

Key Features

• Enriched with macadamia oil & vitamin E
• Buildable coverage
• Stays up to 9 hours
• Lightweight texture
• Available in 4 shades

Our Expert Opinion

This budget-friendly Lakmé compact is a savior for oily and acne-prone skin. It keeps excess oil at bay without drying out or irritating sensitive skin. The formula blends beautifully to conceal redness and minor imperfections. For best oil control benefits, touch up every 4-5 hours.

3. FACES CANADA Weightless Stay Matte Finish Compact Powder – Ivory

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Give your skin a smooth, flawless matte finish with the FACES CANADA Weightless Stay Matte Finish Compact Powder. This ultra-light pressed powder blends into the skin effortlessly, covering imperfections while controlling shine. Formulated with silicone and essential oils, it leaves a non-oily, fresh matte look that lasts for hours.

Key Features

• Ultra-light texture
• Controls oil & shine
• Smooth application
• Non-drying matte finish
• Dermatologically tested

Our Expert Opinion

This budget compact powder delivers refreshingly matte, shine-free skin without feeling heavy or chalky. It gives sheer to medium buildable coverage to even out skin tone seamlessly. The compact is especially suitable for oily and combination skin types looking for an affordable mattifying powder for daily use.

4. LAKMÉ Face It Compact, Marble, 9 g

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Lakmé Face It Compact comes in a lightweight formula that blends flawlessly into skin for a smooth matte canvas. It comes housed in a vintage-style compact case with a mirror and powder puff for easy touch-ups. Enriched with the goodness of essential nourishers, it makes skin appear naturally flawless while feeling soft and comfortable.

Key Features

• Smooth matte finish
• Vintage style double compact
• Includes powder puff and mirror
• Enriched with nourishing oils
• Travel-friendly packaging

Our Expert Opinion

This affordable, skin-nourishing Lakmé compact is a must-have for everyday makeup touch-ups. The formula gives sheer coverage but can be built up to hide blemishes or unevenness. The vintage marble compact looks quirky and stylish. It fits well into handbags for on-the-go application without mess.

5. Elle18 Lasting Glow Compact 1, Pearl, 9 g

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Give your skin a glowing radiance with the Elle18 Lasting Glow Compact. It minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections to leave a youthful glow that lasts all day long. The luminous formula masks dullness and evens out skin tone with a radiant translucent shimmery shade called Pearl. A pan of powder, a mirror, and applicator sponge are encased together for a convenient all-in-one glow-maker!

Key Features

• Translucent shimmer to naturally brighten skin
• Masks imperfections and evens out tone
• Minimizes the appearance of pores
• Encased compact with powder, mirror, and sponge
• Hygienic and travel-friendly

Our Expert Opinion

Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you. This luminous compact delivers wonderfully bright, poreless-looking skin at a fraction of the cost of high-end brands. The subtle radiant finish flatters most Indian skin tones. It works well over makeup too for a lit-from-within glow when a dewy finish is preferred over matte.

6. Just Herbs Oil Control Radiance Booster Age Defying Compact Powder for face Makeup 9g (Ivory)

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Give your skin a satiny smooth finish with the Just Herbs Oil Control Radiance Booster Compact Powder. Enriched with skin-nourishing oils and ayurvedic herbs, this powder mattifies skin, blurs the look of pores and fine lines, and boosts radiance – all while combating signs of aging. The buildable medium coverage lets you achieve your desired level of perfection.

Key Features

• Mattifying & blurring effect
• Ayurvedic formulation with 18 herbs
• Buildable medium coverage
• Talc-free, non-comedogenic
• Available in 2 shades

Our Expert Opinion

This ayurvedic compact beauty in a pan performs triple duty to mattify, even out skin tone, and boost natural radiance with a single easy sweep. The botanical oils ensure comfortable wear without drying out the skin, making it suitable even for sensitive skin types. Overall an excellent clean formula to minimize pores and achieve a photo-ready complexion.

7. Maybelline New York Powder Foundation

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Get flawless matte skin easily with the Maybelline New York Powder Foundation. This lightweight powder foundation mattifies skin without feeling heavy or cakey. It blends smoothly onto skin, evening out tone and covering minor imperfections and blemishes. Enriched with bamboo powder and forestation ingredients, it keeps excess oil at bay for shine-free freshness.

Key Features

• Lightweight matte powder foundation
• Blurs imperfections
• Controls excess oil
• Built-in mirror and applicator sponge
• Enriched with bamboo powder

Our Expert Opinion

This affordable powder compact makes achieving a photo-ready matte base effortless, even for beginners! The formula doesn’t emphasize dry patches or pores while controlling shine moderately. We appreciate the environmentally conscious bamboo powder formulation. Overall an easy powder foundation for daily wear.

8. RENEE Face Base Compact Powder Cashew Beige 9gm

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

The Renee Fab 5 Face Base Compact Powder gives skin a flawless boost of radiance and a brighter appearance instantly. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin E, the lightweight formula hydrates while blurring away imperfections with a matte finish. It spreads smoothly onto the skin, blending seamlessly without settling into fine lines and pores.

Key Features

• Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid
• Instant brightening effect
• Lightweight texture, easy to blend
• Matte smooth finish
• Dermatologically tested

Our Expert Opinion

This moisturizing matte powder is a steal for its formula. It leaves a silky, creaseless finish while combating dullness and dryness effortlessly – something rarely seen in affordable compact powders formulated for the Indian skin tone. Even oily skin types can enjoy the hydrating benefits without fear of greasiness.

9. LAKMÉ Absolute White Wet & Dry Compact Powder

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Lakmé Absolute White Wet & Dry Compact Powder is formulated with pure white microns that help blur out and hide discolorations for fairer, brighter-looking skin. It gives sheer coverage that can be built up to medium without looking heavy or cakey. It binds with natural skin moisture or can be used wet as a liquid foundation for higher coverage that lasts long without fading.

Key Features

• Sheer matte coverage, buildable medium
• Contains Pure White Microns Technology
• Blurs & covers imperfections
• Can be used wet as foundation
• Enriched with Provitamin B5

Our Expert Opinion

This dual-use Lakmé compact deserves a place in every makeup lover’s vanity kit for its quality and performance. Used dry, it evens out tone while keeping skin matte and shine-free all day long. Used wet, it delivers higher coverage just like a liquid foundation. Overall an excellent multitasking powder that delivers flawless radiance affordably.

10. L’Oréal Paris High Coverage Compact Powder

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Achieve a poreless-looking, shine and imperfection-free matte base with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Compact Powder. This ultra-pigmented formula provides customizable coverage ranging from medium to full while keeping excess oil and shine at bay all day. Enriched with SPF 32, it protects the skin from sun damage and environmental aggressors. The lightweight texture moves smoothly onto skin without emphasizing pores or texture.

Key Features

• Buildable coverage, medium to full
• Ultra-pigmented matte formula
• Lightweight texture
• Up to 24 hours shine control
• Broad spectrum SPF 32 sun protection

Our Expert Opinion

This L’Oréal Paris compact deserves high praise for the exceptional oil control and coverage it provides, rivaling even luxury brand powders. A little goes a long way in covering imperfections flawlessly without feeling heavy or cracking. The large mirror makes touch-ups easy while the sturdy gold case exudes luxury vibes. Definitely a must-try!

11. SUGAR Cosmetics Powder Play – Banana Compact – For Colour Correction or to Mask Shine – Oil-Controlling

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Add brightness and color correction to dull, uneven skin tones with the Sugar Cosmetics Banana Powder Play compact. Formulated with ultra-finely milled loose powder, it instantly conceals dark circles, spots, redness, tanning and other discolorations for a flawless even look when swept lightly over makeup. The translucent yellow powder adapts to multiple skin tones. As an added bonus, it controls excess oil without drying out the skin.

Key Features

• Ultra-finely milled loose finishing powder
• Colour corrects & brightens skin
• Reduces appearance of spots & tanning
• Blurs away imperfections
• Controls excess oil

Our Expert Opinion

This affordable, skin-friendly banana powder compact delivers instant brightening and color correction – a staple for every makeup enthusiast! The lightweight translucent formula brightens dull complexions and color corrects face makeup seamlessly without white cast issues. We appreciate the mess-free application and travel-friendly packaging with a mirror. An absolute must-have in every pro makeup kit.

12. Maybelline New York Loose Finishing Powder

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Have super soft powdery skin with Maybelline Loose Finishing Powder. This micro-fine mineral powder gives a silky soft finish and smooth texture when dusted onto skin or used to set makeup. It reduces shininess and extends makeup wear without looking chalky, cakey or dull. Enriched with iron and silk powders, skin feels moisturized and renewed. Light-diffusing pigments give skin a natural brightness.

Key Features

• Micro-fine mineral loose powder
• Soft matte finish
• Long-lasting makeup setting powder
• Minimizes pores & fine lines
• Moisturizing silk & iron powder

Our Expert Opinion

As an affordable drugstore brand, Maybelline always delivers quality makeup essentials that perform just as well as — if not better than — luxury brands. This finely milled loose powder controls oils and sets makeup flawlessly at a bargain price point. The mess-free packaging and applicator puff make it travel-friendly too!

13. Pure Ivory Matte Finish Compact Powder Absorbs Oil

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

The Pure brand Ivory compact powder gives oily skin a beautiful matte finished look that stays put for hours without fading or settling into fine lines. The ultrafine texture blurs away pores, minor imperfections, spots and marks while absorbing excess oil. Optical diffusers impart a soft natural brightness for an overall smooth, photo-ready complexion in one simple step.

Key Features

• Blurs imperfections
• Matte smooth finish
• Absorbs excess oil
• Optical diffusers for brightness
• Dermatologically tested

Our Expert Opinion

As the name suggests, this ivory powder delivers a gorgeous porcelain-like matte finish for wheatish to deeper skin tones. The formula is highly blendable and buildable. It controls oils moderately for a few hours before touch-up may be needed on very oily skin. Given the affordable pricing, comfortable wear, and color payoff, it’s a great choice for daily radiant beauty.

14. MyGlamm Radiant Matte Compact Powder-Snatched- 9gm

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Get glowing dusky skin perfection in minutes with MyGlamm Radiant Matte Compact in Snatched. With buildable light coverage and a natural semi-matte finish, one easy sweep blurs away pores and imperfections to fake a smooth flawless canvas. Fine light-diffusing pearls impart a lit-from-within glow. Skin is left looking photoshopped yet fresh! The lightweight mineral-based formula suits all skin types without irritations.

Key Features

• Lightweight mineral powder
• Buildable light coverage
• Blurs away pores & imperfections
• Fine glowing pearl particulates
• Semi-matte radiant finish

Our Expert Opinion

This innovative radiant matte formula is perfect for achieving Instagram filter-like flawless dusky skin easily. The pearlescent formula doesn’t exaggerate pores or texture while giving a gorgeous glow. Even those with sensitive or acne-prone skin can reap gorgeous smooth skin without irritation thanks to the clean vegan formulation. An absolute must-try and sure favorite!

15. SWISS BEAUTY Oil Control Compact Powder

Shop Now

Shop Now

Description

Give your face a smooth canvas finish with the Swiss Beauty Oil Control compact powder. Formulated with oil absorbing clay minerals, it keeps excess sebum at bay without drying skin out for a fresh matte look. The ultrafine powder texture feels lightweight on application and blends seamlessly onto skin, covering minor marks and imperfections. Available in a generous 20gm quantity, a little goes a long way for value.

Key Features

• Oil absorbing minerals
• Lightweight texture
• Sheer coverage, builds to medium
• Blurs away marks & imperfections
• Generous 20gm quantity

Our Expert Opinion

Swiss Beauty affordable makeup brings quality and performance that gives even premium luxury brands tough competition. We found this mattifying powder to provide a creaseless poreless finish for hours with no discomfort unlike some compact powders that feel dry or emphasise pores. Definitely worth trying for oily and acne-prone skin!

Comparison for the Best Compact Powder in India

How to Choose the Best Compact Powder

With so many compact powders available to suit different needs and preferences, choosing the best one for your skin type and needs can get confusing. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind:

Skin Type & Concerns – Consider your skin type and needs e.g. oily, dry, acne-prone etc. Choose mattifying or hydrating formulas accordingly. Check ingredients if you have sensitivities.

Coverage & Finish – Sheer, light, medium or heavy? Matte or dewy glow? Pick powders as per your preferred finish and coverage needs.

Shade Range – Make sure to choose a shade that blends well into your skin tone without looking lighter or darker. Swatch before buying if possible.

Ingredients – Check the formula. Skin-nourishing, anti-aging or acne-fighting ingredients provide added benefits. Avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens etc. if you have sensitivities or allergies.

Packaging – Look for features like mirrors, applicators, seals, pans vs. loose powder etc. as per ease of application needs and travel requirements.

Different Types of Compact Powders

With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different types of compact powders to pick the right one for your needs:

Pressed Powder Compacts

These contain powder compressed into a pan form. They usually provide light to medium coverage with a matte finish. Easy to carry and use for touch ups. Best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Loose Powder Compacts

As the name suggests, these contain loose powder in a compact case. Provide medium to full coverage. Finely milled for a silky finish. Best for baking and setting makeup. Suit all skin types.

Translucent Setting Powders

Sheer, transparent finishing powders in loose or pressed form. Mattify without affecting foundation shade or adding extra coverage. Most suitable to set liquid makeup. Help makeup last longer.

Colored & Tinted Compacts

Compacts with skin tone matching colored powder or unique shades like yellow (banana), green (color correcting) etc. Provide coverage while brightening or color correcting skin.

Cream & Cake Compacts

Contain cream, mousse or cake-like powder formula for fuller coverage. Hydrating. Best suited for dry skin and mature skin concerns like fine lines. Higher maintenance than regular powders.

Mineral Powder Compacts

Made of finely ground minerals like mica, silica etc. Gentle lightweight formulas suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Buildable coverage.

Compact Powder Care, Usage & Application Tips

Using compact powders the right way ensures you reap optimal results:

Clean Brushes – Always use clean, smooth brushes to pick up and apply compact powders evenly onto skin. Dirty brushes affect application.

Light Hand – Don’t swirl the brush too hard into compact powder which may disturb the pressed formula and cause hard pan formation.

Use a Primer – Apply a makeup primer before powder for smooth application and long wear.

Use a Setting Spray – Mist a makeup setting spray after applying powder to extend wear.

Touch Up When Needed – Carry compact for touch ups whenever oil breakthrough causes shine during the day.

Regular Cleaning – Wipe powder surface with clean tissue every week to maintain smoothtexture. Deep clean the compact pan monthly or when powder becomes too hard.

FAQs about the best compact powder

Q. Which compact powder is best?

• Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Compact Powder
• Lakmé 9 to 5 Flawless Matte Complexion Compact Powder
• L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Compact Powder
• Swiss Beauty Oil Control Compact Powder

Based on the reviews, the above compact powders deliver great oil control, buildable coverage, lightweight textures suitable for daily use, travel-friendly packaging and affordable pricing making them the best overall picks.

Q. Which compact powder is best for daily use?

Compact powders that provide sheer to medium coverage, easy blendability, travel-friendly packaging with mirror and applicator make the best companions for daily touch-ups on the go. The Elle 18 Lasting Glow Compact, Lakme Face It Compact and Maybelline Fit Me Compact are top choices for quick easy usage daily suited for Indian skin tones.

Q. Which compact powder is best for oily skin?

Compact powders that control excess oil and sebum effectively are best suited for oily skin. The key is a matte, non-greasy formula that doesn’t clog pores. The Faces Canada Weightless Stay Matte Finish Compact Powder, L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Compact Powder and Sugar Powder Play Banana Compact are specially formulated with oil-absorbing ingredients and offer long-lasting matte finish best suited for oily skin types.

Q. Which compact powder is best for dry skin?

Dry skin needs hydrating formulas that don’t emphasize flaky patches or fine lines. Compact powders enriched with moisturizing oils, hyaluronic acid and ceramides prevent powdery cakey build-up. The Renee Fab 5 Face Base Compact Powder and Lakme 9 to 5 Complexion Compact hydrates while perfecting with vitamins and essential fatty acids making them suitable for dry skin.

Q. Which is better loose or pressed compact powder?

Loose powders give light to medium coverage. Pressed compact powders provide medium to full coverage. So coverage needs determine the best pick. Both control oil, reduce shine, mattify and set makeup.

Q. How do I choose the right shade of compact powder for my skin tone?

Match the compact powder shade to your skin’s undertones and depth avoiding shades too light or dark. Test shades in natural light. Let it sit for few minutes to see if it oxidizes. Pick the shade that seamlessly blends in without visible demarcation.

Q. Does compact powder suit oily skin?

Yes, compact powders are extremely suitable for oily skin. They effectively control excess sebum, shine breakouts and make makeup last longer without clogging pores or aggravating acne. Pick oil-controlling mattifying compact powders with kaolin clay or silica. Avoid creamy powders.

Q. Should you apply loose or pressed powder first?

Always apply pressed compact powder or foundation first to cover skin evenly. Then dust loose setting powder only on areas prone to oil breakthrough and fine lines. This seals makeup without getting overly powdery. Finish with setting spray.

Conclusion

There you have it – my round up of the 15 best compact powders dominating the Indian beauty scene right now! Each powder compact brings its own set of benefits catering to different needs and preferences when it comes to coverage, finish, skin type suitability and budget.

Oily skinned beauties have a wide range of affordable and premium matte & oil controlling powders to choose from for a flawless shine-free base. Combination to dry skin types too have decent options for achieving a creaseless brightening glow. Most formulas featured here keep sensitivities and allergen risks at bay too.

At the end of the day, what works best for YOU depends wholly on your skin type, exact needs and makeup preferences. I aimed to call out the best from a wide range of formulas to suit diverse wants. Make sure to go through the detailed reviews before making your choice!

Did your favorite compact powder make the list? Let me know in the comments what your top compact pick is and why along with this blog post!