What Is the Best Compact Powder for Your Skin Type?
Quick answer: The best compact powder depends on your skin. For oily skin, choose a pressed mineral powder that absorbs shine; for dry or mature skin, use a light layer over a good moisturiser; for sensitive skin, look for a short ingredient list without perfume. Our most popular compact is Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation.
Not all compact powders are the same. Some cake by midday, some feel heavy and others barely last past your morning coffee. The right one depends on your skin type. Here's how to choose, with our picks and tips for each skin type.
How to Choose a Compact Powder for Your Skin Type
Oily or combination skin
Look for a pressed mineral powder that absorbs oil without looking flat. Press it onto the T-zone and carry the compact for touch-ups during the day.
Dry skin
Moisturise well first and use a light layer only where you need it. Avoid heavy matte powders, which can cling to dry patches.
Mature skin
Choose a finely milled powder with a soft, luminous finish and use it sparingly. Keep powder light around the eyes and smile lines so it doesn't settle into fine lines.
Sensitive or acne-prone skin
Look for a short, simple ingredient list without perfumes or preservatives, and keep your brushes and puffs clean.
Our Compact Picks
1. Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation: Best All-Rounder
Best for: coverage, shine control and touch-ups for oily, combination and sensitive skin.
A luminous pressed mineral foundation made with a handful of clean ingredients, including zinc oxide. It's free from perfumes, preservatives and parabens and buffs on for a soft, airbrushed finish. Available in 8 shades, with more than 3,700 customer reviews on our website.
- Buildable coverage
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- 8 shades
2. 6in1 Professional Face Powder Compact: Best for Warmth and Contour
Best for: adding a sun-kissed glow and soft definition over your base.
This isn't a setting powder. It's a multi-use bronzing compact you can use as a blusher, face and body bronzer, eyeshadow, face framer, contour and lip colour. Choose light or dark and build up the colour gradually.
- Bronzer, blush, contour and more
- Light and dark shades
Prefer Loose Powder?
If you mainly want to set your makeup at home rather than touch up on the go, a loose setting powder gives a lighter, more airbrushed finish. Loose Airbrush Setting Powder is finely milled and translucent, with no flashback in photos. Read more about the difference between compact and face powder.
How to Apply Compact Powder
- Moisturise and let it absorb. Apply foundation if you're wearing it.
- Press the powder on with a puff or brush. Don't rub.
- Focus on the areas that get shiny and use less on dry areas.
- Build thin layers only where you need more coverage.
- Add bronzer or contour last.
New to compact powder? Start with our guide: what is compact powder and why it is essential.
What Customers Say
"I have sensitive skin and have tried all sorts of foundations but I find this product to be the best."
Cherie, Thin Lizzy customer
"I love my Mineral Makeup Foundation. It covers well, feels nice on the skin and goes on nicely."
Lois H., Thin Lizzy customer
"I love using my 6in1 with my pressed mineral foundation. Makes my skin tone look even. It's awesome for my minimal makeup look."
Rebecca H., Thin Lizzy customer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best compact powder for oily skin?
A pressed mineral powder that absorbs shine, such as Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation. Press it onto the T-zone and touch up during the day.
What is the best compact powder for dry or mature skin?
A finely milled powder used in a very light layer over a good moisturiser. Avoid heavy matte powders.
Can compact powder be used as foundation?
A pressed mineral foundation can be worn on its own for light-to-medium coverage.
Is the 6in1 Compact a setting powder?
No. It's a bronzing compact for adding warmth, contour and colour. Set your base first with a pressed or loose powder.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy compacts in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
The best compact powder is the one that suits your skin. Choose a pressed mineral powder for coverage and touch-ups, use a light hand on dry or mature skin, and add a bronzing compact for warmth.
