8 cushion foundations you can use anywhere without getting your hands or face dirty

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.Cushion foundation compacts are a K-beauty innovation that combine skin care, sun care, and makeup into a convenient compact. Coverage ranges from sheer to full with dewy to natural finishes and a decent level of SPF. Shades can be limited, especially from some Korean brands, but others have created more inclusive shade ranges. As a commuter who spends more than an hour on the train, I make the most of my ride by answering emails, texting friends about “Game of Thrones,” and putting on my makeup. Instead of fussing with foundations that come in thick glass bottles and require my hands to blend, or having to put some into a contacts case and then use a BeautyBlender or brush, I keep my sanity (and face germ-free) with a cushion foundation compact. It's a K-beauty innovation (as many buzzy skin-care and beauty products have been in recent years) and is super portable and easy to use. It's basically mirrored compact with a sponge-y cushion drenched in foundation; coverage can range from sheer to full with dewy to matte finishes, and there's usually a high SPF of 30 or more. Unfortunately, many brands have limited shade ranges and don't have shades that match deeper skin tones, though some are better than others. To use, just dab the included sponge into the compact until you get some makeup and then press onto your face. I do a pressing motion as I move around my face, but I know some people who do a press-and-roll motion. There's no right way to do it in my opinion; you'll still get the coverage. Here are eight cushion foundation compacts you can use literally anywhere without getting your hands or face dirty: