Five of the best petal-pressed powders

The powder compact has come a long way since Guerlain created the first one in 1830. Developments in the manufacturing process mean that beauty brands can be more imaginative when it comes to design. New machines grind the powder into infinitely smaller particles, which allows the compacts to be better compressed - making them easier to imprint. From Clinique's flowerpot Cheek Pop to Chanel's limited edition Camelia-print compacts and Dior's ribbon-tied bow, these days, powdered blushes and bronzers are now likely to feature some sort of embossing.

"The design is part of Guerlain's philosophy on being multi-sensorial," says brand ambassador Richard Hawkins, of the hand-finished compacts, manufactured in a state of the art factory in France that opened in February. "The embossing of many products is designed to enhance the pleasure of usage." What began as a trend for dual-colour compacts has led to a flourish of powders that are easy on the eye as well as the face - designs are pressed into the finished powder at the end of the manufacturing process.

Brighten up your make-up (and complexion) with our top five picks for powdered prettiness from berry to rose and orchid, perfect for that springtime flush.

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