No matter what tool you're using—a foundation brush, a BeautyBlender, or your fingers—buff (or bounce, if you're using a sponge) the foundation into your skin as opposed to “painting” it on to build coverage smoothly and avoid streakiness, says Park.
You apply too much foundation
“Too much product on the skin doesn't look natural,” says Naoko. “Foundation is about enhancing, not masking – I would always advise using a small amount and then if more is needed, build it up gradually.”
Bhatty likes to use moisturizer to make her own bespoke foundation—the moisturizer essentially thins out the foundation formula to get the most natural coverage. "The best way to do this is to add a drop or two of your foundation to your moisturizer," she says.
This could be due to the buildup on your brush, sponge, or whatever applicator you're using. If you're a daily makeup wearer, oil buildup from constant use without cleaning can cause your application to look less smooth, and can cause breakouts, too.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
Dehydrated skin and dry patches play a big part in part in making your face dull and your foundation splotchy. To fake some hydration, mix a few drops of Avon's Nutra Effects Miracle Glow Oil into your foundation before you apply it.
The Cause: You're overdoing it with matte makeup.
Avoid mattifying cosmetics like heavy or chalky powders, which absorb skin's natural oils (and glow).
This usually means your skincare products underneath are clashing. Always leave enough time for your serums and moisturisers to dry between layers. Applying hydrating serums to damp skin can also help. If foundation separation is your issue, try to use products with similar textures.
Primer helps to prepare the skin, it fills fine lines and wrinkles and creates a clean palette for your makeup, and provides a better base level, overall making your makeup last as long as possible. The primer you choose should be lightweight and oil-free.
Use a Makeup Sponge or a Fluffy Brush
A makeup sponge can give you the closest thing to an airbrushed makeup look. Wet, squeeze, and bounce it on your face to achieve a perfect finish. The damp makeup sponge absorbs the minimum product and does not leave any streaky or cakey look.
The number one cause of cakey makeup is layering on too much product. When you really cake on the product, it'll be all too obvious that that's what you did, so make sure that you're sheering it out. And try to use your hand as a palette and then start to manipulate the product on your face.
Lines deepen on dehydrated skin, increasing the chance that foundation will settle in them. Find a hydrating serum and moisturiser to help counteract this. Additionally, a smoothing primer is your BFF! The primer will fill in lines and prevent your foundation from doing the same.
Over time, dead skin cells and impurities build up on your skin. If exfoliation isn't part of your regular skin care routine, this build-up can cause your foundation to apply unevenly and separate throughout the day. Prevention Solution: Start to exfoliate regularly.
Less makeup leads to less germs that will interrupt the formation of your new skins cells. You'll feel a more clear, vibrant and hydrated face. Your skin will stay looking younger.
As we age, our skin becomes drier and, because of collagen loss, wrinkles form and texture is thinner. Skin care products that have hyaluronic acid help to plump your skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines. As a rule, less is more as we age.
As per beauty experts, your foundation must be one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. This is because when you use bronzer or contour then the foundation will blend it all together and give the perfect look to your face.
The main reason your makeup looks dry is that the underlying skin is dry, and your foundation lacks adequate moisturizer. It can also be caused by skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or even an allergic reaction to your makeup.
The biggest tip to making your makeup last and avoiding dry patches or flakes appearing throughout the day is to keep a face mist handy. "The best tip to keep your makeup smooth throughout the day during the winter is using a refreshing mist to help set the makeup," says Gene.
Do I apply concealer before or after foundation? Always apply your foundation first, unless you are using a powder foundation. Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes.
The first step is wetting your sponge. You should never use a makeup sponge dry to apply foundation, especially if it's a beautyblender, says Bartlett. She recommends squishing it under water about eight times until it's fully saturated.
Once you've found your cleanser, you've got to know how to use it. We suggest that for foundation brushes, you should simply place a bit of your chosen cleanser in your palm. Then, wet your brush bristles and swirl the brush around on your hand to loosen up the debris.