Dehydrated or dry skin can cause makeup to clump and cling into dry patches. Your face can look like it's peeling when you put on foundation. Oily skin can also cause makeup to split on the face. Following an appropriate skin care routine and preparing your skin before makeup application is an essential step.
You Need to Exfoliate
While moisturizing and priming play an important role in the end look of your foundation, Garshick says that exfoliation does, too. “Those who have a build-up of dead skin cells and don't exfoliate regularly may find their foundation appears cakey,” she says.
Applying too much foundation can actually draw attention to textured skin. To avoid a cakey appearance, apply foundation or concealer in thin layers and work up the coverage only in areas that require it. Tip: use patting motions instead of rubbing/buffing on the product.
“Textured or rough skin can cause patchy foundation as the product will settle in and emphasize any skin texture. It's best to gently exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant before the application to remove dead skin,” says Alex. A good rule of thumb is to use an exfoliant 2x a week.
When you use a full-coverage foundation or are too heavy-handed with your application, the makeup settles into the wrinkles, pronouncing them even more, says Josephine Fusco, a makeup artist and skincare expert. Stick with a light- or medium-coverage foundation.
Prep with primer.
As a cream product, primer evens out the skin texture, creating a smooth surface for your makeup. Using primer also prevents your makeup products from creating fine lines and creases—both signs of cakey makeup.
Kristen: First apply a primer before your foundation. This will help fill in any pores or lines and create a barrier between your skin and the foundation. Then use a makeup brush or sponge to blend the foundation into your skin, rather than rubbing it in.
Cause #1: Using Formulas That Don't Complement Each Other
Finding the right foundation for your skin type may seem like a no brainer, but you also need to find the right primer for your foundation. Just like oil and water don't mix, your primer and foundation won't wear well together if they have conflicting formulas.
"Sometimes, especially if you have a more oily complexion, a foundation can also oxidize in color when it reacts to your skin, making it look streaky and unnatural. Let your makeup set for a minute before moving onto other products to ensure it doesn't get darker."
Use a sponge to press the foundation into your skin.
That will help press it into your skin for a seamless, airbrushed look. Be sure to dampen your sponge with water before using it to apply your foundation. That keeps it from absorbing too much product and allows it to really diffuse the makeup for a flawless look.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
Use only a thin layer of primer (usually a pea-size blob for your entire face)—glob on too much, and your makeup can end up sliding around instead of melting into your skin. 3. Wait a full 60 seconds for your primer to “set” before slathering on your concealer and foundation.
One of the main missteps people make when it comes to priming is applying makeup too soon afterwards. As Phillips mentioned, you want to wait a full minute or more to allow the primer to dry completely before going in with makeup, as this will help to curb pilling or patchiness.
Let The Primer Dry Before Foundation
To avoid this situation, don't apply foundation after applying other products like creams or primers right away. Let the primer dry before putting on foundation. Wait about two to three minutes for the primer to soak into the skin before adding in another layer of makeup.
The most popular way to use a primer is before your foundation, and this is a fantastic method of creating a smoother-looking canvas. As the skincare ingredients treat your complexion, the smoothing makeup will create silky soft feeling skin that helps your face makeup glide on effortlessly.
Try using a balm or oil cleanser to remove makeup followed by a second gel, cream or milk cleanser - this is called 'double cleansing'. Watch the video below to learn more about finding the right cleanser for your skin type.
Makeup has a way of leaching the moisture from the skin, accentuating pores, and highlighting fine lines and wrinkles. So if your skin looks worse with foundation, this could be a major culprit. “Most skin types get dehydrated regardless of the oil they produce,” says Dorman.
The main reason why your foundation looks grey on your skin is because of the foundation shade you are using. If you pick a shade that is much lighter than your skin tone without having the same undertone, this will make your skin look dull and grey after application.
“Choose a water-based formula that has hydrating ingredients," like moisturizing glycerin or hyaluronic acid, Whelan advises. "Foundations that have sheer coverage and a dewy luminous finish work best with women who are concerned about lines and wrinkles." ✔️ Dewy foundations are better than matte.