Sometimes, the reason for cakey makeup is way too much product or not the right products, and other times, it has more to do with your actual skin, like skin that's too dry or too oily, or skin that hasn't been prepped properly.
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.
A great makeup application takes that texture into account—makeup won't look smooth if the surface under it isn't smooth. The right prep routine for you could be an AHA, a dewy moisturizer, or a mattifying primer—makeup artists use them all.
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.
Applying beauty products to dry skin or using too much product causes cakey makeup. However, hydrating your skin with nourishing skincare products, blending your makeup, removing excess product, and using a setting spray can help prevent your makeup from appearing cakey.
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.
If you're wondering, “why does my makeup look dry?” there are a few possible reasons. It could be that you need to exfoliate your skin, that you're using the wrong products, or that you're not applying your makeup correctly.
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.
Of the 10 makeup mistakes that make you look older, going overboard on concealer is one of the most obvious—and also one of the most correctible! While many of us get through our 20s with just concealer, mascara, and lip gloss, that simply doesn't cut it later in life.
Our top choice is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation, thanks to its excellent coverage, budge-proof formula, and impressive longevity. If you're looking for something that provides great coverage as well as skincare benefits, we recommend the KOSAS Revealer Skin Improving SPF 25 Foundation.
Sponges work best, for instance, with lightweight liquid formulas or stick foundations. Creamy, thick foundations would be better served with a brush (so you can buff out the edges for a more natural finish).
Textured skin is bumpy skin on the face that looks uneven. It is most often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells which give the appearance of an uneven skin texture. It can also be caused by the environment, as well as aging and acne scarring.
Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
Primer is often referred to as a base for Foundation or a Foundation primer. They are most commonly used to achieve a controlled matte finish. It isn't necessary to use a Primer before foundation, yet there are many benefits to adding this product into your makeup bag.
Dab, don't rub.
Whether you're using a foundation brush (synthetic bristles are best) or your fingertips, apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
As the name suggests, Milk's formula helps 'grip' the makeup to your skin, but the hyaluronic acid, aloe water formula stops it from getting dry and cakey. Plus it doesn't have that horrible greasy feeling like other long-wear primers that are packed with silicones.
Don't Forget Makeup Primer
“If you're an oily skin type, to prevent makeup from looking cakey, use a mattifying primer before foundation to help keep the oil from blending into the makeup and turning into a cakey puddle,” says Rivero.
Blend The Foundation Lighter Than You
When in doubt, always pick a shade that is slightly lighter than your complexion rather than darker. This can prevent your complexion from looking darker than the rest of your body. It is the safest way to go when unsure about two shades that may look too light or too dark.