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.”
Clogged Pores
If you are applying makeup on a regular basis and leaving it on your skin for a long time, there are chances that your skin pores get clogged. This does not let your skin breathe, making it prone to acne, bumps and other facial skin problems. You may notice bumps around your eyes as well.
You're Using Too Much Product
“Applying too much product can lead to an uneven application—especially if you are using a powder-finish product. Too many layers of powder finish tend to make the skin look textured/dry. Also, the layers tend to repel each other, creating a blotchy appearance and camera flashback.”
If you applied too much foundation, there's no need to panic. Simply grab a tissue and dab it on your face, focusing on the areas where there is too much foundation. The tissue should immediately absorb the excess product. Be careful not to rub or scratch your face.
Apply just a dab of foundation on each side of your nose, and in the center of your forehead and chin, then blend outward. After blending, see if there are any other spots where blemishes are visible and apply a light layer of foundation to those specific areas.
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.
If your face appears too bright or white, then it means you have got too much foundation on your face and that doesn't even match your skin tone.
According to her, it's A-okay to put moisturizer on over your foundation—as long as you're doing it the right way. "Pat an oil based moisturizer on top, which will protect your skin," she says, noting that the same goes for an oil.
Let your foundation set
Let the foundation set for 3-5 minutes. Take a tissue, and blot all over your face, avoiding the nose if you have large pores. Pay special attention to the eyelids, lines under the eyes, and the corners of the eyes (where excess product will definitely have creased and collected).
The right foundation shade should match your skin's undertone. While your skin tone is how light or dark your skin is, the 'undertone' refers to the colours under the surface of your skin and can be warm, cool, or neutral. While your skin tone may change with the seasons, your undertone should remain consistent.
“If you feel like your foundation is looking too heavy, add a dab of moisturizer and rub it onto skin in small circles with fingertips or a kabuki brush,” says Flowers. “Then use a damp sponge to blot any excess product off,” she adds.
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.
Meredith Duxbury set the record straight about her viral foundation technique, in which she slathers an excessive amount of product onto her skin.
“First of all, know that your face is not a wall, so you don't need to apply foundation evenly everywhere. That's when it'd look unnatural, heavy, and flat. Apply it only to where you need, and always be sure to avoid putting it over areas with lines, like smile lines, since that would bring them out even more.”
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.
Always give your moisturizer time (as long as 15 minutes) to absorb into your skin before applying foundation. Otherwise, you can end up with a streaky mess.
How long to wait between primer and moisturizer. Ginger recommends waiting at least one minute after moisturizing before applying makeup primer. If you experience a doughy texture or any pilling, she says, then you've put in on too quickly.
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. Another mistake people make is choosing a primer that's wrong for their skin type.
When it comes to foundation issues, what you should look for is gaps between planks, growing cracks along exterior walls and space between the siding and window or door frames. These gaps and cracks can also invite in more moisture or pests, which can compound your issues.
If you have a warm complexion, go with a foundation shade that has yellow, gold, or peach undertones. And if your complexion is on the cool side, a foundation with pink undertones is your best bet. Those with neutral undertones should look for a foundation shade with both gold and pink tones.
For an airbrushed finish, choosing the right foundation finish is key. A matte foundation is usually your best bet because it reflects less light, which makes pores less obvious and gives your skin a smoother look. It also cuts down on shine, so your makeup will look smooth and flawless as long as possible.
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.