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.
“Try applying foundation and lip products in thin layers so that it all sets properly without looking cakey,” says Williamson. Using a makeup primer before your foundation also sets a smooth, radiant base for your makeup to sit on and layer upon.
Using too much product. According to experts, this is the most common cause of cakey foundation. When you apply too much product you risk overlaying it, making your skin look patchy, textured and opaque.
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.
If you've ever thought your makeup makes you look more wrinkled, it might be by virtue of dehydrated skin. 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.
Applying a layer of product underneath your foundation may sound counterintuitive to creating a cake-free finish, but a lightweight primer can help smooth skin.
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.
Top picks for glowing skin are hyaluronic acid (found in Miracle Touch Foundation), vitamin C (putting the 'radiant' in Radiant Lift Concealer), and cucumber (in Lasting Performance Setting Spray). These makeup must-haves work over-time to keep your complexion dreamy and dewy.
Always Use Primer Or Moisturiser Before Foundation
Before applying foundation, it's best to layer the skin first with either a primer or a moisturizer. Not only does a primer makes your makeup even-toned but allows it to stay for longer hours too.
L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
It has been formulated specifically not to settle into lines, its lightweight blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe hydrates as it helps skin look more even. And we're never mad at a little extra sun protection atop our usual sunscreen: SPF 50, to be exact.
Uneven skin texture
Uneven skin texture can come in many forms, from under-the-skin bumps, to large, visible pores, or fine lines and wrinkles, all of which can contribute to foundation not sitting smoothly on the skin.
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.
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).
Apply your base in thin layers
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.
If you've every admired a celebrity's makeup, you've probably wondered what foundation they use. Celebrity-loved foundations include options from notable brands like Giorgio Armani, Dior, and BareMinerals.
Even if you prefer dewy looks over matte ones, setting powder applied strategically (in the T-zone, for example) can absorb excess oil and keep products in place longer, according to Medhin.
Dry, uneven or dehydrated skin is not going to work here. If you regularly cleanse, exfoliate (this is huge) and moisturize, then you have a better chance of achieving the look. This is a good habit to have whether you want the dewy look or not, so get to it!