Exfoliate at least once a week to eliminate dry skin cells so that the makeup can sit well on top of the skin. Apply a lightweight moisturizer and let it set before applying foundation. Use a smoothing primer to help to blur fine lines and wrinkles. Don't forget that less is more when it comes to applying foundation.
If your skin is dry, your foundation is more likely to cling to any dry patches and settle into wrinkles. So make sure to hydrate your skin well before applying foundation. Margina: Hydrating the skin plumps up the skin, which helps to keep makeup from settling into fine lines.
Prior to any application you should cleanse, moisturize, and prime. "Using an excessively greasy cream that sits on top of your skin might prevent your foundation from properly absorbing and drying down, which can cause it to settle into lines," says New York City-based makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor.
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 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.
Apply several dots of foundation onto your face with your fingers, then grab the stippling brush and dab the brush along your skin to blend everything in. You can build up your foundation until you get an even layer of coverage across your entire face, and add more depending on the coverage you desire.
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.
To apply foundation, start by dabbing small dots of foundation on your nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then, use a makeup sponge or brush to spread the foundation from the center of your face to the outer edges, including your hairline and jaw.
Thankfully, there's a few things you can do to stop makeup from settling in lines. Prepping your skin with lots of hydration is key. Lines deepen on dehydrated skin, increasing the chance that foundation will settle in them. Find a hydrating serum and moisturiser to help counteract this.
StriVectin's skin care infused LINEblurFECTOR Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer instantly fills and blurs the look of deep wrinkles while prolonging makeup wear.
“Whether you use brushes or your fingers is really down to personal preference,” says Alex Phillips, Pro Makeup Artist at Trinny London. “There's no right or wrong.
Is it good to put moisturizer on before foundation? Not only is it good, it's also a necessity. Moisturizer does two very important things: First, it smoothes skin's surface for a more even foundation or concealer application and can even help makeup to stay on longer.
One issue we tend to notice as we get older is products settling into fine lines and creases during the day. Caroline's advice is to “avoid matte foundations and don't overload the skin with powder. Keep your base light and only cover imperfections with an opaque concealer”.
Sprinkle recommends working with synthetic brushes if you're applying liquid foundations, as they're easier to sanitize, and create a smooth, even finish. "A sponge is great for sheering out creams and liquids," he adds. "However, keep in mind that it can absorb a lot of product."
Foundation Type
Where liquid foundations tend to fare best with buffing brushes, stippling brushes, and oval brushes, powder foundations apply best with fluffier, powder-centric brushes, as they help keep the coverage looking light and natural, as opposed to caked into pores.
Other reasons for cakey foundation include dry skin, not layering your makeup in the correct order, and not using the right skin care products. Skipping out on exfoliation is another factor that can cause cakiness. Always make sure you prep your skin by exfoliating and moisturizing to help makeup go on smoothly.
You don't need to dampen your brush before applying foundation, as makeup brushes can be used dry. However, many people with dry skin like to spray their makeup brushes with a face mist before applying foundation, which can help give the skin a dewy finish.
I like to use brushes for application when I want to focus on a detail area, or when I want to use a sheer finish and give a wash over the skin. If the skin is really dry, I only use damp brushes when applying. Generally speaking, sponges can give more coverage, while brushes can be more sheer.”
So, do you use concealer before or after foundation? The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply your concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
A thick layer of makeup is more prone to sliding off your face throughout the day because it just can't adhere as well to skin. If you have oily skin, try an absorbent mattifying foundation primer before you apply your sunscreen and foundation.
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).