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.
If your foundation looks white and chalky after application, then you've not blended it well. Cakey foundation can also be due to the wrong foundation shade. To avoid this issue, choose a foundation shade darker for a more natural finish. Make sure that you allow the foundation to dry before applying another coat.
The main reason your makeup looks dry is that the underlying skin is dry, and your foundation lacks adequate moisturizer. It can also be caused by skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or even an allergic reaction to your makeup.
If your foundation looks cakey after you've applied it, then you're not done blending. Use your damp Beautyblender to gently stamp your foundation (or BB cream, or tinted moisturizer) into your skin over and over again until it has basically set (about three minutes).
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.
Don't Paint, Buff
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.
Use a Makeup Sponge
The damp sponge adds a bit of extra hydration to your skin and prevents the makeup from settling into lines or clinging onto dry patches.
So why does your makeup look dry and bad? The answer is simple! It's all in the application process and the combination of products you are using. Applying a full coverage foundation on dehydrated skin or using the wrong primer can make your foundation look flaky.
“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.
PRO TIP: Make sure to apply a small amount of powder as you only need a tiny bit to set your makeup. If you use too much, your makeup can look dry and cakey.
Applying foundation in thin layers can give you more coverage without making your skin look cakey. It also helps prevent any creasing of makeup throughout the day so that your face always looks fresh and natural. This technique will give your skin full coverage that lasts longer.
Oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells stack up on the surface level of the skin, which leads to texture that shows through when makeup is applied. Exfoliate your skin at least two times a week to keep skin smooth so that your makeup lasts longer.
Pick a foundation as per your skin type and offers full coverage lasting for 24 hours. This gives your skin a smooth texture and makeup will last longer.
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.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
The first step is wetting your sponge. You should never use a makeup sponge dry to apply foundation, especially if it's a beautyblender, says Bartlett. She recommends squishing it under water about eight times until it's fully saturated. Then, wring out the excess water.
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.
Leave the powder on your face for 5-10 minutes. Your body heat will allow the makeup to “bake” or oxidize, while the powder soaks up excess oil and ensures the makeup underneath doesn't crease or budge.
Should You Use a Setting Spray or a Setting Powder? While powders tend to work better for oily skin and setting sprays for dry skin, “if you really want to set and extend the life of your makeup, I recommend using both a loose powder and a setting spray,” Almodovar explains.