You Haven't Properly Exfoliated in a Long Time “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.
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.
A creamy concealer is one of the best ways to treat the dry patches that re-appear after applying the foundation. To use a concealer to treat dry patches, apply it over the affected area and gently dab with a finger to blend it. To avoid any mess, do not use a sponge or a makeup brush to blend the concealer.
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.
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.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
Another method of dewy-fying your foundation is to take a small amount of moisturiser and apply it over the makeup with either a sponge or fingers, using a light patting motion. Be extra gentle when doing this, as you don't want the foundation to move around or separate.
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.
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.
Apply a drop of oil free moisturizer to the pot with a Q-tip or toothpick. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then gently stir. This should moisten the product and get it up and running again.
Use a matte setting powder to lock your foundation and concealer into place. Concentrate the translucent powder in the T-Zone and other regions prone to getting oily. It absorbs oils as and when it begins to appear on the surface, which prevents the foundation from dissolving and the concealer from creasing.
Add a Highlighter
Instead of mixing a skincare formula into your foundation, mix two drops of a liquid highlighter with your foundation and apply it to the skin with your fingers or a damp beauty blender. It'll instantly give your skin a luminous finish, without looking greasy.
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.
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.
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.
Cause #1: Using Formulas That Don't Complement Each Other
Finding the right foundation for your skin type may seem like a no brainer, but you also need to find the right primer for your foundation. Just like oil and water don't mix, your primer and foundation won't wear well together if they have conflicting formulas.
Oil- For people with dry skin, mixing a foundation with one to two drops of jojoba oil will make the foundation apply smoothly over any dry spots. For people with acne-prone skin, a drop or two of tea tree oil will make your foundation into an acne-fighting foundation.
The main reason why your foundation looks grey on your skin is because of the foundation shade you are using. If you pick a shade that is much lighter than your skin tone without having the same undertone, this will make your skin look dull and grey after application.