"Sometimes, especially if you have a more oily complexion, a foundation can also oxidize in color when it reacts to your skin, making it look streaky and unnatural. Let your makeup set for a minute before moving onto other products to ensure it doesn't get darker."
After picking the right brush, how you use it also makes all the difference. The trick is to avoid sweeping motions; instead, apply the product on your skin and then use a soft, circular buffing motion to blend it into the skin. Keep the strokes small and quick. This will prevent those strokes on your face.
Why? Because brush bristles tend to leave little streaks and lines on your face, and your fingers/hands are unable to buff, blend, or distribute foundation in a way that looks natural.
There are many reasons why your makeup can separate on your face. We've all experienced foundation that looks patchy which can be frustrating. Applying foundation on dry or dehydrated skin, choosing the wrong foundation type or using the wrong makeup primer can all cause the makeup to break up on the skin.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Just don't pack them both on, “A common mistake people make is using powder foundation on top of a liquid foundation,” Major says. This can result in a cakey finish. Mature skin or dry skin types should reach for a liquid foundation, as powder foundation can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Tapered foundation brushes are usually flat, less full in form, with a gentle taper. These brushes are best for liquid foundation and other liquid products.
Do I apply concealer before or after foundation? Always apply your foundation first, unless you are using a powder foundation. Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes.
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).
One of the main missteps people make when it comes to priming is applying makeup too soon afterwards. 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.
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.
Always give it enough time to set before you jump in with powder, so like four or five minutes, because if your foundation is still wet when you apply your powder, all sorts of terrible, horrible, frightening things happen…
It isn't necessary to use a Primer before foundation, yet there are many benefits to adding this product into your makeup bag. It all depends on your skin-type, skin concerns and the skin-finish that you desire.
Setting powder should be applied after foundation and concealer, but before blusher and bronzer, to help set your base makeup in place and keep oiliness at bay.