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.
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.
As a cream product, primer evens out the skin texture, creating a smooth surface for your makeup. Using primer also prevents your makeup products from creating fine lines and creases—both signs of cakey makeup.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
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.
“Those who have a build-up of dead skin cells and don't exfoliate regularly may find their foundation appears cakey,” she says. As such, if you've been moisturizing and priming but still aren't satisfied with how your foundation is laying, it's worthwhile to add exfoliation to your pre-makeup prep.
Dead skin cells often cling to your face and form a rough layer, which does not allow the foundation to blend evenly on your face. Another primary cause of cakey makeup could be dehydrated skin or not using the right skin care or makeup products for your skin type.
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.
The general rule of thumb is that you should always opt for a shade lighter than foundation when choosing your concealer colour. Doing so helps to mask darker discolouration, but be careful not to over-correct! Knowing how to pick the right concealer is essential to ensuring that your look does not appear ghostly.
“You can't have a concealer that's too light,” she said, adding that women should choose concealer that's one to two shades lighter than the color of their foundation. “One to two shades … the right color blends itself. It makes a big difference."
Foundations are meant to make skin even and either luminous or matte, depending on skin type, and both of these formulas will do nothing to help you under your eyes. While it doesn't hurt to put foundation under your eyes, it certainly doesn't help. Skip this move and only add concealer and/or corrector under the eyes.
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.
Dab the foundation onto your face.
Using your fingers or the brush, dab the foundation all over your T-zone—your forehead, nose, and chin. Then, dab the foundation onto your cheeks. You can also apply foundation to other parts of your face that might need extra coverage, such as under your eyes or around your lips. 3.
Yes, many professional makeup artists and beauty gurus swear by applying liquid foundation with their fingers. This tactile approach provides a skin-like, natural makeup result since you're massaging the makeup onto your skin. Using your fingers works on all skin types and with both cream and liquid foundation.
Let The Primer Dry Before Foundation
To avoid this situation, don't apply foundation after applying other products like creams or primers right away. Let the primer dry before putting on foundation. Wait about two to three minutes for the primer to soak into the skin before adding in another layer of makeup.
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.
“If you have normal skin, a liquid foundation is great for you, and if you have dry skin a cream foundation is good for you.” “It's also the quality of the skin that determines the product,” adds celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter. “Many skin types can cross over between a liquid and a powder, or use either/or.
Use only a thin layer of primer (usually a pea-size blob for your entire face)—glob on too much, and your makeup can end up sliding around instead of melting into your skin. 3. Wait a full 60 seconds for your primer to “set” before slathering on your concealer and foundation.