Why do my wrinkles show more with foundation?

Author: Josianne Predovic  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Using a full-coverage foundation or applying too heavily accentuates wrinkles by settling into them. You can choose a foundation that has a light to medium coverage but is more importantly hydrating. By applying it with a damp beauty blender, you will give your foundation a sheerer, more flawless appearance.

How do I keep my foundation from showing wrinkles?

Opt for Lightweight Formulas: Look for foundations labeled as ``hydrating,'' ``dewy,'' or ``luminous.'' Avoid heavy or matte formulas that can settle into wrinkles. Consider Tinted Moisturizers or BB Creams: These provide lighter coverage and often have moisturizing properties.

Why does foundation make me look wrinkly?

The foundation itself has a formulaic consistency that dries/suffocates your skin cells leading to settling in fine lines - this typically happens with alcohol-based ingredients that act as preservatives in cosmetics. I would recommend trading in the foundation for something with lighter coverage, or a BB/CC cream.

How do you make wrinkles less noticeable with makeup?

Conceal Problem Areas: Use a creamy, hydrating concealer to spot-conceal areas with deep lines or wrinkles. Apply the concealer directly to the lines and gently blend it out using a makeup sponge or fingertip. Avoid applying too much product, as this can make lines appear more prominent.

Why does foundation make my face look older?

Your skin may be dehydrated, makeup tends to dry out the skin, and when the skin is dehydrated, it can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, making you look older. You might be used to seeing yourself without makeup, so when you wear makeup, it can create a contrast that makes you feel like you look older.

How to STOP Under Eye Concealer Creasing! Mature Skin

Does mature skin look better without foundation?

Although it may be counterintuitive, it is better to apply less makeup as you age, rather than more. You may feel like more lines and wrinkles need more coverage, but heavy foundations and cream blushes tend to sink into creases in the skin, thus exaggerating their appearance.

Why does foundation not look good on my face?

“A lot of how a foundation looks on the skin has to do with how we prep the skin to receive makeup,” says professional makeup artist, Lori Taylor Davis. “If the skin surface is dehydrated, textured, [or simply] not at its best, this can change how makeup lays on the skin.

What do makeup artists use to fill in wrinkles?

– Hollywood's top makeup artists use Dermaflage Topical Filler to turn back time. This innovative silicone wrinkle filler was expertly developed by special effects makeup pros who demand the best wrinkle filler with results that look like real skin, even up-close and in real life.

Should you put foundation under your eyes?

To avoid drawing unwanted attention to the area, many makeup artists would recommend not applying too much, if any, foundation around the eye. Instead, they suggest using a hydrating, lightweight concealer that has been designed specifically for the under eye area.

What makes wrinkles less visible?

Wash your face and moisturize.

Moisturizing traps water in the skin. Moisturizers often have active ingredients that are intended to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Look for ingredients such as retinol, niacinamide and vitamin C. Many such products also come with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in them.

Does primer fill in wrinkles?

DOES FACE PRIMER FILL IN WRINKLES? No – the purpose of primer is not to fill in wrinkles, but rather to blur their appearance. Applying a makeup primer helps to smooth the look of the complexion and provides a flattering, blurring effect that bends and bounces light when it hits the skin.

What type of foundation is best for wrinkles?

Tulve recommends choosing liquid foundations as they "act more like a second skin." Overall, finding a buildable-coverage formula with skin-plumping, fine-line-minimizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane is the key to a flawless, crease-free base.

How do people get that smooth foundation look?

8 Tips for Flawless Foundation Application
  • Start with a clean canvas. ...
  • Take the time to prime. ...
  • Be conservative. ...
  • Work from the inside out. ...
  • Stipple, don't rub. ...
  • Don't forget your ears! ...
  • Set it and forget it. ...
  • Stack concealer only where needed.

Why does foundation enhance my wrinkles?

Using heavy foundations inappropriately can cause creases to sink into the skin, making you look older. So, opt for lightweight formulas. Also, applying highlighter after blush can make you potentially look older because it can make wrinkles and fine lines more prominent.

What to put under foundation?

  1. Step 1: Moisturizer. Before you begin applying your makeup, take the time to prep your skin with a high-quality moisturizer. ...
  2. Step 2: Primer. ...
  3. Step 3: Liquid Foundation. ...
  4. Step 4: Concealer. ...
  5. Step 5: Foundation Powder. ...
  6. Step 6: Bronzer. ...
  7. Step 7: Blush. ...
  8. Step 8: Highlighter.

What is the best Dewy foundation?

  • Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation. ...
  • YSL NU Bare Look Tint. ...
  • Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. ...
  • Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation. ...
  • Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream. ...
  • Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation. ...
  • Lisa Eldridge The Seamless Skin Foundation. ...
  • Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer. Saie.

How to disguise deep wrinkles?

10 Ways to Hide Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Makeup
  1. #1 Step up Your Moisturizing Habits—Hydrated Skin Is Youthful Skin.
  2. #2 Eye Cream Is the Holy Grail—Hide Creases in the Eye Area.
  3. #3 Use an Age-Defying Primer—Create a Smoother Surface.
  4. #4 Lighten Up on the Foundation—or Swap It with a CC Cream.

Which goes on first, concealer or foundation?

Typically, applying foundation first creates a more even canvas, making it easier to identify areas needing extra coverage. However, starting with concealer can be effective for skin requiring colour correction or coverage on specific blemishes.

How to stop makeup settling in wrinkles under eyes?

Opt for a lightweight, creamy concealer that is formulated for the under-eye area. Lightweight concealers are more flexible and less likely to settle into creases. Avoid heavy, matte formulas that can settle into fine lines and emphasise creases.

How do you apply foundation so it doesn't settle into wrinkles?

Apply Makeup Primer

Along with hydrated and plumped skin, you'll want to apply a makeup primer to prevent foundation and concealer from settling into lines or smudging throughout the day.

Is there anything to fill in deep wrinkles?

Fillers. Wrinkles that remain at rest may require filler to fill in or lift skin with deep wrinkles. Prominent folds around your mouth, nose and chin are the most commonly treated. Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar polymer, is the most common filler.

How to stop foundation from settling in wrinkles?

After you apply your makeup, using a makeup finishing or setting spray is also an excellent idea. These work by melting the layers together into one more cohesive layer of product that's less likely to crease.

What makes foundation look flawless?

USE A BEAUTY BLENDER OR A BRUSH

It really makes the biggest difference in how your foundation looks. The key is to use it damp. Apply foundation to the blender and then bounce it over your face. A good blending brush is also amazing at making your foundation look flawless and airbrushed.

What is the best makeup primer?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer, $42.
  • Best Firming: Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer, $29.
  • Best Glowy: Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, $46.
  • Best Moisturizer: Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, $38.

How can I look better without foundation?

9 Step No Foundation Makeup Look
  1. Step 1: Start with skincare. ...
  2. Step 2: Prime your skin. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply tinted moisturizer or skin tint. ...
  4. Step 4: Touch up with concealer. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply blush. ...
  6. Step 6: Illuminate with highlighter. ...
  7. Step 7: Swipe on mascara. ...
  8. Step 8: Fill in your brows.

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