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.
Uneven skin texture can come in many forms, from under-the-skin bumps, to large, visible pores, or fine lines and wrinkles, all of which can contribute to foundation not sitting smoothly on the skin.
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.
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.
Foundation Type
Where liquid foundations tend to fare best with buffing brushes, stippling brushes, and oval brushes, powder foundations apply best with fluffier, powder-centric brushes, as they help keep the coverage looking light and natural, as opposed to caked into pores.
Before applying your foundation, it's suggested that you dampen it with water—using setting spray instead will better lock in your foundation. The moisture from the setting spray will help with the blending and smoothing of the foundation evenly across your face.
After cleansing and applying your moisturizer, it's time to apply your product. If you're using a liquid foundation, you can apply your foundation two different ways. The first option is to pour some foundation onto the back of your hand, then dab the brush into the product as you need.
“Applying too much product can lead to an uneven application—especially if you are using a powder-finish product. Too many layers of powder finish tend to make the skin look textured/dry. Also, the layers tend to repel each other, creating a blotchy appearance and camera flashback.”
Now that your skin is well moisturized, prep your face with primer. Whether you're planning on applying a light coat of foundation or a full face of makeup, primer is an important first step. Using primer under your makeup will make your look last longer.
You should always apply your primer after moisturising, but before foundation. "Start in the centre of the face and blend outwards, and add more in oily areas (if you have any) as this will help to combat the shine throughout the day."
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.
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.
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.
If your makeup is too light, you will look ashy or as if you have a gray cast on your skin. If the formula is too dark, it can make your complexion look muddy. Look for the shade that disappears into your skin most is your right match.
Use a silicone-based foundation primer.
Even if you've washed, exfoliated, and moisturized your face, your pores may still look large. Applying a silicone-based foundation primer can fill in your pores, so they aren't as noticeable and you have a smooth canvas to apply your foundation over.
Make sure your skin is well-prepped with a serum, moisturiser and smoothing primer before you start applying your base. Applying these products before your foundation helps to create a smooth canvas for your makeup to glide onto and prevents makeup from settling into pores and emphasising them.