“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.”
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.
This usually means your skincare products underneath are clashing. Always leave enough time for your serums and moisturisers to dry between layers. Applying hydrating serums to damp skin can also help. If foundation separation is your issue, try to use products with similar textures.
The main reason your makeup looks dry is that the underlying skin is dry, and your foundation lacks adequate moisturizer. It can also be caused by skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or even an allergic reaction to your makeup.
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.
Over time, dead skin cells and impurities build up on your skin. If exfoliation isn't part of your regular skin care routine, this build-up can cause your foundation to apply unevenly and separate throughout the day.
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.
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.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
A liquid foundation is better for textured skin as its hydrating formula can keep flakiness away. Liquid foundations provide a smoother finish, whereas powder foundations often highlight your skin's texture.
Does primer reduce texture? Yes, smoothing primers reduce bumpy texture and the appearance of uneven skin tone. They soften fine lines and wrinkles, and cover acne scars.
Cosmetic acne occurs when makeup such as liquid foundation, makeup primers, cream blushes and cream bronzers cause a blockage in the pores resulting in bacteria growth that can lead to breakouts.
Cream and liquid foundations are more likely to give the polka dot pores effect. If none of these formulas are working for you, try to use powder instead of liquid foundations as they can look better on people with big pores. To get a natural look, mix your foundation and moisturizer.
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.
Textured skin is bumpy skin on the face that looks uneven. It is most often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells which give the appearance of an uneven skin texture. It can also be caused by the environment, as well as aging and acne scarring.
Applying Primer Immediately After Moisturizer Or Serums
"You don't need to apply primer—or makeup—all over in the summer, especially when it's hot and humid," she explains. This also applies to your foundation, as adding this "immediately after your primer can lead to a patchy, blotchy finish.
Using too much product. According to experts, this is the most common cause of cakey foundation. When you apply too much product you risk overlaying it, making your skin look patchy, textured and opaque.
Uneven skin texture
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.
Bhatty likes to use moisturizer to make her own bespoke foundation—the moisturizer essentially thins out the foundation formula to get the most natural coverage. "The best way to do this is to add a drop or two of your foundation to your moisturizer," she says.
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.