Prior to any application you should cleanse, moisturize, and prime. "Using an excessively greasy cream that sits on top of your skin might prevent your foundation from properly absorbing and drying down, which can cause it to settle into lines," says New York City-based makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor.
Exfoliate at least once a week to eliminate dry skin cells so that the makeup can sit well on top of the skin. Apply a lightweight moisturizer and let it set before applying foundation. Use a smoothing primer to help to blur fine lines and wrinkles. Don't forget that less is more when it comes to applying foundation.
L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
It has been formulated specifically not to settle into lines, its lightweight blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe hydrates as it helps skin look more even.
StriVectin's skin care infused LINEblurFECTOR Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer instantly fills and blurs the look of deep wrinkles while prolonging makeup wear.
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.
"Lightweight makeup, such as BB creams, tinted moisturizers or airbrush makeup is great for giving coverage without accentuating fine lines and wrinkles," says Kiralee Hubbard, a makeup artist and founder of Aeroblend Airbrush Makeup.
Schlessinger says. “It can provide a smoother finish, whereas powder foundation can sometimes emphasize texture on the skin, making acne or rosacea look more pronounced.” Because powder foundation can sometimes settle into lines and wrinkles, liquid foundation formulas tend to be favored for mature skin.
A liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer is most likely to compliment a maturing complexion. Unlike powder formulas, liquid foundations are less likely to settle into your pores and fine lines. They're more flattering for aging skin, as they possess hydrating properties to naturally create that coveted dewy finish.
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.
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.
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.
“The best finish for anyone that is concerned with wrinkles is a creamy, dewy skin,” says Sadsad. Matte finishes can look dull on the skin and draw attention to a wrinkled surface. It's also important to make sure your skin is well hydrated before you layer foundation over the top. Especially around the eye area.
When it comes to the best foundation to hide wrinkles, you want something sheer and hydrating, say, like BOUNCE Liquid Whip Foundation. Our weightless, buildable, full-coverage foundation gives you a natural matte finish that wears for up to 24 hours without clinging to fine lines or wrinkles.
This pressed powder leaves a smooth, matte finish and is available in a translucent shade. It's talc-free, and it contains shea butter to nourish the skin. The powder is finely milled, and it's easy to apply without looking cakey. It doesn't settle into fine lines or pores and helps control shine.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
Use a concealer that won't sit heavily on your skin.
Look for products that say “light coverage” and “wrinkle-reducing” to keep your skin looking smooth and soft. With a concealer, less is more. Try to focus on areas that really need it, like your under eyes, and keep it off the rest of your skin.
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.