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Having cakey makeup is a concern for most of us. Cakey makeup is an undesirable but unwillingly accepted element of applying makeup on your face every day, no matter how bad things are going.
Why does my foundation look cakey and dry? Several factors might lead to the cakey makeup look while applied, including applying a primer that is either too thick or too thin. Here are a few pointers to keep your foundation from splitting!
Why Does My Foundation look Cakey?
Several things can contribute to the cakeyness of foundation, an over-layered foundation appearance that we’ve all seen. Dead skin on the skin could be the main reason because when you have dead skin cells sticking to your face, it creates a rough-textured layer that your makeup can’t smooth over, resulting in cakeyness.
Other possibilities are excessive dryness or dehydration, improper skincare or makeup application, and simply wearing too much foundation and concealer. Finally, the most common mistake is applying powder before or after foundation or not pausing long enough between each stage of the application process.
How Can You Minimize The Possibility Of Cakeyness?
First, apply your skincare (particularly serums, gels, and moisturizers) at least 5 – 10 minutes before applying your primer – if possible, wait for a full half-hour. Then, using a sponge or brush instead of your fingers, apply your primer smoothly.
Make sure to choose a primer that will smooth out your skin, as they tend to include silicon and are therefore easier to spot. Ensure you’re applying evenly and going into hard-to-reach areas like the bridge of your nose.
It’s now time to set your foundation on. A few tips can help you distinguish between cakey makeup and a smooth, even-looking application. First, choose a foundation with good coverage from the start (if that’s what you want, obviously) so that you don’t have to apply too many layers. After all, the more layers there are, the cakier look may get, right?
Dab your foundation onto your skin using a makeup sponge. Using a sponge and bouncing motions prevents streaking and, once again, removes friction, which may easily lead to cakey makeup. Initially, only use one layer and observe how it looks before adding another.
Concealer is your next best friend if you want to prevent looking cakey. A light yet full-coverage concealer (yes, they do exist) can be used instead of doubling down on your thick foundation. To keep the product from becoming overly heavy, focus only on areas of significance like T-Zone or around the mouth.
Finally, remember the fundamental rule of perfect makeup: never, ever, ever layer powder and foundation! This is an excellent trick for oily skin, but it’s a sure way to make your face seem cakey. Apply a light, setting powder that won’t affect the color of your foundation once you finish with your liquid products. Hands off of any liquids and lotions after you’re done!
