How to keep your makeup from looking cakey

What can I do to keep my makeup from looking so cakey? I’m about to give up on foundation altogether.

It’s frustrating to take time to apply your makeup just so, only to have it end up looking almost worse than if you wore nothing. There are a few reasons why this might be happening.

Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you know what a challenge it can be to keep makeup looking fresh. The key is the right product in the right amount. If you need more coverage from your foundation, choose one with moderate coverage designed for oily skin and blot with oil-absorbing sheets, rather than layering on foundation, concealer, and powder, which just turns into a cakey mess. If your skin doesn’t need much coverage, stick to a light application of tinted moisturizer, or swipe on a little oil-absorbing pressed powder.

Dry Skin
Dry skin is tricky because foundation, and powder in particular, can cake up on flaky patches and make your skin look drier. Before putting on makeup, make sure you are exfoliating with a gentle scrub to remove any dead or dull skin, and apply moisturizer. Since dry skin doesn’t need oil control, skip using powder and opt for a light liquid foundation, or a cream compact (we like CoverGirl Simply Ageless Anti-Aging Foundation.).  Also, be careful not to use too much concealer under the eyes, as that has a tendency to settle into fine lines. If you have dark circles, try a small dab of Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer.

Acne
Covering blemishes is both an art and a science, and less is absolutely more. One of our favorite products for covering acne is Bare Escentuals Blemish Therapy, a loose powder concealer and treatment in one. A few swipes with the included brush helps conceal, and it’s lightweight so it won’t cake.


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