Four Reasons Why Your Foundation Looks Cakey and How to Fix it.

The frustration that comes with a cakey face! Ugh! Imagine looking like you have a mask on after spending a good amount of time trying to perfect your makeup–so annoying! I know. But don’t worry, this article is written solely to help you understand why you’re likely having this experience and how to avoid cakey makeup.

Below are possible reasons why your foundation is cakey and suggestion(s) on how to correct them.

Four Reasons Why Your Foundation Looks Cakey

1. Lack of face prep: Gone are those days applying makeup starts with the face primer. Presently, you can’t get the best out of your makeup application without a face prep. What does a face prep involve? Cleansing, toning, applying face oil and serum and finally moisturizer application. You can learn more about it here. A face prep procedure hydrates your face and allows for a smooth foundation application.

How to fix it: Before your foundation application, make sure you do at least three of these:

Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type.

Tone: Use a mild non-astringent face toner to remove any leftover dirt on your face.

Face oil: Apply face oil to keep your face hydrated.

Serum: Apply your serum.

Moisturizer: Lock in your serum with a hydrating moisturizer.

A face prep before makeup is essential for a flawless makeup (Image Credit: Lovepik)

If you’ll be staying outdoors much longer during the day, kindly follow up with a SPF before your primer.

2. Applying excess foundation: Applying more than enough foundation on your face will definitely result in a cakey makeup. And this one the common cause of cakey foundation look. I know you apply your foundation this way with the intention of having a full coverage and sometimes to cover discolorations. But, there are better ways to get a full coverage and cover those discolorations.

How to fix it: The best advice for foundation application is to build it up. Don’t apply so much initially and try to blot out the excesses. Rather, apply a thin layer at first, blend it out and see if more is needed or not. If more is needed, simply apply another small portion and blend out. This way, you can control the amount you have on your face.

Another tip is to get a foundation with medium to full coverage. With this type of foundation, you just need a small amount to get a full coverage. An example is the MAC Studio Fix Fluid.

Also, to cover your face discolorations, a concealer or corrector might be needed depending on what you’re trying to hide. And this might only be necessary if the foundation doesn’t cover those discolorations.

3. Using the wrong foundation formula: It’s good to know that there are makeup foundations for the most common skin types (oily, combination, dry and sensitive). Your foundation can become cakey if you use the wrong formula on your face.

How to fix it: First, you need to determine your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, or sensitive? Next, get the right formula for your skin. For oily and combination skin, a mattifying foundation works best. For dry skin, a hydrating foundation is perfect. For sensitive skin, mineral based foundation is highly recommended.

4. Inappropriate makeup controlling products: I know you’ve been told to carry an extra powder in your purse for touch-ups during the day, which isn’t wrong by the way. But, what powder are you using?

Another makeup controlling technique is the use of setting spray. Do you know using the wrong setting spray for your skin can also lead to cakey makeup?

How to fix it: For powder touch-ups, using a blotting powder, rather than your regular powder. An example is the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder.

A face powder touch-up (GIf Credit: Gifer)

For your setting spray, use an oil-absorbing spray if you have oily skin. A face mist if you have dry or sensitive skin.

What have I covered in this article?

Your cakey foundation or makeup might be a result of: lack of face prep before makeup, applying excess foundation, using the wrong foundation formula and inappropriate makeup controlling products.

You can fix these issues from the former to latter by:

• Doing a routine face prep before makeup application.
• Applying your foundation in layers.
• Identifying your skin type and getting a suitable foundation.
• Use a blotting powder to touch-up during the day.