Without giving it a second thought or glance, you grab a new foundation (or maybe even one you’ve been using) and apply it, only to discover that your face looks patchy.
We have all had to deal with a patchy makeup look at one time or the other, and this could be due to the foundation itself or the facial skin.
This article will cover why your makeup looks patchy and how to fix it.
What Causes Patchy Makeup Look?
A few things could be causing your foundation to look patchy, cakey, or dry. I made a list of the common mistakes you may have made when applying your makeup.
1. Don’t Skip Skin Preparation
Makeup artists would recommend performing a proper skincare routine before using any face makeup products for a reason.
Preparing the skin before applying makeup significantly affects how a foundation appears on the skin.
Layering a foundation on facial skin that is dry and scaly will result in a patchy makeup look. The smoother and well moisturized your skin is, the better your makeup looks.
2. Your Primer Isn’t Dry
Pre-foundation primers should be applied after serums and moisturizers have had time to dry.
Always wait a moment after applying skincare products or primers before applying foundation. Before applying foundation, you can also reapply any moisturizer or primer from areas that didn’t absorb or set. As a result, caking and pilling are prevented.
3. Wrong Application of Moisturizer
It’s crucial to use a moisturizer and apply it correctly.
Use a decent hydrator (water-based lotion) before applying a more nourishing cream to help the skin appear more plump and nourished.
The even skin tone and moisture make for the ideal foundation surface.
4. Dead Skin BuildUp
Exfoliating is just as crucial to the final appearance of your foundation as moisturizing and priming.
Those who don’t routinely exfoliate their skin have a buildup of dead skin cells and may notice that their makeup seems cakey.
Exfoliating in your pre-makeup routine is necessary, especially if you’ve been hydrating and priming but are still unhappy with the makeup outlook.
Furthermore, there are only so many correct approaches. Incorporate Exfoliating acids into your skincare regimen to help gently remove dead skin cells by dissolving them, or choose a physical exfoliant.
5. You’re Donning the Incorrect Color
Sometimes the type of foundation you’re wearing matters more than how well your skin is prepped.
Choosing the wrong foundation color might cause caking since it makes you look odd and caked.
It’s vital to consider your undertones while choosing your foundation to prevent the caked look.
Knowing if your complexion is cool, warm, or neutral is essential to pick the foundation that best suits your skin tone.
There are various hues to pick from because many makeup companies have realized how different skin tones are.
6. The Formula You’re Using Is Not Suitable for Your Skin Type
When choosing your foundation, it’s crucial to consider your skin type and skin tone.
The correct formula for your skin type helps avoid the patchy makeup look.
People with dry skin benefit from liquid formulas containing moisturizing elements like hyaluronic acid.
Similarly, people with more inflamed skin (acne, redness, etc.) and people with more matted skin may benefit from color-correcting foundations.
7. Using Too Many Products
It’s also possible that you’re using too much foundation, which is the most frequent cause of the cakey face look.
When using a product with a powder finish, applying too much product can result in an uneven application. The skin can appear rough or dry if there are too many layers of a powder finish, giving the effect of flaws and camera flashbacks.
8. Using The Wrong Formula For Your Lifestyle
Finding a foundation that can withstand vigorous activity is crucial if you enjoy wearing foundation and moving about quickly.
Finding a foundation that fits your lifestyle is crucial to fixing a patchy makeup look. The liquid foundation offers long-lasting, buildable coverage that is sweat-resistant, has a natural finish, and is simple to use.
9. You did not establish your foundation.
Use a setting product to guarantee that your foundation continues to look its best.
When using a setting powder, be cautious about where and how much you use it. Dip your brush into the loose powder, give it a friendly tap, and then push and roll the brush over areas of roughness or oiliness.
The rest of the face should then be covered by pressing and rolling the brush. Use the same brush to remove any remaining powder from the face if there is any.
How To Fix Patchy Foundation
With the understanding of what causes patchy foundation, the next set of tips will show you how to get rid of patchy foundation effectively.
1. Blend till evenly distributed
Start by dotting the foundation over your face, then blend it in. To blend, use a damp sponge or a tightly packed brush to spread the substance evenly across the surface.
Dampen the makeup sponge thoroughly so the product spreads uniformly across the skin rather than getting trapped in some areas.
This tip is vital in resolving issues with a spotty foundation. Maintain the blending procedure until the skin has a smooth finish.
A quick tip is to moisten the sponge again and begin blending all over to lessen the intensity of the substance if you feel you have used it excessively.
2. Nourish dehydrated skin around your eyes.
This tip is a must if you have older or dehydrated skin.
If you don’t care about dry skin, crepes frequently develop around the mouth or beneath the eyes. Hydration to these areas is the solution relief to this chalky foundation appearance.
Use a toner that you may apply over the desired regions. By doing so, you can hydrate tiny lines and eliminate the powdery or chalky problem they are having.
Dab the liquid carefully over the regions rather than applying it directly by placing it on a clean cosmetic sponge.
3. Use a Setting Spray
Your daily makeup routine must include a setting spray. But when it comes to hacking a patchy foundation, it is indispensable!
After applying foundation, bronzer, blush, and a diamond highlighter palette, you could get that unattractive cakey, or uneven appearance.
If you’re feeling a lot like a powdered doughnut, just let the setting spray absorb them all into your skin, so it looks and feels like it was always there.
The spray helps keep your makeup in place and removes any powdery residue for a natural look.
4. Apply more oil for dry skin
Applying an oil product toward the end of your makeup routine is an unusual but very effective trick for fixing uneven foundations.
Put a few drops of oil on your hands, then thoroughly rub the makeup sponge with them. Dab it all over the face to rapidly soften the dry and patchy-looking areas of the face.
This tip will hasten the process of product blending, giving your face the desired natural look and flawless finish.
5. Extra Tip
Those with sensitive skin may use a powder foundation that provides a natural matte finish without drying out the skin. Those with blemishes and dark spots may also find it helpful.
It aids in absorbing surplus oil and lessens the look of redness, discoloration, and melasma, which are frequently present in people with sensitive skin.
The foundation’s hyaluronic acid and aloe ingredients make it hydrating, soothing, and lightweight.
With the valuable tips I have listed above, it’s impossible to keep dealing with patchy makeup.
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