A complete makeup routine isn’t just about blending the perfect smokey eye – it’s about finding the right foundation for your skin type. That sounds easy enough, but with so many different formulations available, from matte foundations to mineral-based ones and everything in between, choosing what’s best for you can be difficult. Even if you think you know your perfect shade and finish of the foundation, there could still be an important mistake holding back your look – one that may affect all the products that come after. Read on to find out more about this potential error lurking beneath your signature style!

The most common foundation mistakes that are ruining your makeup

1. Not blending your foundation thoroughly – Make sure you blend your foundation from the center of your face outward, using a damp beauty blender or brush. This will ensure that the foundation is blended with no harsh lines or patches.
2. Using too much product – Use as little product as possible when applying your foundation to avoid making it look cakey and unnatural. Start off with a dime-sized amount, then add more if needed.
3. Choosing an incorrect shade – Always match your skin tone for the perfect natural look! Test out different shades on the side of your face until you find one that blends seamlessly into your skin color.
4. Applying powder after foundation– It’s important to wait for your foundation to dry before applying any powder. Otherwise, it will just sit atop the wet foundation and create an uneven finish.
5. Not moisturizing beforehand – Makeup applies much better to hydrated skin. Always apply a facial moisturizer before applying your foundation to get the best results possible!
6. Using old makeup– Make sure you are using fresh makeup products, as expired makeup can cause all sorts of issues with your look, including caking and blotchy patches. Check the expiration dates on all of your products regularly!
7. Applying with fingers – Using your fingers may seem like the most convenient way to apply foundation, but it often doesn’t give you even coverage and can leave your face looking cakey. Instead, use a damp beauty blender or brush to achieve the perfect airbrush effect.
8. Not using primer– Primer is an essential step in any makeup routine as it helps to create a smooth canvas for your foundation and prevents it from sinking into fine lines or pores. Make sure you use a primer every time you wear makeup!
9. Ignoring SPF – Protect your skin by choosing a foundation with at least an SPF of 15, this will help protect you from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging.
10. Applying too much concealer– A little goes a long way when it comes to concealer, so start off with small amounts and build up the coverage if needed. Using too much can create a heavy, unnatural look.

Ways to avoid makeup foundation problems

1. Prep your skin – Before applying foundation, it’s important to ensure your face is moisturized and free from dirt, oil, or debris. Use a gentle cleanser and a light hydrating moisturizer that won’t clog your pores when you wash and apply makeup.
2. Choose the right formula – Not all foundations are created equal. Make sure you choose one that works for your skin type: oily, dry, or combination. Also, consider what kind of coverage you’ll need; if you want full coverage with a natural finish, opt for a thicker formula like a liquid foundation or cream-to-powder foundation. Use an illuminating primer before adding tinted powder or a sheer liquid foundation for sheer coverage.
3. Apply with the right tools – When it comes to applying foundation, using the right tools will make all the difference. Use a makeup brush or sponge to blend your foundation for an even finish, and don’t forget to use a beauty blender or blending sponge to tap and buff out any harsh lines.
4. Set the foundation – Setting your foundation is key for longer-lasting wear throughout the day. A setting powder is ideal for keeping your makeup in place without looking cakey, while a light mist of setting spray will help keep everything from fading away too quickly.
5. Touch up as needed – Finally, remember that no matter how perfect you think your face looks when you’ve finished, you’ll still need to touch up throughout the day. Invest in a good makeup brush and some blotting papers for easy on-the-go fixes.

Following these tips, you can avoid any potential foundation problems and have flawless-looking skin all day. Your makeup will always look perfect with the right knowledge, tools, and products!

Surprising reasons your foundation looks cakey

1. Applying too much foundation – Many people make the mistake of applying too much foundation when attempting to achieve a flawless finish which often leads to an excessive amount of product settling into fine lines and pores resulting in an uneven, cakey appearance. To avoid this, use a light hand when applying your foundation and blend it out using a damp beauty sponge or brush for a more natural-looking application.
2. Choosing the wrong formula – If you have dry skin, opting for a matte foundation won’t provide you with the necessary hydration that is needed to prevent your makeup from clinging onto dry patches and appearing caked-on. To avoid this issue, pick foundations with dewy finishes that are designed specifically for your skin type.
3. Not using primer – Primer is not just a step you can skip; it helps to create a barrier between your skin and makeup, ensuring that the product doesn’t sink into fine lines or pores. This will help your foundation to sit more smoothly on your skin, preventing it from looking cakey.
4. Setting with too much powder – Powder can be used to set your foundation and keep it in place throughout the day but when applied excessively, it can accentuate dry patches as well as cause the product to settle into any fine lines or wrinkles resulting in a patchy finish. To avoid this issue, use an oil-absorbing mattifying powder sparingly only where needed and make sure to blend it out well.
5. Not properly caring for your skin – Before you even apply makeup, make sure to take proper care of your skin by cleaning and moisturizing regularly. When the surface of your skin is hydrated and prepped correctly, it allows any product that’s applied to sit more smoothly on top of its surface rather than clogging up pores or clinging onto dry patches resulting in a cakey look. Additionally, exfoliating away any dead skin cells will help create an even base for makeup application.
6. Not blending properly – It is essential to ensure that all products are blended out thoroughly before they have the chance to settle into fine lines or uneven patches which can cause foundation to appear patchy or cakey. Make sure to use a damp beauty sponge or a brush to blend out all products, including foundation, concealer and powder, for a more natural finish.
7. Not using the right shade – Not choosing the right colour can be one of the biggest reasons why your foundation looks cakey. It is essential to pick the right foundation shade that matches your skin’s undertone as well as its current level of pigmentation in order for it to look flawless on your skin.  If you are having trouble finding an exact match, try mixing two shades together for an even more customized result.