Have you applied foundation and realized your makeup looks cakey, the foundation is melting off your face in the summer heat, or it makes you look older because it highlights all your wrinkles? The list can go on and on with all that can go wrong with your foundation when not applied properly. I stopped wearing foundation because of all those reasons for a while because it made me look worse rather than better. Then I found some tips that made my foundation look natural and skin looking flawless!

Preventing Cakey Looking Makeup

Exfoliate. The most important step is prepping the skin. Dead skin cells make it difficult for the foundation to smooth over well. Use an exfoliant like Eminence Pear & Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher in your skincare routine. Exfoliating also has other benefits from treating acne to restoring youthfulness to the skin.

Moisturize. Before applying makeup, moisturize the skin so that it is not dry and rough. A cream or primer will keep skin hydrated for an ideal surface to apply the foundation.

Thin Layers. Apply the foundation in thin layers to achieve the desired coverage and in areas where you only really need it. One heavy layer makes your makeup look caked-on.

Use the Right Tools. Initially, apply the foundation with your fingers. The heat from your fingers will apply seamlessly across your face. Go over and blend in the foundation with a less dense brush.

Powder. Use a translucent powder to set the foundation. Murad MattEffect Blotting Perfector is great for this step because it removes any excess oil while infusing the skin with nutrients and vitamins.

Mist. The last step is to refresh your skin with a mist. It creates a more natural finish and eliminates the powdery look. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is a perfect choice to finish off your makeup application.

Preventing Makeup from Melting in Summer Heat

When it’s hot outside, and the makeup is starting to sweat off your face, you wonder why wear makeup in the first place. Here are some tips that will help your foundation to look fresh for hours!

Use a Primer. A primer creates a base layer between your skin and the makeup. It will help your makeup last longer. Primer should be applied after the last step of your skincare routine right before your foundation. Allow the primer to dry before applying any makeup.

Rethink Your Foundation. If the season has changed, changing your foundation would be good too. Look for long-wearing or waterproof products. Another idea is to wear less makeup, but spot conceal in areas where needed.

Blot. The natural response to get the sweaty mess off your face is to powder it. Adding powder to a sweaty face will clog pores and make your face look cakey. Use blotting paper or even tissue to get a sweat-free complexion without disturbing your foundation.

Use a Setting Spray. Setting sprays are designed to prevent your makeup from smudging, creasing, or fading quickly. A quick spray will help your foundation to last longer.

Preventing Foundation from Highlighting Wrinkles

Moisturize. Keeping skin hydrated is important. It keeps the skin smooth to set up a good base.

Use a Silicone Primer. A silicone primer will help fill in the creases, fine lines, and wrinkles for a smooth surface to apply foundation.

Foundation Alternatives. Wrinkles are unavoidable, so changing the makeup routine might be necessary. Consider alternatives to the foundation, such as BB creams, tinted moisturizers, or airbrush makeup.

Stay Away from Powder. Powder makeup can make the skin look dry. It also tends to settle into the fine lines and creases accentuating the wrinkles.

There is no sure one way to apply the foundation for that flawless look. Every skin is different, so it is necessary to test and see what works best for you. I hope these tips will get you back on your way to wearing foundation again!