Getting makeup to look right and smooth is one of the toughest things. Perhaps you will spend hours applying it nicely, and then it turns out to be heavy, splotchy, or “cakey,” after just a few hours of wear. If you have ever wondered why it does that, you are not alone!
There are very good reasons why makeup looks cakey, from the product you choose to the techniques on how to apply it. Here, we will break down some of the major causes of makeup cakes and guide you on how to prevent it and end with a fresh, natural look.
Not Moisturizing
This is probably the biggest reason why your makeup would end up looking cakey. If you do not moisturize before applying makeup, your skin’s hydration will be inefficient. When your skin is already dry, certain areas, especially with dry patches, would cause the makeup to cling on it, thereby making an uneven and textured look.
Solution
First of all, a good moisturizer is the starting point before even thinking of makeup. An appropriate one should be chosen according to your skin type. A hydrating, thick cream is needed if you have dry skin, but a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer if you have oily skin. Such effects remain absorbed for around a few minutes before you begin with makeup.
Non-Application of Primer
Primer is like your smooth base coat for your skin. It fills in all that minute lines and pores and gives something fairly smooth for the foundation to stick to. A lot of people don’t use it at all, and the makeup just settles into those very fine lines and pores and a cakey look.
Solution
A primer over moisturizer creates an incredibly smooth, even base. Hydrating primers will be a good fit for dry skin, while a mattifying primer works best on oily skin. Smoothing primers are all about filling in those large pores.
Using Too Much Foundation
The most common reason to have cakey makeup is layering on a lot of foundation. The more product on top of your skin, not sinking into it, the more unnatural and heavier it is going to look.
Solution
Apply minimal foundation and apply them gradually. Use only a pea-sized amount and then keep on adding as much more as you want or may need. A beauty sponge or foundation brush can be used to blend this product easily.
You may always add a few more layers, but excess is harder to remove than to apply. Makeup Puff offers the best quality makeup sponge suppliers for bulk orders.
Applying Foundation Before the Moisturizer Absorbs
Applying make-up over moisturizers or primers that are not yet absorbed into your skin ends up cakey. When your skin is still moist with moisturizer or primer, it will make your foundation mix with these products rather than staying evenly on your skin.
Solution
Before you put your foundation on, wait a few minutes before your skin skincare products set into your skin. In this way, your foundation can stick tighter into the skin, being softer.
Skipping Exfoliation
Another reason for cakey appearance is dry, cakey skin. Dead skin cells resting on the surface may be causing foundations to appear patchy and uneven-especially across areas like the nose and cheeks.
Solution
Exfoliating every day can leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and prepared for makeup. Exfoliate once or twice a week using either a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant. This will help give you a smooth surface upon which to apply your foundation so it can glide on without any hassle.
Lack of Blending
Makeup is heavily applied or not blended in well will cake. Sharp lines and patchy coverages give makeup a thick, unnatural appearance.
Solution
Blend, blend, blend. Using a damp beauty sponge or pat, pat, pat with a brush gets the liquid foundation into your skin and helps give a more flawless finish because of the patting motion pushing product into the skin. Blend your edges down your neck for a flawless face.
Layering Too Many Products
Layering multiple products; foundation, concealer, powder can sometimes result in a very cakey buildup because each layer adds more texture and can quickly look very thick and unnatural unless well-blended.
Solution
Use less product as often as possible. Consider medium coverage foundation instead of heavy foundation and concealer. Conceal only where necessary. Instead of layering all over, lightly dust in areas where you tend to get shiny-the T-zone.
Applying Too Much Powder
Powder can do much in setting makeup and in reducing shine, but if applied not appropriately in an amount, it then becomes too much, making skin appear cakey as well as dry, especially around the areas that do not need powder.
Solution
Use it only where it is necessary. You may dare to lightly dust with powder using a fluffy brush on oily spots, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. This will set your makeup without looking heavy at all. And if you have dry skin, you may even not need powder or can still opt for a hydrating setting spray.
Heavy Concealer
Thick concealer can pool into lines, making the texture of your face pop-even around the eyes or blemishes.
Solution
Under eye concealer-use a sheer, liquid formula. Blemishes: Take a small amount and apply right to blemish. Blend with a brush. Avoid piling it on-they can look thick and unnatural that way.
Conclusion
Cakey makeup may be frustrating, but sometimes, tweaking can make for a totally smooth and natural surface for a whole day. First, start by preparing your skin with a moisturizer and primer, then select the right foundation, but do not put on more than what you need.
Blend, set the makeup, and refrain from adding too many layers. And like that, cakey makeup is easy to avoid for a flawless end every time if you know your skin type and how to apply it correctly. Buy the premium quality sponges at bulk orders at Makeup Puff. We offer reliable makeup sponge manufacturers at wholesale rates.
