Cakey Makeup - 5 Simple Steps On How to Avoid Cakey Makeup (2024)

Cakey Makeup - 5 Simple Steps On How to Avoid Cakey Makeup (1)

Whether you are a makeup junkie or a newbie, you probably already know that the most important part of your look is your foundation. A smooth and flawless foundation base is essential to achieving any makeup look, natural or full glam. With summer finally here, the heat and humidity make it difficult for you to keep makeup from sliding off your face. The foundation and setting powder paired with the oil and sweat on your face can make you look like a hot mess.


Cake-face is a term used in the beauty industry to describe a look that uses too much foundation and powder, resulting in a thick and overdone look, like the makeup has been “caked” on. Knowing how to apply foundation the right way will help you prevent this major makeup mishap.


HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN APPLYING FOUNDATION TO PREVENT IT FROM LOOKING CAKEY AND PATCHY.

1. Hydration Is Key

You have probably heard it a hundred times before, but that’s only because it is true. Hydrated and nourished skin is the first step towards achieving a flawless foundation look. Even if you know how to apply foundation like a pro, dry and dehydrated skin will stop you from achieving the results you were hoping for. Whether your skin is dry or oily, a moisturiser maintains your skin’s hydration all day and you can then apply foundation on a smooth face.

2. Opt For A Light Or Medium Coverage Foundation

Full or high coverage foundations are saturated with colour pigments. If not used correctly, these foundations can feel heavy on your skin and make your foundation look cakey and patchy. Instead, look for light or medium coverage foundations that you can layer to increase coverage if required. For example, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation is a lightweight and medium coverage foundation suitable for normal to oily skin. The buildable formula of the matte foundation makes it easy to work in layers without it feeling heavy on your skin.

3. Use A Makeup Sponge To Apply Foundation

If you are unsure about what tools to use and how to apply foundation on your face, a damp makeup sponge or blender is the best option. The damp makeup sponge absorbs all the excess foundation and leaves behind a thin and light layer of foundation on your face. Rubbing the bristles of a makeup brush on your skin can make your skin flaky and the foundation can cling on to these patches and look textured.

To apply foundation, use the makeup sponge with short and stippling or bouncing motion to blend the foundation into your skin. Work in very light layers and add more foundation only if needed.

4. Apply Powder Only Where Necessary

Easily the most common cause of a cakey foundation is using too much powder to set your face. Whether you are using pressed or loose powder, be mindful of how much you apply. People with oily skin tend to go overboard with powder as they believe this will help them soak up all the extra shine and keep their skin looking matte all day long. But using too much powder can cause it to quickly pile up on your skin and make your makeup look patchy.


Use a lightweight powder and lightly dust it only to areas that get oily, like your T-zone. You can also use the powder in your under-eye area to prevent your concealer from creasing. Use the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder to provide a finishing touch to your makeup base. The silky lightweight formula of the Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder controls shine while also smoothening your skin’s texture.

5. Melt Your Makeup Together With A Setting Spray

Once you are done applying foundation and the rest of your makeup on top, spritz your face with a setting spray to complete the look. Setting sprays not only help keep your makeup in place but melt all your makeup together getting rid of any powdery residue. This gives your makeup a more natural, skin-like appearance. We recommend the Maybelline Lasting Fix Setting Spray if you want to set your makeup with a matte finish and make it last all day. The ultralight formula of the Lasting Fix setting spray controls shine and prevents your makeup from fading.


We hope this step-by-step guide taught you how to apply foundation in a way that it does not cake on your face or become patchy. Want to know even more about how to use foundation the right way? Head over to our Complete Foundation Guide to learn everything about foundation makeup.

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Cakey Makeup - 5 Simple Steps On How to Avoid Cakey Makeup (2024)

FAQs

Cakey Makeup - 5 Simple Steps On How to Avoid Cakey Makeup? ›

Before applying your makeup, you'll want to make sure your skin is clean and hydrated—simply moisturizing can go a long way in preventing cakey makeup. Start by washing your face as usual, then apply a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

How to avoid cakey makeup for beginners? ›

Before applying your makeup, you'll want to make sure your skin is clean and hydrated—simply moisturizing can go a long way in preventing cakey makeup. Start by washing your face as usual, then apply a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

What makes makeup look cakey? ›

You Need to Exfoliate

While moisturizing and priming play an important role in the end look of your foundation, dermatologist, Marisa Garshick, MD, says that exfoliation does, too. “Those who have a build-up of dead skin cells and don't exfoliate regularly may find their foundation appears cakey,” she says.

How to make your makeup look smooth? ›

Start with a clean canvas.

Next, gently exfoliate your skin to sweep away any dry, dead skin cells that may cause foundation to go on unevenly or look flaky. Finally, apply moisturiser; foundation sinks best into hydrated skin. (Think of how a wet sponge soaks up water more readily than a dry sponge.)

How do you manage cakey makeup? ›

How to Fix Cakey Makeup
  1. Prep Your Skin to Win. ...
  2. Blend Away Cakiness. ...
  3. Don't Forget Makeup Primer. ...
  4. Use a Damp Beauty Sponge. ...
  5. Choose the Right Products for Your Skin. ...
  6. Keep Blotting Papers Handy. ...
  7. Oily Skin? ...
  8. Lock It in With Setting Spray.
Jan 16, 2023

How to apply foundation so it doesn't look cakey? ›

HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN APPLYING FOUNDATION TO PREVENT IT FROM LOOKING CAKEY AND PATCHY.
  1. Hydration Is Key. ...
  2. Opt For A Light Or Medium Coverage Foundation. ...
  3. Use A Makeup Sponge To Apply Foundation. ...
  4. Apply Powder Only Where Necessary. ...
  5. Melt Your Makeup Together With A Setting Spray.

What can I use instead of primer? ›

Facial oil is highly effective when used in place of primer. Applying a face oil as a primer provides a plumper, smoother, more hydrated base for a flawless, even foundation application that lasts all day.

How to use setting powder without looking cakey? ›

There are four things to remember.
  1. Step 1: Be strategic about its placement and what you put it over. ...
  2. Step 2: Use different brushes to apply setting powder. ...
  3. Step 3: Makes mists your best friend. ...
  4. Step 4: Don't think setting powder is only for setting foundation.

How to stop makeup from sitting in pores? ›

Check out our tips below to create a flawless makeup look, while minimizing your pores.
  1. Use a Primer That Blurs Pores. ...
  2. Wear a Matte Foundation. ...
  3. Use a Matte, Full-Coverage Concealer. ...
  4. Set Your Face With Translucent Powder. ...
  5. Continue With a Matte Blush and Bronzer. ...
  6. Finish with Setting Spray.
Oct 7, 2022

How do I keep my makeup smooth all day? ›

7 Tips and Tricks to Make Your Makeup Last All Day  
  1. Start with a Clean Canvas. Preparation is key to long-lasting makeup. ...
  2. Use a Primer. Invest in a high-quality primer designed for your skin type. ...
  3. Layer Wisely. ...
  4. Set it & Forget it. ...
  5. Waterproof Your Makeup. ...
  6. Use Setting Spray. ...
  7. Blot, Don't Wipe.

How to get flawless skin? ›

10 Essential Skincare Tips For Flawless Skin
  1. Healthy Diet. ...
  2. Protect Your Skin. ...
  3. Use an Eye Contour Product. ...
  4. Cleanse Your Face. ...
  5. Apply a Night Cream. ...
  6. Bring Changes in your Lifestyle. ...
  7. Drink Plenty of Water. ...
  8. Never Forget to Apply Sunscreen.

What are the signs of cakey makeup? ›

When you hear makeup referred to as “cakey,” that means it looks thick, dry, and patchy. Instead of makeup giving you a flawless finish, cakey makeup can emphasize pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can flake off in some cases, too, and not suitably cover the areas you want to be covered.

Why is my makeup still cakey even with primer? ›

Sometimes, the reason for cakey makeup is way too much product or not the right products, and other times, it has more to do with your actual skin, like skin that's too dry or too oily, or skin that hasn't been prepped properly.

How to apply foundation correctly? ›

How to Apply
  1. Apply several dots of foundation onto your face with your fingers.
  2. Grab the stippling brush and dab the brush along your skin to blend everything in.
  3. You can build up your foundation until you get an even layer of coverage across your entire face, and add more depending on the desired coverage.
May 28, 2024

Which foundation is not cakey? ›

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Providing excellent coverage of imperfections while feeling comfortable on the skin, "it leaves a matte finish without looking cakey," she adds, saying that it's suitable for oily and combination skin types.

How to not make your makeup look dry? ›

Use liquid or cream foundation

The best foundations for dry skin tend to be satin or dewy-finish liquids and creams, as these have a more hydrating feel than powder products. Matte foundations, on the other hand, can make dry patches and flakes more noticeable.

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