You’re Using The Wrong Base Formula
You may be using the wrong base formula for your skin type. Most foundations are made from silicone, but water-based and oil-based foundations are also available. Check your foundation ingredients list to see which ingredients pop up toward the front of the list (silicones often end in “-one,” such as “dimethicone.” Silicone is a gel-like formula that glides across the skin and sits on top of it. This is wonderful for dry and oily skin, but the downside is that if you are acne-prone you can be sensitive to silicones. It sits on top of the skin and doesn’t allow oils to get out. So watch out for silicones if you are sensitive to it.
Water-based foundations are great for oily, acne-prone skin and oil-based foundations are better for seriously dry skin. If your current foundation isn’t sitting right on your skin, you could be using the wrong base formula for your skin type.
Not Prepping Your Skin
Makeup application actually starts with good skincare. If you aren’t prepping your skin by moisturizing it, allowing your moisturizer to dry, and then applying a primer that acts as a barrier between your skin and foundation, you aren’t setting your foundation up for success. Applying foundation directly to bare, unprepped skin can cause it to get “stuck” to dry spots. Also remember to exfoliate once or twice weekly to remove dry, dead skin.
You Aren’t Choosing The Right Foundation Finish
There are three foundation finishes: matte, satin, or dewy finish. Consider your skin type when choosing a foundation finish — for example, a dewy finish is ideal for dry skin, while oily skin might benefit more from a matte finish. But if you choose a matte finish and your skin is on the dry side, your makeup may look dry and start to separate and become patchy.
You Aren’t Using The Right Tools
You can use a number of different tools to apply foundation, but they aren’t always right for the viscosity of your foundation. A thinner-weight foundation does better with a brush to help blend it in well. A thicker, matte foundation can be applied with a slightly damp sponge because the soft texture of a sponge pats it on well and gives you smooth coverage. If your foundation is separating, play around with application tools to see if it makes a difference.
You’re Wearing Too Much Foundation
More isn’t always better when it comes to foundation. Instead of thinking of it as a mask for your skin, think of foundation as a spot treatment. Apply just a few dots here and there and blend well. Also, don’t rely on foundation to do the job of a color corrector or concealer. All of these products should be used to serve their own unique purposes.
Your Foundation Is Too Thick
Your formula may be too thick for your skin type, especially if you have dry or combination skin. If your foundation is sticky on your skin, it means your skin may lack natural oils and the foundation isn’t blending well.
You Are Applying The Wrong Amount of Powder to Set It
Foundation isn’t your last step in your base makeup routine. You need to set your foundation with a powder that will keep it looking fresh throughout the day. But powder can be tricky: if you apply too little of it, your foundation may slide around and look cakey after a few hours, whereas too much powder can just sit on your skin and look patchy.
Foundation application can seem like a puzzle at first, but once you get the hang of which formulas and application tools work for your skin type, it becomes much easier to get that flawless look you want.