It feels as if primer hired a sharp publicist a few years ago that made it their mission to spread the good word about this makeup product and how important it is to apply before foundation, concealer, and even eye shadow. The hard work has paid off: many of us now wouldn’t dream of using foundation or eye shadows without first covering our bases — applying a primer that helps even out our skin tone, sap away excess oils, and create the perfect setting for makeup to flourish.
When applied well and within reason, a good primer can elevate your makeup look. It can keep foundation from settling into pores and texture like fine lines, enhance the intensity of the color of your eye shadows, and (perhaps the reason many of us use it) make your makeup last longer.
@robertwelshmua There are a few reasons why your foundation might be patchy! Here is one reason your makup could be patchy. #patchyfoundation #patchymakeup #foundation #makeup #makeuphacks
But we seldom hear about the dark side of primer: too much of it can lead to a messy makeup finish. According to makeup artist Robert Walsh, your “patchy foundation” could be the result of too much of a good thing — a heavy-handed application and “too much primer.”
Your Foundation Needs to ‘Grip’
In order to ensure your makeup looks its best, your foundation needs to “grip” to your skin, Walsh explains. This can’t happen if you apply foundation on top of moist, dewy skin. The problem with over-applying primer is that many of these products are hydrating and can even contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This isn’t a bad thing, but it will ramp up the levels of moisture on your skin, which means you’ll be applying foundation to skin that is moist and maybe even a little wet. The result? Your foundation is "just gonna slide away," Walsh warns.
Try Serum Instead
If you’re finding your foundation becomes patchy after application or a few hours later, continuing to apply your normal hydrating primer may not be working for you. Walsh recommends instead only applying a serum to hydrate your skin, followed by SPF. “Use just a serum and see how your foundation sits on the skin for the rest of the day,” Walsh says.
Less is More
We sometimes buy into the belief that more is more when it comes to skincare — more moisture, more products — but that isn’t always the case. Perfecting your makeup requires figuring out how much moisture your skin can handle when you are performing your pre-makeup skin prep. If you apply serum and SPF and realize your makeup is still patchy, experiment with less serum (just a drop) or swap your serum for a lighter moisturizer. You’ll know you’ve struck gold when your foundation applies well, stays put, and doesn’t streak or slide away.
