If you suffer from cakey makeup, then you know how frustrating and annoying it can be.
The good news is — you’re not alone, it’s a common problem and has affected almost everyone who wears makeup at some point.
The issue is that the foundation or powder settles into fine lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth area. This causes the makeup to look cakey, wrinkled and uneven.
The appearance of cakey makeup can distort your image of yourself, and if it’s a common occurrence, can truly impact self-esteem.
In most situations, it’s just plain annoying, but it can be very upsetting if you have an event planned.
We think everyone deserves to look and feel like their best self!
So, we have some excellent tips on how to fix cakey makeup and feel more confident in yourself once again.
There are several ways to remove cakey makeup. We’ll discuss the best tips, giving you a range of choices!
What Does Caking Mean In Makeup?
When makeup looks cakey, it means that there is too much product sitting on top of your skin. It does not look natural, as the makeup settles into lines and crevices around your eyes, nose, and mouth.
It’s basically a term that applies to any foundation, or powder, that looks heavy and noticeable on the skin.
Likewise, it can also be used to describe makeup that looks like it’s flaking, or breaking up the skin.
We can all pretty much agree that when make-up cakes, your heart breaks. Yep, it’s cheesy, but you know it’s true.
So, the reason that makeup can look caked onto the skin is quite nuanced. Sometimes, it’s due to the products, sometimes it’s due to methods, and other times — it’s because of the skin.
Below, we will discuss some ways to fix cakey makeup, so you can solve the issue. We will also talk about skin, how that impacts makeup, and how to fix it.
How To Fix Cakey Makeup
Blend, Blend And Blend Some More
Everyone has their own way of applying makeup. Some use brushes, some use beauty blenders, and others? Well, they use their hands.
If you’re someone who uses their hands — you need to rectify this habit! It could be the reason your makeup looks cakey.
When you apply foundation or powder, with your fingers, you do not get even coverage. That means you will have more makeup in some areas, and less in others. Basically, it doesn’t give you flawless coverage.
Instead, try using a foundation brush, or a beauty blender. You apply the foundation to the hairline, cheeks, and t-zone, and you blend it out. This should make your foundation look smoother on the skin.
Don’t Forget About Primers
If you’re not using a primer, then this could be the reason that your makeup is looking cakey.
Look, no one has perfect skin. Skin is supposed to have texture, and we all have some type of marks on our faces. It’s totally normal.
With that said, some people may have more texture than others. This could be from acne, and it could also be from dry skin. The point is, a primer will help to solve this issue.
The purpose of a primer is to smooth the skin. It’s a layer added to the skin that the makeup and powder cling to.
Without this layer, makeup can slide all around the skin. What does that result in? Yep, cakey makeup.
Use The Right Foundation Formula
As stated already, we all have different skin. More than that, our skin types can change through the year, meaning you may need to use a different foundation formula, in different months.
Generally speaking, there’s a foundation formula suitable for every skin type.
- If you have an oily complexion, then you will need to use an oil-free foundation.
- If you have dry skin, then dry out a cream foundation (this will keep the skin hydrated).
- If you have combination skin (a mixture of dry and oily skin), then you should opt for a foundation with buildable coverage.
It could be that you have dry skin, but you’re using an oil-free foundation. This means your skin is going to look even drier, which will make the foundation crease on your skin.
So, make sure to check your skin type, and what type of foundation you’re using. After all, make-up is a bunch of different formulas, so you need the right combination.
Make Sure To Blot
One practical method to prevent make-up from creasing is by blotting the skin.
This is great if you notice your skin getting too shiny, or starting to crease when you’re outside the house. This means you can feel more confident when you’re at an event.
All you need to do is buy some blotting paper, and keep them in your purse.
When you notice your make-up is starting to crease, you just blot the problem area, which will remove the excess foundation, powder, and oil.
Related: What are Kabuki brushes used for?
Is Your Skin The Problem? And How To Fix It!
If you suffer from acne or other types of skin concerns, this may be the reason your makeup appears cakey on the skin.
If you feel like your makeup does not sit right on your skin, but your makeup techniques are right, it could be that you need to tackle the root cause — which in your case, is the skin.
This is perfectly normal and happens to everyone.
The best way we can combat this issue is to learn about the skin, and how to use the appropriate skin care for this issue.
The Skin: What Makes Up Your Face?
To start with, let’s talk about what makes up our skin. There are three layers of skin: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
It is important to understand these layers because they affect how we can remove cakey makeup.
1) Epidermis – the epidermis is made out of living and dead cells. New cells are created in the first layer, while the outermost layer of skin is made of dead cells that shed off every day.
These dead cells create a protective barrier over our skin. The epidermis helps protect us from harmful elements such as UV rays, bacteria, and viruses.
2) Dermis – the middle layer of skin is full of blood vessels. It also contains collagen fibers, hair follicles, nerve endings, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and oil glands. The dermis helps support the epidermis.
3) Subcutaneous Tissue – the deepest layer of skin is composed mostly of fat and connective tissues.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each layer.
Using Skin Care To Fix Cakey Makeup
If you struggle with cakey makeup, and no matter what methods you try you still end up with cakey makeup, then you need to tackle the skin.
Below, we will provide some great tips that you can incorporate into your skincare routine, which will help improve the overall consistency and health of your skin.
First, let’s address the epidermis layer.
If you want to prevent cakey makeup, you need to work on this layer first. You can use an exfoliating scrub to dissolve away the dead skin cells. Then, wash your face thoroughly with warm water.
Next, let’s move on to the subcutaneous layer.
You can apply a mask to the affected areas to help break down the buildup of dirt, product, and oil. A good mask is one that has glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids.
Glycolic acid dissolves dead skin cells, while salicylic acid breaks down the excess oils. Alpha hydroxy acids work well for removing makeup and clearing pores.
Choose the best mask for your skin type, and let the mask work its magic.
Finally, let’s focus on the dermis layer.
You can use a clarifying toner to help improve the health of the skin. Clarifying toners contain alcohol, which removes the excess oil and dirt from the surface of your skin.
They help clarify the skin by removing impurities such as acne scars, blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes.
Don’t forget to moisturize!
After applying a lot of chemicals to the skin, it’s important to close the pores. Always make sure you end any skincare routine with a moisturizer that works well for your skin type.
Summary
When you notice that your makeup looks cakey, it can be really frustrating and upsetting. Most of the time it’s simply down to using the wrong tools, products and not taking care of your skin properly.
We’ve provided you with some great tips to solve your issue, so you can feel more confident and happy in your skin.