Why Does My Makeup Look Cakey?

Are you wondering why your makeup looks cakey? But have no fear, we have done all the research to find out what causes this and explain how to fix this problem so you will never have to deal with cake-fake ever again.

Your makeup could be looking cakey for one of two reasons. If your skin is too dry, your makeup will not set will. If this is not the case, your foundation is probably too thick.

This might seem like a lot of information to take in, but do not fret. We have broken down the issues that are causing you to suffer from cake-face. And we aren't just going to tell you why your makeup looks cakey. We will also provide helpful information about how to fix the issue and leave the cakey foundation behind you.

Why Does My Foundation Look Cakey?

If your foundation is looking cakey, you can probably blame it on one of two problems. Dry skin and foundation that is too thick are the most common culprits. If your skin is dry and flaky, your foundation will not sit well and will either look cakey as soon as you apply it or become cakey as the day goes on. The foundation you wear will get caught on the flaky skin causing a bumpy look.

If you don't suffer from dry skin, but your makeup is still looking cakey, your foundation might be to blame. Your foundation might be too heavy. A thick foundation provides a lot of coverage, but there are downsides to this. Thick foundations do not look natural.

If your skin is not dry and you are not using a thick foundation, then there might be a simple fix for you. You might be applying too much foundation. If you apply too many layers, it will create a cakey and unflattering look. This might even make you look older than you are and draw attention to your fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.

What Does Cakey Makeup Look Like?

But before we go on, let us explain what the heck cakey makeup even looks like. Cakey makeup looks like it is "caked onto" the skin. It is both thick and unnatural looking. Cakey makeup is unflattering because it does the opposite of what foundation is meant to do. It draws attention to your fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes by caking into the creases on your face. For more makeup advice, check out Do You Have To Wear Foundation To Contour?

How Do I Fix My Cakey Makeup?

Get rid of cake-face for good with these simple and easy to follow tips. If the problem is that your skin is too dry, moisturize moisturize moisturize. Using a moisturizer after each time you wash your face will help to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin will help you avoid the look of cakey makeup.

Try Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum. Cetaphil is a dermatologist-recommended brand, and this moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated. It is fragrance-free and suitable for people with sensitive skin. The moisturizer contains broad-spectrum SPF 15 to give you protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays. SPF prevents premature aging from fine lines and wrinkles. It also has a nongreasy formula so that it will not clog your pores.

Click here to see this moisturizer on Amazon.

Another way to prevent the look of cakey makeup is by using a makeup primer under your foundation. Makeup primer will blur your pores, fine lines, and wrinkles working to create an overall smoother appearance for your face. You will look much more glowy if you choose to wear a foundation primer under your liquid and powder foundations. Glowing skin creates the appearance of younger and healthier-looking skin. There are so many makeup primers from which to choose. When looking for one, be sure to pick one that will work well with your skin type and the foundation that you are going to wear.

If you have oily skin, you can find a foundation primer that will help your makeup stay on throughout the day, like the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Face Primer. This weightless gel with a soft-focus, silky-smooth finish works to control shine for up to twelve hours. It is infused with witch hazel, salicylic acid, and Zinc. It's oil-free and nongreasy to help your makeup stay on longer without looking greasy and cakey.

Click here to see this face primer on Amazon.

If you do not have greasy skin, you will probably want to choose a foundation primer that will create a glow. A glowy look will prevent the look of dry and cakey makeup. Try Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. This makeup primer is hydrating and long-lasting. It contains hemp-derived cannabis seed extract hydrates to plump and smooth the skin, and ingredients include Aloe water, cherry blossom, hyaluronic acid, and B vitamins. These ingredients work to create healthier-looking skin. It is silicone-free, oil-free, and works for all skin types and skin tones.

Click here to see this primer on Amazon.

Coverage Without the Cake

If your makeup is still looking cakey, we suggest trying out a thinner option such as a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream. Another good option is a CC cream. CC creams are color correcting and will work to cover any spots or blemishes. All of these makeup choices are thinner than full coverage foundations, making them less likely to get cakey and look weird on the skin.

There are other benefits to using a BB cream too. Many BB creams are infused with ingredients that are beneficial for the skin like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants. Try Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer.

This product is all-in-one. It acts as a moisturizer and an anti-aging serum while also covering up your blemishes. It also contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun. The light coverage it provides will create an even skin tone. Using this BB cream will give you a radiant glow while also improving the texture of your skin. It contains Vitamin C and will keep you looking fresh and healthy.

Click here to see this primer on Amazon.

Why Does My Setting Powder Look Cakey?

Setting powder can create the look of cakey makeup by drying out the skin. Setting powder is worn to prevent oily-looking skin, so it dries up all the oil on your face. If your face looks very dry, this creates a cakey look.

Setting powder can also look cakey if you use too much of it. Try only applying a single thin layer of setting powder to avoid any cakiness. Less is always more when it comes to makeup — especially foundation, setting powder, and concealer.

If your setting powder is still making your face look cakey, try substituting the powder out for a setting spray. Setting sprays still works to set your makeup—keeping it in place and helping it last for a long time—but they are hydrating rather than drying.

Try Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray. It will prime, correct, and set your makeup.

Click here to see this setting spray on Amazon.

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