Avoid Cakey Makeup: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Flawless Foundation

Cake Face. Ugh. It’s the worst, isn’t it?

You spend money on quality foundation, but instead of a dewy glow you end up with a face as hard and dry as cracked concrete. That’s because even the most luxurious creamy foundation is no match for dull, parched skin. To achieve a smooth application you need to focus on skin care.

Here is my simple step-by-step guide to get that photo-finished look.

Step #1 Get Really Really Clean

Cleanse your face, then use a makeup remover. Then cleanse AGAIN. With full coverage foundation it’s important to double or triple cleanse your face to remove all of the dirt and impurities before applying makeup.

Step #2 Use a Toner

Toning helps minimize your pores’ appearance, helps balance out and refresh your skin and prepares it to absorb moisturizer.

Step #3 Moisturize

Hydrating your skin helps you achieve the right pH balance and keep you from overproducing oil.

Step #4 Exfoliate/Microdermabrasion

Every 1-3 months, I recommend making an appointment with a great aesthetician. There are several options for professional microdermabrasion. Which one is best for you? Find out in my post Wedding Day Skin Prep: Your Exfoliation Options Explained.

Along with microdermabrasion, you can do at-home exfoliation. This is going to help remove all the dead skin cells and any residual makeup and buildup, revealing clean fresh skin. Just be careful with sun exposure when exfoliating or following a microdermabrasion treatment.

Step #5 Protect Your Face From the Sun

Wear sunscreen. Big hats are also your friend!

Concealer Bonus Tips:

Now that your base is radiating looks-like-you-but-even-better, it’s time to tackle that creasy concealer. If your concealer is settling into your fine lines here’s what might be going wrong and how to fix it:

You’re using way too much of it. I can get carried away here too. Sometimes even I have to tell myself to calm down with the concealer!
You’re not setting it. And I’m not talking about baking. I’m talking about a very light sprinkle of powder over your concealer or any cream products.
It might be time for a nightly application of eye cream. How do you know when it’s time to start using eye cream? If you were in high school when the Backstreet Boys released their first hit, it’s time.

Focus on skin care and you’ll be amazed at how seamlessly your foundation glides on.