Cakey Makeup: How to Fix Cakey Makeup in 5 Steps

Cakey makeup is foundation and other beauty products that appear thick, flaky, and patchy on your face. Applying beauty products to dry skin or using too much product causes cakey makeup. However, hydrating your skin with nourishing skincare products, blending your makeup, removing excess product, and using a setting spray can help prevent your makeup from appearing cakey.

Your skincare routine and how you apply makeup are crucial factors for avoiding a cakey makeup look. Try these tips to prevent cakey makeup:

1. 1. Exfoliate weekly. Flawless makeup starts with skincare. When dirt and oil build up on the skin’s outer layer, it can make your foundation look cakey. Exfoliating once or twice a week removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth surface for your makeup products.
2. 2. Moisturize your skin. When your skin is dry, your foundation is more likely to peel off. To avoid this, apply a moisturizer formulated for your skin type before using any makeup products. As you massage your moisturizer into your skin, concentrate on areas prone to developing cakey makeup, such as your T-zone and under-eye area.
3. 3. Prep with primer. After your moisturizer absorbs into your pores, prep your skin with primer. As a cream product, primer evens out the skin texture, creating a smooth surface for your makeup. Using primer also prevents your makeup products from creating fine lines and creases—both signs of cakey makeup.
4. 4. Select makeup products according to your skin type. Using foundation and concealer formulated for your skin type helps with cakey makeup. If you have dry skin, your makeup is more prone to peeling and flaking. Opt for beauty products that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter. Oily skin types are more prone to smudgy and shiny makeup, so consider applying a setting powder before your foundation to keep it from smearing off and creasing.
5. 5. Use a setting spray. Setting sprays are liquid solutions that hydrate the skin, lock in moisture, and keep makeup in place. Use a setting spray after you finish your makeup routine to maintain your makeup look throughout the day.

The key to fixing cakey makeup is treating the culprit, either dryness or oiliness. Often, cakey makeup results from dry patches along the cheeks and oil buildup in the T-zone. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to fix cakey makeup:

1. 1. Remove excess oil with blotting sheets. Excess makeup and oil, especially in a full-coverage foundation look, create a cakey appearance. Using a sheet of blotting paper, gently dab your face to remove oil and excess foundation and concealer.
2. 2. Spray your skin with a face mist. Before touching up your makeup, hydrate your skin with a face mist. Holding the mist bottle about six inches away from your face, apply two to three spritz for optimal hydration. The face mist helps rejuvenate and moisten your skin, treating dry patches.
3. 3. Choose the right foundation. Selecting a foundation formula and shade for your skin type is crucial for fixing and preventing cakey makeup. Select a liquid foundation if you have dry skin since these products are more hydrating than powders. Oily or combination skin types can use powder foundations to absorb excess oil. After deciding on the formula best for your skin type, select a foundation shade that matches your skin tone. This keeps your makeup from looking cakey and distinct from the rest of your natural coloring.
4. 4. Use a damp makeup sponge. To prevent cakiness, makeup artists suggest using a beauty sponge instead of a makeup brush. Blend the foundation into your skin with a damp sponge, gently dabbing the product onto your skin. You can then use the same sponge to blend your concealer, focusing on blemishes and dark spots. Using a damp sponge rather than a foundation brush helps the product better absorb into the skin, preventing flakiness.
5. 5. Finish with a spray. Seal your makeup and create a dewy finish by applying a setting spray. This will give your touch-up a fresh look and help keep your makeup from becoming cakey throughout the day.

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