Terms of UseHow to Fix Cakey Makeup Explore this Article methods 1 Using Blotting Paper 2 Touching up with Moisturizer 3 Removing Product with a Sponge Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 References
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This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 9,212 times.
So you put on a little too much foundation this morning. Or the powder you applied to get rid of that annoying shine on your forehead didn't exactly work the way you wanted. The result? Cakey makeup. Fortunately, you don't have to completely start over to fix your face. A product like blotting sheets, moisturizer, or a makeup sponge can help smooth things out on the go.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using Blotting Paper
1 Remove excess oil by gently pressing a blotting sheet on your face. This will get rid of any extra shiny spots by soaking up the emollients in your foundation.[1]XResearch source Don't press down with the paper, as you will push the oil into your pores and lead to breakouts. As it's name suggests, blotting paper is meant for lightly dabbing away excess oil.
Pay close attention to areas that tend to get oilier like your T-zone, which is your forehead, nose, and chin.
If you don't have blotting paper, a clean makeup sponge will work.
2 Touch up necessary spots with concealer. The blotting sheets shouldn't remove your foundation but they may affect the coverage of your concealer. Re-apply where needed, making sure you blend in the new spots completely. Advertisement
3 Apply 2 to 3 pumps of setting spray all over your face. Think of setting spray like hairspray for your makeup. It holds everything in place. Look for one that's humidity-proof or sweat-proof for extra protection. Shake the bottle, hold it 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) from your face, and spray.
Avoid powder if possible as it can dry out your skin and flake off.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Touching up with Moisturizer
1 Spritz your skin with a light balancing face mist if your skin is dry. A big cause of cakey foundation is dry skin, so spraying your face with face mist will help restore moisture. Look for a hydrating one that has ingredients like glycerin, essential oils, or panthenol. Be careful using water-only sprays as they can be very drying.[2]XResearch source
Choose a mist that is labeled for rebalancing your skin. It should provide moisture but also reduce inflammation and irritation. Rose water is a great option because it can address both needs!
2 Choose a lightweight moisturizer if you haven't applied powder. Because you're simply trying to add some moisture back into your dried-out foundation, you want to use a moisturizer that's more sheer and not too heavy or thick. A water-based product that contains hyaluronic acid is a good lightweight option, as are any moisturizers that have glycolic or salicylic acid. The key is to avoid anything that is oil-based.[3]XResearch source
Moisturizer won't work if you've already applied powder.
Keep in mind that the moisturizer will lower the coverage of your foundation.
It doesn't hurt to opt for a moisturizer that has SPF in it to help protect your skin from the sun's rays.
3 Rub a dime-sized drop of moisturizer into your skin. Use your ring finger or a foundation brush to apply the moisturizer in small circles around your face.[4]XResearch source Focus on any areas that are particularly patchy or flaky.
4 Blot off any extra moisturizer with a damp makeup sponge. The sponge you use to apply your makeup can also be used to soak up excess oil and product. Dab it gently but firmly wherever there is a buildup of either moisturizer or foundation.
At this point, you can also use the sponge to re-blend your foundation in spots where it may have flaked off or creased.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Removing Product with a Sponge
1 Blot your face with a tissue to soak up extra oil. Don't wipe the tissue across your skin or you risk removing too much oil or smearing your makeup. Just lightly pat the tissue in areas that are especially oily.
2 Dampen your makeup sponge. You want to get the sponge moist, but not soaking wet. A damp sponge will help soften the foundation that's on your face so it's easier to work with.
The damp sponge makes it easier to blend your makeup. A dry sponge won't blend as well.[5]XResearch source
3 Dab the makeup sponge on cakey areas. Not only will the sponge soak up excess product, it will also help blend the remaining foundation more seamlessly. Stippling your sponge across your face will press the product that's left deeper into your skin, preventing the flaky effect. Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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Question Why does my makeup get cakey? Alicia D'Angelo Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles. Alicia D'Angelo Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Expert Answer Caking can happen when the oils from your skin push through and separate your makeup. Try using an oil-controlling primer to prevent that. It can also happen when your foundation is wrong for your skin type, you've applied too much product, or the product combinations you're using aren't compatible with each other. Eliminate one product at a time to figure out which is causing the problem, and avoid putting on too many layers in general, especially powders. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
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Tips
To prevent your makeup from caking, try using an oil-controlling primer, apply your makeup sparingly, and be sure to use a foundation that's right for your skin type.[6]XResearch source[v161376_b02]. 26 May 2020.Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Alicia D'Angelo Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 9,212 times. 14 votes - 93% Co-authors: 5Updated: August 19, 2025 Views: 9,212
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Co-authored by: Alicia D'Angelo Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 9,212 times. 14 votes - 93% Co-authors: 5 Updated: August 19, 2025 Views: 9,212 
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1 Remove excess oil by gently pressing a blotting sheet on your face. This will get rid of any extra shiny spots by soaking up the emollients in your foundation.[1] Don't press down with the paper, as you will push the oil into your pores and lead to breakouts. As it's name suggests, blotting paper is meant for lightly dabbing away excess oil. 
2 Touch up necessary spots with concealer. The blotting sheets shouldn't remove your foundation but they may affect the coverage of your concealer. Re-apply where needed, making sure you blend in the new spots completely. Advertisement 
3 Apply 2 to 3 pumps of setting spray all over your face. Think of setting spray like hairspray for your makeup. It holds everything in place. Look for one that's humidity-proof or sweat-proof for extra protection. Shake the bottle, hold it 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) from your face, and spray. 
1 Spritz your skin with a light balancing face mist if your skin is dry. A big cause of cakey foundation is dry skin, so spraying your face with face mist will help restore moisture. Look for a hydrating one that has ingredients like glycerin, essential oils, or panthenol. Be careful using water-only sprays as they can be very drying.[2] 
2 Choose a lightweight moisturizer if you haven't applied powder. Because you're simply trying to add some moisture back into your dried-out foundation, you want to use a moisturizer that's more sheer and not too heavy or thick. A water-based product that contains hyaluronic acid is a good lightweight option, as are any moisturizers that have glycolic or salicylic acid. The key is to avoid anything that is oil-based.[3] 
3 Rub a dime-sized drop of moisturizer into your skin. Use your ring finger or a foundation brush to apply the moisturizer in small circles around your face.[4] Focus on any areas that are particularly patchy or flaky. 
4 Blot off any extra moisturizer with a damp makeup sponge. The sponge you use to apply your makeup can also be used to soak up excess oil and product. Dab it gently but firmly wherever there is a buildup of either moisturizer or foundation. 
1 Blot your face with a tissue to soak up extra oil. Don't wipe the tissue across your skin or you risk removing too much oil or smearing your makeup. Just lightly pat the tissue in areas that are especially oily. 
2 Dampen your makeup sponge. You want to get the sponge moist, but not soaking wet. A damp sponge will help soften the foundation that's on your face so it's easier to work with. 
3 Dab the makeup sponge on cakey areas. Not only will the sponge soak up excess product, it will also help blend the remaining foundation more seamlessly. Stippling your sponge across your face will press the product that's left deeper into your skin, preventing the flaky effect. Advertisement 
Alicia D'Angelo Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.