How To Fix Cakey Makeup - L'Oréal Paris

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that cakey makeup is never a good look. Separation and patchiness can occur for a number of reasons, but typically, it's a result of not applying the products correctly. After you’ve spent your precious time meticulously applying your makeup, the last thing you want to do is have to take it all off and begin again. Thankfully, you don’t have to—there are ways to fix cakey makeup without starting from scratch.

If you’re tired of asking yourself, “Why does my foundation look cakey?” or “Why does my makeup separate?” keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain what can cause a patchy, uneven makeup application and share our top tips for fixing—and preventing—cakiness. Your path to a flawless makeup application lies ahead.

Why Does My Makeup Look Cakey?

As mentioned above, cakey makeup often results from improper makeup application (applying liquids on top *of powders is one prime example). But that’s not the only thing that can cause your makeup to appear blotchy or uneven. We’re breaking down some of the most common causes of cakey makeup.

1. Dry skin

If your skin is on the drier side (or you’ve skipped skin prep), your skin may feel rough or uneven. Applying makeup on top of this uneven base can, naturally, result in a patchy makeup application. Exfoliating and moisturizing before applying makeup can smooth your skin and help ensure a more even, uniform makeup application.

2. Applying too much product

Piling on thick layer after thick layer of foundation, concealer, and powder, is a recipe for cakiness. It’s like oil painting —the more you add, the more textured it’s going to appear. If you plan to wear a full face of makeup and want to avoid a cakey foundation, apply your products in thin, even layers and let each layer dry and set before proceeding with the next step in your routine.

3. Using incompatible products

You’re probably aware that oil and water don’t mix. The same principle applies to makeup: when layered on top of one another, differing formulas can separate, resulting in a patchy, uneven application. To help avoid cakey makeup, it’s a good idea to double-check that everything you’re using has the same base. Most makeup is either water-based or silicone-based, and a look at the ingredients label should give you a clear idea of which base your product has (silicone-based products typically feature “dimethicone” or another ingredient ending in “-one” as one of the first two or three ingredients; water-based makeup products don’t).

4. Environmental factors

If you’ve prepped your skin well, applied thin layers of product, and chosen complementary formulas, and still find yourself wondering, “Why does my makeup look patchy?” the weather may be to blame. High humidity and extreme heat cause you to sweat more, making your foundation break down and clump together. On the other hand, low humidity and cold weather can cause the skin to dry out and become flaky. Your foundation can then cling to these dry patches, resulting in a cakey, patchy appearance.

4 Tips for Fixing Cakey Makeup

We all make makeup mistakes from time to time. A common question is how to fix cakey makeup. If you end up with cakey makeup, don’t panic, and please don’t break out the makeup remover—instead, try these four tips to help fix your look fast.

1. Spritz your skin with a face mist

Face mists are your number one beauty fix for cakey makeup. It only takes a few seconds to spritz your face, and the moisture can help “melt” your foundation into your skin. When picking a face mist, be sure to choose one with a formula compatible with your makeup (again: water-based if you opted for water-based foundation; silicone-based if you use silicone-based makeup). Be sure to use a light hand when misting your face—you don’t want your face to be wet, just slightly damp.

2. Blend out patchy areas

If your makeup looks patchy, try blending out the uneven areas with a makeup sponge. Start by misting your face to dampen your makeup, then lightly tap the sponge onto your skin to help blend out the uneven areas. If you don’t have a face mist on hand, you can dampen the sponge instead (remember that less is more: it should be slightly damp, not dripping wet).

3. Loosen with steam

Steam can help loosen up stiff, caked-on makeup, making it easier to blend evenly. If you’re finding that some areas appear cakey, consider boiling or microwaving some water and placing your face a foot or so above the steam for a minute. The heat and moisture can help break down the makeup so you can blend it out for a smoother-looking finish.

4. Blot excess oil

Excess oiliness can cause your makeup to separate—which, too, can result in a cakey makeup look. To help prevent separation and minimize shine, reach for blotting sheets. These little papers help absorb excess oil to give your skin a more matte, even appearance. When using blotting sheets, you’ll want to press them onto oily areas, rather than rub—the latter approach can disrupt your base makeup and make it look more uneven.

6 Ways To Avoid Cakey Makeup

Knowing how to fix cakey makeup is useful, but understanding how to prevent patchiness is even better. Here are six things you can do to help ensure a flawless makeup application.

1. Prep your skin

Before applying your makeup, you’ll want to make sure your skin is clean and hydrated—simply moisturizing can go a long way in preventing cakey makeup. Start by washing your face as usual; try ourL’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, which gently exfoliates and cleanses your skin.

Then, apply a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Water Cream—it’s water-based, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for use under makeup.

Once your moisturizer is fully absorbed, layer on a face primer to help provide grip for your base makeup. Our hero product for this is L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. This viral TikTok favorite is lightweight. It also works as an illuminating moisturizer and is infused with glycerin and shea butter. It is a luminous primer available in 5 shades to better adapt to the color and undertones of your skin.