7 Mistakes That Make Your Foundation Smudge, Cake and Look Fake

You don’t need expensive foundation to look flawless. Even a cheap foundation can look amazing if you apply it well, and even a premium foundation will smudge or cake if you put too much. We ask professional makeup artists for the best way to apply foundation so it looks natural and lasts longer in hot Singapore weather.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 1: You drag your foundation brush across your face.

You’re not painting a wall. Dragging your brush across your face causes streaks, especially if you’re using a very creamy formula.

Instead, pat or stipple it. Start in the part of the face that needs the most coverage, so that gets the most product and then move outwards.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 2: You’re using way too much product.

The best way to apply foundation so it looks like second skin? Use thin layers and build coverage. There are two ways to do this.

If you’re using a brush:

Brushes don’t absorb as much product as sponges. If you use two squirts when you apply with a sponge, you’ll need just one if you use a brush.

Wipe the brush on your wrist before pressing it on your face. That way, it’s not dripping with foundation. After applying foundation, take a dry sponge and press it across your face to remove excess product.

If you’re using a sponge:

Wet the sponge and squeeze out excess water. Pat in the foundation, starting from where you need the most coverage and then blending out. Use the clean part of the sponge to blot off excess product. (Tip: sponges naturally give sheerer layers than brushes, so if you’re rushing and have no time to buff with a brush, use a sponge.)

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 3: Your face is too dry or too damp.

It’s hard to explain the “sweet spot” where your skin is perfect, but here’s the hack we were taught in makeup school. Apply a light serum or cream, wait about 30 seconds to a minute, and then take a piece of facial tissue and press it against your face. That takes off any extra moisture that will make foundation streak.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 4: You’re asking foundation to do the job of a primer or concealer

The job of foundation is to even out skin discoloration. That’s it. Some of the best formulas have light reflecting pigments that can add radiance or blur imperfections, but that’s icing on the cake.

Unfortunately, people put loads of foundation to hide their skin problems, but that’s like using a wrench to hammer in a nail. Foundation is for skin tone. Primers, color correctors and concealers are for hiding  skin problems.  (Find primers for your skin type.)

For example, if you have a lot of redness, apply a green color corrector. If you have dull skin, use a radiance-boosting primer for extra glow. With that, you can use less foundation to achieve a flawless face.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 5: You’re heavy-handed with the powder brush

Swirling your powder across your face in small circles? Stop. You’re disturbing your foundation and concealer and muddying your blush or contouring.

The best way to apply foundation powder is with gentle pats. That way you set the makeup without messing up all your hard work. If you prefer swirling, use your non-dominant hand so you don’t accidentally use too much pressure.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 6: You applied too much powder.

Happens to the best of us. Here’s a way to fix it: get a clean fluffy brush (or if you have one, a fan brush) and veeeery lightly flick it all over your face. That removes the excess powder that can cause makeup to cake or look very dry and fake.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 7: You’re applying foundation with dirty brushes and sponges.

When your brushes are all stiff from dried up foundation, they can’t deposit product very well. And think about all the bacteria that’s in there! Gross.

If you hate cleaning brushes, get one of those brush cleaners that come in a spray bottle. You just have to spritz a little bit on your brush and wipe off with tissue. It’s not super clean but it’s usable. Every week give your brush and sponge a good wash with baby shampoo or brush soap.