Say goodbye to heavy, cakey makeup with these expert-approved techniques for a naturally radiant look.
Cakey makeup is often the reference of heavy looking makeup, which appears as patchy, clumpy, settles into fine lines, and can make skin look aged and dry in appearance.
It can be a common beauty concern, impacting even the most carefully crafted looks. Whether you’re prepping for a long workday or a night out, the last thing you want is your makeup to appear thick or uneven just hours after application.
Understanding why cakiness happens is the first step to achieving a smoother finish. It can be caused by a range of factors, from skipping crucial skincare prep, to layering incompatible makeup products.
Avoiding the dreaded cakey makeup look is actually easier than you think. With the right skincare routine, and application techniques you can create a natural, seamless base that stays fresh and flawless all day.
This can be frustrating, but the truth is, the problem often lies not in the makeup itself but in how the skin is beforehand. Proper skincare creates the perfect base, allowing foundation to blend seamlessly and last all day.
Start with Clean Skin:
A flawless base starts with healthy skin.
One of the most overlooked causes of cakey makeup is dry, flaky, or unbalanced skin. Begin by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating toner or essence. Use a gentle makeup remover and cleanser to eliminate dirt and oil. The skin has to be fresh before any makeup application.
Exfoliating once or twice a week is also an important step. Dead skin cells can create a rough surface, making the foundation cling to dry patches. A mild exfoliator helps the skin smoother, brighter. However, over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural moisture, so it is best not to do it daily.
For sensitive skin, a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs can provide gentle and effective exfoliation without irritation.
Make Sure Skin is Hydrated:
Moisturising is the most important step before applying makeup. Without proper hydration, foundation can be cakey, especially if you have dry skin.
No expensive makeup can replace naturally healthy and hydrated skin. A light moisturizer suited to the skin type is a key. For oily skin, a moisturiser gel provides hydration without adding excess shine. For dry skin, it is better with a moisturiser cream.
Let your moisturiser absorb for at least three minutes before moving on to the next step. Rushing this step can make the blending more difficult. Or look for fast absorbing products if you’re in a hurry.
One of the most common mistakes is applying too many products. While multiple layers of moisturiser may seem beneficial, they can actually interfere with foundation application. Stick to just three essentials: a hydrating mist, moisturiser, and sunscreen before applying foundation.
Use a Primer:
A primer is more than an extra step—it’s your makeup’s insurance policy.
Primers aren’t for everyone, but if your makeup is prone to getting cakey, then don’t miss this step.
Choose a primer based on your skin concerns: mattifying primers help control oil, while hydrating or illuminating primers can add radiance and grip. A good primer creates a smooth canvas for your foundation and helps it last longer without separating or settling into pores and lines.
Some primers even contain skincare ingredients like niacinamide or peptides, supporting long-term skin health. For best results, allow the primer to set for a minute before applying foundation to prevent pilling and ensure seamless layering.
Use the Right Foundation and Application Tools:
Your foundation should match both your skin tone and type. Heavy, full-coverage formulas can easily build up and appear cakey, especially when over-applied. Instead, opt for lightweight, buildable foundations or skin tints, and apply them sparingly.
We recommend:
InClinic Mineral Matte Liquid Foundation RRP $55
The Mineral Matte Liquid Foundation delivers flawless coverage with the added benefits of SPF protection and age-defying minerals in one multitasking formula.
This breathable full-coverage foundation smooths over imperfections, evens skin tone and adapts seamlessly to your complexion for a natural matte finish.
A damp makeup sponge or a buffing brush can help blend product seamlessly into the skin. Always build coverage gradually rather than applying a thick layer all at once.
We recommend:
InClinic Kabuki Brush RRP $14.95
This dense brush allows you to buff product into the skin for perfect application. The InClinic cruelty free vegan brushes are made from a high quality Taklon fibre which feel soft and silky on the skin.
No hair breakages, as they do not shed and they work with all types of powder makeup products.
Warming up foundation on the back of the hand before application makes it easier to blend. This allows the product to better fuse with the skin for a natural, second-skin finish. It also minimises the risk of patchiness, especially in dry or textured areas.
Blend Foundation Into the Neck:
Only focusing on the face and forgetting about the neck is a big mistake. This can create a noticeable contrast between the two areas, making the foundation appear unnatural.
It is important to extend the foundation down to the neck. The blending sponge or brush used for face foundation can now be used to gently buff the product downwards. This step ensures that the skin tone looks similar from face to body, preventing the contrasted makeup “mask” effect.
This is especially essential for formal events or photoshoots where every detail matters. Blending the foundation onto the neck creates a seamless, natural look, making the makeup appear more polished and cohesive.
Less is More—Especially with Powder
While setting your makeup is important, over-powdering is one of the fastest ways to end up with a cakey finish.
Focus on applying powder only where you need it—typically the T-zone or under the eyes. Choose finely milled, translucent powders, and use a small fluffy brush or damp sponge to press it lightly into the skin.
Avoid touching up excessively throughout the day, as too many layers can quickly become heavy. Instead, opt for a blotting paper or a setting spray to refresh your look without disturbing the makeup underneath.
Another tip is to choose a setting powder that matches your skin tone to avoid the dreaded white cast that some powders can leave.
Lock It In with a Setting Spray
To complete your makeup look, lock it with a good setting spray. This helps your foundation, concealer, blush, and powder blend together.
One of the biggest benefits of using a setting spray is that it removes any residual powdery or chalky texture that can occur after setting with loose powder.
Choose a hydrating or matte finish spray depending on your skin needs. Hydrating sprays typically contain ingredients like glycerin, rosewater, or hyaluronic acid, which infuse moisture into the skin while giving it a radiant glow. Oily or combination skin may prefer a matte spray that reduces shine and keeps makeup in place throughout the day.
Setting spray should be misted onto the face from a distance of approximately 20 to 30 centimetres, using an “X” and “T” motion.
