7 Reasons Why Your Foundation Looks PATCHY. Tiktok didn't teach you these...

Summary

In this informative video, cosmetic product developer Marlena addresses the common issue of foundation separation and patchiness. She explains the importance of choosing the right base formula for one's skin type, including silicone, water, and oil-based options. Marlena offers tips on skin preparation, exfoliation, and selecting the appropriate foundation finish. She also demonstrates the correct application techniques and tools, emphasizing the significance of using the right amount of product and powder to avoid a cakey appearance. Viewers are encouraged to engage with further inquiries in the comments section.

Takeaways

• 😌 The script discusses common issues with foundation makeup appearing patchy or cakey throughout the day and provides solutions.
• 🔍 The first reason for foundation issues is using the wrong base formula for one's skin type; silicone-based foundations are common but not suitable for everyone.
• 📝 To identify a foundation's base formula, check the first five ingredients on the product label for indicators such as 'silicone', 'water', or 'oil'.
• 💧 Silicone-based foundations work well for both dry and oily skin but may cause breakouts for some due to their occlusive nature.
• 🌊 Water-based foundations are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin as they do not add extra oil to the skin.
• 🌱 Oil-based foundations are beneficial for dry skin, providing extra hydration and oils that the skin may lack.
• 🧏‍♀️ Proper skin preparation before foundation application is crucial; different areas of the face may require different treatments.
• 🍂 Regular exfoliation can prevent a patchy foundation look by removing dead skin cells and creating a smooth canvas for makeup.
• ✨ Choosing the right type of foundation finish (matte, satin, dewy) is essential and should match the skin type and desired look.
• 🎨 The application tool can significantly affect the foundation's appearance; using brushes for thinner formulas and damp sponges for thicker ones can improve coverage.
• 🚫 Over-application of foundation can lead to a cakey appearance; using the correct amount and layering effectively is key to a natural look.
• 💨 Setting foundation with the right amount of powder is necessary to prevent separation but should be done sparingly to avoid a heavy or textured look.

Q & A

Why does the foundation look patchy or cakey throughout the day?

The foundation may look patchy or cakey due to using the wrong base formula for the skin type, not prepping the skin properly, not exfoliating, using the wrong type of foundation finish, applying the foundation with the wrong tools, applying too much or too little foundation, using a formula that is too thick, or applying too little or too much powder to set it.

What are the three main base formulas for foundations?

The three main base formulas for foundations are silicone-based, water-based, and oil-based.

How can you determine the base formula of your foundation?

You can determine the base formula of your foundation by checking the first five ingredients on the ingredient list, which are the main components of the formula. Look for ingredients ending in 'oxane' or 'own' for silicone-based, the presence of water and lack of silicone and oils for water-based, and the presence of oils like jojoba or almond for oil-based.

Why are most foundations silicone-based?

Most foundations are silicone-based because it works for many different skin types, provides a flawless look by filling in pores and fine lines, and creates a barrier that helps retain moisture for dry skin and prevent oil from breaking through for oily skin.

What is the downside of using silicone-based foundations for acne-prone skin?

The downside of using silicone-based foundations for acne-prone skin is that it can sometimes cause breakouts, as the silicone sits on top of the skin and may not allow oils to escape, leading to clogged pores.

How can you tell if a foundation is water-based?

A foundation is likely water-based if it has a very liquidy formula, comes in dropper-type packaging, and has water as one of the first five ingredients without silicone or oils.

What is the role of exfoliating in preparing the skin for foundation application?

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and dry patches, providing a smoother surface for the foundation to adhere to, resulting in a less patchy and cakey appearance.

Why is it important to choose the right type of foundation finish for your skin type?

Choosing the right type of foundation finish is important because it complements your skin's natural characteristics. For example, dewy finishes are suitable for dry skin, matte finishes for oily skin, and satin finishes for combination skin.

What is viscosity, and how does it affect foundation application?

Viscosity refers to the thickness or thinness of a formula. It affects foundation application because thicker formulas may require a damp sponge for blending, while thinner formulas are better applied with a brush to avoid patchiness.

How can the application tool impact the final look of the foundation?

The application tool can significantly impact the final look of the foundation. Using the wrong tool for the foundation's viscosity can lead to patchiness or an uneven application. For example, a sponge is suitable for thicker foundations, while a brush works better for thinner ones.

Why should you avoid applying too much or too little powder to set the foundation?

Applying too much powder can make the foundation look thick and cakey, while too little powder may not effectively set the foundation, leading to separation and a textured appearance throughout the day.

What is the recommended coverage level for foundations to avoid patchiness?

It is recommended to look for foundations that offer medium to full coverage to avoid the need for layering multiple thin coats, which can lead to patchiness.

How can you tell if a foundation formula is too thick for your skin type?

You can test the thickness of a foundation formula by placing a drop on your hand and tilting it. If the foundation sticks and doesn't drip, it's likely too thick for dry to combination skin, which may result in a cakey appearance.

What is the significance of using a light layer of powder for setting the foundation on dry skin?

Using a light layer of powder on dry skin helps set the foundation without adding extra thickness or cakeyness. It's important to apply it only to areas that tend to get oily, like the T-Zone, to maintain a natural look.

Why should the 'baking' trend be avoided when setting foundation?

The 'baking' trend, which involves applying a thick layer of powder, should be avoided because it can create unnecessary texture and a cakey appearance on the skin, especially when trying to achieve a natural look.

Outlines

00:00

💡 Choosing the Right Foundation Base for Your Skin Type

In this paragraph, Marlena, a cosmetic product developer with over 14 years of experience, addresses the common issue of foundation looking patchy or separating throughout the day. She explains that the first step to avoid this is selecting the correct base formula for one's skin type. Marlena clarifies that the base formula is distinct from the finish (satin, dewy, matte) and that most foundations are silicone-based due to its versatility. She instructs viewers to check the first five ingredients on the product's packaging to identify if it's water-based, oil-based, or silicone-based. Marlena also discusses how silicone-based foundations, which often contain ingredients ending in 'oxane' or 'cone', work well for both dry and oily skin but may cause issues for those with acne-prone skin due to potential pore-clogging.

05:01

🧼 Skin Preparation and Exfoliation for Foundation Application

Marlena emphasizes the importance of proper skin preparation and exfoliation for a flawless foundation application. She shares her personal skincare routine, which includes using a mattifying primer on oily areas and extra moisturizer on dry patches. Marlena also recommends exfoliating one to two times per week with a light exfoliant, such as Dermalogica's powder exfoliant, to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for foundation. She further explains the significance of choosing the right foundation finish for one's skin type, with dewy finishes for dry skin, matte for oily skin, and satin for combination skin. Marlena demonstrates how to apply a silicone-based primer and foundation using a buffing brush for a smooth and long-lasting finish.

10:01

🎨 Foundation Application Techniques and Tools

This paragraph delves into the technical aspects of foundation application, focusing on the viscosity of different foundation formulas and the appropriate tools for each. Marlena explains that the viscosity, or thickness, of a foundation affects how it should be applied. She advises using a brush for thinner formulas to avoid patchiness from sponge absorption and a damp sponge for thicker, matte formulas to ensure smooth application. Marlena also touches on the importance of using the right amount of foundation and not over-applying it to prevent separation and cakiness. She discusses the testing of foundation thickness by observing its behavior on the back of the hand and suggests using a light layer of powder to set the foundation, cautioning against excessive powder application that can lead to a cakey appearance.

Keywords

💡Foundation

Foundation is a cosmetic product used to create an even, smooth base on the skin. It is central to the video's theme as the host discusses various reasons why a foundation might appear patchy and how to fix it. The script provides examples such as 'silicone-based', 'water-based', and 'oil-based' foundations, explaining their suitability for different skin types.

💡Base Formula

The base formula of a foundation refers to its primary ingredients and composition, which can be silicone, water, or oil-based. This is a key concept in the video as it determines how the foundation interacts with the skin. The script emphasizes checking the first five ingredients on a product's label to identify its base formula.

💡Silicone

Silicone is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products, including foundations and primers. It is used for its ability to create a smooth, barrier-like layer on the skin. The video explains that silicone-based foundations are versatile but may not be suitable for those with acne-prone skin due to potential pore-clogging.

💡Water-Based Foundation

A water-based foundation is a type of makeup that has water as one of its main ingredients, often marketed as oil-free. The video mentions that these foundations are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types because they do not add extra oil to the skin.

💡Oil-Based Foundation

Oil-based foundations contain oils like jojoba, almond, or sunflower seed oil. They are highlighted in the video as being beneficial for dry skin by providing additional hydration. However, they may not be the best choice for oily skin types.

💡Prepping Skin

Prepping skin refers to the process of preparing the skin before applying makeup, which can include moisturizing, using a primer, or applying mattifying products. The video stresses the importance of this step to ensure a smooth application of foundation and to prevent it from looking patchy.

💡Exfoliating

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. The video recommends light exfoliation one to two times per week to prevent a textured look in the foundation application, using products like the Dermalogica powder exfoliant as an example.

💡Foundation Finish

The term 'foundation finish' describes the final appearance of the foundation on the skin, such as matte, satin, or dewy. The video explains that choosing the right finish is crucial for a flawless look and that it differs from the base formula of the foundation.

💡Viscosity

Viscosity in the context of the video refers to the thickness or thinness of a foundation formula. Understanding viscosity is important for choosing the right application method, as discussed in the script, to avoid patchiness and ensure a smooth finish.

💡Application Tools

Application tools are the devices or methods used to apply foundation, such as brushes, sponges, or fingers. The video suggests that the choice of tool can significantly affect the outcome of the foundation application, with different tools being more suitable for different foundation viscosities.

💡Setting Powder

Setting powder is used to set the foundation in place and prevent it from separating throughout the day. The video advises on the correct amount of powder to use depending on skin type, noting that too much or too little can lead to a cakey or patchy appearance.

Highlights

Marlena, a cosmetic product developer and brand owner with over 14 years of experience, shares tips on why foundation may look patchy and how to fix it.

Foundation separation is often due to using the wrong base formula for one's skin type, with three main types being silicone, water, and oil-based.

Silicone-based foundations are common due to their versatility but may cause acne in some individuals.

Water-based foundations are suitable for acne-prone and oily skin, as they do not add extra oil.

Oil-based foundations are ideal for dry skin, providing extra hydration.

Proper skin preparation is crucial before applying foundation, including using mattifying primers or moisturizers based on skin's oiliness or dryness.

Exfoliating 1-2 times per week with a light exfoliant can prevent a textured foundation look.

Choosing the right foundation finish (matte, satin, dewy) is essential for a flawless look and depends on the skin type.

Marlena demonstrates applying a silicone base primer and foundation for a smooth, flawless finish.

Different foundation viscosities require different application tools, such as brushes for thinner formulas and damp sponges for thicker ones.

Over-application of foundation can lead to patchiness; using a formula with medium to full coverage can prevent this.

Testing foundation viscosity by observing its behavior on the back of the hand can help determine the best application method.

Using too little or too much powder to set the foundation can cause it to look patchy; a light layer is recommended.

The trend of 'baking' with powder should be avoided as it can create an undesirable texture on the skin.

Marlena offers to do reviews and provide more makeup tips in response to viewer comments and subscriptions.

Transcripts

is your foundation doing this breaking

down patchy cakey separating throughout

the day don't worry I've got some tips

for you today if you are new to my

channel my name is Marlena I have been a

cosmetic product developer and brand

owner for over 14 years today I want to

tell you the real reason why your

foundation is looking patchy and what

you can do to fix it

[Music]

the first reason why your foundation is

separating is you're using the wrong

base formula for your skin type now I'm

not talking about skin finish we're not

talking about satin dewy matte we'll

talk about that in a second I'm talking

about the base formula of your

foundation so most foundations made are

silicone based the reason for that is it

works for so many different skin types

but there's three different base

formulas mainly the foundations are made

of there's water-based oil-based and

silicone based now how do you know which

base formula your foundation is if you

look at the ingredient deck go to the

site you bought it from and look at the

first five ingredients the top five

ingredients are the main components of

that formula it's the highest dosage of

what was used to make it it's almost

always going to have water as the first

ingredients because you need a liquid to

spread the foundation it's usually water

but then after that you can have some

silicones in there and those will end in

the letters oxane or own so like

dimethicone methicone trimethicone even

this one this is a long one I have to

read it because it's so long cyclope

into selection I hope I'm saying I had

to practice that a lot it's a really

long word you all and it's really common

in foundations but those are all

silicones and silicone is basically what

is in your primer so I have this primer

here this is a Lancome one let me show

you all the texture silicone is just

that like you see things out in the wild

that are silicone it's like this very

gel like type formula can you all see

that on the camera as you're gliding it

it Glides Across the Skin it sits on top

of the skin it fills in your pores your

fine lines and that's why a lot of

Foundations are made out of that is

because it gives a really Flawless look

to the skin and that's why most of your

face primers are made of silicones as

well is because it creates a barrier

between your skin and the foundation or

whatever that you're putting on top the

great thing about that is it works for

dry skin because it helps keep moisture

in so you're not losing moisture

throughout the day but also for oily

skin it works great because it keeps

your natural oils from breaking through

and getting to that Foundation that's

why a lot of primers have that is

because it's like a protective barrier

allowing moisture stay in and oil not to

get out now the only downside to that is

people that are acne prone skin can at

times be sensitive to silicones because

it's sitting on top of the skin and it's

not allowing oils to get out so that can

cause the oil to stay in the pores

causing some people to break out it's

not super super common but some people

are allergic to it so just look for

anything that ends in own or octane to

see if maybe you're sensitive to that

but otherwise it works great for most

people so most foundations fall in this

category silicone base now water-based

you know a foundation is water-based

usually it's going to be a very liquidy

formula it's going to come in a dropper

type packaging but also it's going to

have water as any ingredient and in the

first five ingredients it's not going to

have a silicone and it's not going to

have any oils in there that's how you

kind of know it's water-based most

companies will Market it as oil-free or

water-based or something like that

that's how you know there's not a ton of

them on the market but water-based

foundations are really great for acne

prone skin they're good for oily skin as

well because it's not adding extra oil

onto the skin and then the last base

formula is your oil-based foundations if

you look at the first five ingredients

you'll see some type of oil it'll

usually be like jojoba almond oil

sunflower seed oil rosehip there's all

these different types of oils oil-based

foundations are really great for dry

skin because it adds an extra hydration

that extra oil that dry skin tends to

need so if your foundation is separating

it may be that you are using the wrong

type of formula for your skin and then

if you have oily skin I'm not talking

like mildly oily I'm talking about

really really oily skin and you find

that your foundation is breaking down

with a silicone-based one it may be that

it's slipping too much and then and your

natural oils are still trying to break

through and causing that silicone to

slip around too much so then you want to

either switch to a water-based

Foundation or just a pure powder

foundation the second reason that your

foundation may be separating or look

patchy is that you're not prepping your

skin before I apply any foundation to my

skin I'm combination I study my skin so

I know how to prep it I get dry on my

forehead sometimes on my nose and my

chin but then I get oily right here next

to the side of my nose so I kind of

switch up my prep for the skin based on

what my skin looks like for the day so

I'll put powder or a mattifying primer

just right here next to the sides of my

nose but then on my forehead and nose

I'll put a little bit of extra

moisturizer a cream a little bit of oil

if I feel I really need it I'm going to

make sure that I'm prepping the skin so

that whatever I put on top is going to

enhance what my skin already looks like

the other thing that is so common that

causes this textured look to your

foundation is you're not exfoliating you

should be exfoliating with a light

exfoliant one to two times per week the

one that I really really love it's down

in the shower I have to grab it you guys

it's the Dermalogica powder exfoliant

it's amazing because it's very light

it's not too harsh you put it on your

hand you mix it with a little bit of

water rub it on your skin and it's going

to gently exfoliate all all the dead

skin cells any sort of dry patches of

skin and then I add a really nice serum

and a moisturizer on top and that gives

me a great base for my Foundation

helping it to look less dry patchy and

Cakey the next reason why your

foundation is looking patchy is you're

not using the right type of foundation

finish now this is different from your

base formula those are silicone oil

water if you are a foundation type is

matte satin or dewy finish when brands

have their foundations out there they

will say in the description or even in

the title Dewey Foundation satin finish

matte finish it'll say the type of

foundation that it is because even

though a lot of Foundations are silicone

based they can arrange in a variety of

finishes going from dewy where it's

super shiny to Super matte you want to

make sure you pick the right finish for

your skin so if I have dry skin I want

to find dewy finish foundations that's

why I personally love the Nars sheer

glow I really like the Chanel lay beige

also another one is the Dior Capture

total this one is new to me these are

really great kind of dewy finish

foundations they work for me because

when I'm dry this gives me that dewy

finish to the skin now for oily skin you

want something that's a matte finish so

I really like the Estee Lauder Double

Wear it's a great matte finish

Foundation also the Milani conceal and

perfect is another great one if you have

oily skin you don't want to add a dewy

Foundation it's just going to add extra

shine and oil it's going to slip around

throughout the day and it's going to

make it look greasy by the end of the

day making it separated and just not

look Flawless and then if you have

culmination skin I really like some

great satin finish ones my favorite are

the house Labs ones I think that's a

great satin finish the Armani luminous

silk those are sent so those are not too

matte they're not too dewy they're kind

of right in the middle so they work

really great for combination skin really

quick let me show you how I apply my

silicone base primer with my silicone

foundation on top to get that Flawless

look so what I do before I apply my

silicone Foundation is apply a primer

the what I'm really liking right now is

this Lancome one it's a love Base Pro

it's so good it's so good in that it

fills in my pore as it leaves a

beautiful finish to the skin it doesn't

make me look oily or cakey it doesn't

peel I take a brush kind of like this

just something that's a little bit stiff

something that's a buffing brush any

shape will work and I put a dot on there

and then just buff it into the skin and

this is going to create a great barrier

between your skin and the foundation

helping it last longer helping it look

smoother helping it Glide more easily

this really helps it look Flawless then

I take my Foundation I'm using the house

Labs one because this is a silicone one

as well it has lots of like trimethicone

methicone and I just looked at the

ingredient debt put a pump on the brush

and just start blending it in I start on

the cheek first and under the eyes I put

my color corrector here first and that

sits so nicely on the skin because that

silicone base underneath is helping it

just Glide more smoothly the next reason

that your foundation is looking patchy

is you're not using the right tools for

your specific type of foundation now

there's several different tools you can

use you can use a buffing brush a sponge

you can use a flat brush you can use

your fingers there's all sorts of

different methods I like to use the

right tool for the viscosity of a

foundation a lot of people don't talk

about this as well I'm kind of getting

into the technical side of formulation

but viscosity is a word we use for how

thick or thin a formula is so let me

show you so I have the Nars sheer glow

if I put a pump here on my hand and I

pull my hand up and let it sit there

it's not dripping down my hand too much

so that tells me that's a little bit

thicker of a viscosity when I spread it

I can tell if it feels really thick and

Cakey or if it's thin I would say this

is actually a medium viscosity it's not

too thick it doesn't feel like a clump

just sitting there but it's not dripping

down the hand another one I have is the

house Labs one let's see what that one

does so pump here okay so that one's

starting to drip down so that one's a

little bit thinner of a viscosity the

thinner viscosity formulas I prefer

using a brush to buff it in because when

you use a sponge if a formula is really

thin it's going to sink into the pores

of this and it's going to make the

foundation a little bit patchy it's not

going to be a smooth application because

part of the product is soaked into the

sponge it's not giving you an even

coverage if that makes sense so I like

using a brush for thinner viscosity for

thicker foundations or matte finish

foundations those tend to be a little

bit thicker because they have a higher

percentage of powder in there it's

usually like Mica talc is mixed in with

a foundation as well that makes it a

little bit more matte because it's

soaking up the oil so with those like

the Milani conceal imperfect let me show

you the viscosity of that okay so I put

it on that is not moving at all most

matte foundations will do that because

it's not as liquidy it's got a little

bit more powder in there it's just

sticking I like using a slightly damp

sponge for these Foundation types

because it's thick enough it's not going

to soak right up into that sponge and

the really soft texture of that sponge

is really going to Pat it on stippling

it like this giving me a smooth coverage

and it's going to make sure that I'm not

getting patchiness it's not going to

separate throughout the day because I'm

using the right application type for the

formula so all of that is to say too if

your foundation is separating you're

like I can't figure out why Try

switching from a sponge to a brush or a

brush to a sponge or maybe even use your

fingers try different application

methods to see if it helps because you'd

be surprised how often the tool that

you're applying your foundation with can

make such a huge difference the next

reason that your foundation is looking

patchy is you're applying it too much

Foundation now I know that we tend to do

this with formulas that are not

pigmented enough so if you are looking

for a very pigmented Foundation that's

really going to cover everything on your

face make sure you look for a formula

that says online medium to full coverage

you don't want to get a buildable

coverage and then just pile layer and

layer and layer on top the more layers

you add the more it's going to have the

chance of separating on your skin

because it's just so much thickness

sitting on top of your skin versus one

layer just nice and even kind of blend

it out if that makes sense it's almost

like paint speckle on the wall if you

guys have painted the more layers of

spackle and paint you're putting on it

can look kind of textured and just not

look as smooth because you're just

adding so many layers on there it's

super thick so one of my favorite

foundations if you guys really want full

coverage this is no joke don't use it so

if you like that very thin lightweight

coverage because this is Hardcore but

the Dermablend Flawless crater is no

joke it is the most pigmented Foundation

I've ever used so much so that I use it

as concealer instead of foundation

because when I put it all over my face

it's like full on mask but one coat all

over the face I'm telling you it covers

everything and I never look cakey or

patchy with this because it's so

incredibly pigmented a little bit goes a

long way the next reason your foundation

is getting patchy is because your

formula is too thick so if you have

combination to dry skin I really don't

recommend using a thick formula remember

I went back to that Milani one and I put

it on it just sits right there that's a

good test you guys to test your

foundation put a drop on your hand one

drop tilt your hand up see what it does

does it stick on there or does it drip

down if it sticks like this and it's

really thick this is not going to be

ideal for dry to combination skin

because you don't have any natural oils

on your skin blending with this to kind

of help it smooth out it's going to look

thick and Cakey because it's a thick

formula so just do that little test you

guys test on your hand and see if it's a

thick formula you don't want to use it

unless you really have oily skin or if

you do have dried combination skin use

again a very light layer and use that

sponge slightly damp it's going to help

blend it out and make it thin out a

little bit so it's not too thick and

then the last reason your foundation is

separating or looking patchy is you're

applying too little or too much powder

to set it so after I apply my Foundation

regardless of whether you are dry or

oily skin you need a little bit of

powder on top to set it or it will

separate naturally throughout the day as

you sweat you get a little oily the Sun

hits it things wear down so putting a

light layer a powder on top is going to

help now for me I have dry skin for the

most part so I just take a sponge and I

pick up a bit and I only apply it here

in the T-Zone a little bit on the

forehead here where I get oily I don't

put it all over my face because that's

going to add another layer making it

look thick cakey and then eventually

that's going to start to separate look

dry and give you that textured look that

we don't want now if you have oily skin

you need a little bit more powder you

can probably put it all over if you're

really really oily but make sure that

you're using the thinnest layers

possible don't do the baking guys I know

everyone likes the baking please let the

baking Trend die it gives you so much

texture on your skin that you don't need

the more product you add the more

chances you have of it looking thick and

Cakey versus just light minimal amount

of layers is always going to look more

like real skin hopefully it helps you

all figure out how to get your

foundation to stop looking patchy let me

know in the comments below what other

tips you'd like to find out regarding

foundations I will do it all for you I

will do some reviews all of that great

stuff so thanks for watching well don't

forget to subscribe to my channel to see

some more makeup tips and fragrance and

other Beauty content have a great week

you guys and I will talk to you soon bye

[Music]