How To Fix Cakey Makeup Without Removing It

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 results from an improper application. But 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 is my makeup cakey?” or contemplated asking a pro “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 in 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. Ahead, 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 help 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 paint—the more you add, the more textured it’s going to appear. If you plan to wear a full face of makeup, 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, which can make 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. If you end up with cakey makeup, 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

As mentioned before, makeup can cling to dry patches of skin, which may make your makeup look uneven or cakey. But 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, then apply a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to hydrate your skin. 

Once your moisturizer is fully absorbed, layer on a face primer to help provide grip for your base makeup. The L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab collection includes four primers to address different skin concerns. The Matte Setter is ideal for minimizing oiliness; Pore Minimizer helps smooth the skin; Redness Eraser helps diminish the appearance of redness; and Dullness Reducer helps brighten the skin. Pick whichever one aligns best with your needs and apply a thin layer before starting your makeup application. 

2. Choose the right foundation for your skin type

The best makeup for dry skin isn’t necessarily the best for those with oilier complexions, or vice versa.Picking the right makeup for your skin type can go a long way in helping to keep cakiness at bay. 

In general, we recommend those with drier skin opt for hydrating yet non-greasy formulas, such as the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation. The medium-coverage formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and provides a natural-looking, skin-like finish. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation is also a great pick, as it’s breathable, buildable, and suitable for all skin types.

Those with oilier skin, meanwhile, may want to opt for matte foundations. We suggest trying the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. The weightless formula covers like a liquid but mattifies like a powder without leaving the skin looking patchy or cakey. Bonus: it’s sweat-proof, heat-proof, and waterproof.

3. Use the right tools

An artist is only as good as their tools. How you apply your makeup matters, and the makeup brushes you use can determine whether the result is flawless makeup or cakey makeup. Instead of using your fingers, we recommend reaching for a designated foundation brush or makeup blender for a smooth, non-cakey finish. If you use a dense brush to apply your foundation, that could also be why your makeup looks cakey and heavy. Instead, switch to a stippling brush with less finely packed bristles to create a lighter look.

Once you’ve got your brushes, it’s important that you wash them every couple of weeks to remove makeup buildup, oils, and bacteria. This is not only for hygiene reasons but also to avoid cakey makeup and ensure a more even makeup application. 

4. Choose the right concealer

Concealer tends to be a bit thicker and fuller coverage than foundation, which makes it especially prone to settling into fine lines and becoming cakey. If you’re using concealer, we suggest opting for a lightweight, hydrating option, which can help offset dryness and keep cakiness to a minimum. We love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, which offers a medium-coverage finish and boasts a hydrating formula that won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Use only as much as you need to camouflage discoloration and blend well to help prevent a cakey makeup application.

5. Use a light hand

As mentioned earlier, using too much product is one of the biggest culprits of cakey makeup. With all of your products, it’s best to use a light hand and build up the coverage as needed. Remember, you can always add more product as needed—but removing product (without starting your look from scratch) isn’t as cut-and-dry. 

6. Finish with setting spray 

If you’re looking to prevent cakey makeup, setting spray is one of the most useful products to have in your makeup bag. These face mists—sometimes called finishing sprays—help “lock” makeup into place, extending wear and preventing your products from melting, transferring, or moving around. For the best results, look for a formula specifically designed to minimize cakiness, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. This innovative formula helps extend makeup wear for up to 36 hours and prevents caking, cracking, and flaking for all-day flawless makeup wear. 

Next Up: How To Waterproof Your Makeup For Sweat Sessions and Pool Days