Here's Why Your Makeup is Separating

You spend a good chunk of time applying a full face of makeup, so when you look in the mirror not even a few hours later to see your makeup separating it’s completely within your right to let out a huff of frustration. The good news is that melting, patchy makeup doesn’t have to be your fate every day. A few different factors could be at play, including the type of makeup you’re using, how much you’re applying, and what products you’re layering. Once you figure out why your makeup is separating, the fix may be fairly straightforward. Read on to learn how to put cakey, patchy makeup in the past for good. 

What Does My Makeup Separate? 

There’s a literal art to applying makeup—and it’s not just about nailing that winged eyeliner. You’ve got to know how much to apply, the best products to use for your skin type, and the right way to layer everything. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why the heck is my makeup separating?” or “Why does my makeup look patchy?,” here are some common culprits. 

1. Using formulas that don’t work against each other 

Finding the best foundation for your skin type may seem like a no-brainer, but you also need to find the right primer for your foundation. Just like oil and water don’t mix, your primer and foundation won’t pair well together if they have conflicting formulas (more on that in a bit). 

2. Skipping moisturizer

Foundation and dry skin can present some issues. When you apply foundation on top of dry or dehydrated skin (ie. skin that’s not getting enough hydration and moisture), you’re inevitably going to experience patchy or flaky results. You need a smooth, hydrated canvas for makeup to glide onto. 

3. Having very oily skin

Just like dry skin can cause makeup separation on your face, applying foundation to oily skin can also be an issue. This is especially true if you aren’t following a skincare regimen for your skin type, which includes using products that help keep that excess oil and shine at bay. 

4. Forgetting to exfoliate 

Over time, dead skin cells and impurities can build up and create an invisible layer of dead, rough-feeling skin. If exfoliation isn’t part of your regular skincare routine, this build-up can cause your foundation to apply unevenly and separate throughout the day. 

5. A pplying too much product

It may be tempting to load up on foundation in an attempt to mask every imperfection, but applying too much can be the cause of makeup separating. (And if you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my makeup cakey?” applying too much makeup is probably the issue here, as well).

How To Prevent Makeup Separation

Now that you know why your makeup is separating, let’s cover ways to fix the issue ASAP. Follow these tips for smooth, seamless-looking makeup that lasts. 

1. Cleanse and moisturize your skin

All good makeup application has one factor in common: well-prepped skin. This begins with cleansing your skin to remove any product residue, dirt, and grime. Next, you’ll want to moisturize—but the moisturizer you choose should be dictated by your skin type. 

• Dry or sensitive skin: Applying a thick, rich moisturizer can help counteract any flakiness that might interfere with your makeup application. For lasting hydration without a sticky feel, try the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Facial Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It provides up to 48 hours of intense hydration and leaves the skin smoother over time. 
• Oily or blemish-prone skin: Those with oily skin need to moisturize just like anyone else, but it’s important to choose the right product for your skin type—anything too rich could leave your skin feeling greasy or heavy. For this reason, we recommend opting fora water-based moisturizer rather than an oil-based cream. This ensures the right amount of hydration for your skin type. Try L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream, which is suitable for all skin types.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate once or twice per week. Consider adding a gentle chemical exfoliator to your routine, like the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel. The formula features a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHA and helps gently exfoliate, brighten skin tone, and improve skin texture with continued use.

2. Use a compatible primer

After your skincare routine, you’ll want to apply a makeup primer. This gives your foundation something to grip onto and can help prolong your wear time. With that being said, it’s important to make sure you’re using a primer that's compatible with your foundation to help prevent your makeup from separating. So if you’re using a water-based foundation, you’ll want to pair it with a water-based primer. Silicone-based foundations, meanwhile, should be paired with silicone-based primers, like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab up to 24H Pore Minimizer.

3. Choose the right foundation for your skin type

Choosing the right foundation for your skin type is one of the most important steps you can take in your battle against your makeup separating. The right formula should apply smoothly and evenly, without clinging to dry patches or melting off on oilier areas.

If you have drier skin, we suggest opting for a hydrating liquid foundation, such as the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation, which contains hyaluronic acid. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50 is another great pick, particularly for those with mature skin. 

Those with oilier skin often do best with more mattifying formulas. If you tend to stick with liquid makeup, consider reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation—the light-as-air formula applies smoothly and boasts a demi-matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours. Alternatively, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder for all-day wear with a non-cakey matte finish. 

4. Apply your makeup with care

Remember that less is more when applying foundation. Instead of piling on product right away, start with a small amount of foundation. Use a foundation brush or damp beauty sponge to apply your product in a thin, even layer, taking care to blend well to avoid any patchiness or cakiness. If you find there are areas that could use a bit more coverage, feel free to add a second thin layer of foundation or camouflage any discoloration with a concealer for a natural-looking finish.

Editor’s Tip: To help prevent patchy makeup, avoid applying liquid products over powders, as doing so can cause the powder to lift and leave your makeup looking cakey or uneven.

5. Don’t forget to set 

To help prevent makeup separating throughout the day, remember to always set your look with a long-lasting setting spray. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, as it applies evenly, dries instantly, and helps lock makeup in place for up to 36 hours.

Next Up: How to Waterproof Your Foundation for Sweat Sessions and Pool Days