Have you ever wondered: “Why does my makeup separate?” Find out why your foundation separates, how to fix separated foundation on face, and more below!
Applying foundation can truly make or break your look.
Unfortunately, soooo many things can go wrong when applying foundation.
Your foundation could be the wrong shade, be flakey & patchy, separate from your face, the list goes on and on.
However, done right, a flawless finish can hide nearly all your skin imperfections and enhance your natural beauty.
So, if you find yourself constantly wondering: “Why does my makeup separate?”- this post is for you!
In this post you’ll learn why your makeup separates, how to fix separated foundation on face, why your foundation looks dry & patchy, and more!
Why Does My Makeup Separate
Fortunately, finding out the answer to the question: “why does my makeup separate” oftentimes gives you solution as to how to fix your makeup troubles.
Before diving into the nitty gritty of how to fix your makeup, you must first understand why it separates.
Check out the top 5 reasons as to why your foundation is separating on your face below.
1. Your Foundation & Primer Are NOT Compatible
Just like oil and water don’t mix well, so do certain makeup formulas.
If you use both foundation and primer in your makeup routine and are having makeup separation issues, first check to see if your products are compatible.
There are two main types of formulas: water-based and silicone-based.
Therefore, check to make sure both your foundation and primer are either water-based or silicone-based.
Otherwise, clashing formulas may be the cause for why your foundation is separating.
2. You Have Dry Skin
Your skin type is another factor to consider when trying to solve the question: “why does my makeup separate?”
If you naturally have a dry skin type, and even notice that your skin at times gets patchy, this may explain why your makeup is separating.
This is because when you apply foundation, it sits on top of your skin.
Soooo if the top surface of your skin is already halfway flaking off, this isn’t good for applying foundation as inevitably your foundation will separate/ look flakey as well.
Therefore, try to keep your skin nice and hydrated by making good use of a moisturizer BEFORE applying your foundation.
3. You Have Oily Skin
Similar to the last reason, your skin type plays a major role in the appearance and longevity of your foundation.
If you have an oily skin type, the excess oils on your face can potentially not be working the best with your foundation, thus causing your makeup to separate and slide off the skin.
Therefore, it’s important to get makeup products that compliment your skin type.
If you have more of an oily skin type, try to get products that minimize oils such as products that give a matte finish.
Meanwhile, if you have more of a dry skin type, then you’ll want to get products that have a more hydrating formula.
4. You Don’t Exfoliate
Failure to consistently exfoliate (2-3 times per week- NOT everyday) can cause a build up of dead skin cells and impurities on your skin’s surface.
Which, in the case of applying face makeup, is never good.
This is because when you go to apply your foundation it will rest on top of the dead skin cells on your skin, which will make your skin look patchy & flakey.
An easy way to prevent this is by exfoliating every couple days prior to applying your makeup.
5. You Applied Too Much Foundation
While foundation can do wonders to provide flawless coverage, too much foundation can make your makeup look cakey.
So, to prevent this follow the less is more approach.
Apply a thin layer of foundation thoroughly around your face. Resist the urge to keep layering on the foundation!!
How to Fix Separated Foundation On Face
Now that you know the top potential answers to the question: “why does my makeup separate?” it’s time for the good stuff! How to fix separated foundation on face.
Here are some top ways to fix separated makeup to achieve a flawless finish.
1. Make Sure Your Foundation & Primer are Compatible
As discussed earlier, if you use both foundation AND primer, it’s important to make sure they are both compatible. In other words, have the same base ingredients in their formula.
There are two types of foundation & primer formulas to look out for: silicone based and water based.
So, you may be wondering how do you know if a product is silicone or water based anyways?!
For a silicone based product, you’ll see either cyclopentasiloxane or dimethicone in the start of the product’s ingredients list.
These ingredients give the product its smooth appearance and waterproof properties.
If you don’t see these ingredients, this is a sign you have a water based product.
2. Apply Moisturizer Beforehand
Dry skin is obviously never good, especially when it comes to applying makeup.
If you have dry skin, you’ll want to get into the habit of applying a hydrating moisturizer first before applying any of your face makeup products.
The moisturizer will help nourish and hydrate the skin. And, bonus tip to consider when using a moisturizer is to use a moisturizer that has SPF so you can protect your skin!
Once you apply your moisturizer generously around your face, you’ll then want to wait about 5-10 minutes for the moisturizer to absorb into the skin before moving on to applying your makeup.
3.Use the Right Makeup Products for Your Skin Type
Your skin type matters when selecting the right makeup products.
For those who have more of an oily skin type, it’s important to pick more matte products that best suit your skin type.
Otherwise, applying a super hydrating, dewy foundation onto your already oily face will only make your makeup easily slide off your face and look greasy.
As a good rule of thumb to follow: If you have oily skin, use matte products, If you have dry skin, use hydrating/dewier products.
Foundation Recommendations for Oily Skin Types
Here are some top matte foundation picks for oily skin types.
First, the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation is truly life-changing.
While it is a bit expensive, it’s worth every penny. This foundation gives a matte finish, perfect for oily skin! Plus, it gives you the natural, flawless coverage you need to hide all your imperfections, while still looking super natural.
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is another great matte foundation at a more affordable price than the Estee Lauder Foundation.
If you’re looking for a reliable go-to drugstore matte foundation, consider this foundation by L’Oreal.
Foundation Recommendations for Dry Skin Types
Moving on to some top foundation picks for dry skin types.
First, the Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation is a great drugstore foundation for normal to dry skin types.
At just $6, this dewy foundation provides a glowy, luminous finish that looks super natural.
The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is another top foundation great for more dry skin types.
This foundation gives you the hydrating, luminous finish you’re looking for while also giving you a beautiful natural finish.
Best Primer to Stop Foundation Separating
If you use primer, the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Mattifying Face Primer is one of the best primer to stop foundation separating.
And remember, always make sure your primer and foundation are compatible (either both water based or both silicone based!).
4. Exfoliate Beforehand
Always exfoliate before applying your makeup. This will help remove any excess dead skin on your face.
When it comes to exfoliating, you’ll want to use a gentle facial scrub and use the product routinely, but NOT everyday. Otherwise, if you exfoliate everyday this will cause skin irritation & redness.
In need of an exfoliator recommendation?!
Check out the Era Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub. Not only is it gentle on the skin (and smells good!), but it gets the job done at removing any dead skin to achieve silky smooth skin.
5. Use Less Foundation
Last but not least, you don’t want to over apply your foundation.
Otherwise, layers upon layers of foundation runs the risk of your foundation looking cakey and unflattering.
When applying foundation, apply a small, thin amount to start to your face rather than piling on the foundation.
“No Matter What I Do My Foundation Looks Bad”: Here’s Why
Do you find yourself wondering: “Why does no matter what I do my foundation looks bad”.
Well, unfortunately so many things can go wrong when it comes to applying foundation.
From having the wrong foundation shade to your foundation looking cakey. Here are some common mistakes for why your foundation looks bad.
1. You’re not applying moisturizer first.
2. You’re not giving your moisturizer enough time to absorb into the skin before applying makeup. Wait 5-10 minutes!
3. You’re using primer and foundation that are NOT compatible.
4. You didn’t exfoliate before applying your face makeup.
5. You’re not using the right products for your skin type.
6. You’re applying too much foundation.
7. You’re foundation is not the right shade for your skin tone.
8. You’re not blending your foundation down your neck.
Final Thoughts: Why Does My Makeup Separate
Applying flawless face makeup is easier said than done.
Sooooo many things can go wrong from using the incorrect shade, to your makeup fading, to your makeup separating, and so on.
In this article, you learned the top potential answers to the question: “why does my makeup separate”.
Fortunately, once you learn the reason behind why your makeup separates, you can easily make a change to fix your mistake.
The next time you go to apply your face makeup, keep these top tips in mind to prevent your makeup from looking cakey & patchy.
FAQs
Why does my makeup come off even with setting spray?
Setting spray can be a great way to make your makeup last longer without fading. However, if you find your makeup is still coming off rather quickly with setting spray it may be because your skin is more oily and you’re not using the right products for your skin type,
Why does my foundation look patchy and dry?
Your foundation may look patchy and dry for a number of reasons like:
1. You didn’t apply moisturizer before applying your face makeup.
2. You didn’t exfoliate prior to applying your makeup.
3. You aren’t using the right products for your dry skin type. If you have dry skin and are currently using mattifying products, consider switching to products that give more of a hydrating, dewy finish.
Why does my makeup separate under my eyes?
If you find your makeup separates in your under eye area, using the wrong concealer may be to blame. This is because you should be using products based on your skin type. So, whether you have more oily or more dry skin will impact what concealer formula you should go with.
For oily skin types, go with a matte finish. For dry skin types, go with more of a dewy, luminous finish.
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