Why your skincare isn’t working: 7 reasons you might not be seeing results

You invested in that new serum and moisturiser your friend has been raving about. You’ve been using them religiously. And yet your skin doesn’t seem to look any different! But before you decide your latest skincare purchase was a complete waste of money, it’s worth looking at what else might be going on! From expecting results a little too quickly to using too many active ingredients at once, there are plenty of things that could be stopping your skincare from delivering the results you expected. So, before you give up on your current routine (or start shopping for an entirely new one!), keep reading as we look at 7 reasons your skincare might not be working and what you can do about it!   1. You’re expecting results too quickly We’d all love our skincare to transform our skin overnight! But unfortunately, most products need a little more time than that! That said some benefits can be noticeable fairly quickly! A good moisturiser or hydrating serum, for example, can leave skin looking plumper, smoother and more hydrated almost immediately, and a good Vitamin C serum or facial oil can have you waking to brighter, healthier looking skin by morning! I can vouch for that. But if you’re trying to improve concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines or uneven texture, you’ll generally need to be much more patient. Ingredients such as retinol work gradually, so consistency over weeks and months matters far more than what you see after the first few applications. And resist the temptation to keep swapping products because you haven't noticed a dramatic difference straight away. Unless something is irritating your skin or clearly isn't right for you, give it a reasonable chance to do its job before moving on to the next thing!   2. Your products aren’t right for your skin A product can have the latest and greatest skincare ingredients, glowing reviews even, and work wonders for your best friend... but not be right for your skin. Your skin type plays a big part in choosing the right products. For example, a rich, nourishing moisturiser might be wonderful for someone with dry skin, but feel far too heavy for someone with oily or combination skin. The same applies to your concerns. If pigmentation is your priority, your routine needs ingredients that actually target pigmentation. If dehydration is the problem, piling on products designed primarily for ageing skin may not address what's making your complexion look dull or lined in the first place. Not entirely sure what your skin needs? Our guide to building a skincare routine for your skin type and concerns will help!    3. You’re not using your products consistently I’m sure we have all been guilty of buying a new skincare product, using it morning and night for a week and then gradually swapping it out because the results aren’t happening quickly enough for your liking. Unfortunately, using your serum three nights one week, once the next and then rediscovering it in the bathroom cupboard a fortnight later probably isn't going to tell you much about whether it works! You don't need a complicated 10-step routine, but you do need some consistency when it comes to your skincare. A simple routine you follow every day will generally be far more useful than an elaborate one you only manage when time allows. And don't forget your SPF! If you're investing in products to improve pigmentation and visible signs of ageing but regularly skipping sun protection, you're making their job considerably harder!   4. You’re using too many active ingredients at once If one active ingredient is good, surely three or four (because they all target concerns you think you need help with) will get you results faster, right? Sadly, skincare doesn't quite work like that! Combining too many potent actives (particularly when you introduce several new products at once) can leave skin feeling dry, tight, sensitive or irritated. And once your skin becomes unhappy, adding even more products to try and fix the problem can quickly become a vicious circle! This doesn't mean ingredients such as retinol, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs) and Vitamin C can't all have a place in your routine. They absolutely can. But introduce new actives gradually, pay attention to how your skin responds and don't assume that stronger or more is automatically better. And if you're not entirely sure which actives your skin actually needs, have a read of our guide to the skincare ingredients you should be using. It might help you work out which ones are worth keeping in your routine (and which ones you probably don't need!).   5. You’re not getting the most from your products Sometimes it's not what you're using, but how you're using it. Applying products in the right order can help you get the most from your routine. As a general guide, cleanse first, follow with your more lightweight serums and targeted treatments, then moisturiser, with SPF as the final step of your morning skincare routine. If you're unsure where everything fits, our guide to the right order to apply your skincare (and why it matters) explains it all. You also don't need huge amounts of product to make it work better. Using twice as much serum doesn't mean you'll get twice the results (if only!). And make sure you’re following the directions for the individual product. Some treatments are designed for daily use, while others may only be needed a few times a week. Retinol and exfoliants in particular usually need to be introduced gradually.   6. Your skin barrier needs some attention If your skin has suddenly become dry, tight, flaky, sensitive or reactive, your skin barrier could be struggling. Your skin barrier helps keep moisture in and irritants out. When it's compromised, skin can lose water more easily and become increasingly sensitive, which can make your usual skincare harder to tolerate. If that sounds familiar, this probably isn't the moment to add another exfoliating acid or stronger retinol! Instead, simplify things for a while. Concentrate on gentle cleansing, hydration, moisturising and daily SPF, and look for barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides and fatty acids. You can read more in our guide to repairing a damaged skin barrier. 7. You’re expecting skincare to do something it simply can’t And finally, this is an important one! Sometimes your skincare is working, but you're expecting it to achieve something that skincare simply can't! A good skincare routine can make a real difference to how your skin looks and feels. Depending on the products you're using, it can improve hydration, smoothness and brightness, help manage breakouts and pigmentation, and soften the appearance of fine lines. But no cream or serum can completely erase deep wrinkles, or reproduce the results of an injectable or in-clinic procedure. This doesn't make good skincare any less worthwhile. The goal is to keep your skin looking and functioning at its best, while having realistic expectations about what topical products can and will achieve.   So before you give up on your skincare... If you're not seeing the results you expected, don't immediately assume you need to replace everything in your bathroom cupboard. Give your products enough time, make sure they're suited to your skin and concerns, use them consistently and resist the temptation to throw every trending active ingredient into your routine at once!

If you wear foundation, chances are you'll have experienced cakey makeup on occasion! Unfortunately, ‘cakiness’ happens to the best of us. But why is that you might be asking? No matter how carefully you've applied your makeup, sometimes foundation just seems to settle into fine lines, cling to dry patches or sit on top of your skin rather than blending seamlessly into it. And annoyingly, adding more foundation or powder to try and fix it can often make matters worse! Luckily though, cakey makeup is often surprisingly easy to fix (and even easier to prevent) once you know what's causing it. From how you prep your skin to the amount of foundation and powder you're applying, a few small changes can make all the difference. So, keep reading to find out why your makeup is looking cakey, how to fix it without starting all over again and, most importantly, how to stop it happening in the first place.   Why your makeup looks cakey First things first, why does foundation sometimes end up looking cakey in the first place? One of the biggest culprits is dry or dehydrated skin. When the surface of your skin is dry, flaky or lacking moisture, foundation can cling to those areas rather than blending smoothly across them. And yes, there's a difference between dry and dehydrated skin! Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water, which means even oily or combination skin can be dehydrated. But your skin isn't always to blame! Applying too much foundation or concealer, layering products too quickly, using formulas that don't work particularly well together and, perhaps one of the biggest offenders, too much powder can all leave makeup looking heavy or textured. Your foundation formula matters too. Rather than assuming dry skin always needs liquid foundation and oily skin needs something matte or powder-based, look for a formula that works with your individual skin, the finish you prefer and the amount of coverage you actually need.   How to fix cakey makeup when it happens Before you even think about washing everything off and starting again, try this! 1. Don't add more foundation It can be tempting to cover cakey areas with another layer, but more product usually means more texture. Instead, take a clean, slightly damp makeup sponge and gently press it over the areas where your makeup looks heavy. Don't rub or drag it across your skin. The idea is to lift away a little excess product while pressing what's left back into the skin. Try: ELES Pro Blender Sponge. Use it slightly damp and gently bounce or press rather than swipe. 2. Add a little moisture back in If your foundation is looking particularly dry or powdery, a light facial mist can help soften the finish. Mist lightly over your face, give it a few seconds to settle, then gently press your damp sponge over any problem areas. We're talking a light mist, not enough to leave your makeup dripping wet! 3. Fix the problem area, not your entire face Cakey makeup is often concentrated around the nose, chin, forehead or anywhere foundation has collected in fine lines or dry patches. So rather than adding another layer of makeup everywhere, concentrate on that particular area. Remove or blend away the excess first and only add the tiniest amount of concealer or foundation afterwards if you genuinely need more coverage. Remember sometimes taking product away is the fix, rather than adding more!   What to do to avoid cakey makeup Even better than knowing how to fix cakey makeup? Preventing it from happening at all! To do so you need to; 1. Prep your skin properly Makeup will generally sit better on skin that's comfortable, hydrated and properly prepped. Start with your usual skincare routine and choose hydration according to what your skin actually needs. If dehydration is an issue, a hydrating serum containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can be a useful addition beneath your moisturiser. Exfoliation can also help if dead skin build-up is contributing to roughness or flakiness, but don't exfoliate simply because you're planning to wear foundation! How often you exfoliate should depend on your skin, the exfoliant you're using and what else is in your routine. And finally, give your skincare and SPF a little time to settle before applying your makeup! Piling foundation straight over skincare that hasn't absorbed properly can encourage products to move around, pill or sit unevenly. 2. Use primer where you need it Do you have to use a primer? No. But a good primer evens out your skin texture, making the surface of your skin smoother, so that your makeup glides on effortlessly and appears well blended. It can also help with longevity meaning your makeup will remain perfectly intact for longer! The key is choosing the right primer for your skin. If your complexion tends to look dry or dull, we’re currently loving the new ELES Lumière Glow Perfecting Primer, which helps create a smooth, luminous base for your makeup. And if your skin tends to be more on the oily side we highly recommend the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It combats shine, helps absorb excess oil and reduces the appearance of pores, to keep foundation looking flawless all day long! Genius. 3. Choose the right foundation for your skin type Choosing a foundation formula for your skin type is essential when it comes to fixing and preventing cakey makeup. If your skin is dry, it’s best to opt for liquid foundations as these tend to be more nourishing and hydrating than powders. For those prone to oily or combination skin, matte and powder foundations are good as they will help absorb excess oil. 4. Build your foundation rather than applying too much at once Start with a thin layer of foundation and blend it well before deciding whether you actually need more. If there are particular areas where you want additional coverage, add a little more just there or use concealer rather than applying another full layer of foundation. You'll usually get a much more natural-looking result, and there's far less product available to settle into every little line and crease as the day goes on! 5. Go easy on the powder You might be a mineral powder foundation lover like me! And whether you use powder as your foundation or simply to set your makeup, it can be brilliant for reducing unwanted shine and helping everything stay in place. But more isn't always better. Too much powder can actually emphasise dryness, texture and fine lines rather than disguising them (something that can become increasingly noticeable as we age!). Instead, use it more sparingly to begin and concentrate powder where you really need it, such as around the nose, chin or T-zone, while keeping it lighter over any areas that are dry or textured. Try the ELES Mineral SkinPerfect Powder Foundation SPF 15, my personal favourite! It perfects, protects, and delivers an airbrushed finish! And it’s enriched with skin-loving antioxidant extracts including Kakadu plum, pomegranate and bilberry! 6. Use a setting spray Once your makeup is complete, finish with a nourishing face mist (or setting spray) as they will add additional hydration to the skin as well as locking in moisture which will help keep makeup in place. Pevonia’s new Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist is a favourite of mine. Not only does it deeply nourish the skin, rejuvenating, plumping and relieving dry flaky skin, it also helps maintain your makeup look throughout the day. What about cakey makeup under your eyes? The skin around our eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of our face, so it can be particularly prone to caking and creasing (especially as we age!). Add too much concealer and powder in an attempt to disguise fine lines and dark circles and you can end up having the opposite effect, eek! Before applying any makeup to this area, make sure your skin is well hydrated first. You can use your usual moisturiser or, for a little extra nourishment, we recommend a good  eye cream. Your choice of concealer can make a huge difference too. Look for a lightweight, hydrating formula that blends easily without feeling heavy or dry. We love the ELES Dual Action Concealer, which combines medium coverage with hydrating and smoothing skincare ingredients including peptides and hyaluronic acid. “This product is beautiful, you only need the smallest amount. Goes on so smooth even using your fingers, best of all no caking and no sitting in your wrinkles!!!!” – Kate Amiet And remember, less is more! Apply a small amount only where you actually need it rather than coating the entire under-eye area. If you use powder, keep it minimal. And if you notice your concealer settling into fine lines during the day, resist the temptation to add more! Instead, try gently tapping over the area with your fingertip or a damp makeup sponge first. And if your makeup regularly creases under your eyes, have a read of our guide to how to stop makeup from creasing under your eyes for more tips.   So, what's the secret to makeup that doesn't cake? Ultimately, avoiding cakey makeup isn't about adding another five products to your routine. It's usually about using the right products for your skin and using less of them in the right places. Prep your skin well, allow your skincare to settle, build foundation gradually and be strategic with concealer and powder. And if your makeup does start looking a little cakey halfway through the day? Remember: before you add anything else, try taking some product away. A damp sponge and a little blending might be all it takes!

Whether your skin is oily, prone to breakouts, on the sensitive side or simply dry, choosing a foundation that works with your skin can make all the difference to how it looks, feels and lasts throughout the day. From mineral and liquid foundations to lightweight skin tints, powders and more, there really is a formula for every skin type and need. But with so many options available, knowing which is right for you isn’t always easy. And then there’s the small matter of finding the perfect shade! So whether you’re looking for a foundation that helps conceal pesky pimples without feeling heavy, a longer-lasting formula that won’t slide off oily skin by lunchtime, or something hydrating enough for a dry, dehydrated complexion, BC have you covered. Keep reading to find the foundation formula that best suits your skin.   What foundation is best for dry or dehydrated skin? If your skin is dry or dehydrated, foundation can sometimes highlight the very things you’d rather it didn’t! Think flaky patches, fine lines and uneven texture. Eek. So you’ll want to make sure you look for lightweight liquid formulas with a natural or luminous finish rather than anything overly matte or heavy. Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane are also worth looking out for, helping skin feel comfortable while giving your complexion a fresher, smoother appearance. Try: ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint SPF 15 If you prefer your foundation to still look like skin, this is the perfect option and a personal can’t-live-without favourite of mine! The silky formula offers sheer-to-buildable coverage with a naturally luminous finish, while hyaluronic acid and squalane help support hydration. It also contains antioxidant-rich botanical extracts including pomegranate, sea buckthorn, kiwi and cucumber. The result? Skin that looks even, fresh and radiant without feeling heavily made-up!   What foundation is best for oily or combination skin? If your skin is generally oily, you’ll want to steer clear of foundations with an overly dewy finish. This is because oily skin can make the foundation appear a little too shiny as the day goes on! Instead, look for a matte or semi-matte finish, whether that’s an oil-controlling liquid formula or a powder foundation. These formulas can help absorb excess oil and keep shine at bay, while giving your complexion a smoother, more even finish. Mineral powder foundations can also work particularly well on oily skin, as the powder helps absorb excess oil throughout the day. And if you have combination skin, you don’t necessarily need to mattify your entire face, concentrate your powder or more matte formula through oilier areas such as the T-zone and keep things lighter elsewhere. Try: ELES Mineral Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 Offering medium-to-full buildable coverage with a soft powder finish, this mineral liquid foundation contains kaolin clay and rice powder to help absorb excess oil and minimise the appearance of pores. But it isn’t all about mattifying! Hyaluronic acid, squalane and jojoba esters help maintain hydration too and contrary what many might think, oily skin still needs hydration! This makes it a particularly good option for combination skin, where you may be dealing with shine through the T-zone but drier areas elsewhere.  What about breakout-prone or sensitive skin? When skin is prone to breakouts or sensitivity, piling on a thick layer of foundation can be tempting particularly when redness or blemishes are making you feel self-conscious. But heavier doesn't necessarily mean better! But more importantly, you’ll want to pay particular attention to what’s in your foundation. Fragrance and other potential irritants can aggravate some sensitive complexions, so look for a gentle formula that won't clog pores or feel heavy on the skin. Mineral makeup can be a particularly good choice. ELES mineral foundations are designed to provide lightweight, breathable coverage that allows skin to ‘breathe’ freely without clogging pores, while still giving you the coverage needed to camouflage redness, blemishes and uneven skin tone. Try: ELES Mineral SkinPerfect Powder Foundation SPF 15 This silky mineral powder foundation gives you buildable coverage, so you can keep it light across your complexion and add a little more over redness, blemishes or uneven areas. Its lightweight formula is designed with sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin in mind, while helping to minimise the appearance of pores and control excess oil. Skin prone to redness? You may also like our guide to the best makeup for rosacea skin.   What foundation is best for mature skin? As skin changes with age, it often becomes drier and fine lines or texture can become more noticeable. But that doesn’t mean there is one type of foundation every mature complexion should (or shouldn’t!) wear. If your skin is on the drier side and you prefer lighter coverage, ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint gives the complexion a fresh, luminous finish while hyaluronic acid and squalane help support hydration. Prefer more coverage? ELES HD Mineral Satin Foundation is a great middle ground. It offers medium-to-full buildable coverage with a natural, satin-soft finish and contains hyaluronic acid and squalane to help keep skin feeling comfortable. Its light-reflecting mineral pigments also help soften the appearance of fine lines, pores and uneven texture without leaving skin looking overly matte. And despite what you may have heard, mature skin doesn’t automatically need to avoid powder. If you love a powder foundation, keep the application light and concentrate it where you want coverage or shine control. Try: ELES Mineral SkinPerfect Powder Foundation SPF 15 or ELES Mineral Veil Cream to Powder Foundation Want something quick and easy? If speed and convenience are top of your list, a foundation stick is hard to beat. ELES Foundation Stick combines foundation and concealer in one easy-to-use stick, with high, buildable coverage and a natural finish. Swipe it directly onto the areas where you want coverage and blend, or use it more precisely to conceal blemishes, redness or uneven tone. It’s also handy for touch-ups and travel when you don’t want to carry a liquid foundation around.  How to find the right foundation shade Once you've found the right formula, there's one more important decision to make, the shade! This can often feel even harder than selecting the correct foundation formula for your skin type and concerns. Forget testing foundation on the back of your hand. Apply a few of the closest shades along your jawline instead and check them in natural daylight. The best match should blend almost seamlessly into your skin without making your face look noticeably lighter, darker, pinker or more golden than your neck. Your undertone can help narrow things down too. Skin is generally described as having cool, warm or neutral undertones, although there's no need to overcomplicate it. If foundations regularly look too yellow on you, try a cooler shade; if they tend to look too pink, you may need something warmer. If neither is particularly obvious, you may sit somewhere in the neutral camp. And don't be surprised if your perfect shade changes throughout the year. A little more sun exposure in summer can mean the foundation you wore throughout winter is suddenly no longer quite right.   The right foundation should work with your skin Ultimately, finding your perfect foundation isn't just about matching your skin colour. Think about your skin type, how much coverage you like and the finish you feel most comfortable wearing. The latest foundation formulas also blur the line between skincare and makeup, combining complexion-perfecting pigments with ingredients more commonly found in your skincare routine. So, whether you love a barely-there skin tint, prefer fuller coverage or can't go past the ease of a mineral powder, there's no single formula that's right for everyone. The best foundation is simply the one that works with your skin and gives you the finish you love!