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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!

Building a skincare routine sounds simple enough. Work out your skin type, choose a few products and you're done. Except, of course, our skin rarely makes things quite that straightforward! In reality, you can have oily skin and still be dehydrated! Have dry skin and get breakouts. Or sensitive skin that’s beginning to show fine lines and pigmentation. And as our skin changes with age, hormones, seasons and everything else life throws at it, you may find you're dealing with not one or two but several concerns at once! So how do you build a skincare routine when you're trying to address more than one concern?  It starts with understanding the difference between your skin type and your skin concerns. Your skin type should help shape the foundations of your routine, while your individual concerns determine the targeted ingredients and treatments you add along the way. So, whether you're starting from scratch or wondering if your current line-up is really right for your skin, keep reading as we show you how to build a skincare routine that makes sense for your skin.   What's the difference between your skin type and your skin concerns? Building a skincare routine isn't just about knowing which product goes first. It's about choosing products that suit both your skin type and what you're actually trying to improve. Your skin type describes the general characteristics of your skin (for example, dry, oily, combination or normal), while your skin concerns are the specific things you'd like to address, such as dehydration, pigmentation, breakouts, sensitivity or visible signs of ageing. And this is where it can get a little confusing because the two aren't necessarily linked. You can have naturally oily skin but still experience dehydration. Dry skin can be sensitive or prone to breakouts. And pigmentation, fine lines and loss of firmness can occur across pretty much every skin type. Your skin type also tends to provide the more consistent starting point for your routine, while your concerns can change over time. Hormones, climate, stress, lifestyle, age and even overdoing your skincare can all affect what your skin needs at any given time. So rather than trying to find one product range labelled for your type of skin and only using those products, think of your routine in two parts, build the basics around your skin type, then personalise it according to your concerns.   Start with your skin type Your skin type can help guide the everyday products that form the foundation of your routine, particularly your cleanser and moisturiser! If you have dry skin, look for gentle cleansers and nourishing moisturisers that help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier. For oily skin, lightweight, non-greasy hydration is key. And yes, oily skin still needs moisturiser! Trying to strip away every trace of oil can leave skin feeling uncomfortable and may do more harm than good. Combination skin usually needs a little balance. A lightweight routine may work well overall, while oilier or drier areas can be treated slightly differently where needed. If you have normal skin, gentle cleansing, good hydration and daily sun protection provide a solid foundation, with targeted products added according to your concerns. And while sensitivity can occur alongside any skin type, if your skin is easily irritated or reactive, keeping your core routine gentle and supporting your skin barrier should come before introducing lots of active ingredients. One common source of confusion is dryness versus dehydration. They may sound similar, but they're not the same thing. Our guide to dry vs dehydrated skin explains how to tell which you're dealing with.   Now target your skin concerns Once your foundations are sorted, think about what you'd actually like your skincare to improve. This is where targeted serums, treatments and active ingredients come in. If dehydration is an issue, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help attract and hold water in the skin. Try: VIE Collection Mesoforce NMF Moisture Boosting Serum. It’s been carefully designed for dehydrated and moisture-depleted skin! And it’s a beautifully lightweight but deeply nourishing serum that combines sodium hyaluronate, panthenol and natural moisturising factors to deliver intensive hydration while helping support the skin barrier! For pigmentation and uneven skin tone, look for targeted brightening ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide, alongside daily broad-spectrum SPF. Try: Phytomer latest breakthrough launch! Pigment 2D High Correction Dark Spot Serum. This targeted serum combines niacinamide with marine-derived brightening ingredients to help effectively reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote a clearer, more even-looking complexion! If fine lines, firmness and other visible signs of ageing are your priorities, ingredients such as retinol, collagen, elastin, peptides and antioxidants can be incorporated according to your skin's needs and tolerance.  Not sure which product to choose? We've rounded up our top-rated beauty buys for ageing skin, including some of our favourites (and yours!) from across the Beauty Collective brands. For breakouts and congestion, salicylic acid can be particularly useful for helping to clear clogged pores, but don't fall into the trap of stripping your skin in an attempt to dry out breakouts. There are gentler ways to tackle blemishes too, including one ingredient we constantly rave about! Discover why we’re loving propolis for breakouts. And if sensitivity or redness suddenly becomes the main concern, sometimes adding another active isn't the answer. Simplifying your routine and concentrating on soothing, hydrating and barrier-supporting products may be exactly what your skin needs. Try: Phytomer Minecel Fix Clear Cream. Think of this as your skin’s "stabilizer." If your barrier feels shaky, prone to blemishes or reactive, this deeply hydrating, barrier-boosting cream is the answer!  It packs 58% fermented Minecel Water (a mineral powerhouse that works at the cellular level to hydrate, repair, and revive tired or post-treatment skin.) As your routine's final "lock-in" step, it seals actives in place while building a breathable protective barrier for lasting comfort. Peptides and adenosine smooth lines and boost bounce, niacinamide evens tone, and calming extracts like Centella soothe redness. Ceramides plus vitamin E shield against stressors, plumping skin for that youthful look. It really is the perfect multitasker for sensitive, mature, or recovering skin, especially after microneedling or lasers.    What if you have more than one skin concern? Chances are you probably do! But that doesn't mean you need a different serum for every concern or a bathroom shelf overflowing with active ingredients! Instead, decide what your biggest priorities are and look for products that can address more than one concern where possible. A well-formulated vitamin C serum, for example, may support brightness and antioxidant protection, while a hydrating serum can help dehydration while also plumping the appearance of fine lines. It's also a good idea to introduce stronger actives gradually rather than starting a retinol, exfoliating acid and new vitamin C serum all in the same week. Not only can too much potentially irritate your skin, you'll have no idea which product is responsible if something doesn't agree with you! Your routine can also change as your skin does. What works beautifully in winter may feel too rich in summer, while hormonal changes, stress or simply getting older can alter what your skin needs.   So, how do you put it all together? This is where it becomes much simpler. Your everyday routine might look something like: Morning: Cleanser > targeted serum or treatment > moisturiser > SPF (don’t forget your SPF!) Evening: Cleanser > targeted serum or treatment > moisturiser (and if your skin really needs it that extra boost you can add an oil here too.) Then personalise it. Have dry skin & pigmentation? Choose your cleanser and moisturiser to keep dry skin comfortable, then add a targeted serum to address pigmentation. Oily & dehydrated? Keep your basic products lightweight, but add a hydrating serum to replenish the water your skin is lacking. Sensitive & ageing? Start with a gentle, barrier-supporting cleanser and moisturiser and introduce targeted anti-ageing ingredients carefully rather than throwing everything at your skin at once! You can then add extras such as eye treatments, exfoliants, masks or facial oils where they make sense for you.   Build your routine around your skin The best skincare routine isn't necessarily the one with the most steps. It's the one where every product has a reason for being there. Start with your skin type to get the foundations right, then choose targeted products according to the concerns you'd actually like to improve. And remember, those needs aren't set in stone. Your skin changes, so your skincare can too. Ultimately, a few well-chosen products that work together will always make more sense than a complicated routine full of products you're not quite sure why you're using!