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What’s Really Going On?

You see influencers online with perfect makeup, flawless base, but when you do your makeup routine, it just feels like your makeup just isn’t hitting. Like it fades too fast, gets cakey, or just looks off no matter how expensive your products are? You’re probably making one of these makeup mistakes — and don’t worry, we’ve all done them. These small habits can mess with your flawless base, affect how your makeup wears throughout the day, and throw off your whole look without you realizing it. Let’s fix that.

1. Applying Makeup on Dry, Unprepped Skin

If your skin is dry or flaky, foundation and concealer will cling to those patches and make your base look textured. Skin texture is absolutely normal. However, you can learn to better prep your skin. A good skincare base (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF) is step one. For dry skin days, use a hydrating primer or mist before you even touch your foundation.

2. Using Expired or Low-Quality Brushes

Old, dirty, or cheap brushes can cause uneven application and even breakouts. If your foundation looks streaky or your eyeshadow refuses to blend — check your tools. I wash my brushes weekly and invest in a few high-quality ones. Clean tools = clean finish.

3. Skipping Sunscreen

Yes, even if your foundation has SPF. Skipping sunscreen can not only age your skin faster but can also make your foundation apply weird due to sun damage, texture, and dehydration. Use a lightweight SPF underneath your base every single day.

4. Using Way Too Much Powder

Powder is great for setting makeup — but too much makes your skin look dry and cakey fast, especially on your under-eyes. Focus only on your oily areas (like your T-zone) and use a light hand. Try pressing the powder in with a puff instead of baking your whole face.

5. Not Letting Skincare Absorb First

Slapping makeup on right after your moisturizer or serum? That’s how you get pilling. Wait 5–10 minutes after doing your skincare so your products actually sink in. It’ll make your base look smoother and last longer.

6. Skipping Primer or Using the Wrong One

Primer can be your best friend — but only if it’s right for your skin type. Silicone primers work for smoothing texture, while hydrating primers are better for dry skin. Don’t skip this step if you want your makeup to stay on all day.

7. Over-Applying Foundation in Problem Areas

Trying to cover a breakout by piling on foundation? It actually does the opposite — too much product highlights texture. Instead, use thin layers and build coverage only where needed. Spot concealing is your best bet for covering blemishes naturally.

8. Ignoring Your Undertone

If your base products always look a little off — too orange or too ashy — your undertone might be to blame. Cool, warm, or neutral undertones can completely change how foundation looks on your skin. Swatch along your jawline to find your match.

9. Not Setting Cream Products Properly

Cream blush, contour, or highlighter can look amazing — until they move around during the day. Lightly set them with a matching powder formula or use a damp sponge to press everything in. You want that glow to stay where you put it.

10. Using Setting Spray Incorrectly (Or Not At All)

Setting spray isn’t just a final mist — it can make your whole look last longer and blend better. Use it before mascara to avoid smudging, and try sandwiching it (spray before and after your base) for extra staying power. Game-changer.

Time to Rethink the Routine

You don’t need a million products to look put together — just a few habit tweaks. By avoiding these sneaky makeup mistakes, your routine will feel smoother, look better, and last way longer. Remember, flawless makeup starts way before the first swipe of foundation.