Do you always take the time to put your skincare on, you blend your foundation meticulously and all of it looks flawless only until a few hours later? Suddenly, your makeup looks patchy, clings to some areas of your face or slides all over the place. If you’ve ever wondered about why your makeup separates rather than laying down smoothly, you’re not the only one.
A lot of people think it’s their foundation, but a lot of times it’s what’s going on underneath that’s causing makeup to separate. Your skin type, your skincare regimen, the weather and even how you apply your makeup all contribute to how long your makeup lasts throughout the day. Fortunately, makeup separation is usually a simple solution, and once you know what’s going on, it’s a lot easier to fix.
Here are some common reasons why your makeup may be separating.
You Have Very Oily or Dry Skin
One of the primary reasons why makeup separates is because of unbalanced skin. If you have dry skin, foundation may cling to the dry patches and break down in rough patches, which can make your complexion look uneven. However, if you have oily skin that produces too much oil, then your makeup can start to break up as the oil mixes into your foundation during the day. It's not supposed to make your skin totally matte or overly hydrated, it's to create an even surface prior to you apply makeup. If skin appears tight after washing, apply a light moisturizer before makeup. Similarly, if you have oily skin, don't skip moisturizer altogether, just choose an oil-free one.
Your Skincare Products Haven’t Been Absorbed
Most of us have been in a rush doing our morning routine, particularly before going to work or university. But if you layer on foundation too quickly after multiple layers of skincare, then your makeup won’t sit properly. Foundation can slide around rather than grip your skin as it's sitting on top of items that did not have time to soak in.
A good rule of thumb is to allow every product at least a minute or two prior to using the next one, particularly a moisturizer and sunscreen. This will help your skincare absorb into your skin, rather than just sit on top of it. If your face remains wet or slippery, blot off any excess product gently with a tissue prior to using a primer or foundation.
You Are Applying Too Much Product
When makeup doesn’t want to play nice, it’s tempting to add more. Another coat of primer, another coat of foundation, more concealer, another dusting of powder. Ironically, this can exacerbate the problem. Heavy coatings of product are more probable to move around throughout the day, especially in hot or humid weather, leading your makeup to separate rather than melting flawlessly into the skin. A good way to start is to put on a thin layer of foundation and then build up the coverage where you need it, rather than trying to get full coverage right away. And the same goes for concealer and powder. You’ll want to use a light layer so it can dry properly and give a more natural finish. If your makeup begins to wear off over the day, don't put more foundation on, instead, just blot off excess product.
Your Environment is Affecting the Skin
Sometimes the problem is not with your products at all. Makeup tends to disappear faster in hot, humid, sweaty conditions. This is especially true in the summer periods or if you work long hours in the open air. Foundation mixed with sweat and oil can cause the makeup to start to break down, particularly around the nose, forehead and chin.
You can’t change the weather, but you can change your routine. Opting for breathable, long-wearing formulas, then setting your makeup with a light dusting of powder or setting spray can also help it last longer. Blotting sheets typically work better than putting powder on again, which may make makeup look heavy if you get oily in the day. It is often better to keep your makeup light and breathable than to attempt a fully matte finish that can crack or separate throughout the day.