4 Tips to Make Your Makeup Look Smooth

Nothing ruins a great makeup look quite like cakey-looking skin. Considering that the point of foundation is to blur imperfections, it’s a real letdown when it creates issues, namely emphasized skin texture and a patchy complexion. If this is something that you struggle with, keep reading because we're sharing makeup insider techniques for mastering a smooth finish every time.

1. Prep Your Skin By Exfoliating

Regardless of what makeup you apply on your skin, having dry patches and uneven skin texture will detract from the smoothness of your complexion. To address these concerns, exfoliating is key. According to the experts at L'Oréal Paris, when you have a freshly exfoliated dermis, the foundation grips to your skin better. If you're new to this process, opt for chemical exfoliating products over manual exfoliators because they’re more gentle. We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum because it’s gentle enough for daily use, and it evens the complexion, resurfaces the skin and addresses the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

2. Don’t Forget to Moisturize 

A layer of a moisturizing product is essential in order for your foundation to look its best, so even a bit of a lightweight moisturizer or serum will do. If you have very oily skin and you want to wear a liquid foundation, you can skip a traditional moisturizer and opt for a hydrating serum, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It helps to re-plump and hydrate your skin without leaving behind any kind of heavy or greasy residue. 

If you have dry skin, try a rich moisturizer, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Day Moisturizer SPF 25. It has a nourishing formula that helps to reduce dry patches in addition to SPF protection and antioxidants.

3. Pick Your Foundation Formula Wisely 

Every foundation is different and so is everyone’s skin. If you’re dealing with a textured complexion due to blemishes, choose matte foundations. Stay away from luminous products because you don’t want to bring any attention to texture and you’ll see more texture when you use anything with luminosity, shimmer or glow.

We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder Foundation because it has a matte powder formula that provides incredible coverage without looking caked on. If you have dry skin, foundations with heavy textures can add to tightness and discomfort that often accompanies your skin type. Instead, choose lightweight products, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. It’s a weightless tinted serum with hyaluronic acid that works to even tone and hydrate the skin. 

4. Consider Your Application Method

The best way to apply foundation comes down to personal preference. However, if you’re struggling to make your makeup look smooth because of skin texture, using a makeup sponge, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, is your best bet. Applying foundation with a damp sponge is great because it soaks up excess product that can emphasize texture. 

Next: 4 Water-Based Foundations to Add to Your Summer Makeup Routine

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn