skin care essentials This Is Why Your Moisturizer and Foundation Ball Up

Loreal Paris Article Pilling Why Do Moisturizer And Foundation Ball Up D

Have you ever applied your face makeup, only to have to deal with your foundation balling up? Pilling—both in your skin care and makeup routines—is no fun. What does pilling mean exactly? Pilling is when products like your moisturizer ball up as they’re being applied, resulting in flakes or globs of the formula on your skin. We know—not a cute look. If pilling products are getting in the way of your flawless makeup looks, you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I prevent pilling?” Well, you’ve come to the right place. Below, learn why your moisturizer and foundation ball up in the first place. Then, check out our top tips to prevent your products from pilling.

WHAT CAUSES PILLING?

If you’re wondering, “Why is my moisturizer pilling?”, this is for you. In order to know how to handle pilling, you’ll need to know what causes your skin care and makeup products to ball up in the first place. Makeup and skin care pilling are caused when the formulas of the product you’re using are not compatible (much like how water and oil repel each other) or by layering products too quickly without giving them enough time to absorb.

5 WAYS TO PREVENT PILLING

Looking for ways to keep your moisturizer and foundation from balling up? Here are a few tips to take note of.

TIP #1. GIVE IT TIME

As we mentioned, layering on products too quickly can cause your foundation and moisturizer to ball up—so make sure to give your products enough time to work their magic! To ensure your skin has enough time to absorb your moisturizer of choice, smooth it on prior to brushing your teeth. While you freshen your breath, your skin will have a few minutes to absorb the formula. If you have more time in the morning, consider applying it prior to eating breakfast, then apply your foundation and the rest of your makeup look after you’ve eaten!

TIP #2. CHOOSE COMPLEMENTING FORMULAS

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is important to use formulas that have similar ingredients. For example, if you’re using a water-based moisturizer, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, you’ll want to also use a water-based foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation. This will prevent any ingredients from repelling one another, resulting in unwanted pilling.

TIP #3. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Sometimes, your makeup and moisturizer balls up because of a buildup of dead skin cells on your complexion. If you notice your products are prone to pilling, you may be overdue for an exfoliating session. Use a face scrub, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub, to help smooth and even your skin texture, so you have the perfect canvas for applying products sans pilling.

TIP #4. DON’T APPLY TOO MUCH PRODUCT

You know the saying—less is more! This is especially true when it comes to applying both your moisturizer and foundation. If you plan to layer products, start with a little at a time. When moisturizer balls up, this can be the result of applying too much product, and we know that’s the exact opposite of what you want. You’d be surprised at how little product you need to achieve your desired results. Plus, you can also add more if you need to—it’s much harder to take away!

TIP #5. USE A DAMP APPLICATOR

This tip is specifically meant to prevent foundation balling up, but it can still play a role in how your foundation and moisturizer work together. Rather than using a dry applicator, use a bit of lukewarm water to dampen your makeup sponge or brush. A small amount of moisture will help your products better absorb and prevent pilling.

Next up: Now that you’re a pro at handling moisturizer and foundation pilling, perhaps you’d like to learn more about products that wear well together. Check out our article, Dynamic Duo: America's No. One Eyelash Primer and Mascara.