5 Under-$15 Products to Help Prevent Cakey and Patchy Foundation
:upscale()/2022/02/25/585/n/1922153/870668c36218d372a5f545.88858634_.jpg)
Real talk: patchy or cakey foundation can start your entire makeup routine off on the wrong foot. And if the foundation issues are so bothersome that you feel the need to take off all your makeup and begin again, you're inevitably looking at a much longer process (we know from experience . . .). While there are many different culprits behind blotchy, uneven, or clumped-up foundation, having the right products on deck and using the right combination of products can help reduce your chance of dealing with it.
Ahead, check out a few e.l.f. Cosmetics products that might just help you on your way to smooth, flawless foundation.
:upscale()/2022/02/25/585/n/1922153/ee339e9a327ccdf0_pure-skin-moisturizer.jpg)
e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer
Dry skin may make dealing with patchy, uneven foundation a little more likely. And, as a rule, properly prepping your skin before applying complexion products (that means foundation and concealer!) can help yield a smoother finish. You should take your skin type into consideration when choosing your moisturizer, but if you're on the hunt for a fragrance-free option, consider the e.l.f. Cosmetics Pure Skin Moisturizer ($12). It was made with sensitive skin in mind and works to hydrate, plump, and soothe. Its nongreasy consistency layers well under makeup, too.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/02/25/858/n/44344577/shop2GIILk.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/02/25/585/n/1922153/a3db4fb060f37412_power-grip-primer.jpg)
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
Investing in a great primer can also help prevent caking or patchy foundation by locking it in place. The new e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer ($10) is designed to leave skin with a soft-focus finish and really grip onto makeup, therefore locking it in place. Its formula is also infused with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/02/25/858/n/44344577/shopQzPiUt.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/02/25/585/n/1922153/d7ad394cd55fb7f1_poreless-putty-primer.jpg)
e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
The TikTok-famous silicone-based e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer ($9) excels at minimizing the appearance of pores and promises to help smooth the skin. This, in turn, helps deliver a more even foundation application. Be sure to wait the appropriate amount of time before reaching for your foundation, though! For this product, e.l.f. Cosmetics recommends 30 seconds.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/02/25/858/n/44344577/shopWsSrEL.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/02/25/585/n/1922153/c5d9e1bda15b7c16_camo-cc-cream.jpg)
e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream
If you're searching for a foundation to pair with the aforementioned Poreless Putty Primer, try the e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream ($14). The hyaluronic-acid- and niacinamide-infused formula provides medium to full coverage, is easy to blend, and features SPF 30 to protect the skin from the sun's damaging rays. As with any foundation formula, in order to prevent caking, be sure to apply sparingly.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/02/25/858/n/44344577/shopk1Vhub.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/02/25/585/n/1922153/5af54f42e31e7c01_single-scoop-sponge.jpg)
e.l.f. Cosmetics Cookies 'n Dreams Single Scoop Sponge
A sponge like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Cookies 'n Dreams Single Scoop Sponge ($5) is an amazing tool for really blending out foundation and preventing product from caking up in one spot. This limited-edition version has a really nice precise point that's great for blending product around your nose and under your eyes. Just remember, you need to wet it and squeeze out the excess water first.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/02/25/858/n/44344577/shopw60eKJ.jpg)