Is this some sort of simple mistake, like an improperly matched color or something? When I put on makeup I look 10-15 years older. I'm still a beinner, but this has me concerned.

Foundation has to be applied very lightly. If you cake it on it will add texture to naturally smooth skin. I am going to get heat for this suggestion as there are other ways to do it, but after I apply foundation, I use a kleenex to take off any excess. I also use a kleenex to remove any excess power I may have applied.

If you are using a good foundation you will be surprised how little it takes to do the job.

Agree, there is a fine line between enough to cover and enough to look bad

Have you gone to the dept store and done a counter color match? Its fun, Ive done it twice and everyone was very nice and helpful.. (they want your money, lol) It will give you a good idea what you can look like when done well, and get you to the right colors... as well as getting pointers while they do it.

I also have found myself removing half of mine and it looks better

I have begun using very little now and its a much better look

keep going, have fun!

Yeah, tone the foundation WAY back!  You don't want it changing the overall look of your face.  Too much makes your face look coated, like an old lady who's trying to cover up too much.  Mostly I don't use foundation at all any more.

I use MAC light foundation. It's great! Not too thick, just perfect.

Use a damp sponge and stipple the foundation all over your face that usually prevents the caking. Applying it with a brush or hands when you use a lot can get cakey.

I use my hands but lotion is light and I don't use a lot.

I used to feel like mine made me look older along with kind of "plastic-ey" (if that's even a word). 

I switched over to a liquid foundation and it looks much better.  Also, I now use a color correcting primer beforehand so the foundation doesn't need to be very heavy at all to do its job. 

Granted I rarely wear foundation (Standard routine for me is liner, eyebrow and mascara with a curler) but when I do I apply a light even cover over any blemishes. Don't cake it on it will do more harm than good. And try to get a coverage as close to your natural skin tone as it will look out off place if your face is one shade and you neck is another.

Good luck 

You could try liquid foundation like Emjay said.

http://www.soorganic.com/lavera-natural-liquid-foundation.html

There are products available with plant based oils which nurture the skin and don't only stick to the surface.
It helps for a natural look imo.

You can apply it with (cleaned) fingers. Just wait a moment until it gets warmed up to the temperature of your hand.

If its a good product it should be applicable with ease ... and give a natural look, not too much and not too few.

Some products need brushes ... it might be a good idea to ask if unsure. It should also be written in the products directions.


*hugs*

I used to brush or sponge the foundation to blend it, but I found that the tiny little hairs on my cheeks were suddenly in your face visible with it, so I stopped using foundation. I've switched to only using the moisturizer (not tinted) with no foundation and that seems to correct most of my blemish issues. I also put the focus on my eyes with the rest of the makeup and when I use concealer, it's only around the eyes to make sure any attention is drawn there and not to the rest of my face.


I also use makeup apps on the phone to try new things without trying them. I thought I had my look down. Then I had a relative do my makeup and while it took a bit to get used to, I was unmistakenly female with it done that way and it was a way I never would have tried. With the app I can tell it to only apply certain bits of makeup so I can see how my face changes and find a minimalist approach that looks as feminine as possible.

Technique and color and LOTS of practice. And then there is my wife's decree for her of "It makes no sense to paint on an old wrinkled canvass". We all have images of the old grandmas thinking they can do 20 something 

I don't think I have ever left the house without a little foundation to even out my skin as well as a light touch of mascara to bring out my lashes

I use Swisspers wedges with liquid Fondation works great for me when I chose a color it's slightly darker than the back of my hand

yes on the canvas....

get on your skin care game, its amazing what a difference it makes

I also had to learn that sadly, we are not usually going to cover "shadow" with our foundation and have it look stunning
I just find a nice medium point between coverage and not looking thick

Quote from: Emileeeee on March 25, 2016, 07:19:06 AM
Then I had a relative do my makeup and while it took a bit to get used to, I was unmistakenly female with it done that way and it was a way I never would have tried.

I did something similar when I went full time.   I found someone to do a makeup session with and gained a LOT of good information when I did.   The person I found also does hair so I've been going to her ever since.

I wasn't big on going to one of the places in the mall and sitting out in front of everyone who walked by so I found someone who offered private sessions.  For me, it was money well spent.