Almond Oil for Makeup: Reducing Cakeyness and Shine

Are you tired of your makeup looking cakey and too shiny, especially on the bridge of your nose? Almond oil can be a powerful ally in achieving a more natural and flawless look. In this article, we will explore the benefits of almond oil for your makeup routine, learn some tips for application, and discuss additional techniques to prevent shine and cakeyness.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Makeup

Almond oil is a versatile and beneficial ingredient for your makeup routine. Here’s how it can help: Moisturizes the Skin: Almond oil is a fantastic hydrator that can help create a smoother canvas for foundation. Hydrated skin tends to absorb makeup better, reducing the cakey appearance. Blends Well: Mixing a small amount of almond oil with your foundation can help it spread more easily and evenly, giving a more natural finish. Improves Skin Texture: Almond oil can help improve the overall texture of your skin, making it look healthier and more radiant. This can reduce the appearance of makeup sitting on top of the skin.

Tips for Application

To effectively use almond oil in your makeup routine, follow these tips:

Use Sparingly

A little goes a long way. Start with a tiny drop of almond oil mixed with your foundation or apply it directly to your skin before foundation.

Apply Before Foundation

If your skin is dry, apply almond oil as a primer before your foundation. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before applying your makeup.

Set with Powder

To combat shine, especially on the bridge of your nose, consider using a translucent setting powder after applying your foundation. This can help control shine without making your makeup look heavy.

Choose the Right Foundation

Look for a foundation that has a natural or satin finish. These are less likely to appear cakey compared to matte formulas.

Additional Tips for a Natural Finish

If you find that almond oil is too heavy, consider using a lightweight facial oil or a hydrating primer designed for makeup application. Always do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to almond oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Is Your Makeup Too Cakey or Too Shiny?

Adding an emollient like almond oil will not necessarily make it more shiny. You also have to consider the base of the formula. Whether it's water-based, silicone-based, or oil/wax-based, mixing it with oil can be problematic. If shine is the only issue, apply some powder and use blotting tissues throughout the day to remove excess oils.

Understanding Cakey Makeup

It's important to understand that the term 'cakey' can be misleading. Many makeup gurus and influencers use enhanced lighting and filters, leading people to believe that makeup on the skin should look smooth and poreless. Keep in mind that makeup can merely emphasize skin texture, and there aren’t many ways to hide natural imperfections like pores, crevices, and fine lines.

While it's understandable to want flawless-looking makeup, it's important to recognize that even models and professionals can have naturally textured skin. A more realistic approach to makeup is to aim for a blend of natural and enhanced features, rather than a picture-perfect, flawless finish.

The EASIEST Way to Prevent Cakeyness

One of the easiest ways to prevent your makeup from looking cakey is to apply less. Use much less foundation than you think you need. Foundation should cover but still look like your skin. If you’re using a bottle, think of it as an empty bottle with just a few drops left. This approach can significantly reduce the cakey appearance.

Another helpful tool is a blending sponge, which can soak up excess foundation and blend the makeup for a more even finish.

Switching Foundations

If none of these methods work for you, it might be time to switch foundations. Some products just don’t suit everyone. For instance, the ELF CC cream, which I wanted to love, turned out to be unsuitable for my skin.

HD foundations are a great option. Brands like MUFE and RCMA offer good medium coverage and a natural finish. The MUFE HD liquid foundation is popular for its good coverage and skin-like appearance. The RCMA cream is great for full coverage and is a reliable MUA brand used in many TV and film productions. For a matte finish, the BEN NYE HD matte foundation works well.

Additional Shaw for Shine and Texture

After setting your face with your favorite powder, use a light pressing of a finishing powder like the NYX HD loose finishing powder. This powder is made from pure silica, which can give a slight smoothing effect on the skin. While it can help with minor imperfections, be cautious not to overuse it, as this can make the face look ghostly and cause flashback in flash photography.