Why Does My Makeup Look Grainy?

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May 26, 2016

Rida S.

I have tiny pores, nothing too big but when I apply foundation lately my pores seem more prominent and the makeup appears grainy. it looks worse than natural skin you know like I have tried too hard. I use Becca ever matte primer and it has seemed to work perfectly well for me over the years..I haven't changed anything in the routine except start using moisturizer on my face before makeup. I don't use moisturizer generally because my skin is too oily.

May 26, 2016

Courtney G.

What foundation do you use?

May 26, 2016

Rida S.

Bourjois 123 perfect or merle norman lasting foundation.

May 26, 2016

Shengmin L.

Do you use a beauty blender? It makes your foundation blend into your skin better than brushes.

May 26, 2016

Rida S.

I have ordered one. will reach me in 2 weeks or so. I use a flat top brush right now. it seemed to work fine but nowadays my foundation just looks pixelated. :-/

May 26, 2016

Hannah K.

Have you tried using a silicone primer? They tend to go over or fill in the pores and blur everything, thus reducing the pixelated look.
Just wondering, but is there any other reason on why you don't use moisturiser? Skin prep is a huge part of making your makeup look great. Do you use a cleanser, toner and moisturiser (or any other skincare) as part of your day to day routine?

May 26, 2016

Courtney G.

It may help if you change your foundation? experiment with different types, try a matte one etc. make sure close your pores before applying makeup, by using a warm cloth to open your pores, apply a cleanser, remove the cleanser and use a good toner and then after that apply your moisturiser or primer. it may seem like it's a lot to do especially if you're in a hurry but it does make your makeup go on a lot better.

May 26, 2016

Rida S.

Yeah I do cleanse and tone..the pores aren't really that big at all..just the makeup looks them highlighted :-/
Hannah, I used to use Smashbox etc.but none of them helped control oil so I have switched to becca which is silicone free..shalli I use two primers?
I moisturize when I do makeup, otherwise I don't like the feel of leave on products on my skin (except pixi glow tonic). my skin is oily and its too hot and humid where I live so its like there is always sweat on the face :-/
Courtney, Merle norman is very matte! I will look into more options..I do all of that, cleanse, tone, moisturize, prime before makeup...but the minute I apply foundation, skin actually looks worse..till primer its all good

May 26, 2016

Rida S.

I just watched a wayne goss video on pores and I have the same problem!! he recommends buffing the foundation in instead of dragging it and pressing the pressed powder with a sponge. I used to use buffing motions; dunno why I stopped :-/ and I use a large powder brush for powder to just dust it all over my face...will use a sponge now.

May 27, 2016

Aurora S.

The thing is it could be a mixture of the moisturizer and how you apply your foundation.
That's an issue I had with the ever matte primer.
If you buff in your foundation it can cause the primer to ball up and get grainy and I think it's more likely to due that over a moisturizer since some moisturizers have emollients (oils that sit on top of skin to keep skin moisturized)
Which may not allow the primer to really stick to the skin as good.

I would play around with it. Try skipping moisturizer and using the buffing method then other days try moisturizing but skipping the buffing in of the foundation

May 27, 2016

Alma M.

Rida are you using a Matte primer with a hydrating foundation on your oily skin. What moisturizer are you using and is it a oil free moisturizer? Moisturizer is a great base and shouldn't be removed just be sure to find the correct one for your skin type.
Seems like your using all products not related in ingredients so it's balling up and also sounds like you need a deep facial to clear out the skin so that product doesn't leave that grainy film over the pores.:)

May 27, 2016

F F.

Mac has a primer moisturizer time release I think it's called? Anyways it helps I tried a sample and liked it

May 27, 2016

Rida S.

Aurora, I will skip the moisturizer today and see how it goes..thank you!
Alma, I am using an argan oil moisturizer (nature republic argan real cream) with becca ever matte primer (silicone free) and merle norman foundation (super matte)..oh my skin is very clean I take very good care of it and as I said, without makeup pores look like normal pores but with makeup its like oh I have pores! like they are more prominent with foundation sitting around them...I think its just my technique because the same products used to work fine before...or maybe its the moisturizer thats the only thing I am doing different
F.F. I will check it out...thank you

May 27, 2016

Alexis C.

Rida, you kind of just answered your own question, lol. If that technique has always worked for you before but now isn't working because you changed your moisturizer then the moisturizer is the problem. I would either switch back to the moisturizer you were using before this one or find another that has ingredients that'll better work with your other products.

May 27, 2016

F F.

Sorry found it it's called Time check*

May 27, 2016

F F.

Your welcome!

May 30, 2016

Rida S.

I have a sudden under the skin painful pimples breakout! so all makeup n skincare just went flying out the window. God knows what happened. pimples are like mild swellings slightly red and man, they hurt!