6 Expert-Approved Makeup Tricks to Try If You Have Uneven, Textured Skin

When you have rough and bumpy skin, you know it can be a bit tricky to apply makeup products so everything can appear smooth. The last thing you want is to apply too much product, as it could appear cakey or make the uneven texture look even more noticeable. It's all about achieving the right balance so your skin looks smooth and natural. But that's easier said than done, right?

To help, I asked two makeup artists for their best tips for applying foundation to textured skin. See what they had to say below.

How to Apply Foundation to Textured Skin

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(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

1. Prep the skin: It's important to take care of your skin before you apply any makeup. In fact, it's crucial—even if you're not dealing with textured skin. "At home cleansing and hydrating is key before you do your makeup," explains celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney, whose clients include Megan Fox and Ashley Graham. "I love Darya Hope's Triple Cleanse Facial System to clean and exfoliate the skin. Next, I love to apply a mask. My go-to is Tatcha's Dewy Skin Mask. Next, it's time to moisturize the skin. My go-to is Augustinus Bader's The Cream.

2. Choose the right type of foundation: "It is best to stay away from powder formulas when choosing a foundation for textured skin—powder can settle into texture and actually make it appear worse," says celebrity makeup artist Tamah Krinsky, whose clients include Alexa Chung and Sophie Turner. "When applying, it really all comes down to what kind of texture you are dealing with. If you tend to have dry patches or crepey skin, you would balance that with a moisturizing, dewy foundation. Alternatively, if you are dealing with acne or rashy skin, you may want a more matte formula to lessen the texture."

3. Add a Primer: Henney says she adds a primer after she finishes the skincare prep steps. "I love Armani's Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer. This is such a beautiful combo to apply before adding your preferred foundation," she recommends.

4. Apply Lightly: Start with a small amount of foundation and slowly layer depending on how much coverage you need and where you need it. This way, you'll avoid "caking" your makeup on.

5. Use a Sponge to Blend: "I love to use a damp BeautyBlender to apply foundation, starting from the center of the face and blending outwards," Henney says. "This will create the most natural, flawless base."

6. Take care of your skin regularly: Outside of applying makeup, Krinsky says it's important to treat your skin daily. "How you prep your skin all depends on what you are dealing with in terms of texture. First and foremost, if you are dealing with overly dry or oily skin, recurring rashes, or recurring acne, I would recommend you visit a dermatologist and not try to cover the skin with makeup," she says. "Your skin is an organ, and it is important to listen to what it is showing and telling you. More than anything, I recommend we all make a healthy habit of cleansing, exfoliating (I recommend weekly), moisturizing, and using SPF daily. Let this be your morning and evening ritual—a few minutes you use to take good care of yourself! Regardless of what you are dealing with in terms of your skin, those are the most important steps to staying balanced."

Shop the Best Foundations for Textured Skin

Looking for the perfect foundation formula for bumpy or rough skin? Take a look at some highly-rated options below.

Best Overall: Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation

2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup

3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

4. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid

5. Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF 30

6. Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

7. Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation

8. Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Matte Foundation SPF 20

9. BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Skincare Products for Textured Skin

And if you're looking for skincare products to treat your uneven skin and smooth it once and for all, take a look at these below.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up Next: Getting Baby-Smooth Skin Is Easier Than You Think—Here's Your Step-By-Step Guide.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.