Keep Your Makeup Fresh—No Creases, No Caking

Makeup creasing happens to the best of us. One day, your favorite foundation or concealer looks flawless, then the next, it’s settling into fine lines. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered (wink wink). Consider this your ultimate guide to preventing makeup creasing. Whether your skin is feeling extra dry, your under-eye area is showing fine lines, or your foundation just isn’t sitting right, we’ll walk you through the best tips and tricks to achieve a smooth, crease-free finish—so your makeup stays fresh and flawless all day. 

Why is my makeup even creasing, anyway? 

Makeup creasing happens for a few reasons. The biggest is likely your skin prep (or lack of it).  

According to celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray, skin prep is necessary before any makeup is applied because it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevents creasing. She points out that the undereye area does not produce any oil by itself, so it can get really dry, which is why you might notice creasing around the eye area. She likes to use the analogy of a grape vs a raisin. “It’s easier to apply concealer and foundation to skin that’s plump and hydrated,” she says. “Powders and drying products will only make dry skin look even worse.”  

Skincare Prep for a Smooth Base 

Always, and we mean always, apply your makeup to clean and moisturized skin. Exfoliating regularly will also help to improve your skin’s texture. Go a step further by adding an eye treatment to your daily routine. Gray suggests treating your eyes to a hydrating eye formula like this Caffeine Kick Eye Serum. It’s super lightweight and layers perfectly under makeup while hydrating, soothing and depuffing the under-eye area. 

The ultimate makeup prep step ends with primer, so choose one that’s hydrating like this grip primer or this lightweight serum primer. These will give you that glass skin effect that will help prevent makeup creasing and give you that flawless skin effect. 

Help, How do I Choose the Right Products for Crease-Proof Makeup? 

Foundation and Concealer 

Another culprit of makeup creasing is using the wrong products. Just like your prep products, you’re going to want to prioritize hydrating products over drying ones, which only exaggerate creasing. Gray favors formulas that are lightweight since heavy textures tend to sink into fine lines and emphasize texture. Your best foundation bets are this nude drop tinted serum foundation and this fan-fave true skin hydrating foundation. The serum foundation is buildable, breathable and sheer and perfect for someone who wants a very natural looking foundation that will not sink into lines or creases, according to Gray. For those looking for more coverage, the True Skin formula is her top pick. “It’s medium to full coverage, but still extremely hydrating and lightweight. It also has hyaluronic acid in its formula, which helps keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.” 

For concealer, go with a similar formula to your foundation. Grays adds, “Remember, a little goes a long way so avoid using too much if you’re worried about creasing and fine lines.”  

Powders 

When it comes to powders, go for the finely milled versions, like this Under Eye Brightener Setting powder. “Powder can be your worst enemy for fine lines and creasing, if it’s not applied correctly,” says Gray. She recommends using a powder puff. Take a small amount in the palm of your hand and dab the sponge into it. Now this is important, tap off the excess powder. “You do not want too much powder, as that will only add to lines and bog down your under eyes, she says. Press the puff gently into the areas where you put concealer (do not use a baking technique here).  

Setting Spray 

To help extend the wear of your makeup and help prevent creasing, reach for the setting spray. Gray recommends hydrating setting sprays to help make any powder look less stiff and more radiant, and ultimately to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. She likes this Prime & Fine Multitalent fixing spray. “It’s super fine, refreshes your complexion, and can be used continuously throughout the day.” 

What Application Techniques Can I Use to Prevent Creasing? 

If you have issues with creasing, Gray recommends using a damp sponge or a fluffy blending brush for foundation and concealer application. “I like using a damp sponge because it bounces the product around instead of disturbing the natural texture of the skin,” she says. “It also sheers out the product and has the added hydration from the sponge being wet.” Using fluffy brushes for blending concealer and foundation will help prevent over-applying, which leads to creasing