By Learn the top five makeup mistakes that sabotage your look (and how to fix them with science-backed tips and clean beauty favorites from 100% PURE)
Posted on May 7, 2025 Written by: 100% PURE®
Flawless makeup isn’t just about the products one uses—it’s all about the prep and how well everything works together. Even the best foundation won’t save you if you’ve skipped the essentials. A wrong primer, too much powder, or neglecting pore prep can make your makeup slide off or get cakey faster than you can say “touch-up.” But when you get the prep right, everything else falls into place, and your makeup stays fresh, smooth, and flawless all day. It’s the secret to making sure your makeup isn’t just good—it’s great.
Mistake #1: Mismatching Your Primer and Foundation Formulas
The wrong combo of primer and foundation can quickly turn your makeup into a mess. Silicone-based primers don’t get along with water-based foundations, leading to frustrating issues like pilling, patchiness, and uneven coverage. When formulas clash, your makeup won’t stay put the way it should.
How to Fix It:
For a flawless, long-lasting finish, always match your primer and foundation based on their formulas. Stick with either both water-based or both silicone-based to ensure smooth blending and better staying power.
Recommended Products:
Luminous Primer (Aloe-infused): Perfect for a dewy glow, this primer hydrates while creating a smooth base for foundation.
Mattifying Primer (Made from Seaweed): Ideal for oily skin, this primer controls shine and helps makeup stay put throughout the day.
Fruit Pigmented® Full Coverage Water Foundation: A water-based foundation that delivers full coverage while keeping your skin hydrated.
Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Foundation: A lightweight, water-based foundation that feels like a second skin, offering natural-looking coverage.
Mistake #2: Applying Primer Incorrectly
Applying too much primer, using the wrong technique, or rushing the process can create serious issues. If you apply too much, you risk slippage and an uneven texture. Not allowing the primer to set before the foundation can also lead to patchiness, causing your makeup to slide off or cling in the wrong spots.
How to Fix It:
For flawless results, use just a pea-sized amount of primer. Pat it gently into your skin with your fingertips, focusing on the areas that need it most (like the T-zone or pores). Let it sit for 60–90 seconds before applying foundation to give it time to set and grip the makeup.
Recommended Products:
Luminous Primer: This lightweight, aloe-infused primer hydrates while giving your skin a glowing base.
Mattifying Primer: Made with seaweed, this primer controls oil and smooths the skin for a flawless matte finish.
Mistake #3: Over-Powdering Your Face
Over-applying powder can highlight fine lines, emphasize pores, and dull your natural glow. Instead of setting your makeup, it can make it look cakey and lifeless.
How to Fix It:
Powder only where needed (like your T-zone), and use a fluffy brush or puff for a light application. Press the powder gently into the skin rather than sweeping it, which will help maintain a smooth finish.
Pro Tip: Understand the difference between setting powder and finishing powder. Choose a setting powder for longer wear and a finishing powder for a subtle, luminous finish.
Recommended Products:
Bamboo Blur Powder: This lightweight powder sets your makeup without the heaviness, leaving skin smooth, matte, and shine-free all day long. It’s perfect for controlling oil without over-powdering.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Proper Pore Prep Before Makeup
If you don’t prep your pores, makeup will settle into enlarged pores, making them more visible and creating an uneven texture.
How to Fix It:
Exfoliate regularly with Pumpkin Enzyme Smoothing Scrub to remove dead skin cells and smooth the surface. Follow up with Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Astringent to tighten and refine pores before applying makeup. Choose matte finishes to avoid drawing attention to enlarged pores.
Recommended Products:
Pumpkin Enzyme Smoothing Scrub: Exfoliates and renews your skin, leaving it smooth and ready for makeup application.
Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Astringent: Tightens pores and refines skin texture, preparing it for a smooth base.
Fruit Pigmented® Gemmed Luminizer: Apply sparingly for a natural, glowy highlight without emphasizing pores.
Mistake #5: Using the Wrong Order and Timing in Your Base Makeup
Skipping steps or applying products too quickly can mess with how they layer, leading to patchiness and shorter-lasting makeup.
How to Fix It:
Follow this order: Skincare → Primer → Foundation → Concealer → Powder → Setting Spray. Let each product dry properly before moving on to the next to ensure better adherence and longer wear.
Pro Tip: Try the “foundation-powder-foundation sandwich” technique for smoother pores and a flawless finish that stays all day.
Recommended Products:
Fruit Pigmented® Full Coverage Water Foundation: Provides full coverage while keeping your skin hydrated and luminous.
Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Foundation: Offers a natural, buildable coverage that feels like a second skin.
Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Concealer: Brightens and conceals without caking or settling into fine lines.
Bamboo Blur Powder: A lightweight powder that sets makeup beautifully and helps reduce the appearance of pores.
Advanced Solutions: Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the essentials, a few advanced techniques can take your makeup game even further:
Customize Your Primers
Not all areas of your face have the same needs. Try combining different primers—use a mattifying primer on the T-zone to control shine and a luminous primer on dry or dull areas to keep skin looking fresh and radiant.
Master the “Press and Roll” Powder Technique
Instead of sweeping powder across your face, press and roll it gently into the skin with a puff or brush. This method locks makeup in place and boosts longevity without disturbing the layers underneath.
Mix Cream and Powder Textures
Strategically blending cream and powder products gives your makeup a more dimensional yet natural finish. Creams add softness and glow, while powders lock everything in without flattening your features.
These small adjustments can make a major difference, helping your makeup look fresher, smoother, and more natural—all day long.
Perfect Your Makeup
Flawless makeup isn’t just about choosing the right color—it’s about laying the right foundation with proper prep, smart product pairings, and perfect timing. By avoiding these five common mistakes and using clean, skin-nourishing products from 100% PURE, you can create a smoother, longer-lasting look that feels as good as it looks. With the right techniques and a little extra care, confidence comes naturally—and it shows.
FAQ Section
What does primer do, and do I really need it?
Primer creates a smooth base for makeup, helping the foundation apply more evenly and last longer. It also addresses specific concerns like dryness, oiliness, or redness. If you want your makeup to stay fresh and flawless all day, primer is a must!
How can I make my pores look smaller under makeup?
Start with good skincare—exfoliate regularly and use a pore-tightening toner. Choose a blurring or mattifying primer, apply foundation with a light hand, and use a setting powder with a pressing motion, not sweeping, to avoid enlarging pores.
What’s the difference between setting powder and finishing powder?
Setting powder locks your makeup in place and controls shine. Finishing powder is used at the very end to blur imperfections and give the skin a soft, airbrushed finish. Setting = longevity, finishing = perfected texture.
What’s the best foundation for older women with fine lines?
Look for lightweight, hydrating foundations like Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Foundation. Heavy, matte formulas can settle into fine lines, while lighter, more nourishing formulas smooth and enhance the skin’s natural radiance.
Why does my makeup separate throughout the day even with primer?
Separation can happen if your skincare, primer, and foundation aren’t compatible (water vs silicone-based). It can also result from applying products too quickly without letting each layer set. Matching formulas and giving each layer time to absorb can fix this!
