Switching to cream makeup? Here is what to expect.

The step that makes the biggest difference

Moisturize first, then give it time. Smooth on your moisturizer and let it soak in for a few minutes before any makeup goes on. Cream makeup glides over soft, hydrated skin and melts right in. On skin that is still dry, it can drag, cling to dry patches or look heavy.

So take your time with this part, and do not rush it. If cream makeup is not working for you yet, this is the first thing to look at.

Your skin may need time to adjust

When you change what you put on your face every day, your skin notices. Many of my clients go through an adjustment period in the first week or two, and a few get some breakouts along the way. For most, it settles as their skin gets used to the new routine.

Cream makeup feels different from what most of us grew up with. It is richer and goes on in one thin layer, so the look stays natural: your own skin and freckles still show, with color where it counts. It also asks for a little more care at night.

Why it happens

Your skin is meeting a new formula. Cream makeup is richer than most liquid foundations, and any big change can take a couple of weeks to settle.

Your evening routine may need to change. Cream makeup holds on beautifully all day, which also means a quick splash of water at night will not take it all off.

Sometimes a product simply is not right for you. Every formula agrees with some skin better than others. That is why the last section on this page matters.

Six things that help in the first two weeks

1. Patch test first. Try a little along your jaw for a day or two before you wear it on your whole face.
2. Moisturize, then wait. Let your moisturizer soak in for a few minutes before you start. This is the step that makes everything else work.
3. Start with less. A thin layer, only where you want it. The pigment is rich, so a little goes a long way.
4. Take it all off every night. Melt it off first with a gentle oil or balm cleanser, then wash with your usual cleanser. Every night, without fail.
5. Keep your fingers and brushes clean. Wash your hands before you apply, and wash your brushes every week.
6. Give it two weeks. Your skin needs a little time to settle into anything new.

When to stop and message me

If anything stings, burns, itches or swells, or if breakouts keep getting worse after two weeks, stop using it and message me. That is not your skin adjusting, and I will help you figure out what is going on. If a reaction is strong or does not calm down, please see your doctor or a dermatologist.

Know what you are putting on

The cream foundation I use most has a ten-ingredient list, with no talc, fragrance, silicones or parabens on it. You can read the full ingredient list on every product page before you buy, and I am always happy to go through it with you.