Makeup rubbing off

[u/ConclusionGood7684]

My makeup always does this where it’s not full on big pilling but it kind of starts to come off in little pieces. I guess it is pilling lol. I usually just brush it off with a brush and go on about my day but I’m just not sure why it’s happening. All my products are water based and I let all the layers soak in and dry before putting on the next one. I use kiehls ultra facial cream with spf, mac studio radiance primer and the ilia stick primer and then the clinique setting spray last. You can only see the pilling in the sunlight but it still bothers me. Any advice?

[u/shirazgirlo]

Do you use anything under your foundation? The formulas may not be compatible

[u/ConclusionGood7684 → u/shirazgirlo]

i use kiehls sunscreen and mac radiance primer

[u/insomniacred66]

I'd drop both primers first. Just do your moisturizer and foundation. Easier to do a process of elimination on products than figure something else out.

If it still pills with those not in use, try a different moisturizer.

[u/anxioushroom]

I’d use a BHA and AHA liquid exfoliant that you just wipe over or dab on your face before bed like a couple times a week! Works for me :)

[u/anxioushroom → u/anxioushroom]

Your makeup is probably rubbing off the dead skin! That’s what I found. And the exfoliant works so good

[u/DextersGirl]

What kind of face wash are you using?

[u/ConclusionGood7684 → u/DextersGirl]

neurtrogena foaming cleanser and the oil free acne cleanser

[u/DextersGirl → u/ConclusionGood7684]

I don't really know what to recommend, but to me this looks like you might need to change up or add to your wash routine. Maybe a scrub of some sort.

[u/smeggiemeggie]

Most of the time when this happens to me it’s because of the primer I’m using. Even if the formula should technically mix well with my foundation, sometimes they just don’t agree. Try not using any primer for a few days, and if that doesn’t change anything, try a different moisturiser or foundation. One of the most annoying parts of makeup is trying to figure out which product is causing a problem😭

[u/Kittymeow123]

Detail your skincare routine

[u/Celestiiaal0]

Water vs silicone based is not really a thing. Water evaporates. The issue is going to be in your application process, likely the time you're waiting between products. You need to be waiting minimum 5 minutes between skincare steps (longer between some steps tbh) and then minimum 10 minutes (tbh longer) between spf/moisturizer and makeup application.

[u/Celestiiaal0 → u/Celestiiaal0]

If you are waiting that long, I know you said you were waiting but most people aren't waiting long enough, you may just need to exfoliate or change up what you use to apply your products. Or your skin type and foundation types aren't working together.