8 Ways to Prevent Your Foundation From Oxidizing

Why Does Foundation Oxidize? 

It involves a little bit of science. “Foundation oxidation refers to the chemical reaction that occurs when a foundation comes into contact with air and/or the natural oils on your skin, causing the foundation to change color. Oftentimes the foundation becomes darker or takes on an orange hue, which can sometimes make it look unnatural or mismatched with your skin tone,” says Blunder. Your foundation can oxidize for many reasons, ranging from your skin type to skincare products like your moisturizer or sunscreen, or even ingredients in the foundation itself. Some of the more common causes? “There are a variety of reasons, including oily skin, what your pH level is (higher acidity or alkalinity levels can lead to more oxidation), environmental factors like humidity, and pollution, and certain ingredients that are more likely to oxidize like titanium dioxide and iron oxides,” Blunder tells us. All of these can alter the chemistry of your foundation, causing it to change color throughout the day,

Top Tips to Stop Your Foundation From Oxidizing

Looking for ways to help prevent your foundation from oxidizing? We’ve got eight below.

1. Start With Clean Skin

"Make sure that your skin is clean—truly clean! This means exfoliating and cleansing thoroughly first,” says Blunder. Starting with a clean slate will help prevent any leftover makeup or excess oils on your skin from altering the chemistry of your foundation. If you’re looking for a good oil-free cleanser, KINSHIP Naked Apply Oil Free Blemish Control Cleanser left us feeling squeaky clean while still hydrating our dry skin.

2. Remember That Moisturizer Matters

If you’re using a heavy moisturizer, now’s the time to switch to something that’s still hydrating but lighter. “Something that will hydrate you without adding oiliness can go a long way in preventing oxidation,” Blunder tells us. A lightweight water-based moisturizer like the LANEIGE Water Bank Blue HA Gel Moisturizer won’t transfer oils or make your makeup look cakey and is perfect for dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin types.

3. Let Your Skincare Soak In

“Allow your skincare to fully absorb into your skin before you apply makeup to ensure clean application,” Blunder says. This will prevent your moisturizer from mixing with your foundation too much. The same goes for your SPF. Many sunscreens are made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which have been known to cause foundation to morphe when they come in contact.

4. Use Clean Tools

“Make sure you are cleaning your brushes and sponges regularly! Bacteria growth can contribute to oxidization,” according to Blunder. While we know that you know how important it is to keep makeup brushes super clean to prevent breakouts, the same goes for making sure your foundation looks perfect around the clock. Our go-to SOPHIA + MABELLE Brush Cleaner keeps our tools germ-free and gets out every trace of long-wearing makeup—plus, it looks super cute in our bathroom.

5. Test Out Your Foundation

Once you find the perfect match for your skin tone and skin’s undertones, take it for a test drive before you commit to buying the full bottle. “Since oxidization has so much to do with your personal composition, I really highly recommend trying before you buy if possible! Get a sample or go in person and try it on and let it sit for a bit to see how it reacts with your skin. That will give you the best answer to know it will work for you,” adds Blunder.

6. Avoid These Two Ingredients

“Steer clear of foundations that have talc or high amounts of iron oxides if you find you are especially prone to oxidization,” Blunder says. If you’re using powder foundations, make sure that they are talc-free (like LUNA MAGIC Soft Perfection Foundation Powder). Iron oxides are often added to makeup to add tint or pigment and can be hard to avoid, so if you’re prone to dealing with oxidation, you may want to avoid tinted sunscreens. You can also look for foundations that say “non-oxidizing” on the label.

7. Use Oil-Free Primer

When it comes to keeping your foundation looking fresh, a silicone-based oil-free primer is your best friend. This type of primer will not only help your makeup stay in place, but it’ll create a mattifying veil between your skin’s natural oils and your makeup to help prevent it from oxidizing as you go about your day. Consider it a must if you’re going for a full-coverage makeup look. We always prep with OFRA COSMETICS Silicone Primer, which is super lightweight and helps create a smooth, non-cakey canvas.

8. Blot, Blot, Blot

After you apply your skincare and once your concealer and foundation is set, blot your skin with blotting paper (we like clutch-friendly RODIAL Glass Paper) to keep excess oil at bay and create a matte finish. This is so helpful, especially if you’re wearing a heavier, hydrating liquid foundation. Then, finish up with your blush, bronzer, setting powder, or setting spray to lock in your look.

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