Doublewear - what am I doing wrong?

[PiazzaDelPoppolo]

After hearing about how great this stuff is I got a tester sample at the weekend.

I've tried applying it with a damp beauty blender and with my fingers but it just looks so caked on.

Is there a trick to it? I need full coverage but don't want to look like I'm wearing a mask.

[QuimReaper]

Sorry OP, I couldn't get along with it either!

If you want tips though, mix it with a liquid highlighter like the one BeneFit do. Gives a lovely dewy look and thins it down so it's less cakey.

[toastedandbuttered]

How's your skin care? I use two serums and a moisturiser so my skin is really moist

I put a blob on the back of my hand and use a brush to apply it

Hate sponges

[Tate15]

Do you use a primer?

I found that doublewear and other similar heavy coverage foundations are much better if woen over a primer.

[TheClacksAreDown]

I use double wear light which is much better. Avoids the overdone beauty counter assistant look

[Dangerouswoman]

I found it really thick and cakey and only wore it on a night out. I didn't like it but my skin did look amazing in photos!

[TulipStream]

Use the real techniques expert face brush to apply it. You only need a little bit of product then buff it in. It can look quite natural, I've had people comment on how my skin always looks good without makeup ( while I was wearing double wear ! ) the key is to get the right shade and tool! :)

[PartyShitter]

Using a sponge gives the most coverage which is why you're getting the cakey feel as its already a high coverage foundation. Use a brush like others have suggested and definitely use a primer. I've found that my DW works beautifully with most moisturisers but there are definitely some that end up making it slip/patchy.

[KiwiKay]

Agree with the comments above.
I've used both DW and DW light although currently I use Charlotte Tilbury and Dior Forever.
First I'd check my skin was well moisturised as otherwise your foundation can start to look patchy throughout the day as your skin tries to absorb the water from it.
I would also always use a primer to create a nice smooth base and prevent it 'sticking' to my skin in a patchy way when applying.
I tend to apply foundation with my fingers as I think the heat helps the product spread better, then I finish by buffing a wee bit with my Real Techniques buffing brush.
DW can give a matte/flat finish so mixing in a bit of illuminator/highlighter can improve the finish and be more 'forgiving'.
Also if you want full coverage try to apply in layers - it can give a more even finish.

[MrsT2007]

Buffing brushes are a godsend with heavy coverage foundation.

[MooMinCow]

Try mixing a drop of facial oil into it on the back of your hand and then use a buffing brush. The oil sheers it out and gives a more dewy finish. You can also add a drop of illuminator too, but the oil trick is great

[tappitytaptap]

I just use my fingers as sponge means its too heavy. As someone else said, the light version may suit you better?

[PiazzaDelPoppolo]

Thanks. Have got well moisturised skin and pretty good about skin care using serum, oil and moisturiser in routine. And hot cloth cleanser morning and night.

Think I'll try using a primer and a brush tomorrow. Also will get a sample of the light version to see if that's any better.

[PersonalSpace]

I love it I always apply moisturiser first wait a couple of minutes and then apply with my fingertips just a thin layer and blend it in. If you've got the right colour it shouldn't look caked.

[purpleporpoise]

Doublewear light is much better and use a foundation brush - the No7 one is good and much cheaper than EL. If you've not used a brush before then practice a bit. I dot it down my t zone then blend outwards

[PiazzaDelPoppolo]

I've got the no7 brush and also a couple of real techniques face brushes so I'll try them out.

I got matched at the counter with one of those handheld devices. Although it is more of a pink undertone than I'd normally go for. I might try a different counter and ask them to match me again.

[KiwiKay]

It wouldn't hurt to get matched again if you're not entirely convinced.
Charlotte Tilbury foundation is also fairly full cover if you're out getting samples anyway.

[Philoslothy]

I prefer double wear light especially now that use the EL primer

[Mrs9C]

Put moisturiser on first, and only use it sparingly. Important to have an exact colour match for your skin too.

[ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe]

You are not doing anything wrong.
It's just cake-y, that's why it's popular, it stays on and it's clearly a foundation made up look.

[HappyGirl86]

I find the double wear light is much better and really easy to apply

[purpleporpoise]

If you take it back and say it's too heavy they will replace it with light

[toastedandbuttered]

It is NOT 'cakey'

It is however probably not suitable for dry skin.

[AmethystMoon]

Tiny amount with a brush lets you build thin layers. I use the EL primer too. I also think better for oilier skin types, it doesn't cake on me and I have very oily skin. I also use Urban Decay setting spray.

[ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe]

Oh come on Toasted, it's cakier than the WI stall at any village fête.

[MrsMushrooms]

I hated it on my face but found it looked great in photos - I couldn't get on with it though, way too cakey!