BM - where am I going wrong?

[NannyK7H]

Hello!
I have always just used a BB cream or similar on my face with a bit of concealer where needed, but my skin has turned awful in the last year so I researched some other foundations.
I found Bare Minerals to have good reviews so I bought the starter kit, but I think I must be doing something wrong. It either looks like I haven't done anything at all to my skin, or it looks really cakey.
Is there some sort of trick to it that I'm just not getting? I use Adapalene on my skin for acne so it is dry from that, but gets quite greasy on T-Zone.
I don't wear makeup for work, so only twice a week max, and can normally spend some time on it if I am doing it!
Any tips would be gratefully received :)

To get coverage without looking cakey I find I need to keep buffing and resist adding more foundation. Maybe try buffing for longer?
I've changed from BM as I found it could highlight pores and using a mineral foundation without bismuth this doesn't happen I've also found I don't get the cakey look very easily.

Tiny amounts (half a rice grain max, swirl & tap & tap), a proper kabuki, very patient buffing, fixing with a mist of water. Also a fan of bismuth-free. Lily Lolo has worked for me, haven't tried BM.

I agree with Frugal, you need to put it on in tiny amounts at a time, but lots of layers, think 6-7 at least. I get the caky look as well otherwise.

Did you get a demo in the shop? I got a dvd with my starter kit and I bet it's on YouTube as well.

Also, let the moisturizer absorb properly (anything from 5-30 mins). if it leaves a clammy surface it may not be compatible with minerals but you can try making homemade tinted moisturizer by mixing it with mineral powder in a small jar.

Another tip is to use mineral concealer (=mostly kaolin, I apply this with an eye shadow blending brush) to retouch the problem areas and just 1 or 2 very sheer layers everywhere.

The first time I tried mineral I approached it like loose powder and looked like a mummy Youtube tutorials are a great idea and I learned the water trick from a pro. It fixes the makeup and stops the powder from overdrying my skin.

Sorry meant tinted Adapalene but understand that I'm making no sense whatsoever

A tiny amount and buff, buff, buff....i only ever use 1 layer.

Thank you!! I tried youtube videos but none of them really had problem skin and their skin looked fine before even putting foundation on! I think maybe a bit of jealously made me impatient with buffing ;)
So do I just spray my face with a mist of water after makeup is done? Like one you would spray flowers with?! (I'm such a beginner!!!)