We’ve all had the problem of cakey foundation. Whether it’s too much product, wrong application, or simply textured skin (which is nothing to be ashamed of!), all of these problems can sometimes turn us off from applying a face full of the product.

If you’re someone like me who prefers skincare over makeup, then you’re in luck. This post is all about how to achieve foundation-like skin. In other words, skin that’s so smooth and bright that you don’t need a full coverage foundation.

Read on to find out how you can achieve it through these 5 simple tips.

1. Solidify Your Basic Routine

The first step to achieving your foundation-like skin is solidifying your basic routine. By basic, we don’t always mean minimal. Since all of us have different skin problems, the essentials are going to vary from person to person. Someone with acne-prone skin should have their treatment as part of their basic routine, while someone with normal skin can sometimes get by with just a cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer.

If you’re just starting out, here’s a quick step-by-step on how to find the perfect routine for you:

1. Know your skin type. There are plenty of quick and easy ways to find out your skin type. For more in-depth knowledge on how to tailor your routine to your complexion, read our blog here.
2. Figure out potential irritants. The next step is to figure out potential irritants. This will require some trial and error, so we suggest buying small sizes if you’re trying out new products. And never, ever forget to patch test!
3. Stick to mild formulas. If you’re still unsure which products to go for with the barrage of information, it’s always a good idea to stick to mild, non-comedogenic formulas to avoid breaking out.

2. Go the Extra Mile: Serums and Essences

Okay, let’s say you have your perfect bare-bones skincare routine down pat. If you’ve done it right, your skin should be in normal to good shape. That’s when you can add all the special stuff: serums and essences that plump your skin, add an extra layer of hydration, and so on.

A skin serum can be super effective in hydrating dry skin. One study actually supports this: after two weeks, it showed that adding a serum to one’s skincare regimen enhanced the softness and hydration of the skin in women aged 22-55 years old. This was compared to those who only used moisturizer. So if you want clear, supple skin without foundation, try adding serums into your schedule.

3. Get 8 Hours of Sleep

I know, none of us like to hear that getting enough sleep is vital to so many of our everyday problems. Is the phrase “beauty sleep” simply a myth?

Turns out, it’s not. Apart from getting puffy eyes after bingeing a new K-drama overnight, losing sleep sacrifices much of the regenerative processes that our body does at night. One of these vital processes is collagen production which is responsible for plump, wrinkle-free skin.

The Sleep Journal also published a study on how people with less sleep generally look and feel worse than those who were able to get a good night’s rest. It’s no surprise: the enhanced blood flow at night also helps protect the skin from all the stressors it’s faced throughout the day.

In short, the next time something is keeping you up, just ask yourself: is this really worth my beauty sleep? The answer is no. So start getting those eight hours at night, stat.

4. Minimal Makeup

Blemishes don’t just go away overnight, or over a week, or in some cases, over a few months. While it’s ideal to go completely makeup-free if you’re dealing with severe breakouts, we know that is also not attainable 100% of the time.

That’s why we recommend going for sheer coverage foundations or a BB cream with moisturizing properties for days when your skin isn’t cooperating. But instead of slathering the makeup on your entire face, simply use it as spot corrector and dab it on problem areas such as under eyes, dark spots, and blemishes.

This is where makeup-skincare hybrids come in. They help ensure that your skin isn’t too dried out by the product.

5. Prioritize Relaxation

Stress-related breakouts are real, and they’re not fun. That’s why unwinding is actually a human need and not just something you should give yourself as a treat.

Healthline suggests plenty of ways to relax when you’re under a stressful situation. You can try meditation, journaling, sound therapy (a.k.a. listening to music or playing an instrument), or even doing breathing exercises.

My personal favorite? Moving your body! Whether it’s doing some light stretching, yoga, or trying to learn a new TikTok dance, physical movement can do wonders for clearing your mind and quite literally shaking off stress.

Final Note

The journey to clear skin won’t always be a smooth ride, but rest assured that with a proper routine, the right treatments, and a healthy lifestyle, you won’t be far from achieving your beauty goals.

How about you? Got any tips and tricks to clearing your complexion? Sound off in the comments below.