What is going on here?

Hard to tell from the picture, but possibly foundation catching on dry patches.

Make sure you moisturise and let it soak in.

Use a primer.

Maybe a chemical exfoliant (eg paulas choice) to get rid of dead skin.

Maybe a different formulation foundation especially for dry skin if this seems to be the problem.

CurlFriday, if you suspect that dehydration is causing your foundation difficulties, you could try applying foundation over a light application of rosehip oil. Just wait for the oil to absorb before you apply foundation.

You could try the primer from Nude by Nature – this has glycerin in it, and I’ve found that it helps when I use it with a foundation that has a cakey appearance. Ask a sales assistant at Priceline if you can obtain a sample of it.

One thing that works very well with dry skin is applying liquid foundation with a damp blending sponge. I recommend the one from Real Techniques. Applying foundation with a brush creates a subtle micro-exfoliation on your face i.e. creates a rough texture.

If your face is dehydrated, then True Match could be too mattifying; thus creating a cakey appearance. You might need to look for a foundation that works better on dry skin.

Do you have some sort of high quality exfoliant in your skin care regime? You also might need to change your daytime/evening moisturiser and serum.

Is it a foundation that you have used alright in the past? Could be an old bottle that has been bought and the use by date is old.

I did buy some foundation once and it left blotches on my skin so I took it back to the chemist and admitted it was old stock, like a year old.

I had this same problem and found thst my skin was dehydrated. So I started drinking more water during the day and found myself a good moisturiser 🙂 all better now

CurlFriday is it more than one foundation or just the same one? I’ve found previously that as I get near the bottom of a bottle it can sometimes react weirdly so I decide it’s time to toss. Doesn’t happen all the time but has on more than one occasion. Good luck – if it isn’t that I have no idea I’m sorry.

Hi CurlFriday – is it possibly the wrong colour for your skin? I find that for me, a colour that is as dark as my darkest area works best (and I have some discolouration and uneven skin tone too). If the darkest colour for your skintone is too dark, maybe try a shade that is inbetween your lightest and darkest colouring?

Not sure if this helps but if it does that is good! : )

Hi CurlFriday, are you using a primer before applying the foundation?