Constantly cakey foundation halfway through the day

[LEI27k]

My dilemma: my foundation always cakes and settles into fine lines around the 4 hour mark. It doesn't matter what foundation I use or setting spray or primer or even my moisturizer. I put on foundation at 7am and by noon it has settled into my mouth lines (which aren't even prominent to begin with) and it looks pretty textured. I have dry skin so I never powder, and I use a beauty blender for everything to prevent unnecessary texture. So I have no clue where I'm going wrong. 

I'm extremely dry with acne prone skin. My morning routine is exfoliate, acne wash, aloe toner, vitamin c and hylarounic acid serums, and Drunk Elephant Protini moisturizer. My night time routine is a cleansing oil/micellar water, hydrating wash, aloe toner, Drunk Elephant glyoclic night serum, Drunk Elephant Lala Cream, and rosehip oil. Most of these are very dry skin friendly. 

For foundations I try to reach for light coverage dewy finished ones because they tend to last a little longer. I LOVE the finish on the IT Cosmetics CC Illumination cream, but again, after 4 hours it has settled. The only thing that kinda holds up most of the day is the NARS tinted moisturizer, but I really want something with more coverage. My typical primers are either the Too Faced Hangover primer or the Benefit Porefessional+Too Face Hangover spray. Setting spray is always the Too Faced Hangover spray. 

ANYONE HELP!

[lmaster]

also, are you using a brush or beauty sponge to apply your foundation?

[LEI27k]

I absolutely never powder, I learned that ages ago when I looked like sand paper. I also never use brushes. I very diligently press the foundation into my skin with a damp beauty blender. 

An associate suggested I try the Smashbox primer oil. So I bought that yesterday, and we're currently at the 7 hour mark with no fine lines and settling. The only settling happening is where I've applied my highlighter and bronzer (which are powder) so maybe I'll start just going with cream or liquid formulas for those too. 

[lmaster]

yaaaaaaaay!! glad you found something that is working

[lmaster]

@LEI27k are you setting your foundation with a setting powder at all?

[flamingolegs]

Have you tried the SMASHBOX - Photo Finish Foundation Primer Collection?  It has worked very well for me, and when I use Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray Standard Size - 4 oz/ 118 mL n top of my makeup it lasts for over eight hours without settling into my lines.  And some of mine are big enough to drive a truck through.

[LEI27k]

I used to use the super moisturizing Smashbox primer and I absolutely loved it and had the most amazing makeup with it. Even on matte foundations! But I haven't seen it anywhere in stores or online since January. So it took me a while to even find my skin liked the Too Faced one, which seems similar to me.