Cakey foundation is one mistake almost everyone make in the beginning of getting familiar with makeup. I would say it takes practice to finally find out what work best for you.
I personally hate the look of a blotchy, patchy and cakey foundation.
Cakey result, most of the time has nothing to do with the foundation you use although sometimes high coverage foundation tends to get cakier because of the thicker consistency.
Aside from that, there are few steps in making sure you have a flawless, beautiful looking skin 
- Exfoliate
Exfoliate! The dead skin sitting on top of your face will most probably be the main reason why your super expensive foundation that promise to glide smoothly appear cakey on you.
- Moisturize
Start with a moisturized face. Let your moisturizer sink into your skin prior to makeup application.
- Choose the right formula
Choose the right formula for your skin. Choose the correct primer and foundation. If you have oily skin, choose something that will help with the oil control. With dry skin, choose something that will give enough moisture to your skin.
Stage Picture Perfect 03 Pixie, Stage Photo Pro 03 Take 2, Inglot Cream Foundation No38
- Face Primer
Face primer is optional but now most of us have made face primer a must in our makeup routine. Face primer not only create a smooth surface for makeup application but create a barrier so that your foundation doesn't sink into your pores. They fill the volcano crater 
on your face, fill in wrinkles and help the foundation to glide on easily.
on your face, fill in wrinkles and help the foundation to glide on easily.
- Use sponge and brushes
Many said that the warmth of your fingers will help in melting the foundation and make it apply smoothly. From my experience, I only get cakey result when I use fingers. For me the best way to apply foundation is still with sponge. Wet (not soaking wet) your sponge prior to using to avoid more foundation being absorbed. Fingers will create uneven and splotchy look, however for sheer coverage foundation you can get away with just using fingers. Throw your sponge after every use (in my case, after three times of usage, to save money )
)
- Pick the right color
- Use concealer
Instead of caking on foundation to cover up blemishes, why don't substitute it with concealer. Use foundation sparingly, any imperfections thereon cover it with concealer. Liquid concealer is best to be used under the eye area as cream concealer is hard to blend and will highlight wrinkles.
Shu Uemura Pro Cealer and Mark Cealer
- Use blotting paper
Instead of blotting your face with powder, use blotting tissue. Blotting face too much with powder can result in cakeyness.
Clean and Clear Oil Control Film
Already cakey? How to fix?
Already apply and look cakey?
I normally will spritz my face with the Shu Uemura deepsea water (any face mist will do) and use sponge to gently pat on the cakey areas to make it even.
Shu Uemura Deepsea Water, Lavender
If my face appear to be too dry, I will use my Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray to create the dewy look at the same time setting my makeup.
Applying make up in a well lit area will help you to prevent from caking on to much foundation (or makeup generally).
Share with me how you fix your blotchy foundation!
Happy week ahead!