Will a different foundation stop it clinging?

Usually not. Clinging is caused by loose dead skin under the makeup, and a new formula sits on the same texture. Fixing the texture fixes the clinging, whichever foundation you already own.

How often should I exfoliate if makeup keeps catching?

Start at two or three nights a week rather than daily. Acids build up their effect, and going in every night is how people move from flaking to irritation — which looks like the same problem and is not.

The answer

Why does my foundation cling to dry patches?

Foundation catches on loose dead skin, not on dryness itself. That is why changing foundation rarely helps and exfoliating usually does. The step that fixes it happens the night before, not in the mirror on the day.

What answers it

Paula's ChoiceSkin Perfecting 2% BHA liquid exfoliantThe step that actually solves it. Salicylic acid works inside the pore rather than scrubbing the surface, which is why it beats a scrub at the thing scrubs are usually bought for.Buy on Amazon
CliniqueMoisture Surge 100H hydratorStraight after, while skin is still damp. Exfoliating without putting water back is how people end up tighter than they started.Buy on Amazon
Laura MercierTranslucent loose setting powderSet only where you shine. Powder over a dry patch is the other half of this problem, and the usual mistake is powdering the whole face.Buy on Amazon

Prices live on Amazon, where they change hourly — so we never quote one. Every product here is a brand we would name out loud.

It is the skin, not the base

Foundation is a thin film. It shows what is under it, and what is under it on a clinging day is loose dead skin sitting proud of the surface. A different formula spreads over the same texture and does the same thing, which is why the fourth foundation performs like the first three.

Scrubs are the wrong tool

A physical scrub takes the top off unevenly and irritates what it leaves, so skin can look worse the next morning. A leave-on acid works inside the pore and does not depend on how hard you rub. It is also the reason to do this the night before rather than an hour before you leave.

Powder is not a fix for texture

Powder over a rough patch settles into it and outlines the thing you were trying to hide. Set the centre of the face where shine actually appears, and leave the cheeks alone if they are the dry part.

Questions

Will a different foundation stop it clinging?: Usually not. Clinging is caused by loose dead skin under the makeup, and a new formula sits on the same texture. Fixing the texture fixes the clinging, whichever foundation you already own.
How often should I exfoliate if makeup keeps catching?: Start at two or three nights a week rather than daily. Acids build up their effect, and going in every night is how people move from flaking to irritation — which looks like the same problem and is not.