TirTir Red, HALP!

Hello Picky Fam 👋🥰.. Your girl, DJ, is in dire need of some TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation guidance from you magnificent artists! Let me first start off by saying, I am entering my third decade, and my makeup skills are exceptionally limited to mascara and lip balm. 😅 I developed severe melasma on my forehead and around my cheeks a few years ago, from lack of sun protection. Though I am treating it, I am tired of seeing a face in the mirror that isn’t mine anymore. I know, I know. It won’t ever FULLY disappear, and I will have to accept it someday.. but who says that day has be today?! I finally got my hands on some samples of TirTir’s Red Cushion. 🤩 Though I admittedly don’t know the first thing about foundation, I do know that I am warm toned, and that the best shade should also match my neck. That being said, the shade I finally settled on is 17W. It blended into my neck seemlessly, and that’s what I wanted most. However, as the photographic evidence goes to show, I am clearly doing something wrong. Rather than giving me that silky, seemless finish.. I am getting cakey splotches all over the place. What am I doing wrong? Before you ask, no, I do not dermaplane. Would I ever give it go? Yes, if I could afford to get it done by a professional, or teach myself without further damaging my face more than I already have. Also, is that really required to avoided the cake face? 😵‍💫🍰 Thanks for your help and input friends! ~DJ