The COLOR INSTITUTE DRY CAKE SPF 35 provides a very thick layer of base over your face hence it hides all your skin problems like freckles, blemishes, dark spots, etc Foundations can be light, sheer, powders, and all sorts of formulations. Overall, it feels lighter and sometimes so light that it feels like nothing is there. In contrast, pan-cake is thick, heavy, and looks obvious on the skin. Cake makeup is primarily designed to be applied to the face but is also great for applications to the neck and body.