Let’s get real about “baking makeup.” No, it’s not about tossing your makeup into the oven (chuckles!). Baking makeup is a seasoned technique employed by professional makeup artists to set makeup firmly on the skin.
“Baking is actually a very old technique used in the late 80’s and early 90’s, when matte and heavier makeup was more common,” explains celebrity makeup artist Gianpaolo Ceciliato. “It was used to matte out the skin but also to help keep makeup in place and get rid of oily skin.”
Here, we delve into everything you need to comprehend about baking makeup—from its definition and advantages to potential drawbacks, the process of baking your makeup, and more.
What is Baking Makeup?
When the term “baking” is mentioned, thoughts of kitchen activities typically come to mind—utilizing the oven’s heat to mold and set cookies or cakes. Surprisingly, baking makeup follows a similar principle—it involves allowing your body’s natural heat to set makeup, employing a layer of loose setting powder. KIKO Milano pro makeup artist Maria Rincon Djuro elucidates, “Usually done under the eyes, T-zone, and areas of the face we highlight, a generous layer of loose powder is applied to sit on the skin for several minutes.” During this period, body heat facilitates the “super-setting” of makeup. Subsequently, excess powder is brushed away, leaving you with a durable and refined finish.
It’s essential to note that baking makeup isn’t universally suitable. As Ceciliato points out, “At times, it can show more wrinkles, and it dries out the skin. I use baking more for when I am doing dramatic eyeshadow or for quick retouching.”
Benefits of Baking Makeup
Baking makeup offers specific advantages based on makeup applications. For dramatic eye looks, Rincon Djuro favors using ADDICTION TOKYO Invisible Essence Loose Powder for baking. Ceciliato elucidates, “When you are using heavy, thick colors for your eyes, the debris and fallout from the eyeshadow falls to the powder under the eye, and because of the powder, you can easily sweep the debris away.”
Additionally, baking is ideal for stage or camera-ready makeup, especially when concealing dark circles. It effectively addresses oily skin concerns, minimizing shine and providing a matte finish. Ceciliato notes, “Baking is used for retouches for oily skin to make sure the makeup does not move too much.”
How to Bake Your Makeup
- Start with a hydrating base: Begin with a moisturizer to prevent overdrying during the baking process.
- Apply cream/liquid-based complexion makeup: Include primer, foundation, and concealer. For cream blush and contour, apply before baking; for powder products, wait until after baking.
- Initiate the baking process: Using loose setting powder and a makeup sponge or dense face brush, pat on a thick layer with a light pressing motion.
- Allow the powder to set: Wait 5-10 minutes for your body’s natural heat to set the cream and powder together.
- Swipe away excess powder: Using a fluffy face brush, remove excess powder to reveal a smooth, matte, long-wear makeup.
Note: For individuals on stage, under intense lights, or frequently in front of a camera, Ceciliato recommends focusing baking under the eyes, over the lips, and along the nose for a necessary matte finish.
What Not to Do When Baking Makeup
- Avoid excessive powder: Be generous but refrain from using more than needed. Unabsorbed powder is wasteful.
- Don’t overdo baking: Constant reapplication should be avoided, except for stage or camera scenarios, as excessive baking can result in a fake and uncomfortable makeup look.
- Never skip moisturizer: Even for a matte look, skipping moisturizer may expose texture and dryness, affecting the overall appearance.
- Choose the right powder: Select a powder in your correct shade and undertone for a natural finish.
- Apply powder evenly: Ensure an even application without patchiness to achieve a balanced matte finish.
Baking makeup, when done judiciously, can be a valuable technique in your beauty arsenal, offering a prolonged and flawless makeup effect.
