Makeup Baking: A Step-by-Step Technique for Setting the Base
Baking is a setting technique in which a heavier layer of loose powder is applied over concealed areas, left for several minutes and then brushed away. It creates a matte, long-wearing finish and is especially useful for stage makeup, photography or a long event.
Such a dense layer is usually unnecessary for everyday makeup and may emphasize folds or flaking on dry and textured skin. You need moisturizer, concealer, finely milled translucent powder, a soft brush and optionally a damp sponge. Primer, foundation and setting spray are optional.
Apply a small amount of suitable moisturizer and allow it to absorb fully. Too much cream can make concealer slide and gather in folds. Cooling eye patches may provide a temporary refreshed feeling, but they do not remove persistent dark circles.
Use primer only when needed, such as for additional wear or smoothing texture. Apply foundation in a thin layer and build it only where coverage is required. The lighter the base layer, the lower the risk of overloading the makeup with powder later.
Place concealer only where correction is needed. A large under-eye triangle is not mandatory; a few small dots are often easier to make look natural. Blend the edges with a damp sponge or small brush and remove visible excess from folds.
Pick up finely milled powder with a sponge or puff and press it gently over concealed areas. There is no need to apply a heavy layer over the entire face. Check that the powder does not leave a grey or overly pale cast, especially in flash photography.
Leave the powder for roughly three to ten minutes: dry skin usually benefits from a shorter time, while oilier skin may tolerate slightly longer. Sweep away excess gently with a soft fluffy brush. Check the result in daylight and apply setting spray afterward only if desired.
