How to bake your makeup

From Instagram to red carpets, baking is a trend you need to know about if you want your makeup to last all day. We’re here to demystify this must-have beauty trend so you can achieve a perfect, airbrushed finish yourself and learn how to bake.

What is baking?

Simply put baking is a technique used to set your makeup. Powder is applied to the desired areas and left there to ‘bake’ or ‘cook’ using the temperature of the body. Once finished, the powder is removed and you’re left with a flawless complexion that should last all day. Invented and first used by theatrical and drag communities, baking was created to ensure makeup longevity under hot stage lights through a performances and costume changes.

Recently, with the emergence of the ‘Insta-glam’ look, baking has made a resurgence in popularity and is know used by makeup artists and beauty bloggers to create the perfect, smooth base.

Is baking for you?

Though popular it is important to note that baking isn’t for everyone. It’s wonderful if you have oily or combination skin and you’re after a long-lasting full coverage look, however it can be heavy on the skin and can be quite drying. It is also an extra layer of makeup on the skin and of course takes time and a little more patience so is best saved for when you have a bit of extra time to spend on your makeup

How to bake: step-by-step

• 1.Apply concealer

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  Shop NowOnce you have applied your foundation and base makeup, add an extra layer of matte concealer and blend well.

  You should apply it in a triangle under your eyes and any areas you wish to highlight, including under your cheekbones to create a defined contour, the bridge of your nose, the centre of your forehead and your chin. This will provide a solid foundation for the powder to grip to in the next step.

• 2.Apply powder

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  Shop NowDampen a makeup sponge or beauty blender using water (or a hydrating mist if you want to treat your skin) and tap gently into a translucent powder. Then apply this very generously onto the skin in a dabbing motion to the areas you have previously concealed. It will look a little strange at first but you will have no powder left after the next step.

• 3.Get baking

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  £12.99Shop NowThis is where patience will kick in. You need to leave the mask of powder in place for about ten minutes in order for your body temperature to work its magic and bake it. Once you have waited for the correct amount of time, take a fluffy powder brush and apply a small amount of the same loose powder to it.

  Next gently knock off the powder residue with a light hand. It might help to do this in a buffing motion if required but take care not to disturb the makeup underneath.

• 4.Lock in place

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  £27.00Shop NowFinally once the powder is removed you can set everything in place with a fixing mist. Helping to keep you make up in place even longer and adding glow back into your skin, it will minimise any powder residue and leave your complexion with an airbrushed finish.