Hold on, I'm just going to Bake the Face

Eli
Jun 25, 2016
2 min read

What is baking and does it help?

Baking the face is a trend that has been hitting off fairly recently but it's roots are in the world of drag.

I was completely sceptical. Baking the face? Ew. The last thing anyone wants is cakey foundation that makes you look like you've gone back to year 9 with Ugg boots and foundation 3 shades darker than your face and five times more fluorescent.

It is worth it though.

I will soon be uploading a video of my Summer Ball makeup tutorial but what made it get so many compliments is definitely owed to the face "baking".

The process of "baking" the face basically means that you literally cook the makeup onto your face. It is cooked on. That means, that concealer under your eye? It won't move. It's not going anywhere.

So, how do you bake the face?

First, set your base. Use your favourite foundation and concealer. Lightly.

Barry M Light Concealer £4.49

Bourjois Paris 123 Perfect Foundation £10.99

Second, Use a LOT of translucent powder or what ever powder you normally use to finish your look. I used Elizabeth Arden highlighter to give an extra glow but it is a bit much for an everyday look.

Elizabeth Arden Shimmer Powder (This was really old and so wasn't cruelty free but I'm still using it up. Price not found)

Thirdly, Let it set. Listen to some music. Hype yourself up for the day or night ahead. Dance around. Read. Cook a dozen pancakes. Learn a new language. Whatever. Let that face set. Don't touch it. This is the point where the makeup is literally cooking itself. Actually all you need is about 10 minutes so it's the perfect time to get started on the eyes (especially since any fallout from eyeshadow will soon be brushed right off). In this time the foundation and concealer will bake themselves, heat up to a certain temperature and stay fixed.

Fourth, brush it all off. You might have looked weird as hell for ten minutes but as soon as you brush all that excess powder off, you will see results.

Spectrum Brushes, 'Siren Sculpt' £44

Finally, (and this is optional) use a good setting spray. My personal favourite is the NYX matt setting spray but a common favourite is Urban Decay's "All Nighter".

NYX Matt Finishing Spray £7

This photo was taken about an hour into Summer ball... a night that goes from 8pm to 6am...

...And after. 6:30AM.. walking back home. I'm tired. Cranky. Sleepy and I have bags under my eyes BUT the makeup was perfect. It did not budge one bit. Highlight still on point.