When Baking first became a trend, it appeared to be a very excessive way to contour. It also seemed like it may only benefit those who are a bit more oily. I happen to be on the drier side, and have found that despite my reservations this summer baking has become my face’s best friend. What is baking you may ask? It is an extra step when contouring that involves letting your concealer sit on your face for 10-20 minutes with a setting powder on top. The reasoning for this is that the heat from your face will melt the concealer into your skin, while simultaneously setting it with the powder.
This does not just have to be with concealer, you can use your cream contour kits “highlight” shades while baking as well. Everyone bakes a little differently, as everyone has different skin. You will use products that complement your skin type. For instance since I am dry I use my Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer as it provides a lot of moisture, and then a lighter powder (Sephora Banana powder is my fav) on top that isn’t as matte. If you are on the oily side, use more powder and one that is more matte on top of your concealer and or highlight shade.
I usually use this technique under my eyes in the “triangles of light”, on my chin, and also underneath where I plan to lay down my chiseled cheek contour shade. Everywhere else I highlight I do not bake, as my forehead and nose get very dry as it is. If you wonder how some ladies (or gentleman) get that extra flawless looking selfie on Instagram, a lot of their complexion perfection is in part due to baking. It photographs extremely well, and it has saved me during these 90 degree days in LA. I recently went on a trip to Florida (humidity city), and I don’t even want to think of how my face would’ve been melting off if I hadn’t baked every day.
Some tips and tricks when baking are to make sure you use a concealer that won’t gather in your fine lines underneath the eyes. Use a contour brush to brush away and blend excess powder on top before going in with your beauty blender, to really press the product in. Do something else while baking, so you don’t concentrate on how long it’s been on your face. Experiment with different products on your skin to figure out your very own ideal baking “recipe.” Bake away!