Loose baking powder is typically used in a makeup technique called "baking," which helps to set your makeup, brighten specific areas of your face, and create a flawless, long-lasting finish. Here's how to use it:
-
Apply Your Base Makeup: Start by applying your foundation and concealer as you normally would. Make sure your concealer is well-blended, especially under your eyes.
-
Apply a Generous Amount of Baking Powder: Using a makeup sponge (like a damp Beautyblender) or a powder puff, pick up a generous amount of loose baking powder. A dry sponge or puff is often preferred for baking.
-
Press and Layer: Press the powder onto the areas you want to set and brighten. Common areas include:
- Under the eyes (to brighten dark circles and prevent creasing)
- Smile lines
- T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
- Jawline
- Center of the forehead
-
Let it "Bake": Allow the powder to sit on your skin for 5-10 minutes. This "baking" process allows your body heat to set your base makeup and absorb excess oil.
-
Dust Away Excess: After the baking time, use a large, fluffy makeup brush to gently dust away the excess powder. Be thorough to avoid any white cast, especially in flash photography.
-
Finishing Touches: Once the excess powder is removed, you can continue with the rest of your makeup routine, such as applying blush, bronzer, and highlighter.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Powder: Translucent or banana-toned powders are popular choices for baking. Translucent powder works well for fair skin tones, while banana powder adds warmth and is suitable for medium to deep skin tones.
- Don't Overdo It: Using too much baking powder can create a cakey or ashy appearance. Start with a moderate amount and build up if needed.
- Consider Your Skin Type: Baking can be drying, so if you have dry skin, use a hydrating primer and moisturizer beforehand. You might also want to limit baking to special occasions.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Make sure to blend the edges of the baked areas to avoid harsh lines.
- Avoid Flashback: Some powders can cause flashback in photos, so test your powder under flash lighting before a big event.
