How to Bake Your Makeup

Baking is pressing loose powder into areas where you applied concealer, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, then brushing away the excess for a locked-in, crease-proof finish.

Baking is insurance for your concealer, not a daily requirement — save it for long days or important events when you need your makeup bulletproof.

1. Apply your base first. Complete your foundation and concealer application before baking. The concealer should be slightly lighter than your skin tone and applied generously to areas you want to highlight or set. Don't blend it out completely yet.
2. Pack on the powder. Using a damp beauty sponge, press translucent setting powder into the concealed areas in a patting motion. Apply more powder than you think you need — it should look almost white and cakey at this stage.
3. Let it cook. Wait 5-10 minutes while the powder sits on your skin. This allows your body heat to set the makeup underneath and creates that smooth, airbrushed finish. Use this time to do your eye makeup or brows.
4. Brush away excess. Using a fluffy brush, gently sweep away all the excess powder in downward motions. What remains is your perfectly set, crease-proof base that won't budge for hours.