Baking: The latest contouring and highlighting trend to try

So you’re now a pro at contouring and highlighting, but have you joined the hoards of beauty gurus on the highly raved baking technique yet?

We’re not talking about domestic goddess tendencies here. ‘Baking’ (also sometimes referred to as ‘cooking’) in makeup is the technique of strategically applying an excessive amount of loose powder on top of the parts you’ve already highlighted, and letting it sit for durations between 5-20 minutes. It’s a technique derived from the drag queen community aimed at making the high points of the face look even brighter and allowing makeup to last longer. Leaving the thick layer of powder on will allow the product underneath it to melt into the skin and set seamlessly with the powder.

Although we don’t recommend this for your everyday makeup routine (it can look too heavy in harsh sunlight and might be time consuming for those hectic mornings), it’s a good trick to looking extra flawless for a night out or a glamorous black tie event.

Read on to find out how you can master an impeccably baked face!

ALWAYS START WITH SKINCARE

An even base is always the foundation to a great makeup look. Embark on your Step 0 by taking the time to cleanse, tone, moisturise and prime your skin before applying any makeup. This also ensures you’ve removed any dead skin cells that may have accumulated and filled into the wrinkles and enlarged pores, for a flawless end result.

BEGIN YOUR USUAL FOUNDATION ROUTINE

For a look as dramatic as this, a full coverage liquid foundation is your best bet. But if you’re comfortable with your usual compact powder, lightweight foundation, BB or CC cream, then make do with adding the extra coverage afterwards with a concealer. Set with a light dusting of loose or translucent powder and go about your contouring and highlighting regimen.

START BAKING

With a damp sponge, powder puff or wedge applicator, pack on the powder and begin by applying onto the under eye area, taking it up towards the tops of the cheekbones. Proceed to carefully place more powder under the contour line of your cheeks. Depending on your preference, you can also bake your chin, cupid’s bow, nose bridge and even forehead. Let it sit between 5-10 minutes. If time isn’t of the essence, leave it on for up to 20-30 minutes to ensure longer staying power.

Complete the rest of your makeup look while the foundation bakes. Once done, take a large fluffy brush and dust off the excess powder to reveal a bright, creaseless complexion.

Armed with your new skills, you’ll never go to an evening event without flawless-looking skin. Look through our gallery above for all the tools you need to get baked.

Nur Syazana H.