Baking vs. Not Baking Using Setting Powder

In the world of makeup, setting your foundation and concealer is crucial to achieving a flawless, long-lasting look. Setting powder is your best friend here, but there are two major techniques: baking and the more traditional, non-baking application. Choosing which method is right for you depends on your skin type, preferences, and desired results.

What is Baking?

Baking is a popular makeup technique that gained prominence through drag artists and social media beauty influencers. It involves applying a generous layer of translucent setting powder onto areas like under the eyes, the T-zone, laugh lines, and anywhere you want extra crease prevention and oil control. This powder is left to “bake” or sit on the skin for around 5-10 minutes. During this time, the heat from your face allows the powder to fully set the makeup underneath. The excess powder is then dusted away, leaving behind a perfectly smooth, poreless, and matte finish.

Pros of Baking

• Extreme Longevity: Baking helps makeup last significantly longer, making it ideal for those with oily skin, special events, stage performances, or long days.
• Bulletproof Crease Control: Prevents concealer or foundation from settling into fine lines and creases, especially in the under-eye area.
• Intense Matte Effect: Provides a very matte finish, which can create a sculpted, photo-ready look.

Cons of Baking

• Dryness: Can accentuate dryness or texture, especially for those with naturally dry skin.
• Potential for Cakeyness: Excess powder can look cakey, emphasizing lines and imperfections.
• Time-Consuming: The baking process adds additional time to your makeup routine.

What is Not Baking (Traditional Setting)?

The traditional “not baking” technique simply involves dusting a light layer of setting powder over your foundation and concealer. You immediately blend or buff the powder, which sets the makeup without creating a heavily matte look.

Pros of Not Baking

• Natural Finish: Allows more of the skin’s natural texture to shine through, creating a less heavy makeup look.
• Suitable for All Skin Types: Works well for dry, mature, or normal skin because it won’t exacerbate dryness.
• Quick and Easy: Requires less product and no long waiting period, making it perfect for everyday makeup.

Cons of Not Baking

• Reduced Longevity: May not provide the same extreme long-lasting effect as baking.
• Less Oil Control: Might not be the best choice for those with very oily skin or extremely humid climates.
• Reduced Crease Resistance: Doesn’t provide the same intense crease prevention as baking for the under-eye area.

Choosing the Best Method for You

Here’s a guide to deciding which setting method is most suitable:

• Skin Type: Baking is generally ideal for oily skin. If you have dry or mature skin, the classic dusting of setting powder may be a better fit.
• Desired Finish: Opt for baking if you prefer a high-impact, full-coverage, and matte look. Not baking offers a more natural, skin-like appearance.
• Occasion: Baking is great for special events and photoshoots while a light dusting of setting powder is a reliable choice for everyday wear.

Tips for Both Baking and Not Baking

• Hydration is Key: Regardless of the chosen method, pre-makeup hydration is crucial to avoid a dry or cakey appearance. Always use a good moisturizer.
• Choice of Powder: Invest in a finely milled translucent setting powder for both techniques. This prevents unwanted flashback in photos.
• Tools for Success: Apply powder using a damp beauty blender for a smooth and flawless finish that prevents “baking” your makeup too heavily.
• Light, Gradual Dusting: Even within the baking process, avoid the urge to layer on a super thick, opaque layer of powder. Apply it slowly and build up as needed.

The Right Tool for the Right Job

Both baking and not baking hold their place in the realm of makeup and can be excellent tools for achieving different effects. Understanding their benefits, drawbacks, and ideal usage helps you make the best choice for your skin, desired look, and lifestyle. With practice and careful product selection, you’ll master flawless and long-lasting makeup every time!

Additional Setting Powder Techniques

Beyond traditional baking or light dusting, here are other setting powder options:

• Targeted Baking: If you don’t want the intense matte effect of full-fledged baking but need extra longevity in specific areas, apply setting powder only to zones prone to creasing or oiliness (like under the eyes and the T-zone). Let it sit for a few minutes and then dust off.
• Powder Before Foundation: This unconventional technique works wonders for very oily skin. Apply a light layer of translucent powder before your foundation and concealer. This helps control oil production and provides an extra smoothing and gripping base for your makeup.
• The ‘Jamsu’ Technique: If you’re feeling adventurous, try this less-talked-about Korean beauty method that involves submerging your fully made-up face into a bowl of cold water with loose powder mixed in. It offers a super smooth, long-lasting effect but definitely requires testing before a major event.

Considerations for Specific Skin Concerns

• Oily Skin: Opt for baking with oil-controlling setting powders that help minimize shine throughout the day. You can even reapply light layers of powder during the day to touch up and control oil breakthrough.
• Dry Skin: Baking can easily go wrong on dry skin. Go for light dusting with a hydrating setting powder. These setting powders often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid to combat dryness while setting your makeup.
• Mature Skin: If fine lines and wrinkles are a concern, avoid caking on heavy layers of powder. Focus on a well-hydrated base and strategically bake only where needed for minimal creasing. Opt for finely-milled, light-diffusing setting powders for a blurring and smoothing effect.

Choosing Your Setting Powder

• Finish: Choose between matte and radiant finish powders depending on your desired effect. Radiant setting powders will add a bit of glow and luminosity to the skin.
• Colored Powders: Those with specific undertones can use toned setting powders. Light yellow ones neutralize redness, peachy or pink powders add brightness, and “banana” setting powders can subtly color-correct dark circles.
• Ingredients: Some setting powders contain specific ingredients for targeting oily skin (talc, silica), hydrating dry skin (hyaluronic acid), or offering blurring effects for a soft-focus appearance. Always check the ingredient list to ensure the powder you choose is suitable for your skin.

Beyond the Face

• Eyeshadow Primer: Using translucent powder before applying eyeshadow helps create a smooth base, enhances color intensity, and reduces creasing in your eyeshadow.
• Setting Lipstick: A light dusting of translucent powder over lipstick sets your color, gives it a more matte look, and extends its wear time.
• Baking Your Hairline: When hair gets greasy halfway through the day, some tap setting powder at their hairline as a quick fix. Avoid overuse of this technique, as proper washing is always ideal.

Experimentation is Key

Finding the best method and product combination is like any other part of your makeup routine – there will be trial and error. Have fun trying different techniques to see which works best for your skin type, personal preferences, and desired makeup looks. The beauty community is filled with tutorials for both the classic methods and newer variations, so explore and don’t be afraid to refine your makeup routine!