Let's get baking .. with makeup of course!

Watch how I 'bake' here.

You've heard about contouring and strobing, but now it's all about baking!

This isn't a new trend, it's actually been used by Drag Queens for years. I use this technique on my clients and I tend to get people with a look of shock on their face, which always makes me giggle. If your not familiar with the technique then it does look like you've mid way messed your makeup up.

So what is 'baking'?

'Baking' is setting a layer of translucent powder sit where you would usually highlight on your face, for 5-10 minutes. I would put this powder under my eyes, forehead, tip of nose and just under my contour lines above the jaw. The body heat from your face helps to 'bake' the powder and allow it to sit flawlessly over your pores or wrinkles.

Why should you use the 'baking' technique?

1) Just like setting your whole face with power after doing your foundation, it makes your makeup base last longer, so you can imagine when placing a layer of powder under your eyes, it can keep your concealer in place, especially if your going to an event for the day, going to be photographed or will be somewhere hot and humid.

2) Make your highlight glow! What I love about setting your highlight with loose powder is it gives this effortless glow to the skin, that almost looks more natural, and surprisingly isn't cakey!

3) Airbrushed makeup without the photo-shop. Letting the powder set into the skin gives this velvet smooth looking finish. It's known that mature skin should usually go for a dewy looking base, which I agree with, BUT, in the case of a special occasion I still set the skin with fine translucent powder and this DOESNT settle in the lines and wrinkles. 'Baking' gives the illusion of a wrinkle-free finish. Keep reading to see how I do this.

How do you 'bake' your makeup?

Everyone has their own way of applying their makeup, this is how I use this technique. 'Baking; is best for under the eyes so let's concentrate on that.

1) Your about to apply a ton of makeup on your face, so keep your skin hydrated first! Crusty makeup isn't a good look ... obviously.

2) Correct the under eye area if needed, Orange for dark circles (for darker skin tones) Lilac for sallow looking under eye bags (fairer skin tones) Then apply your foundation to the whole of your face.

3) Apply a thick layer of concealer under your eyes, blend in with a damp beauty blender

4) Apply a layer of cream highlight on top of the concealer, blend it in again with a damp beauty blender. (You don't have to do this, but if you want a glam look that's going to last, then don't be shy with makeup!)

5) With a sponge or thick powder brush, pick up the loose powder and apply a heavy layer where you placed the concealer.

6) Leave to 'bake' for 5-10 minutes. I usually finish off my eyelashes in this time.

7) With a fluffy brush, lightly dust off the loose powder. And your done! Officially ... BAKED.

The perfect 'baking' powder?

I use JCTB Impeccable Finish Loose Powder. RRP £24, this powder is so fine it leaves such a smooth finish, it also mimics your skin tone, so great for fair to deep skin tones.

you can also try Ben Nye Banana Powder, Laura Mercier Translucent Powder or Makeup Forever Super Matte Loose Powder.

Lots of love,

Natasha xx

natashasuribeauty@gmail.com