Makeup Baking: How To "Bake" Your Face Like A Pro - L'Oréal Paris

If you, like us, spent the 2010s watching beauty vloggers on YouTube, you’re likely familiar with makeup baking (usually simply referred to as “baking”). For the uninitiated, the technique—which promises to help keep under-eye makeup in place all day—involves layering baking powder makeup over concealer and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. Proponents insist that the setting technique is the secret to a smooth, crease-free under-eye—and having tried it ourselves, we’re inclined to agree.

In the years since baking blew up, makeup trends have shifted towards a more dewy, natural finish (ahem, glazed donut skin). Still, there’s something to be said for a matte makeup look that will last all day long and stand up to the rigor of special occasions without smudging and creasing. Alas, there aren’t many other makeup techniques that deliver the same foolproof, locked-in-place, photo-ready results as makeup baking.

So, take notes as we share how to bake makeup—specifically your foundation and concealer—in seven simple steps for a long-lasting makeup look.

What Does Makeup Baking Do?

Makeup baking is the process of applying a thick, visible layer of setting powder over your foundation and concealer and leaving it on for five to ten minutes to set the face. As it sits, your body heat allows the foundation and concealer to essentially “melt” into the skin. At the same time, the powder helps absorb excess oils. Once the excess powder is brushed away, you should be left with smooth, matte makeup that won’t crease, smudge, or transfer throughout the day.

To bake your face properly, you’ll need a loose translucent powder. While pressed setting powders can be useful for diminishing excess shine, they’re not as well suited for the baking technique. Finally, keep in mind that while you can technically set any makeup look with baking powder makeup, the technique tends to work best will full-coverage, matte makeup looks.

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How to Bake Makeup for a Long-Lasting Look

When you use the baking technique for your makeup, first you apply primer, then foundation, then concealer, and finally powder. While we’d usually say that makeup doesn’t have any rules, with baking, foundation is always applied before the powder—never the other way around. Keep scrolling to learn exactly how to bake your face like a pro in seven simple steps.

Step 1. Prep your face

Skin prep is sometimes overlooked, but it’s an important part of any makeup routine. Start by cleansing your face to remove any excess oil and impurities, then apply your serum and moisturizer as usual (don’t forget SPF for daytime). Once your skincare products sink in, apply a makeup primer to help create a smooth, even base for your foundation. If you need a recommendation, try the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter. The non-comedogenic formula instantly reduces excess shine and helps extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours. We also love the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer for a smooth, blurred base.

Step 2. Apply foundation

Once you’ve primed your face, then you can apply foundation. Before baking your face, it’s best to apply a liquid foundation like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation. The transfer-resistant formula provides buildable, medium-to-full coverage with a lightweight texture that feels comfortable on the skin. Plus, it’s transfer-resistant, so you can count on it staying put on busy days. We suggest applying it with a foundation brush or makeup sponge to even out your skin tone and camouflage dark spots, blemishes, and unevenness.