Baking, a technique created by stage performers, has made it into our Instagram makeup lexicon. It’s a useful method but proceed with caution; baking is best for dramatic or long wear makeup, not as an every day technique. Unlike the regular powder application mentioned above, you want to press the sponge into your loose setting powder and pick up a lot of product and immediately press it into the areas that you want to highlight and set, like your under eyes, nose, chin, and forehead. There will be a visible layer of setting powder sitting on top of your skin. Leave it that way for 5-10 minutes, depending on how intensely you want to set your makeup. Once that time has elapsed, dust off the excess powder with a big, fluffy brush.
Baking is not something to do every day because over time it can dry out your skin, particularly your under eyes. If you’re getting ready for a special night out, it’s a great way to make your makeup bulletproof for the entire evening, even through sweat and rain. The beauty sponge helps press and set the powder to melt it perfectly into your base.