BAKING AND OILY SKIN

In the makeup world, baking refers to a powdering technique that is used to set cream/liquid products. Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve seen James Charles or Jeffree Star pack a ton of loose powder under their eyes using a makeup sponge, do the rest of their makeup and then “lightly dust the bake off”. The warmth of your skin is supposed to mesh the liquid and powder products and essentially lock your makeup in place. While a lot of makeup artists, drag queens and professionals swear by baking to make their makeup budge proof- is it really something we need to do every day?

As someone who fell in love with makeup at a very young age, I learned most of, if not, all of what I know about makeup through YouTube. After years of experimenting what works for my environment, my style and skin type, I have finally realised- baking is NOT worth the hype. YouTubers and many social media influencers have made us believe that baking is an essential step in their routine regardless of what kind of makeup look they're going for.

For reference, I have oily skin, wrinkles, deep set eyes, oily eye-lids, live in a hot and humid city AND sweat easily. On paper, I am the PERFECT candidate for baking. But practically, it doesn't work for me. Here’s why:

•  Baking requires some extra time and effort to do correctly, in my opinion. You have to apply the baking powder to areas you think will crease the quickest (this is usually under your eyes, around your nose and mouth) and then let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. In 10 minutes, I can usually get my brows done, liner snatched and lips plumped and I’m out the door. So ain’t nobody got time for baking. 

• You can use any loose translucent powder, banana powder or foundation powder to bake. However, we all know it is easier to find diamonds in a pond than a good shade range in India. Translucent powders can make you look grey, banana powders make you look yellow and you simply can’t find a powder that matches you correctly. 
• Let’s be honest, makeup looks like makeup in real life. But its possible to make it look less obvious and baking powder usually doesn’t yield a “natural makeup look”. Your makeup tends to look cakey. Combine that with hot-humid weather and your makeup melts off in an hour or so. 

I know I sound like I’m part of a baking powder hate club but baking does have its benefits and just like everything else, when you really need it, it works wonders. I personally think baking is perfect for weddings, special occasions, photoshoots, video shoots, performances, etc. For everyday, I simply dust some compact powder (that is somewhat my shade) and call it a day. If needed, I’ll touch up throughout the day by blotting off the excess oil using a tissue and applying a light layer of powder.

Let us know in the comments if you bake or not. If you do, tell us why you love it!

Until next time!
Stay curious. Stay #freequal

By
Hrithika, S.