Powder baking 101: How to achieve a smooth, flawless make-up look that won’t budge

Beauty enthusiasts know all too well of the struggle of spending hours perfecting your make-up from the morning, only to look splotchy and creasing all over by the end of the day. On top of that, the scorching heat of summer only makes things worse. From melting foundation to excess oil, looking flawless and ensuring your make-up stay put can sometimes be a real struggle. However, setting powder is here to save the day. You may have heard the phrase ‘bake your face’ floating around on the Internet the past few years, and no, we’re not talking about sugar and icing—though you may end up looking like a powdered doughnut if you don’t do it right. For practical advice on ‘baking your face’, Vogue Singapore speaks to make-up artist Marc Teng, as he also shares product recommendations to help you stay stunning even under the blazing sun.

‘Baking’ your make-up “is the process of using a generous amount of translucent setting powder to set concealer and foundation,” says Teng. The magic is in the ingredients—setting powders usually contain talc and silica, which absorb the excess oil throughout the day. To make the most of it, Teng suggests using liquid foundations and concealers as your base.

What is the process of ‘baking’ make-up?
After applying foundation and concealer, use a damp make-up sponge to apply foundation, concealer, and loose setting powder. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before dusting off the excess with a fluffy make-up brush to create a flawless, creaseless finish.

Are there steps to prep the skin that should be adopted before baking?
Moisturise skin with non-oily products—this will help make-up to stay in place. Next, apply a hydrating make-up primer over the entire face.

Below, see the best products as suggested by Teng to help you conquer the heat and maintain a fresh and vibrant look all day long.