Baking vs Marinating

Ok so first up let’s make it clear that it’s is not about cooking (although I do plan on discussing that too!) This is about two makeup techniques that can be used to set areas of or sometimes the whole face. Let’s begin with definitions of both.
Baking: a vintage technique used by the drag queen community for years to secure their stage makeup that has been made popular again thanks to Instagram & YouTube tutorials. It’s a solid way to set your makeup. After foundation is applied, a thick coat of light powder is applied to the face (under the eyes, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, chin, and forehead for definition), and is left on to figuratively “cook” for 10 to 30 minutes into the skin from body heat. Then with the quick sweep of a brush, you are left smooth, pore-less, and highlighted. One huge disadvantage of using the baking technique to set your makeup is that it can be very drying to the under eye area, causing the area to crease (& sometimes aging us in the process🤭)

Marinating: another technique used to set your makeup, in the same areas, except way less powder is used. You still dip your brush into the setting powder (preferably a smaller one to use less product) but instead of applying the powder & letting it stay & “bake”, you gently roll the powder over the areas you want to set, while making sure to blend to the skin. Skin still has luminosity to it & doesn’t look or feel as dry as the baking process. Whichever technique you choose is totally up to preference. I personally prefer to marinate, as I’m on the dryer side as far as skin texture. However I have done both depending on the client or the job. When choosing your powder, make sure you choose a color appropriate for your skin tone. Ben Nye has an array of colors beyond the popular “Banana” shade that are very women of color friendly. Also, formula matters. While most setting powers come in loose, there are some pressed powder options that you can carry with you for touch ups on the go (MAC Prep & Prime Translucent & MUFE Ultra HD Pressed Powder). As always, once you “bake” or “marinate” follow up with your favorite setting spray to extend the wear of your look as well as make it look less powdery/“makeup-y”.💋