Baking your makeup might sound like a strange concept, but it’s actually a technique that has been around for years. Baking helps to set your makeup to last all day, while providing a smooth and flawless finish. Follow these 12 steps to learn how to bake your makeup like a pro.

1. Prep your skin: Start by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin thoroughly to create a smooth base for the makeup application.

2. Apply primer: Use a pore-filling or smoothing primer on the areas of your face where you tend to get oily or have texture concerns.

3. Apply foundation: Use a long-lasting liquid foundation that suits your skin type and provides your desired level of coverage.

4. Blend well: Use a makeup sponge or brush to evenly distribute the foundation across your face, making sure there are no streaks or patches.

5. Conceal: Use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone to highlight the under-eye area and cover any imperfections, such as blemishes or redness.

6. Blend concealer with a sponge: Gently blend the concealer into your skin using a damp makeup sponge, making sure there are no harsh lines between the concealer and foundation.

7. Set with powder: Apply a thin layer of translucent loose powder over the top of your concealer and foundation using a large fluffy brush, focusing on the areas where you tend to get oily throughout the day.

8. Apply extra powder under eyes: Take a damp makeup sponge and dip it into more loose powder, then press it onto the under-eye area where you applied the concealer. This will create a thick layer of powder that will eventually “bake” on top of your concealer for lasting coverage.

9. Let it bake: Allow the thick layer of powder under your eyes to sit for 5-10 minutes while you work on the rest of your makeup. This time allows the powder to absorb any excess moisture from the concealer and foundation for a long-lasting, crease-free finish.

10. Apply eye makeup and contour: While your makeup is baking, apply your eye makeup, contour, and any additional face products as desired.

11. Brush off excess powder: After the 5-10 minute baking time has passed, use a large fluffy brush to gently sweep away any excess powder from your under-eye area and other parts of your face.

12. Set with a setting spray: Finish off by spritzing a setting spray all over your face to lock in your makeup and create a long-lasting, flawless finish.

With these 12 steps, you will have successfully baked your makeup to ensure it stays put all day while looking smooth and highlighted. Practice regularly, and soon this technique will become second nature!