What's with all the Baking?

We're not talking brownies here. I'm talking layers of powder on your face. This trend had taken the makeup world by storm! Companies are actually making specific tools for this technique it has become so popular. So why is everyone doing it?

Baking, what does it do? Baking is an overly generous amount of powder applied to key areas of the face for long, crease proof wear of makeup. Baking was really a stage makeup technique. Dancers, actors, drag queens, anyone under hot lights for hours at a time were known to 'bake' their makeup. No one wanted a melting face on stage.  Decades ago makeup wasn't what it is now. Most have heard the term 'grease paint'. Yeah, it was greasy! We're talking oil based. Not the cute, all skin friendly hydrating oils. Mineral Oil based makeup. It needed to be baked. The powder would absorb excess oil from the make up, essentially creating a 'seal'. A necessity for their work. Even today, baking really isn't used as much now thanks to the upgrade in formulations and an abundance of setting spray options (no more hair spray on the face.. or at least not as much lol).

Should you bake? Probably not.  Set your makeup? Yes. But dip your face into a vat of flour. NO. On that note, there is nothing in your kitchen cabinet that will make a good setting powder. Just say no...  Setting your makeup will get the job done with out the heavy look of the bake. What's the difference?  Many things. First, the products you're using. It's highly unlikely you're using products that contain mineral oil, as most companies have moved passed it. Should you find it in your products it usually a more refined version than that of decades ago and a good set will do you fine. There is no need to bake oil free foundations and concealers! If you're finding your under eye products creasing, check your skincare prep products. Are they right for your skin? How much are you using?? Not one product can be blamed for creasing. Its a team effort under there. They eye area is product texture phobic, and it's the #1 place people want to bake. The less product the better in this area. The less powder the better in this area. Heavy powder under the eye will show texture you didn't even know you had! Setting very delicately is best.

Understand your skin. If you're dry, a very delicate set in transfer zones (jawline, temples, places where we tend to rub & touch often) are where you should be setting. Baking would pull all the lovely moisture you're  trying to get back in. Delicately set your makeup.  Same for combination-oily skin. Set your oily areas a little more heavily than you do normal areas.  Like with your foundation coverage, with setting, think area rug, not wall to wall carpeting.

Choose your powder wisely. I happen to love talc free for setting. I find read softer on the skin (even when baked). No paranormal activity in photos (we've all seen & shared the memes) no matter what color the complexion. Be sure it is a SETTING powder. Not a Finishing powder. Finishing powders only change the finish of the makeup, as the name suggests. And never, never use baby powder or anything from your kitchen cabinet. No matter what you saw on youtube...

Many will try the baking trend. Some will hate it, some will be 'ehh', some will fall in love. To each their own. I just want to share the info.  Makeup is about options and feeling your best...

Summer Skin

Grab the SPF, umbrella & hide!! That's my reaction to summer. I gave it up years ago. I spent my childhood summers in pools, on swing sets, at amusement parks, just doing anything & everything I could to stay outside. Did I mention I had a fantastic tan? And the tan lines to match! SPF 4 was a thing in the 80's. Baby oil was our #1 go to when out of Coppertone Oil. Now looking at my skin- WHY did I do that.

Yes, the sun is good for us. Yes, it is relaxing for some people. Yes, the deep heat of the rays feels good. But it does take a toll on your skin. It is true, it will take years for it to show up. Prepare yourself... summer is coming to haunt you. 20 years later.

Here are 3 things everyone MUST HAVE to keep their skin beautiful this season:

Must have #1 Broad Spectrum SPF30-50. Do it. Apply it early. Apply it often. Replace it yearly. Read the package of your sunscreen. It takes 15-30 minutes for most SPF to become effective. Yes, 15-30 minutes. Waiting until you're in the sun, is giving you 15-30 minutes without any protection. Those prone to burn or with a predisposition to skin cancers need that time. Don't be fooled by SPF70 & SPF100 they are not proven to be any more effective than SPF50. Broad Spectrum is your key to good proctection. Here is some excellent information from the sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/does-a-higher-spf-sunscreen-always-protect-your-skin-better
Know your limits in the sun. Not everyone can spend the entire day in the sun! Limit your time.

Must have #2 Hydration. Good moisturizers are essential all year. More so in summer! The sun can dry out the skin. Many who spent time in the skin will tell you their skin feels tight, gets flaky & patchy. Even the most oily of skins will be prone to dehydration after a day in the sun. You will want a hydrating serum, or gel-cream that is light weight. Hyaluronic acid is fantastic at locking moisture & very light weight. Too much sun? Aloe is very soothing & cooling. Yogurt based gels & creams will lock in moisture while cooling the heat of the burn.

Must have #3 Eye wear. The eyes are so delicate! As a child, I got a sunburn directly under my eyes, after spending hours on my raft in the ocean (I may be part fish... just keep swimming). Rays coming at me from all directions. my eyes were toast. Worst burn ever! I still blame it for my premature aging eyes. Brightly colored ZINC was the hot sunscreen then. We had it on our noses & high on our cheeks but couldn't use it that close to the eye. Luckily, they've come along way (although, I'd totally rock ZINC everyday).There are some sunscreens on the market that are safe & tested for the eye area.  You can snag one of those or your best bet will always be sunglasses & large brim hats! Here's a great list of eye area sunscreens:  http://www.allure.com/skin-care/2015/best-eye-creams-treatments-with-spf#slide=1

Summer is colorful, the earth is alive, everything is in bloom! Get outside & enjoy it! Stay healthy.