What is baked makeup?
Baked makeup is named for its unique manufacturing process, in which the pigments start as liquids, turn into creams, and are then baked.
This is different from powder, which is ground and compacted. The differences will mainly be noticed in the texture and pigment of these products. Powder doesn’t give you the same color or smoothness as baking.
Most baked goods are made in Italy, where “swirls of creamy pigment are baked for 24 hours on terracotta tiles,” like Laura Geller’s famous (and beloved) Baked Powder.
Its silky texture makes it perfect for dry and mature skin. The baking process allows different pigments to mix together in one product, which is why you see swirls of different tones in a single pan.
Baked products are known for their lightweight texture and brightness, and have been found in many top highlighters, blushes, and bronzers over the years.
According to a 2013 New York Times article, these products promise “deeper, truer pigmentation, longer wear, and easier blending.”
