Why You Should Try "Baked" Makeup

Here's what we found out about this trending beauty term.
Here's what we found out about this trending beauty term.

You may have seen the word "baked" in the name of some makeup products, like face powders, eye shadows, and blushes. But what does that mean, exactly?

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Baked cosmetics are made just as the name suggests. These powders actually begin as creams, and are baked for a period of time to dry them down to a solid. This process creates powders with a creamy, velvety texture. It also means fewer filler ingredients are needed, so that the resulting colors are more concentrated and pigmented, which means they might last longer.

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These types of powders are usually marbled in appearance and -- according to Laura Geller Cosmetics, who feature a great deal of baked powders (including the Baked to Go Palette, left) -- the colors have a more luminous, vibrant quality. Another great feature is that because of their origin as a liquid, the powders can be used dry or wet. Apply them with a wet brush for more vibrant color -- a great idea for baked eye shadows.

Related: Your Makeup Tools Are in Serious Need of a Good Cleaning

The bottom line: We haven't tested baked cosmetics in comparison to regular makeup yet in our labs, but the term may mean added benefits such as greater color concentration, lovely texture, lasting power, and versatile application options -- so don't be afraid to try one!

- By Mary Clarke, Good Housekeeping Research Institute

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