The other day I discovered that all this time I’ve been using a drag queen makeup technique called ‘cooking’ and didn’t know about it. I know, the name is odd but it makes total sense!
To “cook” your makeup means to let your base or concealer sit on the face anywhere from 10-20 minutes allowing the heat of your body and the oxygen to act onto the product before you blend it out. What happens is, if your product is too emollient, the skin will be able to absorb that leaving a more pigmented coverage. This technique helps for a stronger, smoother and longer lasting product coverage with less chance for creasing!
Cooking can also be done with foundation, either for fuller coverage or to make contouring more potent.
Let’s see the difference below:
I am using Garnier’s roll-on anti-dark circles concealer, and although it is my favorite final-step concealer to hide any left over under-eye darkness it is way too emollient and can be blended into nothingness. So, for some time now, I’ve been doing some cooking with it. I finish my makeup, put on a layer under my eyes and go get everything else ready so I can go out the door – so about 5-10 minutes left on the skin.
As you can see above, that is how I leave my concealer spreadead, you don’t need to be too perfect. After the wait time I blend it, now it is a lot thicker in texture, denser and therefore giving me a higher creaseless coverage.
Left side blended normally, right side blended after cooking. Awesome right?
Warning: Every product is different. For thicker creams it is okay to leave it for 10-20 minutes. But some more liquidy products can change dramatically in texture and can end up spreading patchy. Experiment with your favorite product, discover its ideal timing and be a happy camper! If you like it tag on Insta @xoxomake / #xoxomake and share your results!
XO,
