Ask Ben: What are Baked Powders?

Jennifer Michaels from Columbus, Ohio wrote in the following question:

Ben,
I’ve been hearing a lot about “baked powders” lately, but no one can tell me anything about them. Why are they so special??

I’m happy to give you the scoop on baked powders.

Baked Powders are unique, but just because you are hearing a lot about them now, doesn’t mean they are a new technology. In fact, some cosmetic companies like Boujois have been baking powders in France since the mid 1800’s.

Baked Powders are made very differently than your typical pressed powder. Pressed powders use binders to hold the powder together and machines press the powder into the pans. Manufacturers can make thousands of pressed powders an hour this way.

Baking Powder is a much slower, hand crafted process. First, the powder product is usually mixed with water into a slurry mixture then poured into terra cotta discs. The discs are baked in oven for 24 to 48 hours usually at a temperature of about 180 degrees. All of the moisture dissipates out of the powder and is absorbed by the porous terra cotta tile. Once the baking is complete, each powder is hand finished before being placed into its final component.

So, now you know all of the extra attention given to Baked Powders, but why are they so special?

Baked Powders are unique, because they can be used either wet or dry. Since very few binders, if any are used in the baking process versus traditional pressing, baked products have the same airy lightness of a loose powder.

The textures of these powders are dewy, not dry. So they feel amazing and incredibly soft, similar to a highly micronized powder. And while baked face products can be beautifully sheer and build for flawless coverage, baked eye products can hold a very high level of color, comparable to a loose pigment.

So there you have it. Baked Powders are not necessarily new to the world of cosmetics, but the definitely are happening again. Now you know why Baked Powder products are so special. They are amazingly versatile powders with a luxurious feel and incredible payoff…all handmade with care by skilled craftsmen.

Here are some of our favorite Baked Powder Products right now:

Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol
2 in 1 Blush and Bronzing Powder'
(Not available to US Customers until April 22nd)
$50

Bourjois Wet/Dry Eyeshadow
Each eyeshadow can be used dry for blending and shading, or wet with a fine brush as eyeliner.
$14

Bobbi Brown Gold Shimmer Brick Compact
This compact features 5 different shades of pearlized pigments that blend together to create a soft golden glow.
$38

Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten
Use this powder to even-out skin tones to achieve a healthy, glowing complexion. Combine with a foundation for a flawless finish.
$28

Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio
A trio of shimmering color-coordinated eye shadows.
$24

Are you currently using Baked Powder products? Tell us about it.