Hi Amiga, in this article, you will learn about Airbrush Makeup. How to use it and the Pro’s and Con’s of Air Brush.
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Learn all about Air Brush Makeup so you can decide if you want to work with it or not.
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Air Brush Makeup
Recently, by a terrible mistake of my own, I had to work without my main Professional Makeup Kit. My nightmare came true and I had to work without all my beloved Cosmetics I use on every job.
By a dramatic mistake, I left it at another weekly job of mine, first of all, of course, I panicked, but then my mind started racing remembering everything I have in the back of my car.
Turns out I have enough in there to do full jobs professionally, thankfully, ass saved!
Very unprofessional obviously, but professional enough to have a full-on backup plan in the back of my car.
As of today I highly recommend every professional artist to carry enough in your car to do jobs, even when you think that would never happen to you.
Back to the subject, because of this mistake, I had to work with my airbrush to apply the foundation. It reminded me why I love it so much and why I worked with it every day 20 years ago.
It also reminded me why I am not using it anymore, more about that later, first let me tell you all about Airbrush Makeup.
Airbrush makeup creates a flawless face, almost as if you took your picture and ran it through Photoshop.
Here’s how it works, a tiny amount of specialized foundation makeup is mixed with a few drops of water, and then sprayed onto the face with a spray gun.
The result is sheer, yet full coverage. You end up using less foundation, but with a flawless finish. It even hides under-eye circles and rosacea.
A big plus point for me is you need a lot less powder to fixate the foundation if any at all.
Tools for Airbrush Application
- Airbrush compressor
- Airbrush spray gun
- Hose (connects the spray gun and the compressor)
- Makeup foundation
- Water
First-time users can get this equipment in a kit. After that, all you will need is the foundation.
The only professional airbrush brand that I know of is Dinair, this starter kit HERE is $250.
I think this is the best you can get, they have been around for ages, it looks like you can only buy it as a set, including Makeup products, which is unfortunate, for me anyway I would want to only buy the compressor, I have a spray gun already and I use a different product, more about that later.
I do see cheaper kits on Amazon like THIS one, I really have no idea if it will work well, but it could be an option just to try if working with an airbrush is for you without breaking your bank first.
Once you’ve purchased your kit, the only further cost is foundation, which can be about $20. Some companies are making smaller compressors, which are easier for home use and for travel.
How to Apply
- Place a few drops of foundation into the designated cup, along with a few drops of water. (Each brand will have its own instructions telling you specifically how many drops of each to use.)
- Hold the spray gun about 6 to 10 inches from your face, and spray the mixture in gentle circles over your face and neck. Never hold the spray gun in one place. Keep it moving. And don’t spray it into the eyes. The eyes need to be closed, also if you work on yourself, try to keep your eyes closed.
- Let it dry. If you want, you can apply a second coat for more coverage. After that’s dry, you’re good to go. No need for finishing or setting powder at this point. Maybe a touch-up later on.
What Kind of Foundation to Buy
Airbrush makeup foundations come in two types: silicone-based and water-based. Many professionals recommend the silicone, saying that it creates a slightly more flawless look.
However, I don’t know how silicone-based work I use the foundation of Kett Cosmetics this foundation is water-based, you could try both to see what works best for you.
You need to purchase dedicated airbrush makeup, you can’t use your regular foundation in these machines.
I see Kett Cosmetics sell airbrush sells too, they look pretty professional, I never tried this one myself.
Blush, Highlighter, Contour and Eyeshadow
You can buy airbrush-ready blush, highlighter, contour, and eyeshadow, although that may require the purchase of a special nozzle for your spray gun.
But once your basic foundation is dry, there’s no problem using your regular powder blush, highlighter, contour, and eye makeup like I do.
Airbrush Advantages
- No powder or a lot less.
- Works extremely well in a hot climate, like a life-saver on set in the Sahara or the Caribean.
- Applying the foundation is really fast.
- Once airbrushed, you are good to go for up to 10 or 20 hours, with an average of around 16 hours. It won’t rub off on anything or disappear into your pores.
- The airbrush system is sanitary since it never actually touches the skin.
- Some of the kits and foundations can be used on legs, to conceal veins and discolorations. That means no panty-hose, ladies!
- Special effects, such as stencil tattoos, are easily applied.
Airbrush Disadvantages
You might really be wondering by now why I don’t use my airbrush, mine is at least 20 years old, it is really good quality but it is one of the first models and it’s really big and quite heavy so I don’t want to drag it to jobs because of that, but I do always carry it in my car.
After working with it again I now want to buy the pocked sized compressor of Dinair, my bank account does not agree. I just love an airbrushed foundation, it’s so beautiful.
Another thing is cleaning the spray gun is a bit of a hassle but so is cleaning brushes. Other things that might be disadvantages are:
- It’s expensive, especially at first.
- Switching colors for different people take a bit of time.
- If you’re applying it on yourself and you’re alone, you’ve got to do at least parts of the application with your eyes closed. You don’t want to get the product in your eyes.
An airbrush has more advantages, I really would like to work with it again when every my bank will allow it, obviously, mine has to be professional.
I do highly recommend it to anyone and especially if you’re doubting about it, it is really worth a try also for your own makeup, you could try a cheap kit first.
I only do foundation but if I would ever buy one again, I would experiment with blush and eyeshadow too.
In this post, you have learned everything there is to know about Airbrush Makeup. Cheers Mamacitas.
This article in Dutch https://melaniemoutarde.nl/airbrush-makeup/
pbn says
This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me.
Thank you!
Melanie says
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed!