The In-Depth Look at Airbrush Makeup From a Professional Makeup Artist. What is Airbrush?

As a professional makeup artist, everyone (and their mother… and their sister) are constantly asking me questions. I get a LOT of questions, and love helping answer them, but my biggest FAQ’s are surrounded around airbrush foundation or traditional foundation.

There’s tons of information online already about airbrush makeup. Most of it I don’t personally agree with. Here’s why…
As makeup artists, we all have our own unique taste, experience, technique, eye for things. Two of us could use the exact same concealer and one of us hate it. You know why? Because we have different processes when it comes to applying, using a brush vs. a sponge, the skin prep beforehand, the amount of powder - a number of factors that all make up the end result. Two artists could receive the same inspiration photo, and achieve the same end result, but by completely different means.

This leads into the biggest point of this blog post - trust your artist. If you are hiring an artist because you LOVE their work, LET THEM do their best work and allow them whatever tools they work with best to achieve that.

Personally, I absolutely love Temptu airbrush makeup for my clients, and really suggest it for all skin types! Whether you have a tv appearance, photoshoot, wedding day - it works for a variety of situations and lasts longer than any other foundation I’ve ever used. I specialize in glowy, flawless but natural makeup looks, and using airbrush is the easiest way for me to give that to my clients. It’s my tool of choice not just because of the way that I use the foundation, but because of the certain way I use moisturizer, concealer, powder, everything!! My process has evolved throughout the years, but my experience helps me choose the products and layers that each client needs to bring that vision to life. It’s application is also fairly quicker than blending a liquid foundation out with a sponge. My clientele are always on-the-go, they don’t have hours to sit in my chair. I need a process that fits my client’s lifestyle, and allows me to be as efficient as possible.

Different makeup artists have different processes, and if you are hiring someone based on seeing and loving their end result, then TRUST their process. Allow them the freedom to do what they specialize in and you will be so much happier with the finished look. I promise! :)

I want to leave you with a few of my personal answers to some of the most googled airbrush makeup questions! (These are my professional opinion, and each artist will probably have their own unique answers.)

Q. What is airbrush makeup?
A. The airbrush foundation formula is basically a whole lot of coverage sheered out by use of the airbrush gun and machine. You’re able to have more coverage with less product, so it feels more lightweight and lasts longer than a traditional foundation.

Q. What is the best airbrush makeup foundation?
A. I exclusively use Temptu foundations. I use their silicone-based formula. It’s oil-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. The coverage is build-able, and will work for light, medium, or full coverage. Great for sensitive skin or women with a lot of allergies, I’ve never experienced anyone having a reaction to it.

Q. Does airbrush makeup make you look younger?
A. I love using airbrush foundation on mature skin. Because it’s lightweight and a more sheer layer of product on the skin, it doesn’t tend to settle in lines as a traditional foundation might. You won’t get that cakey finish.

Q. Is airbrush makeup more expensive?
A. Generally, yes. Most artists will have an upgrade charge because the product is generally more expensive. Also the investment of the airbrush equipment, gun, machine, cleaners… ends up being an added $300-$600 investment into our kits.

Q. Is airbrush makeup good for hot weather?
A. Totally! The formula is very water, sweat, and tear resistant!! Very good to have on such an important day!

Q. Do you set airbrush makeup with powder?
A. I do. It has a great natural and dewy finish, but doesn’t continue to get dewier and dewier throughout the day. Super consistent during a long day, especially if set with powder to lock in the look.

There’s so much more I could say, but I hope that gave you a better look and understanding of the benefits of airbrush foundation, and why I love it so much for my brides and my clients!