Airbrush makeup... whats the deal??

“ So I was told I need to ask for airbrush makeup…. Will it erase my wrinkles? Will it smooth out my skin? Does it cover my acne scars?”

GIRL... I get asked this sooooo much and let me tell you in my personal opinion it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be. There’s a lot of factors that you’ll need to consider if you’re interested in this for your wedding day. Have a consultation with your artist and decide what is going to be best for you!

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Here’s the breakdown:

What is airbrushing?

The artist, places a few drops of a foundation into their airbrush gun. Pressurized air travels through the gun at a specific PSI (pounds per square inch). When the trigger is pulled back, it pulls the needle back which then forces the solution through the gun, around the needle, and out the tip into a fine mist. Kinda like spray painting… but for your face!

Different solutions have different viscosities which require amounts of pressure needed to force it through the gun.

Is it new?

Airbrush makeup has been around since the golden era of Hollywood. It’s not new, just more mainstream now. With TV infomercials advertising Luminess, they make it look so easy and flawless.  

Airbrush comes in several different formulas:

• Silicone - Brands like Temptu are very popular with this formula. Silicone is great for smoothing skin or larger pores, but will not fill in any wrinkles but rather settle into fine lines around eyes and lips.

• Water Based - Brands such as Dinair, Graftobian, Luminess, and Temptu make foundations available in this formula. If I apply airbrush this is usually the formulation I prefer. It’s great for a photoshoots or lighter natural coverage. 

• Alcohol - Great for body art and special fx makeup.

Key Factors to consider:

• Dry Skin - If you’re dry, it can tend to look patchy or show all the flakes of dehydration on your skin. If you are dead set on going with airbrush, see your esthetician and get on a solid skincare routine. Silicone based or traditional makeup may be a better option for you.
  

• Vellus Hair / peach fuzz - The solution likes to stick to any sort of facial hair.  If you wish to have airbrushing done on your day, check out dermaplaning or waxing which will remove any unwanted facial hair.
  

• Uneven Texture - If you have a lot of raised texture in your skin from post breakouts, eczema, scaring etc.
  

• Touch Ups - Crying and kissing can transfer the product and make touching up a pain in the tush. The only real way to touch up your foundation is to having another layer of airbrush makeup applied. If you’re not requiring your makeup artist to be on location the entire night, this may not be an option for you.
  

• Weather - Water based is not recommended for excessively long wear, hot climates, humidity, rain or sweat. Silicone based would be a better option but it must be set so it doesn’t slide off.
  

• Training and experience - Is your artist licensed and or certified? Licensing is great as most states require it. Certifications mean you’ve been trained in one area which can be a bonus especially with airbrushing. Check out who their certification is through. Is it legit hands on or just an online company that anyone can apply to. 
  

• Troubleshooting - Airbrush guns like to clog! No matter how well one can take care of their airbrush gun. This can cut into application times for you and your bridesmaids. This is honestly the biggest reason I don’t care for airbrushing. Plus, I love really buffing the foundation in your skin! To keep it locked in place with proper skin prep.
  

• What exactly are you airbrushing - Foundation is the most popular aspect of airbrushing, but you can also airbrush cover for tattoos, eyeshadows, hair, brows and much more.

Airbrushing is a selective service that either artists love or hate. Whatever you decide to do on your big day, I highly recommend a trial before your day to see if it’s in your best option.