The Truth About Airbrush Makeup: What Makeup Artist’s Aren’t Telling You

Airbrush makeup has been around for decades and these days, it’s most heavily marketed towards your everyday consumer - brides. If you have landed on this page, it is likely you’re a soon-to-be bride doing your research, and for that we applaud you! Like many things in life, there are pros and cons - airbrush makeup is no different. The biggest promise of airbrush makeup (and its attraction) is longevity. So, let’s dig a little deeper!

What is Airbrush Makeup?

Airbrush makeup is a mist of controlled air that pushes out foundation through a small gun attached to an air compressor. The foundation consistency is much thinner than your traditional foundation allowing for a mist and stream of air to apply product over the top of the skin.

What is Traditional Makeup?

Traditional makeup is applied by hand tools such as a brush or sponge and it can be worked into the skin for an even finish. The coverage of traditional makeup can range from a natural dewy glow to a matte light to full coverage finish based on the formula and application tools. Traditional products such as powder, bronzer, and blush can be used in combination with a traditional foundation.

With that knowledge, here’s our reasons why we are not a fan of airbrush makeup and no longer provide it as a service. Contrary to the hype, airbrush makeup is not universal. It does not work well with:

• Sunburn

• Vellus hair (more commonly known as “peach fuzz”)

• Dry skin

• Textured skin

• Acne or mature skin

Airbrush makeup is applied 6-12 inches away from the face. With its fine mist and ultra-fast dry down, the inability to blend out or push the product into the skin often results in makeup sticking to any fine hairs or dry patches on the skin. In addition, touch ups are difficult as it can break down the coverage due to its formula. On dry or textured skin, airbrush makeup can further emphasize these areas since airbrush makeup is a much drier formula in order to maintain its waterproof wear and longevity. With that, airbrush makeup is not creamy in the slightest form making its wear not nearly as comfortable as traditional foundation.

Now that we have shared why we don’t like airbrush makeup, let’s share the reasons why we do love traditional makeup.

Traditional makeup is versatile and can be suited to all ages and skin types. It can be sheered down or built up to provide a fuller coverage as compared to airbrushing. In addition, traditional foundation and concealer is available in a wide range of formulations. Its versatility and coverage can conceal blemishes - eliminating any discoloration of the skin. When applied properly, traditional makeup can be long-lasting; giving a glowy finish that airbrush makeup cannot provide. Last but most certainly not least, many well-known celebrity makeup artists such as Mario Dedivanovic (Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist) who is one of the most acclaimed, followed, and influential makeup artists in the world uses a traditional makeup application to create the most flawless version of an individual's natural beauty for television, film, and red-carpet events.

Now that you know “the real tea,” it’s time to put your trust in a professional makeup artist who will deliver a makeup look that is not only comfortable but long-lasting - perfectly suited to your individual needs. Book with Royal Oak, Michigan Makeup Artist, Cher Jay Lee. Request your appointment today! cherjaylee.com/contact or email makeupartist@cherjaylee.com.