AIRBUSH 101…what is it? Is it better than regular makeup? Stephanie Sevilla tackles this often asked question and hopes to dispel a few myths along the way.
Q:What is the difference between airbrush makeup and traditional makeup?
A: Airbrush makeup is a technique that uses a compressor that pushes air through a gun and mixes together with a liquid. The liquid can be skin tinted and treated like foundation or colorful and used as intricate body painting or as eye makeup etc. Traditional makeup can be in cream, liquid and powder form and applied in many different ways: brush, applicator, sponge or fingers to name a few. If you've seen folks painting t-shirts or cars, this is also a type of airbrush but using a liquid intended for fabric or metal.
Q:Is airbrush = flawless?
A: Airbrush makeup can be applied in a fine, medium or full coverage amount and in a shiny, dewy, satin or matte finish when talking about complexion makeup. The same is true of traditional makeup offerings. Both coverage and finish are related to the techniques and products, and not exclusive of either choice. The misconception also comes into play because photographers and cosmetics companies use the term "airbrush" to imply that a look has a seamless, perfect, smooth appearance. Photos are sometimes improperly called "airbrushed" when they mean that photoshop has been used to remove imperfections from an image. The correct usage here would be edited or digitally altered. Cosmetic companies call makeup "airbrush" interchangeably when they want to imply either the look of perfection or that the makeup comes out of a can as a mist imitating airbrush technique.
Q:Is airbrush waterproof?
A:Yes, some airbrush makeup formulations are waterproof and some traditional makeup products are also waterproof.
Q:Is airbrush better for brides?
A:No. Airbrush is neither superior or inferior as a makeup technique when compared to traditional makeup techniques. The results vary according to the artist who is using either method and the quality of the products they use and the skill they have to mix and match according to the client's skin and desired effect.
Q:How I can make sure that I choose the best makeup and makeup artist for my wedding day?
A:Budget is the first consideration. Airbrush makeup is typically priced higher because it is less common and thus viewed as a specialty service and requires additional gear, kit and set up. Next, consider your skin tone, skin type and condition. In the modern cosmetic environment there are many specialty formulations and constant innovation. The airbrush makeup options are mostly the same formulations with little development over the last decade. If you have an out of normal skin tone such as very pale, more golden undertones or very dark complexion...you'll have fewer options in the airbrush category. Makeup artists who prefer airbrush might argue that you can custom mix the shades using correctors. The same is true of traditional makeup, except the main difference is that the starting point of shade range is more limited in the airbrush category so can require a finely tuned eye to get a true complexion match. Special needs like acne, fine lines and wrinkles and scarring may also be better served by specialty offerings in the traditional makeup category. When choosing a makeup artist for your wedding day, ask questions to see if they have a nuanced approach to each individual's beauty wishes and personal style or instead have a one-look-fits-all style, regardless of whether it’s airbrush or not. Your best look will be unique to you. View an artist's portfolio to see if your style and taste are represented. Strong communication skills and experience working with a broad range of faces, personalities, cultures and styles is also a very important qualifier for any pro makeup artist!
Q:What brands do you use?
A: Current airbrush brands in my kit are Temptu and MAC. Current traditional makeup brands in my kit are: Becca, Makeup Forever, Nars, Fenty, Lawless, IT Cosmetics...to name a few but because there is constant innovation with the traditional options, I am often introducing new formulations to my kit once they pass my testing processes.
Q:What kind of makeup photographs best?
A:Makeup designed for the person's skin type, desired look and finish and for the intended lighting and photography style. My general recommendation is that if it looks good in person (maybe slightly more dramatic than their usual comfort range) but still beautiful, it'll probably look good in photos too. However, when you communicate the intended look to your makeup artist, it's really helpful to share the location(indoor/outdoor), time of day, type of light used(natural vs flash) as well the photographer's style. Some photographers shoot in a style that is very bright and light which is a technique that can bleach out makeup colors. Knowing which photography style is intended in advance will help your makeup artist determine whether to boost definition areas like eyes, cheeks and lips so they don't fade out in pictures. Other photographers shoot a more photo journalistic style and make ample use of shadows to create mood and dramatic effect. Knowing this, your makeup artist will likely want to be careful with texture choices, avoiding harsh shimmer or glitter in highlighters and eye shadows. Again this can be achieved by a professional makeup artist, regardless of whether they prefer working with airbrush or traditionally applied makeup.
As with most things, the tools and products are just a fraction of what is involved in getting great results from your makeup look. If you like the makeup artist’s style and the energy they bring to your day, chances are, you won’t care whether it was airbrush or not in the end. Take great care of your skin, stay hydrated, pause and delight in the senses, love on your fur babies and you’ll feel beautiful every time!
I hope this is a helpful Q&A navigating the language and purpose of airbrush makeup. I’d love to hear questions or thoughts.
Posted by Stephanie Sevilla, July 2020