How to Use Airbrush Makeup

Catherine Zeta Jones wears it. So does JenniferCruelty-Free Companies
Lopez. Why? Airbrush makeup creates a flawlessThe good news is that many airbrush companies
face - almost as if you took your picture and ranmake non-animal tested foundations. Dinair
it through Photoshop.Airbrush Makeup, OCC, and Luminess are among
Here's how it works. A tiny amount of specializedmany cruelty-free brands.
foundation makeup is mixed with a few drops ofBlush and Eye Shadow
water, and then sprayed onto the face with aYou can buy airbrush-ready blush and eye
wand. The result is a sheer, yet full coverage. Youshadow, although that may require the purchase
end up wearing less foundation, but with aof a special nozzle for your wand. But once your
flawless finish. It even hides under eye circles andbasic foundation is dry, there's no problem using
rosacea.your regular powder blush and eye makeup.
Tools for At-Home Airbrush ApplicationAirbrush Advantages
- airbrush compressor- Once airbrushed, you are good to go for up to
- airbrush wand (sometimes called a pen)10 or 20 hours, with an average of around 16
- hose (connects the wand and the compressor)hours. It won't rub off on anything or disappear
- makeup foundationinto your pores.
- bottled water- If you're sharing the makeup - at a wedding, for
First time users can get this equipment in a kit.example - the airbrush system is sanitary, since it
After that, all you will need is the foundation.never actually touches the skin.
Expect to pay from $120 to $600 or more as- Some of the kits and foundations can be used
your initial investment. Once you've purchasedon legs, to conceal veins and discolorations. That
your kit, the only further cost is foundation, whichmeans no panty-hose, ladies!
can be about $20. Some companies are making- Special effects, such as stencil tattoos, are
smaller compressors, which are easier for homeeasily applied.
use and for travel.Airbrush Disadvantages
How to Apply- It's expensive, especially at first.
1. Place a few drops of foundation into the- Applying the makeup is time consuming and
designated cup, along with a few drops of water.requires the equipment, a power supply, a water
(Each brand will have its own instructions tellingsource, and enough space.
you specifically how many drops of each to use.)- If you're applying it on yourself and you're alone,
2. Hold the wand about 6 to 10 inches from youryou've got to do at least parts of the application
face, and spray the mixture in gentle circles overwith your eyes closed. You don't want to get the
your face and neck. Never hold the wand in oneproduct in your eyes.
place. Keep it moving. And don't spray it into your- You can't throw it into your purse like you can
eyes. Keep your eyes closed if you can.with mineral makeup or regular foundation.
3. Let it dry. If you want, you can apply a second- If you use airbrush makeup a lot, you might
coat. After that's dry, you're good to go. No needconsider some sort of face mask. No one has
for finishing or setting powder.definitive information yet about how much of the
What Kind of Foundation to Buyproduct gets into your lungs.
Airbrush makeup foundations come in two types:Still, that ultra flawless, pore-less even look is a
silicone-based and water-based. Many professionalsvery appealing idea. Some women even say the
recommend the silicone, saying that it creates amakeup hides some of their wrinkles. If you want
slightly more flawless look. You need to purchasethat look, airbrush makeup is certainly worth a
dedicated airbrush makeup - you can't use yourtry.
regular foundation in these machines.