Airbrush Makeup Vs. Traditional Makeup: Which is better?

Feb 26

As a makeup artist for over a decade, I have seen many trends come and go. A question I still get asked regularly from bridal clients is if we offer airbrush makeup. Let’s tackle the truths and myths about airbrush makeup. Is it really superior to traditional foundations and should you go with airbrush makeup for your wedding day?

Myth 1:

Airbrush foundation is longer lasting than traditional makeup. One of the selling points of airbrush makeup is it’s longevity. It is believed airbrush makeup gives you a longer lasting foundation finish perfect for a hot summer wedding day. When I started doing professional makeup in 2012 airbrush makeup was a lot more popular. I even worked at a bridal company that exclusively did all their clients with airbrush makeup.

What I noticed is the formula of airbrush foundations need to be very thin to be able to be airbrushed through the machine. This does not allow for much coverage with clients. Furthermore, the thinning agent to prevent clogs with airbrush makeup is an oily formula that gives the airbrush foundation an oily look within 3 hours.

Myth 2:

Airbrush makeup gives a soft flawless makeup look. Although this is true to some extent, the airbrush effect only remains soft and filtered if it is untouched. Meaning, the foundation cannot be disturbed by other products that sit on top of it. As soon as you apply blush, bronzer or powders overtop of the airbrushed makeup, you lose that soft air filtered effect. This also makes it impossible to set and bake and thus not able to achieve a long lasting makeup application.

Airbrush makeup will work best for clients with already good skin. Trouble skin, blemishes and oily prone skin does not look good with airbrush makeup. In order to cover blemishes, concealers are then used underneath the airbrush foundation not allowing for a more customized contouring technique with concealer.

The innovation with traditional makeup has been evolutionary in the last 10 years. Makeup has become a cultrural phenomenon thanks to social media, youtube and reality tv which. highlight the magic of behind the scenes glam squads and all their tips and tricks. Celebrity makeup artists have also become celebrities themselves branching out to creating their own lines of makeup. This has pushed the makeup industry to be more innovative and competitive. Brands are makeing foundations as best as possible to be more inclusive with shade ranges and different types of finishes. foundations with SPF, or skincare is also new to the industry in the last 5 years. This is where things are lacking in the airbrush makeup industry. The lack of competition in this space has left airbrush makeup to be stagnant in innovation. The high cost of airbrush makeup also don’t offer as wide of a range for foundation colours or different finishes.

The competition with different makeup companies have excelled the products available and since have blown airbrush makeup out of the competition. The world’s top makeup artists like Makeup by Mario, Ariel Tejada, Patrick Ta, Danessa Myricks, and Pat mcGrath all acheive their runway, red carpet and celebrity looks using creams or liquid foundations. If the best in the world are using liquid or cream foundations over airbrush makeup, let’s take a page out of their book and follow their lead with what to do for your most special wedding day.

airbush makeup review vs. foundation — Makeup by Mario claim to fame was Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist. Mario has no created his own makeup line that focuses on flawless makeup without looking heavy or overdone.

As a bridal makeup artists, I have worked with clients in all different weathers and temperatures and I have seen foundation last 12 hours or more on clients on hot summer days. With good makeup prep, long lasting foundation/concealer, setting powders and setting sprays we’ll be able to achieve a beautiful long lasting makeup application for your wedding day.