Title:
Airbrush Makeup
Word Count:
613
Summary:
TV actors have switched to airbrush makeup because it looks flawless under the unforgiving lenses of
HDTV. And it doesn't melt if you sweat. Airbrush makeup is now available to the general public. Here's all
you need to know to do it at home.
Keywords:
airbrush,airbrush makeup,cosmetics,makeup,flawless skin,cruelty-free makeup
Article Body:
Catherine Zeta Jones wears it. So does Jennifer Lopez. Why? Airbrush makeup creates a flawless face -
almost as if you took your picture and ran it through Photoshop.
Here's how it works. A tiny amount of specialized foundation makeup is mixed with a few drops of water,
and then sprayed onto the face with a wand. The result is a sheer, yet full coverage. You end up wearing less
foundation, but with a flawless finish. It even hides under eye circles and rosacea.
Tools for At-Home Airbrush Application
airbrush compressor
airbrush wand (sometimes called a pen)
hose (connects the wand and the compressor)
makeup foundation
bottled water
First time users can get this equipment in a kit. After that, all you will need is the foundation. Expect to pay
from $120 to $600 or more as your initial investment. Once you've purchased your kit, the only further cost
is foundation, which can be about $20. Some companies are making smaller compressors, which are easier
for home use and for travel.
How to Apply
1. Place a few drops of foundation into the designated cup, along with a few drops of water. (Each brand
will have its own instructions telling you specifically how many drops of each to use.)
2. Hold the wand about 6 to 10 inches from your face, and spray the mixture in gentle circles over your face
and neck. Never hold the wand in one place. Keep it moving. And don't spray it into your eyes. Keep your
eyes closed if you can.
3. Let it dry. If you want, you can apply a second coat. After that's dry, you're good to go. No need for
finishing or setting powder.
What Kind of Foundation to Buy
Airbrush makeup foundations come in two types: silicone-based and water-based. Many professionals
recommend the silicone, saying that it creates a slightly more flawless look. You need to purchase dedicated
airbrush makeup - you can't use your regular foundation in these machines.
Cruelty-Free Companies
The good news is that many airbrush companies make non-animal tested foundations. Dinair Airbrush
Makeup, OCC, and Luminess are among many cruelty-free brands.
Blush and Eye Shadow
You can buy airbrush-ready blush and eye shadow, although that may require the purchase of a special
nozzle for your wand. But once your basic foundation is dry, there's no problem using your regular powder
blush and eye makeup.
Airbrush Advantages
Once airbrushed, you are good to go for up to 10 or 20 hours, with an average of around 16 hours. It won't
rub off on anything or disappear into your pores.
If you're sharing the makeup - at a wedding, for example - the airbrush system is sanitary, since it never
actually touches the skin.
Some of the kits and foundations can be used on legs, to conceal veins and discolorations. That means no
panty-hose, ladies!
Special effects, such as stencil tattoos, are easily applied.
Airbrush Disadvantages
It's expensive, especially at first.
Applying the makeup is time consuming and requires the equipment, a power supply, a water source, and
enough space.
If you're applying it on yourself and you're alone, you've got to do at least parts of the application with your
eyes closed. You don't want to get the product in your eyes.
You can't throw it into your purse like you can with mineral makeup or regular foundation.
If you use airbrush makeup a lot, you might consider some sort of face mask. No one has definitive
information yet about how much of the product gets into your lungs.
Still, that ultra flawless, pore-less even look is a very appealing idea. Some women even say the makeup
hides some of their wrinkles. If you want that look, airbrush makeup is certainly worth a try.
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