Beauty Article

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.