Airbrush vs. Regular Makeup Application ~ What brides need to know about airbrush techniques.

Photograph by Limelight Photography

I received this article from a good friend and colleague Linny Correa, who is a fantastic professional makeup artist. This is info every bride needs to know.

What is airbrush makeup and how does it differ from regular makeup? Do you recommend airbrush makeup applications?
For about a decade now, airbrush makeup has been a much talked about item. This technique has been around for a few decades, however its popularity and hype grew quickly soon after the introduction of Photoshop software.

What is the connection between Photoshop and an airbrush pump machine you might ask?
The common denominator between these two items is the word “airbrush.” There is a lot of misunderstanding regarding which “airbrushing techniques” are responsible for the amazing, awesome photos in today’s media and magazines. Most people, who do not know much about computer and visual software technology, may not know that what they see in print these days is the work of two different makeup artists: the first artist, who did the fabulous job on the actual makeup and the second artist (Photoshop artist), also known as the airbrush artist. The airbrush artist’s work is to bring the photo to a higher level.

Haven’t you noticed that the photos are unrealistically gorgeous?
The skin looks flawless, almost porcelain like, with a glow and smoothness that you never experienced before. The lip gloss in these photos is so glossy and vivid that it appears unreal; the eye shadow is so smooth and lively that it almost brings tears of excitement to your eyes.

Does such beauty exist beyond the print?
What you see is a computer-enhanced or airbrushed Photoshop photo. But please, do not give the credit to the airbrush pump machine, since it has nothing or very little to do with it. Trust me, I have been in the industry for the past 16 years and what I know best are makeup arts and modern techniques.

Then what is airbrush makeup and what is it good for?
Airbrush makeup is also referred to as the technique of pumping liquid foundation on the skin. Just like your hairspray, a pump helps to spray the product on the skin. The airbrush pump has been around for a long time. I have used them on film and in media shots in the past. I use them for their speed and as a fast way of working on large numbers of background “talent” (extras) who have to be ready in a relatively short time span. Airbrushing offers speed, but with less precision – it won’t matter since the extras are shot from a distance. I also use them for the art of body painting. I did a catalog shoot for a popular ladies lingerie ad. I did the entire body with stencils and an airbrush machine. It was fast and simple. So, if you know how and for what purpose to use the airbrush pump, it will serve you well. However, I see that now a day, many makeup artists are desperately after an airbrush class or a machine.

FACTS:
1- Airbrush makeup is not meant for small surfaces and delicate work such as the face. It produces a caked-on look base.
2- Airbrush makeup looks good from far or in print, however it does not work well at real-life events (wedding, evening functions, etc…) since it does not look good under natural/daylight.
3-Airbrush makeup is simply a thick layer of makeup on the face, which may be suitable for someone who is use to wearing lots of makeup, or someone who needs a heavy coverage; for example, someone with scars or acne.  *****Just an FYI, you can use the correct makeup products for extra coverage in layers , and it lasts all day.
4- Airbrush foundation products are not trusted on all skin types; there are reports of skin rash and discomfort, such as itchiness. Airbrush makeup dries quickly after pumping and feels very heavy on the skin.
5- It also cracks over facial lines and wrinkles; thus emphasizing any imperfections.

So then why is everyone asking for it?
The answer is because they haven’t tried it yet. Many airbrush pump machine companies made millions of dollars in mass producing the pumps and selling them to makeup artists around the world. Their business and marketing plans created a huge misunderstanding for all of us in the search for beauty. *****Buzz word!

Should I get an airbrush pump if I am a makeup artist?
Yes, you should if you are an “active” media artist. It may come in handy from time to time. However, for weddings and special events, I do not recommend using it. What if your clients ask for it? You tell them your opinion about it; go ahead and use it if they insist. Airbrushing is another tool to improve and enhance your ways of applying makeup if you know how and when to use it; however, do not believe for a minute that what you see on the cover of a Glamour magazine or on a Victoria’s Secret’ poster is the work of an airbrush pump. Knowledge is power!