What’s so special about airbrush makeup? Is this a new technique in makeup application? These are a couple of questions I commonly get from my readers and clients. Airbrush makeup application has been used in Hollywood on models and actors for over 30 years. For approximately ten years, makeup artists have been using this on brides, businesswomen, or anyone that wants to look great for an event.
Airbrush makeup is usually water based and is fed through a compressor that pushes the product out through the system. The makeup comes out with air, causing the application to feel like a fine mist (it feels pretty neat actually). A bit of caution: it is meant to be applied by a professional makeup artist.
This method of making someone up sounds pretty cool, but is it really necessary, and what are the benefits of using it? There are a number of reasons why I love to use airbrush makeup and continue to recommend this method. In today’s technological world, object and people are viewed on camera and in motion pictures in high definition (HD). HD is not just popular in movie making and on television – more and more professional photographers and videographers are now converting their equipment to HD format. HD not only defines the image, making us appear more realistic, it unfortunately also scrutinizes us intensely. With airbrushing, you can custom blend colors, it lasts long, and it is tear-resistant.
I use Kett cosmetics for my airbrush foundation and blush. Its formula is specifically designed for HD camera equipment. It’s very lightweight, and makes the skin appear flawless with a porcelain finish. Although airbrush makeup is lightweight, it is very pigmented. Airbrush makeup application is more expensive than your regular makeup application, and there are some makeup artists who will charge over $300 a face, but it is well worth it, since you will have a flawless complexion and will photograph beautifully.
Sharona Silva is a makeup artist, specializing in airbrush makeup, who works in the New York City area. Sharona recently launched her own skin care line for all types of skin. Please submit questions to [email protected]. Questions may be used in future columns; all inquiries will remain anonymous. Visit www.sharonasilva.com for more information.