Airbrush Foundation vs. Traditional Application

Your special day is fast approaching and you’re still stuck on whether you will choose traditional or airbrush makeup. Here is some information and answers to questions I always get asked to help make your decision easier.

There are benefits and downfalls to each application style, depending on your personal preference, skin type, and other factors.

Above is a photo of the airbrush device in use.

Traditional Application

This is what you typically think of when you think about a makeup application. This includes cream, liquid, and powder products.

With this type of application style, you have more versatility with the looks you can achieve. The product can be manipulated by the use of primers and powders, as well as by the tools used whether it be a brush, sponge or fingers. Typically, this application is best suited for clients who are looking for a full, glamorous style coverage on the skin.

The biggest downfall of traditional application is how the consistency of the product is thicker in nature, no matter which product or brand is chosen. Although it can still be very natural and seamless on the skin, it is often noted by clients that they can feel this application method on their skin more compared to airbrush application.

This application method is best suited for all skin types, but especially for clients that have either overly dry or oily skin. More manipulation of the product is needed than what airbrush can provide to balance these skin types for all day wear.

Above is a photo of a traditional makeup application.

Airbrush Application

Airbrush foundation is applied using a small compressor connected to an airbrush spray gun. A special thinner formulation of foundation is used for this application style. The foundation mixes with the air provided by the air compressor to release a light and even mist of product to apply to the skin without touch.

Airbrush application is much lighter in coverage, and typically feels very light and weightless on the skin. It offers a very natural, skin-like finish. It is often difficult to build a true full coverage look. Because it dries into the skin almost instantly, airbrush application is typically more water-resistant in comparison to traditional application style. Airbrush foundation is perfect for the client that expects themselves to get a little emotional over the course of their day where it holds up extremely well to tears and sweat.

This application style is best suited for clients that have well-hydrated skin, and fall into the normal to combination category. Unfortunately, airbrush doesn’t typically perform well on those with drier skin types, where it can accentuate any texture or physical dryness on the surface of the skin. Oilier skin types often need a more matte finish than what airbrush can provide, but with powder touch ups throughout the day, airbrush can also be a feasible option. Clients who have vellus hair (a.k.a “peach fuzz”) should also avoid airbrush application because the product cannot adhere to the skin properly in these areas and will likely accentuate the vellus hair.

Above is a photo of an airbrush makeup application.

Personal preference, paired with a consultation with your artist should be your deciding factor between the two application methods. At the end of the day, both styles look beautiful when applied correctly.