Authors Note: Although this blog is a great outline of each technique of makeup and its results, keep in mind that all makeup is only as good or bad as the makeup artist applying it. Makeup technique and skill will always be the most important element regarding any makeup service. It is the makeup artist and their skills alone that truly create long-lasting, flawless beauty, and, therefore, should be considered with more care than the product used.
Makeup: Regular Makeup vs. Airbrush Makeup
Makeup artistry and cosmetic products today have evolved so far from even 10 years ago, where a smooth and oily foundation dominated the main market and therefore, by the lack of option, determined what a bride wore. Nowadays, there’s such a wide range of cosmetics at our disposal, from oil-free, non-transferable, to products that even claim to make you look younger. When it comes to a big event like a wedding, the claims cosmetic lines will make to prove their product worthy of your hard earned dollar can be somewhat contradicting. Here’s the skinny on the two most requested applications of makeup for weddings.
Regular Makeup vs. Airbrush Makeup
Airbrush:
What it is: A lightweight makeup applied through an air gun machine that produces a thin, even layer of makeup and creates a very matte finish. Finish can be thin or heavy depending on the application. There is makeup made specifically to be put through the airbrush gun.
How it’s used: A small amount of a very thin makeup designed for airbrush use is put into a chamber of a gun. When the machine is turned on and the gun trigger pulled, a light spray of makeup comes out of the gun in a fine mist.
Airbrush makeup, like any other makeup, has it’s pros and cons. On the upside, once it’s on, it is nontransferable, dry rubbing won’t make it transfer, and unless it gets wet, it won’t go anywhere until you wash it off. It gives a very flawless matte finish. With the airbrush just being a fine mist onto your face, it takes less makeup to achieve the coverage you desire. You can build up with airbrush for little coverage to full coverage.
On the other hand, if it does become wet thru crying or sweating, you run the risk of it streaking. If you decide to have airbrush makeup, I would ask your artist about this. If it is your wedding day, there is a high probability of some tears as well as perspiration. Just like regular makeup, I recommend you blot when you feel this happening, do not wipe. Imagine a freshly painted wall, if the fresh paint got wet and started to drip, you could clearly see a line from the surface underneath, even if the colors are the same. Once that line is there, you can do nothing to blend it back. Same thing with airbrush makeup, if the makeup for any reason gets wet and leaves a streak, there is nothing than can be done to blend it. Even airbrushing over the area will not blend the streak. Once the airbrush is applied, there is no moving it.
The other downside to airbrush makeup is the stiffness it leaves your skin feeling and although it does not feel heavy, this stiff feeling can be very uncomfortable for the average bride who is not used to wearing full face makeup every day.
Traditional makeup gives you a lot more freedom to make changes than airbrush. With the right artist, they can help you achieve that airbrush look, without the airbrush. It will last. Regular makeup can last just as long as airbrush. It all depends on your artist’s skills and application. If you’re attending an event where you’re sure you will stay and remain dry, airbrush makeup can achieve that red-carpet look you have always wanted. Bottom line, ask your makeup artist about airbrush and see if it is the right choice for your skin and your event. Everyone’s skin is different. Their makeup application should be chosen accordingly.
