Airbrush Makeup 101: Here’s How Airbrush Makeup Makes Your Skin Look Like An IRL Filter

Back in the day (like, ten years ago), airbrush makeup was one of those next-level things that seemed only accessible to celebs, MUAs, or A-listers with a whole lotta money, time, and skill. And honestly, that used to be pretty true back when the airbrush kits were cumbersome and confusing to use. But it's 2024, baby, and today’s airbrush makeup can be as simple or as professional as you want, depending on the kit and product you choose.

Today’s airbrush makeup products provide killer coverage and a seamless finish. So if you want your skin to look like an IRL filter, airbrush makeup is the way to glow! Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Airbrush Makeup?

Airbrush makeup is makeup sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush machine instead of being applied with sponges, fingers, brushes, or other methods. The specially-formulated airbrush makeup is loaded into a handheld device and sprayed out with the help of forced air in a fine mist onto the skin. It’s a popular choice for brides because of its lightweight finish and durable, long-lasting formula. It provides buildable coverage that lasts all night long and stays looking very natural on the skin.

Advantages of Airbrush Makeup

Here’s a step-by-step guide to nailing airbrush makeup. Keep scrolling to know everything!

It’s Known For A Seamless Finish

This is one of the best things about airbrush makeup that most makeup lovers will love. Airbrushing allows for makeup to be applied evenly, allowing for an imperfectly smooth finish. The best part is that it is perfect for hundreds of pictures that you will be taking all day.

A Little Makeup Goes A Long Way

If you do not want to feel like you are wearing a heavy coat of foundation, an airbrush might be the right choice for you. Best MUAs often explain the process of airbrush makeup which requires fewer products yet gives you more coverage because of spray application.

It Lasts Longer

Not only is airbrushing usually faster to apply than regular makeup, but it tends to look more subtle with less caking and less settling into pores, and it also usually lasts longer. The downside? It requires some practice to feel fully comfortable. But, hey, so did the first time you picked up a makeup brush, right? There are tons of airbrush makeup tutorials and the end result of really good-looking skin is definitely worth it IMO.

It’s Easier To Layer

This is undoubtedly one of the biggest pros of airbrush makeup. The application method is totally customisable - whether you love a full face of makeup or prefer light coverage. Since airbrush makeup can be applied in such fine layers, it dries very quickly. This means that one can add more layers for extra coverage if required.

How to Do Airbrush Makeup?

Step 1: Prep With Primer

For a poreless finish that diffuses imperfections, combats shine, and helps makeup last longer, start your makeup by prepping the makeup base with a primer.

MyGlamm Recommends: Tinted Perfection Brightening Banana Primer 

This one is a true multi-tasker and a cult-favourite for all good reasons. The multi-action balmy formula instantly blurs pores and reduces excess oil so you get your base in place on a silky-smooth canvas. The tinted formula will prolong your makeup and give an instant brightness boost and there’s a subtle hint of yellow to revive dull, tired skin. We just love it!

Step 2: Begin With Foundation

Apply the Airbrush Foundation in your perfect shade. Be sure to hold the TEMTU Air 4-6 inches from the face, while gently pulling back on the control and moving in small circular motions. Stop and look, repeat if necessary for desired coverage, and finish with a soft, all-over layer to blend.

Step 3: Apply Blush

Smile to pronounce the apple of your cheeks and starting there, apply the blush keeping it 1-2 inches away from the cheeks, sweeping upwards toward the temple. Build in sheer layers setting for 10 to 15 seconds between for a more dramatic effect.

MyGlamm Recommends: MyGlamm’s K.Play Flavoured Blush

If you haven’t tried MyGlamm’s K.Play Flavoured Blush, be warned as this is super pigmented. This powder blush is truly exquisite. For days when you can’t be bothered to apply a full-blown glam look, a dab of this onto the apple of your cheeks and over the lips is enough to help you stand out. 

Step 4: Apply Highlighter

Holding the TEMPTU Air 3-4 inches apply the highlighter by pulling down gently in a back and forth “C” motion from the brow bone to the top of the cheekbone. Build in sheer layers to achieve that red carpet radiant look.

MyGlamm Recommends: Spotlight Illuminating Liquid Stardust

If you love a liquid highlighter, this is the highlighter to call on. It feels undetectable, and the glow factor is buildable, super wearable, and totally believable. Beauty mavens praise it for exactly that, noting that it’s perfect for everyday use. We especially love the doe-foot applicator, which makes it easy to dot the perfect amount onto the strategic spots you want to highlight.

Step 5: Complete The Look By Applying Lipstick

Just add a couple of drops of lip liner, that's all you're going to need. Hit the stencil and let the stencil do the work for you. If you hit the stencil, the overspray will actually go up inside the lip area. Just hold and spray using the stencil. And notice that you don’t go too far away because you want to focus on a smaller surface area.

MyGlamm Recommends: LIT Liquid Matte Lipstick - RBOMB

When lipstick stays put through a three-course meal, you know it’s worth stockpiling. This lipstick is truly one you can trust not to smudge, fade, or flake.

HD Makeup Vs Airbrush Makeup

HD or high-definition makeup is what we usually see people wearing on our TVs and the big screen. Precision cameras can easily capture each and every detail and crease on the face, both natural and the ones formed by layers of makeup. HD makeup is used to create makeup that looks camera-ready for hours together. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and makes it look extremely natural both on and off camera. 

Both HD Makeup and Airbrush makeup have their own sets of pros and cons. Both these raging techniques cost more than traditional bridal makeup. HD makeup uses luxe products that excuse a seamless yet natural makeup look. HD makeup successfully hides your blemishes and acne, whereas airbrush makeup does it to an extent. In airbrush makeup, a professional is needed to work on the scars manually. Airbrush makeup lasts longer than HD makeup. Airbrush makeup is even a tad bit heavy as it's layered. It tends to make your face drenched in gobs of makeup. 

FAQs

Is airbrush makeup suitable for all brides?

Airbrush makeup lasts longer than HD Makeup. Airbrush makeup will not be a good choice for brides with dry skin as it will give a flaky look as the foundation used is less creamy than the regular foundation.

Why is airbrush makeup so expensive?

Airbrush makeup is expensive in the beginning as the tools used are on the expensive side.

Is airbrushing better than regular makeup?

Airbrush makeup is more water and transfer-proof than regular makeup. The finish is pretty seamless as the makeup is applied more evenly, as compared to regular makeup. It’s less product for more coverage, as it is sprayed on. It’s easier to layer as well.

What is the use of an airbrush in makeup?

Airbrush is used to spray makeup on the face with a spray gun. This spray gun is preloaded with makeup which is then sprayed onto the skin.

Does airbrush makeup look natural?

When applied in a consistent, even layer, airbrush makeup doesn’t transfer and stays looking and feeling very natural on the skin.

How long does airbrush makeup last?

One of the major benefits of airbrush makeup is how resilient it is. Many of the at-home airbrush makeup kits last up to 12 hours, and some even last longer than that. It means it's a perfect choice for events as you won’t need to do touch-ups to maintain your look.

Related Stories: 

Types of makeup looks: Read on to see the 10 types of makeup looks you can choose from - - from glam to the girl next door, we’ve got it all.

Pink makeup looks: These 5 pink makeup looks will keep you looking gorgeous from AM to PM.

Korean makeup looks: 8 Korean makeup looks that will encourage you to break away from basic makeup looks.

Nude makeup look: Ace the aesthetic: Your guide to perfecting a nude makeup look.

Featured Image: Instagram