Celebrities always seem to have the most amazing skin. Wonder how do they do it?
We too now have access to Hollywood makeup weapon – Makeup Airbrush.
If you might have heard of airbrush makeup, it uses compressed air to deliver makeup with soft- focus and even gives finish unlike any other product. It is the only choice for anyone on HD film or TV. It gives the most perfect and amazing finish.
Airbrush makeup is light and also water-based liquid makeup. The most common type of airbrush makeup is the foundation. Airbrush makeup is not applied with sponges, brushes, fingers or any other method; it is directly sprayed on to the skin using airbrush machine. A typical airbrush system uses a compressor to create airflow which is made via a horse connected to a trigger- controlled spray- painting gun. The pressure of the Airbrush can be adjusted according to our convenience. It can be adjusted according to preferable types of makeup, lighter, heavier, or more detailed styles. Airbrushes are used in various things such as films, theatre, bridal makeup, and also in sunless tanning. Airbrush systems which are utilized professionally are somehow better than the systems designed for personal and home- use. Airbrush systems for home use are usually smaller and work at a lower pressure than professionally designed ones.
The makeup is sprayed on the face; it immediately connects with the skin as a million of droplets of formula. This formula can create an even skin, sheer look, natural appearance to the skin. If it applied correctly with full technique, it could give a natural look, can appear natural and non-heavy like traditional makeup.
The Technique of Using An Airbrush:
- Airbrush can be smoothly used in makeup, but one should know the technique of using it. Airbrush for makeup utilizes a freehand technique to apply makeup while manipulating certain aspects such as distance and air pressure to produce certain coverage and effects. We have to be considerate of where to keep the airbrush machine and at what distance so that the makeup is being sprayed well, and also how much air pressure has to produce at a particular period so that it gives proper coverage & full effect, neither less nor more just accurate. When applying foundation via Airbrush, makeup artists either use a circular motion or forward-back motion. You too can use one of these whichever you feel is more comfortable.
- For airbrush makeup, we can use a dual-action airbrush or single-action Airbrush. Both airbrushes can be used for any makeup; the only difference is slightly the technique differs. If we use a dual-action airbrush, it will allow you to control the airflow by depressing the trigger with the index finger and also by drawing it backwards. This draws air from the compressor. The amount of makeup to be released depends on pressure with which the trigger is pressed. The further the trigger is being pressed, the more makeup is being released. The advantage of using a dual-action brush is that one can use the air as a guide before allowing makeup to pass through the nozzle.
- Whereas a single-action airbrush is generally considered easier to use as by depressing the trigger, it releases a certain amount, or we can say a fixed ratio of makeup to air. However, if you want to achieve the full level of coverage and details, then the nozzle has to be changed between the applications.
- Generally, an airbrush makeup artist will work with a PSI range between 0- 35 PSI. Many compressors which are designed specifically for home use may not achieve airflow greater than 15 PSI. If we are doing airbrushing makeup around the eyes or only over the face, then a low PSI can be preferred. Whereas if we are aiming for full-body airbrush makeup such as covering blemishes or tanning, then it would be easier and faster with a higher PSI.
- Airbrush- makeup is not only done in one layer, but it is also applied by layering several passes of makeup. This allows the artists to build upon the previous layers to produce subtle changes easily. When we have to apply foundation around 6- 12 drops of makeup are used at ones. Also, when the makeup is sprayed over the face, it sprayed by keeping a particular distance of about 6- 12 inches. Now that, the makeup has to be sprayed and not applied, and also sprayed from a little distance, so it becomes little difficult to apply it on small areas. So, for carefully applying the makeup without making any mistake, stencils are commonly used to assist the application of difficult areas such as while applying eyeliner. Stencils are also available and can be used for body- art and temporary tattoos.
- It is not a that easy to use that you will start using Airbrush for doing makeup and you will be able to do wonders in one time; it is not difficult also. All it requires is practice. With any other skill, the key to perfecting your Airbrush is practice. By practicing, it will help you to find the ideal effect for your skin and also its needs. Another way by which you can build your skill is learning by watching examples. You can watch the makeup artists applying makeup on their clients or themselves. You can find several videos for this on different social media. This will give you a chance to learn the techniques with the help of visual cues which you can imitate and get to learn a lot from it. When you are looking for videos to learn by, try for finding the subject with a similar skin tone as of yours.
Two Different Types of Airbrush:
For airbrush makeup, we can use a dual-action airbrush or single-action Airbrush. Both airbrushes can be used for any makeup; the only difference is slightly the technique differs.
Dual – Action Airbrush: If we use a dual-action airbrush, it will allow you to control the airflow by depressing the trigger with the index finger and also by drawing it backwards. This draws air from the compressor. The amount of makeup to be released depends on pressure with which the trigger is pressed. The further the trigger is being pressed, the more makeup is being released. The advantage of using a dual-action brush is that one can use the air as a guide before allowing makeup to pass through the nozzle.
Single – Action Airbrush: Whereas a single-action airbrush is generally considered easier to use as by depressing the trigger, it releases a certain amount, or we can say a fixed ratio of makeup to air. However, if you want to achieve the full level of coverage and details, then the nozzle has to be changed between the applications.
How to Clean Airbrush – Master Airbrush Cleaning Kit
