There are two things most of us consider nonnegotiables when it comes to foundation—killer coverage and a seamless finish. While there are a ton of powder and liquid foundations out there that can provide both, there's another category of makeup that's been on the rise—airbrush foundation products. I'm sure you've seen professional makeup artists use airbrush devices or even spray-on foundations, but you can 100% use them yourself, too. It isn't as complicated as you might think.
To prove this point, I tested a couple of popular spray foundations and provided my thoughts below. If you're also curious about what exactly makes airbrush makeup products different than traditional foundation, and a celebrity makeup artist's take on it, keep on scrolling for all the details.
What Is Airbrush Makeup?
Formulas meant for an airbrush device are different from those for traditional foundation because the machine pushes the product out in a fine, controlled mist that's attached to an air compressor. Airbrush-device foundations are thinner and usually water-soluble, so the product absorbs into your skin better. The idea is that it creates more of an even finish.
The real question, though, is does this make it any better than traditional liquid or powder foundations? According to celebrity makeup artist Beck Wainner, not exactly. "I think there's a big misconception that using airbrush makeup is better than manually applying foundation or that it lasts longer and gives you more of a flawless finish," she says. "The finish and longevity [of your makeup] are [actually] based on what products are used and the skill set of whoever's applying them. Personally, when it comes to applying foundation, I prefer a regular formula. Airbrush makeup does not mean you will appear airbrushed or photoshopped in person; it's simply just another way of applying makeup."
If Wainner ever does use an airbrush device, though, she'll use Temptu's Air Deluxe Airbrush Kit ($415). "It includes a large variety of shades as well as blush and highlighters," she shares. Below, you'll find a few more device options along with other airbrush foundation formulas if you'd like to try them for yourself. See how the internet's most popular spray-on options held up after I tested a couple for myself.
Of the two airbrush foundations I tried, Dior's Airflash worked the best for me. As you can see in the above photo, the color veered a bit too orange on me, but it wasn't terrible as long as I brought it down to my neck area. In terms of coverage, this is a really nice foundation. I applied it as directed on the box by spraying my foundation brush and buffing it out. I loved how much slip it had to it and how seamlessly it blended into my skin. It really does leave a glowing, airbrushed, radiant finish. It's also really buildable. I applied a couple of coats and loved the results of that, but you can always leave it at one coat, as that also covers quite a bit of ground since the formula is pretty airy.
Right off the bat, the shade range for Sephora Collection's airbrush foundation isn't great. I chose the shade closest to my own skin tone, but as you can see, this one just wasn't quite right either. However, I'm dedicated and wanted to show you all the finish of it anyway. In terms of coverage, I didn't think this one worked as well at Dior's. The formula didn't blend quite as nicely, and it didn't provide as much coverage. The price point is nice, but I won't be reaching for it after this initial testing if I'm being perfectly honest.
I love that this airbrush makeup set from MagicMinerals contains a Liquid Silk Air Primer, spray foundation, and a buffing brush. The foundation is a light mineral formula that's buildable and gives a soft matte finish.
Temptu's popular (and pricey) Airbrush Starter Kit is great for anyone who wants to dabble in using an actual airbrush machine. It's portable, cordless, and delivers a smooth, luminous, semi-matte finish.
Even smaller is Pinkiou's Airbrush Makeup Set. This one doesn't come with foundation, though, so you'll have to buy that separately. Another thing to keep in mind is that airbrush makeup machines need a specific type of foundation and can't be used with traditional formulas, so you'll have to shop around for the right one.
This water-resistant formula provides an instantly flawless finish. The instructions say you can spray it directly onto your face, but I'd recommend spraying it onto a brush first, especially if you're a beginner. Spray foundations can be a little messy if you're not careful and can stain your clothes.
The airbrush application process with this machine allows your skin to breathe while still providing a photo-ready finish. The foundation's formula is a youth-enhancing serum, primer, concealer, and foundation in one. It offers serious hydration and nourishment with ingredients like licorice extract, cucumber extract, glycerin, hydrolyzed silk, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Another option that's cordless and a bit wallet-friendlier is Redini's Airbrush Makeup Kit. It can also be used for other things like misting water-based skincare products into the skin to promote better absorption and deeper hydration.
The shade range for this makeup system isn't impressive, but it's still a nice option for fair to medium skin tones. As a bonus, the kit also includes blush, bronzer, shimmer, and a youth-promoting primer. It's easy enough to use for beginners and offers fast and natural-looking coverage.
Pelcas's handheld option can also be used directly on your face. The fine mist of the machine combined with the thin, water-soluble formula can help the skin absorb the foundation better.
AceFox's portable airbrush device has three different spray options and is battery powered, so it's great for travel.
If you're not a fan of using a spray-on device or even a mist foundation, there's always Charlotte Tilbury's trusty Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. It's still one of the best airbrush makeup products out there on the market and applies so beautifully with both a sponge and brush.
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