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Is that really me? Getting my makeup airbrushed on for my son’s wedding was such a treat! Of course, a makeup professional with all the proper high-end equipment makes it look so easy. As the compressor sprayed a cool mist over my face, I couldn’t believe the finished look did not feel or appear heavy. Best of all, it did a great job of hiding any facial flaws!

The only real difference between airbrush makeup and other foundation is the way in which it is applied. Joette Balsamo, a makeup artist in New York City, shared some guidelines about airbrushing:

✔️Radiant finishes may be better
Airbrush foundation formulas are typically drier than traditional ones, as they must be pushed through the compressor. (The more hydrating the foundation, the more likely it will get stuck in the apparatus.) For this reason, Balsamo recommends choosing “luminous” airbrush foundation finishes, which are less likely to accentuate dryness and wrinkles.

✔️ Go for a full kit
Airbrush makeup compressors and foundations are sometimes sold separately, but pros say the best foundation for airbrush makeup is the one that comes with the set. “I think it’s always better to go with the foundation that comes with the technology because they’ve been created to function together,” Joette advises, so there’s less likelihood of error in use.

To Airbrush or Not to Airbrush?
Since the early 1900s, Good Housekeeping has prided itself on reviewing and reporting on the best products in various categories. Still today, companies vie for the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Their listing of The Ten Best Airbrush Makeup Products for Flawless Skin seemed like the best place to start.

Since most of their products listed were versions of either the air spraying or the aerosol systems, I decided to narrow my focus and evaluate their top two choices, in order to make a final product decision:

#1 Best overall airbrush makeup: Art of Air Professional Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System-
$90 (Amazon)
Includes: an airbrush, a compressor system, six different foundations, makeup for contouring and a cleanser for makeup removal.

Comments:
* The compressor system is bulky to travel with
* There is a definite learning curve to this product.
* You need to practice with water first to get the feel of the different settings.
* There is a lot of trial and error, as you work to find just the right foundation color
combination, using the six colors provided.
* Working in constant motion at the same speed in a circular motion is required, making
sure not to over or under spray.
* Only using airbrush makeup foundation increases your investment.
* The tip of the airbrush gun is very fragile and will not work if bent.
* It’s very important to keep the entire system clean. This involves taking it all apart,
   which most reviews said was complicated.

Overview:
The many pages of directions for the makeup system made me realize it was probably better to have my makeup air sprayed professionally, rather than try to do it to myself at home. Honestly, it was so intimidating that I packaged it right back up and returned it to Amazon, without even trying it.

#2 Best value airbrush makeup: Jerome Alexander Magic Minerals Airbrush-
$19.99 (Amazon)
Includes: airbrush foundation spray, kabuki brush.
With this aerosol version, you just spray the foundation on the brush and apply.

Comments:
* Very easy to apply.
* Application seemed to give the flawless look I was after.
* The only thing you need to keep clean is the brush.
* The price was right!

Overview:
The winner!
I think there is something to be said for an aerosol application versus applying foundation with a sponge. I noticed the propellant created a mist on the brush, giving my skin a more polished, finished look, different from regularly applied foundation.

The best price for the foundation spray and brush I found was $19.99 on Amazon. The Jerome Alexander website listed the same product for $24 with a 15% first time discount, but shipping was $8.95 – or free if your order totaled $49.

Before placing your order on Amazon, it’s very important to choose your foundation color.The easiest way to do this is to utilize the tools provided on the Jerome Alexander website :
* Go to “Find your shade” – top right
* Click on the model that best represents your coloring.
* This brings you down to the color of your foundation, which will also help you make your
final decision.
* I choose light medium.

For over 7000 years, women have used different forms of makeup- for spiritual, ritual, status, for their healing powers and, of course, for beauty.

“Beauty is power, and makeup is something that really enhances that; it’s a woman’s secret.”
Charlotte Tilbury, makeup artist, Prada

“Makeup is not a mask that covers up your beauty – it’s a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside.”
Michelle Phan, beauty You Tuber and founder, EM Cosmetics

Author’s Note:
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Image by VintageSnipsAndClips from Pixabay.