Commonly advertised to brides getting ready for their big day, or to celebrities making an appearance on the red carpet, airbrush makeup has become a staple method in the beauty community among anyone seeking a flawless finish that looks smooth and natural. Most often handled by professionals, this type of application isn’t quite as simple as breaking out your standard brushes or sponges, and in order to achieve those picture-perfect results, you will need to have access to highly specialized equipment. From the powerful air compressor to the handheld spray gun, there is a lot that goes into mastering the art of airbrush makeup, and the complexity of the process has long been a barrier that has prevented the average individual from incorporating it into their daily routine. However, while there may be a learning curve that you will still need to master, airbrush makeup equipment has started to become more available for personal use, allowing beauty enthusiasts to finally dive in and explore this transformative technique, right from the comfort of their own home. But before you run out and make a big purchase, you’ll first need to understand all of the ins and outs associated with airbrush makeup, and that's exactly what this buying guide was created to assist you with. 

Delving deep into the fascinating world of airbrush makeup, this buying guide aims to unravel the secrets behind this effective application technique, and will ensure you’re finally able to achieve a luminous glow, free from imperfections. Covering all aspects of the equipment you’ll need, as well as touching on how to select colors and shades to match your gorgeous skin tone, our article will serve as your trusted companion on your journey, and will enable you to select the correct items so you can master the art of airbrush makeup with confidence and ease. If you’re ready to upgrade your appearance, and are tired of settling for less than flawless results in your makeup routine, then this comprehensive buying guide is meant for you, and it’s the ideal starting place for both novices and professional artists alike. 

What is Airbrush Makeup?

Normally when you apply your makeup, the first step is to reach for your brushes and sponges, which you then cover with foundation so you can work it into your skin for all over coverage. From there, you can then build upon that initial base layer, adding in concealer, blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick until you achieve your desired look and feel ready to go out and face the world. While this standard method is by far the most common way makeup is applied, it may actually not be the most effective, and despite years of practice or a very careful technique, you could find that your final look still falls short of that flawless appearance you’re trying to achieve. In order to combat this, some professional makeup artists have started to rely on airbrushing in order to mimic the appearance of a real-life filter, and the results are not only impressive, but long-lasting and smudge-proof as well. 

Turning your makeup from a thick liquid into a fine mist, airbrushing utilizes a high-powered air compressor alongside a handheld spray gun, and this specialized equipment is able to give you a higher level of control and precision that brushes and sponges simply aren’t able to match. Since it isn’t nearly as heavy, and requires far less product, the end results tend to be much more comfortable for all-day wear, and it leaves the skin looking more natural and dewy, while still being fully covered and flawless. Requiring no touch-ups once applied, and guaranteed not to smudge or transfer, airbrush makeup has become a game-changer in the beauty industry and it can be easily built-up in layers so you can achieve that perfect look, every time you use it. Thankfully, airbrushing equipment is no longer something that is exclusively reserved for professional artists, and if you’ve made the decision to try incorporating this technique into your routine, then there are plenty of options available for you to explore. 

Compressor

As you go out and begin shopping for airbrushing equipment, one of the first components you’re going to encounter is the compressor, and this is a critical element that you must have if you want to be able to achieve professional-grade results with airbrush makeup. Since your makeup will now be applied as a fine mist instead of as a thick liquid, you’re going to need a way to spray it directly onto your face, and the compressor is the device that makes all of this possible. Responsible for generating a controlled and consistent stream of pressurized air, your compressor will be hooked up directly to your handheld spray gun, and once you turn it on, you can then get to work spraying on your foundation, blush, or highlight with unmatched precision and control. But not all compressors are created equally, and what distinguishes one model from another is mainly going to come down to how much pressure it’s able to offer, how loud it is when in operation, and how long it can be used for before it begins to overheat. 

In general, when selecting an air compressor the main thing you want to be aware of is the amount of pressure it will be able to produce, with a higher pressure level typically being preferred. Ideally, 30-40 psi tends to be sufficient for most day-to-day airbrush makeup application, and this will work with most standard nozzle sizes that you’re likely to encounter. When shopping, it's important to keep in mind that compressors with pressure levels that are too low are going to lead to uneven application and potential spottiness, whereas pressure levels that are too high come with the risk of overspraying making your makeup look unnatural and thick. In some cases, you may be able to find a compressor that will allow you to adjust the pressure level each time you use it, and if you plan on experimenting with different products, or on different people, then this can be an extremely important feature that you’ll want to keep an eye out for.  

Airbrush 

Alongside the compressor you select, you’ll also need to purchase a high-quality airbrush gun, as this is the handheld tool that is actually responsible for spraying product directly onto your face. Ranging dramatically in size, style, and functionality, airbrushes are by far one of the hardest components to select, and in most cases, it tends to come down to personal preference more than anything else. Since this is the piece that you will be holding for long periods of time as you work, comfort is going to be the first thing you want to be aware of, and you’re going to only want to browse options that have an ergonomic design and are the correct length, and weight, for your hand. If you end up choosing an airbrush that is too bulky or oversized then it may cause discomfort or fatigue over time, leading to a half-finished face and a lot of regret. To ensure you don’t find yourself in this situation, you want to look for models that have a shorter trigger-to-handle ratio, and that are made from durable materials that aren’t too heavy such as aluminum or alloy. 

In addition to the materials they are made from, airbrushes are also available in two specific types, and you’ll need to understand the differences between the two in order to properly choose the right one for you. For beginners, single-action airbrushes tend to be the most simplistic option, and these will allow you to tackle basic tasks without having to worry about adjusting paint volume or airflow individually. With a single-action airbrush, the user only needs to press down for air and pull back on the trigger for paint, and this makes them far easier to handle, especially among those who are new to the world of airbrush makeup. The downside, however, is that single-action airbrushes mix the paint and air together at a fixed ratio, so any time you want to adjust the flow, you will need to stop what you’re doing and manually adjust the nozzle yourself. While they may not be as advanced or effective, single-action airbrushes are the easiest and the most affordable, and they are suitable for a broad range of tasks making them a worthwhile starting point. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for greater control and want to be able to accomplish more intricate tasks with your airbrush gun, then a dual-action model may be better suited for your needs. With a dual-action airbrush, you can easily control the airflow and paint volume independently, and you only need to push down for added air, and pull back on the trigger to increase paint flow. Allowing for finer details and much more precise work, this option is certainly preferred among professionals, however, there is a much steeper learning curve associated with them that takes a longer time to master. Which one is right for you will truly come down to what it is you’re trying to accomplish and how much time you want to invest in learning, and whether or not you want to jump in and get started right away or if you’re willing to put in the hours of practice that is required with a dual-action airbrush. 

Paints & Shades

When purchasing an airbrush makeup kit, most come equipped with a selection of paints for you to get started with, and this allows you to dive in and begin experimenting right from the moment you open your package. However, just like with standard makeup products, there is a vast selection of shades, types, and finishes for you to explore, and what works best on your skin type and complexion is something you’re going to need to discover through trial and error. In order to accomplish this, one of the best things you can do initially is to choose an airbrush kit that comes with numerous foundation shades already included, and that has both light and dark options for you to play around with. You will also want to try to always opt for paints that are fragrance-free as well as paraben-free, as this will ensure you don’t have a bad reaction when it's applied to your face. If possible, the final thing you will want to keep an eye out for is paint bundles that include blush and bronzer in addition to just foundation, and depending on the looks you tend to go for, shimmer shades can be a fun inclusion that are perfect for fun nights out or special occasions. Overall, when it comes to paints and shades, experimentation is truly key, and this is the one aspect of your airbrush makeup set-up that is exclusively based on your personal preferences and style, instead of strict, universal guidelines.

Bottom Line

Long preferred by brides, celebrities, and professional makeup artists, airbrush makeup has managed to transform the beauty industry with its ability to produce a flawless finish for all skin tones and complexions. Leaving you with long-lasting results that will hold up all day and all night, this revolutionary technique is a staple for anyone who wants to achieve a more impressive, natural look, and who wants impeccable coverage without the heavy feeling of traditional makeup. Thankfully, you can now bring this professional touch to your own makeup routine, and with the right airbrush kit, you’ll be able to feel like a true artist, right from the comfort of your own home. With a wide range of compressors, airbrushes, and paints available, you can easily tailor your new kit to perfectly match your preferences and needs, and there are plenty of choices available that are perfect for both beginners and experts alike. Whether you're preparing for a special event, or simply elevating your everyday routine, airbrush makeup is here to provide you with a seamless and elegant appearance, and is a worthwhile purchase for anyone who is ready to feel like a celebrity, every time they step out the door.