You are not alone if airbrush makeup intimidates you a little. Its reputation as “wedding day makeup” precedes it; many consider it unique occasion makeup. Breaking news: It’s not required to be. Now, you may enjoy the convenience of glowing, radiant skin in your home. Top makeup artists were enlisted to give us the inside scoop on airbrush makeup, including how it differs from conventional foundation.
Our Top choices:
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4
BEST AIRBRUSH MAKEUP FOR EVERYDAY USE
Belloccio Professional Beauty Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System
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BEST CORDLESS AIRBRUSH MAKEUP KIT
Temptu Air Cordless Professional Airbrush Makeup System
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BEST AIRBRUSH MAKEUP FOR MATURE SKIN
Dinair Airbrush Makeup Airbrush Makeup Starter Kit
According to Homeaccessories Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab testing and top online options approved by our experts, we’ve compiled the best airbrush makeup kits and supplies you can buy. These include top-performing everyday use formulae created for beginners and professionals alike. Additionally, see our picks for full-coverage, dry-skin, and older skin foundations.
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BEST OVERALL AIRBRUSH MAKEUP
Art of Air Professional Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System
NOW 30% OFF
PROS
- Includes blush, bronzer, highlighter and primer
- Oil-, silicone- and fragrance-free
CONS
- May be drying on skin
Coverage
Sheer
Number of Shades
6
Size
5 oz. per foundation bottle
Numerous beauty artists adore the Art of Air airbrush makeup system, which has received over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Everything you need to experience professional-grade airbrush makeup for the first time includes an airbrush and compression system, six different foundations, contouring makeup, and a cleanser for use afterward. A reviewer said, “Though hesitant to use it, I tried it and enjoyed how it made my skin feel. “Just a thin, moist spray of color. No heavy liquid makeup mask.” This mixture can dry skin if you have a dry complexion.
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PROS
- Natural finish
- Budget-friendly
CONS
- Some reviewers reported malfunctions with the spray nozzle
Coverage
Medium
Number of Shades
5
Size
1.8 oz.
This Sephora spray might be your best choice if you want to experiment with airbrush makeup but don’t want to spend much money. You can add to the coverage and alter it to suit your needs. One reviewer gushed, “I love that it is lightweight with the option to build coverage without looking cakey or heavy.” “I almost forgot I was wearing foundation because I felt beautiful in my skin.” At the same time, most customers had no trouble applying, and a few reported issues with depressing the spray nozzle.
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PROS
- Blurs lines
- Buildable and lightweight
CONS
- Some reviewers noted the setting spray wasn't that effective
- Strongly scented
Coverage
Full
Number of Shades
12
Size
1.8 oz per bottle
Sight up to MagicMinerals to lessen the sight of fine lines and wrinkles. One reviewer commented, “It makes my fine lines a lot less noticeable, and it doesn’t get in the grooves of my wrinkles.” “It also gives skin a dewy, glowing appearance.” If you are sensitive to scents, proceed cautiously; a few reviewers noted that it has a strong fragrance.
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BEST AIRBRUSH MAKEUP FOR EVERYDAY USE
Belloccio Professional Beauty Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System
PROS
- Easily conceals spots
- Fragrance-free
CONS
- Some reviewers noted difficulty with the compressor
Coverage
Sheer to full
Number of Shades
17
Size
0.25 oz. per foundation bottle
Some reviewers were so satisfied with the Belloccio airbrush system’s effects that they ditched their concealer, making it a perfect go-to alternative for everyday use. “I decided to try this because I’ve noticed I’ve had problems hiding dark circles and settling makeup in the eye area,” said one reviewer. “Instead of two types of concealer plus foundation, I’ve been able to wear just the Belloccio foundation.” “I’m still astounded!” As with any system, try it before you begin using it; a few reviewers encountered issues with the compressor.
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BEST AIRBRUSH MAKEUP KIT FOR BEGINNERS
Tickled Pink Airbrush Standard Makeup Kit
NOW 5% OFF
PROS
- Natural look
- Offers three adjustable air pressures
CONS
- Not waterproof
- Limited shades
Coverage
Full
Number of Shades
4
Size
0.5 oz per foundation bottle
The Tickled Pink Airbrush kit provides natural-looking airbrush makeup that is almost effortless. “It truly is wonderful and looks so natural,” one reviewer comments. “It has a dewiness to it, but it is not oily and stays put.” It includes thorough instructions in the form of a handy guide to make it simple for beginners. Remember that the hues are restricted, so they may not suit all skin tones.
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PROS
- Long-lasting
- Includes primer, blush and highlighter
CONS
- Long drying time
- Limited shade range
Coverage
Sheer to full
Number of Shades
5
Size
0.25 oz. per cartridge
The Luminess Air airbrush makeup kit is of professional quality and includes four foundation colors and a primer, blush, and highlighter. “I love that it’s super easy for anyone to use — not just a pro,” says Jaleesa Jaikaran, professional makeup artist and podcast presenter of The Life of a Makeup Artist. “Luminess delivers on their promise of luminous-looking skin using very little makeup, and the coverage truly is flawless,” one reviewer remarked. Another person stated that her makeup appears precisely the same at the end of the day as it does in the morning – a major game changer. While the product does last all day, it can take some time to dry and set correctly, so keep that in mind while applying.
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BEST CORDLESS AIRBRUSH MAKEUP KIT
Temptu Air Cordless Professional Airbrush Makeup System
PROS
- Lightweight, semi-matte finish
- Water-resistant
- Wide shade range
CONS
- Expensive
Coverage
Medium
Number of shades
24
Size
0.41 oz. per foundation pod
While this Temptu airbrush foundation beginning package is pricey, many people, including HA’s specialists, think it’s well worth the investment. It also has a wide choice of colors. “I thought it was super easy to use, and I love the versatility — it offers foundation, blush, highlighter, and more,” says GH’s beauty editor. “It was also remarkably light.” I didn’t feel like I was wearing caked-on makeup, and it left me with a natural, glowy finish.”
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BEST AIRBRUSH MAKEUP FOR MATURE SKIN
Dinair Airbrush Makeup Airbrush Makeup Starter Kit
PROS
- Skin softening formula
- Kit comes with many shade and makeup options
- Easy to use
CONS
- Can take trial and error to find your perfect shade
- Cleanup takes some time
Coverage
Sheer to full
Number of Shades
15 (foundation)
Size
0.25 oz. per foundation bottle
Aside from being an all-in-one beauty kit (it includes foundation, blush, eyeshadow, highlighter, and brow products), this Dinair airbrush set will soften your skin rather than potentially drying it out, as some airbrush products can. The formula is water-based, allowing it to nourish while providing color coverage, making it excellent for mature skin types. Reviewers like how the procedure is sheer and has a natural finish, although finding your exact match can take some trial and error. “It does take some playing to get the exact shade you want, but once done, it is a better match than I’ve ever had before,” one customer comments.
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PROS
- Long-lasting
- Good for oily skin types
CONS
- Some report compressor clogging
Coverage
Sheer
Number of Shades
5
Size
.20 oz. per foundation bottle
This Aeroblend airbrush makeup kit comes with various hues so that you may create your blend. It also lasts throughout the day without worsening oiliness or breakouts. “I have been simply amazed by the results,” comments one critic. “Not only has it improved my appearance after application while making me feel like I’m not wearing any makeup at all, but Aeroblend has also helped to clear up my complexion.” So, as you know, this system has been noted to have periodic compressor clogging issues.
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PROS
- Water-resistant
- Non-greasy
CONS
- Must let dry before getting dressed
Coverage
Medium
Number of Shades
6
Size
4.4 oz
Airbrush makeup isn’t just for your face; this Sally Hansen spray formula designed for your legs may be used all over your body for coverage. Applying airbrush makeup to exposed skin, such as the legs and arms, can help conceal problem areas and produce an even, luminous skin tone. “I wore this all day, and it never rubbed off, even when I sweated,” said one reviewer. Just let it completely dry before getting dressed to avoid staining your clothes.
How we chose the best airbrush makeup
Airbrush makeup products still need to be put through a formal test by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. Still, our HA Beauty Lab scientists are always putting the newest cosmetics—including foundations, concealers, blushes, bronzers, eye shadows, and more—to the test. We compiled this list using recommendations from professional makeup artists, internet reviewers, and their decades of experience with beauty products and knowledge of the top cosmetic companies.
What to look for when shopping for the best airbrush makeup
The application method is the only distinction between airbrush makeup and other foundations. Joette Balsamo, a cosmetic artist in New York City, says this concept applies to airbrush makeup: “You want to pick a foundation based on your skin type.” Additional guidelines to be aware of are as follows:
✔️ Radiant finishes are preferable. Since airbrush foundation formulae must be forced through the compressor, they are often drier than conventional ones. (The more hydrated the foundation, the greater the likelihood it may become lodged in the tool.) Balsamo advises using “luminous” airbrush foundation finishes since they are less prone to emphasize dryness and wrinkles.
✔️ Choose a complete kit. Although airbrush makeup compressors and foundations are occasionally available separately, experts agree that the foundation with the equipment is the best for airbrush makeup. As they were designed to work together, Balsamo says, “I think it’s always better to go with the foundation that comes with the technology because they’ve been created to function together,” which reduces the possibility of misuse.
✔️ Finish by misting your face. Regardless of your airbrush makeup product, finish your look with a spritz of facial mist. Spray moisturizing rosewater or glycerin mist all over to add moisture to the makeup and make it appear more supple, the expert suggests.
Is airbrush makeup really better than foundation?
Jaikaran states, “The decision between traditional foundation and airbrush makeup depends on personal preference, skin type, and the occasion — one isn’t necessarily better than the other.” For important occasions like weddings or other events where you need your makeup to endure a long time and photograph well, airbrush makeup is frequently favored. Both makeup methods can produce a similar immaculate result, according to Jaikaran, who has used both in various situations. She emphasizes the necessity of skincare before applying traditional foundation to make the most flawless effect, even though adequate skin preparation is crucial regardless of the product you use.
