Airbrush makeup

Airbrush makeup is makeup sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush instead of being applied with sponges, brushes, fingers, or other methods.[1] It is popular in film, theater, and sunless tanning; although systems designed for personal cosmetic use in the home are also available. Airbrush systems designed for these purpose are usually smaller and work at a lower pressures than systems used in industrial applications. The technique was first used in 1925 on actors in Ben Hur[2] and has since grown in popularity in the entertainment business.

Contents

History

For more details on this topic, see Airbrush.

Airbrushed makeup was first used in the film 1925 Ben Hur, where the makeup artists used the technique to apply makeup to a large cast.[2]

Uses

Airbrush makeup has become more popular with the on-vent of high-definition video and television (HD). Traditional powder or liquid based make-up can settle and appear in pores and wrinkles and be visible on HD film. As the makeup is sprayed on, it connects with the skin as millions of droplets of formula.[2] The formula can create an even, sheer, natural appearance to the skin that, if applied properly for a natural look, can appear natural and non-heavy like traditional makeup. Airbrush makeup wears longer than traditional powder or liquid foundation, able to stay put upwards of 12-24 hours.[2] It can be used to cover five o'clock shadows for men. Airbrush makeup is also available for eye shadow, blush, eyebrows and lips and can be layered, shaded, highlighted and contoured[2].[3] Application wise, the technique is more sanitary than traditional makeup application due the artist never having to touch the skin. It's also faster, if done by a trained artist. Fantasy and special effects are able to be stenciled or created by freehand.[2]

Ingredients

Airbrush makeup comes in six different formulas:

  • Water based: Finely ground pigments dissipated in water.
  • Polymer-water-based: A mix of water, polymers and pigment, when airbrushed on the skin the polymer dries leaving a continuous coating on the skin.
  • Polymer-SD40-alcohol based: Instead of using water like the polymer-water-based formula, it uses alcohol which assists with drying of the makeup on the skin.
  • Alcohol based: Also called "temporary airbrush inks" alcohol based formulas are generally used when creating fake tattoos.
  • Silicone-based: Uses silicone for longer lasting wear and without fading. Silicone-based can be thinned with certain types of formula additives, for lighter coverage.[3]

Airbrush makeup can be removed by using a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and isopropyl myristate.[3]

References

  1. ^ Alex Lluch; Elizabeth Lluch (30 January 2010). 1001 Most Popular Wedding Questions from WedSpace.com. WS Publishing Group. pp. 73–. ISBN 978-1-934386-88-0. http://books.google.com/books?id=TvVPUD-cSPMC&pg=PA73. Retrieved 7 November 2011. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f Suzanne Le Quesne (8 February 2005). The make-up book: the official guide to make-up at levels 2 and 3. Cengage Learning EMEA. pp. 97–. ISBN 978-1-84480-144-2. http://books.google.com/books?id=Y2l8DNDG_1cC&pg=PA97. Retrieved 7 November 2011. 
  3. ^ a b c Gretchen Davis; Mindy Hall (14 February 2008). The makeup artist handbook: techniques for film, television, photography, and theatre. Focal Press. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-240-80941-0. http://books.google.com/books?id=eoBq8iJ9RhMC&pg=PT189. Retrieved 7 November 2011. 

External links

One of the more popular but by no means the only airbrush makeup stylus is the luminess air. Some people seems to find this airbrush system very good whilst others find it too dificult to use.