Unpopular Opinion from Maike, Make-up Artist Vienna: Airbrush is Overrated
If you’re a future bride and have ever Googled “bridal styling Vienna” or “wedding makeup Vienna,” you’ve almost certainly come across something about Airbrush.
Most makeup artists offer it for an (often significant) additional cost.
In wedding forums, you’ll read claims that Airbrush lasts much longer, is waterproof, or even makes wrinkles disappear.
But is that really true? As a makeup artist in Vienna, I can say clearly: no!
What is Airbrush anyway?
Airbrush is simply a technique for applying makeup. Nothing more, nothing less. In this method, foundation (commonly referred to as “the makeup”) is sprayed onto the skin in a fine mist using a compressor and airbrush gun, rather than applied with brushes, sponges, or fingers.
Here’s the crux of the matter: Airbrush is just a different technique for applying makeup! The formulation of the product itself isn’t fundamentally different from other foundations. I can even apply Airbrush makeup with brushes, sponges, or my fingers.
For simplicity, I’ll focus on foundation, but it’s possible to apply all other makeup products with Airbrush as well.
Common Airbrush Makeup Claims
I’d like to address a few claims I repeatedly see:
Airbrush makeup lasts longer/better than regular foundation
Simply put: Airbrush can last longer than regular foundation, but it doesn’t have to. Just like with regular makeup, there are differences between products.
How the makeup is applied says nothing about the longevity of that specific product.
For example, I use the same foundation in the Airbrush gun as I do with brushes and sponges; I only add a thinner for Airbrush application.
I believe this myth comes from the fact that Airbrush is often used with alcohol-based colors on film sets for special effects, which are indeed much longer-lasting than regular makeup. However, these are not typically used for normal beauty makeup, as alcohol isn’t great for the skin and the finish isn’t very flattering.
Airbrush makes skin smoother and erases wrinkles
I have no idea where this myth comes from! I can only assume some people confuse Airbrush in makeup artistry with Airbrush used in photo retouching.
In reality, the opposite is true: Airbrush is sprayed in fine particles, which actually tend to settle into small uneven areas and fine lines.
Airbrush is better for oily or dry skin
I’ve heard both of these claims. It depends on the product used, just like with regular foundation.
One advantage for dry skin is that the skin isn’t irritated by mechanical movements like brushing, which can create dry patches. But this can also be avoided with traditional application by dabbing instead of rubbing.
In my opinion, skin preparation is what matters most, not the foundation itself.
Airbrush feels better on the skin
Yes, you can apply very thin layers with an Airbrush, so the foundation feels super light.
But thin layers can also be achieved with regular makeup, and you have more control, allowing precise coverage in areas where you want it.
Who is Airbrush makeup suitable for?
If you have beautiful, even, rather dry skin and want a very subtle look, Airbrush can be a good option.
You just need to consider whether the extra cost is worth it, especially since the same result can be achieved with traditional techniques.
Is an extra charge for Airbrush makeup justified?
Now for the big question: is the extra charge justified, or is Airbrush a scam? As with many things in life, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no, but a clear “maybe.”
Offering Airbrush requires additional equipment, which isn’t cheap.
For example:
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Temptu ONE Compressor: €269.50
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Kryolan Nebula Airbrush System Compressor Set: €385.00
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30mL Temptu Perfect Canvas 24-Hour Hydralock Foundation: €57.19 (€190.63/100mL)
For comparison, my favorite foundation:
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20mL Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro: €33.90 (€169.50/100mL)
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Thinner for Face Atelier Ultra Air: €27.01 plus shipping and taxes from Canada
Then there are cleaning products, time spent cleaning and maintaining the device, cleaning tools, etc.
Maike, Make-up Artist Vienna: Conclusion
If you truly want Airbrush makeup for the reasons mentioned above, a small surcharge is justified.
For me, Airbrush is included in wedding and regular styling because I only use it if a bride or client insists after being informed.