From makeup machines to foundation sprays, get a radiant complexion just like the pros.
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Often used for special occasions and weddings, airbrush makeup can give skin a stunningly luminous effect — almost like walking around with a filter on IRL. Luckily, airbrush makeup is no longer reserved just for pros. There are lots of DIY products and kits available that work just as well as the professional versions. With at-home airbrush kits, simply load your makeup into a handheld device that will coat your face in a circular motion with a fine, even mist — and there are also easy-to-use aerosol cans that are great for beginners.
To find the best airbrush makeup kits and products, our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab analysts tested and vetted some of the popular picks on the market. We also enlisted top makeup pros to share their top tips, including explaining difference between airbrush and traditional foundation.
"The difference between airbrush and regular foundation is in the application," says Anabelle LaGuardia, a professional makeup artist based in New York City. "With airbrush, you work with an applicator gun, which is a compressor with air, that delivers a very even stream of makeup."
The main benefit is that the airbrush tool delivers a level of control you can't achieve with hand application, meaning you can layer on as much, or as little, as you'd like. "You can start off light and build it up," LaGuardia explains. "Some people think that it's going to be too heavy or not natural, but that is not the case."
After checking out our top picks, you can read our reviews of the best foundations for dry skin, mature skin and full-coverage formulas.
Beloved by makeup pros, the Art of Air system comes with everything you need to try professional-quality airbrush makeup for the first time: an airbrush and compression system, six different foundations, makeup for contouring and even a cleanser once ready to remove. It's garnered more than 3,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with one person writing: "Though reluctant to use it, I gave it a try and found I loved the way it made my skin feel. No heavy liquid makeup mask, just a thin, moist spray of color." If you have a dry complexion, take note: This formula can be drying on skin.
For budget-friendly airbrush makeup that's almost effortless to use, the $15 Jerome Alexander airbrush foundation delivers. One user describes the singular foundation as "flawless," adding: "[It] stayed on through an 8-hour shift and beyond. It’s extremely easy to use and blend." All it takes are two simple steps: Spray the foundation onto the included brush from a couple of inches away. Then, apply in circular motions and voila! Oily skin types may find the mattifying finish more flattering than those with dry skin.
For a no-frills option, Luminess's kit gives beginners the airbrush basics. The starter set includes a primer, a foundation spray and a dual-ended buffing brush. It boasts a silky, satin finish and hydrates upon application thanks to skincare ingredients like moisturizing hyaluronic acid. "I love how easy and simple this foundation is," one shopper writes. "It's not cakey or thick. [It] goes on smooth. I love the primer spray — so hydrating. I don't feel like I have foundation on at all." A few shoppers liked their color matches but had to choose wisely from its 18 shades.
Those hoping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles should look no further than Jerome Alexander. Its trio system includes a primer for smoother application, a mineral powder-based foundation and a lightweight setting spray. The two included kabuki brushes help blend it all for a seamless skin-like finish. "It doesn’t get in the grooves of my wrinkles, and it literally makes my fine lines a lot less noticeable," one 60-year-old reviewer remarks. "It also makes skin look dewy and glowy." Proceed with caution if you are sensitive to scent; a few reviewers commented that it has a strong fragrance.
The Belloccio airbrush system has some reviewers so impressed with their results that they're ditching their concealer, which is why it's a great go-to option 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," a reviewer commented. "I've been able to wear just the Belloccio foundation instead of two types of concealer plus foundation. I'm still amazed!" As with any system, test it before you get started applying; a few reviewers had trouble with the compressor.
Rated by professionals for its top-notch quality, the Luminess Air airbrush makeup kit touts budge-proof makeup complete with four foundation shades, plus a primer, blush and highlighter. "I love that it is super easy for anyone to use — not just a pro," says professional makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran. Online shoppers agree and love that a little goes a long way with this formula. One notes: "Luminess delivers on their promise of luminous-looking skin using very little makeup, and the coverage truly is flawless." While it does last all day, the product can take a while to fully dry and set, so keep that in mind when applying.
While this Temptu airbrush foundation starter kit does come with a hefty price tag, it is loved by many who say it's well worth the splurge, including GH's experts. It also boasts a large shade range. "I thought it was super easy to use and I love the versatility — it offers foundation, blush, highlighter and more," says GH's contributing beauty editor. "It was also surprisingly lightweight. I didn’t feel like I was wearing heavy, caked-on makeup and it had a natural, glowy finish."
In addition to being an all-in-one makeup kit (it includes foundation, blush, eyeshadow, highlighter and eyebrow products), this airbrush set from Dinair will soften your skin, instead of potentially drying it out as some airbrush products can do. This is due to the formula being water-based, allowing it to nourish while providing color coverage, which is ideal for mature skin types. Reviewers love that the formula is sheer and has a natural finish, although it can take trial and error to find your perfect match. "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 user shares.
Touting a non-greasy finish, the Aeroblend airbrush makeup kit lasts all day without exacerbating oiliness and breakouts. Using it almost daily, one satisfied shopper writes: "I love the water-based makeup, and it lasts all day. I have oily skin, and this does not melt off my face." It also includes multiple shades so that you can customize your perfect mix. Just an FYI, this system was reported to have occasional issues with the compressor getting clogged.
Airbrush makeup isn't just for your face; this Sally Hansen spray formula created for legs can be used for coverage all over your body. Applying airbrush makeup to exposed skin, like legs and arms, can help camouflage any problem spots and create an all-over even, glowing skin tone. "I fell asleep with it on, woke up and none of it had rubbed onto my white sheets. The makeup was still perfectly intact," one reviewer marvels. "A plus because you can wear it to the beach and sweat without it coming off." Just be sure to let it fully dry before getting dressed to prevent staining on clothing.
While the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab hasn’t yet run a formal test of airbrush makeup products, our GH Beauty Lab scientists are constantly testing the newest makeup products, including foundations, concealers, blushes, bronzers, eye shadows and more. We relied on their decades of beauty product expertise and knowledge of the best beauty brands, as well as recommendations from professional makeup artists and online reviewers to put together this list.
The only real difference between airbrush makeup and other foundation is the way in which it is applied. "You want to pick a foundation based on your skin type, a rule that applies to airbrush makeup too," explains Joette Balsamo, a makeup artist in New York City. Here are some additional guidelines to know:
✔️ 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," Balsamo advises, so there's less likelihood of error in use.
✔️ Finish with a face mist. Whichever airbrush makeup you choose, top off your look with a spritz of facial mist. "To make the look more supple, spray a hydrating rosewater or glycerin mist all over to bring some moisture into the makeup, so it looks more like skin," she advises.
"The choice between airbrush makeup and traditional foundation depends on personal preference, skin type and the occasion — one isn't necessarily better than the other," Jaikaran says. "Airbrush makeup is often preferred for special events, like weddings or other events that you need makeup to last a long time and photograph well." Jaikaran has used both types of makeup in different circumstances and believes you can achieve a similar flawless finish using either. While proper skin prep is important no matter what you use, she emphasizes the importance of skincare before applying traditional foundation to achieve the most seamless look.
Marielle Marlys wrote the original article, interviewed experts and selected the product picks. She is a freelance writer who specializes in covering the beauty market, including frequently writing about makeup products. She is a former Good Housekeeping beauty intern, with a degree in journalism from New York University.
Dori Price updated this article by adding one new pick and additional info about existing picks, plus more tips about airbrush makeup. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing makeup stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including makeup artists and cosmetic chemists. She is an expert in all makeup product categories including eye, lip and face makeup, tools, professional services and more.
Marielle Marlys is a freelance writer at Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan who graduated from New York University with a degree in Journalism and Global Liberal Studies, and with a Master of Arts in International Relations and Affairs. Additionally, she has held internships at Modern Luxury, Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan magazines, CNBC, The Borgen Project, and Almost 30 podcast. Although Marielle is a proud Jersey girl, she has also lived in Florence, Italy and Madrid, Spain.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
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