How to Get That Flawless Look

Selecting a makeup artist can be a big decision for many brides but selecting the right makeup application is just as important. With a growing number of brides wanting the ‘flawless, front cover of the latest bridal magazine look’, it is important to do your research into whether airbrushing or traditional makeup application is best for your skin type, and, more importantly, your special day.

To help you get the best makeup results for your wedding day, the following review, will analyse the advantages and disadvantages of both application methods and in doing so, help you make the right decision for you and your brides on your wedding day.
   
Airbrush
Airbrushed makeup is a light weight makeup applied through an air gun machine that produces a thin, even layer of makeup and, when applied correctly, can create an almost ‘flawless look’.

It has risen to popularity largely due to the supermodels you see on front covers of magazines with blemish free complexions using it to sell the “perfect” wedding look -- the look that many brides are searching for on their special day. But, what is right for my situation and skin tone?

Airbrushed makeup is typically only used to provide a foundation and contouring with lip and eye color added in a traditional way. Therefore, with this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of airbrushed makeup:

Pros:

• It can cover freckles, fine lines to scars, spider veins and tattoos
• It is non-transferable, meaning that slight ‘dry’ rubbing or brushing against something or someone will not cause the makeup to come off
• Airbrushing is more hygienic
• If your attending an event where you’re positive you will not cry and remain dry from moisture,  airbrush makeup can offer that red-carpet finish you have always wanted
• Air brushing is often faster than a traditional application

Cons:

• If airbrushed makeup gets wet through crying or perspiration, you can run the risk of it streaking.  A useful analogy is a dusty table. If you ran your finger across a dusty table, you could clearly see a line from the surface underneath, even if the colors are the same. Once that line is there, you can do nothing to blend it back. The table must be wiped entirely clean. The same thing applies with airbrush makeup. If the makeup, for any reason, gets wet and leaves a streak, there is not much that can be done to blend it back without reapplying the makeup.
• Most of the face or body paints used for airbrush makeup are water based, these paints can be washed off or sometimes wear off with perspiration. To make them perspiration resistant, polymer additives or alcohol-based additives have to be used and are somewhat drying to a person’s skin. 
• Some of the waterproof airbrush products are silicon based which tend to have more of a glow, as opposed to a matte finish, so if you have oily skin it may not be best for your skin type
• Some people can be allergic to the silicon
• Because airbrushed makeup is applied with very light evenly applied layers, it does not have as much "give" or flexibility that liquid foundations offer. Therefore, separating can develop in the creases, smile lines or eyebrow furrows of the face
• It is not advised for pregnant women due to the micro fine particles that might be inhaled
• Its very important to exfoliate before airbrushing because sometimes it will show dead skin. If you have a lot of fine hairs on your cheeks and jawline, airbrush probably isn’t the best option.
• Airbrushing is not something you want to layer on thick. If you want fuller coverage for imperfections then traditional may be more suitable

Traditional:
Traditional makeup is composed of a variety of formulas and includes pancake, liquid, cream, or pressed powder that is usually applied with a sponge, brush or fingers. Similar to airbrushing, traditional makeup, if applied correctly, can create an almost flawless look. 

Traditional makeup comes in the widest variety of any other makeup, with every shade and formula available.  It’s also the most versatile of all the makeup; it can be as basic as a sheer tint of coverage, or combined with other properties to create a makeup that targets specific problems.

Traditional makeup is the only makeup that, when the appropriate formula is chosen, can be used in any situation at any given time. But, is it right for you? Let’s take a closer look:

Pros: 

• Women with dry or mature skin benefit most from the more traditional foundation selections. Dry skin types typically need large amounts of hydration and the oils that compose a cream based foundation formula lend kindly to their skin to create a smoother looking finish. 
• Traditional application provides sheer to full coverage. This type of makeup is waterproof and works with all skin types and comes in a wide color range.
• If the makeup artist is using a high quality photographic product, no matter what type of lighting or lens your photographer uses, you can achieve that flawless look.
• Easily blended if you do get emotional on your special day, perspire or it wipes off at any time.

Cons:

• It may rub off or fade (transferable)
• It will last only 6-10 hours as opposed to up to 24 hours
• Less hygienic than airbrushing if the brushes or sponges are not cleaned properly

Conclusion:
Makeup can be ‘flawless’ or disastrous depending on what application is used, how it’s applied and who is applying it. When you are considering a makeup artist for your wedding day, always pay for a trial and don’t be shy to request referrals from previous brides. A trial will help you build rapport with the artist, experiment with colours and application methods. A quality makeup artist should also respectfully exude confidence through their work whilst instilling a calmness -- something that is critical in a stressful environment.