Through blogging, I have met a number of bloggers who are makeup artists. They all use airbrushing in their professional work as well as for their own makeup. From talking to them and seeing their work, I’ve been curious about airbrushing, and I wondered if I, a “civilian”, could do it myself. I really really wanted to try airbrushing my foundation, and I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity with Luminess Air, the number one airbrushing system.
The Luminess Air kit arrived a few weeks ago, and I eagerly opened it. I was happy to see how small the motor is – it takes up almost no room which is great because I have no room on the countertop with all the skincare products and makeup I’m always testing. It looked easy to operate.
I opened the small box that accompanied it containing small plastic bottles that included a primer, 4 foundation shades, blush, bronzer, and highlighter all in the shade family that I picked out to match my skin tone. I had been upgraded to “Silk”, Luminess’ most luxurious foundation with a gorgeous silky finish, yay!
Then I let it sit for several weeks. I got cold feet 🙄
I hate spraying anything in my face. I always have. I don’t like the wind in my face either. I won’t swim with my face in the water. So how the heck was I going to get this stuff on? Also, I was afraid I would end up with foundation all over my bathroom walls. What a baby, right?
Finally, I made myself “woman up” and do it. Sooooooooooo easy to use. Why did I wait so long??
The kit includes an instruction booklet, and I also watched a few of the many Luminess videos online.
My unit, the Legend, is aqua and white. It also comes in hot pink and black or black and white.
Although some units have medium and low settings, mine is an easy “on-off”. I turned on the unit, pulled back the “throttle” on the airbrush to between the 1 and 2 marked on the airbrush stylus, not quite halfway as instructed, to feel what the air would feel like on my face.
At first, the air stream felt a little stronger than I expected, but it was definitely tolerable even for airphobic me. I practiced moving it around my face in a continuous movement without stopping. I held it about one stylus length away from my face as instructed. If you hold it too close, the makeup pools and looks blotchy.
As I mentioned, I received four foundation shades to choose from. In the video I watched, the model applied each shade in a stripe on her cheek to choose the best match. That step wasn’t necessary for me because I could immediately tell that shade 2 – light with pink undertones – would be a perfect match for my skin. If you’re not as lucky getting a perfect match, you can play chemist and mix your own perfect formula.
I shook the Moist Primer and dropped about 4 drops into the airbrush cup, turned on the unit, and moved the airbrush stylus around my face to apply. I tried not to close my eyes and I watched what I was doing in the mirror. When I got near my eyes, I did have to close them.
Next, I shook the foundation and then dropped in 4 drops. Per the video, I started with the outside of my face and then moved in. I tried to remember to make circular or figure 8 shapes with the airbrush. Four drops weren’t enough to cover my entire face, so I put in four more. (Luminess recommends 4-8 drops.)
I have some visible dark spots that I wanted to cover so I went back over them. The foundation did a great job covering the two smaller dark spots. I had a harder time with my largest dark spot, but I’m continuing to practice going back and forth over it lightly. It really is critical to keep the airbrush moving in order to keep the foundation application even. On my first time, when I tried to cover the largest dark spot, I ended up with a bit too much foundation – my fault.
After applying my foundation, I wanted to try the blush because the shade is gorgeous, and I knew it would really suit me. That was a bit harder to apply without building up too much. I know with more practice, I’ll get the hang of it. The instruction booklet also suggests applying blush first and letting it glow through the foundation, a technique you can only do with airbrushing. I may just have to try it 💡
I cleaned the airbrush in between foundation and blush and then when I was finished with water using the plastic squeeze bottle that came with it by putting in several drops of water and blowing it out in the sink till it ran clear. Took about a minute or so, definitely less time than it takes to clean my blending sponge or makeup brushes. Plus the whole system is more hygienic because nothing touches my face!
I decided to show you the results of my first outing with Luminess, so you can see how even a complete novice like me could do a decent job first time out. I would say this is sheer, natural-looking coverage because I only went over my face about twice.
It was not hard to do. It didn’t take long. It did not make a mess all over the bathroom walls, lol. I LOOOOOOVE the smooth, lightweight, dewy but delicate, airbrushed look that resulted! Luminess Air does a great job covering dark spots, pores, imperfections, uneven skin tone, blemishes, and fine lines. Even on the first use where I was rather tentative in my application, my skin looked smoother. On subsequent occasions, I went back over my skin to build up the coverage. The only thing I haven’t cracked the code on yet is the area under my eyes (because I have a hard time keeping my eyes open to see what I’m doing).
At first I thought I’d “save it” for special occasions but the Luminess Air Legend is so small, it’s easy to keep on hand. Plus it’s quick to use, so I can use it just about any time. Thank you Luminess for turning me on to this great foundation and application method! xoxo I am so happy to have it.
Check out the amazingly helpful Luminess website to watch their terrific video, The Power of Airbrush Makeup. I wanted to paste it in my post, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it, and IMHO, this is the best of their intro videos. Also, take a look at their extensive product offerings. I was surprised to see that in addition to the Luminess Air Legend, there’s an Everyday Airbrush System in black. And there are all kinds of promotions plus a 30 day money back guarantee. Luminess Air foundations comes in four different finishes. And there’s even airbrush eyeshadows! Plus they have a full line of cosmetics.
Luminess has generously given me as well as the readers of Never Say Die Beauty a coupon code to use for 20% off purchases on luminessair.com. I plan to buy a larger size of my foundation shade, perhaps a primer with sunscreen, and I’m thinking about the under eye concealer. The code is 928821918.
Have you tried airbrushing with Luminess Air? If not, are you curious?
Like you, I have read so much about airbrushing makeup tools but have no courage to try them plus, they seems to be really pricey. 🙁 Love how the finish looks on you, Allison, so natural!
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…My Skincare Routine
Definitely pricey, but I hear that if you’re good at searching you can get a great deal on a kit. My initial try was definitely natural-looking because it was so sheer. I’ve been practicing at going over my face several times to build up more coverage. I love how it can cover my dark spots. I wish I could keep my eyes open and get more coverage of my freckles under my eyes and on my nose but it’s hard for me not to blink!
I have been on the fence myself of trying out this air makeup but you look great with your makeup look!! I hope to try this myself in the future!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Ursula recently posted…Catching ZZZ with #ZzzQuilVoxBox
I hope it will come your way, Ursula, and that you’ll get a chance to try it. It’s so much fun, and the finish feels like silk 🙂
I’ve learned to wink when I want to do under my eyes. Just keep the opposite eye open, and keep that brush moving! lol. I find airbrush makeup to be so forgiving with the shades, but once it sets – it’s not going anywhere.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…80’s brights!
Thank you, thank you, Nidia, for another great tip!! I am going to try that, and hopefully, I can keep one eye open and see what I’m doing! It’s a fun tool, and I love the finish so I really need to crack the code on all aspects of using it. The color match is incredible
I still haven’t tried airbrushing but you are giving me courage!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Style Your Summer with the Zoe Report Box of Style!
I think you’d have fun with it! And the finish is beautiful
I wasn’t woman enough to try it. I’m getting convinced though that I made a big mistake not taking it for review.
MarciaF recently posted…Frizz Busters
I know exactly how you felt, Marcia. I had to psych myself up for it, but now I’m glad I have it. I’m sure the chance will come ’round again 🙂
I’ve read so many great reviews about this system! I’d love to try it!
Babi recently posted…The Perfect Summer Moisturizer: OZNATURALS’ Sea Infused Herbal Moisturizer
I hope you’ll get to, Babi. It’s fun to use and the finish is wonderful
Come to think of it, I haven’t tried airbrushing myself!
Kath Thefabzilla recently posted…Makeup Haul Part 1 and FOTD Feat. Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion, Anastasia Glow Kit and Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick
I think you’d be great at it!
I love the look of airbrushed makeup. I just bought a new toy for my unit. Oddly enough, I do want to try the Luminess Air system even though I have a unit from a diff brand.
Ooooooh, I’m curious about your new tool, Tiki! I’m wondering what else airbrushing can do?
I have a Temptu and I they are coming out with an empty cartridge that I picked up at the makeup show. I’m going to try it out to airbrush my highlight
Tiki recently posted…Luminess Air, Manicures, Spa Days, & Giveaways
That sounds like a great idea. The Temptu system is tempting. I adore their pink highlight
You did awesome (and look awesome, too)! I’ve been a little hesitant about it, as well. I’m also afraid I’d end up looking like a clown or like you said, getting it all over the walls LOL!
Shipra recently posted…Children (and You) are #FreetoBe with all® Free Clear
After my first try, my fears about airbrushing were allayed. Easy and neat to use!!
I am so intrigued! The fact that it doesn’t make a mess, which I feared it would, alone makes it worth trying. The beautiful lightweight finish coupled with the fact that it doesn’t take long to use– really makes me want to try this! Thank you for the excellent, and thorough, review! <3
Lola Seicento recently posted…LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick in Minimalist | Review and Swatches
Thank you, Helen! My fears about airbrushing were definitely allayed after the first try. It’s a nice beauty tool to have in my arsenal. I think you’d have fun with it too 🙂
I tried this a few months ago. It’s pretty cool! I just needed practice to make it look good on my skin. I agree that anyone can do it though!!
Stacie Hamilton recently posted…Skin Toning at Home
I definitely need more practice building up the foundation, but it’s fun to use!
I watch the infomercials all the time! I always imagine my hair full of makeup but it seems to be easier than I imagine.You look great,such a lovely finish.I guess I’ll start looking for those deals and maybe one day find one I can afford because it really looks and sounds like a dream machine. 🙂
I was afraid of the same thing, Laura. I was amazed that there was no mess at all, even the first time I tried it. Definitely keep an eye out for deals because other women have reported finding deep discounts on Luminess. And it’s a nice tool to have in your beauty arsenal.