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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
On first impressions, the idea of airbrushed makeup is intimidating. But thanks to innovations in beauty technology, it’s gaining popularity as a DIY option—not to mention outside of bridal and red carpet looks.
Final Verdict
We recommend the Temptu Air Perfect Canvas Starter Kit as it is easy to use (cordless and compact) and delivers high-quality results. For a more economical pick, go with the Art of Air Professional Airbrush System, a six-piece set that even comes with a carrying case.
“Airbrushed makeup isn’t my usual method, but with the right tools and techniques, they can deliver really beautiful long-lasting results,” explains makeup artist Jasmin Lo. “In fact, the way it layers onto the skin—as opposed to being pressed in—can result in a soft-focused, perfected look that's tricky to emulate with creams and liquids.”
Granted it can take some getting used to, but if you like the look of super smooth skin or you’re willing to invest in some beauty technology, an airbrushed makeup kit might be it.
Keep scrolling for the best airbrush makeup kits out there.
Best Overall: Temptu Air Perfect Canvas Starter Kit
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Courtesy of Amazon
Cordless
Compact
Long-lasting
Expensive
Temptu is the clear winner for a few key reasons. Firstly it's cordless and relatively streamlined, so it is great when it comes to daily (or at least regular) use. Lo also points out the 24-strong shade range looks as if it would work across varied and diverse skin tones.
When it comes to using, simply load your cartridge and mist the face slowly and evenly to ensure a seamless, professional-looking result.
Number of Pieces: 2 | Coverage Level: Buildable | Shades: 24 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Value: Art of Air Professional Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System
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Precise applicator
Carrying case included
Clunky and not very portable
If you want to create a glamorous, sculpted makeup look, go for this best-selling kit from Art of Air. Not only does it come with complexion shades, but also blush, bronzer, and shimmer shades to contour and illuminate your face. The airbrush tool itself is also quite precise, affording great control around tricky spots (like the cheeks, eyes, or nose).
Number of Pieces: 6 | Coverage Level: Buildable | Shades: 6 | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Beginners: Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation
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Courtesy of Sephora
Easy to use
Gives a natural finish
Affordable
Limited shade range
Prefer a hand-held option you can simply mist and go? With ‘instablend’ technology and microfine pigments, this buy from Sephora Collection is surprisingly simple to get right. Lo suggests, “holding it four or so inches from the face, moving slowly from the center, outwards.”
Coverage Level: Medium | Shades: 5 | Size: 2.5 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
For a more natural finish, you can mist onto a brush, and then buff it into the skin.
Best for Pro-Grade: Kett Cosmetics Airbrush Starter Kit
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Kett Cosmetics
Blush and highlighter included
Long-lasting
Expensive
If you want to invest in an airbrush kit that’s going to deliver amazing results, Kett Cosmetics Airbrush Starter Kit is the one to buy. The foundations themselves are silicones-based, so you get great longevity for special occasions. You’ll also receive 24 versatile shades, blusher, and highlighter.
Number of Pieces: 9 | Coverage Level: Buildable | Shades: 24 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Without Machine: Jerome Alexander MagicMinerals Airbrush Foundation Makeup Set
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Easy to use
Skincare benefits
Long-lasting
Not as precise as a machine
This handy kit comes with a primer, foundation, and setting spray—plus an applicator brush for beautiful skin in minutes. As opposed to a machine-operated option, you can mist this formula right onto either your face or the brush. There are even peptides and hyaluronic acid in the blend for a plump, fresh finish.
Number of Pieces: 5 | Coverage Level: Full | Shades: 12 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Shade Range: Dior Airflash Spray Foundation
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Lightweight
Easy to use
Long-lasting
Expensive
Of all the airbrush makeup options on the market, this is Lo’s favorite for a natural but polished finish without too much fussing around. “I’ve always enjoyed using Dior foundations, and this spray-on formula is no exception—it’s light, long-wearing, and has a really beautiful look on the skin.” It’s available in 24 shades (including radiant and matte finishes), plus it utilizes light-diffusing pigments to blur the skin.
Coverage Level: Full | Shades: 24 | Size: 2.3 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Matte Finish: Younique Touch Spray Foundation
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Younique
Easy to use
Comes with nourishing ingredients
Long-lasting
Not as precise as a machine
This pick from Younique has a long-lasting matte finish, despite the inclusion of nourishing ingredients like squalane, vitamin E, and macadamia nut oil. It’s hand-held and doesn’t come with any additional attachments, so you can simply mist it onto prepped skin and use a sponge, brush, or your fingers to blend.
Coverage Level: Medium | Shades: 19 | Size: 1.6 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Body: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Makeup
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Inexpensive
Has a nice sheen
Easy to use
Contains parabens
Can transfer if not set
Airbrushing isn’t just for your face, which is why Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Glow body makeup is such an iconic formula that’s stood the test of time. Lo has used it on clients before and suggests applying a “light layer and setting with powder for a flawless, transfer-proof finish”. Whether you want to soften the look of scars and uneven tone or simply can’t be bothered to self-tan, this quick and easy mist has you covered.
Coverage Level: Light | Shades: 9 | Size: 4.4 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Luxury: Luminess Air Basic Airbrush System
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Amazon
Has four shades in your skin tone
Blush and highlighter included
Portable
Expensive
This kit from Luminess comes with four shades in your skin tone range, so you can mix and match depending on the seasons. It’s top-rated on Amazon, has a buildable natural finish, and each kit includes a blusher and highlighter for glowing skin. While pricey, it’s a best-seller that’s worth the splurge.
Number of Pieces: 8 | Coverage Level: Medium | Shades: 4 per kit | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for the Entire Face: OPHIR Airbrush Makeup System Kit Air Compressor Cosmetic Airbrush Makeup Set
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Amazon
Lipstick, eyeshadow, and foundation included
Adjustable speed settings
Requires skill to get the eyeshadows right
If you’re looking to airbrush your entire face—including cheeks and eyes—look no further than this kit from OPHIR. It comes with liquid eyeshadows, blush, bronzer, and highlighter so you can paint your entire makeup look. And as if that wasn’t enough, you can finish it off with the included lipstick and concealer.
Number of Pieces: 13 | Coverage Level: Full | Shades: 3 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Airbrush makeup doesn’t need to be reserved solely for special occasions. The Temptu Air Perfect Canvas Starter Kit is a go-to for novices and pros alike, a great all-around option. If you’re a beginner, consider one of the machine-free, spray-on options: The Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation is an affordable pick, while the Dior Airflash Spray Foundation has the added benefit of coming in a very wide array of shades.
Meet the Expert
- Jasmin Lo is a Sydney-based makeup artist with almost 18 years of experience and has worked for titles including Marie Clare, Elle, Grazia Magazine, and across numerous weddings.
- Stephanie Cinque is a makeup artist specializing in bridal beauty in the Tri-State area.
- Steve Kassajikian is Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist.
What to Look For in an Airbrush Makeup Kit
Silicone-Based
According to Cinque, any type of silicone-based formula is best when it comes to long-lasting staying power. They’re also usually innately more water-resistant, ideal for withstanding things such as humidity, sweat, and even tears.
Foundation Shades
Most kits come with several foundation shades, though the variety is largely not that of what you’d find in traditional foundation formulas. So keep in mind that it may be slightly harder to find your ideal match.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Emily Algar has been a writer and journalist (specializing in skincare, makeup, and wellness) for over six years. In that time, she’s tried countless products and interviewed tonnes of industry insiders. Before that, she worked in department stores on the beauty floor.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any airbrush makeup from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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