What is the difference between regular makeup and airbrush makeup?

According to Steve Kassajikian , Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist, airbrush makeup is more lightweight and looks much fresher than regular makeup, whereas regular makeup provides fuller coverage. “It gives the skin a smooth, natural appearance,” he says. “Also, most airbrush makeup is silicone-based, which allows it to last longer.”

How do you use an airbrush makeup device?

When it comes to using an airbrush makeup device, Kassajikian says it should be applied in a circular motion all over the face. “The further away you hold the device, the less coverage it’ll apply, so hold it closer to the sections that need more coverage,” he says. “Keep your hand moving during the entire application so the foundation isn’t building up or concentrating in one area for too long.”

Can airbrush makeup cover stretch marks?

According to Kassajikian, yes, you can use airbrush makeup to cover up stretch marks but to a certain extent. “It depends how prominent the stretch marks are,” he says. If yours are much more prominent, it may be best to reach for traditional full coverage makeup.

The 10 Best Airbrush Makeup Kits of 2023

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.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Temptu Air Perfect Canvas Starter Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Art of Air Airbrush Makeup System at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Sephora Mist Airbrush Foundation at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Pro-Grade:

Kett Cosmetics Airbrush Starter Kit at Kettcosmetics.com

Jump to Review

Best Without Machine:

Jerome Alexander MagicMinerals Deluxe Airbrush Foundation Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Shade Range:

Dior Airflash Spray Foundation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Matte Finish:

Younique Touch Spray Foundation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Body:

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Makeup at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Luxury:

Luminess Air Basic Airbrush System at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for the Entire Face:

OPHIR Airbrush Makeup System Kit Air Compressor Cosmetic Airbrush Makeup Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie

4.6

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Temptu.com

What We Like

Cordless
Compact
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

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.

Price at time of publish: $225

Number of Pieces: 2 | Coverage Level: Buildable | Shades: 24 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Art of Air Professional Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Precise applicator
Carrying case included

What We Don't Like

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).

Price at time of publish: $129

Number of Pieces: 6 | Coverage Level: Buildable | Shades: 6 | Byrdie Clean: No

Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Easy to use
Gives a natural finish
Affordable

What We Don't Like

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.”

Price at time of publish: $20

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.

Kett Cosmetics

View On Kettcosmetics.com

What We Like

Blush and highlighter included
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

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.

Price at time of publish: $701

Number of Pieces: 9 | Coverage Level: Buildable | Shades: 24 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Jerome Alexander MagicMinerals Airbrush Foundation Makeup Set

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Easy to use
Skincare benefits
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

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.

Price at time of publish: $65

Number of Pieces: 5 | Coverage Level: Full | Shades: 12 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Lightweight
Easy to use
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

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

Younique

View On Amazon View On Youniqueproducts.com

What We Like

Easy to use
Comes with nourishing ingredients
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

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.

Price at time of publish: $53

Coverage Level: Medium | Shades: 19 | Size: 1.6 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

View On Amazon View On Riteaid.com View On Walgreens

What We Like

Inexpensive
Has a nice sheen
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens
Can transfer if not set

This $12 Tanning Spray Makes My Legs Look Airbrushed

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.

Price at time of publish: $13

Coverage Level: Light | Shades: 9 | Size: 4.4 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Has four shades in your skin tone
Blush and highlighter included
Portable

What We Don't Like

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.

Price at time of publish: $146

Number of Pieces: 8 | Coverage Level: Medium | Shades: 4 per kit | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

OPHIR Airbrush Makeup System Kit Air Compressor Cosmetic Airbrush Makeup Set

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ophirairbrush.com

What We Like

Lipstick, eyeshadow, and foundation included
Adjustable speed settings

What We Don't Like

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.

Price at time of publish: $100

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.

FAQ

What is the difference between regular makeup and airbrush makeup?

According to Steve Kassajikian, Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist, airbrush makeup is more lightweight and looks much fresher than regular makeup, whereas regular makeup provides fuller coverage. “It gives the skin a smooth, natural appearance,” he says. “Also, most airbrush makeup is silicone-based, which allows it to last longer.”
How do you use an airbrush makeup device?

When it comes to using an airbrush makeup device, Kassajikian says it should be applied in a circular motion all over the face. “The further away you hold the device, the less coverage it’ll apply, so hold it closer to the sections that need more coverage,” he says. “Keep your hand moving during the entire application so the foundation isn’t building up or concentrating in one area for too long.”
Can airbrush makeup cover stretch marks?

According to Kassajikian, yes, you can use airbrush makeup to cover up stretch marks but to a certain extent. “It depends how prominent the stretch marks are,” he says. If yours are much more prominent, it may be best to reach for traditional full coverage makeup.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

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.

We Found the 18 Best Blurring Primers for Every Complexion

Best Overall

Temptu Air Perfect Canvas Starter Kit

Best Value

Art of Air Professional Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System

Best for Beginners

Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

Best for Pro-Grade

Kett Cosmetics Airbrush Starter Kit

Best Without Machine

Jerome Alexander MagicMinerals Deluxe AirBrush Foundation Set

Best Shade Range

Dior Airflash Spray Foundation

Best Matte Finish

Younique Touch Spray Foundation

Best for Body

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Makeup

Best Luxury

Luminess Air Basic Airbrush System

Best for the Entire Face

OPHIR Airbrush Makeup System Kit Air Compressor Cosmetic Airbrush Makeup Set

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