Airbrush makeup is specially formulated to spray evenly with an appliance that looks like a pen. Makeup is applied in seconds, evenly and completely. Tiny molecules of either water-based, alcohol, polymer, or silicone based foundation is sprayed through a medium to fine airbrush nozzle onto the skin. This technique has long been a favourite for red carpet celebrities and models.

Ingredients for body art paint airbrush makeup are pretty straight forward. Briefly, as with most liquid cosmetic formulations, the ingredients comprise of pigments, resins, solvents and additives. Pigments, which are often natural and mineral based, don’t dissolve. They are a fine colour powder suspended in the solvent liquid. Solvents can be alcohol, water or oil based. The solvents help to get pigments and resins through the airbrush applicator and begin to evaporate as cosmetic film is laid down on the skin. Resins, also known as film formers, are the agent that binds the pigments to the skin surface.

Obviously, manufacturers have their own specific recipes which include proprietary ingredients which in turn distinguish their particular brands. Professional makeup artists have very specific criteria especially on film sets, on stage or long photo shoots. In many of these cases makeup artists demand long lasting applications, makeup that is resistant to sweat or something special for airbrush body art. Manufacturers offer a wide range of products to meet both professional and personal use.

This range of ingredients give airbrush cosmetics many advantages. A water based product is often oil and alcohol free which makes it safe for all skin conditions and ages. This type of formulation is now readily available from manufacturers who are produce makeup for personal daily wear. Some manufacturers are also offering SPF protection. Silicone or alcohol based airbrush makeup is, for the most part, non-transferable, meaning that slight rubbing or brushing against something or someone will not cause wear and smudging.

For professional makeup artists, silicone-based formulas help fill in pores and fine lines – a favourite among actors and models. Other formulations can make airbrush makeup resistant to sweat and does not need to be retouched for many hours. In such cases, polymer additives or alcohol-based additives have to be used.
While the makeup comes in a wide variety of skin tones, stock colours have additives which allow the pros to blend them perfectly.

Airbrush makeup manufacturers have made great advances in recent years. Improved manufacturing in pigments and foundations, means greater ease of use and choices for personal daily wear. It is no longer just for celebrities and models. While many of the ingredients in airbrush makeup are generic, such as water or oil based, all manufacturers have to meet high standards in the beauty industry. Reputable companies usually stand out by offering makeup which is hypoallergenic and made of high quality natural mineral pigments. This is not only great for daily wear, but especially beneficial for people with problem skin like acne, rosacea, or general facial discoloration.