Wanna Try Airbrush Makeup? These At-Home Kits Are Legit Magic

No, you can only use liquid-based foundations in an airbrush machine if the formulation is thin enough. The good news though? If you have a favorite foundation that you just are not willing to give up, you can mix it with an airbrush makeup thinner that’s compatible with your airbrush makeup machine. Fair warning, though, it may take a few trials and errors and a lot of reading to get the right consistency. Try these: Temptu Mixing Medium or M.A.C. Mixing Medium.

Not only is airbrushing usually faster to apply than regular makeup (you’re just misting your face), but it tends to look more subtle with less caking and less settling into pores (since the layers are so sheer), and it also usually lasts longer (since formulas often have a base of silicone). The downside? It requires some practice to feel fully comfortable. But, hey, so did the first time you picked up a makeup brush, right? Luckily, tons of airbrush tutorials exist, and the end result of really good-looking skin is definitely worth it, IMO.

Figure out your skill level

Listen, all of these kits are going to require a little bit of trial and error, solely because you’re not used to spraying makeup on your face. But if you’re a total makeup newb who rarely wears any products, let alone a full face of foundation, blush, contour, and highlight, then skip past the 20-piece kits and instead look for airbrush makeup that focuses mostly on foundation.

Look at the formula

Most airbrush makeup formulas have a silicone base, which gives your skin a smooth, “blurred” finish that helps even out bumpy textures and lines. It also tends to last longer than water-based formulas. That said, it’s not exactly hydrating for dry skin. Though you can mitigate dryness by layering on your usual face moisturizer ahead of time (as you always should), you can always experiment with a water-based formula and see if looks and feels better on your skin.

Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has two years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the best liquid blushes and the top cream contours. She regularly tests and analyzes airbrush makeup on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new formulas and brands.

Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly 10 years of experience researching, writing, and editing skin, makeup, hair, and nail stories across print and digital, including Cosmopolitan’s holy grail beauty awards and lip blushing 101. Her airbrush makeup picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing.