One of the most popular questions that a newbie makeup artist or a first time makeup client would ask is the difference between HD Makeup and Airbrush Makeup. Airbrush makeup has grown popular over the past few years that even beginners or those who have no background about makeup would know a little bit about it. But what really makes airbrush makeup so different from HD Makeup and why are people willing to pay a premium price for it? Is airbrush makeup really the standard for bridal makeup? Is there a way to make HD makeup look airbrushed?
Tools Used
HD Makeup requires the use of your regular brushes and tools for makeup while airbrush makeup requires an airbrush machine. Yes, if you’re thinking of airbrush machines being used for pastry decorating or painting a car, you’re right. It’s the same mechanism. There is a compressor and there is an airbrush gun. There are specific brands such as Kryolan and Temptu that make airbrush machines for makeup airbrush pigments. We don’t really suggest you use other airbrush machines dedicated for the previously mentioned purposes because machines and compressors differ in pressure settings.
Products Used
HD Makeup uses traditional makeup such as liquid or cream foundation, powder blushes, eyeshadows and the like while airbrush makeup uses only airbrush pigments. Airbrush pigments can either be mineral-based, silicone-based, alcohol-based, or water-based. Each kind has a benefit and it’s totally up to the makeup artist to decide which one will suit their client best.
Speed of Application
Though it’s true that applying airbrush makeup requires a certain level of precision, if you get used to it and you do it right, you will be able to finish a full face airbrush look in under 30 minutes. Traditional HD makeup takes longer to finish because you will be using different kinds of products on top of each other and you will be using different tools to make sure each element is blended well.
Appearance on the Skin
Airbrush makeup, when done right, looks like your real skin but better. It gives you a great glow and a you’ll look healthier and younger! Traditional HD makeup, on the other hand, may look flat or cakey especially when it’s piled up on the face the wrong way. It will take a really skillful makeup artist to make a traditional makeup look natural and flawless.
Price
Airbrush makeup is so expensive. If you ask around for professional makeup artist rates, you’ll find that an airbrush makeup service is about 4 to 6 times more expensive than traditional HD makeup. This is because the tools and pigments used for airbrush makeup is also really expensive. Makeup artists even need to go through extra intensive training to learn how to do airbrush makeup. So you should understand why we charge so high for this.
Personally, I’d prefer traditional HD makeup for myself because I don’t want the extra expense. But if it’s for a big event and I know people will be taking a lot of close up photos of me and I want to look naturally beautiful, I wouldn’t hesitate to go for airbrush.
Disclaimer though, not all skin types will look good with airbrush makeup on it. If possible, get a trial makeup session booked first to see how it looks on you. Usually, the more textured your skin is, the more that it will need the help of Traditional HD Makeup.
