Dispelling Hi-Def Myths-- Part II

So I know you’ve been missing me. I do, and I’ve missed the internet surfers too. I apologize for the lack of blogging as of late but a few projects have kept me away from the computer box.


Okay with that out of the way let’s continue with this Hi-Definition hullabaloo. Today we’re talking about the biggest myth I hear on an almost daily basis: You can only use an airbrush to do makeup for hi-definition.

This is not true.

To start dispelling this nasty rumor let’s get one things straight. A good makeup artist knows that blending is their best friend. If you can blend well, you can do hi-def makeup without an airbrush.

I’ve keyed an entire hi-definition project and never once picked up my airbrush. The foundations I used: Gerda Spillman, RCMA, and Cinema Secrets. Yep, they all worked beautifully on all of my talent.

Where did this "Airbrush Only" myth come from, you ask?

1. Airbrushing is the ‘new thing’. Yes, it’s been around for a few years now, but I always have people coming in saying they NEED to learn how to airbrush.

While it’s always nice to have another skill under your belt, it doesn’t have to take over everything you know that is basic. What happens when that brush clogs and you’ve only got two minutes before your client needs to be out of your chair? Don’t get me wrong, airbrushes are great (we’ll get to that in the next point. Keep in mind that makeup is a business. Remember sometimes there’s a lot of hype about the next big thing.

2. Airbrushing is faster. This is true. Airbrushing can be much faster to apply than spending the time you might need to blend by hand.

While it can be faster in application, you really need to be familiar with the products you’re using and how to properly use the machine. This includes keeping it from becoming clogged, the proper air pressure so you don’t harm your client’s skin, and careful use around the eyes and nose area so as not to have your clients inhale the makeup.

KEY NOTE: If you’re heavy handed with a makeup sponge you can still blend the makeup down. If you’re heavy handed with an airbrush your client looks like caked plasticine. In any case, if you’re heavy handed with a makeup sponge, you’ll tend to be heavier handed with an airbrush.

Overall, when it comes to choosing whether to airbrush for hi-definition or not it comes down the same thing it does with all makeup: Skill level and familiarity. Neither is truly the right or wrong way to apply makeup—it’s about the artist.

Remember what "everyone" says isn’t always the truth.