How to Make Your Own Makeup Airbrush System
Airbrushing is a way to obtain a flawless appearance to your makeup. It can be used for foundation or for an entire makeup, depending on your level of skill. There are many airbrush makeup systems available to purchase, but it can be less expensive to assemble your own. The system breaks down to four components: the airbrush gun, the air source, the attachment hardware and the makeup product. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase an airbrush gun. There are many available, but the important thing is to get one that operates well at a low PSI--pounds per square inch--and can handle fine detail. Currently Iwata makes the airbrushes of choice for professional makeup artists. They're a bit more expensive, but you get what you pay for.
-
2
Purchase a small air compressor. These can be found at most hardware stores. You want one with a built-in pressure gauge for adjusting the air pressure in PSI. It should also be relatively quiet so it doesn't drive you nuts.
-
-
3
Attach the airbrush to the compressor with a hose (one should be included with the airbrush).
-
4
Plug in and turn on the compressor.
-
5
Depress the trigger on the airbrush to get the air flowing. With the trigger pressed, adjust the pressure on the compressor to between eight and 12 PSI--any less and the makeup won't spray; any more and you'll fill the air with a haze of makeup particles.
Always adjust the PSI while spraying air for an accurate pressure reading.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
There are many brands of airbrush makeup, or you can make your own by adding a thinner to liquid makeup. Check ingredients for what kind of thinner to use. If it is water-based, use distilled water. If it is silicone--or dimethicone--based, use silicone thinning fluid available at professional makeup stores.
Only airbrush in a well-ventilated area. If the room fills with makeup haze, leave at once and let it air out. You don't want to breathe the stuff.
Hold your breath while working around your nose.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit face to face image by Melanie von Snarly from Fotolia.com
