Airbrush makeup

A makeup artist applies foundation to a models face with an airbrush.

Airbrush makeup is makeup sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush instead of being applied with sponges, brushes, fingers, or other methods. It is popular in film, theater, and sunless tanning; although systems designed for personal cosmetic use in the home are also available. Airbrush systems designed for these purpose are usually smaller and work at a lower pressures than systems used in industrial applications. The technique was first used in 1925 on actors in Ben Hur and has since grown in popularity in the entertainment business.

History and uses

Further information: Airbrush

The first airbrush was patented in 1876 by Francis Edgar Stanley. Abner Peerler is credited for creating and patenting his own airbrush in 1879, which he specifically named "Air Brush". Peerler’s airbrush was created from a hand-operated compressor that included spare parts from a jeweler’s workshop. Initially, the device was created for artistic purposes, such as painting watercolors, but over time, it adopted multiple purposes.

Four years after Peerler first developed his device, a company named Liberty Walkup began to market his invention. In 1893, Thayer and Chandler presented the first modern airbrush at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. The design, which resembled a pen, was developed by Charles Burdick. Today airbrushes are still developed and sold in England by Aerograph, Burdick’s original company. In 1925, an airbrush was used to enhance the looks of actors in Ben-Hur. Since that time, they have been used by Hollywood filmmakers.

Airbrush makeup is used on several areas of the body such as the face and eye lids. It can also be used as a form of body makeup, covering bruises and scars. Some airbrush makeup manufacturers have created airbrush tanning systems, which gives a bronzed glow.

Ingredients

Airbrush cosmetics are usually thin and highly pigmented. Film formers may be added for increased durability, depending on the formulation. As with most liquid or cream cosmetic formulations, the ingredients breakdown usually consists of pigments, resins, solvents; and additives.

Pigments used include Chromium Oxide Green, D&C Red #6 Barium Lake, Red #7 Calcium Lake, Red #28, Yellow #10; FD&C Yellow #5, Red #40, Red #28, Blue #1; Iron Oxides, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Ultramarine Blue, or Ultramarine Pink.

External links

http://airbrushclasses.com Teaching Airbrush for 15 years worldwide

• FDA Summary of Color Additives for Use in United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices