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Airbrush makeup seems intimidating as heck, let's be real. I mean, back in the day (like, uh, ten years ago), using an airbrush kit to apply foundation, blush, bronzer, or highlighter was one of those next-level things that seemed only accessible to makeup artists, celebrities, or people with a lotta money, skill, and time. Which, like, when you think about how clunky and confusing they used to be, any hesitation was pretty valid. But it's 2022, and today's airbrush makeup can be as simple or as professional as you want, depending on the kit and product you choose.
Take it from me: I’ve tried airbrush makeup on myself with zero guidance (and a whole lot of video tutorials), and on my very first nervous try, my foundation and blush looked smooth and surprisingly natural, like I had a real-life filter. Which, you know, is exactly the point. Still, the whole concept of airbrushing your makeup can feel intense and confusing, which is why we broke down what you need to know about airbrush vs. traditional makeup, along with the best airbrush makeup kits of 2022.
If your eyes are already glazing over and you just want a quick look at the goods, check out a few of my favorite airbrush makeup kits, below.
Our top picks for the best airbrush makeup kits of 2022
Now, keep scrolling to find out what to look for in a good airbrush makeup product, plus the full breakdown of the best products on the market from Amazon and Sephora, below.
Pros
- Super simple application process
Cons
- A bit difficult to clean, some users say
If you're new to the whole airbrush makeup game, why not start with a kit that doesn't have a million bells and whistles and instead is super beginner-friendly? This one by Mineral Air comes with a super portable, small machine, airbrush cleaner, and a foundation shade of your choice. Plus, thanks to its one-touch dispensing system, you'll get a super-even application.
THE REVIEW: "I got this product about two years ago, and loved it so so much! The foundation provided amazing coverage and was shockingly lightweight. I didn't feel greasy! The spraying tool was awesome and easy to use, yet a little tough to get fully clean. It lasted me about two years before it stopped working, but it was definitely worth the money because I got a LOT of use out of it!" reads one tester's review.
Pros
- Affordable foundation compared to other, more expensive options
Cons
- Needs a lot more shade options
Interested in dipping your toes in the airbrush makeup world but don't want to ball out on a whole machine? Enter: The Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation, which is only $20 and pretty comparable to another $$$ airbrush foundation that also happens to be on this list. Pro tip: I find that I get a more even application when I apply it to the back of my end and blend it out with a brush or a sponge.
THE REVIEW: "I love this airbrush foundation so much! I have used the Dior version and this is comparable and has a much better price point! It blends easily and sits beautifully on the skin!" writes one customer.
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Pros
- The airflow is easy to control
Cons
- The charge doesn't last as long as advertised
Need an airbrush machine that you can take on the go when you don't have access to an outlet? You, my friend, need to invest in a battery-operated system, like this cute rose gold bb. But the best part about this airbrush machine? It comes with three different air pressure options, which is pretty fancy for this tiny little device (!)
THE REVIEW: "I have tried several different brands, and paid a lot of money for what was supposed to be a great system, only to have them fail. This one—from right out of the box—is better. It has three settings and is easy to clean. I use to apply my makeup, and the finish is flawless due to the hands-off approach. This product gets 5 stars," one customer writes.
Pros
- Very beginner friendly
Cons
- The foundations included may not hold up to humidity, some reviewers say
This airbrush makeup kit has almost 5,400 glowing reviews on Amazon, and for good reason: It’s a pretty professional-looking device for a relatively affordable price. It comes with six light-to-medium foundation shades (there’s also a deep-shade set and a medium-shade set), a blush, bronzer, highlighter, and a hydrating primer, so you can do a whole damn lewk at once.
THE REVIEW: "This was the best package I found. The variety of foundation is generous compared to others, and it looks like I'll have an easier time matching my skin tone. THANK YOU FOR THE CLEANER!! The instructions are very straightforward, and I'm sure almost anyone can understand. Airbrush foundation is pretty easy to apply, just need to practice a bit. This is a great, affordable way for beginners to start!" writes one tester.
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Pros
- Great shade range
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can clog up so you need to be diligent about cleaning it
The Temptu Air is the first airbrush makeup tool I used on my own with zero help (though a lot of instructional reading), and I still managed to get a pretty ~flawless~ foundation base. It’s cordless, lightweight, and easy: Just load one of the foundation cartridges (which comes in 20 diff shades) into the device and use one of the three speeds to mist your face.
THE REVIEW: "I am in love with this product—I am 40 years old and I have very oily skin with dry patches at times. [This product lasted] 10 hours with absolutely no touch-ups or blotting. After a normal day of wearing my regular makeup, my skin is so oily that the makeup looks cakey by the end of the day. I will also note that I am highly allergic to makeup and most facial products, and I have had no reaction to this product. I will never go back to wearing anything else," one customer's review reads.
Pros
- Primer, blush, and highlighter included
Cons
- Some reviewers with porcelain skin found that the lightest shade was still too dark for them
One of the most annoying things about airbrush makeup kits? They don’t always have the best shade ranges. But this kit from Luminess comes in deep, tan, warm, medium, and fair, with four different shades and undertones included in each kit. Basically, it’s impossible not to get a perfect-looking base, especially when you pair it with the included moisturizing primer, blush, and highlighter.
THE REVIEW: "It is ridiculously easy. I felt silly for being so nervous. I have never airbrushed anything before, and I honestly was pretty pleased with my first attempt. Just go slow and go light. The color matching was simple. I was surprised by how quickly I was able to put it on. The blush was a little trickier and I botched it so that will need some more practice, but I LOVED the foundation results. It is not heavy on your skin, it doesn’t rub off on clothes, plus there's no overspray on my hairline or shirt or all over the bathroom," one tester writes.
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Pros
- Everything you need comes in the kit
Cons
- Reviews say you need a primer with this makeup or you will not get the desired results
Another Amazon favorite, this airbrush makeup kit has 2,600 reviews and, despite being $150, comes with a wild number of products and goodies. I’m talkin’ 17 foundation shades (from fair, medium, tan, and dark ranges that can also be used to contour and brighten), a blush, bronzer, highlighter, finishing and setting sprays, four pot concealers, and six makeup sponges. It’s truly a makeup lover’s dream.
THE REVIEW: "The Belloccio Airbrush Makeup System had it all. First, I love the silver compressor instead of those white plastic ones; it looks pretty and I can keep it out on my counter...the system comes with everything you need to really use a water-based airbrush system. There’s also a finishing spray to make sure your makeup lasts on your face, and a bottle of cleaning solution for the stylus. Now that's pretty thorough. So, it comes with a lot of products, and at a great price point too," writes one customer.
Pros
- comes with an assortment of makeup types and colors
Cons
- The set up and clean up process can be super long
Unlike most airbrush makeup formulas that are filled with silicone, this kit from Dinair is water-based, so it lightly hydrates your face while leaving a matte finish. Not only that, but this kit is also stacked with a machine cleaner, a skin moisturizer, three matte lipsticks, 15 different foundation shades, four eyeshadows, three highlighters, and two brow shades. Truly, an all-in-one kit.
THE REVIEW: "The makeup is lightweight and not heavy once applied. It does take some playing to get the exact shade you want, but once done, it is a better match than I've ever had before. In fact, this makeup continues to perform even with humidity—something you simply can't get with most traditional foundations," writes one customer.
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Pros
- Great shade range options
Cons
- If you have dry skin, you need to moisturize beforehand or it may cling to dry patches
The key to getting a super realistic-looking finish with airbrush makeup is making sure your foundation matches your skin's undertone as closely as possible. Enter: this kit, which comes with 24 shades, so you can add a bit of pink or coral for warmer skin tones, or mauve for cooler skin tones.
THE REVIEW: "This kit comes with a bag filled with various colors of makeup foundation, concealer, blush colors, and bronzer...it was very easy to use and set up. The YouTube video that Aeroblend uploaded shows you how to completely clean the device. It is quite easy and quick which is very important for my lifestyle. The finish is a smooth, matte finish and the color was perfect.
Pros
- 30 adjustable airflow speeds
Cons
- Some customers had trouble with the eyeshadow pods locking into place
You can't talk airbrush makeup without talking about Temptu. It's one of the most well-known and well-loved airbrush brands for a reason: the formulas spray on like silk, and the systems are surprisingly user-friendly. Though they have a cult-favorite beginner kit (yes, that's included on this list), this airbrush system comes with a 12-pack foundation kit (plus a cleaning system), so you can highlight, define, and contour your face using a mix of shades to match your skin's undertones.
THE REVIEW: "I saw the Temptu on YouTube and decided to give it a try before giving up on airbrushing altogether, and I am so glad I did! It is so much better than [other brands]. The gun is made ten times better, and all the parts, down to the hose, are made of exceptional quality. Also, Temptu, I understand, makes their makeup with a silicone-based formula, which isn't as cakey as other airbrush makeup. You build layers, which are called 'passes,' which create a very natural, but full coverage finish," one review reads.
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Pros
- Doesn't settle into fine lines or creases
Cons
- May need a few passes before you get desired coverage result
Machines not your thing, but neither is spending a ton of money on a single product? I get it. If you want to tiptoe into the world of airbrush makeup before fully committing, try this five-piece kit that includes an airbrush primer, foundation, and setting spray, along with two stiff blending brushes to help buff any excess foundation into your skin before setting it.
THE REVIEW: "I got this after seeing a few people review it on TikTok so I figured I’d give it a whirl since the price was good. Boy am I glad I did! It’s so light and comfortable on the skin and doesn’t settle into the fine lines on my forehead. I can’t recommend this stuff enough!! It’s perfect for everyday wear. I’m not a daily makeup wearer but I might be now—especially with the price!" one tester writes.
Pros
- Lightweight yet still provides great coverage
Cons
- testers say you run out of product rather quickly
Yes, this can is expensive, but hello—it's also Dior. If you want to feel like a celebrity and use one of the best-selling, O.G. airbrush foundations, then I highly recommend trying this spray formula. Just mist it across your face, and you'll get a soft, diffused finish that lasts all day (especially when layered over a makeup primer). Maybe this is on your next birthday wishlist, yeah?
THE REVIEW: "This is the best combination of a lightweight feel, yet great coverage that I've ever found. A professional makeup artist told me that the camera can see things the eye cannot. She said not to wear mineralized makeup or SPF products when on video. Since I teach and speak online, I listened to her. Also, regular foundation just settled into facial lines when I got older. Even if I were not using this foundation to be on video, I'd still use it," one customer wrote.
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Pros
- Comes with a great assortment of fun, bright colors
Cons
- The makeup feels sticky on the skin before it dries down
If you want to try airbrush makeup primarily for ~fun~ (think: Halloween makeup, bright eyeshadow looks, etc.), then try this kit that comes with the usual suspects (stick concealer, liquid foundation, setting powder, and lipstick), but also a mix of bright, vibrant eyeshadow shades in yellow, blue, green, purple, and metallic.
THE REVIEW: "It takes time to get the hang of it, but overall, the makeup looks good. Upon application, the makeup doesn’t smell bad. When it's still wet, it feels slightly sticky, but that goes away when it dries down. Great value for the money—overall it’s good for me and I recommend it!" writes one tester.
Pros
- Though it's marketed for the legs, it can be used on other parts of the body
Cons
- Will apply streaky if you don't spray at the appropriate distance
Technically, any airbrush makeup kit can be used on your face and body, but if you’ve got, say, a wedding this weekend and no time (or patience) to figure out a device, maaaaay I remind you of the O.G. body airbrusher? This drugstore favorite is, and will always be, my favorite formula for giving legs and arms a little bronzed glow while fully covering up the random bruises I always seem to have on my shins (why tho). Truly the best body bronzer.
THE REVIEW: "The color you achieve after putting it on is the color it will stay because it does not develop over time like a sunless tanner. This makes it very easy to get flawless even coverage. The coverage I have achieved is not complete coverage, but it does vastly improve discolorations and unsightly veins. The improvement is enough that I feel comfortable when my legs are visible. I have received many compliments saying my legs have never looked so good!" one review reads.
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Pros
- Great for pale skin to achieve a natural-looking tan
Cons
- May fade unevenly if you don't exfoliate properly
Honestly, if you’re just here for a good time and a quick bronze, then you might not even need to go the full-on airbrush foundation route at all—especially if you’re planning to focus the color on your body. Instead, try this tinted self-tanning mist, which gives you an immediate glow (without any glitter or intense scent) while leaving you with a soft tan after 4-6 hours.
THE REVIEW: "I bought this in light-medium along with a double-sided tanning mitt for a wedding. I am incredibly pale and this actually left a very natural-looking tan. It showed up a little dark the first night it developed, but after I showered, it faded just enough to look tan and not orange. I found it does not have as strong of an odor as other self-tanners out there, and it dried very quickly," one tester's review reads.
Can you use any foundation with an airbrush machine?
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.
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What are the benefits of airbrush makeup?
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.
How to choose the best airbrush makeup:
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.
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Why trust Cosmo?
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.
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Chloe Metzger
Deputy Beauty Director
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.