Bridal Makeup: To Airbrush or Not?

By Clare R. Lopez

From deciding between lemon or mocha cake filling to an empire or drop-waist dress, you make a ton of decisions while planning a wedding. And it's not always easy, especially when it comes to how you'll look when you finally make your way down the aisle. After all, it's the big reveal that everyone -- especially you -- has been waiting for.

While your guests may first notice your gown, their gaze will next go to your face and it's (hopefully) immaculate complexion. But will they see the same fresh face hours later when you're the head of the conga line? Maybe not -- since traditional makeup can fade without frequent touchups. If you want to skip stressing over your face, airbrush makeup might be an option to consider.

Spray-on makeup isn't just for stars prepping for a full day of filming anymore. And when it's done right, it looks natural, feels light, and lasts longer. But for those that have never sat down for an airbrush session, choosing between this method and the makeup you're familiar with isn't a simple call to make. So we went to the experts -- makeup artist Levi Vieira and TEMPTU Lead Global Artist Cory Bishop -- to find out what you should know before you take the leap.

- With normal makeup, applying and blending each product to perfection can eat up time. But "airbrush makeup does all the blending for you," says Bishop, so it's much faster to apply.

- Over-applying is a common mistake. Since airbrush makeup blends automatically, spraying until you see the product is not the way to go. "We must focus on the flaws while we are applying it, and we need to stop when we no longer see those flaws on the skin," says Vieira. So do a trial run with your makeup artist to make sure you're comfortable with her technique before your wedding.

- There are different applications to choose from, but Bishop and Vieira agree that opting for blush, bronzer, and foundation is key. "Airbrushing the complexion is the most important thing for your wedding day," says Bishop. You can use regular makeup for your eyeshadow, liner, etc.

- Find out which formula will be best for you in particular. Vieira recommends trying a silicone-based one, which he uses on his clients. He says, "Silicone helps disguise pores and lines -- because it's a filler -- and it is long-wearing. It will stay in place all day without oxidizing."

- Rest assured that anyone can wear airbrushed makeup. Vieira has used it on acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin types. If you have oily skin and want more of a matte finish, he suggests using powder on top of the makeup to fully achieve this look.

- The seamless application process makes for a flawless look both in person and on camera. "Not just in professional photographs, either," notes Bishop. "Think of all the camera phone pictures friends and family are taking as well."

- Removing airbrush makeup is easier than you might expect. Bishops suggests using a makeup removal wipe first and then cleaning your face as you normally would.