ROCKCANDY AIRBRUSH MAKEUP review and video tutorial

Rock Candy Airbrush Makeup

Introducing Rock Candy Airbrush

Based in California, Rock Candy Beauty is the first new airbrush makeup brand to come into the post pandemic market. Founded by former TV producer and beauty entrepreneur Kathy Burke, RockCandy offers a product with a formulation focussed on vegan, organic, cruelty free and clean ingredients. More than makeup, better than skincare is Rock Candy's ambitious claim, which I was lucky to be able to put to the test in the last few months.  

The Product Lineup

Rock Candy offers 16 shades of  foundation produced in both a matte and a satin line. The product lineup is rounded up by two blush colors, two highlighers (illuminators) and two bronzer shades.The foundations are available in 7.5, 15 and 30 ml sizes (1/4 oz, 1/2 oz and 1 oz) and the other colors in 7.5 and 15 ml sizes. Also available is a Setting Spray (15 ml or 50 ml) and a 120 ml cleaning solution. 

The kit that Rock Candy offers is a standard, 3 pressure setting compressor with a generic airbrush. The compressor has a stated maximum output of 25 PSI., 10 LPM (liters of air per minute). The kit comes in a very nice packaging with a few of little extras that will delight the average consumer. 

There is a very reasonably price starter kit option that includes the tools and four foundation colors, and then there are several more purchasing options for the makeup, including a complete line bundle aimed at professionals. 

My experience with Rock Candy

I was truly happy to see a new brand emerge in what has been a very difficult period for the beauty industry and the whole world. The great courage and effort that it must take at any time to launch an alternative product deserves even more kudos for the timing in which this effort was carried out. I like how Rock Candy presents itself, and the great care it shows both in the formulation and the packaging. 

As stated, the Rock Candy formula aims to deliver high quality makeup with organic, vegan, cruelty free and clean ingredients. The many certifications the brand went through attest to the quality of the ingredients (posted below). The formula is of course water based and very rich in plant based components. It has a light but rich consistency and a viscosity that is low enough for the product to run through any airbrush set up without any worries. The coverage is comparable to other water based products in the market, while the two available finishes differ significantly. The matte formula is a luminous matte that creates a very natural (if not completely indetectable) result. The satin line has a texture that is very similar to silicone based products, it is more obvious on the skin and is definitely dewy, which is excellent if you like this finish. The color range is excellent for light to medium skin tones, while it probably could use an expansion of a few additional darker shades for deeper tones, but don't forget that as always with airbrush makeup, every shade can be mixed to achieve near -infinite color combinations.

Several reviewers have found issues with the staying power of the foundation and the texture. I can concur that the transfer and rub resistance of the products as applied with the Rock Candy airbrush kit is below what we have come to expect from airbrush makeup standards, especially for the Satin line, but (and it is a huge "but") we can't forget that the natural and vegan formulation must impose a slight compromise. Moreover, these problems are easily corrected with the use of the Rock Candy setting spray and a setting fine powder (Rock Candy is about to launch its own). Having tested the products with different tools, I have come to believe that this brand's choice of compressor and airbrush, while perfectly fine for the general consumer, may not be up to standard for professional use. The products performs a lot better when applied in very light layers at a higher pressure than the Rock Candy compressor is able to produce. With a finer nebulization, the Rock Candy formula can give its best results, and become a very valid alternative for those who wish to use on themselves, or offer their clients, a formula of such high standards. 

I would definitely encourage my fellow airbrush artists to give this product a chance, as it can become a very good asset for a makeup artist who works with a more natural minded clientele. Another product I would encourage fellow muas and personal users alike to try are the blush, highlighter and bronzer tones. These have beautiful tones, great pigmentation and sparkle, and very good resistance too, so much that they can be used as eyeshadows with no problems, like I did in the featured video tutorial. I definitely hope that Rock Candy will expand on the shade range available for this product in the future. 

Rock Candy INCI (ingredients) and Swatches

Matte Finish: Water, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Benzyl Alcohol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Acrylates/Octylcrylamide Copolymer, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract, Jojoba Esters, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tromethamine, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Camellia Sinensis Callus Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Phyllostachys Pubescens Meristem Cell Lysate , Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499). 

Satin Finish: Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Brassica Napus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Lineolate/Oleoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acrylates/Octylcrylamide Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Mica, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract, Jojoba Esters, Tromethamine, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Salicylic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis Callus Extract, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Phyllostachys Pubescens Meristem Cell Lysate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499). 

Rock Candy Foundation Swatches

Rock Candy Foundation Swatches

Rock Candy Blush, Bronzer, Illuminator Swatches

Temptu SilkSphere Airbrush Makeup Review -With Full Face Step by Step Video Tutorial

 

100% Temptu Airbrush Makeup with SilkSphere

Background -The SilkSphere foundation was created in 2009 to complement the launch of the first Temtpu kit for consumers. The product came exclusively in Airpod format, i.e. a pre-filled capsule that would attach to a proprietary airbrush and that could be used until empty without any need for maintenance, giving the customers all the advantages of airbrush makeup without any of the perceived drawbacks, such as tools maintenance and cleaning. The formula was had a very dewy finish and was engineered to be user friendly, so it would remain very malleable after application in order to allow the home user to easily fix any mistakes. It had a very distinctive floral scent, which was problematic for some, including myself, but was already remarkable for its unprecedented coverage and for the fact that it was an all-in-one product, not needing any primer, concealer or color corrector.  SilkSphere was reformulated in 2015 to coincide with the launch of  what is now the very popular battery operated, palm top device Temptu Air. The shade range was slightly revised and the floral scent significantly diminished, but it remained available only in Airpod format, which meant that you would not be able to use it with a traditional airbrush. 

New Release -This year after some wait, no doubt due in large part to the market difficulties created by the global pandemic, Temptu was finally able to update the formula once again and to release it at long last in bottle format, allowing everybody to experience it regardless of their preferred tools. 

Range and Formula -The new SilkSphere is available again in 18 proprietary shades that will match any skin tone, with a good color consistency when compared to the previous version. Many of the colors have a very neutral undertone to reduce the need to mix tones, as they were initially created for the Airpod cartridges which did not allow for direct mixing, and this makes using them very easy. Having said that, there are now hues with a decidedly warm or cool undertone as well, so you can achieve any amount of precision needed in your color matching. The finish of the formula is still dewy, however this should not scare anyone who is used to matte foundation, because ultimately the amount of glow will depend on each individual complexion, and because any perceived shine can be easily mattified with the lightest pass of any fine HD powder (such as Temptu's own Invisible Difference). The new SilkSphere feels finer than its previous versions, but still retains its high coverage and its all-in-one characteristic, needing no priming, no concealing and no color correcting in most cases. Probably for this very reason, the formula's texture is a little more obvious than that of thinner airbrush foundations, but it still feels lighter than traditional products and looks perfect on its first passes, achieving a finish that would require quite a lot more work and skill to match using a traditional product.

In the video tutorial below I am showing you a step by step total look achieved using SilkSphere in bottle form for foundation and the Perfect Canvas range in AirPod for everything else.

  

Silksphere vs other Temptu Formulas -Compared to the other Temptu foundations, Silksphere ranks second to Perfect Canvas for shade selection, first in dewiness and first in viscosity, being the "thickest" of the three, but the difference with SB in this respect is barely perceptible. Lastly, but no less importantly for some, the floral scent is now completely gone, making the product application pleasantly scent free. As for the format, the choice is now up to you. The Airpod capsules allow for perfect dispensation every time, and while decidedly more expensive, the pod system means that you will achieve an optimal result using far less product. The bottle format price is significantly lower, and allows you to use this product with any tool and to mix the shades freely. Temptu's 1/4 oz /7.5 ml starter kits, available for this line in pack of six colors each, mean that everybody can experience this formula with a very reasonable investment. 

My Opinion -As for my personal, unsponsored opinion, I have been a huge fan and advocate of this product for years, and I could not be happier and more grateful for this new reboot. I especially like to use this formula on problematic skin, where I have never needed to color correct or conceal thanks to SilkSphere's exceptional coverage. The extraordinary luminosity of this formula makes it a truly transformative makeup, and the only one that actually does conceal fine lines and rough texture. Because of this its silicone component, I would personally not recommend  the daily use of this product on very acneic, irritation-prone skin, but for special occasions there is no other product that will allow you to achieve the same wow factor in as little time and with as little effort, so much so that I like to call SilkSphere "model skin in a bottle".

Temptu SilkSphere Ingredients (INCI): AQUA, CYCLOME-THICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, DIME- THICONE, 1,4-BUTANEDIOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PEG/PPG-20/15 DIMETHICONE; ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, BENZYL BENZOATE, COUMARIN, DISTEARD- IMONIUM HECTORITE, ETHYLHEXYL- GLYCERIN, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, LINALOOL, PARFUM, PHENOXYETHANOL, POLY- ETHYLENE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, SILICA, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, [+/-:CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891]

Graftobian GlamAire & F/X Aire Airbrush Makeup Kit Review -With Video Tutorial

Graftobian Walk Around Airbrush Kit

Graftobian's GlamAire is the most extensive line of foundations for airbrush in the world, with a staggering 58 separate shades divided in warm, cool and neutral tones. To complement the foundation line anoter 6 blush tones, 6 adjusters and 6 color corrector are available. If you wish to play with colors for more editorial or creative projects, or if you want to try doing a full beauty look using only your airbrush, there are another 68 colors from the F/X Aire line, offering you endless possibilities.

As far as equipment goes, Graftobian offers several solutions catering to every need, from the very portable kit for beauty makeup to to the very powerful options for body painting competitions. Almost seven years ago I reviewed Graftobian and the Walk Around Kit in detail on these pages. I am now very happy to have another chance to play with these beautiful products and create the look you see in the video and in the unretouched photos on this page, and to offer an updated review of the line from a more experienced perspective. 

The GlamAire and F/X Aire lines are so extensive that approaching a color choice can seem a bit daunting to the novice. An amazing aspect of the foundations is that every color also exists in cream form in Graftobian's celebrated HD Crème Palettes, so if you are familiar or have access to that product, choosing shades for your airbrush collection should be very easy. There are also three very convenient sampler packs, the GlamAire Beauty sets, which feature five shades from each group (Cool, Warm and Neutral), accompanied by a plastic palette with the corresponding five shades in cream form. These will make a great starter set for beginners, who will appreciate having the cream foundations to use on parts of the face that maybe a little more difficult to airbrush such as the under eye area. The GlamAire Formula is very fluid and the pigments extremely fine. This means that your airbrush is unlikely to ever clog or have any running issues while spraying these products. The makeup is water based and silicone and alcohol free, so it will feel very light on the skin, which should be prepped as normal with just a light moisturiser or ideally a silicone free primer to ensure maximum staying power. The formula is water resistant and won't budge from humidity or perspiration. Its matte finish is not too opaque, and the skin will balance everything out within a few minutes from application. For most shades, a few seconds will be necessary after spraying for the product to set and oxidize and reveal its true tone. Because of its lightness and fluidity, the product needs to be sprayed at a very low pressure and coverage will be achieved by layering several light passes, so it's important that you don't rush your application and that you step back between passes to observe what is happening, rather than expect an immediate result. The reward will be an ultra natural, HD proof finish that you can see on the 100% unfiltered photo right here in this paragraph. 

The F/X Aire line is where the fun really begins. This formula is an alcohol/water hybrid is available in a wonderful selection of shades, from primary colors to neon tones that will glow under UV lights, to a selection of skin tones for a more water proof and rub resistant finish and for body makeup. The percentage of alcohol is so delicate that the colors can be used safely around the eye area (of course providing that the eyes are kept closed during application), and they can be mixed without any problems with the foundation and blush tones of the GlamAire line to create eyeshadow looks that range from neutral tones to highly pigmented fashion statements. In the video demo included in this review I have even used straight Black to create a fast eyeliner, with no discomfort whatsoever experienced by my model who has sensitive skin. This line was of course created for body painting, special effects and body art, and incredible effects can be achieved by using the wide range of stencils (the famous Bad Ass stencil line) also produced by Graftobian. 

The Walk Around System is the kit that I have used for this application. Once again I reviewed these tools in my previous article a few years back, but I can say here that the kit stood the test of time very well, being a solid and powerful piece of equipment, which can handle not only Graftobian-s own product, but also all the other brands of airbrush makeup as well, allowing maximum creative freedom for the artist. The enclosed battery did eventually die after a few years and many charging cycles, but you can buy a replacement on Graftobian's website, or if that should be problematic (I live in Europe and batteries don't ship well overseas) keep in mind that the casing houses a standard battery pack that can be easily replaced by a dedicated store or electrically gifted friend. 

Originated in 1978, Graftobian is still a family run business and a wonderful company with a heart. I am lucky to have met the current owner, Eric Coffman, who collaborated with luminaries such as Brad Look, Suzanne Patterson and Mary Erickson (who I am privileged to count among my friends), to devise products and lines that have become staples in many an artist's kit at an international level. As unbiased as this review is, I do regard this company as an essential contributor to the world of beauty, and personally as a revered part of Americana.

100% Graftobian Airbrush Makeup, unfiltered and unretouched

Graftobian GlamAire INCI (Ingredients):  

Water, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, TEA(Triethanolamine), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyhexylglycerin, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron, Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288)

Graftobian F/X Aire INCI (Ingredients): 

SD Alcohol 40-B, Water, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Mica, Red 28 (CI 45410), Orange 5 (CI 45370), Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730)

Is airbrush makeup ready for Ultra HD? Marc Harvey Beauty review and video tutorial.

Full Face Airbrush Makeup with MHB Cosmetics

Marc Harvey is a very well known face in the airbrush makeup world, having been the brand ambassador for the popular brand Luminess, heavily advertised on US television network. After that experience he created another brand called Elementwo that is popular on the Asian markets, and finally he moved on to create his own brand, Marc Harvey Beauty, which debuted just a few years ago and which offers a range of products for airbrushing, a series of skin care products and some traditional makeup complements for eyes and lips. 

This new airbrush line offers a foundation range with 20 colors catering to every skin tone and every ethnicity, plus 4 shimmer colors, six blush tones and two bronzers. 

The airbrush products are available individually on the website in .5 oz (14 ml) bottles, or as trial bundles of .25 oz (7 ml) bottles that are also offered in a Starter Airbrush kit combination with a compressor and airbrush package. This review will concentrate on the makeup, as I have not received the tools, however I can confidently say that given its light texture and high fluidity, the makeup can be successfully applied with any and all beauty airbrush systems out there, regardless of the brand. 

In line with Marc's passion for skin care, this water/alcohol hybrid airbrush formula is rich in botanical ingredients that include cucumber, green tea, rosehip oil extracts, neroli, jojoba and orange peel oils and witch hazel. These are preserved in a water base with a 14% presence of organic alcohol, which serves both as preservative for the other elements, as an astringent, and to ensure the makeup's durability once applied. 

The airbrush makeup line is called Exclusive Air Ultra HD. The name is interesting enough, because it implies that the product is natural looking and imperceptible enough to hold up to the Ultra HD camera. From a professional stand point, this means that the makeup should offer efficient coverage without creating any texture, which is the claim of most airbrush brands out there. So, does the product live up to its own name? In short, yes it does, and the results are excellent.  You can view how I applied to obtain the look in these photos and read my pro tips in the video tutorial included here, then read on for my own thoughts and opinions on this formula.

The formula is the thinnest, least viscous product I ever put through my airbrush. After only a pass it's hard to see any difference at all in the skin, but right here lies its beauty: you can build the application very slowly and subtly, zooming in on more problematic areas first and then using wider, more far away passes, and you hardly ever run the risk of creating unsightly concentration of product (hot spots). All you have to do is take a few seconds and a virtual step back from the process between passes in order to assess how your skin is changing. Once you have reached the desired coverage, you will be amazed by the total lack of texture on the skin. You will see the skin concealed and improved, without feeling or seeing the presence of virtually any product at all, and there will be zero highlighting of problematic areas, even of the fine skin around the eyes. While the airbrush product can be integrated with traditional concealer either under or over the airbrushed application, it is my experience that with careful layering you will not need any concealer at all, and as an added bonus you will not have to fear slippage in finer lines throughout the day. 

The finish of the product is a delicate matte outlook, which can easily support the use of hydrating finishing sprays on top. The durability is comparable to that of the best, more established airbrush formulas out there. The formula has no added perfume, and a faint scent derived from the natural ingredients will vanish right away after application. 

As far as the other complements I was able to try, the bronzer performed just as well as the foundation, and the shimmer colors were absolutely gorgeous, as you can see in the video. I look forward to shooting more content with this line, and I would like to invite you to check back on these pages soon for a very interesting interview with Marc as we induct him in our very own Airbrush Makeup Hall of Fame. 

How to airbrush a full face with Temptu Air and Airpod Pro -with video tutorial

 

100% Airbrush Makeup using Temptu Air & Airpod Pro

It has been a while since I talked about airbrushing makeup with Temtpu Air, the ground breaking hand held system developed by Temptu about 5 years ago. This device was launched as a beauty makeup full replacement option for the traditional airbrush systems that have to be plugged to an outlet and are still sporting an air tube. The system can be used with pre filled single color cartriges called AirPods, or with an open top special cartridge called Airpod Pro that can be used like almost like the well of a traditional gravity feed airbrush, and allows the user to mix any color and any formula. 

After five years and still going very strong, Temptu was obviously onto something when they made this system available, many consumers and pros alike have included this device in their makeup kit, while others are more and more curious and above all wonder if this is a valid replacement for bulkier and heavier machines that are far more complicated to maintain. 

The whole idea behind the invention of the first line of single color AirPod cartriges back in the mid 2000 was to offer all the benefits of the airbrush application with none of the drawbacks, mainly airbrush cleaning and maintenance. After so many years, I can say that I have been a very happy user of the device, and while it hasn't replaced my traditional airbrush system, which I still prefer for precision and versatility, it has become a precious ally in my own kit, allowing me to save plenty of time in many a tight spot. 

The first product created with the AirPods, a foundation line called Silk Sphere, is still only available in that format. The product was update shortly after the launch of the Temptu Air applicator,  and as far as I am concerned is still one of the absolute best silicone base foundations out there, with its transformative all in one formula that acts as primer, concealer and foundation, and a luminous finish that takes years off even the most complicated skin texture. 

With the launch of Temptu Air, a new foundation line called Perfect Canvas was also created, and made available both in AirPod and in bottle form. Because this formula has a faster setting time than the classic S/B line by Temptu, it lends itself to a more versatile application even on smaller areas and textured skin, and is therefore much easier to use even for eyeshadow, creating subtle and beautiful blends. A short while after the release of the Air, Temptu launched an eye shadow (AirShadow) collection called Earth Stone, which featured a wonderfully usable selection of essential neutral and earthy tones. These colors can be complemented by the blush and highlighter colors available in the Perfect Canvas range to create more colorful looks, but now I can't wait for a more vibrant palette that should be released very soon. While we wait for this new color collections, I have played with the available tones to create the look you see in these photos.

In the video pasted below, I have created a full look using Temptu Air, from eyeshadow, contouring and blush down to highlighter and base. I have not used a single brush for this, not because I couldn't have, but simply to show the full potential of the tools and products. Of course avoiding brushes altogether is also faster, easier (at least for me), and more hygienic, which is a huge plus these days. The video is full of pro tips that illustrate what I am doing as I complete the look. 

As you will see, I have used the Airpod Pro "open top" cartridge to apply everything. I chose to do this both to be free to mix the colors as I wished, and because the colors in bottle format are decidedly less expensive than their single color AirPod counterparts. The Airpod Pro is easy to clean and maintain. When you first use it, it will need to be primed with a few drops of silicone cleaner in order to get it to perform correctly.  I would definitely advice buying a two pack so that you can have a spare one ready in case of temporary issues, and to be able to use a separate AirPod Pro if you wish to use a different based formula with it such as an alcohol base line or a waterbase product. So are the AirPod cartridges completely mainenance free? If you use them often and have a little care, I would say yes. If longer period of time occur beteween uses, however, they may tend to settle a bit and will need to be helped a little. This is not difficult nor lenghty, and with a bit of practice you will have no problems getting them to perform well again and use them up to their full potential. The video below teaches you my tricks in order to achieve just that. 

What's new at Dinair in 2020 -Airbrush Makeup Review

Dinair: The One Airbrush Kit

The whole airbrush makeup industry would not be what it is today if it wasn't for Dinair. When Dina Ousley and George Lampman created this brand in 1981, they where the first company dedicated exclusively to airbrush makeup, and the first to produce a line specifically for beauty airbrush makeup. The small revolution that they created in the industry continues until today with an incredibly dynamic approach where nothing stands still and innovation is the name of the game.

In the past we have covered Dinair's product lines extensively, and we will add a recap again at the end of this post for those who are approaching this brand for the first time, but now let's have a look at what is new for this year.

Compressor: Portability is the name of the game

Dinair started at the very beginning with a basic intuition: in airbrushing less is more. This applies to everything, from the amount of makeup you use to the size and weight of the tools you apply it with. Dinair's formula is specifically designed to be sprayed at very low pressure and with a lower flow ratio (liters of air per minute). Rather than using a third party manufacturer for their equipment, Dinair has designed and made its proprietary tools. Through the years the kits have become increasingly smaller and lighter, and when those two aspects couldn't be further improved, the machines have become battery operated for unrestricted portability. The flagship, variable speed Personal Pro compressor was joined this year by a battery operated version, the Pro Rechargeable, which is only slightly thicker and heavier and which retains the same specs but with the added benefit of the battery. Later in 2019 Dinair introduced its latest innovation: The Dinair One is a tiny hand held, cable and hose free system that is the smallest and lightest of its kind, with a pressure output set at the ideal strength for all Dinair fomulas. I am absolutely in love with this unit, and it has taken since taken the leading role in all my Dinair applications. Please read the full review here and watch me apply a complete makeup with it in the video below.

Airbrush: The best one yet

Dinair JX2 Airbrush

The One kit came with a surprise: the JX2 airbrush. This latest tool was quietly introduced on Dinair's website shortly after The One launched, and seems to have replaced the previous CX model. When I first saw it I thought this might have been a step back from the CX as the nozzle was a classic screw-on nozzle, while the CX had a conic one that could be taken out and reassembled by simple pressure. The fact is that after three months of extensive use with all the Dinair formulas, my JX2 is running as perfectly as the very first day, and I have not needed to take it apart at all for deep cleaning. The only maintenance I have done is the use of the Dinair Cleaning Caps at the end of each day of use. This consists of two silicone caps that come included with the airbrush, and that allow you to clean it very fast simply by pouring some Dinair cleaner in the airbrush and leaving it to work for a while, or even overnight.  The JX2 airbrush now comes with a warning notice that discourages you from attempting to disassemble it. While I am certainly not afraid to take an airbrush apart, I am happy to report that I simply never needed to do that with this one, and this is an absolute first in my airbrush history with any brand.

Makeup: The new Velvet foundation line

Dinair Velvet Foundation

With three foundation lines, a neutralizer, an extender and a tattoo cover product all declined in 22 matching shades (see below), I thought Dinair had one of the (if not the most) extensive range for skin out there. So when I heard about the addition of a further line called Velvet my first reaction was sceptical. Then I had a chance to try the product, and of course I saw exactly why it makes a great addition to the range. The finish of the Velvet foundation is exactly that: a soft, velvety quality that is right in between the lightness of the Glamour line and the high coverage of the Radiance range. While differences in the HD world of airbrush makeup are of course very subtle, Velvet provides a beautiful coverage that is more forgiving on difficult areas such as around the eyes, where it won't enhance fine lines at all if properly applied.

Makeup: New Eyeshadow  Colors

Dinair has an unrivalled range of eye shadow colors. The shades are not only beautiful, but their formulation has improved to the point of being totally crease free and water and rub resistant. Add the incredible pigmentation, which is buildable from sheer to crazy in a few quick passes, and you have a product which should take the world by storm if there was any justice or sense in the beauty industry. As I endeavour to demonstrate in all of my videos, the possibility offered by airbrush eyeshadow are simply breath taking, and it's a shame that more pro artist won't invest the little practice that airbrush eyeshadow requires to do it justice. Two amazing new collections have been added recently to the Colair Opalescent line: the Crystallized and the Venus collections These include opalescent, semi matte and downright sparkling colors that are simply unbelievable. Among them my all time favorite Venus, part of a selected few shades which sparkle as though they had been infused with diamond dust. This kind of shine is often found on powder palettes and I didn't think it was possible for airbrush, until I saw these shades. While they are produced right on site, not all the colors we mention may be available at some given point. The best way to find a specific color if you are looking for it is to input its name in the website's search field.

I could go on and on about Dinair's amazing products, but now it's time to provide new comers with a streamlined guide to the lines. I hope Dina and George will continue in their trailblazing, unparalleled endevour to "spray the world beautiful" for many years to come.

DISCLAIMER: This is an unsponsored, unpaid review based solely on my experience and opinion, like any other review on this website.
DISCLAIMER: Dinair airbrushes and compressor are designed to work exclusively with Dinair makeup. While the makeup itself can of course be used with any professional airbrush equipment, my opinions of the brand and its products are are borne out of strict compliance with their guidelines.

Dinair Product Guide for the uninitiated: 

Foundation Lines and Complements, all available in 20 matching shades, all inter-mixable 

-Natural: (AKA Glamour) the most natural finish, glamour offers the highest coverage with the lightest texture. Naturally matte finish.
-Velvet: As the name suggests, a soft focus, comfortable semi matte finish that works well even on delicate, textured skin areas.
-Matte: (AKA Colair Soft Glow) Light buildable coverage that is matte, yet luminous. Some prefer this line for bridal makeup.
-Satin: (AKA Colair Radiance) Luminous, intense coverage with improved comfort. Many prefer this line for mature skin.

Foundation Add Ons

-Neutralizer: (AKA Paramedical/Camouflage) This line has a small percentage of cosmetic alcohol that renders it more water and rub resistant. It is ideal to even out the skin and hide more visible imperfections before applying your preferred Dinair foundation.
-Extender: This is an additive that improves the durability of your chosen Dinair foundation and renders it more water and rub resistant
-Tattoo Cover: (AKA Colair Extreme): This amazing product allows for the fastest, most water and rub resistant tattoo cover up imaginable. A true game changer, it requires a little practice and fast cleaning from your system using the standard Dinair Cleaner and Cleaning Caps system

Please be sure to check Dinair's amazing eye shadow, eye brow and Hair touch up color lines. They are self explanatory and easy to find on the Dinair Website.

Makeup For Ever Color Airbrush & Water Blend Review and Video Tutorial

100% Trucco Aerografo con Color Airbrush e Water Blend di Make Up For Ever

When I started my makeup journey over 20 years ago, the first super pigmented eyeshadows I bought were those by a relatively new brand called Make Up Forever. The colors were trendy, intense and durable, and the line, called "Star Powder" quickly became a staple of the pro makeup world. It was an amazing and much longed for surprise to find, all these year later, a line of airbrush colors by the same company that mirrors the very same qualities that had originally turned me in to a fan.

Make Up For Ever has featured several colors that could be airbrushed in its past catalogs, including -and most prominently- a popular mixing medium called Airbrush Thinner that artists could use to reduce (i.e. dilute, for the less technically versed) cream products and powder pigments and make them usable through an airbrush.

Last year however, MUFE launched its first line created specifically for air application, calling it simply Color Airbrush. The range includes twenty shades, from classic primary colors (black, white, blue, red, green and yellow) to vivid secondary and tertiary shades such as purple, fushia and Turquoise. This line joined another product in the catalog called Water Blend, a foundation line that while not specifically created for air application retains all the characteristics of an airbrush product and can be very easily atomised. I used both these products to create the look you see in the enclosed video tutorial. Have a look at it, and then keep reading more about these lines and my personal opinion on them.

Color Airbrush Product Facts

Color Airbrush is a hybrid water / silicone based product of medium/light viscosity, and can be applied with any airbrush with a nozzle of 0.35 and up, at a low pressure starting from just 3 or 5 PSI. The product is fragrance free and has virtually no smell. The colors come in very generous 2.2 /60 ml sizes with a twist cap similar to Kryolan's Nebula that needs to rest for a few seconds before it is twisted shut to avoid spills.

Color Airbrush: my experience and opinion

As I was saying before, the colors are incredibly pigmented, yet among the easiest to blend that I ever tried. If you control the airbrush lever correctly, you will be able to create very subtle and sheer layers and to intensify them to maximum payoff very easily, just like I do in the video. The product feels very light on the skin, yet it is very resistant to sweat and rubbing, with hardly any transfer and no effect on the finish once it has set, even if rubbed intensely.  It is obvious from the size of the bottles and their marketing campaign that these products are intended for body art application before anything else. Yet their brilliance and durability makes them very viable for creating beautifully vibrant eyeshadow looks, and the formula is so efficient that I really wish the company would embrace airbrushing even more and expand this range to include more neutral shades as well.

Water Blend Product Facts

As the name suggests, Water Blend is a water based foundation line that does not contain any silicones. The range features 20 shades for every skin tone, and the product comes in 1.69 fl. oz /50 ml glass bottles with a very hygienic pump applicator.

Water Blend: my experience and opinion

Just like the best made for airbrush products, this foundation feels incredibly light, looks absolutely natural and and it's very long lasting. While this product was not officially intended for airbrush application, like I said before, it surely lends itself to atomization and benefits greatly from the process. You can pump it directly into the airbrush reservoir, and with a normal .35 nozzle and a pressure of 10 to 15 PSI it will apply well, however because of its consistency the product will tend to rest on the sides of the airbrush cup, so it is much better to dilute it simply by adding a few drops of deionised or purified water. Once diluted the product will apply so lightly that it will be virtually impossible to create hot spots on the skin. It will take a while longer to reach full coverage than it would with made for airbrush products, but the wait will be worth it. To top it all, the foundation smells gorgeous, but those who aren't fond of fragrance should not worry, as the clean scent will dissipate completely in a short time.

Ben Nye ProColor Airbrush Makeup Review and Video Tutorial!

Founded by legendary makeup artist Ben Nye upon his retirement from the film industry, the Ben Nye Makeup Company is one of the most widely recognized brands of professional makeup in the United States and across the western hemisphere.

While several products from the extensive catalog of this brand were always usable in an airbrush, I was very happy to find out that about two years ago Ben Nye finally released a whole range of products that were designed specifically for this medium, called ProColor.

The line is divided in six main groups totaling almost a staggering 100 different colors, and making this range one of the most complete in the airbrush makeup sector.

-ProColor Beauty:16 foundation shades, 7 blush tones and 7 contour colors

-ProColor Shimmer: 6 shimmer colors

-ProColor Classic: 38 matte shades with vivid colors for all uses

-ProColor FX: 30 further specific shades for SFX makeup (Vein, Blood, Bruise...)

-ProColor Death: 16 specific shades for death and monster SFX makeup

-ProColor Tattoo Cover and Concealer: 6 specific concealers and neutralizers for tattoo cover

Completing the line are a Mixing liquid and the classic Final Seal finishing formula repackaged in an airbrush ready format. All the Pro color shades are available in 1 fl. oz (29ml) or 2 fl. oz. (58 ml) bottles. There are also some intro kits of smaller .33 fl. oz. (10 ml) bottles for some of the groups of colors such as foundations and shimmers, and bigger kits of six larger 1 fl oz (29ml) pre selected colors for practicality and convenience. As Ben Nye does not sell directly through its website, you can search online for a trusted authorized distributors that stocks these products.

I would describe the formula of the ProColor line as mainly water and polymer based, with the addition of only one type of silicone (Cyclomethicone) that serves as medium and evaporates quickly after application. The product has a low viscosity and a light texture, allowing for a very subtle application of buildable, sheer layers in the case of the foundation colors. Colors from the FX and Classic lines are of course much more pigmented, but still very easy to apply without looking heavy in the case of a beauty makeup. 

The ideal airbrush nozzle size for these colors is a medium .35 or .40 while the best pressure setting for beauty makeup with this product is of course very low, approximately between 3 and 10 psi depending on the area you are covering. 

The formula does not contain any fragrance, and right out of the bottle has a scent that I would compare to that of cookie dough. Some may love it, others may like it less, but it will dissipate within seconds from the application anyhow. The finish of the foundation is matte, and the texture overall is very light and natural, offering medium coverage that can be increased with more sheer passes. The foundation formula used by itself has an average resistance to water, rubbing and perspiration consistent with that of most water based airbrush products. 

All these aspects I just mentioned can be significantly improved with the addition of Final Seal. This product is one of many Ben Nye staples in the makeup industry, and it is basically an alcohol based sealer that smells gorgeous and works wonderfully. Added to the makeup directly in the airbrush cup with a 1 to 1 or 2 drop ratio it will significantly increase its durability, but also render the texture even smoother and add a beautiful intrinsic luminosity to the finish (that can easily be matted down again if so desired with a light pass of Ben Nye Neutral Set or your preferred HD powder). The Final Seal fragrance will also neutralize the formula's initial scent making it the application even more pleasant. I would definitely recommend adding Final Seal both for special occasions and for warmer climates, and I would most definitely advise it for eyeshadow or eye area application, where it will render the makeup crease free and more durable. This will be especially useful if you are going to use the beautiful shimmer colors on the eyes, as their formula tends to crack easily on the eyelids if applied on its own. You need not worry about the alcohol content around the eyes as Final Seal is very gentle and of course you would apply it while the client's eyes are closed.

You can see several colors from the Beauty and Shimmer groups in action in enclosed video tutorial. As always I wanted to show as much of the line as possible in one single tutorial, so I went for a full beauty look using just ProColor shades. It was great to see how well the colors worked on the darker skin of our beautiful model. I only applied a light layer of Banana contour (it was great to find out that the legendary Banana Powder now exists in liquid form!), and the colors I chose for the eyes looked amazing with just minimal layering, with no need for a thick concealer base underneath as you would probably have to apply if you were dealing with traditional makeup. The foundation looked beautiful and extremely natural, especially out of the studio in natural light. This allowed me to post these photos with no added filters whatsoever.

I will post another tutorial using the very extensive FX range closer to Halloween. In the mean time I would like to thank Mr. Dana Nye for the amazing opportunity of reviewing this product, and of course my dear friend and mentor Mary Erickson (of Camera Ready Cosmetics) for her indispensable help in facilitating this collaboration.

Ben Nye ProColor Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Acrylates Copolymer, Peg - 12, Talc, Propylene Glycol, Kaolin, Potassium Sorbate, Cyclomethicone, Trisodium Hedta, Phenoxyethanol. +/- (May Contain): CI No. 77891, 77491, 77492, 77499, 77007, 42090, 77289, 77288, 7742, 19140, 15850, 73360. (Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, Blue 1, Chromium Hydroxide, Green, Chromium Oxide Green, Manganese Violet, Yellow 5, Red 6, Red 7, Red 30)

Ben Nye ProColor Airbrush Foundations Fair/Medium Swatches

Ben Nye ProColor Airbrush Blush & Contour Swatches

Ben Nye ProColor Airbrush Shimmer Swatches

Elementwo Airbrush Makeup Kit Review and Video Tutorial

Elementwo is an international airbrush makeup brand that made its debut in 2012, and has kept a relatively low (but very stylish) profile catering mostly to professionals in the several countries where it is distributed. The brand was created in Taiwan and immediately distributed in the United States. Since then it gained a remarkable following in eastern countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain and even Japan. I had a first meeting with the brand at the Makeup Show in New York in 2014, and I am very happy to be able to review it in these pages now. 

Please know that a Pro Program offering 20% discount on all purchases is available from Elementwo Website. Elementwo ships to Europe at reasonable rates directly from its website (Custom fees and limitations apply).

High Quality Instruments

                  Elementwo Airbrush Makeup PRO System          

The first thing that stands out about this brand is the high quality of the tools comprised in the kit.

Elementwo has a very close relationship with  manufacturer Sparmax (also from Taiwan), which is the company that provides tools for most of today's popular brands of airbrush makeup. The reason of Sparmax's ubiquitous presence in the beauty industry is simple: they provide the best value for money around when it comes to tools for airbrush application. Elementwo offers two versions of its kit. The Perfect Skin Airbrush System features a one-setting compressor and a continuous airflow ("single action") airbrush. The PRO System, which is the one I received and that is featured in these images, features the same powerful compressor (up to 35 PSI output) with the addition of a pressure valve regulator right on the chassis of the compressor itself. The regulator has the same sensitivity of the hand held pressure valve typically found on quick-connect adapters, and will require a minimal practice to get used to the range it offers.  

The airbrush is the very reliable and sleek workhorse SP35, and is provided with a double action valve that is easily modifiable into a continuous airflow mode if  so desired. Both compressor options have a pre-disposition for a battery unit, which can be purchased for Elementwo's website and which can be extremely useful for location or on set work. The kit comes in a very sleek, elegant packaging that includes a strong, long air hose, a power unit, an airbrush holder and a nozzle wrench, and a concise printed page with operating instructions. 

Elementwo Makeup Lines

The idea at the core of Elementwo, (and the reason behind its name, I suspect), was to offer the same exact lines of makeup in a water base option (Skin Harmony) and a silicone based alternative (Canvas Blend), in order to cater to everyone's preferences and resolve once and for all the eternal struggle between silicone and water. Today the Skin Harmony line seems to have been put on hold in favor of the silicone based Canvas Blend option, which is the product we received and the one you can see being used in the enclosed video. 

         100% Elementwo Airbrush Makeup     

The range of makeup by Elementwo features 16 foundation shades, 10 blush colors, 3 bronzers and two highlighters. To complement these, an impressive range of 11 shimmer and 18 matte pigments have been added to be used for any option imaginable, from eyeshadows to body art. 

The Canvas Blend makeup is very fluid and the application feels very light, with a consistency that is very similar to that of water based products. When applying foundation, this allows for a very fine, imperceptible finish and a very natural overall effect, with the ability to cover imperfections well without having to color-correct first and without the risk of creating unsightly accumulations. You can see how well the coverage works when I am addressing my model's acne breakout in the enclosed video. The foundation shades have a mostly neutral undertone which adapts beautifully to most skin colors, with more pink or yellow options available as well. The blush and highlighter colors are very subtle and delicate, and again they create a very natural effect that allows them to be applied without fear on top of the foundation (as opposed to underneath, which I usually prefer). The bronzer  options are more pigmented, but still very natural looking when applied carefully.

                      100% Elementwo Airbrush Makeup                        

Finally the pigments offer endless creative possibilities, with an easy to blend,  sheer finish that can be built up to full intensity and brightness simply by layering light passes, as I am doing for the eyeshadow in the video. As with any silicone product, it is a good idea to prep the lid with a mattifying lotion, dry each pass thoroughly and set at the end with a fixing spray or with a light dusting of HD powder. Once set, the eyeshadow will be water proof and stay perfect until removed. 

Like most silicone based products, the Canvas Blend colors are long lasting and once fully dry they become virtually water proof. Because of their light texture they are able to set in place quickly and the tendency to gather in fine lines is very reduced, requiring very minimal or no setting at all even in delicate areas such as under the eyes. This allows for a very natural finish while retaining high coverage. All the product lines are also completely fragrance free. The colors from each group are available individually in 1.15 fl.oz. (30 ml.) bottles, but they can also be purchased in pre selected, generous Starter Kits of .34 fl. oz. (10 ml) which are very convenient and which will allow you to try most shades with a smaller investment. You can select several of these Starter Kits for an even more convenient price when you purchase your kit from the Elementwo website.

Elementwo Kit Complements

There are a couple more products that you can purchase directly from the website individually or as part of your kit. 

The H2O Infusion Moisturizer is a very light, clear liquid enriched with Hyaluronate Sodium and Aloe Extract that can be airbrushed before or (preferably) after your makeup application to add extra hydration and a very natural sheen to your foundation. The Flawless Finish HD Translucent Powder is a very fine fixing product that will set your makeup without altering its texture in any way. It is not absolutely necessary for foundation, as the makeup is pretty stable by itself, but it can provide you with added security and it will help a lot to maintain a matte finish on oily skin types trhoughout the day. Finally the Elementwo Airbrush Cleanser is the ideal solution to keep your airbrush in top shape. You will not need it at every color change, but it will be useful when switching from a dark to a light color, and of course at the end of each session.

Elementwo Ingrendients:

Purified water, cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, methicone, isoparaffinic hydrocarbon, glycerin, polyisobutene, cetyl dimethicone copolyol, acrylates copolymer, isoparaffinic hydrocarbon, talc, VP/VA copolymer, methylparaben, disodium EDTA, propylparaben.
May Contain (+/-): Red 40 lake CI 16035, yellow 5 lake CI 19140, yellow iron oxide, CI 77492, mica CI 77019, black iron oxide CI 77499, red iron oxide CI 77491 titanium dioxide CI 77891

100% Elementwo Airbrush Makeup