Reviewed: Airbase Introductory Airbrush Make-up Training Course

Airbase claims its interactive beginners’ course allows students to get to grips with airbrush make-up in just one day. Georgia Seago puts it to the test.

At a glance:
Course: Introductory Airbrush Make-up Training Course
Location: Salon Services, Park Royal, London
Duration: One day
Price: £150. Those who complete the course get a 20% discount off make-up products

With no prior experience in airbrush make-up and simply an interest in the technique, I arrived for my day-long introduction with a group of nine other students and tutor Carolyn Deacock. Deacock has 30 years’ experience as a film and TV make-up artist and knows all there is to know about the art of airbrushing. She’s also patient and approachable – exactly what I need in a teacher.

Our classroom was a training room in Salon Services’ Park Royal branch, lined with make-up stations and mirrors and set up with enough airbrush kits for one per pair. Most of my fellow students were therapists looking to introduce a bridal make-up service and they ranged in experience from total novices to a pair who’d worked with the Airbase system in the past but needed a refresher.

Perfect blend
Deacock began by introducing us to the product range, how the airbrush works and how to control it for even, blended coverage. She explained how to select and blend shades for a perfect match and how to spot-cover blemishes, throwing in important dos and don’ts as she demonstrated.

We then moved on to practising using the airbrush to fill circles and draw lines on paper in our course booklets to get used to applying the right amount of pressure on the push button. Our final task before lunch was to take apart, clean and put back together the airbrush. Although there are a lot of components to the device, putting everything back in place was logical.

Hands on
After lunch we paired up for the practical part of the class. Deacock paired more experienced students with those of us who might need some guidance to get it right. My partner applied a flawless full face on me complete with contour, highlight and eye shadow. I didn’t do quite as good a job on her but Deacock was determined to help me correct my technique and persevered with me until it improved.

Towards the end of the day students had to complete a short product knowledge test and, if successful, were awarded a badge and certificate. The course was informative, relaxed and fun, and to me, airbrush make-up turned out to be a comparatively straightforward skill to pick up. With lots of home practice I’m sure my fellow students will have mastered the art in no time.

Some airbrush dos and don'ts:
• Don’t stop spraying suddenly – this will give an uneven finish. Instead pull the gun away and release the trigger gradually

• Do go light – several fine coats give a far more natural look than one heavy layer

• Do use moisturiser – for many clients, the finish of airbrush make-up will otherwise be too matte

• Don’t limit the use of blush – as well as on cheeks, it can be used in the crease of the eyes or in a fine layer all over to lift sallow skin.

Images: ©Airbase