In partnership with Luminess. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
Ever wonder why models look so. damn. perfect. all the time? Well there are many secrets (and filters!) that contribute to that flawless look, but it all starts with using the right makeup. Sorry to break it to you, but your average drugstore foundation just isn’t going to cut it. And frankly, most of the options down the street at Sephora won’t either. To get a true natural look that lasts all day and night, you’ll need to call in the big guns. We’re loving Luminess’ new Spray Foundation Starter Kit ($46), a three-piece airbrush kit that gives you natural, breathable coverage without the caked-on look.
We like
- Lightweight feel that doesn’t cake or crease
- Easy to apply and buildable to your liking
- Skincare friendly formula that works with your skin not against it
- Never tested on animals
- Created by a team of actual experts
We don't like
- Takes a minute to get used to the airbrush spray method
Natural-looking, buildable coverage
When it comes to makeup, natural and full-coverage aren’t words you’d really ever find in a sentence together. Historically, we’ve relied on traditional foundations which tend to be heavy and cakey, or BB creams which are beautifully natural but don’t actually cover anything up. So Luminess has really changed the game with a foundation that is both natural looking (think “clean aesthetic”) and buildable to create full coverage, particularly on problem areas like acne, dark spots, or redness. All in airbrush format, which feels – and looks – lightweight on your skin. Essentially blurring away imperfections instead of drying them out.
What’s the deal with airbrushing anyway?
I’ll admit, when I first heard “airbrush” foundation, my mind went immediately skeptical. Aren’t those the huge contraptions makeup artists carry around? Wouldn’t I get spray all over the place? After years of applying makeup with my fingers or a beauty blender, frankly learning a new method just felt like a hassle. And it turns out I wasn’t alone. Luminess’ founder, Sean Mehta, actually had the same feelings when he started the company over 25 years ago. He loved the way airbrushed makeup looked, but hated how messy, loud, large, and expensive it was. So he got to work on a more “user-friendly” airbrush product that was smaller, more portable, and really easy to use.
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It couldn’t be easier
Speaking of being “user-friendly,” this was actually a concern for me when I first learned about – and received – the product. I opened the starter kit box and thought, how am I going to figure this out? I’m not one to read instructions, so of course I just started spraying the foundation on my face. This was definitely user error…after reading the instructions (which are super short and extremely easy to follow, by the way) and learned how to apply it the right way (spray the foundation onto the included brush, then apply to your face) it was easy-as-pie. I love that you can build really beautifully with this product, and I was able to pretty quickly and flawlessly cover up a nasty pimple. And the product’s staying power means you’ll never have to re-apply during the day. Overall 10/10 for ease of use!
Finding your perfect shade
Ok so you’ve decided to try airbrush foundation. Congrats! We think that’s a great decision. Now, you’ve got to figure out your shade (another thing I absolutely dread about when buying new makeup). Luckily, Luminess has a pretty simple Color Match process that allows you to upload a photo and work with a beauty consultant to find the shade that’s right for your skin. Once you’ve got your perfect foundation shade, you can build out your repertoire of other products, like bronzer, blush, eyeshadows, and lipstick. And with their 100% Color Match Guarantee, if your shade doesn’t work for you, you can get it replaced free of charge.
Despite being a bit skeptical from the beginning, I’m completely sold – and don’t think I’ll ever buy a bottle of traditional foundation again. From the lightweight feel, to perfect coverage, to easy application, we’re absolutely loving the new Airbrush Spray Foundation from Luminess. We can’t wait to hear how you like it!
Shop now and use code TQE15 for 15% off!
