Silicone based or water based? This is one of the most pressing questions facing anyone approaching airbrush makeup for the first time. Let me just start by saying that I am glad that I writing this post now, three years into my airbrush experience. Had I not waited, I might have ended up like many other bloggers, fuelling a controversy that like most such squabbles is based on a lot of misunderstanding, and even bigger lot of rushed assumptions. Thankfully, after three years since my "radical conversion" to airbrushing, and after a whole lot of experimenting, researching and polling among my students, I am confident stating the following: you can achieve extraordinary results with both kinds of product. They both have significant unique strengths, and they both have some limitations. Your perception of either will depend on a few factors, mainly what brand you use, how much experience you have and what kind of training you received. That said, there will always be a blogger, a makeup artist and of course many a manufacturer ready to swear on the superiority of one over the other, and so the only thing we can do is state some objective facts.
CONSISTENCY
FACT: Silicone based products are more viscous (i.e. thicker) than water based ones.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Silicone based products require higher pressure (5-15 PSI) to be atomized efficiently. By efficiently I mean producing a very fine mist that will not cake on fine wrinkles and large pores. Imperfections will be highlighted rather than concealed if the application is not correct. When applied correctly silicone will be undetectable on the skin, producing a truly flawless finish. This takes practice. For the same reason they are best applied with a larger nozzle (ideally .3 to .4), and you will need a slightly larger quantity of product to cover the same area. In short: working with silicone implies a higher learning curve.
Water based products work at lower pressures (2-12 PSI). Generally the application is sheerer, so spot concealing and the use of creme correctors is somewhat more frequent. Learning how to do a viable application can therefore be a faster process.
RESIDUE
FACT: Water based products are easier to clean from your airbrush.
WHAT THIS MEANS: No complete cleanup or dis assembly is required with either type of makeup when you are simply changing colours (a false myth that is amazingly still being kept alive by some teachers). However, silicone requires a specific cleaner and a very thorough check up at the end of each session. Pros will need a complete dis assembly and clean regardless of the type of product used, but water based are far more soluble and therefore faster to deal with.
DURABILITY
FACT: Silicone based products are highly water resistant, water based products are not.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Silicone based products will not be impacted by water. Not even a large quantity. We demonstrate this in our classes very empirically (and somewhat comically) by pouring a half a cup of water on a silicone made up student's face: no change. Of course this does not mean "completely friction resistant", which no makeup is. Water based products may streak if they come in contact with large amounts of water, however this does NOT mean that the makeup is ruined, at least not with most pro brands, because the streaks will disappear as soon as the water dries, and the makeup will look perfect again.
FLEXIBILITY
FACT: Silicone foundations are generally more "movable" than water based products.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Once the makeup is applied, a foundation can be still moved on the skin and re blended after a few minutes, if necessary. This makes silicone more similar to traditional makeup. Most water based products will dry almost on contact, however some brands still allow for some movement. Of course in both cases the real question should be why move it at all, thus compromising the airbrushed finish, which is what you should be after in the first place.
HEALTH CONCERNS
FACT: Silicone is a very big molecule.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Silicone is not absorbed into the skin. It rests on top of it, sealing it from outside agents. This can also be read as "preventing it from breathing", but remember: the airbrush application allows for gaps between atomized particles, so a silicone airbrush application can still be "healthier" for your skin than coated traditional makeup. Regarding health issues with silicone in aerosol form, there is still no conclusive report that states categorically that it is safe to breath silicone particles. In fact, quite the opposite, as you can read on this report. However as far as makeup is concerned, the particles hopefully fall in the category of "too big to pass the nasopharyngeal region barrier" (meaning they will not reach your lungs), and then again exposure and quantities during makeup are extremely minimal.
FACT: Water based products are generally less allergenic.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Although the ingredient list can vary significantly for each brand, it is a statistical truth that water based products are extremely well tolerated even by the most sensitive types of skin.
So, have you made up your mind yet? I hope not. I mean it. I hope you get to appreciate both, as I do. In our airbrush makeup courses, which are not "sponsored" by any particular brand, I like my students to experience both types of makeup. I actually have gone as far as devising a full makeup comparison (including eyes) of the two by using silicone on one side of a student's face and water based on the other, of course choosing similar colours. Their preferences and comments have been very varied, but the comments I heard most often, and with no derogatory intent, were that silicone looks like beautiful makeup, while water based looks like beautiful skin. There are perfectly good reasons why on different occasions you may want to achieve both the former and the latter.
 |
| Water Based Vs Silicone Based airbrush makeup: applied on our student Melania |
Bella notizia ,non lo sapevo che il silicone era così resistente... :)
ReplyDeletetendenzialmente preferirei quello ad acqua per la leggerezza e per lasciar più liberi i pori. O nel caso avessi la fortuna di farmi truccare spesso con questo metodo(magari). Altrimenti per un'occasione speciale dove magari si richiede un trucco perfetto,come una cerimonia, direi quello siliconico
ReplyDeleteFor a major event would be ideal ..
ReplyDeleteare both excellent products .. but I prefer to water
ReplyDeleteDoes the silicone based foundation need setting? Is it better to apply concealer before or after airbrush? thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello Sabrina, sorry for the delayed reply! Setting is generally not indispensable with Silicone based products, much depends on the brand. I sometimes use a light dusting of HD powder over a silicone application. As for the concealer, definitely better before, so that the airbrushed finish won't be affected and it will look perfect. :)
DeleteCan I put SB in my luminess sprayer?
ReplyDeleteHello Niece, sorry it took so long to get back to you, somehow google did not notify your question to us! The Luminess stylus is a .4 nozzle, so in theory it could work with silicone, but that depends mainly on your compressor. If you have a one speed compressor then I would say don't try it. If you have a three speed then go ahead, it should work fine with the second or third speed. Also remember though: if you are not confident with taking your airbrush apart to clean it, and you don't have the proper cleaner for silicone base, it's best not to try. If your system is still under warranty also remember that by Luminess rules your warranty would be voided if you use any other brand with their system. Hope this helped :)
DeleteI have heard that silicone based airbrush foundation is better for oily skin, is that true? If not, which brand would you suggest for oily skin? My skin is VERY oily and most makeup ends up separating or sliding off my face after a few hours, so it is hard to find one that works well. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Ruthie, this reply is horribly late but somehow google never notified me of your question. I don't think silicone based foundation is "better" for oily skin, in fact it maybe less suitable due to its more limited breathability. I would suggest you try a matte water based foundation, taking care to use a vegetal base matifying lotion (Chanel makes a wonderful one), and a silicone free primer for your T Zone such as Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive. Skin prep is almost more important than the actual product you end up choosing as far as durability is concerned :)
DeleteYeah, I am VERY particular about skin prep as I know how important it is, ESPECIALLY for those of us with oily skin. I can't even imagine putting makeup on my skin without a primer. I have tried almost every kind of primer out there, I think, and usually stick with what I like/what works, but I am always up for trying a new one. I have been using the Mineral Air airbrush device, and so their makeup as well, which is what has ended up sliding off. When I inquired about the possibility of a matte version in the future, the first response I got was to NOT use a primer...um...what?? That's when I lost all faith in them. (Does NO ONE at Mineral Air suffer from oily skin?) So I have been searching for a different foundation to use. Unfortunately, my first attempt has not worked in my Mineral Air device, and I have been trying to thin it out some. Being new to air brushing, I didn't expect this outcome, and since I'm already invested in this one device, I'm not sure how to proceed. I really do like the cordless nature of it, but I am worried that it might not work with any other types of foundation. Are you familiar with Mineral Air at all? If so, have you had any experience using other types of makeup in their device, or has anyone ever talked to you about it? My main concern is that any other makeup I buy also won't work, and so I'll just be sinking more money into a fruitless cause. Thanks for responding!
DeleteHi, Ruthie, once again ridiculously late for which I am sorry, I am definitely going to look into fixing my google comment notification setting... I have never tried Mineral Air, but a very similar applicator is produced by Temptu and it's called Temptu Air. This device is made for Temptu's own formulas which come in pre filled pods that you attach to it, but there is also an open top pod that you can fill with whatever product you like. Check it out here in my Kit Reviews page. Or perhaps you already have in all this time, in which case do let me know how you are enjoying it :)
DeleteI have always had very oily skin, and have spent decades traveling and performing in various humidity conditions, etc- I’ve performed in temperatures over a hundred degrees so I believe I know about endurance makeup. I have been airbrushing for years and have used many different formulations. Silicone is honestly something I will only use in very drying winter conditions as it will slide off my greasy skin - additionally, it has a more “dewy” finish than what you can achieve with various water based formulations. I will say it provides AMAZING coverage for worst sensitive skin freak-outs (I am allergic to my own cat), but you can achieve spectacular results with a good concealer & water based makeup that will not slide off after an hour. I do find silicone is easier on sensitive skin and more healing - it is used in medical applications because of this. I studied chemistry and anatomy in grad school and can assure you the uneducated people spreading pandemonium about skin not “breathing” with silicone have no idea what science is - the particle sizes used in cosmetics are literally thousands of times smaller than what it would take to block a pore - silicone is used for burn victims who need to have a moist environment for wound healing processes, but also need to maintain a high oxygen content to keep infection at bay- it is the number one medical choice to maintain “breathable” skin while maintaining moisture. If you have oily skin, this is probably not your main concern - I worry more about my makeup sliding off. Probably the most amazing makeup I have ever used to conceal ANYTHING but that ACTUALLY STAYS on my greasy skin is Dinair’s Camouflage, which can be very natural looking if not applied heavy-handed. I also appreciate that it DRIES FAST. I am very fair skinned and have problems finding a silicone makeup that is fair enough for me, so that is another factor - Dinair is one of only a few brands with a shade light enough that I can use on my neck and chest in low cut gowns- I will only use silicone if wearing a very high neckline & not doing anything too fabulous... I have had heinous allergic reactions and still received compliments on my appearance when using Dinair Camouflage makeup- I don’t get paid to endorse anybody or get free product - I pay for all my makeup so this is the TRUTH! But it is thick stuff and so I say it’s essential to use makeup cleaner and get a clog remover - clean every single time - every time - you use your makeup and you’ll have no problems - make it a habit. I don’t care what kind of rush you’re in- take a minute to pour some cleaner in and spray before running off! Get their cleaning caps to soak your airbrush overnight. I do makeup every day, even if only my cat sees me - I even have a battery pack for when I go camping, because yes people comment on my looks even when camping (sighs) -Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteHi and thanks for your contribution! I respect your studies and training but I also respectfully disagree on the silicone molecules size issue: while the molecules may be small, the application of multiple layers of silicone will inevitably create a sealing effect. While not every pore may be blocked, it is a fact that I have observed time and time again on myself and on many others that the end result can be ultimately comedogenic. Also it is widely agreed upon that while silicone creates a beautiful finish, whether it be makeup or skin care, in the end the benefits are very superficial and the skin is often left in worse conditions for it. Of course this does not apply to everyone, and a young, healthy complexion will have no adverse consequences, but like I said in the article, some people will, hence my statement of the fact that silicone is less universally tolerated. I also respect that you do not get paid or sponsored and neither do I, but the "TRUTH" is your truth, not THE truth. Every single person has a different physical build and strong opinion can only be subjective. Broad terms are a necessity when treating the subject as a whole. :)
DeleteHi and thanks for your thorough observations. I am mostly concerned with length of wear and removal of silicone airbrush make-up. I apologize if this has been asked and answered before, but does silicone based make-up last in water and will it not be quick to rub off on clothes anywhere to the extent of alcohol based? I am trying to conceal tattoos without the make-up telling on me by showing up on my clothing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for your question! Silicone makeup does hold very well in water, as explained in the post most formulas are water proof to varying degree depending on the brand. If applied correctly (maybe with a dusting of HD powder to be sure) it does not transfer onto clothes. However the most resistant tattoo cover up remains that provided by alcohol based products or water/acrylic based products such as Pax paint or its more cosmetic alternative Tattoo Cover by Dinair (which used to be called "Extreme"), which are very water resistant and very rub proof. The extent to which the cover up is undetectable on your skin depends on the level of skill of those who apply it and on their ability to colour match. If you want a totally HD proof undetectable result some training in spattering techniques with alcohol based palettes is your best bet :)
DeleteAs a first time airbrush user I suffer from hot flashes and day sweats . Is silicone foundation better or water based with a sealant?
ReplyDeleteHi and sorry for the horrible delay caused by misdirected notifications. You probably won't see my reply but I am writing anyway in hope that it might be useful for someone else. I think both silicone and water based might be suitable for you, both resist well to sweat if the skin has been prepped correctly and if they have been applied correctly. Ultimately it depends on your own skin composition and reactivity. As I was saying in the post, though, water based products are generally more breathable, so you might want to try those first :)
Deletewhich is recommended to used for clients?
ReplyDeleteAs a professional, I would definitely work with both formulas. There is no general rule as every type of skin has different needs and reactivity :)
DeleteHi there, I got a question, one MUA I know suggested that adding water to airbrush foundation helps in hydrating skin (for severe dry skin).
ReplyDeleteHow close is that to the truth in your opinion and experience?
I have silicone based, will it work with me?
Thanks
Hi Dana, so sorry about the late reply but somehow I didn't get notified of this comment, so I hope you'll see this. Most "silicone based" airbrush formulas are in fact hybrid based. If you look at their ingredient list, you will find that Aqua (i.e. water) is among the very first components. So you certainly can add water (preferably deionized/demineralized and sterile), but while it will dilute the foundation somewhat, it won't add much moisturization to the skin, as it will quickly evaporated once applied. What would be more effective is a better skin prep with a more moisturizing, non oily skin care product pre application. If the effect is still drying after application, you can airbrush a couple of drops of squalene over it, and it will do wonders. You can find squalene on Amazon or Dinair sells a product called Moist & Dewy which is just that, vegetable squalene. Please let me know if this was helpful :)
Delete