Traditional Makeup vs Airbrush Makeup: Which One Is Right for Your Event?

Event makeup has become an essential element for children’s parties, festivals, corporate events, national celebrations, and private gatherings. One of the most common questions we receive is: what is the difference between traditional makeup and airbrush makeup?

At Agence Thaly, we specialize in both techniques and provide professional makeup services across Quebec and Canada. This guide will help you clearly understand the differences so you can choose the best option for your event.

Traditional makeup, fantasy makeup, and airbrush makeup: what’s the difference?

All three techniques fall under professional artistic and event makeup, but they differ in terms of application method, speed, durability, and suitability depending on the type of event.

Application and tools

🎨 Traditional makeup

Traditional makeup is applied manually using:

• professional brushes

• sponges

• water-based or cream makeup palettes

The makeup artist picks up the product directly from the palette and applies it carefully to the face. This technique allows for highly detailed, custom, and artistic designs.

👉 Best for:

• children’s parties

• birthdays

• school events

• detailed and personalized face painting

💨 Airbrush makeup

Airbrush makeup is applied using an airbrush gun, a small tool that sprays air and liquid makeup evenly onto the skin.

• Uses stencils to create precise shapes

• Ideal for logos, symbols, and branded designs

• Extremely fast application

• Uses water-based, hybrid, or alcohol-based makeup depending on the needs

👉 Important note: Airbrush makeup requires a power source (electric compressor or CO₂ tank).

👉 Best for:

• festivals

• national holidays

• corporate events

• promotional activations

• high-volume events

Application time: a major advantage

⏱️ How long does each technique take?

• Traditional makeup: approximately 4–5 minutes per person

• Airbrush makeup: approximately 2 minutes per person

💡 Airbrush makeup allows us to serve 3 to 4 times more people in the same amount of time, making it ideal for large-scale events.

Products used

Different techniques require different products.

Traditional makeup

• Water-based or cream makeup

• Hypoallergenic and safe for children

• Professional-grade products meeting industry standards

Airbrush makeup

• Liquid makeup (water-based, hybrid, or alcohol-based)

• Selected based on weather, durability, and event conditions

• Lightweight and comfortable on the skin

Durability and wear time

🕒 Traditional makeup

• Lasts one full day

• Sensitive to water, heat, and humidity

• Should be removed before bedtime to avoid staining pillows

🌧️ Airbrush makeup

• Highly resistant

• Withstands heat, humidity, and rain

• Can last 24 to 48 hours

• Remains flawless even after a nap

Pricing: what to expect

Prices vary depending on the technique, duration, number of artists, and event requirements.

💄 Traditional makeup

• $90 to $150 per hour

• 3-hour minimum usually required

• Includes professional equipment, products, and artist expertise

👉 Ideal for detailed and artistic face painting.

💨 Airbrush makeup

• $270 for the first hour

• $150 for the second hour

• $100 for each additional hour

Pricing may vary slightly depending on:

• number of artists

• number of colors used

• type of makeup (water-based, hybrid, or alcohol-based)

• specific client needs such as branding or logos

👉 This option is perfect for serving large crowds quickly with exceptional durability.

Where can you learn airbrush makeup?

Airbrush makeup is still mastered by very few professional makeup artists.

🎓 Agence Thaly offers professional training in:

• beauty makeup

• fantasy makeup

• airbrush temporary tattoos

Training sessions are offered by reservation to ensure personalized instruction and high-quality learning.

👉 For registration or more information:
🔗 www.agencethaly.com

Traditional makeup or airbrush: which one should you choose?

CriteriaTraditional MakeupAirbrush MakeupApplication time4–5 min~2 minArtistic detail⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Durability⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Crowd volumeMediumVery highBest forPrivate / kids eventsFestivals / corporate

Need help choosing or requesting a quote?

Every event is unique. Our team will help you select the best makeup option based on your crowd size, budget, and goals.