Putting your best face forward Airbrush makeup is going mainstream for weddings
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By Tara Traughber
Once solely used as a tool of the rich and famous, airbrush makeup is no longer only for the elite. It’s now something that’s widely accessible for all brides and their wedding party. Fans of airbrushing say it can create long-lasting coverage that has a natural and lightweight feel. Kendra Pagoria, a licensed esthetician and makeup artist living in Spring Valley, is one of the local professionals who offer airbrush makeup services for special occasions. Pagoria graduated from Bradley University with a degree in radio and television broadcasting and pursued a career in Los Angeles for a while. “I found myself always more interested in the makeup department of the shows I worked on,” she said. That prompted her to move back to Illinois and return to school. Pagoria now has 11 years of experience, including seven years of working in a medical spa. The transition to makeup artist took place when, Pagoria said, “I started casually doing wedding makeup and, after about a year, I realized I could really stay busy doing something I loved.” Those who have never had their makeup airbrushed may be unfamiliar with the difference between this type of application and the more traditional style of putting on cosmetics. “Airbrush is an ultra-fine concentrated mist that absorbs directly into the skin, so it doesn’t merely sit on top of it, giving it longer durability,” Pagoria said. The makeup is water-resistant and lasts longer because it contains a silicon base. That can be a huge plus for brides who are getting married during the sometimes brutal Illinois humidity. It can also help guard against other sources of moisture, such as
SUBMITTED PHOTO/KENDRA PAGORIA
Spring Valley airbrush makeup artist Kendra Pagoria uses herself as a model to show off what airbrushed makeup looks like on the face. the sweating caused by dancing or when the inevitable tears start to flow. “I have had so many bridal parties send me pictures at 10 to 11 p.m. and they are amazed at how well their makeup still looks after all the sweating and dancing,” Pagoria said. Another benefit of airbrushed makeup being absorbed into your skin is that the makeup will not transfer. “So, it will withstand all the hugging you will inevitably be doing on your wedding day,” Pagoria said. A common concern for those new to this style of makeup is whether it will look orange and have a cakey look. That concern has no foundation, according to Pagoria, who says airbrush makeup
gives a light and natural-looking coverage. “Airbrush makeup feels lightweight and clean, yet gives amazing coverage. Airbrush colors are very buildable and forgiving. It is easy to mix colors for the perfect match but rarely do I even have to do that,” she said. Lauren Uhlenhopp of Ottawa, whose maiden name was Kunkel before her recent wedding, hates cakey makeup looks and was nervous at the prospect of having someone else do her wedding day makeup. “Kendra did a perfect job. I didn’t have to worry about my makeup all day. It felt light and natural while providing great coverage,” Uhlenhopp said. “Kendra was really sweet, and I was very happy
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