Confirming our suspicions, TV and movie stars owe their on-screen, porcelain complexions not to preternatural perfection, but to man-made intervention: a make-up airbrush. Fortunately, for us mere mortals who are unable to fit a professional make-up artist and an air compressor into vanity cases, there's always Era Face spray-on foundation. A favourite of stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson and Daryl Hannah, this pressurised, spray can of foundation is a great substitute for an airbrush, and less of a fuss. It was conceived by American celebrity make-up artist Yolanda Halston (right) and her husband/business partner Roger.
So how did the two of you get started?
Era Face was conceived in 1996 at the request of a cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles who had a substantial celebrity clientele. The idea was to create a safe and effective method for applying cosmetics to the healing skin of women who had undergone laser cosmetic surgery. We quickly realised the product could fill an even greater void with general consumers. After five years of research and development, we came up with the first spray-on 'airbrush' foundation.
Tell us more about airbrush make-up.
Make-up artists use airbrush machines to spray make-up on models and actresses for television, movies and photo shoots. It's one of the hottest beauty trends of the 21st century because it achieves an all-over perfect and even finish. Unfortunately, airbrush machines are expensive and a non-practical tool for home use. Era Face, thanks to its aerosol can and 60 per cent water base, offers the same result. It's like the airbrush without the machine, only better since it's lighter, waterproof and has a sun-protection factor of 20.
What makes it suitable for over-sensitive skins?
It's a combination of the ingredients: soothing camomile, healing aloe vera and the oil-free, water base. But above all, it's the packaging. The aerosol spray can allows the application of the foundation without touching the skin. It's like you were told as a teenager: 'Don't touch your face!' Moreover, it cancels any risk of bacterial contamination since the foundation never comes in contact with the outside environment. You get a fresh and clean burst of product with every application.