Hi there! Since you are reading this it’s pretty obvious you are looking to find Luminess Air reviews. Honest reviews which have no connection to the companies in question are difficult to come by nowadays. This, here, is my personal attempt to shed some factual light on what you should expect from it.
Here, I will tell you all you need to know about this makeup system – how it works, pros & cons, real user testimonials, if it works as advertised and even the best place to buy it. We also include any shortcomings that are part of the parcel. Once you’re through reading this review, you’ll know whether the Luminess system can simplify and better your makeup efforts or not. (Updated for 2013).
Section Shortcuts
Luminess Air in the Mainstream
The makeup system shot to fame after it was featured on the TV show, ‘Tyra’, hosted by entertainer/singer/model Tyra Banks a few years ago. Since then, it has been used on the catwalk (in the NY fashion week), and has found an avid advocate in multiple Academy award winner for makeup, Ve Neills. What makes the Luminess system stand out from traditional makeup kits is that this system makes use of an airbrush to get the makeup on. With the use of the airbrush that comes as part of the kit, you can apply foundation, bronzer, blusher, and lumizer.
How the System Supposedly Works
As part of my review investigation I learned a bit about what makes the air brush tick (so to speak). It apparently sprays a fine colored mist covering the skins surface. You end up getting a smooth and fair complexion due to the very fine spay micro-dots which do not permeate below the skins surface. This is basically why pores don’t clog and become accentuated like some makeup types. For example some more traditional foundations have a more cakey appearance. This system will in fact let your pores breath since there is no clogging. For information and tips on how best to apply airbrush makeup check out this link.
What Makes Luminess Makeup Popular?
So, what else keeps Luminess Air reviews positive?
- No Caking Up – The manufacturer states that there is no caking up like many other makeup type options alternatives. This allows the skin pore to not be clogged and breather easier.
- Safe for All Skin Types – The company also claims, all ingredients in the makeup are oil + alcohol-free as well as hypo-allergenic. In addition, thorough dermatological testing was performed on all mineral and water based ingredients – everything passed 100%. It essentially means that all skin types regardless of sensitivity, condition or age are totally safe and fine to use luminess.
- It lasts a LONG time! – Supposedly, you can wear it over 18 hrs with a single application – there is no need to re-apply it.
- Water-Resistant – This effectively means sweat and tears will not affect anything.
- Large Variety of Shades & Looks – The packages that can be ordered have 12 foundation and 3 types of finishes so there is plenty of variety for all kinds of skin complexions and types. The airbrush can apply not only foundation but also bronzer, lumizer, and blusher.
Real User Luminess Air Reviews
I looked for quite a while trying to get a sense of what the real sentiment is out there about this product. The company obviously tells us it’s the best thing out there but what about the real users. Well luckily I did find a lot of real testimonials and comments so I’ve put them below for your reference so you don’t need to go out and search for your self.
Honestly you’d be surprised at some of the crap out there (pardon my french). A lot of reviews are fake – both good and bad (company marketers and competitor company marketers respectively). I learned a few telltale signs though and after a while think I managed to sift out some credible reviews for you all. Go to the next page to read them.
(Continued on Next Page…User Reviews – Does It REALLY Work? + The Best Place To Buy It)
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{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
I am particularly interested in buying this system, provided any skilled professional make up artist, who may not necessarily be adept with applying makeup with an air brush, but rather, the traditional way (by hand), will be able to quickly adapt to using it. The reason this is important for me is because I would like to reduce my production costs for photo shoots, particularly when it comes to the makeup artist. Are there any promotional discounts available?
Thanks for the comment Edwina. There used to be some discount coupon codes available but they have expired and are not working anymore so I haven’t included them in the post. Your best bet is to get it from the luminess air site as the deal they are running now that I mention at the bottom of this post is quite good.
I am not quite sure yet, but the fact that this product has an industry makeup pro using and touting it, not to mention Tyra (who would not endorse any scams or faulty products). It is important for me that I be convinced that production industry people find this product to be capable of meeting the demands of the industry. Once I am convinced, I can then buy it with confidence. I also like that the cosmetic surgeon from the show, The Doctors, gave it a good review.
I would like to know how much product (foundation, blush, eye shadow refill bottles and colors) comes with the initial kit. I looked through this site as well as the manufacturer / official web site and by doing so, I did learn a lot about the airbrush system and how it is used, but I could not find any information regarding the bottles which come with the initial purchase. Does anyone have any information about this?
I would love to try one of these but I would bet it takes quite a bit of practice to get the makeup on evenly. One of the comments below mentioned eye shadow as well, can you do your eyes this way too, I thought it was just for foundation and blush.
Hi Janet, it is pretty versatile, there are bottles you can get for foundation, blush, eye shadow and even for tanning. I primarily use it for foundation most of the time and that is fast these days since I’m used to it. I sometimes use the blush as well, but have personally never used the eye shadow or tanning bottles though.
I spent some time comparing this system to Temptu, and I finally decided to go with this one because you can apparently mix your own shade in the applicator. But then I looked at the ingredients and saw that Luminesse contains glycerin, and I am among the few who are allergic to glycerin. It really bugs me that companies are allowed to say “hypo-allergenic” and yet to include glycerin, which, though it’s rare to have allergies to glycerin, there are a number of us who do (I get an itchy rash). Temptu’s ingredients look a lot less healthy, more chemical-y, but I guess I’m going to have to go with that now. I wish that mfgs of skin products would take glycerin allergy into consideration when they create their products!
Have you considered Dinair? I don’t know if their product contains glycerin because they don’t post the contents of their makeup-something about not patenting it so people don’t use their formula. I’ve heard they have great makeup. I’ve researched it and I think I may go with Dinair as they are the original makers of airbrush makeup. I think more stuff comes in their makeup kit too. Hope this helps, Good luck!
Do you have a store that sells your product? I would like to see how it works for me?
Hi Margaret, we don’t sell this product (or any other products) ourselves. We only reviewed it and include comments from others who have also used it. To buy it, the best place to get it from is here – page 2 of the review goes into more details why it’s the best place.
I want to get the system without a trial period and buy up front. How much would that set me back?
I think you can see at the website. I know it’s over $200.00
I would like to know if it is REALLY necessary to use the makeup that comes with Luminess Air or will any liquid make up do? Is it just a way to get one to use their product?
Thanks for the answer.
Hi Carol, thanks for the comment. I did a search about this as I wasn’t sure myself at first. The answer is that you can use other makeup with luminess air however if you do just be aware that it will void the warranty.
Off the record though, *cough*, I am not aware of any particular reason why it wouldn’t work with other airbrush type makeup (if someone does know a reason please correct me!). Even in the unlikely event there was a problem it’s not like they would be able to attribute it back to the usage of another type of makeup. Just clean it before returning it to be safe though.
hello there. I have tried using the Luminess system with other brands of airbrush foundations and had trouble with them spraying out… i’m still not giving up but just a heads up
I bought it a few months ago and have been using it irregularly since then. I am in my late thirties and like to think my skin is still looking fairly young for my age. It’s not too bad, I don’t have too many noticeable blemishes or wrinkles unless you look for them. The luminess spray on method is a plus since it’s relatively gentle and easier to apply. I get an above average coverage and it does hide some of the acne and finer wrinkles I have. Mixing and matching to get the right shades isn’t that hard after a while either. In the end it looks pretty good but it doesn’t blow people away like the models in the advertisements. I think I can get a similar level with regular makeup too but it would take longer as it’s faster overall though to apply plus it would be harder for me to achieve with regular makeup. One of the biggest issues I’ve had is that the eyeshadow makeup didn’t look the best. It might be just me though…but the rest are much better in my experience.
I’ve tried the dinair airbrush for a while before luminess and would say I prefer luminess air over Dinair. most features are not so different but I found I get a better end look from luminess somehow. It’s hard to explain you get more of the ‘wow’ look with luminess…not sure that makes any sense…lol
I saw the commercial and immediately thought it was too good to be true. So I looked around on the net for more reviews. At first I was glad I did but then felt more confused the further I looked. I read some other reviews and people are either really positive or really negative but then again like the author points out there are fake ones on both sides I guess. I think this one is relatively neutral (which is refreshing btw!). I also have a feeling that the ones with the loudest bark are in the minority and the rest are the silent majority who are usually less likely to comment since they have no discontent but it’s hard to know for sure. Anyway, I’m still on the fence between luminess and other brands and still weighing it all up…we’ll see
Anni, I know how you feel. I was also not sure about which product to use. I wish they had a kiosk at the mall where you could actually see it work first hand. The reviews versus endorsements are confusing but in the end I went with luminess. Hope you find a solution.
Is there a place where you can go and check it out and see how you like it before buying it, like malls etc.
I’ve heard of some people purchasing a system from a kiosk at a local mall sometimes when the company has a special promotion running. This is an irregular event from what I understand and is up to the manufacturer when and where it will happen.
It is possible to try it out when getting it online and then get a full refund later if you find it’s not for you.
Does anyone know if you can put Luminess foundation over your regular face creams?
Does anyone know if Luminess Air makeup contain Parabens, Talc, Bismuth, BHT?
Hi Yovana, good question as these can cause problems for many people. I researched into this and found that the answer is no on all counts. Here is a full list of the ingredients in the foundation – it’s all quite safe and not know to cause any skin irritation:
Ingredients: Purified Water, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Acrylates Octylacrylamine Copolymer, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Kaolin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Olivoyl PCA, Potassium Sorbate, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, D & C Red 30.
I’m watching the commercial on tv right now. I’ve never heard of this before. I had a lot of problems with acne in the past and i was wondering how this makeup would be for my skin? Also I have some acne scarring where it looks uneven in my skin texture and I wanted to know how it would look with that?
I am 65 years old – i have already ordered the item and still waiting for it to
arrive – didn’t think to find out BEFORE ordering if at my age it would help with
wrinkles – any comments ?
I’m 15 with mild acne and sensitive skin with a hard time finding good coverage makeup that won’t make me breakout. I live in Vegas and I sweat when it gets really hot. Are there any makeup stores that I can test this out?
I have seen the infomercial several times and believe it works but I do not use make up at all, I have not idea of how to find my color and I have melasma stains on both cheeks. Is there a way have personal guidance at the first time of using the product?
I just ordered the luminess system a couple of days ago. I’m a mommy of 2 and super busy. I’ve been wanting the system for some time now and finally just said “what the heck” and ordered it. I have been using mineral makeup for 7 years now and I like it. I have had barely any pimples since using it, like I use to with foundations bought at the local corner store. It does settle into those fine lines I want to camouflage a little more so, we shall see. I know the system will take a little practice but, once I get the hang of it I will give my opinion here. Looking forward to trying it and sharing my opinion here.
I just got the kit today. I’m 47 tomorrow so this was my birthday gift. I have to say, it’s not so hard but it will take a few times to master it. I keep wanting to pull the lever back all the way LOL. You definitely have to have your face moisturized before using the primer. I’m going to try it without the primer next time just to see how it goes. As for the foundation, I was happy with the results of Ultra #2 in the fair kit. I listed #3 on Ebay and it sold within 15 minutes. Anyway, the blush. OMG. It’s called “Tulip” and it is beautiful. Just gorgeous. I’m in love with that color! I can’t say enough about it! I used to be a Bare Escentuals person. With the exception of the BE bronzer and BE Mineral Veil and some select brushes, I threw everything else I had out. I asked the Mr. his opinion and amazingly enough, he actually said he liked it. Said my face looked fresh, very natural. That sold me! So there you have my two cents.
Ok so I really wanna try this ,but how much is the bottles of makeup separately, after u run out??? Is this gonna break the bank every month for me or, not after buying the trial? Cause I would only use it on the wknds ,because of my job I don’t wear makeup I work on roads, and a snow plow driver so each bottle would last a while for me……..just curious.
Hi Jen, after looking around I found that a refill set of 3 bottles typically retails for about $40 together. You get 2 .55 fl. oz. Ultra Airbrush Foundations and 1 .55 fl. oz. Moisturizer. You can get a single bottle of foundation for between $20-30. It sounds expensive but from what others have been saying it seems like it actually lasts a long time because you don’t need much to cover your whole face. To give you a better idea, one lady was saying how show only used about 6 drops for her whole face and neck so it should last quite a while for you. Hope that helps.
I am 46 years and produce to much oil will the luminus air asorbes the oil? The make-up I use now asorbs the oil and therefore I avoid breakouts!
I use the Luminess foundation in the matte formulation. I start to shine after only a few hours — but then again, I have super oily skin. The foundation does give me a velvet, shine-free finish, but it does not seem to do anything to absorb the oils.
With the extra help from blotting papers and finishing powder though (I use one made from rice powder), I can keep my oils in check.
How well does luminess air work on African American skin?
Hey Gretta, there are a pretty wide variety of shades available for different skin types and complexions including African American. You can select the shades you want when you purchase it.
How well does it hold up to oily skin ?
I would like to hear some testimonials from users who are 65+. How does the makeup work on deeper wrinkles?
Im back again, I said once I got mine in the mail and learned to use it I would share my views about it. Well, I love it. I thought it would take me a while to get the hang of it but on my first time it worked awesome. It takes more drops than I expected and considering the price for refills I will not use it everyday but just for special days when I need an extra “umph”. However, it last a long time on my face and looks beautiful. It was easy to put together and use and I love the way my skin looks. It doesn’t feel like I have any makeup on as a matter of fact. I usually use mineral makeup and I thought I liked that, and I still do, however, this is better. It just looks better….much better. It doesn’t look think and over done and just for practice I put several layers on and it still didn’t look caked on or over done. I’m glad I made the purchase.
@Karen, I tried it on my moms face and she is 67. She has been using liquid foundation since I can remember and I’m 34. She looked beautiful and loved the fact that it didn’t feel heavy like stuff she had been using. She had bought herself a mineral kit some years ago when it was all the rage, used it a couple of times and went back to what she was used to (her same ole same ole OTC liquids and loose powders). She is going to order her a kit now because she not only likes the result she said it feels like nothing’s on her face. It’s not a miracle and didn’t make her look 10 years younger but it did make her look younger and fresher. It didn’t hide all the deep wrinkles but it hid them better than what she had been using….for sure.
I’m very excited I just ordered my luminess Air after a year. However, I also wanted to get all the pros and cons on the product before spending my hard earned money. I will also leave another comment when I receive it. Hopefully I get it before the holidays. I’ve tried so many foundations that I have spent a fortune on and not able to use them because they make my face breakout from all the harsh chemicals and oils they put in them.
Thank you for the research. I just saw the commercial and considered calling to order but thought I would Google it and found your site. So glad I checked. I am going to go ahead and give Luminess a try.
My name is Lisa and I just order Luminess and waiting for it to come in. Can anyone tell me the difference between the different foundation products that they sell. Obviously the matt and satin are self explanatory but I also notice they sell Ultra and Silk. Does anyone know about these foundation varities? Their website describes every foundation variety with the exact same description.
Also I have mild psoriasis and at times my face gets red and inflamed. I am 51 and looking for one which might better camoflague the fine lines around my eyes but also cover the redness that I get sometimes from the psoriasis. Have been using Bare Escentials for years but I’ve noticed if I use their concealer for the dark circle, it make the lines and aging skin around my eyes look worse. Felt that Luminess might cover around my eyes better but wanted to try which ever variety would suit my skin better.
Is the Luminess Air system compatible with different types of Airbrush makeup? (i.e. Dinair, Graftobian, etc.)
Hi, thanks so much for the research! I got snagged into watching the infomercial. They are offering a “30-Day Trial” for $29.95, vs the $19.95 offer on the link you provided (though I think you get more product with the $29.95 offer). I didn’t see either offer on their website – rather a $199 Holiday Special (didn’t look at it). I want to spend the least amount possible so your link is really helpful!
…………. Here is my question: does a “trial offer” hook you into any kind of automatic ordering thing? I’ve tried these sort of “trials” before, and the next thing I know, my credit card is automatically being charged each month for product I never ordered and don’t want.
Thanks!!
Hi Maria, just to clarify the $19.95 offer is the same as the $29.95 one – you get the same amount of product – it’s just a limited time web promotion discount.
About being charged, so long as you request a refund before the 30 day period is complete they will not continue to charge your credit card automatically – unlike some skin care offers that unfortunately do what you’re referring too. Hope that helps.
Luminess automatically enrolls you in a 60-day auto ship program. You will see the notificiation on your order invoice that is e-mailed to you. You must call them to have it removed.
When applying, does makeup from the airbrush settle on other surfaces (bathroom vanity)? I had this problem when using mineral makeup with brushes. Also, how do you avoid getting the makeup on your hair and clothing, or in your eyes? Will it stain clothing?
i recently bought the premium system and was wondering of all your systems which is the best? also im having trouble with eyeshadow use. do u have a how to do eyeshadow
The eyeshadow is definitely tricky. I have learned you have to set the compressor on the low setting. Other than that, it just takes practice.
I am considering this product. I like all the reviews and information on your website. I was wondering about the maintenance of the system. How long does it take to clean after each use, and if you use the moisturizer, then foundation are you looking at cleaning time between each one? Any comments on maintenance would be appreciated. Thanks to all!
I just started using the Luminess. The shades that I picked all were reddish tint so I have to try others, it does help with the wrinkles, they are not so pronounced when you smile. I tried mixing colors and I did not like the results, I am still trying to get it right. I know that it isn’t waterproof, my doggie gave me a kiss and took all the makeup off wherever his tongue touched!! reapplying is not the best thing to do either, you really need to start over again. also it takes more than 3-4 drops of makeup to cover anything, so I think the makeup will be finished much faster than it reads. this is due to the stains on my face, not the product., but it does cover it. This is the best website I have found for info. thank you!!
I am 56 and have been using this product for about a mo. and gotten much better at the process. I don’t feel it completely delivers what it promises in the coverage department, I have a few age spots on my face and it takes so much product/layers to really cover them and then it looks too heavy, as well as some fine lines around my mouth that don’t look “flawless” after application. Overall I still like the product and will continue to use it. I am hoping the Matte foundation I just ordered will be less shiny/oily looking. The makeup is very light feeling when applying a couple of layers, and it does last very well. If your looking for perfection, it’s best to start with a perfect canvas, otherwise you need to be realistic and accept the limitations of this and most products.
I am 49 and a black woman who loves Luminess Air. I use the matte finish and I mix 8 and 7 together to get the perfect shade. Others and my 26 year old daughter says my face looks flawless when I am wearing it. I even have an extra machine in case it should stop working. This is great make-up. I put on 3 layers and it still does not look like I am wearing much make-up. Anyone thinking about getting it, give it a try!!!
I have a question….. When i was pregnant with my daughter over 2 years ago I apparently was ultra sensative to the sun and now have discoloration all over my face. I have used many different types of make up to cover but end up spending hours trying to perfectly blend everything which usually makes the areas actually stand out more or coming off soon after and still showing. It has gotten much lighter by using skin whitening products. So, how does the luminess product cover skin discoloration and making an even skin tone appearance with my type of problem?
I have used the product just a little over a month. I did not watch dvd, or websites for application. I read the information supplied with the product and was able to use and love it. Like most of you here, I was powder mineral user, it was messy. Luminess if great and clean and love the look.
I just got the system, and used it for the first time this morning. I was a little nervous at first, but turns out it was SUPER easy to use. I did the eye shadow as well- and that is going to take some real practice- I have eye shadow all over around my eyes- so I think you need to hold the wand much closer for that! It also does NOT rub off easily, like if I get eye shadow where it shouldn’t be with normal product. I was unable to really get rid of the mistake w/o staring over on my whole face, so I just rolled with it.
My skin has felt very tacky and sticky all day long. I’ve emailed their customer service to see what I’ve done wrong… because if I touch it, it feels gross. It looks fine… and I had no problem with application. I used 3 light layers. It just feels heavy and gross. I used the primer, as well as the finishing product. WARNING: You will use a LOT more drops then described!!!! I had to refill my applicator 4 or 5 times after initially starting with 8 drops.
Clean up of the wand was beyond simple– It took less than a minute to “back bubble” a few drops of water, spray it out, and then swab the remaining residue out. No complaint there.
I will keep using it- but for sure I will use the lightest shade they sent me tomorrow. I just noticed in the bathroom that I look like I sprayed bronzer on my face (Used number 4) and I’ve got a slightly orange tint. Woops!
P.S. I only have 4 notable sunspots. It did cover those without a problem.
I almost forgot to ad, for the person who was concerned about the fine mist getting on counters, clothes, etc!
I had the same worry, because I have a white tiled vanity with white grout– I’ve been using Bare Minerals makeup, and it always leaves residue hanging around and my grout has gotten slightly discolored from it, which required extra care and scrubbing to get cleaned. Also, I find that if I take a cotton swab to my ear after application, my ear has Bare Minerals makeup in it!
The airbrush makeup did not get on my counter at all- or in my ears! Additionally, I had my hair wrapped in a white towel/wrap after my shower while I applied the makeup (because I have blond hair, and didn’t want to risk getting foundation in it)- and I am very happy to report that there was no trace of the airbrush makeup on my towel either.
However, to be frank- make sure you clean your nose after application, because my nose hairs were coated!!!
Glad you posted the ingredients. Some of us are very sensitive to the chemicals used in make-up. Unfortunately, there are two of those listed on the label–Disodium EDTA and Triethanolamine– that are particularly troublesome for me. I am disappointed the product does not use more natural ingredients. I will not be trying this.