Highlighter fan brush deets

by Tara V. · Published March 28, 2019 · Updated April 15, 2019 This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and make a purchase we earn a comission.

The first time I heard about the fan brush, I was like – “what in the world is that supposed to do”? For a split second, I thought it was for fanning especially when you overheat during makeup application.

Alright, you can laugh all you want but I was that confused about this unique makeup tool.

Even though the highlighter fan brush has been around for a while, not many people know exactly what it’s meant for and do not own one in their makeup brush collection. If you’re not familiar with highlighter, check out why highlighter is used in makeup for a run down on the popular makeup product.

The fan-shaped brush was created to apply highlighter and other makeup! Once you get the hang of using it, you’ll wonder how you ever made it without one.

The bristles pick up highlighter and allow you to sweep it on. You can use this makeup brush for other task too.

This uniquely shaped highlighter fan brush comes in various sizes and shapes:

Large – This is the largest fan brush used for sweeping off stray flakes or excess powder from your face. Apart from using it to dust in your highlighter, it can also be used for dusting off bronzer, loose powder, contour powder, and blush.

Medium – This one is smaller and is perfect for smaller areas like the cupid bow, bridge of the nose, or on the lip. You can use it for your cream or powder eyeshadows or brow highlighter.

Small – The small fan brush can be used to clean up fall-out, highlighting small areas and for sweeping on your mascara.

Let’s get into a little detail of what a highlighter fan brush can do for you.

1. Sweep off excess eyeshadow

When you’re done with applying your eyeshadow and you notice some fallout on your under eye, using your fingers will smudge it and make it look like a mess but a fan brush will neatly get rid of it.

2. Dust on blush

Having too much blush on your cheekbones can make you appear too pinky. If you go overboard with your blush, you can easily diffuse it with a fan brush for a subtle natural look.

3. Apply tinted moisturizer

Using your fingers to apply tinted moisturizer on your dry skin will zap more moisture from your face. A fan brush will evenly distribute the tint without zapping moisture.

4. Perfect your highlight

This is basically what a highlighter fan brush is designed to do. Using this brush to dust on powdered highlighter on your cheekbones and bridge of your nose will leave your face glowing.

5. Blend out harsh lines

You may end up with some harsh lines after applying a highlighter, foundation, blush or bronzer. Using a fan brush to get rid of the excess will give you that airbrushed finish.

6. Buff out excess powder

A fan brush is perfect for getting rid of excess powder foundation and for evenly distributing powder on your face and neck for a porcelain-looking finish.

7. To get rid of shine

The fan brush is perfect for reapplying or touching up your makeup throughout the day, especially when your T-zone starts looking greasy. Dip the brush in a setting powder and sweep it across your forehead to remove the shine.