How to Use a Fan Brush: Tips for Highlighting Like a Pro

Have you ever wondered how to achieve that effortless, radiant glow like your favorite beauty influencers? The secret often lies in a simple yet powerful tool—the fan brush! This lightweight, delicate brush helps you apply highlighter precisely, giving your skin a soft, luminous finish.

In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about using a fan brush for highlighting—step by step. Whether you're a beginner or want to perfect your technique, we've got you covered.

So, grab your fan brush, and let's dive in!

What Exactly Is a Fan Brush?

Let's start with the basics—what is a fan brush and why is it so loved in the beauty world? A fan brush is a makeup tool with soft, thin bristles shaped like a fan. It's often used to apply highlighter, bronzer, and even blush. The unique shape of a fan brush allows for precise application and a seamless, blended finish.

A fan brush's soft, lightweight bristles are perfect for highlighting because they pick up just the right amount of product, helping you control how much you apply. Also, they give a beautifully diffused glow that doesn't overwhelm the skin. Whether for a subtle glow or something more intense, a fan brush will enable you to customize your highlight. There are different sizes of fan brushes available, from larger ones that are great for highlighting your collarbones to smaller ones for delicate areas of the face. Depending on your needs, you can choose the size that works best for you.

Why Use a Fan Brush for Highlighting?

You might think, "Why would I use a fan brush when I already have other brushes?" Well, the fan brush has many benefits when it comes to highlighting, making it a must-have tool for any beauty enthusiast.

Here's why:

• Precision: The shape of a fan brush allows you to apply highlighter with precision. You can focus on specific parts of your face, such as your cheekbones or brow bone, without worrying about getting it everywhere.

• Blending: One of the most essential features of a fan brush is its ability to blend easily. The bristles are designed to diffuse the product, giving you a smooth, natural finish—no harsh lines or streaks.

• Buildable Glow: The fan brush applies the product lightly so you can gradually build up your highlight. The fan brush lets you layer the product to your desired intensity, creating a soft, natural look or a radiant glow.

• Versatility: While fan brushes are primarily used for highlighting, they are pretty versatile for other makeup techniques. You can use them for bronzing, applying blush, or removing stray hairs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Fan Brush for Highlighting

Now that we know why the fan brush is such an excellent tool for highlighting, let's break down how to use it effectively. These simple steps will help you achieve the perfect glow without stress or mess.

Step 1: Choose the Right Highlighter

Before choosing your fan brush, you must choose the right highlighter. There are several types of highlighter—powder, cream, and liquid—so the highlighter you choose will depend on the look you're going for.

• Powder Highlighter: This is the most common type and works beautifully with a fan brush. Powder highlighters give off a soft, radiant glow and are easy to apply.

• Cream or Liquid Highlighter: These are perfect for a dewy, hydrated finish. While they can work with a fan brush, you may use a slightly denser brush to ensure you don't waste too much product.

Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone, and ensure it's suitable for your preferred finish (matte, shimmer, or metallic).

Step 2: Identify Where to Highlight

Knowing where to apply it on your face is essential to get the most out of your highlighter. Highlighter accentuates the high points of your face where light naturally falls. Here are the main areas you should focus on:

• Cheekbones: The most classic place to highlight is the tops of your cheekbones. It creates a lifted, sculpted effect and gives your face a radiant glow.

• Bridge of the Nose: A touch of highlighter down the bridge of your nose can make it appear slimmer and give your face a more balanced look.

• Cupid's Bow: Apply a highlighter to the Cupid's bow to enhance the shape of your lips and make them appear fuller.

• Brow Bones: Applying a little highlighter under your brows can give your eyes a lifted, awake look.

• Inner Corners of the Eyes: Applying a little highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear broader and more open.

Step 3: Lightly Tap and Apply

Once you've chosen your highlighter and identified where you want to apply it, it's time to pick up your fan brush. Here's how to do it right:

• Pick Up the Product: Lightly dab your fan brush into the highlighter. The goal is to pick up a small amount of product, so don't put too much pressure on the brush.

• Remove Excess Product: Before applying, gently dab the brush to remove excess product. This prevents your highlight from looking too intense all at once.

• Apply the Highlighter: Start at the top of your cheekbones and gently move the fan brush back and forth in a "C" shape. You can also dab the product onto the bridge of your nose, cupid's bow, and brow bones.

• Blend: After applying, blend the highlighter into your skin. This will create a smooth, seamless glow. Use a light touch of a fan brush to combine or, if necessary, use a sponge to soften the edges.

Step 4: Build Gradually

The best thing about using a fan brush is that you can gradually build up your highlighter. If you want a subtle glow, just a light layer will suffice. But if you aim for a more intense, glowing highlight, don't hesitate to layer more product until you achieve the desired effect.

Pro Tips for Highlighting with a Fan Brush

Here are some additional tips to take your highlighting skills to the next level:

• Start with a Well-Set Base: Make sure your face is prepped and set before applying highlighter for best results. A solid base of foundation, concealer, and setting powder will ensure that your highlight goes on smoothly and lasts longer.

• Choose a Highlighter Based on Your Skin Tone: Highlighters come in many shades, so choosing one that matches your skin tone is essential. For fair skin, choose a pearlescent or champagne shade. Medium skin tones look great with gold and peachy tones, while darker skin tones look good with bronze and copper shades.

• Don't Overdo It: It's easy to get carried away with glitter, but subtlety is key. Begin with a small amount and gradually increase it. You can always add more, but it's hard to take it down once it's on.

• Experiment with Layering: For a more dramatic effect, try layering different types of highlighter. Start with a liquid or cream base for a dewy finish, and then apply a powder highlighter on top to set it and add extra intensity.

• Use the Fan Brush for Other Areas: Don't limit your fan brush to just highlighting. You can also apply bronzer, blush, or sweep-away powder. Its shape and light touch make it incredibly versatile.

Final Thoughts

The fan brush is a game-changer when it comes to applying highlighter. Its precise application, blending ability, and versatility make it an essential tool for anyone looking to glow. Whether you're new to makeup or a seasoned pro, mastering the fan brush can help you achieve a radiant, flawless finish every time.

So, grab that fan brush next time you're about to highlight, and don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite highlighter. With a bit of practice and some tips we've shared, you'll be highlighting like a pro in no time.