10 Ways to Use a Fan Makeup Brush

Of all the makeup brushes out there, a fan brush often seems to be the most confusing. While we normally see it being used to highlight the high points of the cheekbones, a fan brush is actually a very versatile beauty tool that can be used several different ways. Not sure how? Ahead, we rounded up ten ways to use a fan brush that will make your routine a lot easier. Thank us later. 

1. Brush Away Eyeshadow Fallout

You’ve applied the perfect bronzy eye, only to end up with eyeshadow all over your under-eye area. Don’t smudge it with your fingers; instead use a fluffy fan brush to swipe away any fallout without making a mess.

2. Apply Facial Masks

Use a small-to-medium-size fan brush to apply a facial mask with the utmost precision. Bonus,  you won’t waste as much product as you would if you were using your fingers.

3. Contour Facial Features

Because of its unique shape, a large fan brush is the perfect tool for contouring your cheekbones, nose, jawline and forehead.

4. Highlight to Perfection

This brush also makes for the perfect highlighting tool. For glowing skin, use it to lightly dust powdered highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.

5. Dust on Blush for a Natural Look

We all get a little heavy handed with our blush application from time to time. To avoid overly bright pink cheeks, dust blush on with a fan brush — its soft bristles will diffuse the powder for a subtle hint of color.

6. Apply Tinted Moisturizer

If your skin is typically dry, applying tinted moisturizer with your fingers can zap the moisture right out of your skin! Use a fan brush to evenly distribute your lightweight coverage option without using too much of it.

7. Distribute Powdered Foundation

Once you’ve applied your favorite foundation, use a fan brush with compact bristles to buff out the powder (don’t forget the neck area) for a perfectly blended complexion — the IT Cosmetics Airbrush Radiance Fan Brush #116 is our favorite for this.

8. Blend Bronzer, Blush and Highlighters

After laying down your foundation, blush, bronzer and highlighter, use a large, fluffy fan brush like the Lancôme Dual Ended Highlighter Fan Brush #31 to blend out any harsh lines — especially if you’ve over-applied — for an airbrushed finish!

9. Remove Shine in the T-Zone Area

Skin starting to look greasy? Touch up throughout the day by lightly dusting translucent powder onto your T-zone to banish shine.

10. Apply Mascara

You can even use a small fan brush to apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes for a natural, barely-there look and zero clumps.

5 Budget Makeup Sponges That Will Save You So Much Money

We make a pretty compelling argument that the basic makeup sponge is THE most versatile and important makeup tool in your kit. A makeup sponge does everything from airbrush your foundation, seamlessly blend your cream products, and it’s even great for applying a myriad of powder products too.

The beautyblender elevated the basic makeup sponge to icon status, but the multiple drugstore versions that emerged afterward made it a staple in everyone’s makeup bag – and are proof that a great makeup sponge doesn’t need to cost $20. For a tool with a lifespan of just a few months, we prefer to stick to these amazing drugstore makeup sponges that do the same job for less than half the price.

(Oh, and if makeup sponges aren’t for you, check out our top foundation brushes instead.) Here are our tried and tested favorites:

1. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $4.90 for one/ $18 for four

budget makeup sponges

This bright orange sponge is our go-to and not just because of the great price. The latex-free sponge is firm when dry, but when damp it becomes a super soft, flexible sponge that gives the most seamless, airbrushed finish. When it’s damp it makes blending-out foundations extra quick thanks to the large surface. The flat side is great for applying powder products and the pointed tip is great for precision. It also lasts a lot longer than many other makeup sponges.

2. EcoTools Perfecting Blender Duo, $10 for two

budget makeup sponges

Made with EcoFoam® Technology that’s made with 70% plant-based material, these little and large makeup sponges have different densities so you can easily create your ultimate makeup look. The Large Base Blender is soft and flexible to create light, buildable makeup application while the Mini Detail Blender is firmer for more precise and detailed coverage. The little one is also a great size for on-the-go.

3. Morphe Highlight & Contour Beauty Sponge, $8

budget makeup sponges

Morphe tools are iconic for a reason and we love this soft sponge with a chiseled edge that makes it the perfect contouring tool for those that love precision contouring. Use it with liquid, cream or powder formulas and use it damp for the most flawless finish with any formula.

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4. e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Concealer Sponge, $5

cheap makeup sponges

This uniquely-shaped sponge was specifically designed to work with e.l.f.’s Camo Concealer but it works amazingly with any concealer or foundation formula. The unique shape means it’s great for the undereye area and for blending concealer into any tricky spots with precision.

5. Dear Dahlia Marble Multi Blender Pear, $12.50

cheap makeup sponges

This unique pear-shaped blender has a super fine material that makes it great for creating a flawless, full-coverage base. With 13 different facets, the soft yet dense sponge is great for getting into every space.

Check out these hacks for the most flawless makeup finish.

3 Setting Spray Hacks That Will Revolutionize Your Makeup Game

Cosmetic company Skindinavia released a consumer-facing setting spray to the market, credited as being the first to do so. Ever since then, setting spray has become one of the greatest beauty inventions of all time and an integral step in every beauty guru makeup routine. Although not everyone feels this way, trust me, it’s the secret to long-lasting makeup with zero touch-ups! You just need to know how to use setting spray to its full potential, and you’ll be converted. Here are three setting spray hacks I swear by for flawless, long-lasting makeup.

Setting Spray Hack #1: For Creaseless Eyeshadow

It can be hella-frustrating when you spend what feels like forever, blending and buffing your eyeshadow for it to crease a few hours later. This setting spray hack will ensure your eyeshadow lasts all day long. Dip your eyeshadow brush into your eyeshadow of choice, then mist the brush a few times with setting spray, then apply as usual. This helps not only make the pigment pop, but it keeps it in place all day long. This also works amazingly for shimmers, as it helps to intensify them. Try spritzing the brush first, then dipping into a shimmer before applying for ultimate shine.

Note: If you’re working with glitter eyeshadow, it is advisable to use a setting spray before picking the pigment from the shadow as well as after.

Setting Spray Hack #2: For A Long-Lasting Glow

Discovered this hack when I was experimenting with Huda Beauty setting spray, Resting Boss Face. Now, I can’t imagine doing mine or anyone’s makeup without it, as it not only locks the makeup in place, but it gives skin a stunning luminosity. All you need is setting spray, a beauty blender, and a cream highlighter. A great drugstore product is the L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow-Boosting Drops, $15; the shimmer is SO pretty, and the liquid formula will work perfectly for this hack.

Start by spraying a damp makeup sponge with setting spray, then dip it in your fave cream highlighter. Next dab it along your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the Cupid’s bow, then bounce the remaining product over the rest of your face to set and add a soft glow. You’ll be left with a radiant skin that stays all day. Get ready for the compliments!

Setting Spray Hack #3: For Groomed Brows

Laminated brows are one of the biggest beauty trends right now, and the easiest way to get the look is using a spoolie and a little setting spray. Just douse a spoolie in setting spray, Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face Setting Spray, is bomb for this hack, then comb the spoolie through your brows in an upward direction. It will instantly add shape and definition, and it keeps your brows locked in! Use this on bare brows, or use it once you’ve applied your brow powder or pomade, and it’ll majorly enhance the look. This hack will give your brows that beautiful, editorial feathered finish without any effort.

For more hacks, check out 10 EYESHADOW TIPS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW.

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2020 Beauty Resolutions

A new year always puts our previous habits into perspective. From major beauty investments, pulling off new makeup trends, or our favorite skincare products, we’ve definitely had our fair share of beauty experiments in 2019.  However, now that 2020 has arrived, our beauty forecast did too. A new year means a refreshed routine focusing on clear skin, the best brows (always), and lots and lots of self care.

Since our beauty routines are such a major staple in our lives, we wanted to share our 2020 beauty resolutions with you too. That way, you can follow along with us on our path to bolder looks, greener products, and great skin to jumpstart your new year. Scroll through to see our beauty resolutions that’ll have us conquering 2020…

1. Better Brows

Strive for greatness and perfect your brow game in 2020. Your brows, as you know, frame the windows to your soul, so we want you to be as religious as possible about having a foolproof regimen. Whether that means investing in microblading, getting them professionally shaped, or taking time to fill them in, put your brows first in your makeup routine. Your eyes {and the rest of your face, for that matter}, will thank you later.

2. Try a New Lip Color

It’s SO easy to get comfortable using the same color and wearing the same makeup look every day. We get it. Being comfortable in your routine is important. However, trying something new is the perfect refresh to your tried-and-true products. Even if that means wearing a new nude lip from a different brand or a bold and fierce berry hue, incorporating a new color into the mix always add a little adventure.

3. Focus on Your Skin

Your skin is the canvas and base for your makeup, so implementing products that will do your skin some good is your highest priority. Whether it’s anti-aging, acne fighting, or another skincare concern, find products that are going to treat your skin with the utmost care.

4. Stick to a Self-Care Routine

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again: self-care is and will be an important staple in not only your beauty routine, but also the rest of your life. We have stressors all around us and they affect our hair, skins, nails, and overall health. Sticking to a self-care routine can create a more harmonious and focused part of your life that can help balance out all of the hectic points in your day.

5. Green-Out Your Beauty Bag

If some of your products have ingredients that you can’t even pronounce, it’s probably not the best product to be using on your body. There are a lot of amazing eco-friendly, green, and sustainable beauty products on the market, so take some time and do your research to find the ones that are a lot more beneficial to you {and the earth}.

What beauty resolutions are you going to try this year?

Let us know in the comments below—we love to hear them!