Take it from someone who has not been dealing with the indignities of raccoon eyes and smudging for the past three years: there comes a time when mascara-coated strands hold appeal again. For some, it arises upon one too many viewings of The Buccaneers, where exquisite updos and radiant skin is perfectly complemented by delicate, barely-there flutters. Or perhaps after spying the gorgeously separated lengths at the Marc Jacobs 2026 runway presentation; a sublime smokey eye configuration dreamt up by the incomparable Pat McGrath. Either way, as a past lash extension advocate, I am here to assert that a turning point does occur. And so, it becomes necessary to ask: what can a person do to up their mascara game in this day and age? The answer, it seems, lies not in formula or skill set but in the right applicator. Enter: the mascara fan brush.
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Often distinguishable by its bent angle and stiff bristles, the mascara fan brush is designed to capture and deposit super-fine formulas onto an individual’s visage. Its unique flat shape and sparse feathering facilitates this, where it is able to create the illusion of hair-like strokes. In short? It allows for the crafting of subtle and intricate make-up detailing that can be impossible to achieve otherwise.
As someone looking to score a natural yet defined lash look, the mascara fan brush felt like a necessary addition to my regime. The goal of this experiment? To see if I am able to avoid the spidery, indie sleaze-leaning type of aesthetic that I am, unfortunately, most familiar with. After some consideration and a thorough perusing of the options available, I opt for the Kevyn Aucoin Angled Fan Mascara Brush. According to its website, this bad boy is specifically designed with dual-fiber tips that deliver on a precise, clump-free application while also lifting lashes. Sounds right up my alley.
Put to the test
The first thing I notice is how easily it picks up just the right amount of product. My mascara of choice: the Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl, which touts itself as lengthening, volumising, and smudge-proof—the holy trinity amongst mascara enthusiasts. The slight dip in the brush angle also means you can comfortably rest it against your cheekbone during application, which makes for a lot less shaking and quivering throughout the process. It takes three passes before I can actually see the formula being layered on, but unlike with a traditional mascara spoolie, each coat goes on smooth and clean. No clumps in sight.
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The result
Picture full, separated lashes that will have people second-guessing if you’re wearing anything at all. I find it particularly effective for short and sparse lower lashes, where it is able to dispense a carefully allotted amount that leads to minimal smudging throughout the day. And while it certainly adds to the duration of your make-up routine, I’d say it’s a trade-off that’s definitely worthwhile.
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