A fan brush is one of the most practical makeup tool essentials around. It's often used to apply a setting powder for a soft-focus, weightless kind of finish

but that's not the only reason this multitasking makeup brush is so great. See five other reasons you might want to become a fan of the fan brush:

Mistake eraser: By design, a fan brush fans away product. So if your powdered makeup products (especially eye shadow) are leaving flecks behind, a light swipe of the fan brush can easily wipe away the excess.

Blusher/bronzer: If you want just a sheer touch of blush or bronzer on your cheeks — or you tend to have a heavy hand when it comes to makeup — a fan brush will enable you to create a softer look. In turn, use the brush's flat shape to assist in contouring where needed.

Powder foundation: Get a more precise powder foundation application when using a fan brush.

Diffuser of color: Break out that fan brush to blend out harsh lines or to create new shades with your powder cosmetics. Tip: use it with darker shades to tone them down or with a highlighter to provide a luminous effect. Skin care applier: Make a mask or peel go on all the more smoothly with a fan brush.

Better yet, you'll get nice coverage without using a lot of product.

For a deeper clean, wash your brushes with shampoo; Add a drop of shampoo to a cup half full of warm water. Swirl the brushes around and then thoroughly rinse.

Then let them dry flat on a towel, because if they dry upright, the water will drain into the metal casing and break down the glue causing bristle loss