Are Portable Fans the Unexpected Beauty Tool of Summer?

Why Are Beauty Brands Coming Out With Fans?

In addition to the launch of the Shark Chill Pill, DYSON HushJet mini cool fan, and when mega beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira launched her pre-makeup skin prep line POV BEAUTY, she sent out branded electric fans as part of a drying step she recommended in the application process. So, is drying down your makeup or skincare a necessary step in the application process?

“I actually think fans are underrated in beauty routines,” explains Lobell. “They’re great after stronger skincare products or exfoliants when skin feels warm or flushed. They can also make heavier nighttime skincare feel more comfortable before bed. For makeup artists, they’re useful during touch-ups too because they help refresh makeup quickly without piling on more product.”

As summer temperatures continue to rise over time, the need to stay cool is top of mind, the way securing your favorite beach rental is. Here are a few other ways you can use fans in your beauty routine. 

How to Use Fans in Your Beauty Routine

“I think part of why fans are becoming such a beauty trend is because they’re genuinely practical, especially during summer, festival season, or anytime you’re layering skincare and makeup in heat or humidity,” says Lobell. “They make the whole process feel a little more comfortable and help products set faster without overpowdering the skin.”

Here are a few ways she suggests using them:

• After Setting Spray: “It helps take away that overly wet feeling faster and helps makeup settle into the skin more naturally,” says Lobell. 

• In Mascara Application: According to Lobell, fans can “help dry layers a little quicker between coats which is great if you’re prone to smudging. I especially like this technique with tubing or defining mascaras.” She adds, “you get the lifted effect without transferring product onto the lid while it’s drying.”

• With Concealer: “I’ll let it sit for a few seconds before blending and lightly fan it so it becomes a little tackier and gives more coverage,” says Lobell.

• With Cream Blush and Bronzers: Especially in warmer months, “a fan helps products set without disturbing the placement,” says Lobell. 

• With Cream Foundations: “I also love using one between layers when doing more sheer, modern makeup looks because it keeps cream products from getting muddy or overly blended together,” says Lobell.

• After Using Exfoliants In Your Skincare: “They’re great after stronger skincare products or exfoliants when skin feels warm or flushed,” she says.

• After Using Heavy Nighttime Face Creams: They can also make heavier nighttime skincare feel more comfortable and lighter before bed, she suggests. 

Does Misting Your Face Mid-Day Help Revive Makeup

We couldn’t help but wonder if the misting feature in the SHARK Chill Pill actually does anything besides quickly cool down your body temperature. According to Lobell, it can have some helpful effects for your makeup.

“A fine mist can absolutely help revive makeup because makeup usually starts looking tired when skin gets dry throughout the day. The key is keeping it very light—you don’t want to soak the face. A small amount of moisture can make your makeup look fresher and more skin-like again,” she says. 

But you can purchase a facial mist that is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to achieve the same effect. For this, we love the SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist. “Facial mists with hydrating ingredients tend to work better because they add comfort back into the skin instead of just evaporating quickly,” explains Lobell. Remember, “too much water though can break makeup apart, so it’s really about balance.”