Makeup brushes are one of the most important tools you use when applying your makeup each morning. Over time, they can get a build-up of blush, eyeshadow or foundation in the bristles. This makeup can attract bacteria, dust, mold and other harmful contaminants. You could be distributing these contaminants back onto your face by using a dirty brush.
Click here to see the best makeup brush cleansers on Amazon.
In order to make sure your skin stays blemish free and your makeup goes on smoothly, you will need to clean your brushes regularly. Cleaning your brushes with a store bought cleanser is the best and easiest way to remove built-up makeup, bacteria and dust from the bristles. Here are our favorite top 5 best makeup brush cleaners for 2024.
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Best Solid Makeup Brush Cleanser
JAPONESQUE Solid Brush Cleanser Review
One of the most effective solid brush cleaners on the market is the JAPONESQUE Solid Brush Cleanser. This cleanser uses a gentle goat-milk cleansing balm to effectively and quickly dissolve bacteria, built-up makeup and other impurities. It is designed to deep clean and condition your brush head so it looks and feels like new every time you use it. There is very a subtle fresh scent that is not overpowering but will leave your brushes smelling great.
In order to use this brush cleaner, you first need to wet the bristles of your brush with warm water. Then gently swirl the bristles over the surface of the balm until a foam has formed. Keep swirling until all the makeup and other gunk has been lifted off the brush. Rinse the brush under clean, running water and lay out to dry on a towel. You can clean the makeup and dirt off of the top of the balm by rinsing it quickly under water or wiping the surface with a paper towel. The JAPONESQUE Solid Brush Cleanser gets plenty of positive reviews on Amazon and is highly recommended.
Best Affordable Makeup Brush Cleanser
e.l.f. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner Review
If you are searching for an affordable drugstore makeup brush cleanser, then consider the e.l.f. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner. This cleanser comes in a spray bottle which makes it easy to spot clean your brushes when you don’t have time to deep clean them. The solution will disinfect and clean your brushes to prevent blemishes and breakouts on your skin.
When you use the e.l.f. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner, your brushes will last longer and you won’t need to purchase new brushes every couple of months. The bottle is small and is designed to be leak proof so you can throw it in a makeup bag when you travel. For best results, spray the e.l.f. cleanser onto your brushes after using them and then wipe them on a clean, dry cloth to remove the excess makeup. Once they are dry, they will be just like new and ready for use.
Best Environmentally Safe Makeup Brush Cleaner
Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Review
If you are looking for an environmentally safe makeup brush cleaner, then consider the Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner. It is recommended by professional film and television makeup artists.
This cleaner will thoroughly and gently clean any of your brushes and will dissolve all types of makeup including powders, liquids, adhesives and waxes. It will also condition and soften the bristles of the brush.
Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner uses no artificial colors or fragrances. It contains citrus spirits which works to leave your brush smelling and looking clean. The best part is that will not damage the handle of your brush – even if it is made from wood.
Best High End Makeup Brush Cleanser
MAC Brush Cleanser Review
MAC Brush Cleanser is expensive but is designed specifically for high-quality brushes which makes it worth the high price tag. It will clean, disinfect and condition the fibers in the brush bristles so your brushes will last longer. It has a pleasant smell and is quick drying. There are a few ways to use this cleanser. The most common way is to apply the cleanser right to the brush and then swirl the brush on a clean, dry towel until no makeup is left on the brush. You may also pour a little bit of the cleanser in a small bowl and dip the brushes in the solution. Then blot the brush on a paper towel.
The MAC Brush Cleanser is typically used for deep cleaning your makeup brushes. It can also be used for spot cleaning when placed in a spray bottle. Spray a little on the brush head after every use and run over a wash cloth to remove any makeup products left in the bristles. This is a quick and easy way to maintain your brushes in between deep cleanings.
Best Professional Makeup Brush Cleanser
Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner Review
The Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner was developed by Academy Award-winning makeup artist, Maurice Stein. He has been doing makeup for movie stars and theatrical productions for over 50 years and has had his work highlighted on over 200 films and television shows as well as over 4,000 commercials. Maurice knows what works and what doesn’t and has developed this professional brush cleaner to remove the toughest makeup, powders and adhesives from brush bristles.
Cinema Secrets comes in a variety of sizes from a small spray bottle size all the way up to a large 32 oz refill bottle. It has a strong but pleasant vanilla scent that will remain on your brushes even after it dries. To use it on your brushes, you can either spray the directly onto your brushes or pour it into a small bowl and dip your brushes into the solution. Wipe the bristles on a clean tissue or towel and allow the brush to air dry.
If using the spray option, it will only take 10-30 seconds to dry while dipping the brushes in the solution will take a little longer to dry. Cinema Secrets is extremely fast drying and is perfect when you need to clean your brushes quickly. It is one of the highest rated makeup brush cleaners on Amazon and can easily be considered as one of the top 5 best makeup brush cleaners in 2024.