10Best.Guide

Brush Cleaner

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Effective for powder makeup and eyeshadow brushes
  • Deep cleans brushes easily
  • Removes tough stains
  • Trusted brand with value for money
Cons
  • Ineffective for liquid medium to full coverage foundation
  • Not effective for beauty blenders
Bottom Line
The EcoTools Professional Makeup Cleaner is a great option for those looking for an effective and eco-friendly way to clean their makeup brushes, especially for powder makeup and eyeshadow brushes. However, it may not be effective for liquid medium to full coverage foundation and beauty blenders, and may require multiple washes for certain brushes.
Pros
  • Multiple textures for different brush sizes
  • Cleans brushes thoroughly
  • More effective than cleaning with hands
  • Can be held between fingers for easier use
  • Sanitizes brushes
Cons
  • Weak suction
  • Small size
Bottom Line
This silicone cleaning mat is a great tool for cleaning and sanitizing makeup brushes, with multiple textures for different brush sizes. However, the weak suction and small size may be inconvenient for some users, and makeup stains may be difficult to remove.
Pros
  • Effective at removing makeup from brushes.
  • Quick and easy to use.
  • Gets brushes very clean.
  • Dries brushes quickly.
  • Can be used on other items, such as jewelry.
Cons
  • Strong scent.
  • Expensive for the amount of product.
Bottom Line
This brush cleaner is effective and easy to use, but may have a strong scent and be expensive for the amount of product. It may also leave a blue tint on white bristle brushes.
Pros
  • Cleans brushes well and quickly
  • Easy to use
  • Can be used on beauty blenders and diamond jewelry
  • Has a pleasant scent
Cons
  • Strong and noxious smell
  • Can cause brushes to disintegrate
Bottom Line
This product cleans brushes well and quickly, but has a strong and noxious smell, can cause brushes to disintegrate, and is expensive. It may be worth trying for those who are willing to overlook the cons.
Pros
  • Makes cleaning brushes fast and easy
  • Can be used to dry brushes as well
  • Comes with multiple collars to fit different brush sizes
  • Easy to use and fun to watch
  • Keeps brushes in good condition
Cons
  • Doesn't clean denser brushes well
  • Some brushes may not fit properly in the collars
Bottom Line
This makeup brush cleaner is a good investment for those who want to make the brush cleaning process faster and more efficient. However, it may not work well for denser brushes and some brushes may not fit properly in the collars.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Brush Cleaner: How to Choose the Best One for Your Makeup Brushes

Overview

Makeup brushes are essential tools for achieving flawless makeup looks. However, they can also harbor bacteria, dirt, and other impurities that can harm your skin and compromise your makeup application. That's why it's important to clean your brushes regularly with a high-quality brush cleaner. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of brush cleaners, key considerations to keep in mind, features to look for, prices, tips, and FAQs to help you make an informed decision.

Types

- Natural brush cleaner: Made with natural ingredients like plant extracts, essential oils, and vinegar, these cleaners are gentle on brushes and the environment.

- Synthetic brush cleaner: Designed specifically for synthetic brushes, these cleaners are usually more powerful than natural ones and can remove even stubborn makeup residues.

- Deep cleaning brush cleaner: Ideal for deep-cleaning heavily soiled brushes, these cleaners often contain strong solvents or detergents that can remove even the toughest stains.

- Gentle brush cleaner: Suitable for delicate or sensitive brushes, these cleaners are formulated with mild ingredients that won't damage the bristles or affect the performance of the brush.

- Quick-drying brush cleaner: Perfect for on-the-go cleaning, these cleaners dry quickly and don't require water, making them ideal for travel or touch-ups.

- Antibacterial brush cleaner: Designed to kill bacteria and prevent infections, these cleaners often contain antimicrobial agents like tea tree oil or alcohol.

- Vegan brush cleaner: Free of animal-derived ingredients, these cleaners are a great choice for vegans or anyone who wants to avoid animal products.

- Cruelty-free brush cleaner: Not tested on animals, these cleaners are a more ethical and eco-friendly option than those that are tested on animals.

- Non-toxic brush cleaner: Made with safe and natural ingredients, these cleaners are free of harsh chemicals or toxins that can harm your skin or the environment.

- Scented brush cleaner: Infused with pleasant scents like lavender, citrus, or mint, these cleaners can add a refreshing aroma to your brushes and make cleaning more enjoyable.

- Refillable brush cleaner: Environmentally friendly and cost-effective, these cleaners come with a refillable container that you can use again and again.

- Spray brush cleaner: Easy to use and convenient, these cleaners come in a spray bottle that you can apply directly to your brushes.

- Solid brush cleaner: Similar to soap bars, these cleaners come in a solid form that you can rub against your brushes to create a lather.

- Liquid brush cleaner: The most common type of brush cleaner, these cleaners come in a liquid form that you can pour or dip your brushes into.

Key Considerations

- Brush type: Different types of brushes require different types of cleaners. For example, natural brushes may be damaged by strong solvents or detergents, while synthetic brushes may require a more powerful cleaner to remove stubborn makeup residues.

- Ingredients: Check the label to make sure the cleaner is made with safe and effective ingredients that won't harm your skin, your brushes, or the environment.

- Purpose: Consider how often you use your brushes, how dirty they get, and what kind of makeup you use. If you use heavy or waterproof makeup, you may need a more powerful cleaner to remove it.

- Ease of use: Look for a cleaner that is easy to use and doesn't require too much time or effort to clean your brushes.

- Drying time: If you need to clean your brushes quickly, choose a cleaner that dries quickly and doesn't require water.

Features

- Cleaning power: A good brush cleaner should be able to remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and bacteria from your brushes.

- Conditioning: Some cleaners contain ingredients that can condition and soften your brushes, making them last longer and perform better.

- Scent: If you prefer scented products, look for a cleaner that offers pleasant fragrances like lavender, citrus, or mint.

- Packaging: Consider the size, shape, and design of the packaging, as well as whether it's refillable or not.

- Price: Brush cleaners can range from a few dollars to over $50, depending on the brand, ingredients, and features.

Prices

- Natural brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Synthetic brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Deep cleaning brush cleaner: $10-$50

- Gentle brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Quick-drying brush cleaner: $5-$20

- Antibacterial brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Vegan brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Cruelty-free brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Non-toxic brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Scented brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Refillable brush cleaner: $10-$50

- Spray brush cleaner: $5-$20

- Solid brush cleaner: $5-$30

- Liquid brush cleaner: $5-$30

Tips

- Clean your brushes regularly: Ideally, you should clean your brushes after every use to prevent bacteria buildup and prolong their lifespan.

- Use lukewarm water: Hot water can damage the bristles and cause them to shed, while cold water may not be effective in removing makeup residues.

- Be gentle: Don't scrub your brushes too hard, as this can damage the bristles and affect the performance of the brush.

- Dry your brushes properly: After cleaning, reshape the bristles and let the brushes air-dry on a flat surface or a brush tree.

- Don't share your brushes: Sharing brushes can spread bacteria and infections, so it's best to use your own brushes and avoid sharing them with others.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my brushes?

A: Ideally, you should clean your brushes after every use. However, if you use your brushes infrequently, you can clean them once a week or as needed.

Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my brushes?

A: While dish soap can be effective in cleaning brushes, it may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the bristles or affect the performance of the brush. It's best to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for makeup brushes.

Q: Can I use the same cleaner for natural and synthetic brushes?

A: It depends on the cleaner. Some cleaners are suitable for both natural and synthetic brushes, while others may be too harsh or too gentle for one or the other. Check the label or consult the manufacturer's instructions to make sure.

Q: How long does it take for my brushes to dry after cleaning?

A: It depends on the size and density of the brush, as well as the humidity and temperature of the room. Generally, it takes 6-12 hours for brushes to dry completely.

Q: Can I use a hair dryer to dry my brushes?

A: It's not recommended, as the heat and force of the air can damage the bristles and affect the performance of the brush. It's best to let your brushes air-dry naturally.

Q: Can I use a brush cleaner on my beauty blender?

A: While some brush cleaners may be effective in cleaning beauty blenders, it's best to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for sponges or blenders.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Great bang for your bucks
  • Works well for cleaning eyeshadow or powders
  • Brush shampoo works great
  • Easy and quick to use
  • Good customer service
Cons
  • Bottles don't have a dispenser
  • Doesn't work well for liquid makeup
Bottom Line
This product is a great value for cleaning eyeshadow or powders, but may not work as well for liquid makeup. The brush shampoo works well, but the scrub mat is small and the bottles don't have a dispenser. It's easy and quick to use, and the customer service is good. However, it may not be clear how to use the product and some brushes may still have dirt and oil left on them. Overall, it's a good cruelty-free option for cleaning makeup brushes.
Pros
  • Gets the job done quickly
  • Saves time and energy
  • Cleans brushes well
  • Dries brushes quickly
  • Makes brushes soft and like new
Cons
  • Doesn't work with all brushes
  • Inconsistent cleaning
Bottom Line
This brush cleaning device is a great time-saver that effectively cleans and dries brushes, but may not work with all brush types and sizes.
Pros
  • Easy to clean brushes after each use
  • Cleans brushes thoroughly and quickly
  • Brushes dry quickly
  • Good for on-the-go cleaning
  • Leaves brushes soft and ready to use
Cons
  • Price is a little high
  • Small bottle size for the price
Bottom Line
Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner is a great product for those who want to quickly and easily clean their makeup brushes. It is effective and dries quickly, making it a good option for on-the-go cleaning. However, it may not work for all brush types and the price and small bottle size may be a drawback for some buyers.
Pros
  • Cleans brushes quickly and effectively
  • Dries fast
  • Removes makeup easily
  • Can be used for personal and professional use
  • Works well on all types of brushes
Cons
  • Strong, unpleasant smell
  • Smell lingers on brushes
Bottom Line
This brush cleaner is highly effective at removing makeup and disinfecting brushes, but the strong smell and potential skin irritation may not be suitable for all users. It is also relatively expensive for the amount of product provided.
Pros
  • Cleans brushes quickly and thoroughly
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Portable and can be charged with USB
  • Comes with a detachable silicone piece for easy cleaning
  • Does not damage bristles
Cons
  • Bowl is too small and requires frequent water and soap replacement
  • Does not come with cleaning solution or wall socket adapter
Bottom Line
This electric brush cleaner is a great investment for those who want to clean their brushes quickly and thoroughly. However, the small bowl size and lack of cleaning solution and wall socket adapter may be inconvenient for some users. It also struggles with cleaning liquid foundation brushes.
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