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Makeup Brush Cleaner The Definitive Guide (2023)

Makeup Brush Cleaner: The Definitive Guide (2023)

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Introduction

Ready to up your beauty game? Join us as we delve into the art of using a makeup brush cleaner and reveal the surprising reasons why it’s time to give your brushes a spa day. 

From bacteria to beauty blenders – we’re about to spill the beans on why cleaning your makeup brushes is a game-changer for your skincare and makeup routine. We know that it’s a pretty tiresome task.

This blog is about turning a mundane chore into an exciting journey, where you’re the star of the show and your brushes, the magical wands in your hands.

We’ll ultimately uncover the ‘why’ behind cleaning your brushes. We’ve mentioned an easy step-by-step guide with no complicated jargon or beauty guru to speak of; it’s just straightforward information anyone can grasp. 

makeup brush cleaners

Why is it important to clean & use makeup brush cleaner?

The reason is simple. You need to clean makeup brushes to prevent bacteria buildup. Let’s look at the reasons below in a bit more detail!

Prevents Breakouts

Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly removes built-up oils, dirt, and old makeup, preventing these culprits from clogging your pores and causing unwanted breakouts. Regular cleaning also reduces the chance of these pore-clogging substances transferring to your skin, helping you maintain a clearer complexion.

Reduces skin irritation

Many residues accumulate with dirty makeup brushes from various products, including makeup and skincare. These residues can irritate your skin, leading to itchiness, redness, or even allergic reactions. Thus, it’s crucial to remove these residues with proper cleaning.

Avoid germs

Being a host of harmful bacteria, these brushes transfer these bacteria to your skin, potentially causing infections and other skin issues. Regular cleaning eliminates this bacterial reservoir, making your brushes safe for your skin and ensuring your makeup remains uncontaminated.

Avoid germs

Enhances longevity of tools

When makeup and oils build up on the bristles, they cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Makeup brush cleaner maintain their shape, texture, and quality. By caring for your brushes, you’re also caring for your investment in quality beauty tools. 

Prevent viral infections

During viral seasons or when you’re unwell, viruses can find their way onto your makeup brushes through coughing, sneezing, or even touching your face. Without proper cleaning, these viruses can linger on your brushes, potentially leading to infections.

Different types of cleaners for makeup brushes

There are three main types of makeup brush cleaner available in the market. Here’s a brief explanation for each of them below!

Liquid cleaners (spray or solutions)

These are convenient and quick to use. You spray the solution on the brush or dip the brush into it. They dissolve makeup residue, sanitize bristles, and are suitable for daily cleaning. At last, rinse your brushes with water and you’re good to go. These types of cleaners are great for everyday use. Also, they are ideal for makeup artists or anyone who frequently switches between colors.

Solid soaps

These solid brush cleansers come in bar or cake form. They are easy to travel with and perfect for How to Deep Clean Makeup Brushes. The process for cleaning is to wet your brush, swirl it in the soap, lather, and rinse. Solid soaps remove stubborn residue and leave brushes fresh and conditioned. This method ensures a more comprehensive clean and extends the longevity of your brushes.

Makeup brush cleaner tools

These tools provide an efficient, hands-free approach to cleaning. They often use friction to agitate bristles while you control the process. Many offer quick drying times as well. They generally offer different textures and patterns to help agitate bristles effectively and are an excellent choice for makeup artists or individuals with large brush collections.

Step-by-step guide on how to clean your makeup brushes

Your makeup brushes require cleaning at least once a week, if not twice. Here’s a detailed, easy step-by-step guide to thoroughly clean your makeup brushes. You can choose a cleaning product from different categories, including cleaning solutions, solid soaps, or brush cleaner tools.

Materials Needed:

You have a choice of different cleaning products, including:

  • Cleansing solution: Use a mild liquid soap, baby shampoo, or a specially formulated makeup brush cleanser.
  • Solid soap: A gentle, unscented bar soap or brush-cleaning soap.
  • Makeup Brush Cleaner Tool: An optional tool like a silicone brush cleaning mat or glove.
  • Warm water: For rinsing the brushes.
  • Clean towels or paper towels For drying the brushes.
  • A bowl or sink: To hold the warm water.
  • Your dirty makeup brushes.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Wet your brush

Run the warm water over the brush by placing the bristles downward. Also, prevent the water from seeping into the handle. Wet the bristles thoroughly, but avoid getting water on the handle.

Step 2: Clean the brush

Depending upon your choice:

Cleansing solution: Swirl the wet brush in your palm or a small bowl with the cleansing solution, working up a lather. You can also formulate a DIY makeup brush cleaning solution with olive oil, mild shampoo, or vinegar. Gently scrub the bristles with your fingers.

Solid soap: Swirl the brush over the soap to create a lather. Use your fingers to work the lather through the bristles.

Makeup brush cleaner tool: Run the wet brush over the cleaning tool’s textured surface while applying the cleansing solution.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly

Hold the brush under warm water and continue to wash until the water runs clear. Make sure all soap and makeup residue are removed. Gently squeeze the water out of the bristles using your fingers. Be careful not to pull on the bristles or use excessive force.

Step 4: Reshape and dry

Reshape the brush bristles with your fingers to their original form. Lay the brushes flat on a clean or paper towel, allowing them to air dry. Ensure that the bristles hang over the edge of the table or counter so they dry evenly and air circulates. 

Tips and tricks for cleaning makeup brushes

Here are some unique tips and tricks on how to clean makeup brushes:

  • For brushes heavily caked with makeup, begin with a pre-clean with olive oil and dish soap. Make sure not to use any harsh oils, shampoo, or dish cleaner with harsh chemicals, as they can damage the bristles.
  • Try investing in a high-quality silicone makeup brush cleaner pad. They work by gently exfoliating the bristles and removing makeup residue. 
  • To dry your brushes, lay them flat on a clean towel and gently pat them with a microfiber cloth. 
  • The more often you clean your brushes, the easier it will be to remove makeup residue and prevent bacteria buildup. If you use them heavily, try to clean them once a week or more. 
  • Natural and synthetic brushes require different cleaning methods. Natural brushes should be cleaned with a mild shampoo or soap, while synthetic ones can be cleaned with a dish soap that is not too mild. 
  • Pay attention to the ferrule or the metal band that holds the bristles. Be careful not to make it wet, as this can damage the glue that holds it together. 
  • Never stand your makeup brushes upright to dry, as this can cause water to seep into the ferrule and destroy the bristles. 

Benefits of Regular Cleaning with Best Makeup Brush Cleaner

Cleaning is a simple yet essential practice that offers several noteworthy benefits for your cosmetics and skin. Here are the key merits of keeping your brushes neat and clean:

Extends brush lifespan

Proper care and cleaning can significantly extend the lifespan of your makeup products. Frequent maintenance prevents the buildup of product residue, which can cause bristle damage or shedding. 

Prevents bacterial growth

These brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, as they regularly contact your skin and makeup products. You will face issues like breakouts and irritation with dirty brushes. Cleaning them often helps eliminate these harmful bacteria, thus benefitting your skin problems.

Improves makeup application

Dirty brushes can transfer old makeup colors onto your new makeup, leading to an unintended mix of shades. Clean brushes ensure you achieve your products’ true color and finish, allowing for a more professional-looking application.

Promotes hygiene

Maintaining clean brushes is a matter of personal hygiene. It helps ensure your skin remains healthy and free from infections or skin conditions resulting from dirty brushes. 

Reduces skin sensitivity

Unclean brushes harbor irritants and allergens that may cause skin sensitivity or allergic reactions. Keeping a healthy routine with makeup brush cleaner minimizes the risk of skin issues, making makeup application a more comfortable experience.

Troubleshooting common cleaning problems

We understand that sometimes, even the most diligent brush cleaners can run into problems. Here are some of the common brush cleaning problems and how to fix them:

Problem: Your brushes still need to be stiff after cleaning.

Solution: This is likely due to the product buildup in the bristles. To remove this buildup, use a silicone brush cleaning mat or a gentle brush cleansing solution.

Problem: Your brushes are not drying properly.

Solution: This is caused by using too much water or not rinsing them thoroughly. Remove excess water after rinsing them and then air-dry them flat.

Problem: Your brushes are shedding bristles.

Solution: This is generally the case if you’ve used harsh cleaning problems, especially the ones with alcohol. To prevent shedding, use a mild shampoo or soap and air-dry your brushes flat.

Problem: Unpleasant odor.

Solution: Lingering odors can result from trapped bacteria or old makeup residue. To eliminate this smell, consider using a brush cleanser with added antimicrobial properties. Additionally, a mixture of water and white vinegar (in a 1:1 ratio) can help neutralize odors.

Top makeup brush cleaner on the market

#1 Norate Silicone Makeup brush cleaner pad

This is an ideal fit for people with excess product buildup brushes. It is a travel-friendly option made with high-quality silicone. Effortlessly glide your damp brush through its innovative textures, reveling in a deep and thorough cleanse that leaves your tools looking and feeling brand new. You can use a mild shampoo with it. But that’s not all – they’ve taken convenience to the next level! This exceptional cleaner boasts a secure suction cup on its back, ensuring a hassle-free attachment to your sinks or bathtubs.

Pros

  • Effective for access product buildup
  • Travel-friendly design
  • For deep & thorough cleansing
  • Compatible with mild shampoo
  • Includes secure suction cup

Cons

  • Not suitable for quick cleaning
  • Requires manual effort for cleaning

#2 Norate Makeup Brush Cleanser Solution

Norate Makeup Brush Cleanser Solution

This is a cleansing solution if you’re looking for a dedicated makeup brush cleaner liquid. Revive the freshness of your makeup brushes with our Makeup Brush Cleaner. Effortlessly removing makeup residues, impurities, and grime, it’s suitable for all brush types and gentle on all skin. Plus, they’re so confident in their product that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Pros

  • Effective cleaning solution
  • Suitable for all brush types
  • Gentle on skin
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Requires manual application
  • Might not remove stubborn stains
  • Additional tools needed

#3 Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner

Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner

This is a professional-grade makeup brush cleaner machine that includes a comprehensive set of accessories. It consists of a charging station, 8 durable rubber collars, a glass bowl, a protective splash guard ring for the bowl, and a 140ml bottle of Luxe cleaning solution. The tool utilizes high-speed technology to ensure your brushes maintain their original shape and softness. 

Pros

  • High-speed technology
  • Comprehensive accessory set
  • Professional-grade performance
  • Brush shape & softness maintenance

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • Requires learning curve
  • Space requirements
  • Limited to brush cleaning

#4 Selene Brush Cleaner & Dryer

Selene Brush Cleaner & Dryer

The Selene makeup brush cleaner & dryer, skillfully designed and exceptionally durable, stands out as the best makeup brush cleaner in the market. This electric brush cleaner boasts antibacterial properties, offering rapid cleaning and drying for your brushes in seconds. Compatible with brushes of all sizes, it efficiently cleans them within a brief 30-40-second timeframe. The tool features three adjustable speed settings and is equipped with a set of 13 collars. 

Pros

  • High-quality & durable
  • Antibacterial properties
  • Rapid cleaning & drying
  • Compatible with various brush sizes
  • Adjustable speed settings
  • Contains a set of 13 collars

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Requires maintenance

#5 Beauty Blender Lavender Solid Cleanser

Beauty Blender Lavender Solid Cleanser

This cleanser is exclusively designed to effectively clean beauty blenders, makeup brushes, and sponges, adhering to a fundamental rule of proper beauty blender care – thorough cleaning after every use. It complies with professional standards and offers robust protection against 99.7% of harmful germs for up to 24 hours post-cleaning. Unlike traditional soap, this makeup brush cleaner preserves the sponge’s color integrity and promotes its longevity by helping it maintain its original shape.

Pros 

  • Adherence to hygiene rules
  • Versatile cleaning solution
  • Professional-grade quality
  • Extended germ protection
  • Preservation of tool integrity

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Limited to specific tools
  • Requires manual application

Conclusion

Clean brushes are the unsung heroes of your beauty routine, ensuring that your makeup looks flawless, your skin stays healthy, and your brushes remain pristine. By regularly utilizing regular makeup brush cleaner, you’re not only removing makeup residues, bacteria, and impurities, but you’re also extending the lifespan of your tools, saving you money in the long run.

What truly matters is the commitment to this routine – a commitment that promotes the overall health and radiance of your skin. So, remember the path to beauty is not just in the makeup you wear but also in the tools you use, and cleanliness is your guide on this transformative journey.

FAQs

Q.1 What to clean makeup brushes with?

It is recommended to use a gentle, unscented bar soap or a brush-cleaning soap specifically designed for cleaning makeup brushes.

Q.2 How do makeup brush cleaner tools work?

These tools provide an efficient, hands-free approach to cleaning by agitating the bristles while you control the process. They often offer different textures and patterns to clean the brushes effectively.

Q.3 What are the different types of cleaners for makeup brushes?

There are three main types of brush cleaners: liquid cleaners (sprays or solutions), solid soaps, and electric or manual cleaner tools.

Q.4 What can happen if I don’t clean my makeup brushes?

If you don’t clean your makeup brushes, bacteria, dirt, and old makeup can build up, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, skin irritation, and potential infections.

Q.5 How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

It is recommended to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week, if not twice.

Q.6 How does cleaning your makeup brushes prevent breakouts?

Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes removes built-up oils, dirt, and old makeup, preventing them from clogging your pores and causing breakouts.


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Sylvie Telma

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Sylvie Telma is a passionate writer with a flair for home décor, furniture, gardening, and practi...

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