Makeup Artists Say It’s So Easy to Wash Your Brushes With These Cleaners

We hate to break it to you, but you really should be using a makeup brush cleaner at least once every two weeks. “Makeup brushes can harbor dirt and bacteria, so washing them is not only important for maintaining them, but it’s also key for good hygiene,” says Brielle Pollara, a New Jersey–based makeup artist. Dermatologists also recommend washing your brushes to help minimize pimples, especially if you have acne-prone skin. So, what exactly is the best type of brush cleaner to go with? We polled professional makeup artists and beauty editors to find out what they use to keep their brushes clean, and put those tools—soaps, cleansers, mats, and even sprays—to the test.

The best makeup brush cleaners, at a glance

Your makeup brush cleaner questions, answered

Best Overall: Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

Three of the artists I spoke to recommended this cleanser because “It has antimicrobial disinfectant, which is super important when working with clients,” Pollaras says. Kat Dorn, makeup artist at LRN Beauty recommends mixing this cleaning solution with a little lukewarm water and patting the brushes dry with a paper towel. A little goes a long way with this one, as it can break the bristles down if you use it too much. Glamour reviewer Heather Cissel says this cleaner is quick drying, and she’s noticed fewer breakouts since she started using it.

• Pros: Recommended by multiple makeup professionals
• Cons: Very strong, experts warn not to use this every day
• Type: Liquid
• Use if: You have acne and want to disinfect your makeup brushes
• Skip if: You don’t wear a ton of makeup

Best Drugstore: E.l.f. Beauty Makeup Brush Shampoo

Dorn recommends this affordable brush shampoo that you can snag on Amazon for just $5. “It cleans and conditions really well,” she says, and it’s effective on even the toughest makeup brush stains (read: foundation and concealer buildup). It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and a favorite amongst reviewers, too. Glamour reviewer B.Mie has been using this brush soap formula for a decade, and loves the size (it’s not too big or too small) and gel-like texture, which doesn’t make it too heavy on bristles.

I tested this one, and although it easily lathered up onto the brush, it took a while to fully wash out the soap. I thought I was finished washing, but there would be a few bubbles that needed more scrubbing out. Let my experience forewarn you: Use a very tiny amount of this one and don’t overdo it.

• Pros: Available at drugstores. Affordable
• Cons: Mixed reviews—some customers report great results while others say it doesn’t fully clean brushes
• Type: Liquid
• Use if: You’re on a budget
• Skip if: You don’t have a ton of time to wash your brushes

Best Solid Cleaner: Beauty Blender Solid Charcoal Makeup Cleanser

“This charcoal makeup cleanser is my favorite for deep cleaning, and it lasts forever,” says Williamson. Simply swirl a wet brush or sponge onto the soap and lather for a deep clean. The cleanser itself contains aloe and coconut oil, which will leave bristles soft and flexible. Glamour reviewer Elismary Valle says that this cleanser is fast and tough, and brushes and makeup sponges are left as good as new after cleansing with it. Pro tip: Try the Beauty Blender Blendercleanser Solid if you’re looking to deep clean makeup sponges or a beauty blender.

I was super impressed with how well it deep cleaned my brushes with a few swirls and lathers. The charcoal soap is intense and left my brushes smelling fresh and feeling silky. I’ll definitely use it again the next time my brushes need a wash.

• Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free
• Cons: You can’t clean multiple brushes or sponges at once like you can with a liquid formula
• Type: Solid
• Use if: You travel a lot, because it’s solid, compact, and easy to transport
• Skip if: You want to wash multiple brushes at once

Best Soap: Dawn Dishwashing Soap

We know what you’re thinking: dishwashing soap doesn’t exactly seem like an obvious choice when it comes to cleaning your makeup brushes, but the artists share that this is the best soap to break down buildup on foundation brushes, blush brushes, eye shadow brushes, you name it. “After washing the brushes with soap, make sure to rinse with lukewarm water until there are no bubbles, and do your best to squeeze out all the water before you set them out to dry,” Pollara says.

As someone who has had to wash my makeup brushes in a pinch, I can attest that dishwashing soap has come in clutch for me. I would, however, recommend using very little and gently scrubbing out any excess soap before drying to ensure that no soap coloring (like this very blue formula) gets left behind.

• Pros: Available at your local drugstore. Convenient
• Cons: Can take a while to wash all the soap out of the bristles, since it’s a bit thicker in consistency
• Type: Liquid
• Use if: All your brushes need a deep clean
• Skip if: You prefer the shorter process of using a brush cleaner versus regular soap

Best Liquid: MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser

This tried-and-true cleaner is a favorite amongst experts because it’s quick drying and very gentle on bristles. “Harsh chemicals may break down the bonding in the base of the brush,” says Randall Intrabartola, a California-based makeup artist. That’s why it’s important to look for cleaners with fewer ingredients that can still disinfect, like this pick. Glamour reviewer A. Houston shares that makeup pigment in brushes simply pours out when using this and that it’s especially effective on white-bristled brushes.

• Pros: Super gentle on brushes
• Cons: Some reviewers feel it’s a little pricey for the size and how quickly it runs out
• Type: Liquid
• Use if: You use a lot of colored makeup products that stain your brushes
• Skip if: You don’t want or need to disinfect your brushes

Best Machine: Brushdoc Makeup Brush Cleaner

Jonet Williamson, an NYC-based makeup artist is a fan of this electric brush-cleaner tool that takes the guesswork out of cleaning your brushes altogether. Simply tip the brushes in, add water or soap—Williamson particularly loves the Brushdoc Cleansing Oil for this—and then let the machine take care of the rest. “After washing your brushes, be sure to lay them flat or hang them upside down so that they dry properly,” she says. Real talk: It’s a bit pricey so if you’re unsure about investing in this machine cleaner just yet, we recommend opting for a similar one you can find on Amazon to test out how you like it. This Ricris Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner Machine has over 4 stars and is a third of the price.