So you’ve finally secured good-quality makeup brushes, but now you’re wondering what the best ways are to clean them. Don’t fret — we’ve got you covered!
There are plenty of products to clean your makeup brushes and tools. But if you want to splurge on a cleaning mat or machine to make the processes cleaner, you’ve come to the right place.
Ahead, find an array of cleaning devices to keep your favorite brushes and beauty sponges in tip-top shape, plus the best cleansers and soaps to use, according to experts.
Items include Sigma Beauty scrubbing mats, a Luxe electric cleaning device and even a mini washer machine with thousands of reviews on Amazon — and it actually achieves flawless results.
Cleaning Devices & Mats
1. Sigma Beauty Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat, $29
Swirl away product build-up, oil and dirt with this compact silicone mat that features seven textures to clean brushes of every size. The brand also offers a glove that you can wear on your hand, which will give similar results.
2. Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner, $22, original price: $42
The Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner has more than 6,000 reviews (70% of which are 5-star ratings!) and has three adjustable speeds to instantly wash and dry your brushes.
3. Mini Makeup Brush Electric Washer Machine, $10
While it’s fair to be hesitant about this colorful “washing machine” brush cleaner, according to some reviewers, it actually gets the job done!
4. Sigma Beauty SigMagic Scrub, $25
The Sigma Beauty SigMagic Scrub device is perfect for those on the go since it’s compact and durable. It makes it super easy to keep your brushes soft and clean by deeply washing away bacteria and product buildup. The built-in soap formula — which is made of 100% natural oils — gives a deep-cleaning silicone texture and a perforated design for easier drying time.
5. Sigma Beauty Dry’n Shape Spa, $49
The Dry’N Shape Shape Device is another well-loved product from Sigma Beauty. You can quickly deep-clean, dry and reshape up to 18 makeup brushes all with one tool. It’s made to wash brushes of every size using four textures, then squeeze-dry them upside-down to quickly restore their shape and function, protecting your brush investment.
Makeup Brush Cleansers
After deciding on a brush cleaning device or mat, you’ll need to pick up some type of cleanser to actually disinfect your tools.
1. Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics Professional Brush Cleaner, $32
The Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner is a top choice for many makeup professionals.
“On set, I use cinema secrets no question asked as this keeps everything sanitized between clients,” said celebrity makeup artist Jessica Payne, whose client list includes Jessie James Decker, Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Cyrus and more.
“My personal favorite — and favorite of most makeup artists — is the brush cleaner by Cinema Secrets,” said Nick Lujan, global director of artistry and education for Kevyn Aucoin.
2. beautyblender Solid Cleanser, $16
Celebrity makeup artist Megan Lanoux swears by the beautyblender solid cleanser.
“I recommend washing brushes with soap and water; it’s the best way to get a deep clean. My personal favorite brush soap is the Blender Cleanser solid from beautyblender,” Lanoux said. “It is a charcoal cleanser, so it breaks down makeup and dirt quickly, without drying or damaging them.”
Celebrity makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan — who works with the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Millie Bobby Brown, Cara Delevingne and so many more — also agrees! “I love [it]! It’s sulfate and paraben-free and effectively removes product and germs,” she said.
3. Dawn Ultra Original Dish Detergent Liquid, $8
While you can certainly splurge on an ultra-nice cleanser, it’s not always necessary. A simple dishwashing soap like this one from Dawn, combined with extra virgin olive oil, will give you perfectly clean brushes in no time.
“As unconventional as it sounds, this is the perfect cleanser for synthetic brushes, especially the high-end types that most brands — that are vegan or cruelty-free manufactured,” said Lori Taylor Davis, global pro lead artist at Smashbox Cosmetics.