Let’s be real, cleaning makeup brushes is a chore nobody loves. But I’ve learned the hard way that using dirty brushes is a recipe for streaky foundation and surprise breakouts. It’s just not worth it.
So, I went on a mission to find the best makeup brush cleaner out there. I wanted something that actually worked, whether it was a quick spot-clean between eyeshadows or a deep-clean for my foundation brushes. I tested sprays, soaps, gels, and even a little machine to find what’s truly worth your money.
These are the cleaners that made the cut. They get rid of stubborn pigment and oils without destroying your expensive brushes.
Sometimes you just don’t have time to wait for brushes to dry. If you need to switch colors fast or do a quick daily sanitize, these are the ones I reach for. They get the job done without a single drop of water.
This one costs $18, and it’s a legend for a reason. I just dip the very tip of my brush into the liquid, blot it on a paper towel, and watch the makeup literally melt away. It’s wild.
It sanitizes and dries in seconds, so I can go from a black eyeshadow to a light shimmer with the same brush instantly. It’s a must-have if you’re a makeup artist or just impatient like me. Waterproof liner and lipstick don’t stand a chance.
The Downside: The vanilla scent is very, very strong. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, you might not love it.
For $22, this spray is my go-to for daily maintenance. I just spritz it on my brushes after I do my makeup, wipe them on a towel, and they’re good for the next day. It’s perfect for keeping things fresh between deep cleans.
What I really like is that it has conditioners in it, so my brushes stay incredibly soft. It helps them last longer and prevents the bristles from getting dry and scratchy.
The Downside: It’s great for a quick clean, but it won’t tackle weeks of caked-on foundation buildup.
At $20, this is another pro-artist favorite that works without any water. I pour a little onto a paper towel and swirl my brush in it. It cleans, disinfects, and conditions the bristles all in one step.
It’s surprisingly effective on heavy, full-coverage products, which is great because those are usually the hardest to get out. My MAC brushes have lasted for years, and I’m convinced this cleaner is part of the reason why.
The Downside: It does have a distinct scent, so if you prefer fragrance-free products, you might want to skip it.
This spray is only $10 and is perfect for tossing in your makeup bag. When I’m traveling or just need to quickly sanitize a brush I dropped (oops), this is what I use.
It’s designed for a quick spritz-and-wipe, removing surface-level makeup and germs. It’s a great tool for daily makeup brush care without the whole sink-and-soap routine.
The Downside: The smell is pretty noticeable, and it’s more of a sanitizer than a deep cleaner.
Once a week, my brushes need a serious bath. These are the cleansers I trust to wash away everything—foundation, concealer, cream blush—and leave my brushes feeling brand new.
For just $10, you can’t beat the value of this stuff. It works equally well on my brushes and my makeup sponges. I just use a bit of warm water, and it lathers up nicely to get all the gunk out.
It’s made with plant-based ingredients and is fragrance-free, which my skin appreciates. It gets my tools super clean without any harsh chemicals.
The Downside: You have to rinse it out completely, and then wait for your brushes and sponges to air dry.
This solid brush soap is $19 and feels so luxurious. It’s vegan and made with coconut milk, so it’s incredibly gentle on both natural and synthetic bristles. I just wet my brush, swirl it in the tin, and lather it up in my palm.
It gets rid of every trace of makeup and is naturally antibacterial. My brushes feel conditioned and soft after, never stripped or dry. Plus, it has no fragrance.
The Downside: The solid form requires a little more elbow grease to work into a lather compared to a liquid soap.
This cleanser is $20 and works on everything. I’ve used it on my sponges, my brushes, and even my hands to get rid of makeup stains. It has tiny exfoliating particles that really help scrub away stubborn spots.
I love that it’s unscented and powerful enough to restore my stained sponges to their original color. A little goes a long way, and it’s very effective at breaking down oils and pigments.
The Downside: The bottle is on the smaller side, so I find myself running out of it pretty quickly.
At only $7, this is an amazing budget find for regular makeup brush cleaning. It’s gentle and does a great job of getting my brushes and sponges clean from daily use.
It’s a straightforward, no-frills liquid soap that lathers well and rinses clean. For the price, you really can’t complain. It’s perfect for anyone who cleans their tools frequently.
The Downside: For really deep-set waterproof makeup or heavy stains, I sometimes need to wash the brush twice.
This cleansing gel is $7.50 and it means business. The gel formula really clings to the bristles and gets deep into the base of the brush to dissolve old makeup.
After using this, my brushes are not only clean but also feel incredibly soft and re-shaped. It’s particularly good at reviving sponges that you thought were beyond saving.
The Downside: The gel formula is thick, so you have to be extra careful to rinse it all out, or it can leave a residue.
If you truly hate the process of washing brushes, this little gadget makes it almost fun. It takes the manual labor out of the equation and delivers clean, dry brushes in under a minute.
This machine costs $26 and it has totally changed my cleaning routine. You just attach your brush to the spinner, dip it in a bowl of soap and water, and turn it on. It spins so fast that all the makeup flies right out.
But the best part is the drying. You just lift the spinning brush out of the water, and it spins dry in about 10 seconds. My fluffy powder brushes have never been fluffier. It’s a huge time-saver.
The Downside: It comes with different-sized rubber collars, but it can struggle to get a good grip on very thick or large kabuki brushes.
Finding the best brush cleaner really depends on your routine. For me, having a quick-dry spray for daily use and a solid shampoo for weekly deep cleans is the perfect combination.
No matter which one you choose, just getting into the habit of cleaning your brushes regularly will make a huge difference. Your skin will be happier, and your makeup will look so much better. Trust me.
Looking for an effective anti-cellulite cream? We've rounded up the best products on the market known for their skin-smoothing and firming properties. Achieve visibly smoother skin with our expert picks.
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with our top picks for sun hats, vetted by dermatologists. These stylish options offer excellent coverage without compromising on fashion.
Choosing a reef-safe sunscreen is crucial for both your skin's health and the delicate marine ecosystem. Our guide highlights the 11 best options that offer broad-spectrum protection without harmful chemicals.
Explore our top recommendations for LED light therapy masks in 2026, designed to deliver professional-grade skincare results from the comfort of your home. Achieve clearer, firmer, and more radiant skin with these innovative devices.
