Best makeup brush cleaners according to redditors

Amazon has them https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M17HC7U/ref=twister_B01N5MLL4N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I’m about to change yo life...

Save your paper towels, gurrrl!

I agree with you, but I think it's interesting that since the beauty community started using it as a blender cleaner, Amazon is now marketing them as brush cleaners: https://www.amazon.com/TTbuy-Simulation-Automatic-Cleaning-Cosmetics/dp/B07RWG566K/ref=pd_rhf_cr_p_img_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1Y25AGPMZQ4G0JNNH7SR

First off, totally not stupid.

Synthetic hairs tend to hold up better to hardcore washing. You can also spray them with alcohol to sanitize so that they're totally sanitized -- and this is also a great way to get pigment off and not have to deep clean so often. They also tend to be scratchier, which means that they'll often pic up pigment oddly and maybe not distribute them as nicely. Ecotools makes good synthetic brushes (they are my go-to "makeup brush newbie" brand rec), but I find that Sigma's synthetic brushes are much nicer.

I really like goat hair for brushes; it picks up and blends pigment gorgeously. Hakuhodo is my natural hair brand of choice. Again, though: natural hair brushes are an investment. You have to be more gentle with them. I have some natural hair brushes that are literally two decades old (thanks for the hand-me-downs, Mom!) and still in fabulous shape, so it's for sure doable. But if you're in on the "throwing your brushes in your makeup bag or purse and washing them with hand soap when you feel like it" end of the scale, investing in nicer synthetics is probably a better plan.

Both the Sephora brand and IT Cosmetics make really fucking nice synthetic brushes that are %100 worth your money and time. I'd also recommend you pick up some brush cleaning spray (don't bother paying more than elf prices; it's literally just alcohol and fragrance) and some brush guards, which will help your brushes stay clean and well-shaped.

I'm a bit of a tools nerd (clearly) so if you have more questions, feel free to ask!

[QGAKAGO Makeup Brush Tree] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0171UQIUW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

I just cleaned some of my brushes and put this device to the test. So far I like it a lot. It easy to use, easy to assemble, and best of all, its compact for storage. Before I use to dry my brushes by laying them flat on a towel, but that method was not very efficient. I would have to flip my brushes over, change the towel, and wait for them to dry for more than 24 hours. I hope this brush tree helps them dry a lot faster. Do any of you have this? If so, how would you rate it?

silicone brush cleaner

edit: duh spelling

Reshape them by hand while they're pretty wet, and maybe that will help? Or you can invest in The Brush Guard.

>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M17HC7U/ref=twister\_B01N5MLL4N?\_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Do you put dawn on each brush or dip them in a dawn and water mixture? help meeeeeee

So since y'all are probably gonna want a product list here we go:
Face:
NYX green concealer
NYX dark circle concealer in medium
NYX Pore Filler
NARS Sheer Matte foundation in Sante Fe
Coastal Scents concealer palette
NYX Set It and Don't Fret It powder
NYX blush in Taupe
NYX blush in Terra Cotta
Benefit Girl Meets Pearl highlighter

Eyes:
MAC Soft Ochre Paintpot
NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk
Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette
Random Chinese lashes
Muhhfuckin Clump Crusher

Brows:
Anastasia Dip Brow in Dark Brown
Benefit Speed Brow

Lips:
NYX lip primer
MAC Heroine

Also here's the link to the brushes on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Synthetic-Kabuki-Foundation-Cosmetic/dp/B00ENU1SP4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I use this device I bought from Amazon to clean my brushes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MT6H91G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The device cleans and dries your brushes super quickly so you can use your brushes right after. I've noticed that I'm much more diligent about cleaning my brushes regularly since this device makes it so quick.

I second the Beauty Blender, and add a related seemly silly purchase - the Sigma brush cleaning mitt that costs $39. It was bought in a bit of a "treat yoself" moment even though it felt really ridiculous at the time, but man does it work! It helps make brush cleaning go much faster, but it worked wonders on my Beauty Blender. I use a pretty heavy duty foundation (Estee Lauder Double Wear), and it would always form a crunchy shell on the outside of my BB that I could never quite get off, and eventually it'd become so hard that I'd have to toss out my BB. This is the only thing I've used that's actually been able to return it to an almost-new state, and pretty quickly too!

Forgive how prolix this is going to be.

1. Getting your skin ready for makeup is pivotal. This means making sure your skin is hydrated and moisturized. Since you stated you have a good skincare routine, do make sure if you moisturize in the morning to always let it absorb before proceeding to another step.
   
   
2. Do you want light or full coverage?
   The Holy grail drugstore list is where you want to start if you don't want to spend a lot of money. I recommend Revlon Colorstay (for oily/combination for medium coverage. Be careful, they have two formulations. Get the oily one). It's about $13 bucks at Ulta, $10 with their perpetual $3.50 off $10 coupon if you live in the US. I'm fairly light for being Mexican (probably your skin color actually), so I'm sand beige. They also have a cream version. They are matched by their color name, not their color number.
   If you want lighter coverage, try a BB/CC cream or tinted moisturizer. I love Laura Mercier and Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H for tinted moisturizers. They're light coverage but don't exacerbate dry spots. You can get samples of them at Sephora, and a sale associate can demo products on you. The lighting is different from natural light, so walk outside before you decide a color is right for you... Always try to bring home and try samples before you buy as all returned opened products are trashed. They are around $40-50, however.
   Unfortunately you can't try samples of the Revlon, but you can exchange at ulta if the color isn't right. Be advised that returned opened products are trashed as well, as their is no way to sanitize them.
   
   
3. Primers are always subject of conversation.
   There are several types. Some are water based, others are silicone based. Anything with - cone is usually silicone based. Like water and oil, don't mix foundations with primers that are of opposing base. This means don't use a water based foundation with a silicone based primer. Always read the back of the container to make sure. There are tons of threads on here about primers that are water or silicone based.
   They do a few things. Some, especially silicone ones, fill in pores and fine lines. It has a very interesting texture that some people don't like. Popular examples are Smashbox Photo Finish, Maybelline Baby Skin , NYX Pore Filler , Benefit's The POREfessional, etc. Almost all makeup lines have their own.
   Others, however, are used to even out skin tone. Green is to correct redness, purple is to correct sallow/yellowing.
   Lastly, Primers add a layer between your skin and your foundation. For those of us with oily skin, this prevents the oil from reacting with the foundation, causing it to wear off or run. I recommend smashbox, but Monistat Anti Chafing Gel is a purported dupe for it, though I cannot attest to the veracity those claims personally. Smashbox is pricey but Nordstrom rack sometimes has them for half off. ($18 instead of $30).
   You can read more here, which covers it way better than I ever could.
   
4. For breakouts, you want products that are non comedogenic, which means it doesn't clog pores. Some people react to silicone based products, but that's a matter of trial and error.
   
   
5. Best way to put on makeup is this (at least for me).
   
   

• Morning ablutions aside, always prep your skin by moisturizing and let it sit for 10-20 mins. Use this time to do your hair or get dressed. Failure to let the moisturizer absorb properly can cause setting problems for your foundations later. Then add primer (if you want). Let this sit for 5-10 mins.
  
  
• Then take your foundation and apply it in small sections, starting from the nose and working out to the cheek and then to the chin and forehead. Apply small amounts, and add more in layers if you want to build up coverage. If you have a product that doesn't have a pump, put some on the back of your hand and work from there. NB: Never double dip back into the container, as bacteria from your hands can contaminate the container, which may in turn cause breakouts. If you don't have enough on the back of your hand, wash your hands before applying more on the back. A spoon is also a good tool for cream/crème or mousse products. You can use your fingers, a foundation brush, a kabuki brush, or a stippling brush to apply and blend the makeup. I recommend a stippling brush, personally. You can find them rather inexpensively at Target, Ulta, or Walgreens. I recommend Real Techniques Stippling Brush, as their line is often lauded for quality. Always remember to wash your brushes before using them for the first time, and to wash them regularly (at least once a week) to ensure sanitation and proper coverage. Dirty brushes can mar the application, and often leave deposits of latent bacteria on your skin. Storing them outside of the bathroom will help prevent bacterial build-up, as toilet water tends to aerosol large amounts fecal bacteria over periodic flushes.
  
  
• Optional: Once you have your foundation on, you can buff it out with a damp beauty blender (they have cheaper versions pretty much everywhere if you don't want to spend 30), but you don't have to. From what I understand a damp makeup sponge can create the same effect, but I cannot attest to it.
  
  
• Additonally, consider a setting powder. There are two types to consider, caveats existing for both, however. One is pressed powder ( Rimmel Stay Matte is always recommend here. It's 4 bucks at most places, Ulta and Walmart especially). On the positive side, pressed powder is easy to transport. The con being if applied too thick can cake up. It doesn't wear very well on my skin in my experience, particularly on my oily areas. Reapplication of the powder can cause cakey looking build-up. Second is loose powder. The con is that these don't carry well, as they tend to be messy. Of these there are also two types: Silica and mineral. Silica powder is pure white but doesn't show once it's on. It is very fine, so try not to use a lot. Examples are NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder Translucent Finish on the lower end, and Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder or Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder (love love love this powder) on the mid-range end. (She also has a compact version. You apply it with a dry brush very lightly, in a stippling motion. The pro is your face feels like silk, and it doesn't cake up. This powder tends to wear the best, in my experience. The second loose powder is mineral powder. These are usually colored to fit your skin tone, and have a slightly different texture than Silica powder. You can find these in any makeup line, honestly. Some contain talc, and some people are allergic to it, so best avoid these types if you have the chance. As an additional note, powders are very fine and can aggravate sinuses or allergies. I always stick tissue in my nose when applying powder.
  
  
• Finally, consider a finishing spray if you wear it long term. Urban Decay makes some, as well as NYX. This sets your makeup and can either leave a matte or dewy finish. The last two (powder and spray) are no means necessary (the latter less so) but often recommended.
  
  This sounds like a lot of steps, but it will take you no more than 30 when you first start, and after several iterations, maybe 10-15.
  
  However, there are many proponents here on /r/makeupaddiction, as well as on YouTube, of the Wayne Goss method. It involves putting setting powder first before foundation. This method does require a powder, whereas the aforementioned routine does not necessarily call for one. I have no had personal success with it, but there are fellow MUAers that have, so I encourage some experimentation.
  
  As an aside, I bought some brushes already recommended by a user here on /r/makeupaddiction, which can be found on amazon here. The stippling brush is the bomb (do people still use that word?).
  
  In order to find a product and a routine that works for you--as any mua can tell you--it requires lots of trial and error. There are also [websites that can help you match colors] (http://findation.com), but the color matching can be off. It has been rather accurate in my experience, but it is a useful tool to consider when branching out into different brands.
  
  I hope I covered everything. I'm on mobile so the formatting probably sucks balls. Anyway. That's my advice.
  
  Wait... One more.
  
  If you're oily, invest in blotting papers. E.L.F has some for $1. It keeps the oil from building up, thereby preventing it from reacting with your foundation.
  
  I think that's it. Let me know if you have any questions.
  
  EDIT: Formatting, tons of links, and grammar.

Or get one of these and change your life
https://www.amazon.com/QGAKAGO-Makeup-Organizer-Folding-Collapsible/dp/B0171UQIUW

And the Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, Lavender, 32 Fluid Ounce 32 oz (big!) is only $13.99, even cheaper than the peppermint ones which is $15.99.

So if you buy two of the lavender soap, you can add another brush soap like the Ecotools Cruelty Free and Eco Friendly Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo, 6 Ounce; Wash Away Surface Makeup, Oil, and Impurities from Brushes for only $3.39. Now your total will be a little over $30, after $10 off is $20 for THREE brush liquid soaps. yay! I love clean brushes and beauty blenders!

I like this Amazon deal better than the $10 gift card for spending $30 Target deal. Because you just pay less, while in Target, you have to pay $30 then get a gift card.

All the products qualified for this $10 off deal is listed here

My bad, it’s $9!

BEAKEY Makeup Brush Drying Rack Air Tree Tower Organizer Folding Brush Holder Cosmetic Shelf Tools [Updated Version]-28 Holes Mix Size, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FA9354I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Dd6NDbTS1Q24B

I use the Dr. Bronner's liquid soap and a Brush Egg.

I also have the Real Techniques brush cleaning palette and it works really well. I also bought a brush drying rack to hang them upside down to dry. https://www.amazon.ca/BEAKEY-Organizer-Folding-Cosmetic-Updated/dp/B01FA9354I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539457318&sr=8-3&keywords=brush+drying+rack this one.

I clean them and reshape then hang to dry overnight. Works really well.

​

Like this? Or this?

I don't know if this qualifies as a tool but a rack for drying brushes. This thing makes it so easy to keep my brushes clean, especially since mine also came with a cleansing mat. I'm one of those people that own 10,000 brushes but use the same 10 every single day so I need to wash them quite frequently. I just wash my brushes at the end of the day and by morning they're clean and dry! I absolutely love this thing.

QGAKAGO 28 Hole Makeup Brush Tree Holder Organizer Folding Collapsible Air Drying Tower Brush Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171UQIUW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Slo3AbC3H5RPD
These are amazing and it’s only $11

It's on Amazon, can I link on here? It's much shorter handle than I expected, but it's made to bend a bit so it won't snap.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BTSDZV2/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Honestly the ones from this stupidly cheap brush set. I reach for them more often that my UD optical blurring or any of my Real Technique brushes. I'm really lazy about washing brushes so I have 2 sets of these haha. They're surprisingly soft, do their job well, & haven't shed on me.

This one also includes eye brushes which are also nice:
http://www.amazon.com/Synthetic-Cosmetics-Foundation-Blending-Eyeliner/dp/B00KOW827M/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1422667064&sr=1-2

This one's just the foundation brushes:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Synthetic-Kabuki-Foundation-Cosmetic/dp/B00ENU1SP4/ref=sr_1_71?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1422666983&sr=1-71

Have you tried oval brushes? They're very densely packed and absorb a lot less product than most traditional foundation brushes.

I have this one from Amazon that's under $10. I've been using it for over a year, and it's by far the best foundation brush I've ever used.

Ideally, your lash extension tech should be the one to tell you what to use so I would ask them first. Otherwise, use a gentle foaming cleanser (WeLoveEyes has one that they say is safe for eyelash extensions). Please do not use baby shampoo - it really isn't safe for the eyelid area with all of the dyes and horrible added fragrance.

Also, get a brush like this one.

this is the finger one ("brush egg"): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VU1JOXC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and my larger mat is from real techniques but i hear people have found them at Marshall's/TJ maxx, etc

I just got this cleaner and I like it a lot so far. I also got the Sigma Mat for Christmas and have been blown away by how much easier it is to clean the brushes with it. And like the other person said, I also use a bar of soap to clean my BB.

This is a great idea! Everyone's been enabling me to add more to my wish list now, haha. Here's my three:

Brush guards! For keeping your brushes' shapes while they dry.

Makeup remover wipes--you can never have enough makeup remover wipes. Is it just me, or do they run out SUPER quickly?

Maybelline Great Lash--maybe it's just me, but when I picture mascara, this is what I think of. The classic pink and green tube, the simple formula, I love it.

This item, please.

Anything chocolate!

cheesecake all day everyday

Happy anniversary!

LOOK AT THIS

I randomly found it on one of those buzzfeed product articles one day and the reviews looked great! Apparently it cleans them and dries them

Definitely! It's a life saver, this is the one I have, I basically store most of my brushes in it.

Are you using a cleaning board or anything? I found that baby shampoo works super well, but I wasn't getting everything out with just my hand. I got this silicone brush egg scrubber that helps a ton.

Hey, ladies! Or anyone who uses makeup! The awesome /u/CarterLawler got me this makeup brush shampoo and OMG it's amazing. This is a picture of two of my blenders. One not washed and one washed with the cleaner. I didn't think that thing would ever be pink again! I highly recommend this stuff!

I use this little brush scrubber and baby shampoo. It gets my makeup brushes squeaky clean!

https://www.amazon.com/DZT1968-Silicone-Washing-Cleaner-Scrubber/dp/B014QXKQ5U/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492989567&sr=8-4&keywords=makeup%2Begg%2Bcleaner&th=1

BAM! http://imgur.com/RUMF2Tl

SO I don't have any chocolate in the house (sad day), but I did find a chocolate wrapper on my desk, because I am a slob. I also included my too faced Chocolate solei...figured that might work because you know.... makeup?? I also included a green paper clip because i am classy like that. My Tarte curler because I am a blind follower of Tarte. a nickel from my rainy day jar. And last but not least, my favorite mug made by a local artist, and is a geological cross section of the region where i live!! How cool is that!?!?

Anyways thanks for hosting! The clock is ticking!!

I could go for some brush guards!! Should be free shipping. If not just let me know I can find something else. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BS5CFTA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2AVKTHFQE4I7I&coliid=I28XF1GS3CG33X

edit: I never got a raffle number. Did I mess up? :( Was it the chocolate?

I have this thing which is really helpful with brushes I use to apply powder products, just a quick swipe between uses and they're good.

Bamboo buffing brush

or
Complexion buffing brushes!

Congrats on payday! WOO!

https://www.amazon.com/Luxe-Makeup-Cleaner-Charging-Station/dp/B01MT6H91G

Feel free to throw another one in the cart for your new fav Redditor ;)

Hope she enjoys it! I’ve thought of a few more tech make up things if you’re gonna go all out!

I've been having this issue lately. I recently switched to one of those artis-style brushes off amazon, it was like 5 dollar I got this one

I have to say... I am kind of in love with it. It is so dense, when I first got it I smacked my SO with it as a joke, but immediately felt kind of bad cause it sounds pretty damn solid when it whacks something. I also find I use WAY less foundation with it too. I mean I'll still use my beauty blender and other brush for applying stuff, like to cover up tattoos and whatnot, but... For day to day this thing has been pretty awesome so far

This is the one I bought that is a great size for foundation. The handle is a little flimsy, so I make sure to hold onto the main part of the brush, so that it doesn't snap.

I don't know if this has been said but I like to put a brush mesh over my brushes when they dry. I get mine off amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BS5CFTA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1466543682&sr=8-1&keywords=brush+mesh&pi=SY200_QL40

Since its darn near impossible to know someone's style and color palette without knowing/seeing them, you might look into some makeup brushes. E.L.F. makes some decent, inexpensive ones like this one and if you want to splurge you can go for one of their sets. This is just an example. I have seen them as low as $1 each at target. Brush cleaner is also helpful. They make shampoos but there's also daily spray ones but I think if you use the spray you're supposed to use the shampoo every once in a while too. I actually use the Sephora brand one. For makeup stuff you might also want to check out r/makeupaddiction. I hope this helps and good luck! :)

The nude tude eyeshadow pallete ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00683MOWK/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_us?ie=UTF8) and brush cleaner ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DIZZH8/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_us?ie=UTF8)

I need the eyeshadow so I can give myself beautiful eye makeup that happens to look like black eyes to everyone else because its hot and will melt away all the prettiness. D:

I need the brush cleaner so that my face doesn't turn black from all the dried up makeup on my not-so-clean makeup brushes.

If you are a man, ill just go ahead and leave because you will most likely not understand my makeup humor. D:
Ill see myself out. ;-;

Congratulations on bringing in the big money! That is one amazing feat!

I've been really bad at impulse buying lately so I'm going to try and be practical with my choices...

Replacement Eyelash Curler Pads I can't ever find these in stores...I just end up buying a new eyelash curler.

Brush Guards to keep my new brushes in tip-top shape.

Mixing Palette and Spatula to fix my dried-out Stila smudge pots.

6-Pack of NYX Lip Liners because I do not own any lip liners yet.

I tried picking things with free shipping. For the lip liners, there are a couple of other sellers that are offering free shipping.

Thanks for hosting!

JAPONESQUE Makeup Brush Cleanser, 4.25 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UXRDK0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_OLUkybZR0CQ39

That's the one I use now. Its scented, so if your ekin is sensitive to that then I dont suggest it. I used to just use the Sephora brand one, I think that one was unscented.


I would think your skin would be better off with clean brushes? If your skin isn't reacting to the dirty ones, I think it'd be okay with the clean ones? I'm pretty clueless with skincare, honestly. I have the least sensitive skin ever.

I would recommend getting her some nice quality brushes. They make a huge difference! Sephora has some great sets that have some basics for around $70.

Also this makeup brush cleaning glove is a big time game changer for me. This plus some brush soap would also be very handy for her! Sigma 2X Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove - Pink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KHVAOAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p.m1DbPJJ3HDM

No, water is definitely not ideal haha. You could get a color switch which would clean the shadow off the brush for you, or if you're feeling lazy like I was for the last several years of my life you could just get a clean paper towel and swirl the brush on that to clean it off, haha.

There's also daily brush cleaner that you could spritz on the brush and swirl off on a paper towel to dry in between shadows.

Try checking online to see if ELF or BH Cosmetics has a 5-10 piece brush set for you. Do you already have any tutorials that you've been watching to guide you through some techniques? :)

This is what I use

https://www.amazon.com/LARMHOI-Electric-Portable-Cleaning-Cosmetic/dp/B07JJSKZVK/ref=sr_1_14_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1549749370&sr=1-14&refinements=p_72%3A1248873011

Beauty Blender is the original name brand, they have different sizes too. I like the mini.
beautyblender.com

You are very welcome! I don't think you said anything wrong, in fact my bf only knows the makeup I like because he set up a vanity area for me in our apartment. People have different interests, you know hers and you want to be sure she gets what she wants and is surprised. That is a lovely thing!

I use this one: Ecotools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo

"The makeup brush cleansing shampoo is paraben-, phthalate-, & petroleum-free with no perfume or skin irritants." It works great!

Here is my face without warpaint!
and THIS is my item!