10 Make-Up Brush Cleansers Worth Investing In

Beautyblender Liquid Blendercleanser, £16

The ‘OG’ of brush cleansers, this silky oil is proven to get rid of up to 99.7% of harmful germs. It was created specially to soak out tough stains while maintaining the integrity and strength of your brushes and sponges. Coconut surfactants, Dead Sea salts and a light lavender fragrance come together to eliminate dirt and bacteria, so you never have to worry about any unwelcome breakouts. An investment, but worth it for its efficacy and also how long it lasts – at least a year.

Available at BeautyBay.com

Cinema Secrets Professional Brush Cleaner, £23.50 

Rinse-free, this clever solution couldn’t be easier to use. You pour enough of the formula into a container to cover your brushes’ bristles, before removing them from the liquid and brushing clean onto a cloth or towel. You can repeat the process as often as you feel necessary. Don’t be put off by the vanilla fragrance – it’s soft and non-irritating, so you don’t have to worry about any inflammation. No wonder this one’s been called ‘exceptional’ by many. 

Available at BeautyBay.com

iT Cosmetics It’s Your Brush Love Instant Brush Cleaner, £11

More than just a brush cleaner, this skin-loving formula uses peptides, antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E to cleanse and condition. Spray it directly onto your brush heads and gently wipe with either a tissue or towel to remove any residue. As it’s alcohol-free, it dries fast, while the bacteria-zapping liquid soaks up all remnants of make-up. You’ll be satisfied with the speedy results.

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

Jane Iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner, £14

Ideal for those who like things done at speed, this spritz-and-go formula swiftly removes any dirt or oil with a mixture of quick-drying witch hazel. For best results, try spraying it onto a folded tissue before rotating your brush over the damped area. It may not give as deep a clean as others on this list, but it does the job when time is at a premium. It’s regularly recommended by skin experts, thanks to a non-irritating formula that’s suitable for all, including acne sufferers. 

Available at JaneIredale.co.uk

Japonesque Solid Brush Cleaner, $20

Ideal for frequent travellers, this clever solid cleanser makes light work of dirty tools with a nourishing goat milk formula. A little goes a long way: just massage a small amount into your damp sponge or brush to lift grime and bacteria. It’s gentle too, so sensitive skin types needn’t worry about flare-ups or irritation.

Available at Japonesque.com

NYX On The Spot Make-Up Brush Cleaner Spray, £9

If you’re looking for minimal fuss, this genius cleansing spray should be top of your list. Created for make-up artists but ideal for regular beauty junkies, the antibacterial formula breaks down germs in just a few spritzes. Effective on both brushes and sponges, use it on the go with just a paper towel – there’s no need to rinse.

Available at Boots.com

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner, £19

This spirit is made from food-grade solvents to gently dissolve powder, liquid and wax-based make-up. Using just a small amount in a bowl, you’ll soon see the dirt lift off. It also comes in a handy spray bottle, which is ideal for cleaning larger brushes. Top tip: when using solvents like this, be sure to keep the brush head (where the bristles connect to the handle) away from the formula to stop bristles from disintegrating or coming loose.

Available at Amazon.co.uk

Real Techniques Deep Cleansing Brush Gel, £6.99

Designed to extend the life of your brushes, while giving them a thorough clean, this is an Amazon bestseller. Squeeze a small amount of the gel onto any textured surface; add warm water to your brush; then swirl your bristles over the top. Rinse your brushes with water until they’re clean, but avoid immersing the base of your brush – this can cause breakage and premature flaking of your bristles. There are no alcohol or phthalates in this gentle formula, so it’s safe for all skin types to use.

Available at LookFantastic.com

Sigma SigMagic Brushampoo, £14.61

An award-winning formula, this innovative shampoo is well loved for good reason. It uses 100% virgin coconut and ethically sourced palm oil to dissolve all product build-up – be it creams, powders or liquids – at a satisfying speed. Use one or two pumps and gently massage it in from the base of the brush outward, before rinsing away the formula and reshaping your bristles gently. You’ll find your brushes and tools look as good as new.

Available at FeelUnique.com

Stargazer Make-Up Brush Cleaner, £2.50

Great for those on a budget, this £2.50 cleanser does the job with no fuss or frills. It keeps brushes in mint condition and rinses out gunk in seconds – even stubborn foundation stains. For best results, don’t submerge the brush in the formula. Instead, swirl a little onto the brush dry, then wash it with your fingers before leaving it on a towel to air-dry.

Available at Stargazer-Products.com