One of the worst makeup chores we face is having to clean our makeup brushes. Although necessary, its easier said than done. Technology has got to pick up on the beauty department and create brushes that clean up after themselves! But until then, we’ve to resort to products that effectively rinse out those brushes. After all, brushes can come with a pretty hefty price tag, and we’ve got to make educated decisions if we want these babies to last.
We have then listed down different brush cleaners best for your needs. From spot cleaning while you are doing your makeup to some heavy duty cleansing, we’ve also noted which ones are best for natural hair brushes made of animal hair and synthetic ones that are from man-made fibers.
For Spot Cleaning: Synthetic Hair Bristles
#1 Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner
Probably one of the most popular spot cleansers among industry beauty experts–LINK, Cinema Secret’s Makeup Brush Cleaner (P376) is infused with Vanilla Bean fruit extracts and powerful disinfecting chemicals, making them more appropriate for synthetic hair bristles and mixed fibers. They’re perfect for women who are always on-the-go—it’s rinse-free, fast-acting, and vanilla-scented, too. Just put a few drops on a cloth or towel and pat on the brush you want to clean.
Cinema Secrets. Available at SM Makati, SM City North EDSA, and SM Megamall. For more information, visit their website.
#2 Kryolan Brush Cleaner
Quite the catch if you’re into hardcore makeup application, Kryolan Brush Cleaner (P1,859) works very well with thick makeup formulations like foundations and concealers and can easily remove oily residue. Just place a few drops of the cleaner in a small container and dip the brush in it before drying it with a piece of cloth or tissue. Use it for cleaning airbrush guns, too. Just be extra careful of its high alcohol content, as it might cause your brushes to shed.
Kryolan. Available at SM North EDSA. For more information, visit their website.
For Spot Cleaning – Natural Hair Bristles
#1MAC Brush Cleanser
Designed to sanitize, condition, and dry up in a shorter period of time, apply the MAC Brush Cleanser (P705) directly with a towel after every makeup application and gently rub your brush along until no remnant is visible. It’s also ideal for washing off powder-type eyeshadows and bronzers.
MAC. Available at Glorietta 3, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma, and SM Megamall. For a list of complete stores and more information, visit their website.
#2 Bobbi Brown Brush Cleaning Spray
If you’re looking for a gentler and safer alternative for your natural-hair bristles, try Bobbi Brown Brush Cleaning Spray (P1,035). Its alcohol-free formula cleanses your brushes in between shampoos.
Bobbi Brown. Available at SM Megamall, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center and Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4. For a complete list of stores more information, visit their website.
For Full Cleaning: Synthetic Hair Bristles
#1 Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Foam Wash Shampoo (P1,720) is typically used for removing impurities and infusing locks with a soft sea-breezy texture. But it can double as a synthetic brush cleanser for getting rid of excessive dirt, cream, or liquid makeup with its gentle formulation that won’t cause your brushes to shed. Just mix a 1:4 ratio of the shampoo and lukewarm water into a bowl before carefully dipping the bristles.
Bumble and Bumble. Available at Beauty Mnl. For more information, visit their website.
#2 Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleanser
You’ll never know what else might fester inside those gunky brushes (sebum and dead skin? Gross.) Prevent possible residue buildup with Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleanser (P776). Lather a small amount on moist bristles, massage, and rinse with warm water. For daily use, you can try its corresponding brush cleaning spray.
Bobbi Brown. Available at SM Megamall, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, and Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4. For a complete list of stores and more information, visit their website.
For Full Cleaning: Natural Hair Bristles
#1 Sonia Kashuk Brush and Sponge Cleanser
Give your natural-hair brushes a well-deserved weekly detox with Sonia Kashuk Brush and Sponge Cleanser (P470). Just spray the product onto the brush or sponge, create a lather, and then rinse until the water comes clear.
Sonia Kashuk. Available at Beauty Mnl. For more information, visit their website.
#2 The Body Shop Olive Beautifying Oil
Just like the hair on your head, natural-hair bristles must be conditioned periodically at least once a week to maintain its superior quality. To do this, apply The Body Shop’s Olive Beautifying Oil (P659) onto a dry brush head for a few minutes and then massage with a mild shampoo to make sure there is no residue buildup.
The Body Shop. Available at SM Makati, SM Southmall, and SM Megamall. For more information, visit their website.
#3 Human Nature Natural Clarifying Shampoo
If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative to wash off your brushes, Human Nature Natural Clarifying Shampoo (P150) IS a 100 percent natural deep cleansing shampoo for almost a quarter of the price of its counterparts. Instead of using chemicals, it uses coco fatty acid sulfates, fruit acids, and aloe vera. Plus, it’s made in the Philippines!
Human Nature. Available at selected Beauty Bar branches. For more information, visit their website.
strong>For Full Cleaning – Natural/Synthetic/Mixed Hair Bristles
#1 Kalm Cosmetics’ Brush Egg
Try Kalm Cosmetics Brush Egg (P150) and see how this compact tool can definitively trim down time spent during the cleaning process. Just dip the bristles into any shampoo or cleanser, and scrub against the knobs to create a lather. Instead of rubbing against a paper towel, the grooves at the bottom will instantly and thoroughly remove all types of makeup.
Kalm Cosmetics. Available at The Ramp Crossings, Glorietta. For more information, visit their website.