It’s a hassle when there are a lot of makeup brushes to clean. How many of us actually take the time to wash them weekly? But that’s the best practice to prevent contamination and keep them in top condition.
Professionals clean makeup brushes with machines designed for the purpose. They don’t have time to hand-wash each one. We did the research and discovered that the best electric makeup brush cleaners are surprisingly inexpensive. Check out the reviews below to learn more.
How to clean makeup brushes
In the meantime, what’s the best thing to use to clean makeup brushes? All the experts recommend mild soap, but what does that mean? After all, it has to dissolve makeup build-up as well as any bacteria, oil, and dead skin that the brush picks up. However, the cleanser shouldn’t dehydrate the bristles.
Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist uses facial cleanser to wash brushes. Other MUAs use professional makeup brush cleaner or even baby shampoo. Still, when you purchase an electric brush cleaner, see what the manufacturer recommends using.
There’s an advantage to washing makeup brushes with an electric cleaner: many of these machines also “dry” the brushes. That helps prevent rust. It also limits the brush’s exposure to water so that the glue doesn’t loosen and cause the bristles to shed. Although the drying consists of rapidly spinning the brush, it gets rid of more water than squeezing the tip in a towel.
You can learn more while you browse the electric makeup brush cleaner reviews below.
The best electric makeup brush cleaners | Why we love them |
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STYLPRO Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer Machine |
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RICRIS Premium Makeup Brush Cleaner Dryer |
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Selene Makeup Brush Cleaner Dryer Machine |
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Senbowe Upgraded Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer |
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Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner |
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Best Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner in 2024
RICRIS Premium Makeup Brush Cleaner
This electric brush cleaner imitates the STYLPRO design, but does it do anything better? It’s certainly less expensive.
For one, it claims to be faster. The cleansing part is complete in only ten seconds, and the drying part in ten more. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on how filthy the brush is.
Next, it comes with a shatter-resistant plastic bowl. If you drop it, you won’t be sweeping up pieces of glass.
Like the STYLPRO, it has eight rubber collars for 99% of the round-handled makeup brushes on the market including those with a tapered shape. Moreover, it runs on two AAA batteries, but these are not included in the box.
However, the package comes with a stand for storing the different sizes of collars. It’s a nice way to organize them and keep them from getting lost.
Pro tip: only fill the bowl a third of the way with liquid. Then, you can spin the brush to dry it without pulling it out of the bowl and spraying water everywhere.
Pros:
- Inexpensive copycat of the STYLPRO brush cleaner
- Can clean makeup brushes in as little as five to ten seconds
- Comes with eight flexible rubber collars that fit 99% of the round-handled brushes on the market
- Shatter-resistant plastic bowl with a no-spill lip
- Runs on two AAA batteries
- Includes a stand to organize the collars
Cons:
- Does not come with batteries
- Not good for cleaning sponges or square-handled brushes
Selene Makeup Brush Cleaner Dryer Machine
This brand of electric brush cleaner recently upgraded its design according to customer feedback. They also have realistic expectations, saying that it takes between thirty and forty seconds to clean and dry makeup brushes. The demonstration video also points out that very dirty brushes may require a second treatment.
Instead of only eight attachments, there are thirteen rubber collars in this set. It’s enough to fit virtually any makeup brush you might have. Users say that it’s best to choose a collar that fits tightly even if it looks a little too small. There’s also a compact stand that holds all the attachments.
Also, there are other differences between this model and competitors. The motor has three speeds, not only one. Moreover, it’s rechargeable and comes with a USB cable to plug into a phone charger or computer port.
Best of all, it comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros:
- Rechargeable and cordless
- Three speeds to keep smaller brushes from getting bushy
- Cleans brushes in about thirty seconds
- Thirteen collars mean wider compatibility with makeup brushes
- Comes with a compact organizer for the collars
- Has a two-year warranty
Cons:
- Can be a little difficult to insert and remove brushes
Senbowe Upgraded Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer
This electric makeup brush cleaner comes in pink or mint green. Plus, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee and one-year replacement warranty. That’s great news when there are so many look-alike brush cleaners to choose from.
It comes with eight rubber collars to fit 95% of makeup brushes. These range from 3 mm to 30 mm in diameter. The package includes a compact stand for storing the collars and standing up the motorized handle.
The device runs on two AAA batteries, which are not included in the box.
Pros:
- Unlike some competitors, this model includes 100% money-back guarantee and a one-year replacement warranty
- Available in pink or mint green
- Eight collars to fit most round-handled makeup brushes from 3 mm to 30 mm in thickness
- Has a compact stand for storing the handle and collars
- Runs on two AA batteries
Cons:
- Batteries not included
Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner
From Kickstarter comes this thoughtful package complete with a no-rinse cleaning solution. Choose from white or pink designs.
It features a rechargeable brush cleaner and charging stand that also holds the different sizes of brush collars. Plug the USB cable into a computer port or phone charger. The indicator light will show you when it’s fully charged.
There are eight collars for most brush sizes and a bowl with a no-spill lip. If you knock over on its side, you’ll have a moment to scoop it up before it makes a mess.
Pros:
- Package comes with a no-rinse cleanser, eight brush collars, and a charging stand
- Rechargeable with the included USB cable
- Comes in white or pink
Cons:
- No mention of a warranty
StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner Solution
Don’t ruin your brushes with regular soap, shampoo, or cheap cleanser. This cleaning solution requires no water and no rinsing. Use it with an electric makeup brush cleaner for maximum benefits. Once you spin the brush dry, it feels ready to use.
It conditions the bristles and won’t dissolve the glue. StylPro’s cleanser cuts through long-wear and waterproof makeup even if it’s oil-based. But it’s so moisturizing you could use it on your hair.
It contains conditioners like argan, grapeseed, and wheat germ oil that dissolve stubborn makeup residue without dehydrating the bristles. It leaves the brushes feeling soft just like they were new.
Furthermore, the formula is vegan and free of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol.
What’s the downside? Since you can’t mix it with water, the bottle gets used up fast.
Ecotools Makeup Cleaner for Brushes
Save money and still enjoy clean, soft brushes with this eco-friendly brush shampoo. It’s free of artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabens, and petroleum derivatives. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan. Even the packaging is made with recycled plastic.
The formula is super mild like a baby shampoo. It won’t dry out the bristles or damage the handles. What’s more, it works with electric brush cleaners or manual cleaning.
The only con is that you’ll need to rinse after washing with it.
Norate Brush Cleaning Mat, Silicone
But what if you prefer to go old school and clean your brushes by hand? Then, it really helps to have a silicone mat like this one. It’s textured with various patterns to help you free makeup residue from the bristles.
Add cleanser and swirl the tip around on the surface. Once you’re satisfied, rinse and squeeze out the excess water. Lastly, lay the brush flat to dry.
Choose from a variety of colors to match your décor. Each has a suction cup on the back to hang it up to dry.
STYLPRO Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer Machine
This award-winning electric brush cleaner was invented by the winner of the BBC Apprentice show. It resembles a hand mixer – not the American kind, but rather the magic wand type used n in Europe.
The handle that contains the motor is about the size of a curling iron. It comes with eight collars that hold the brush handle while the tool spins. Since it runs on batteries, there’s no cord to get in the way.
Here’s how to use the machine. First, put warm water and brush cleaner inside the glass bowl that comes with the kit.
Mount the appropriate size collar on the handle of the brush you want to clean. The collars are compatible with the vast majority of round-handled makeup brushes on the market. Then click the collar in place on the motorized handle.
Dip the bristles into the water and turn on the cleaner. It will rapidly spin the brush so that it’s completely free of debris in thirty seconds or less. If you use the company’s own oil-based cleaner, it doesn’t require rinsing. But other types of brush cleaner might, so then it’s time to dump the dirty water and refill the bowl with clean water.
(Pro tip: purchase an additional bowl like those used for keeping Betta fish and put the clean rinse water in that to avoid dumping the first bowl).
Lift the bristles out of the water and let them spin in the air to dry. The brush won’t be completely dry, but it will be significantly less damp than if you simply pressed out the water with a towel.
As we listened to what people said about this setup, we discovered that the STYLPRO cleanser works faster than using soap and water as there’s no extra step for rinsing. The brushes also seem to be a little drier at the end of the process.
As for the brush cleaner, it’s quiet, lightweight, and straightforward to use. It’s a definite timesaver. The main downside is making sure you don’t lose any of the necessary parts.
Pros:
- Rapid, effective brush cleaning that leaves the bristles nearly dry
- Compatible with the majority of round-handled makeup brushes
- Cordless and runs on AAA batteries, no need to wait for recharging
- Package includes sample packets of brush cleaner that doesn’t require rinsing
Cons:
- Lots of parts and no storage container for them
- Not useful for square-handled brushes or sponges
Conclusion
You wouldn’t use the same washcloth or towel indefinitely, would you? Your makeup brush also comes in contact with your skin and needs to be cleaned regularly. Happily, the best electric makeup brush cleaners take a messy job and make it fast and easy.
We hope you found a tool today that simplifies your life. We’d love to hear about your experiences with your new brush cleaner. Feel free to leave us a comment below.