Cleaning Our Make-Up Brushes Is A New Year's Resolution We Should All Make (2025)

Ask a room of beauty editors whether they clean their make-up brushes every month and, of course, you’ll hear nothing but a resounding 'yes'. (Some of us might be lying, but we'll never admit it.) Ask us how we clean their favourite tools, however, and you’ll likely receive a bunch of different responses.

While techniques may vary, what we do know is that cleaning your make-up brushes is a dull yet important job. 'Product build-up on brushes can cause skin problems and infections, and can also clog up the bristles and make application really hard,' says make-up artist Mira Parmar. 'Washing your brushes regularly keeps them hygienic, ensuring they last as long as possible, and helps you to achieve flawless looks too.'

The best way to clean your make-up brushes

Yes, keeping make-up brushes free from oil and bacteria is non-negotiable, but there are many ways to approach the task. Some swear by a tried-and-tested cleansing liquid, while others prefer a travel-friendly solid balm. Pump-action bottles are loved for their fast and easy appeal, while the latest make-up brush cleaning machines (what a time to be alive) will do a satisfyingly thorough job of that foundation brush you've been using since last summer.

To get the best results from your makeup brush cleaner, take a few tips from the pros. When rinsing your brushes, be sure to hold them downwards to avoid water seeping into the ferrule (the metal section at the base of the bristles). If this section becomes damp, you might end up with shedding strands. Once your brush is thoroughly cleansed, gently squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel, before re-forming the bristles into their original shape and letting them air-dry – the best approach is to leave them hanging off the edge of a counter.

In our time, we’ve tested millions (possibly) of make-up brush cleaners, so we’re pretty well versed in which ones really hit the mark. Here, discover the ones we purchase on repeat.

The 10 best make-up brush cleaners

A favourite of the ELLE UK beauty team, this quick-drying rinse is perfect for washing your brushes in a rush. Simply dunk your bristles in this cleansing water and swipe leftover pigment and dirt away on the back of a clean towel. Speedy and oh-so-easy.

This pro-approved brush cleaner is the most effortless way to rid your tools of stubborn dirt. It makes short work of everything from lash glue to dried foundation without ever leaving your bristles tacky or stripped. There's a reason it's in every make-up artist's kit.

Keep this clever brush cleaner close by when attempting to follow that TikTok beauty tutorial – it dries instantly, so allows you to switch shadow shades in a cinch, without any transference. Ideal for when you’ve got a brand-new palette and only one brush to play with.

This water-weight wonder product is great for a quick clean or a deep cleanse. A tiny amount leaves brushes in tip-top condition – soft and in perfect shape, like when you first bought them.

Massage this concentrated cleaning solution into damp make-up brushes before rinsing (with the bristles pointed down) to leave them completely free of product and super-soft to the touch.

Add this reliable brush cleanser to that Boots haul – it'll quickly clean and refresh brushes in-between those monthly soaks, helping to prevent stubborn product build-up.

We don’t know what we did before the Beautyblender graced our make-up shelves – but while we're here for the flawless foundation finish, it’s true that they’re a nightmare to keep clean. This specially formulated soy-based cleanser breaks down product from deep inside the sponge, ensuring your favourite applicator stays clean and hygienic.

A solid brush cleaner is a smart choice for deep cleaning, and this is hands-down one of the best. Simply wet your brush and swirl it straight into the pot, using the handy silicone mat to lift away any stubborn liquid pigments. An ideal choice for heavily used brushes.

So many make-up artists depend on one of these handy mats to keep brushes thoroughly clean. It comes with a hand strap, so you can work your bristles over the silicone surface with ease, sweeping away the most stubborn of oil-based formulas. It's the tool you never knew you needed, but soon won't be without.