Pro Makeup-Artist Picks for Brush Cleaners: What They Keep in Their Kit

# Why professional brush cleaning matters Dirty brushes transfer old product, cause streaks and pilling, and can harbor bacteria that lead to breakouts. Makeup artists clean tools frequently—often after every client—to maintain a smooth application and reduce hygiene risks.

# The makeup-artist-approved cleaners in this round-up Below are the products the makeup artist (Lila Childs) recommends. Each has a different use case: fast no-rinse refreshes, solid cleansers for deep cleaning, and conditioning formulas to protect bristles.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner (Starter Kit)

Cinema Secrets is a longtime industry favorite for quick, water-free cleaning. It dissolves makeup residue fast and is useful backstage or on the go.

How to use: pour a small amount into the tin, dip the brush a quarter of the way up the bristles, remove quickly to avoid oversaturation, then wipe on an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Shape the bristles and air-dry. Repeat as needed.

Best for: everyday maintenance and quick refreshes between uses.

Beautyblender Blendercleanser Tool Scrub (Solid Soap)

This solid scrub cleans both brushes and sponges. It contains cellulose as a natural exfoliant to lift embedded product and has aloe and lavender to condition bristles.

How to use: wet the tool, swirl directly on the solid cleanser to create a lather, rinse, blot, and dry in a ventilated area.

Best for: heavier buildup when brushes or sponges haven't been cleaned in a while.

Kraum Brush Soap

Kraum's formula uses saponified tallow and fine exfoliating grains to break down waxes, creams, powders, and pigments while conditioning bristles.

Best for: deep cleans when you want the brush to feel like new and remain soft.

Ogee Solid Makeup Brush Cleanser

Ogee offers a gentle solid cleanser with grapefruit essential oil to break down buildup and glycerin to soften bristles. It uses natural soap for cleansing without stripping.

How to use: swirl a damp brush on the soap surface and rinse until clean.

Best for: a balanced clean that removes product while protecting bristle integrity.

MAC Cosmetics Makeup Brush Cleanser (no-rinse)

MAC's no-rinse formula disinfects and refreshes brushes quickly, making it another practical backstage or travel option.

How to use: follow the manufacturer's directions for no-rinse application (typical method parallels other spray or liquid no-rinse cleaners).

Best for: fast disinfection and on-the-go touch-ups.

# Practical cleaning routine recommendations

• For daily or in-between uses: keep a no-rinse cleaner like Cinema Secrets or MAC on hand.
• For weekly or monthly deep cleans: use a solid soap such as Beautyblender Tool Scrub, Kraum, or Ogee, which lift embedded pigment and condition bristles.
• Drying: reshape bristles after rinsing and lay brushes flat to dry to protect the ferrule and handle.

# Final takeaway Choose a no-rinse cleaner for speed and convenience and a solid or conditioning soap for periodic deep cleans. Both types remove buildup and support smoother, more hygienic makeup application.