Editor’s Choice: Brushean Makeup Brush Sanitizer

Cleaning my makeup brushes before each use happens to be the bane of my existence. I often forego spot cleaning my brushes with my Cinema Secrets makeup brush cleanser and go à la hands. You can find me finger painting my face with my cream blush like a rogue kindergartener.

The bacteria buildup in dirty brushes can often lead to breakouts, which is why makeup brush detoxes have risen in popularity. Dermatologists recommend cleaning your brushes before each use but in today’s busy world that proves to be a challenging feat. It is often easier to stop using brushes entirely than it is to clean them daily.

Thankfully, we live in a modern world where cars are driving themselves, and clean brushes are just a button away. What started off as an idea and a few rough sketches eventually turned into Brushean, a smart device that cleans your brushes using UV light, which was initially backed through Kickstarter. This UV sanitation method can also be found in devices that clean dental equipment or baby bottles.

The device comes in a sleek white case that can hold up to 15 makeup brushes. After charging my device (one charge lasts up to 50 cycles) I push down the lid and press a button to activate the UV-C LED light inside. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and ozone technology work together to target and disable disease-causing microorganisms. Five minutes later, the timer stops and 99.9 percent of the bacteria and germs living on your brush are gone. I prefer this over traditional liquid brush spray because of the convenience factor and the sanitation guarantee each time. “Liquid serums and creams create a moist environment in makeup brush hairs that breeds mold, fungus, and acne-causing bacteria. … Brushean saves time and gives you peace of mind,” says Christina Pou, Brushean CEO.

Brushean also makes it easier for makeup artists who spend a lot of time cleaning their brushes and kits. “My day involves a lot of cleaning because I am constantly washing brushes, washing beauty blenders. There is a lot of that involved because there is nothing worse than having a dirty kit. You just have to get that together,” says celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty.

However, this portable sanitizer does not clean your brushes of makeup residue, as only soap and water can do that. “Since most women we interviewed do not have the habit of washing their makeup brushes after every use, we recommend using Brushean Makeup Brush Sanitizer in between washing your makeup brushes to maintain a hygienic beauty routine,” says Rosanna Wang, Brushean’s creative director.

Personally, this device has changed my life for the better. After waking up I will put my favorite brushes into the device then move onto my morning skincare routine. By the time I am finished, my brushes are clean and ready to go! A hearty farewell to dirty makeup brush-related breakouts.