I’ve been using the MAC Brush Cleanser for several years now, but every time I had a full bottle, I always forgot to photograph it.

Well, this time, right when I got it, I snapped photos of it immediately, so I wouldn’t forget.

I haven’t tried a lot of brush cleansers on the market, but this is my favourite, despite it being pricey.

And sometimes when I’ve been in a pinch, I’ve used just simple dish detergent and water to clean my brushes. However, I really prefer the MAC Brush Cleanser because it also disinfects as it cleanses. Plus you can use it for spot cleaning, which I do more often than deep cleansing. (Spot cleaning is when you put some on the brush and wipe the makeup off onto a paper towel and then use your brush again quickly).

MAC Brush Cleanser Pictures

MAC Brush Cleanser Ingredients 

Claims: TRUSTED

• Cleans brushes (Yes)
• Disinfects & conditions brushes (Yes)

Key Notes

• Name: MAC Brush Cleanser
• Amount: 235 mL (7.9 fl. oz.)
• What I Paid: $18 CAD
• Where to Buy: MAC stores, MAC counters & the MAC website

MAC Brush Cleanser Review

Cleansing

Whenever I’ve used the MAC Brush Cleanser, it has always left the bristles on my brushes looking great, so I do believe that it cleanses gently, but effectively.

I’ve used it on all kinds of brushes, from those with natural hair to synthetic hair, and it works the same on all of them. The only thing is that sometimes with natural hair, you may need to clean the bristles twice to fully get everything out.

I also like how my brushes seem to dry faster when I use the MAC Brush Cleanser, but that’s probably because it contains some alcohol. Interestingly enough, even though there’s alcohol in it, it doesn’t seem to dry out my bristles by making them feel or look brittle.

How to Use It

The MAC Brush Cleanser is so easy to use. I guess you could put some in a little container, but I like to put some in my hand and then swirl a damp brush in it. The makeup comes right off. Then, I rinse the brush thoroughly, reshape the bristles, and then allow it to air-dry.

For spot cleaning, I like to put some of the MAC Brush Cleanser into a little travel spray bottle and spritz some onto a piece of paper towel. Then, I gently wipe my makeup brush on the area. The brush is usually pretty dry immediately after, so I can use it again right away.

Value

Yes, the MAC Brush Cleanser is quite pricey at $18 CAD for this bottle, but I find that it cleans pretty quickly, which is important to me. I also like how it disinfects at the same time. (Even though it’s cheaper, probably using straight up rubbing alcohol would damage the bristles, right?)

And, although I sometimes use dish detergent, I don’t always like it because you have to rinse for a long time to get all the suds out. The Mac Brush Cleanser cleans lightning fast, which is perfect if you have a busy lifestyle (haha, or not much patience).

Pros Cleans makeup brushes fast & effectively Disinfects & conditions bristles (Didn’t notice any damage or fraying) Easy to get (available at MAC stores, counters & the website)

Cons Fairly expensive, given the size

Final Verdict: 9/10

Although the price is high, the MAC Brush Cleanser is my favourite choice for when I need to clean my brushes, so I had to give it a high score. I am probably on my 7th bottle, and I’ve been using this for perhaps 7 years now!

I don’t think that a bottle will last you a full year if you deep clean, but depending on how many brushes you spot clean, it might!

What brush cleanser would you recommend I try that’s less expensive (but still as effective as) the MAC Brush Cleanser? How many brushes do you use on a daily basis?