Cleansing is second nature to us by now. But if you’re starting to see your face cleanser isn’t cutting through SPF, grease and makeup quite like it used to, bring in the big guns.
Cleansing brushes may have had a bad rep in the past, but when used correctly they can buff away even stubborn, full-coverage foundations, to leave you with softer and smoother skin.
Want the low-down before adding to your basket? Here’s everything you need to know about these cleansing tools...
Are cleansing brushes good for your skin?
The brushes’ rapid, circular motion buffs away dead skin cells, to leave you with a fresh, glowing complexion. They can also kick excess oil and grime to the curb, helping reduce breakouts.
The vibrations also improve circulation – including lymphatic drainage – helping to reduce fluid and swelling. Hello, cheekbones!
However, if you have sensitive, irritated skin, it’s best to be cautious; stiff bristles can sometimes make matters worse, especially if paired with a cleanser with exfoliating qualities. Opt for a gentler milk or gel cleanser instead.
It's also key to wash your cleansing brush (just like you do your makeup brushes) to avoid spreading bad bacteria that causes spots to appear. No, thank you.
Remember, don’t be too aggressive with your motions; let the brush do all the work.
Do cleansing brushes help remove blackheads?
Put down the pore strips. Step away from the extractor tool. There’s a healthier, and less painful, way to keep blackheads at bay.
The action of a cleansing brush will obviously exfoliate the skin, but it also sloughs away leftover makeup and dirt to stop them from sinking into your lovely pores. The bristles will penetrate further than your muslin cloth or makeup remover pad can, to really remove muck.
If you think bristles might be too rough, there’s always the silicone route for a cleanse. Did we mention silicone is super hygienic and easy to clean too?
Best cleansing brush tools
Braun FaceSpa Pro 921 Facial Epilator Bronze
Now 22% Off
£101.49 at Amazon£169.99 at Boots
Want cleaner, firmer, hair-free skin all in one go? Then this is for you. We love a multipurpose tool, too.
Despite the many customisable attachments – including an epilating option – it was easy-peasy to use and change heads. We also rate the slim size which makes it a perfect wash bag essential when it comes to travelling.
Can you ever go wrong with trusty No7? We think not.
This is a pro at delivering a deep clean, leaving skin feeling puppy-soft and looking considerably more glowy. The vibrations aren't too overbearing, whilst even a full-coverage foundation doesn't stand a chance against this guy. For under £30, it doesn't get much better than that.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
FOREO LUNA 3 Silicone Facial Cleansing & Firming Massage Brush
Now 47% Off
£109.90 at Amazon£189 at CurrentBody£4.99 at LookFantastic
If you didn't know how much we love FOREO's Luna offerings already (full review can be read here), you're about to. This cleansing brush from the future connects to your phone via the brand’s app, to give you a choice of 16 (yes, that’s right) settings to fully customise your routine.
The silicone bristles are softer than your typical brush and more sanitary for all the germaphobes out there but still delivers squeaky-clean skin. The shape was also perfect for getting into every nook and cranny. Useful.
FOREO LUNA mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush
£62.07 at Amazon
Love the sound of the above but on a budget? This mini version will give you the same effective cleaning powers, just in a smaller size (and at a cheaper price).
Yes, it hasn't got as many settings and is diddier but its small size makes it the perfect travel buddy. Plus, it still has a seriously impressive battery life (seriously, I can't remember the last time I charged mine - it's that good).
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
PMD Beauty Smart Facial Cleansing Device with Silicone Brush & Rose Quartz Gemstone
£160.22 at Amazon£100 at CurrentBody£125.10 at LookFantastic
This silicone option doubles up as a face massager to help relax tense jaws. Yep, it even has a heated setting, too.
The long-lasting battery makes it a winner in our books, avoiding a charge for weeks. The end result? Silky-soft skin with minimal effort.
The OG cleansing brush is a legend for a reason. It's safe to say, that if you're after a professional clean, look no further.
If we had to fault it, the charge-up time could be quicker – especially considering some of the longer-lasting options on our list – but overall, it delivers a smoother canvas and a highlighter-worthy glow.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Magnitone BareFaced 2 Vibra Sonic Face Cleansing and Massaging Brush
£20 at Amazon
If you're after a tool to clear skin of all sweat, gunk and other nasties, this smaller, more targeted option is a great buy (not to mention an affordable one).
Expect to see fewer blocked pores (goodbye blackheads) and firmer, clearer skin. A great all-rounder if you ask us.
Electric, without breaking the bank, this still provides 12,000 vibrations per min, without leaving you feeling like you're jackhammering skin.
It's made of easy-to-clean silicone and doubles up as a facial massager, as well as a cleansing device. At £25 this *screams* bargain.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Promising an oxygen facial from the comfort of your own bathroom, this can be used as a standard cleansing tool to remove grease, as well as an Oxygenation treatment – just pop in one of the included capsules and go.
It's makeup dissolving capabilities are impressive, leaving softer, more radiant skin behind. The capsule element might be a bit fiddly at first, but it's a small price to pay for a salon-worthy experience.
If you don’t fancy all the high-tech bells and whistles, this budget-friendly manual brush should do the trick.
It might be trickier to clean than its silicone counterparts, but if you're looking for a bit more control than an automatic device can give you, you can't go wrong with this £12 number.