Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette, $15
If you’re like me, the idea of shelling out for a Sigma Spa Glove is uncomfortable. It isn’t that there’s anything wrong with it as a tool, I just prefer to allocate my beauty budget to other things. Fortunately, the Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette that is 1) inexpensive, 2) gets the job done, and 3) does not require a ton of storage space. I thought I published a post about this back in June, but when checking my archives, it was nowhere to be found – so new photos and a rewrite it is!
For I while, I was (ridiculously) using the lid of a Ziploc container lid to help agitate cleanser into my bristles. Did it work? Sure. It’s a frugal solution, and it worked well enough. But then I was misplacing lids (oops)…it was time to get a dedicated tool. I picked the Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette on sale at Ulta for $8 (regularly $15) and have gotten a TON of use out of it in the last three months. I use Cinema Secrets for quick-changes, but brushes do require proper washing from time-to-time…so I recommend both methods to keep your brushes clean
Easy to Handle
The Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette has a strap on the bottom made of the same silicone as the whole thing. I can easily slide four fingers through it, palm up, and use my thumb to support the side. To give you an idea, my ringfinger is size five. I was initially concerned that larger hands may not be able to use it…but good news! I had my ring-size 12 husband check, and he was able to.
I have used it palm-down, and it was awkward. Holding it that way left me unable to adequately control the palette, and I made more of a mess. Lesson learned.
Surface & Usage
There are three different textures across the surface of the Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette to facilitate cleansing. From left to right, there are large, round nubs, medium plus signs, and tiny nubs. For most of my brushes, I start from the left and work to the right. For small brushes I start in the middle and work right, and ultra-small detail brushes only see the right side.
I add about a tablespoon of warm water to the surface, then a dime size of the cleanser du jour. I usually use a mix of Dawn dish soap (cuts oil like no other) and baby shampoo, but today I used the brush cleanser sample that the Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette was packaged with.
Next, I run the bristles of the brush to-be-washed to remove any surface product with the bristles angled downwards (always). After that, I take the brush and gently agitate it across the surface as described above, working in circular motions across the palette from left (large) to right (small).
I cleanse all my brushes this way. After they’re all sudsed up, I rinse away the ilk from the surface and, under running water, agitate the brush on the palette’s surface until the water runs clear and no more bubbles appear.
After that, dry and shape as usual. I’m still suspending them from my towel rack with hair elastics because a brush tree like Benjabelle just isn’t for me.
What I Don’t Love
I was hoping this would shield my hands from water aside from the errant splash. It doesn’t, really. My least-favorite thing about washing my brushes is that dreaded pruned feeling my fingers get after prolonged exposure to water. After all, I do wear gloves to wash dishes – maybe I’ll adopt gloves for this chore, too.
Furthermore, you should not use this to clean any sponges. I accidentally destroyed a beautyblender when using it. Fortunately, it was the weird, too-small beautyblender that came in the Paint it Pink set. Don’t use it on any similar dupes, either – including the Real Techniques Sponge.
On Their Cleanser
It’s alright. It did a good job cleaning my brushes, but I still prefer my way of doing it. It’s more cost-effective, and they’re products I have in my house anyway; I generally steer clear of unitaskers whenever possible. (On the baby shampoo: No, no kids – but I do have cats that get bathed.)
The Bottom Line
I wouldn’t purchase it at full price ($15) but I think $10-12 is reasonable. If you can handle your hands getting wet, it’s a good solution. Personally, I’d prefer a full-coverage option as I’m a bit of a punk about how my hands feel after a washing session. It is not a prodigy or miracle product but overall, it does a good job of washing and helping thoroughly rinse my brushes. I would recommend it, but buy it on sale.
What about you? Do you use any tools or tricks to help get your brushes squeaky clean? Leave your suggestions in the comments!