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I know it's my job to be pro-skincare all the time, but I'm also human, and I'm not going to act like washing your face doesn't feel like a chore. When you walk through the door after a long day, the last thing you want to do is lift another damn finger. But cleansing every day is the most important thing to do for healthy skin, so you kind of have to. Thankfully, the beauty world's got our back and has birthed innovative devices designed to do most of the work for us—like facial cleansing brushes. On those extra-tired days when you can't depend on your hands to get the job done—like, remove 100 percent of your makeup, wash the dirt and grime off, and provide gentle exfoliation when you need it—reach for a cleansing brush.
All you have to do is wet your skin, apply your go-to cleanser, and sweep the brush over your skin in soft, upward strokes. This will help your cleanser deeply penetrate your pores, remove every trace of gunk, shed dead skin cells, enhance the absorption of topical products, and give you a mini massage. It's standard to do it for a minute, but you won't want to stop because it feels like an at-home facial.
There are a few rules: If you have sensitive skin, be sure to ease in by using your cleansing brush every other day. Over-usage of the wrong brush for your skin type (like bristles that are too firm) can lead to excessive exfoliation and irritation. And, I know I sound like a mom saying this, but clean your brush after every wash and replace the brush head every three months (!!!). If you don't, it will do the complete opposite of cleansing your skin because it's full of dirt. Not cute.
Now that you know what to do, it's time to up your cleansing game. These are the 10 best brushes, at every price point.
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Best for Toning
Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device
This alien-esque tool might be your savior, for a couple of reasons: Not only does this smart tool deep-clean your pores, but its powerful vibrations work your facial muscles so you can achieve toned, chiseled features. The material is also antibacterial, hypoallergenic and odor-resistant, so you don't have to worry about cleaning your brush as well as your face.
Best for Everyday Use
Foreo Play
Meet my holy grail cleansing brush: the Foreo, also known as the facial massager that puts me right to sleep. Its soft vibration feels like a million pulsations a minute and signals deep-cleaning is happening, unclogging pores and retexturizing dull, rough patches. The soft bristles are made of silicone, which is ideal for sensitive skin, and fights bacteria. (You still should clean this, though, to make sure it stays in excellent condition.)
Best for Glowing Skin
Proactiv Charcoal Pore Cleansing Brush
Want brighter, glowier skin? You need this brush. Its charcoal-coated bristles rotate 360-degrees. And, listen, charcoal + a cleansing brush = a genius combination. Here's why: Charcoal is an ingredient that ensures a gentle exfoliation to unclog and visibly reduce the size of your pores. Charcoal also helps keep your skin silky-soft and lifts away dull cells for a brighter complexion.
Best for Softer Skin
Microdermabrasion System
Neutrogena
ulta.com
$22.99
Okay, I know that single-use anything isn't exactly in favor these days, but hear me out for a second here. These little bb loofahs are pre-dosed with sloughing crystals and gentle cleansers to swirl away what ails you. When Clarisonics first came out there was a backlash about how the bristle could harbor bacteria, so germaphobes: This is the brush for you.
Best Battery Life
Liberex Sonic Vibrating Facial Cleansing Brush
Liberex
amazon.com
$34.99
Three brush heads, three ultrasonic vibration modes, and a smart timer means you can dial this baby in right where your complexion needs to be—and switch up depending on its ever-changing needs. Ideal for someone who is, say, greasy in the summer, dry and flaky in the winter, and sensitive in the transitional months.
Best for Deep Cleansing
Soniclear Petite Sonic Skin Cleansing System
Michael Todd Beauty
ulta.com
$99.00
This chic, marbled cleansing brush is everything you could ever want. Not only does it cleanse, exfoliate, and tighten, but it uses powerful technology to ensure that the bristles aren't contaminated by bacteria. This tool oscillates at 18,000 movements per minute, meaning you're getting a better cleanse than your hands could ever provide. Your pores and fine lines will thank you.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Clear Cleansing Tool
ReFa
neimanmarcus.com
$255.00
This cleansing tool is perfect for sensitive skin that doesn't enjoy too much abrasion. Makeup, sweat, and pollution are no match for the powerful movements this brush makes. Plus, it's perfectly formulated for those hard-t0-clean places, like the sides of the nose. Say goodbye to those pesky blackheads!
Most Innovative
Clean Orbital Facial Brush
TAO Clean
taoclean.com
$149.00
This brush's spinning bristles expertly remove all the harmful residue that can cause breakouts down the line. This dual cleanser and exfoliator comes with a unique charging base that sets it apart from other cleansing brushes. The base not only cleans the brush so it doesn't accumulate bacteria and bad smells, but it also dries the brush and charges it so that it's waiting for your next cleanse.
Best Non-Electric Brush
Facial Cleansing Brush
Naturopathica
dermstore.com
$29.00
For sensitive-skin ladies, this handheld brush will work wonders. The nylon bristles are ultra-gentle, and it removes dirt and makeup while gently exfoliating. Make sure to clean the brush and let it dry before using it again to ensure that there is no product build-up.
Best for Large Pores
Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush System
The head on this waterproof brush is egg-shaped for a reason: The light green area at the angled tip features a gentle bristle type to target your T-zone, and reach the creases and crevices of your skin that are the hardest to get to (which happen to be the most sensitive). The white bristles are for the rest of your gorgeous face. After you use it, your skin will feel brand new.
Most Affordable
Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush System
For just $25 bucks, this finely-tapered bristle brush will bless your skin with the perfect wind-down moment. The cushion-y bristles work especially well to enhance the benefits of foaming cleansers, using microcirculation for ultimate penetration. And it's simply a feel-good product you need for self-care.
Maya Allen
Digital Beauty Editor
Maya Allen is the Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covers makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it!
Tatjana Freund
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Freelancer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends.
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