Some cynical thoughts on brush cleaning machines

It was with interest that I read a review on the Brush Pearl brush cleaner this morning.

Lets face it, no one enjoys brush cleaning. No one.

It's kinda a thing you have to do from time to time. If your like me and have about sixty million brushes (possibly not the actual amount) then it becomes a complete pain the arse.

So something like this, if it worked correctly could be a game changer for anyone with large amounts of brushes. It seems easy to use. Clip the brushes in and add water. It then vibrates and pulls the dirt and product off the brush. Did I mention this is $99? Which is a lot.

It seems to only sit six brushes at a time as well which isn't really a big help to someone like me. Also, I don't know if its just me but I like to have control over the way brushes are cleaned. My first thought in reading the review (which was from a non MUA) was that there is no way of checking that water is not going into the ferrule of the brush which causes the glue to dissolve and hairs to fall out. Not to mention rusting the metal. The ferrule is the metal bit. I would be too nervous to watch my Tom Fords going in there. The reviewer did also note that thicker brushes worked better in the cleaner as well.

Which considering I have a lot of small brushes, also wouldn't work.

The review also stated that it took three attempts to wash her brushes. She did note that she is someone who kept her brushes in a terrible state and this could be a result of that. The total time spent cleaning them in the machine came to 30 minutes. I can have my brushes cleaned by hand a lot faster then that and more then just six. However, I don't let products build up on mine because I do make up on other people. I can't. So maybe that is why.

The next product I've seen a lot of recently are these eggs.  They work by forcing the bristles to move and allowing the water to get into the really hard to reach areas. This is less hands off as well meaning that you have more control over it.
I have to admit I am more inclined to try this one. Even at that I am not in a hurry to do so. I still find these a bit.....I don't know. I think I have to get over my fear and go for it.

So there you have it. I'm really not into the idea of the brush cleaning machine for $99. I think there are cheaper, more effective ways to clean brushes out there. I feel it's (for a lot of people) laziness and 'can't be bothered' ways of thinking which have lead to the development of these things rather then the old school cleaning methods not being enough.

Although, in saying that, don't knock it until you try it....