According to cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller, the key lies in the sponge's coarse, porous structure. (Magic!) To use, simply swirl your brushes around the sponge to loosen the powder makeup stuck to them, and just like that your brushes are clean.
The Sephora Collection Vera Mona Color Switch Brush Cleaner uses a sponge that looks like a stipple sponge, but it cleans makeup brushes without soap or water.