We have all been there, one moment you are applying makeup, and the next, a drop of foundation lands on your favorite shirt or a smear of lipstick ruins your blouse. How do you get makeup stains out of clothes without causing more damage? Don’t panic! With the right tools and techniques, you can easily remove makeup stains from your clothing and restore it to its pristine condition.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to tackle makeup mishaps, from foundation stains to lipstick smudges. If you are dealing with fresh stains or ones that have dried, we’ve got tips to save your clothes.
Understanding Makeup Stains: What Are You Dealing With?
Before diving into stain removal techniques, it’s important to understand what type of makeup you are working with. Different makeup products require different approaches:
- Foundation stains: These can be oily and tricky to clean, especially if they’re liquid-based.
- Lipstick smudges: Lipsticks can be creamy or matte, and their waxy consistency often makes them more stubborn.
- Mascara stains: These dark, inky stains can be difficult to remove, especially on delicate fabrics.
Knowing what kind of stain you’re dealing with will help determine the best approach for cleaning.
Best Way to Clean Makeup Off Clothes

The quicker you can treat the stain, the better the outcome. Fresh makeup stains are easier to remove than dried ones, so here’s what you need to do:
- Blot, Don’t Rub: As soon as you notice the stain, blot it gently with a clean cloth. Rubbing can push the makeup deeper into the fibers, making it harder to remove.
- Use the Right Cloth: A makeup remover cloth or a cloth that removes makeup works wonders for blotting without spreading the stain. These cloths are designed to lift makeup without irritating the fabric.
- Pre-Treat: Once you have blotted the area, pre-treat the stain with a small amount of stain remover or a gentle makeup remover for fabric. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
How to Get Rid of Makeup Stains?
Different types of makeup require different removal methods. Here’s a quick rundown of how to get specific makeup stains out of your clothes:
1. Removing Foundation Stains
- What You Need: Dish soap, laundry detergent, or a special makeup remover cloth.
- Steps:
- Dab the stain with a paper towel to soak up excess product.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain.
- Gently blot with a clean cloth.
- Launder as usual, but avoid using hot water, as it may set the stain.
- Dab the stain with a paper towel to soak up excess product.
2. Getting Lipstick Out of Fabric
- What You Need: Rubbing alcohol or makeup remover.
- Steps:
- Scrape off excess lipstick using a butter knife or spoon.
- Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain using a cotton ball.
- Blot gently to lift the stain.
- Wash the fabric in cool water to remove any residual lipstick.
- Scrape off excess lipstick using a butter knife or spoon.
3. Mascara Stain Removal
- What You Need: Eye makeup remover, cotton ball.
- Steps:
- Dab a cotton ball soaked in makeup remover on the mascara stain.
- Blot until the stain starts to lift.
- Wash as usual. If needed, repeat the process before drying the fabric.
- Dab a cotton ball soaked in makeup remover on the mascara stain.
4. Removing Oily Makeup Stains
- What You Need: Dish soap or stain remover.
- Steps:
- For oily stains, apply dish soap directly to the stain. Dish soap is great at cutting through oils.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot the stain away.
- Launder the item as usual, but avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain.
- For oily stains, apply dish soap directly to the stain. Dish soap is great at cutting through oils.
Can Makeup Remover Damage Clothes?

You may wonder, can makeup remover damage clothes? The answer depends on the type of makeup remover you use. Some makeup removers contain harsh chemicals that may irritate certain fabrics, especially delicate ones like silk. It’s always a good idea to test the remover on a hidden part of the fabric first.
To be safe, opt for a makeup remover cloth or gentle cleaning agents designed for fabric. These are usually less harsh and won’t damage your clothes.
Laundry Tips for Stains: A Proactive Approach
While makeup stain removal is often quick, sometimes the stains can be tricky. To help prevent makeup from transferring onto clothes in the first place, consider these laundry tips for stains:
- Wear a protective bib or towel when applying makeup, especially if you’re doing your makeup before getting dressed.
- Pre-treat stains immediately: Don’t let foundation or lipstick sit on your clothes for too long.
- Use stain removers: Keep a good stain remover or makeup remover for fabric on hand for quick treatment.
How to Treat Fresh vs Dried Makeup Stains?
Fresh makeup stains are the easiest to handle. But if you’ve let the stain sit for a while, don’t despair! Here’s how to deal with both:
Fresh Makeup Stains
- Quickly blot and treat with stain remover.
- Wash immediately after treating to ensure the stain doesn’t set.
Dried Makeup Stains
- Soak: For dried stains, soak the fabric in a mixture of dish soap and water or use a stain remover.
- Gently scrape: For stubborn stains, use a butter knife or spoon to gently lift the dried makeup off.
- Repeat the process: Dried stains may require multiple treatments to fully remove.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to get makeup stains out of clothes, you can say goodbye to those dreaded makeup mishaps. With the right tools, such as a makeup remover cloth, and the right techniques, you can handle foundation stains, lipstick smudges, and even mascara marks with ease.
Want more tips on keeping your clothes in top shape? Learn more about how to care for your fabrics at Eye Candy Brow Salon.
FAQs
Q: How do you get makeup stains out of white clothes?
For foundation stains on white clothes, use dish soap or laundry detergent to treat the stain. For lipstick on a white blouse, rubbing alcohol can help lift the stain without discoloring the fabric.
Q: How can you remove foundation stains from a shirt?
Dab the stain with a clean cloth, then apply a stain remover or dish soap. Blot gently and wash in cool water. Avoid hot water, as it can set the stain.
Q: What is the fastest way to get makeup off clothes?
Blotting makeup stains quickly with a makeup remover cloth and pre-treating them with a gentle stain remover can help you clean stains fast before washing.
Q: Does makeup come out in the wash?
It depends on the fabric and the makeup stain. While many makeup stains can come out in the wash, pre-treating stains first can help ensure that they are completely removed.
Ready for a flawless look? Schedule your makeup appointment today at any of our Eye Brow Candy Salon locations!
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