Makeup can make you look amazing, but an accident happens in no time. Before you know it, there is foundation on your favorite blouse or a mascara stain on your new trousers. Luckily you do not have to write those garments off right away! We tell you how to get different makeup stains out of your clothes quickly and effectively.
What should I do to get foundation out of clothes?
Step 1: Remove excess foundation
Use a blunt knife or the back of a spoon to carefully scrape excess makeup off the fabric. This prevents the stain from soaking deeper into the fabric. For powder makeup you can use a hairdryer on the cold setting to blow the powder off the fabric.
Step 2: Act quickly with household products
Don't have a special stain remover? Then use products you already have at home:
- Makeup wipes: For fresh stains you can gently blot with a makeup wipe.
- Liquid detergent: Mix some detergent with warm water. Apply this to the stain and leave it to work for 10 minutes.
- Shaving foam: Apply a little shaving foam to the stain, leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Step 3: Specific stain removers for stubborn stains
For stubborn stains, such as lipstick or foundation, use a special stain remover. Dab the product onto the stain and follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
Step 4: Rinse and wash
After pretreatment, wash the garment in the washing machine at the warmest temperature that is safe for the fabric. Avoid the dryer until you are sure the stain is completely gone, because heat can set stains further into the fabric.
An extra tip to prevent makeup stains is to use a setting spray and/or primer. That way your makeup stays in place better.
Different Types of Makeup Stains
Foundation Stains
Foundation stains, especially oil-based ones, can be stubborn. Start by carefully removing excess foundation with a spoon. Then blot the stain with a cotton pad soaked in an oil-free makeup remover. Next apply liquid detergent directly to the stain and leave it to work for ten minutes. Wash the garment in the washing machine at the warmest safe temperature.
Lipstick Stains
Lipstick stains are often brightly colored and contain oil, which makes them hard to remove. Apply a generous amount of shaving foam to the stain and leave it to work for ten minutes. Then rinse with cold water. Still a stain left? Then blot with a little dish soap and rinse again. Wash the garment in the washing machine if needed.
Mascara Stains
Mascara often consists of oil and wax, so it soaks into fabric quickly. Use a white cloth and blot carefully to remove excess mascara. Dip a cotton pad in makeup remover or alcohol and blot this onto the stain. Repeat until the stain fades. Rinse with warm water and then wash the garment as usual.
Powder Makeup Stains (Blush, Bronzer)
Powder makeup can show up quickly on clothes, especially on dark fabrics. Use a hairdryer on the cold setting to blow the powder away. Then make a solution of warm water and detergent. Blot this carefully onto the stain until it disappears. Rinse the fabric with water and wash as usual in the washing machine.
Eyeliner Stains
Waterproof eyeliner can be very stubborn. Apply a stain remover directly to the stain and leave it to work for 10-15 minutes. Then blot with a little dish soap and lukewarm water to remove more of the stain. Rinse well and wash the garment on a normal wash cycle.
With the right treatment and products you can remove foundation from clothes without much effort. Always remember to carefully remove excess makeup first and act quickly with a suitable stain remover. Each type of makeup stain has its own approach, so choose the method that fits the stain, whether it is foundation, lipstick, or mascara. Wash the garment at the right temperature and repeat if needed. By following these steps, you keep your favorite clothes free of makeup stains and looking as good as new!
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