How to remove makeup stains from clothes: Easy tricks that work

Makeup can help you look your best, but what about that unexpected stain on your clothing? Whether it's foundation smudged on the collar of your shirt, a bright lipstick stain, or a rectangular patch of eyeliner on your favourite top, these kinds of stains are aggravating.

Due to the oil-based composition of most makeup products, they stubbornly adhere to clothing.


The good news is that removing makeup stains is simply a matter of being quick and knowing the techniques that are specific to the type of makeup product you're working with. Makeup stains aren’t the end for your beloved clothes. It is possible to erase foundation, lipstick, eye shadow, eyeliner, and even polish spots with the help of a few common household products. It won’t take long, and you only need to be a little patient.

Tips to remove makeup stains from clothes

Makeup stains can be frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. Acting quickly can prevent the stain from setting into the fabric and becoming harder to remove. Use the following tips to remove makeup stains quickly before heading out:

• Foundation stains

Foundation stains are often oil‑based and can quickly embed in fabric. To lift them out:

• Apply shaving cream over the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes
• Rub the cream gently with your fingers, and then rinse with cold water.
• If the stain is still there, add a drop of rubbing alcohol to the shaving cream and repeat.

• Lipstick stains

Lipstick has waxy and oily ingredients, so use oil-dissolving solvents.

• Dip a cotton ball into rubbing alcohol or micellar water and dab while pressing onto the stain.
• Let it sit briefly and blot gently.
• Rinse with cold water and repeat as needed before washing normally.

• Eyeshadow stains

Powder products such as eyeshadow are different:

• In case the makeup is dry, remove any loose powder by brushing before addressing the stain.
• Apply micellar water or a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and press onto the stained area. Let it absorb the pigment.
• Rinse and wash with detergent afterwards.

• Nail polish marks

Nail polish stains are tougher because the formulas are designed to be long‑lasting and dry quickly:

• Start by scraping off any excess polish with something like a plastic card.
• Dab an acetone-free nail polish remover on a cotton ball and dab.
• Blot the paint onto a clean cloth as it lifts.

Avoid acetone on delicate or synthetic fabrics, as it can worsen the damage.

• Perfume or setting spray residue

Although not as pigmented as the other stains, perfume sprays and setting sprays can also create stains on delicate materials.

• Rinse the area with cold water to dilute the residue.
• Then, use water mixed with a little dish soap, rub it gently onto the fabric to lift off the mark before washing.

• Mascara stains

Mascara stains are common. The formula of a mascara is often oil-based and deeply pigmented.

• Use a cotton pad to dab the area with either micellar water or rubbing alcohol.
• After the start of the removal of the pigment, the area should be rinsed with cold water, using a small amount of liquid detergent before washing as usual.
• It should not be rubbed vigorously, especially on fabrics that are prone to tearing. This is so that the mascara does not spread.

• Blush and bronzer stains

Powder products like blush and bronzer can leave noticeable marks if they get damp, ruining your outfit.

• Brush off any loose powder from the fabric.
• Lightly dab the stained area with micellar water or a diluted dish soap solution, allowing it to absorb the pigment.
• Rinse with cold water and wash like you normally do with a gentle detergent.