How to remove makeup stains
Foundation and lipstick are usually oil-based. Here's the safe way to lift a makeup stain — these steps work for most fabrics, and you can tailor them to yours in the tool below.
Good odds
Usually lifts if you treat it promptly.
Do this now
- 1
Lift excess with a clean edge — don’t smear it.
- 2
Dab on washing-up liquid (for oily makeup) or micellar water; blot gently.
- 3
For lipstick, a little rubbing alcohol helps lift the pigment.
- 4
Rinse and wash as the label allows.
Use
- Washing-up liquid
- Micellar water
- Rubbing alcohol
Avoid
- Rubbing
- Smearing it wider
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, alcohol, rust remover, or other cleaners.
- Use only one stain-removal chemical at a time, then rinse before trying another.
Good to know
These steps suit most washable fabrics. Choose your fabric to tailor them — gentler for wool, silk and other delicates, firmer for cotton and denim.