Quick tips to remove makeup stains from clothes:

1. 1. Scrape off any excess makeup
2. 2. Pre-treat the stain with a bit of dish detergent or soap
3. 3. Rinse the stained area with cold water
4. 4. Machine wash your garment according to the care label
5. 5. Air dry

Picture this: You’ve just nailed the perfect winged eyeliner, your lipstick is on point, and you’re ready to conquer the world. But, as fate would have it, a rogue mascara wand or an errant brushstroke leaves an unsightly mark on your outfit.

Makeup can help you look your best—but not when it finds its way onto your clothes. Luckily you can remove makeup stains with a few simple steps. However, since different types of makeup contain different ingredients, you’ll need to tweak your technique accordingly.

Keep reading to get step-by-step instructions to remove those stubborn smudges and keep your clothes looking as fabulous as your face.

Pro tip: Always check the care label on your garment before trying any stain removal techniques.

How to Remove Lipstick Stains from Clothes

1. 1. Blot the Stain: Use a paper towel to blot away any excess lipstick without rubbing it in further.
2. 2. Apply Dish Soap: Dab a small amount of dish soap onto the stain. The grease-cutting properties of dish soap are effective against the oily components of lipstick.
3. 3. Gently Rub: Use a clean cloth or your fingers to gently rub the soap into the stain.
4. 4. Rinse: Rinse the area with cold water (avoid hot water, which can set in the stain)
5. 5. Machine-wash: Once the stain is mostly gone, launder the garment as usual with a laundry pod, checking the stained area before drying.

How to Remove Mascara Stains from Clothes

1. 1. Blot the Excess: Gently blot any excess mascara with a tissue or paper towel.
2. 2. Pre-Treat with Makeup Remover: Apply an oil-free makeup remover to a cotton pad and gently dab the stain.
3. 3. Apply Dish Soap: After the makeup remover, apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain.
4. 4. Gently Rub: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently work the soap into the stain.
5. 5. Rinse: Rinse with cold water.
6. 6. Launder: Toss the garment in the washing machine with a laundry detergent pod, following the care label instructions.

How to Remove Blush or Bronzer Stains from Clothes

1. 1. Shake Off Excess: Shake off any loose powder from the fabric—a blow dryer can also be useful here.
2. 2. Blot with a Damp Cloth: Use a damp cloth to blot the stained area gently, avoiding rubbing.
3. 3. Apply Dish Detergent: Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain.
4. 4. Gently Scrub: Use a soft brush to gently scrub the area.
5. 5. Rinse: Flush the stained area with cold water.
6. 6. Launder: Wash the garment according to the care label instructions.

How to Remove Foundation Stains from Clothes

1. 1. Blot the Stain: Use a paper towel to blot up as much of the foundation as possible.
2. 2. Pre-Treat with Dish Soap: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain, as it’s effective against oil-based makeup.
3. 3. Gently Rub: Use your fingers or a soft cloth to gently rub the soap into the stain.
4. 4. Rinse: Rinse the area with cold water.
5. 5. Apply Stain Remover: Use a commercial stain remover if the stain persists.
6. 6. Launder: Wash the garment according to the care label, checking the stained area before drying to ensure the stain is fully removed.

Save 20%

Subscribing to the Signature Package

Common Questions About Removing Makeup Stains from Clothes

Now that you’re a master at removing makeup stains from clothes, let’s cover some common questions we get at Laundry Sauce.

Can Laundry Detergent Remove Makeup Stains?

Yes, the bio enzymes in laundry detergent can break down and dissolve makeup stains, especially when combined with a bit of pre-treatment. For the best results, apply a bit of dish soap or stain remover directly to the stain and gently rub it in before washing.

How Do You Get Makeup Stains Out of Dry Clean Only Clothes?

For dry clean only clothes, gently blot the makeup stain with a damp cloth and avoid rubbing. Take the garment to a professional cleaner ASAP and point out the stain. Home remedies could damage delicate fabrics, so it's best to leave it to the experts.

Can Rubbing Alcohol Remove Makeup Stains from Clothes?

Rubbing alcohol can be effective on some makeup stains, especially oil-free foundation and eyeliner. Dab a small amount on a cotton ball and gently blot the stain. A little bit of hairspray can also do the trick. Just make sure you test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Should You Use Hot or Cold Water to Remove Makeup Stains?

Always use cold water when you’re dealing with makeup stains. Hot water can actually cause certain makeup stains to bind to the fibers of fabric, making them harder to dissolve.

Makeup Stains Don’t Stand a Chance Against Laundry Sauce

Next time your lipstick goes rogue or your foundation takes a tumble, don’t sweat it. Makeup stains have met their match with Laundry Sauce. These pods have a proprietary blend of bio-enzymes and polymers that conquer stains and rejuvenate fabrics.

But we didn’t stop at stain fighting. Laundry Sauce comes in luxurious fragrances like Egyptian Rose, Italian Bergamot, and French Saffron to make your clothes smell as incredible as they look.

Before your next night out, keep Laundry Sauce handy in case of a makeup mishap.

P.S. - If you need to get nail polish out of your clothes, check out our ultimate guide to removing nail polish stains.