Holiday Party Makeup Stains: How to Get Lipstick, Foundation & Mascara Out

Holiday party season is almost here! From Friendsgiving in Northridge to office parties across the San Fernando Valley, November and December mean dressing up, catching up with friends, and getting ready in a hurry. That also means foundation on your party dress, a lipstick smudge on your sweater, and mascara smudges where you least expect them. Don't worry! The experts at Rinse & Roll Laundry have easy fixes for the most common makeup stains.

First, the Golden Rules for Makeup Stains

Makeup stains are tricky because most of them contain oils, waxes, and pigments. These tips work for every type:

• Don't rub! Rubbing spreads the oils and pushes pigment deeper. Blot or gently dab instead.
• Remove what you can first. Scrape off lipstick with a dull knife, or shake off loose powder.
• Work from the back. Flush or dab from the inside of the fabric to push the stain out, not in.
• Test first. Try any remover on a hidden seam or hem before using it on the stain.
• Skip the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Heat can set it for good.
• Check the care label. Silk, wool, acetate, and "dry clean only" fabrics are best left to a professional dry cleaner.

How to Get Foundation Out of Clothes

Liquid or cream foundation is oily, so it needs a grease-cutter.

1. Blot away any excess with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Dampen the area with cool water.
3. Work in a drop of liquid dish soap with your fingertip or a soft toothbrush.
4. Let it sit 5–10 minutes, then rinse.
5. Pretreat with a stain remover and wash as the care label directs.

Powder foundation, blush, or eyeshadow? Don't wet it first! Shake it out or gently blow the powder away. Then treat any leftover tint with dish soap and water.

How to Get Lipstick Out of Clothes

Lipstick is a triple threat: wax, oil, and dye.

1. Scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife or spoon.
2. Place a paper towel under the stain.
3. Dab the stain with a cotton ball dampened with rubbing alcohol (test first!). Switch to a clean cotton ball as the color lifts.
4. Work in a little dish soap to break up the remaining oils, then rinse with cool water.
5. Pretreat with a stain remover and wash.

Tip: Long-wear and liquid lipsticks may take a few rounds. Be patient, and air dry between tries.

How to Get Mascara and Eyeliner Out

• Regular mascara: Dab with dish soap and cool water, then rinse.
• Waterproof mascara or eyeliner: These are made to resist water, so start with a little makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton swab. Dab gently, then follow with dish soap and rinse.
• Pretreat and wash as usual.

Bonus: Nail Polish Spills

Last-minute manicure before the party? If polish lands on your clothes:

• Blot (don't wipe!) the wet polish with a paper towel.
• Test acetone nail polish remover on a hidden area, then dab it on from the back of the fabric.
• Never use acetone on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic fabrics. It can dissolve them. Check the care label first.

Stay Safe While You Treat Stains

• Never mix cleaning products. Never combine chlorine bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. These mixes can create harmful fumes.
• Rubbing alcohol and acetone are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated area, away from candles or flames.
• Rinse well between products before washing.

FAQ

Does dish soap remove makeup stains? Yes, for most of them. Dish soap is made to cut grease, so it works well on oily foundation, concealer, and mascara. Work it in gently, let it sit, and rinse with cool water.

How do you get a lipstick smudge out of a sweater or shirt? Scrape off the excess. Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball (test first), then work in dish soap, rinse, and wash. Repeat before drying if any color remains.

Can I put a makeup-stained shirt in the dryer? Not until the stain is completely gone. Dryer heat can set oily makeup stains. Air dry and check first.

Party-Ready Laundry, Without the Stress!

Too busy shopping, cooking, and celebrating to fight stains? Let Rinse & Roll Laundry help! Drop off your laundry at our Northridge wash and fold counter. Our experienced attendants will take it from there, and same-day service is available. Even easier, schedule our FREE laundry pickup and delivery anywhere in our San Fernando Valley service area. Prefer to do it yourself? Our self-service laundromat on Reseda Blvd is open daily. Happy (stain-free) holidays!