How to remove foundation stains from clothing

Liquid foundation can really make your skin glow, evening out your skin tone and giving you a healthy and beautiful complexion. But unfortunately, good liquid foundation can easily end up on your clothes too – and while it’s great if your make-up is long lasting, you are bound to appreciate that quality a little less when your liquid foundation spills onto your new skirt or a delicate blouse. But foundation on your clothes is no reason to despair – these simple tips will ensure that your garments are as good as new in no time. 

Before you get started, it’s essential that you check the label not only on your clothes, but also on any laundry products you decide to use. While many laundry detergent brands have websites with tips on how to use their products, and which fabrics each one will work with best, it’s always a good idea to check the label too for the most vital information.

How to remove liquid foundation stains

Oil-based foundations can be tricky to remove: they are absorbed into the fabric very quickly. But luckily, it is usually possible to remove liquid foundation stains with just a few things most people have available around the house.

The first step is to remove any excess make-up. Very carefully use a blunt knife or similar object to lift the liquid foundation off the fabric – this means you won’t accidentally rub more foundation in once you start working at the stain. Some websites suggest treating the stain with baking powder or another powdery product, but it’s worth being very wary of such advice, as many fabrics do not respond well to abrasive treatment.

Washable fabrics 

If your fabric is washable, next use a paper towel soaked in warm water to carefully blot at the stain, trying to remove as much of the stain as possible.

If not, the best thing to do next is apply a liquid laundry detergent – just gently rub a small amount of concentrated detergent gently into the stain using circular motions. If you don’t have any liquid laundry detergent, dish detergent is a possible alternative – this works especially well if it’s specifically designed to remove grease. Whichever solution you use, be careful to test it on a small inconspicuous area of the fabric to check you will not be damaging your garment.

You can also use an old toothbrush to apply the detergent solution – make sure it really penetrates the stain. Afterwards, wash the fabric as usual; the stain should be gone for good after the wash! If not, repeat the stain removal process again before placing your clothes in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain.

Dry clean only

If your garment is dry clean only, things can be a bit trickier. But don’t worry, a foundation stain on your delicate clothes doesn’t mean you have to throw them out.

You will need a dry-cleaning solvent to get rid of the stain – very gently blot or brush the garment first to loosen the make-up, and then apply the stain remover. Always make sure to check the instructions provided by the manufacturer! Missing a crucial step or leaving a product on for too long can make matters far worse. If your stain is particularly dramatic, or if your garment is very precious, consider going to a professional dry-cleaners rather than attempting to shift the stain yourself.

So there you have it: with these tips, your clothes should be clean and your foundation will be restricted to wear it belongs – on your face!

Image source:

2.       http://shoptalk.dmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/beauty_secrets_foundation.jpg