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Learn How to Get Makeup Out of Clothes

It happens to the best of us. You finish applying your makeup and then realize you haven’t changed into your outfit yet. Despite your best efforts, some foundation, and maybe a bit of lipstick, ends up on the collar of your t-shirt. But not to worry! We’ll show you how to remove makeup from clothes. 


Makeup, whether it’s foundation, lipstick, or mascara, usually involves oil and some sort of colorants. When you remove makeup stains, you’ll therefore want to break down the oil compounds using a powerful stain-fighting detergent, as well as safely remove the colorants using an oxygen-based, color-safe bleach. We’ll go over how to get rid of makeup stains below.

A glass of red wine spilled onto a button-up shirt.

Liquid makeup and lipstick stain removal tips

Whether you brushed your cheek against the sleeve of your shirt, or accidentally dropped some liquid foundation or concealer onto your pants, the liquid makeup you use as a base can be removed with a bit of detergent. To remove stains from lipstick and mascara, which are also oil-based, you should follow these instructions as well. 

  1. Scrape off any excess makeup using a spoon, taking caremaking sure not to rub it into the fabric.
  2. Pre-treat the stain by working some of Persil®’s liquid detergent into the stain. It’s formulated with powerful stain-fighting enzymes to get the job done. 
  3. Let the detergent sit on the stain for about fifteen minutes. 
  4. Wash the garment by following the care instructions on the care label and adding an oxygen-based bleach that’s safe for colors. 
  5. To address extra-stubborn stains that remain after being washed, let the garment soak in an oxygen-based bleach solution according to product directions. Repeat until the stain is gone and then wash again according to care instructions.

How to remove powdered makeup 

For loose makeup powders, all you might need is to blow it off. Just make sure you don’t brush it off with your hand as this may end up spreading the stain instead. If the stain still hasn’t gone, pre-treat it using your favorite Persil® detergent and then wash according to the garment care instructions.  

Makeup stain removal tips for on the go

What if you get a stain while touching up your makeup while already out? One expert trick is to keep some makeup removal wipes in your bag, which can be used to carefully blot the stain. This works best on fresh makeup spills. In this case, time really is of the essence! Just make sure to test the makeup wipe on a hidden part of the garment to ensure it’s colorfast.  

Special detergents for removing makeup stains

It’s best to avoid using homemade and natural stain removers to get rid of makeup stains on your clothing. Some of these, like rubbing alcohol or bleach, may damage different types of fabrics. Others, like vinegar, may damage plastic and rubber parts in your washing machine over time.


Instead, use a reliable Persil® detergent such as Stain Fighter, which has been specifically designed for getting rid of stains and cleaning clothing.