We all learned how to get dressed when we were young. However, nobody ever taught us how to put on a top after finishing a full face of makeup. Unless you always get dressed first, you’ve probably gotten foundation on your clothes a few times. It’s a common thing to do and it can drive you crazy!
There’s nothing more groan-worthy then getting foundation on your clothes. It can throw a wrench in your plans if you have to change clothes before going out. The next time you face this dilemma, you’ll know what to do!
We’ve put together these tips to remove foundation from clothes with ease. It’s a good idea to remove the mark right away because the sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to get off. Try to remove as much foundation as you can with a cloth or spoon before trying these techniques. Then proceed with care so you don’t make the stain worse. Ready? Let’s get started!
1. Try the Shaving Cream Trick
There are more uses for shaving cream than just removing unwanted hair. The fluffy white stuff can be used to remove foundation from clothes too. This method works best for an oil-free foundation. So how’s it done? It’s simple.
Cover the foundation stain with shaving cream and not gel. Let it sit on the stain for about three minutes. Then rub it into the fabric’s fiber using your fingers or a cloth. Keep rubbing until it works itself into the fabric. Then wash off the shaving cream with cold water.
Hopefully, you’ll remove the foundation on the first try. If not, there’s still hope! If the stain is still visible, rub more shaving cream into the garment. Then use warm water to wash it off. This should get rid of the mark once and for all.
Note: Don’t try this technique on wool or other “dry-clean only” clothing. You’ll have to take those clothes to the cleaner’s to get the stain removed.
2. Use Regular Dish Soap & Water
If the mark is caused by an oil-based foundation, use this technique. First, dampen the stain with cool water. If possible, use a spray bottle so you don’t get the garment
soaking wet. Next, put a few drops of liquid dish soap on the foundation stain. Let it sit for about three minutes so it works itself into the fabric. Then use your fingers or a soft toothbrush to gently rub the dish soap into the stain. (If the garment is delicate, rub the soap in using the backside of a spoon.) The rubbing will help break up the oils in the foundation.
Now it’s time to lift out the stain. Take a paper towel and press it onto the treated area. Then lift the paper towel up off the spot. Don’t rub or wipe the stain to avoid smearing it around. Then rinse the spot using cool water to remove the dish soap.
If you can still see the stain, blot the area with a towel and repeat the treatment. You might have to do the treatment a few times to get all the foundation off.
3. Use Oil-Free, Liquid Eye Makeup Remover
Makeup artists swear by this method of removing all types of makeup from clothes including foundation. You may already have some of this stuff on hand. If you don’t, a good one to pick up is Neutrogena’s oil-free eye makeup remover.
If you have some disposable mascara spoolies, those tiny black brushes are great for this technique. Put a couple of drops of the oil-free eye makeup remover on the spot. Then take a spoolie and gently move it in a back-and-forth motion over the stain. Do this a few times for about ten seconds each time. Then give the stain time to dry. If you’re pinched for time, use a hairdryer to dry it out so you’re not left with a water stain.
Note: This technique works for both oil-based and oil-free foundation stains.
4. Use Eye Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
If you remove your eyeshadow or mascara with eye makeup remover cleansing towelettes, try this method. These little wipes work great if you use them right away before the stain sets in. They’re especially effective for powder foundation stains.
Before you start with a wipe, use your hand to dust off any excess foundation powder. Then take your makeup wipe and gently dab at the stain until it disappears. If this technique doesn’t work the first time, try it again using another wipe. Be sure to dab gently and take your time.
5. Try a Spray-On Stain Remover
Do you use a spray-on stain remover when doing laundry? Then grab that spray bottle and get to work on your foundation mark! This type of product has a lot of stain-fighting power. A stain remover will break up foundation marks and lift them away during the wash cycle. A good one to use is Shout Advanced Trigger Action Gel. It’s easy to use and safe for all colorfast washables.
All you have to do is spray the stain remover directly on the foundation mark. Be sure the area is fully saturated. For the next step, use a soft toothbrush to gently work the formula into the fabric. Then wait five minutes before tossing the garment into the washing machine. That’s it! Your garment should come out of the washer stain-free.
6. Use Rubbing Alcohol
You might have a bottle of rubbing alcohol stored away somewhere. If so great! Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol as it’s also called is a universal cleaning product. It’s good at removing all types of makeup from clothes including foundation. Plus, it’s a multi-tasker that works for both oil-free and oil-based foundation.
This method is easy to do. Just soak a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol. Then dab it onto the stain. It should lift the foundation out of the fabric. If you don’t have any cotton balls, you can use a clean cloth or paper towel.
Conclusion
No matter how careful you are, it’s inevitable that you’re going to get some foundation on your clothes sooner or later. Instead of pulling your hair out in frustration, use one of these tips. You’re welcome!
