How to Remove 4 Common Makeup Stains on Your Clothes

That lipstick on your collar is no match for our stain-busting techniques.
That lipstick on your collar is no match for our stain-busting techniques.

We've been there: You're rushing through your morning routine (every day!) and you walk out the door with liquid eyeliner on your sleeve or concealer rubbed off on your shirt collar. Next time it happens to you, consult this handy how-to-fix list.

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1. Concealer, blush, eye liner, eyeshadow, and mascara
Removing pesky stains from your everyday makeup routine is totally straightforward: Treat the stain with a prewash stain remover, and launder as usual.

2. Face oils
When your argan oil drips onto your blouse, blot any excess, and treat with a prewash stain remover. You can also try rubbing the spot with a waterless hand cleaner (like Goop hand cleaner) to help break up the stain. Then, launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Related: 3 New Stainbusters You Need to Try

3. Nail polish
The great thing about nail polish? It's designed to be removed! Place the fabric stain-side down on a paper towel and blot with acetone. Warning: Avoid using acetone on acetate or triacetate fabrics (check the label; they're synthetic and silk-like) -- it will melt the fibers. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain no longer transfers to the paper towels. Apply a prewash stain remover and launder as usual.

Related: Are You Using Too Much Laundry Detergent?

4. Lipstick and lip balm
Scrape off any excess (try a piece of tape to pick up smaller bits), treat with a prewash stain remover and launder. If the stain remains, try the process again or try a sponging the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent and laundering. Always make sure to remove any lipsticks or balms from your pockets before you do the laundry: They can cause a nasty stain if they melt into the fabric.

- By Lauren Piro

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