Makeup on the neckline of a top

Short answer: Dab the stain with a damp cloth and a little mild washing up liquid, rinse from the back and wash at 40 degrees. Avoid rubbing, as it spreads the colour over a larger area.

Oil based makeup needs washing up liquid

Foundation, concealer and cream contain oils that water alone cannot remove. Rinsing with water often just smears the stain. A few drops of mild washing up liquid dissolve the grease so the colour can be rinsed out. Work it in gently and leave it for a few minutes. This also works on bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo.

Dab instead of rubbing

Makeup contains fine pigments that spread easily in fabric. Rub it, and a small mark soon becomes a grey shadow around the neckline. Instead, dab with a clean, damp cloth from the edge towards the centre. Move to a clean part of the cloth once it picks up colour, so you do not put pigment back.

Rinse from the back

The water should push the stain out of the fabric, not further in. Turn the neckline inside out and hold it under the tap so the water runs through from behind. Use lukewarm or cold water, not hot. This also goes for the soft neckline on bamboo sweatshirts for women.

Wash without drying

Check the stain after washing while the garment is still wet. If a shadow remains, repeat the treatment and wash again straight away. Only let it dry once the stain is completely gone, as heat sets the residue. This applies to bestsellers for men and every other piece.

Waterproof makeup takes longer

Waterproof mascara and long wear foundation are made to stay put. That is why they often need a longer treatment. Leave the washing up liquid on a little longer and repeat it twice if needed before the garment goes in the machine. A little extra time beats washing the stain in for good.

Powder is easier

Loose powder and dry products such as eyeshadow mostly sit on the surface. Shake the fabric lightly or tap the stain out before using any water. That removes most of it before it gets wet and soaks in. What is left can usually be dabbed off with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent.

Go easy on strong products

It is tempting to use cleaner or alcohol on a makeup stain. But strong products can affect both the colour and surface of soft clothing. Always start with the mildest option, water and washing up liquid. If that does not help, test another product on a hidden area first.

Wash the neckline often

The neckline is where clothes most often pick up makeup, cream and sweat. Even when it does not show, a thin film often stays in the fabric. Wash tops worn close to the face regularly. That way residue does not build up into a greyish edge over time.

Frequently asked questions

What about lipstick

Same method. The grease has to be dissolved first with a little washing up liquid, or it just smears. Dab gently, rinse from the back and wash as usual afterwards.

Can you use makeup remover

Test it on a hidden area first, such as the bottom seam. Some products can change the colour or dull the surface, so always start with water and mild washing up liquid.

How do I avoid the stain

Put the top on before your makeup, or place a scarf over your head when pulling it on. Let cream and foundation dry for a few minutes first as well.