29 Jan 2026
What should we do when a quick makeup touch-up turns into a full-on disaster?
You know the moment… where that foundation smear, lipstick smudge or eyeshadow fallout makes its way onto your clothes and looks like it’ll be there for life.
Fear not, beauty lovers!
Here’s how to tackle those pesky makeup stains head-on, in true smol style. Let’s break it down by makeup type, because each one needs a special kind of love.
foundation frenzy.
Whether you’re using a liquid or powder foundation - it’s going to be packed with pigments and oils that will cling to fabrics like a limpet. In fact, liquid foundations are doubly sneaky, soaking into fibres and leaving behind oily marks. BUT all is not lost:
1. blot don’t rub.
Dab the stain gently with a clean cloth to absorb any excess product. Rubbing will only push the foundation deeper into the fabric.
2. washing up magic.
Apply a small amount of smol washing up liquid directly onto the stain and gently work it in with your fingers or an old clean toothbrush. Washing up liquid is designed to break down oils so it’s going to love getting to work on those foundation ingredients.
3. rinse & wash.
Rinse the stain under cool water and then pop it into the washing machine with a smol laundry capsule (bio will work best in this instance) on a cool cycle of 30°C or below.
lipstick lament.
Lipstick is another double threat with all its pigments AND oils. Plus, it’s designed to stick around, so those creamy or matte formulas can be a real challenge to shift. Here’s how to remove lipstick stains from fabrics.
1. scrape it off.
Gently scrape off any excess lipstick with a spoon or a blunt knife.
2. surgical swipe.
If you have any in the house - dabbing a bit of surgical spirit onto the lipstick stain with a cotton pad will help break down the oil and pigments.
3. stain gel.
Wet the stain and apply a dab of smol stain gel (leave on for 5 minutes) before rinsing thoroughly. You can then wash as usual with smol laundry capsule or liquid, but always avoid hot water washes as these can set the stain.
eyeshadow emergency.
Eyeshadow, especially those glittery ones, seems harmless until it lands on your shirt. The pigments and sometimes oils, can leave an unexpected mark. Here’s how to clean eyeshadow from fabrics.
1. shake.
Gently shake or brush off any loose powder with an old clean toothbrush or even a clean makeup brush!
2. spot treat.
You can actually apply a bit of makeup remover (the same one you use for your eyes) onto a cotton ball as long as it is NOT an oil-based remover. You can test first on an inconspicuous area of your clothing and then gently dab at the stain.
3. rinse & wash.
Rinse the stain with cool water and wash as usual with smol detergent. You may have to repeat steps 1-3 once more - be patient. If the stain remains go back to step 1 before the stain has dried.
mascara mishap.
Mascara is the sticky one in the makeup family. With its waxy, pigment-rich formula, it clings to fibres like a pro. Here’s how to remove mascara stains.
1. cold water.
Start by rinsing the stain under cold water, working from the back of the stain to push the mascara out.
2. pre-treat.
Apply a small amount of smol laundry liquid or smol stain gel or a stain remover directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. wash & dry.
Wash your item as usual in a cool water cycle with your smol detergent of choice and allow it to air dry once the stain has gone.
Makeup stains may be stubborn, but with the right approach, you can send them packing. Remember, the key is to act fast and use the right products for the job. So next time your makeup takes a detour onto your clothes, stay calm and smol on - you’ve got this!