The Best Hack For Removing Makeup Stains Is Already In Your Arsenal

Many of us have had that sinking feeling when a makeup stain threatens to ruin a beloved piece of clothing. Perhaps you've perfected your makeup to complement your favorite white top, only for a rogue lipstick smear or a foundation spill to undo it all. Or maybe a lingering hug left a trace of someone else's makeup on your shirt. In a panic, you tried to wipe it off, only for the stain to spread, making matters worse. You can't help but wonder if you'll ever be able to wear that shirt again. You might think micellar water is a game-changer in removing stains, but who has it always on hand?

If you find yourself in this scenario, it's best to grab a hairspray and try a surprisingly simple hack before tossing your clothes out or spending hours scrubbing. Yes, hairspray might be commonly used to keep your hair in place, but this beauty product is also effective in lifting stains from clothes. It works well against makeup stains due to its alcohol content, which helps break down particles — like oil and pigments — clinging tightly to fabric without damaging the material. Polymer resins make hairspray sticky, allowing the alcohol to penetrate and dissolve the pigment more effectively. Resins also help keep the solution in place long enough for the stain to lift while you blot or rinse the fabric. This easy and cost-effective hack can help save your precious clothes. It can even get rid of ink stains, too!

Acting fast is crucial when using hairspray to remove makeup stains. The quicker you deal with the stain, the better the results will be. You can start by laying the stained fabric flat on a surface. Then, proceed to shake the hairspray well before spraying the stained area lightly or just enough to cover the stain. Let it sit for a minute after spraying to let the alcohol work its magic. The next step is to gently blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel. When doing this, you might notice that the makeup is beginning to lift. Avoid rubbing it to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fabric. Continue blotting until most of the makeup has lifted, then rinse the fabric with cold water to remove the hairspray and any remaining traces of makeup.

You can make this hack even more effective against stubborn stains by using hairspray with a higher alcohol content. You can also add a dash of dish soap or laundry detergent to the fabric after spraying it with hairspray. Just gently rub the area with your fingers to create a lather, and then rinse with cold water for an even cleaner finish. Hopefully, these tips that make use of versatile household staples will help you the next time you find yourself face-to-face with a makeup stain. Just remember that your hairspray might just be the secret weapon you need for an easy and effective way to save your favorite clothes and even your sanity!