We have the solution if you need to safely remove lipstick from lips, carpets, or even clothing. Read on for more info.
Removing Lipstick from Lips
The most effective way to remove lipstick from the lips is by using a good quality make-up remover. There are many excellent makeup removers that work well. Using regular soap and water is not recommended because soap is often too harsh for the tender skin of the lips.
Dab a small amount of make-up remover onto a cotton swab.
Wipe lips with the swab gently, making sure to use a separate swab for the rest of the face. This will take off the very first layer of any type of lipstick. Long-lasting lip colors will take more effort in this stage.
Use a low alcohol content toner to prevent the lips from drying out. If lip color is still lingering, the final process should eliminate it.
Apply good cold cream or even a petroleum-based lip moisturizer with a cotton swab or pad, wiping off all the excess.
The skin of the lips is thinner and more fragile than the skin of the face, so additional care must be taken to maintain healthy, soft lips. Excessive licking dries lips out quickly, as does overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Cold weather causes lips to dry out faster, so it is a good idea to be more diligent in the winter. If lips are kept well moisturized, then the lipstick will be easier to apply and remove, in addition to creating a seamless look.
How to Remove Lipstick from Carpeting
You can remove red lipstick from the carpet with an oil-based spot remover, dishwashing liquid, and white vinegar. You can use a clean white cloth to blot the stain.
Here’s how:
Remove stain as soon as possible. Leaving a red lipstick stain on the carpet may allow the stain to set and make it harder to clean up.
Scrape up any excess red lipstick with a butter knife and vacuum the debris away.
Apply an oil-based spot remover to the red lipstick stain and blot carefully with the cloth until the spot remover has been completely absorbed. The lipstick should no longer rub off on the cloth.
Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, and two cups of water.
Blot the solution onto the stain with the white cloth; repeat this process until the red lipstick stain is gone from the carpet.
Apply cold water with a sponge and blot with a clean cloth until the carpet is dry.
Rinse the carpet repeatedly until you have removed all residue from the spot remover, dishwashing liquid, or vinegar; these things can also leave a stain on the carpet.
How to Remove Lipstick from Clothing
Lipstick can leave a stain that is nearly impossible to remove. The trick to removing the stain is repetition and patience. Here’s how:
Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps to break up the pigment and oil in the lipstick. With light stains, this may be all you need to get the stain out with light stains.
Apply Dawn dish detergent if there is any stain remaining following the application of rubbing alcohol. Use your finger to scrub a dab of the liquid in a circular motion. Start on the back of the stain and then attack the front. Hopefully, at this point, your clothing is stain-free.
If you still have a stain after steps one and two, the final round should be a stain stick. There are various brands available. Store brands work just as well as name brands at a much lower cost. Use the stain stick in a circular motion on top of the stain. Finally, run your item of clothing through the wash cycle. Do not dry it until you are sure the stain is gone. The last resort could be a trip to the dry cleaners, but that will likely not be necessary.
Resources
- L’orealparisusa.com – “How to Remove Makeup the Right Way.”
- The University of Illinois Extension – “Lipstick and lipbalm- Stain Removal Solutions.”
- Penn State Agricultural & Extension Education – “Penn State Extension Agent Calls to IFI.“
- Utah State University Extension – “carpet.” Utah State University Extension
- Smithsonian Institution – “Museum Conservation Institute Stain Removal.”
