A lipstick kiss on your collar, a smudge on your carpet, or a streak across your cheek, lipstick ends up where it shouldn't more often than you'd like. The pigments and oils that make lipstick last on your lips also make it stubborn everywhere else. The good news: remove lipstick stains quickly with the right technique, and most surfaces come clean without permanent damage.

This guide covers practical methods to tackle lipstick cleaning on clothes, skin, and carpets, plus what not to do if you want to avoid making the stain worse.

Table of Contents

  • Main Types of Lipstick Stains
  • First Steps: Blotting and Prep
  • Removal Methods by Surface
  • Natural Home Remedies That Work
  • What Not to Do
  • Products That Actually Help
  • FAQs

Main Types of Lipstick Stains

Not all lipstick stains behave the same. Matte liquid lipsticks contain film-formers and high pigment loads, which means they grip surfaces harder and need oil-based removers. Creamy bullet lipsticks have more oils and waxes, making them easier to lift but also more likely to spread if you rub them wrong. Gloss and tints are lighter but can soak into fabric fibers faster because of their liquid consistency.

Knowing your lipstick type helps you choose the right solvent. Oil-based formulas (bullets, glosses) respond to dish soap or rubbing alcohol. Matte liquids need something stronger, like makeup remover or isopropyl alcohol.

First Steps: Blotting and Prep

The moment you notice a lipstick stain, your first move matters. Blot, don't rub. Rubbing spreads the pigment deeper into fabric or carpet fibers. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel and press gently to lift excess product. Blot from the outside of the stain inward to avoid expanding the affected area.

For fabrics, check the care label before applying any solvent. Delicate materials like silk or wool need gentler treatment than cotton or polyester. For carpets, test your cleaning solution on a hidden spot first to make sure it doesn't discolor the fibers.

Timing is everything. Fresh stains come out easier than set-in ones. If you're dealing with an old stain, you'll need more patience and possibly multiple treatments.

Removal Methods by Surface

Removing Lipstick from Clothes

Rubbing alcohol is the most reliable method for fabric. Pour a small amount onto a clean cloth and dab the stain from the back of the fabric, pushing the pigment out through the front. The alcohol breaks down the oils and waxes in lipstick without damaging most fabrics.

Dish soap works for fresh stains. Apply a drop directly to the stain, let it sit for five minutes, then rinse with cold water. The soap emulsifies the oils, making them easier to wash away. Follow with a regular machine wash.

Hairspray used to be the go-to hack, but modern formulas contain less alcohol, making them less effective. If you try it, spray from six inches away, let it sit for 30 seconds, then blot with a damp cloth.

For stubborn stains, petroleum jelly can help. Rub a thin layer over the stain, let it sit for ten minutes, then wash with dish soap and cold water. The jelly loosens the lipstick's grip on the fabric.

White vinegar mixed with dish soap (one part vinegar, two parts soap) works on light-colored fabrics. Apply, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and launder.

Removing Lipstick from Skin

Lipstick on your face, neck, or hands comes off quickly with the right approach. Makeup remover wipes or micellar water are the easiest options—swipe once, and the oils in the remover dissolve the lipstick.

Oil-based cleansers (coconut oil, olive oil, or baby oil) work if you don't have makeup remover. Massage a small amount onto the stain, let it break down the pigment for 20 seconds, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Petroleum jelly or lip balm also remove lipstick from skin. The oils in these products lift the pigment without irritating sensitive areas. This is useful if lipstick has transferred to your cheek or chin and you need a quick fix.

Avoid scrubbing aggressively. Skin is delicate, and harsh rubbing causes redness or irritation. Gentle pressure with the right product is all you need.

Removing Lipstick from Carpets

Carpet stains are trickier because you can't toss them in the wash. Start by blotting with a dry cloth to remove as much product as possible.

Rubbing alcohol is effective on carpet fibers. Dampen a white cloth with isopropyl alcohol and blot the stain, working from the edges toward the center. Don't pour alcohol directly onto the carpet. It can spread the stain or damage the backing.

Dish soap mixed with warm water (one teaspoon of soap to two cups of water) works for light stains. Dab the solution onto the stain with a cloth, let it sit for five minutes, then blot dry. Repeat until the stain lifts.

Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) can tackle stubborn carpet stains, but test it first on a hidden area. Apply a small amount, let it sit for two minutes, then blot. Peroxide can bleach dark carpets, so use it cautiously.

Commercial carpet cleaners designed for grease or makeup stains are also effective. Follow the product instructions and always test on an inconspicuous spot first.

Natural Home Remedies That Work

Baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with a few drops of water) can lift lipstick from fabric. Apply the paste to the stain, let it dry, then brush off and rinse with cold water. This works best on cotton and polyester.

Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, making it useful for white fabrics. Dab fresh lemon juice onto the stain, let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual. Don't use this on colored fabrics. It can fade the dye.

Cornstarch or talcum powder absorbs oily lipstick stains. Sprinkle powder over the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then brush off and treat with dish soap or rubbing alcohol.

Coconut oil works on both fabric and skin. Rub a small amount onto the stain, let the oil break down the lipstick, then wash with soap and water. This method is gentle and safe for most materials.

What Not to Do

Don't use hot water on lipstick stains. Heat sets the pigment into the fabric, making it nearly impossible to remove. Always use cold or lukewarm water.

Don't rub aggressively. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes pigment deeper into fibers. Blot gently instead.

Don't skip the test patch. Before applying any solvent to carpet or delicate fabric, test it on a hidden spot. Some chemicals can discolor or damage materials.

Don't throw stained clothes in the dryer before the stain is fully gone. The heat from the dryer will set the stain permanently.

Don't mix cleaning products without knowing how they react. Combining bleach and ammonia, for example, creates toxic fumes. Stick to one method at a time.

Products That Actually Help

  • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is the MVP for lipstick cleaning on most surfaces. It's cheap, effective, and safe for fabric and carpets.
  • Dish soap (like Dawn) cuts through the oils in lipstick and works on fresh stains.
  • Makeup remover wipes or micellar water are convenient for skin and quick fabric touch-ups.
  • OxiClean or oxygen bleach tackles set-in stains on white fabrics. Follow package instructions and avoid using on delicate materials.
  • Commercial stain removers like Shout or Zout are formulated for grease and makeup. They're reliable backups if home remedies don't work.

For long-lasting lipstick that stays on your lips instead of transferring everywhere, Type Beauty's Light Up Lipstick delivers up to eight hours of wear without constant reapplication, reducing the chances of accidental transfer.

Clean It Fast, Wear It Longer

Remove lipstick stains quickly by blotting first, using the right solvent, and avoiding heat. Most stains come out with rubbing alcohol, dish soap, or makeup remover if you act fast. For lipstick that stays where it belongs, try Type Beauty's long-lasting formulas designed to minimize transfer while treating your lips.

FAQs

What is the best way to remove lipstick from clothes?

Rubbing alcohol is the most effective method. Dab it onto the stain with a clean cloth, working from the back of the fabric. Blot until the stain lifts, then wash with cold water. Dish soap works for fresh stains. Apply directly, let sit, then rinse and launder.

Can makeup remover clean lipstick from fabric?

Yes, but it's not always the best choice. Makeup remover works on fresh, light stains, but rubbing alcohol or dish soap is more effective for set-in stains. If you use makeup remover, apply it to a cloth and blot gently, then wash the fabric as usual.

How do I remove lipstick from my skin quickly?

Use makeup remover wipes or micellar water for the fastest results. If you don't have those, rub a small amount of coconut oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly onto the stain, let it break down the pigment, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

What solvents remove lipstick stains from carpets?

Rubbing alcohol is the safest and most effective solvent for carpet stains. Dampen a white cloth with isopropyl alcohol and blot the stain. You can also try dish soap mixed with warm water or hydrogen peroxide (test first on a hidden spot).

Are there home remedies for lipstick stains?

Yes. Baking soda paste lifts stains from fabric. Lemon juice works on white fabrics. Coconut oil removes lipstick from skin and fabric. Cornstarch or talcum powder absorbs oily stains. Always follow up with soap and water.