Lipstick on your collar? Here’s how to clean up a make-up mess

I’ve been known to splodge mascara on the mirrored visor in my car (applying it while stationary, of course!), not to mention getting foundation all over my collars and smudging lipstick on other people’s. Luckily, knowing how to get make-up out of clothes helps dissolve the panic of thinking you’ve ruined a favourite shirt forever. Phew!

The first thing to do is to read the garment’s care label to ascertain what sort of fabric you’re dealing with. If you’re nervous about the fabric or the stain, head straight to the dry cleaner.

As always, prevention is better than cure. An artist’s smock might be taking things too far, but wearing a big bib while applying make-up isn’t a bad idea. Alternatively, apply your make-up before you get dressed (this is great if you’re wearing button-up or zip-up clothes, not so good for turtlenecks!). Once make-up is in place, apply a setting spray such as Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray ($83).

Powder make-up is the easiest to remove, as you can usually just brush it off your clothes. If it’s mascara or eyeliner gel, try scraping it with a clean spoolie, but remember it needs to be completely dry before you attempt this.

I carry cleansing wipes everywhere for spills of all kinds; just remember to dab at the spot, not rub it. Try Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($6 for 25), as a mobile “anything” stain remover, not just for make-up.

Simple soap and water might do the trick, while rubbing alcohol is also an option for more stubborn stains; try dipping a cotton bud or the tip of a clean towel in the solution and rubbing the stain gently. A detergent pen is also a great handbag staple, and we love Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover ($30 for a pack of three).

For foundation stains, which are virtually impossible not to transfer to collars, and lipstick stains, which are high in pigment, spot-clean initially to remove as much of the stain as possible. Then soak the garment in a pre-wash stain remover – we suggest The Laundress Stain Solution ($70) – before either handwashing or throwing it into your washing machine. If the stain is stubborn, repeat the process.

Finally, here are our five top-smelling laundry detergents. Juliette Has a Gun Not a Detergent ($49) is based on cetalox, which creates a woody note with a hint of amber. The heady Swedish detergent Tangent GC Oud Denim Wash ($17.50) is, as the name suggests, great for denim. DedCool Dedtergent 01 in “Taunt” ($58) is a heady mix of bergamot, cassis, vanilla and amber. BDK Eau de Lessive ($69) has a light veil of woody and musky notes. And finally, Simply Clean Lemon Myrtle Laundry Powder ($22) is a great Australian option.