· By Mary-Joy Tenorio
How to Get Mascara Out of Clothes: The Complete Guide (Regular + Waterproof)
Mascara looks great on your lashes… not so great when it lands on your favorite shirt.
Whether it's a getting-ready rush, a mid-commute smudge, or a “why did I touch my face?” moment, mascara stains happen to everyone - and yes, even waterproof mascara can come out if you treat it the right way.
The good news? Mascara is totally removable as long as you follow the correct order (and avoid rubbing, which almost always makes it worse). Here’s your step-by-step guide to lifting mascara stains using simple tools and a little laundry magic ✨
Why Mascara Stains Can Be Stubborn
Mascara formulas are intentionally long-wearing and usually contain:
- Wax
- Oils
- Pigments
- Sometimes waterproof polymers
So the key is to break down the waxes/oils first, then lift the pigment with detergent.
How to Remove Regular Mascara From Clothing
1. Lift off any excess
Use a dull edge like a spoon, card, or butter knife to gently lift the mascara sitting on top of the fabric.
Avoid rubbing - it only drives the stain deeper.
2. Rinse with cold water from the back
Flip the fabric inside out and run cold water through the back of the stain.
This pushes mascara out rather than embedding it further.
3. Break down the wax and oils
Use one of these depending on your fabric:
-
Durable fabrics (cotton, denim, poly blends):
Dab gently with a little rubbing alcohol. -
Delicate fabrics (silk, wool, rayon):
Use an oil-free makeup remover instead - it’s gentler and often more effective for these fibers.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
4. Pretreat with a concentrated detergent
Apply a few drops of Wishing Well detergent directly to the stain - either Afterglow (scented) or Sunday Reset (fragrance-free).
Both formulas are ultra-concentrated and enzyme-packed, which helps break down lingering pigments and oils.
Work it gently with your fingers and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Wash according to fabric type
- Cotton + durable fabrics → warm water works best
- Delicates → stick with cold or lukewarm
- Always air dry - heat can set any leftover pigment
If the stain persists, repeat the process rather than increasing the water temperature.
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascara uses flexible polymers designed to cling to lashes - and fabrics.
To remove it:
- Use oil-free makeup remover as your solvent step (better than alcohol for waterproof formulas).
- Blot gently.
- Pretreat with Afterglow or Sunday Reset.
- Wash warm.
- Air dry and repeat if needed.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
✘ Rubbing aggressively
✘ Using hot water
✘ Putting clothes in the dryer before the stain is fully gone
✘ Using oily makeup removers (they leave residues that can attract more dirt)
Mascara stains happen, but with the right steps (and a little patience), they’re completely fixable.
Whether you’re dealing with a simple smudge or full-on waterproof drama, treating the stain gently and using a concentrated detergent like Afterglow or Sunday Reset makes all the difference.
A little laundry magic goes a long way 🫧