Most women consider makeup a daily routine. You know how to apply lipstick; achieve a smooth foundation finish; and get sultry smokey eyes. You even know how to remove it at the end of the day to keep you're skin healthy and clean. But what happens when you get it on your clothing or your rug? Getting makeup anywhere besides on you're face can mean life long stains and ruined clothing. How do you remedy this not so beautiful disaster?

The most important part of removing a stain is how you approach it from the very beginning. In our haste many of us choose to vigorously rub the area in an attempt to remove the stain. Those of you who have tried this before know all to well that it ends badly every time. Next time you spill a little foundation or drop you're blush brush on the carpet use these tips may save the day and you're carpet!

• Step 1 - Determine the Type of Stain
  
  The most important part in solving a stain disaster is determining the type of stain. Stains are either wet stains or liquid foundations and blushes or dry stains like powder eye shadows and blushes.
  • Dry Stains: Using a stiff bristle brush lightly remove the stain by brushing in one direction. Be careful not to be to vigorous or harsh while brushing as this will actually help the stain penetrate further into the material.
  
  
  
  • Wet Stains: Wet stays are a different obstacle all together. Instead of brushing them which will help them bleed into the carpet or you're sweater, you need to use a gentle blotting technique to remove the excess liquid from the area.
• Step 2 - Saturate the Stain
  
  After removing excess powder or liquid the next step is to saturate the stain with a spot removing fluid or a detergent and hot water mix.



• Step 3 – Absorb the Stain
  
  Using a dry towel or absorbent pad press on the stain to draw moisture and stain particles out of the surface area. Continue this pattern using an alternating combination of saturation and pressure until the stain is removed.
  
  If the stain still remains you may want to try flushing the area with water and adding a few drops of ammonia. This will further help to draw out the stain. Cover it with a towel or absorbent pad and allow it to absorb the stain.

• If you don't have a stain remover try combining 1 part detergent with 8 parts warm water. It's not a wise decision to use hand soaps or fragrant soaps that may create stains of their own.



• If possible, wash the clothing item or towel immediately after caring for the spot. This will help break up any remaining residue.



• Before you break out the cleaning kits assess the situation. Some stains, like those from lip stick or other oil based makeup products can be removed by applying makeup remover.



• Avoid makeup stains in the first place by either getting dressed before applying makeup or using a towel or cloth to cover your face before putting on sweaters and t-shirts.