B4-U-BUY(tm) FYI - Cosmetic Stains: Clean Advice From The Experts

Cosmetic Stains: Clean Advice From The Experts

Clothing and make-up styles change from season to season, but no matter what the latest look is, cosmetic stains often create unwelcome additions to a wardrobe. To help you stay fashionably stain-free this season, renowned expert Jo Strettell -- make-up artist to the stars -- offers professional advice on preventing make-up messes.

First, Ms. Strettell recommends applying make-up while still in your bathrobe to avoid staining nice outfits. Or, if already dressed, try placing tissue around your collar. "To ensure against loose powder stains, I always place small tissues under the eyes of my clients before applying shadows," says neat-nik Strettell. She also cautions against applying make-up with fingers. "Instead," says Strettell, "use brushes and sponges for a stain-proof application."

If the inevitable happens and a make-up mishap mars your outfit, try the following tips for getting out tough cosmetic stains:

Eye shadow, lipstick and mascara -- dampen stain with warm water and rub with a liquid detergent such as Wisk® with Color-hold Bleaching Action, a stain-fighting formula that helps keep colors bright. Rub the detergent directly into the stain until its outline is gone. Then wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If the stain persists, air dry the garment and wash it again.
Concealer, cream/liquid foundation, lipliner and eyeliner -- dampen the stain with warm water and pretreat it by gently rubbing with liquid laundry detergent or a soft paste of powder detergent and water. Rinse the treated area and then launder the garment in the warmest water safe for the fabric. Hang dry the garment, as heat from the dryer can set a residual stain that may not be visible when the garment is wet. If stain residue remains after the garment is dry, repeat the process or try rubbing the stain with bar soap and then laundering. If necessary, use an additional bleach which is safe for the fabric.
Nail polish may be impossible to remove depending on the fabric and nail polish type. If the alternative is to throw the garment out, try nail polish remover but do not use on acetate or triacetate fabrics (read garment care label for fabric content). Nail polish remover will damage these fabrics. Place stained item face down on paper towels. Blot the back of the stain with nail polish remover (so nail polish absorbs into the paper towels), frequently replacing the paper towel under the stain. Repeat blotting until the stain disappears. Rinse and launder.

In general, treat stains as soon as possible. Always check garment label for manufacturer's laundry recommendations and test an inside seam for colorfastness before pretreating a garment.

FREE BOOKLET

To stay fashionably stain-free, call toll free to 1-800-ASK WISK, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST, and speak with an expert who can answer laundry questions and provide additional stain removal tips. You will also receive a free copy of More Dirty Secrets and Clean Facts, a magnetized information booklet that can be placed directly on the washer or dryer for easy reference. (NAPSI)