Getting a cosmetic stain on furniture and carpet is always frustrating and removing it successfully can be tough to do.  Sooner or later, nail polish or makeup is going to get spilled on the carpet or a piece of furniture and successful removal depends on making sure the right steps are followed.

There are two types of makeup - non oily and oil based.  Non oily makeup is usually the powdered makeup such as eye shadow and blushes. Lipsticks, rouge, mascara, and liquid makeup constitute the oily type of makeup and each type requires a specific method of removal.
When common sense is used removing these stains is generally pretty easy.  Step one is always testing the fabric or carpet in a hidden place before starting.

To be prepared for cosmetic stain removal, have these items on hand:
1. Hydrogen peroxide
2. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
3. Any good fabric bleach (all fabric is best)
4. Chlorine bleach
5. Household ammonia
6. Cleaning solvents, such as mineral spirits, turpentine or lighter fluid.
7. Clean, dry rags, preferably white, so color doesn’t transfer.

Since fresh stains come out much easier than old ones, it’s best to try and remove the stain as quickly as possible.

LIPSTICK STAIN REMOVAL
Lipstick is a dye in an oily base and can best be treated with a solvent based remover or prewash stain remover as a first step. Water based or wet spotters will only spread and set the stain. Don't rub the stain - it may only drive it in deeper. Blot the stain with your clean white cloth, and rinse with warm water. If the stain is stubborn, try applying a good liquid household detergent to the stain, again blotting the stain and not rubbing the material.  Often, rubbing alcohol will remove lipstick stains. Dab the stain with a small amount of alcohol, then add a small amount of household detergent, and then rinse and blot with the dry white rags. Ammonia is another good resource for removing lipstick.  First blot the stain with a bit of water to remove as much of the lipstick as possible, then treat with a little ammonia.  Do not use ammonia on silk or wool!  Some authorities claim that hairspray works well on removing lipstick stains. Spray a little hairspray on the stain, let stand a few minutes, and then wipe off the hairspray with your white cloth. Rinse and blot.
If the stain is large, dry or on a high valued item, you may want to have a professional at A Rose 4 U remove the stain, this is probably the best choice.

FINGER NAIL POLISH STAIN REMOVAL
Removing finger nail polish can also be fairly easy.  Using an acetone based fingernail polish remover and blot the area to remove the stain.  Again, blot the stain do not rub!  Rubbing will make the stain larger.

MASCARA STAIN REMOVAL 
Removing mascara requires different treatment and care.  Because it is oil based, an oil solvent from a professional at A Rose 4 U works the best.  The enzymes that the professionals use  breaks down the protein glue, which is the substance that attaches the stain to the fabric, and also attacks the stain itself.

LIQUID MAKEUP STAIN REMOVAL
Liquid makeup stains are tough to remove. A good quality dish soap such as Dawn dish soap makes a removal agent.  Since liquid makeup is oil based, Dawn works the best for cutting the stain.  Dawn is used to clean up birds and sea otters during crude oil spills.  As liquid makeup is oil based, the same method is used as in cleaning mascara stains. Brush or blot off any excess, and use a dry cleaning fluid such as K2r Spot Cleaning fluid, or Afta Cleaning Fluid to remove the stain.  Do not to use on acetates! Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.

HAIR DYE STAIN REMOVAL
For hair dye stains – try blotting the stain with isopropyl rubbing alcohol until the stain is gone.  You can also use turpentine, lighter fluid, and mineral spirits on certain fabrics.  Be warned, though - hair dye is one of the toughest stains to remove, it’s best to call a professional at A Rose 4 U and have them do the job professionally.