How to remove make up from dance costumes

How to Remove Makeup from Dance Costumes

The right makeup is an important part of any look on stage but not if said makeup gets on your dance costume!

So, what should you do if you happen to get some foundation, mascara, lipstick or other products on your leotard, for example?

First, try to take swift action. Once the product sets, it’ll be more difficult to remove.

Resist any temptation to rub at the stain so as not to spread the damage. 

If you’re out and about or backstage, take an oil-free makeup wipe and gently blot at the stain. We suggest oil-free because oils can break down fibres in certain materials (like Lycra and spandex).

As soon as you can get to a sink, use a smidgen of gentle liquid soap – clear hand soap, baby shampoo or a gentle kitchen soap are best. Gently massage the soap into the stain with your fingers then let sit and allow the soap to do its magic for 10–15 minutes. Rince well. Cold or cool water is best so as not to ‘cook’ the stain into the garment.

Foundation stains can be tackled with a make-up remover (ensuring it’s oil-free, of course). Apply to a cotton cloth or cotton ball (must be cotton) then dab at the stain, changing out the cloth or cotton ball regularly so as not to transfer product back onto the garment. If your garment is sequined, be sure not to get any rubbing alcohol on the sequins and rinse immediately.

Bright lipsticks and bold pigments might look amazing on stage but are devilish on dancing garments! A teeny amount of rubbing alcohol can do the trick – but do test on a more hidden part of the costume first. And whatever you do, don’t soak the garment or you risk spreading the stain.

If you are lucky enough to have got a makeup stain on a white dance outfit, you can remove as much makeup as you can from the garment as above then create a mild solution of oxygen (and not chlorine!) bleach. Just make sure you only soak as long as necessary to remove the stain then rinse thoroughly.

As to drying your now pristine dancing costume? If the garment needs to be worn immediately, dry with a hairdryer or fan on the “cool” setting only. This is particularly important if you have any sequins or other decorations that can be warped by the heat or come unstuck.

Particularly imperative for dance gear with sequins is to never use products containing oils, acetone, hydrogen peroxide or harsh stain removers (like those for cotton garments). Avoid using hot water, scrubbing or brushing but, like an early teen in 2015, break out your best dabbing moves.

And if all else fails … hope you can find a replacement on our website (or, if you’re lucky, among our sales items!).