The Stain Library

Stain

Concealer stains

A mixed make-up stain containing coloured mineral pigment in a water, silicone, oil, wax or polymer base. Lift the paste first, then treat the binder with a surface-compatible surfactant.

  • TypeCombination
  • Heat sets itSometimes
  • Reviewed2 September 2026

If it has just happened, whatever it is on

Lift the thick deposit with a spoon or plastic edge, working towards the centre. Blot with a plain white cloth and identify the material before adding liquid. On washable fabric, flush from the reverse with cool water and pre-treat the remaining oily mark with a little washing-up liquid. Keep heat away until the mark has gone.

Do not do this

Do not rub the coloured paste across fibre or finish. Do not use an iron, dryer, steam or a hairdryer while pigment remains. Do not assume a facial make-up remover, micellar water, alcohol or acetone is safe for upholstery, leather, plastic, paint, paper, stone or wood.

Concealer on specific materials

Concealer combines colour with a flexible cosmetic film. The coloured part commonly comes from iron oxides, titanium dioxide and mica. The carrier can include water, silicone, emollient and polymer, so a method that removes the visible beige pigment may still leave an oily shadow.

The first minute

Scoop towards the centre and blot. Wiping is the main avoidable mistake because it spreads a concentrated spot into a thin wide film. On washable fabric, rinse from the reverse once the bulk has gone. On fixed, porous or finished surfaces, identify the material before adding liquid.

Keep treatment cool

Cleaning guidance for make-up stains says to repeat treatment before using a dryer because heat can make a remaining cosmetic stain permanent. Air dry and inspect under neutral light.

The surface sets the limit

A mild surfactant is useful on washable cloth and many hard finishes, but it is not universal. Suede, aniline leather, paper, photographs, natural plant-fibre rugs, bare plaster and unfinished wood can be damaged by the water used to carry it.

How concealer behaves

Concealer is a combination stain rather than one substance. A representative liquid formula contains water, volatile silicone, emollient ester, silicone polymer, film former and coloured mineral particles such as iron oxides, titanium dioxide and mica. The paste can therefore leave both an oily translucent ring and an opaque coloured deposit. Long-wear, stick and cream products may contain more wax, oil or film former than a light liquid.

Sources

What we checked and when. Where a manufacturer instruction disagrees with anything here, follow the manufacturer.

  1. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer ingredients manufacturer

    Manufacturer ingredient list establishing that a representative liquid concealer combines volatile silicone, water, emollient ester, film formers and mineral pigments including iron oxides, titanium dioxide and mica.

    Checked 2 September 2026

  2. American Cleaning Institute stain removal guide trade body

    Cleaning trade body guidance to pre-treat cosmetic stains with stain remover, liquid detergent or soap, then launder and repeat before using a dryer if colour remains.

    Checked 2 September 2026

  3. American Cleaning Institute advice on make-up stains trade body

    Cleaning trade body guidance that make-up can be pre-treated before laundering and that dryer heat can permanently set residue which remains after washing.

    Checked 2 September 2026

  4. Woolmark wool care and make-up stain guidance trade body

    Wool trade body guidance to dab make-up from the edge, absorb loosened residue and follow the garment care claim, while using a wool-compatible route rather than ordinary harsh laundry treatment.

    Checked 2 September 2026