What to Do If Makeup, Fake Tan, Or Perfume Stains Your Wedding Dress?

Every bride worries about it, even if they don’t say it loud: “ What if something stains my wedding dress?”

And, honestly, it’s a genuine concern! 

Foundation marks around the neckline, a fake tan transfer near the straps or bodice, or perfume leaving marks on the delicate fabrics - these are all pretty common! The downside is that all these finishing touches can end up on your wedding gown permanently if you don’t act fast. 

So, instead of stressing about “why me,” let’s talk about “what now.” 

In this blog, we have come up with smart ways to deal with these sneaky stains on a wedding dress. Think of this as your calm-in-the-chaos guide that is equipped with simple fixes, prevention hacks, and everything you need to protect your treasured attire.  

Golden Rules: What to Do Immediately To Treat the Stain

When a stain happens on your wedding dress, every second counts. But how quickly you respond to it can make all the difference! 

Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do right away:

Do’s

Stay Calm: The first thing you need to do is stay calm because stress often leads to scrubbing, which can push the stain deeper into the fabric.

Blot, don’t rub: Use a clean white cloth or tissue to gently blot the area. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into delicate fibers.

Test First: It’s always recommended to test your cleaning solution on a hidden seam to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.

Stay dry if unsure: It’s tempting to grab a damp cloth, but water can set makeup or perfume stains and leave water marks. Also, over-saturating fabric can create watermarks, particularly on silk or satin gowns. 

Work from the outside in: Always dab from the edges toward the center to keep the stain from spreading.

Don’ts

Don’t use random stain removers: Harsh chemicals, bleach, or even “miracle hacks” from the internet can permanently damage delicate fabrics.

Don’t panic: Most stains aren’t permanent (if treated on time). Home remedies may not work, but an expert and professional dry cleaner has the tools to tackle even the toughest marks.  

Don’t apply heat: Blow-dryers, irons, or even standing too close to a heater can “set” the stain deeper.

Don’t delay: The sooner you act, the better the chances are of removing the stains from your precious wedding dress.  

Makeup Stains on a Wedding Dress

Makeup is the most common culprit for wedding gown stains. Whether from getting ready, touch-ups, or hugs throughout the day, your attire often ends up catching traces of makeup.

Here we have got you quick DIY tips on how to handle the most frequent ones:

1. Foundation & Concealer:Oil or silicone-based formulas can leave greasy marks.

Fix: We have got you a quick trick on how to remove foundation from a wedding gown. Blot with a clean white cloth and dust lightly with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb oils. Brush off carefully.

2. Lipstick & Lip Gloss: Waxes and pigments cling strongly to fabric.

Fix: Dab gently with a dry cloth; avoid water, which can spread the pigment. If the stain is stubborn, lightly place a small amount of mild, color-safe dish soap diluted in water on a cotton swab and blot gently.

3. Powder (blush, bronzer, eyeshadow): Loose particles sit on the surface but spread easily.

Fix: Use a clean, dry makeup brush to lift powder away without rubbing.

4. Mascara & Eyeliner: Often waxy or waterproof, making them more stubborn.

Fix: Blot carefully; waterproof stains will likely need professional cleaning.

Fake Tan Stains on a Wedding Dress

A warm, sun-kissed glow looks great in photos, and that is why fake tan sprays are so popular among brides. However, fake tan transfer on the bridal gown can cause stubborn stains if not treated promptly. 

Below are some try-at-home remedies for removing fake tan stains from a wedding dress:

1. Spray Tan Residue: The surface layer of tan can rub off onto straps, bodice, or underarms.

Fix: Blot gently with a clean white cloth. Avoid water, which can smear the pigment further. For deeper stains, professional cleaning is recommended.

2. Lotion or Mousse Tan: Oil-based formulas can leave brownish or yellow marks when the skin touches fabric.

Fix: Lightly dust with cornstarch or baby powder to lift surface oils until a professional can clean it.

Perfume Stains on a Wedding Dress

That final spritz of fragrance can complete your iconic bridal look, but it also risks perfume stains on the wedding dress. Delicate fabrics, such as lace, silk, and satin, are often more prone to unwanted oily or colored spots.

So, here is what you can do at home to manage perfume damage on silk or lace gowns:

1. Alcohol-based perfumes: Can leave faint watermarks or discoloration, mostly on silk or satin.

Fix: Blot gently with a clean white cloth; avoid rubbing, which spreads the stain. For silk or satin, do not use water or soap at home, as it can worsen the stain.

2. Oil-based perfumes: Leave greasy patches that attract dust or dirt over time.

Fix: Lightly dab with talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb oils. Do not try to wash with water or household detergents.

It’s time to call in a professional dry cleaner when: 

• The above-mentioned home remedies backfire on you.

• The stains are old or spread to a large extent.

• Simply, you feel it’s too risky to treat your precious attire at home.

• The wedding gown is heavily embellished or crafted of delicate material.

At DressPreservation.com, we have been trusted since 1913, helping more than 3 million brides clean, restore, and preserve their gowns. 

Recognized as America’s No. 1 wedding dress cleaning and preservation company, we use gentle, eco-friendly SYSTEMK4 technology, designed specifically for bridal fabrics. From perfume stains on silk to fake tan transfer on lace, no stain is too tough for our specialists.

Prevention Checklist for Brides-to-Be

The best way to deal with stains is to stop them from happening in the first place. Here’s a simple checklist every bride should keep in mind:

Before the Wedding

• Plan your fake tan wisely: Apply at least 48 hours in advance to fully set the color and reduce the chance of transfer. This helps prevent fake tan transfer on the wedding dress.

• Test your makeup: Choose formulas that don’t easily rub off.

• Spray perfume before dressing: Keep fragrance away from delicate fabrics.

While Getting Ready

• Makeup first, then the dress: Do all your makeup before stepping into your gown.

• Wear a robe or cover-up: Shields your gown from makeup or tan contact.

• Use clean hands: Oils or lotions can leave marks.

During the Day

• Be mindful of touching your gown: Avoid rubbing the neckline, straps, or bodice.

• Watch surfaces: Chairs or furniture can snag or stain fabric.

• Skip the touch-up; just blot: Use blotting papers throughout the day to freshen up without risking a smudge.

The Bottom Line

Stains on your wedding dress, whether from makeup, fake tan, or perfume, can feel stressful, but they don’t have to ruin your day. It can feel scary in the moment, but most marks can be treated, and many are preventable with a few smart steps.

Applying makeup before your dress, using blotting papers, and taking precautions against fake tan transfer can save you from a lot of stress. And when nothing works, you can always rely on an expert dry cleaner like DressPreservation.com. 

We have all the right tools, skills, and a team of experienced professionals to care for your gown - because it deserves nothing less!