How to Cover Tattoos with Makeup?

How to Cover Tattoos with Makeup

There are times when you should not have your tattoos on display. Maybe you have a job interview, need to go to a funeral, or must attend a parent-teacher conference. No matter how open-minded American culture has become, tattoos are inappropriate for certain settings and occasions.

According to Andrew Velasquez, one of the best makeup artists in Los Angeles, California, “Brides are the most common clients to request tattoo cover-ups with makeup.”

Don't worry if you cannot afford a professional makeup artist to help you hide your ink. The right makeup products and techniques can provide reliable tattoo coverage for up to 16 hours. This step-by-step guide by Viking Bags will help you to better cover your tattoos with makeup.

1. Products You Need to Cover Your Tattoos

To conceal your tattoos, you need many types of makeup products. We are not providing any brand recommendations here so as not to compel you to buy expensive products. Before you start covering your tattoo, make sure you have the following:

1.1 Alcohol Wipes

Alcohol wipes will help you disinfect skin and remove oils before applying makeup.

1.2 Primer

A primer provides a smooth canvas to apply makeup and ensures it lasts longer.

1.3 Color Corrector or High-Coverage Concealer

For complex tattoos with bright colors, it is best to invest in a tattoo concealer. However, any high-coverage concealer will do.

1.4 Body Foundation

The body foundation will be the base; make sure to buy a body foundation that complements your natural skin tone.

1.5 Body Concealer

The body concealer is the final layer of coverage.

1.6 Makeup Blender

Blending concealer and foundation will create flawless artificial skin that looks natural against your skin tone.

1.7 Setting Powder

After applying makeup, use a setting powder to absorb excess moisture.

1.8 Setting Spray

Optional but effective, setting spray will ensure the makeup lasts longer.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Cover-Up Tattoos with Makeup

Here are ten quick steps to help you quickly hide your tattoo:

2.1 Cleaning

Put rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball/pad or use alcohol wipes to clean the area you want to apply the tattoo. Alcohol will disinfect and remove excess oil from your skin. Also, do not apply lotion or moisturizer after cleaning.

2.2 Apply Primer

Next, place a small amount of primer on your fingertips and rub it against your skin until it is fully absorbed. Primer ensures maximum make-up retention.

2.3 Use Color Corrector

For large and colored tattoos, it is best to apply a generous amount of high-coverage concealer or use a color corrector.

Quick Tip: If you want to cancel a color, use the shade on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, if you want to cancel out shades of red, apply green over it.

2.4 Apply Body Foundation

Apply the body foundation as the first tattoo coverage layer. Make sure you apply a foundation that matches your skin tone. Body foundation a shade lighter or darker than your skin tone is visible in bright lights, especially in direct sunlight.

2.5 Apply Body Concealer

Apply body concealer to cover any lines or any visible color. It is best to use a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone to cancel the tattoo’s colors.

2.6 Blend Well

Use a beauty blender to blend all the makeup, creating a natural-looking finish. It is best to blend the makeup by employing a pressing motion.

2.7 Add More Layers

Inspect your work in the mirror and check for any mismatching body ink. Apply more foundation or concealer if needed. Make sure you only use small amounts to get an even finish.

2.8 Apply Makeup Setting Powder

If you are satisfied with the coverage, apply setting powder to remove extra moisture from the makeup.

2.9 Buff the Powder

Leave the setting powder on for 3-5 minutes, then use a round brush to buff out the excess powder, giving it a smooth, polished look. This will ensure your makeup remains for a long time.

2.10 Spritz with Setting Spray

For the final step, lightly spray the makeup with setting spray to ensure long-lasting coverage.

3. Removing Tattoo Coverage Makeup

To remove multiple layers of waterproof and long-lasting makeup covering your tattoo, it is best to use micellar water. Dip a cotton ball in micellar water and rub it in circular motions to remove all makeup. Make sure to moisturize the skin afterward.

If you are looking for an economical alternative, wash off the makeup with warm water and use olive oil or an oil-based cleanser to remove the makeup.

4. Takeaway

Even if you love your tattoos, there will be times when you will want to hide them. In that scenario, your most-used makeup products can come to your rescue. Use this step-by-step guide to conceal your tattoos from prying eyes when needed.

Getting a flawless finished look requires a lot of practice. It is recommended you pick up a makeup kit and practice by yourself. Otherwise, you’ll have to wear full-sleeve turtle necks and ankle-length trousers to cover up your tattoos.