How To Cover A Tattoo with Makeup: Best Ways & Tools

Mastering the art of tattoo coverage: Say goodbye to tattoos with these makeup hacks!

Written by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons)

Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech

Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc • Jan 18, 2024

How To Cover A Tattoo with Makeup: Best Ways & Tools

Image: iStock

“How to cover a tattoo with makeup” is a common query for those seeking a quick and effective solution to conceal their inked skin temporarily. Whether it is for a special event, professional reasons, or personal preference, the desire to hide tattoos has led to the exploration of various makeup techniques and tools. In this guide, we help you navigate through the best ways and tools to camouflage tattoos using makeup. From color correction to blending techniques, understanding the art of concealing tattoos can be a valuable skill for individuals looking for a temporary solution to keep their body art under wraps when needed. Explore the world of makeup as a versatile tool for concealing tattoos and achieving a seamless, natural look.

In This Article

How To Cover A Tattoo With Makeup

A bunch of makeup products to be used to cover tattoos

Image: Shutterstock

You can cover up a tattoo with makeup using various DIY methods without solely relying on specialized makeup products. Here are some alternative DIY approaches:

1. Red Lipstick Method

Apply a layer of red lipstick over the tattoo.
Gently blend the lipstick into the tattooed area using a makeup sponge or your fingertip.
The red color helps neutralize the darker tones of the tattoo.

2. Orange Or Peach Lipstick Method

Apply an orange or peach-toned lipstick over the tattoo.
Blend the lipstick well to counteract the bluish or greenish tones in the tattoo.

3. Concealer Pencil Method

Use a concealer pencil that matches your skin tone.
Outline the tattoo with the concealer pencil, creating a barrier around the edges.
Fill in the tattooed area with the same pencil, ensuring even coverage.

4. Eyeshadow And Translucent Powder Method

Choose an eyeshadow that matches your skin tone and has a matte finish.
Pat the eyeshadow onto the tattooed area until it is well-covered.
Apply a layer of translucent powder to set the makeup and prevent smudging.

5. Full-Coverage Foundation Powder Method

Select a full-coverage foundation powder that matches your skin tone.
Apply the powder with a makeup sponge or brush to cover the tattoo evenly.
Layer the powder gradually for better coverage.

You can also cover a tattoo typically using specialized products designed to temporarily conceal or camouflage tattoos. Here are some popular options:

1. Tattoo Cover-Up Makeup

Some brands offer specialized tattoo cover-up makeup designed to provide heavy coverage. These products often come in kits with color correctors, a concealer, and a colorless setting powder.

2. Dermablend

Dermablend is a high-coverage makeup brand known for its ability to cover tattoos and other skin imperfections effectively.

3. Tattoo Camouflage Creams

You can find camouflage creams specifically formulated to efficiently cover tattoos. These creams are designed to be highly pigmented and water-resistant.

4. Airbrush Makeup

Airbrush makeup products can provide seamless coverage, especially when dealing with larger tattoos. Most professional makeup artists often use airbrush techniques for tattoo cover-ups.

5. Tattoo Cover-Up Sleeves

There are tattoo cover-up sleeves that provide a temporary and quick solution. They are sleeves made of fabric that match your skin tone and can be worn to conceal the tattoo.

6. A Professional Makeup Artist

Consider consulting a professional makeup artist who specializes in tattoo cover-ups for special events or occasions. They have the expertise and access to professional-grade products to properly conceal your tattoo.

Quick tip

Don’t use makeup on a new tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to avoid irritation, potential damage, and infection. Taking care of your fresh ink is crucial, so be patient and prioritize good hygiene during the healing process.

Covering tattoos effectively requires specific makeup tools and products that offer you both high coverage and longevity. Here is a list of some of the best makeup tools and products for tattoo cover-up!

Best Makeup Tools & Products For A Tattoo Cover-Up

Image: Shutterstock

I. Tools

1. Makeup Brushes

Flat, dense brushes to apply foundation and concealer.
Precision brushes to cover up detailed work around the tattoo edges.

2. Makeup Sponges

Beauty blenders or makeup sponges for blending and achieving a seamless and flawless finish.

3. Airbrush System

Airbrush machines for professional coverage and even application of makeup, especially for larger tattoos.

4. Setting Powder Brush

A soft brush for applying setting powder to seal the makeup and prevent smudging.

II. Products

1. Primer

A makeup primer helps create a smooth canvas for makeup application.

2. Color Correctors

Color correctors with peach undertones may help lighten dark tattoo areas, making them easier to conceal.

3. Concealers

Look for concealers with full coverage for effective tattoo coverage.

4. Foundations

Long-lasting and high-coverage cream foundations are crucial for effective tattoo cover-up.

5. Waterproof Products

Products like setting sprays or sealants help make your makeup waterproof.

6. Setting Powders

Translucent setting powders seal the makeup over your tattoo without altering the colors.

7. Makeup Removers

You can use gentle makeup removers, such as micellar water or cleansing balms, to remove the makeup at the end of the day.

Remember to choose products that match your skin tone for a natural finish. It is also essential to test any products you use and practice the application technique beforehand for best results. Additionally, consult a makeup professional to get personalized advice based on your specific needs and the characteristics of your tattoo.

After collecting the appropriate products, proceed with these simple instructions to temporarily hide a tattoo using makeup.

Steps To Conceal A Tattoo With Makeup

Step 1: Prime Your Tattoo

Begin by applying a thin layer of a makeup primer directly on the clean tattooed area. This will create a smooth base, allowing the subsequent makeup layers to adhere effectively and ensuring a longer-lasting finish.

Step 2: Apply A Color Corrector

Dab a small amount of color corrector over the tattooed skin. Choose a corrector shade that counteracts the tones of your tattoo. Gently blend the corrector using a makeup brush or sponge until the tattooed area appears more neutralized.

Step 3: Conceal With A High-Coverage Concealer

Select a full-coverage concealer that matches your skin tone closely. Apply the concealer directly to the tattoo using a tapping motion to ensure optimal coverage. Blend the edges seamlessly into the surrounding skin for a natural look.

Step 4: Apply Long-Wearing Foundation

Evenly distribute a long-wearing, full-coverage foundation over the concealed tattoo. Use a damp makeup sponge or brush to achieve a smooth and even application. Do not apply heavy foundation at first. Instead, build up thin layers as needed, ensuring the tattoo remains well-covered without appearing overly heavy.

Step 5: Set With Translucent Powder

Lightly dust the covered tattoo with translucent powder to seal the makeup in place and prevent smudging. Use a soft brush to ensure an even application. This final step locks in the makeup, providing a matte finish and enhancing its longevity throughout the day.

Quick tip

Use a band-aid to quickly conceal smaller tattoos on your arms, legs, feet, or hands, especially in hot weather when makeup or long sleeves aren’t an ideal option. This provides a temporary fix, though larger tattoos may still be visible.

Lauren Petrie, a YouTuber, fulfills a longtime desire to cover up her tattoos with makeup for a temporary transformation. She uses the Dermacol foundation in different shades, expressing uncertainty about the process. Lauren shares her experiences, struggles, and the reactions from friends and family, ultimately feeling uncomfortable and experiencing anxiety during and after the transformation. In the video she says, “I do not like this at all, I don’t feel like myself at all. Look at the stain, look at my bed was this worth all of that? I cannot wait to wash this off! I’m never doing this again, it’s freaky (i)!”

There are many answers for how you can cover a tattoo with makeup, from DIY methods involving lipsticks, eyeshadows, and concealers to specialized products like tattoo cover-up makeup and Dermablend. You can master the art of achieving a seamless, natural look while keeping your body art temporarily under wraps by embracing makeup as a versatile tool. What is even better is the large choice of tools, such as makeup brushes, sponges, and airbrush systems, that complement a variety of high-coverage products, such as primers, color correctors, and long-wearing foundations. With proper application and attention to detail, covering tattoos becomes an art form in itself, offering a temporary solution for when concealment is desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to cover a tattoo without makeup?

You can use clothing or accessories like sleeves, bandages, or specialized tattoo covers designed for temporary concealment. Another option is applying a skin-toned adhesive bandage.

Can you cover up a black tattoo?

Yes, black tattoos can be effectively covered by a skilled tattoo artist using techniques like layering, incorporating many colors to conceal the existing black ink. Consult an experienced tattoo artist for personalized advice to achieve a successful cover-up.

What tape do they put over tattoos?

Tattoo artists generally use high-quality thin tattoo concealer tapes to easily cover up inked skin. These are water-proof and remain attached to the skin for a long time.

Can peroxide remove tattoos?

No, hydrogen peroxide is not effective in removing tattoos. Tattoo removal typically requires laser treatments performed by a trained professional.

Key Takeaways

Covering a tattoo with makeup can be done using DIY methods, like the red lipstick or orange/peach lipstick techniques.
You can also cover a tattoo using specialized products like Dermablend or a tattoo camouflage cream.
All you need to do is gather essential makeup tools such as brushes, concealers, and long-lasting foundations.
To cover a tattoo, prime it, use color corrector, apply high-coverage concealer, use long-wearing foundation, and set with translucent powder.

Discover the art of concealing tattoos flawlessly! In this video, learn the step-by-step process of covering a tattoo with foundation. Ready to master the technique? Watch now and unveil the secrets to tattoo coverage perfection!