makeup looks How To Use Makeup To Cover Up A Tattoo

These days, tattoos are so commonplace it’s becoming increasingly rare to meet someone who doesn’t have one (or several). And it isn’t odd to see your local tattoo parlors crowded during the end of year holiday season — a new year and new beginnings call for permanent declarations in the form of body art. But if you want to conceal your ink for whatever reason (perhaps last new year’s eve tattoo no longer rings true) you may turn to makeup as your go-to tattoo cover up. Whatever the case, the good news is that it’s pretty easy to conceal a tattoo if you have the right makeup products, like tattoo concealer. 

If you’re waiting for us to reveal the bad news you can breathe a sigh of relief because there isn’t any — you just need the right techniques to go along with that concealer. So follow along with our step-by-step tutorial for the best tattoo cover-up routine using concealer, foundation, and a handy makeup blender to hide your tattoos.

The Best Makeup To Cover Tattoos

Of course, it should go without saying that your body art is beautiful and a great expression of your personality — so show it off whenever you can! But on those occasions when you need to keep it to yourself, grab these products, perfect for masking a tattoo for a short period of time.

1. Full-Coverage Foundation

While there is tattoo makeup cover specifically made for concealing tattoos, there’s no need to spend extra money if you already own a full-coverage foundation. Using this type of foundation is essential as it’ll serve as the base of your tattoo makeup and help ensure that you don’t need to use a ton of concealer afterward. 

In need of a full coverage foundation recommendation? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered—literally. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation. This long-lasting full coverage foundation has a weightless feel and you won’t have to be nervous about it coming off midway through the day. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight can also be built up to full-coverage, offering light, breathable coverage that comes in 40 shades. 

2. Full-Coverage Concealer

As far as tattoo concealer goes, you’re going to want to use a full-coverage formula that’ll conceal your tattoo in a single swipe. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage comes in 25 shades and has a full-coverage, waterproof formula, making it perfect for the job.

3. Color-Correcting Crayon

You may also want to consider using a color corrector to help hide your tattoo. If your tattoo has red in it, for example, a green color corrector, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Green, can help neutralize the appearance of the red tones in your tattoo—and thus cut down on the amount of foundation and concealer you’ll need to apply on top of it.

Editor’s tip: Keep in mind that not all foundation, concealer, and color corrector are designed to be waterproof and these products only offer a temporary way to cover up tattoos.

How To Use Makeup To Cover Your Tattoo  

Ready to get to work and hide a tattoo? Follow these easy steps to temporarily conceal a tattoo with makeup.

Step 1. Prime Your Tattoo

Before moving on to the concealing portion of this tutorial, it’s important to prep your tattoo for makeup application with a primer. Primer can help ensure you have a smooth base to apply the rest of your makeup as well as allow your makeup to wear evenly throughout the day. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer. Apply an even layer over your tattoo, then move on to the next step.

Step 2. Use Color Corrector

This step is optional — if you have a tattoo that’s colored, then you may want to start concealing with a color-correcting crayon. Choose one that you know will help mask the appearance of the colors in your tattoo.

Step 3. Apply Foundation with a Makeup Blender

Now that you have your full-coverage foundation ready to go, it’s time to apply it. The best way to apply your foundation to help temporarily hide a tattoo is by using your fingers to dab on the product, then using a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, to help create a more even, seamless finish. Apply your foundation to your tattoo, then blend. Build up coverage as needed until the majority of your tattoo is disguised.

Step 4. Follow Up with Concealer

As with the foundation, apply the concealer with a makeup blender, dabbing the formula on top of the foundation until you’ve completely concealed your tattoo. Be sure to use a shade that most closely matches your skin tone for a seamless look. 

Step 5. Set with Translucent Powder

We’re betting you want your tattoos to stay covered until you’re ready to wash your makeup off, which means it’s a good idea to set everything with a face powder. Use a fluffy brush dipped in the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder to set your makeup and keep the concealer and foundation from disappearing as the day goes on.

Step 6. Spritz on Makeup Setting Spray

If you want your makeup to have even more staying powder, it can’t hurt to follow up with a makeup setting spray. Give it a few spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray, and you’re good to go.

Editor’s tip: Once you’re ready to show your tattoo to the world again, you can easily remove it with micellar water. Look for a formula that has the ability to remove waterproof and long-wear makeup (since that’s what you covered your tattoo up with), like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe the pad across your tattoo until all of the makeup comes off. Follow up with a little moisturizer, and you’re back to your normal tattooed self.

4 Ways To Hide A Tattoo Without Makeup

Using foundation and concealer isn’t the only way to disguise a tattoo. If you don’t have the time to work through an entire makeup routine, then you can settle for a quick fix. When you’re in a rush and need to hide a tattoo ASAP, choosing the right clothing and accessories can help you do exactly that.

If your tattoo is on your neck, simply wear your hair down to cover it. You can also wear a scarf or thick, chunky necklace to conceal a neck tattoo.

If your tattoo is on your wrist, pop on a large bangle or watch with a thick band to disguise it. Keep in mind that the watch band is less likely than the bracelet to shift up and down throughout the day and expose your tattooed skin.

If your tattoo is on your finger, try wearing a stylish and elaborate ring that’ll conceal it. If you can get away with gloves to cover larger finger tattoos, work them into your wardrobe for the day. 

If your tattoo is on your ankle or foot, put on tights and shoes that mask it. Even if it’s sandal weather you can wear some stylish metallic socks for an edgy, yet on-trend look.

Next: Your Guide to Caring for and Cleaning Newly Pierced Ears

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn