Those of us who adore our tattoos may need to cover them up at one time or another. Whether you are attending a formal event, visiting a family member who may not approve, or attending an important job interview, hiding a tattoo temporarily may be necessary. Fortunately, there are several ways to successfully conceal a tattoo from view. Besides clothing and accessories, makeup is a fast-fix for hiding a tattoo. Use a combination of concealer, foundation and other makeup to cover up your body art.
Preparation
Clean the tattoo and surrounding area with warm water and soap. Carefully shave the area to provide a hairless “canvas” to adhere makeup efficiently. Makeup can be spread more evenly on clean skin. Pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.
Apply Concealer
Choose a concealer slightly lighter than the color of your skin. It should also have a yellowish tint to help neutralize the darker colors of the tattoo. Apply an initial layer of concealer onto the entire surface of the tattoo by patting it lightly with your fingertips. Blend the concealer into the surrounding areas to match the skin color.
Apply Foundation
Choose a foundation that is the exact match for your skin color. Dab a small amount of foundation onto the tattoo. Spread the foundation across the surface of the entire tattoo with a sponge applicator. Allow the makeup several minutes to dry before applying more makeup to the tattoo.
Apply Concealer
Use the same concealer used for the first layer of makeup to apply a second layer. Continue to apply concealer to the tattoo until it is no longer visible. Allow several minutes for the makeup to dry between each layer. Be sure to blend the concealer in well to prevent blotches of color from forming on the skin.
Finalize
Dust a light layer of translucent powder onto the surface of the tattoo to set the makeup. Choose a powder that is the exact match to your own skin color. Use a tissue to lightly dab the top layer of the tattoo to remove any loose powder.
Tips for Covering a Tattoo with Makeup
Choose makeup products that are non-comedogenic. These products will not clog your pores, which is important when applying many layers of makeup. Look for makeup products that are completely opaque, creamy and heavy. Avoid products that are labeled “liquid-to-powder.” Always use a foundation that is very close to your skin color. If you are unable to find the exact color, mix several colors together to create your perfect match.
Sources:
Cosmopolitan: Tattoo Concealer
LifeTips – Bridal Makeup Tips
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