There are times when you might need to hide a tattoo. It could be because of your job, your relatives, or a stage performance.
Whatever the reason, you need the best foundation for tattoo cover up.
Today, we’ll reveal how to cover a tattoo with makeup. Then, we’ll review the best full coverage foundations for the job.
How to make a tattoo disappear (temporarily)
What makeup can cover tattoos? People have tried stage makeup, concealer, and foundation and had success with all of them.
The first trick is to match your skin tone to choose the correct makeup color.
Start by determining skin tone
Choose a foundation that matches both skin color and undertone, if possible. In daylight, look closely at the veins in your wrists to see if they look more bluish-purple (cool-toned) or more green (warm). Sometimes it’s a little of both, in which case you may have a neutral undertone.
If you can’t decide, hold silver and gold jewelry against the skin. Which one looks better? Silver flatters cool undertones, and gold looks good on warm undertones.
You can also hold a plain white sheet of paper next to your face. Does the skin look more red (cool undertone) or more yellow (warm)?
Understanding skin tone will help you select a foundation that will easily cover a tattoo and look flawless and natural.
Next, prep the skin
Before you apply the makeup, wash the skin. It’s not always necessary to apply moisturizer – it depends on where the tattoo is located and how dry the skin is.
If you have brightly-colored ink or a blackout tattoo, you may have to tone it down with a color corrector concealer. This won’t completely hide the ink, but it will make it much easier to cover with makeup (1).
Grab your makeup sponge and brush, your foundation and powder, and let’s get started.
Apply the foundation
Liquid foundation is suitable for small to medium tattoos. It only takes a drop or two. Blend it with a sponge using a tapping motion. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely disguise the ink with the first layer. (But rejoice because there are full coverage foundations that can do it in one go).
Cream, stick, and especially spray foundations are good for covering up large tattoos. You may still need a stippling brush or makeup sponge to perfect the coverage.
Use setting powder for longer-lasting results that resist sweating, smudging, and transferring
Once you’re satisfied with the results, dust on a generous amount of setting powder. Wait a couple of minutes then gently brush off the excess.
Setting powder helps the makeup stay put so that it doesn’t rub off on clothes or melt if you get sweaty. Setting spray is also helpful.
Can you cover a new tattoo with makeup?
Please don’t cover up a new tattoo with makeup. You could end up with an infection, or at the very least, irritated skin. If you must hide a new tattoo, use a bandage.
Once the skin has healed, which may take two to three weeks, you can camouflage it with makeup.
Best Foundation for Tattoo Cover Up in 2024
Check out the reviews below to find foundation for tattoos.
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation
We’ve seen reviewers call this the best tattoo cover-up makeup for a wedding. That’s not surprising as it was developed in collaboration with one of the world’s best tattoo artists.
It takes very little of this full coverage foundation to hide ink, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. It has a creamy texture that blends smoothly. Also, it lasts throughout the day without oxidizing or the need for touch-ups.
It’s recommended for normal, combination, dry, and oily skin types. It comes in several shades and has a matte finish.
INGA Cover Fitting Tattoo Foundation
Did you know that having a tattoo in South Korea can brand you as a criminal? It’s not illegal to get inked, but it’s looked down upon. Therefore, we weren’t surprised to find this K-beauty foundation for tattoo cover-up.
On the downside, it’s only available in three light-colored shades. But on the upside, it blends beautifully and sets quickly. It can hide dark circles and spider veins, too.
Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation
People have asked us does Dermablend really cover tattoos? Yes, it does. Because it works so well, we’re going to include more than one kind of Dermablend makeup in the reviews.
The first is the oil-free liquid foundation that’s perfect for acne-prone or oily skin. It has a matte finish and comes in a wide variety of skin tones. If you don’t want full coverage, you can mix it with moisturizer to make it more sheer.
Otherwise, it only takes a drop or two to camouflage the darkest of ink. Once you set it with powder, the coverage will last up to 16 hours and will resist high humidity and sweat.
It’s a vegan product that’s won beauty awards. Plus, it’s used by professional makeup artists around the world.
Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Cream Foundation with SPF 30
If you have dry skin, try Dermablend’s cream foundation. It comes in a multitude of shades, from very light to very dark. Moreover, it can cover everything from tattoos to vitiligo and surgical scars.
This best-selling makeup is designed to keep you looking flawless for up to 16 hours if you set it with powder. Happily, it also provides sunscreen.
Use the included spatula to scoop out a small amount and warm it with your fingers before blending it. You can use a sponge or brush if you wish. Dust it with powder and wait two minutes before removing the excess.
The formula is paraben-free, and it won’t clog pores.
Dermablend Quick-Fix Body Makeup Full Coverage Foundation Stick
Get this makeup stick and keep it with you for quick touch-ups. It’s an excellent full-coverage foundation that’s safe for sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free, nonallergenic, and non-acnegenic.
You can use it on your face or anywhere on the body to hide a tattoo. It features SPF 25 sunscreen, too.
Unlike Dermablend’s other makeup, it’s available in only 10 shades. But it sets to a natural-looking finish and can last up to 16 hours.
Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup, with SPF 25
Whether it’s varicose veins or body ink, this makeup can make them disappear. It comes in a dozen shades.
Your mileage may vary if you have hairy skin. However, the makeup tends to blend well in thin layers. Just don’t use it on top of lotion. It has moisturizer built into the formula.
Set it with powder, and you’re good for up to 16 hours.
Dermablend Loose Setting Powder
Since we’ve mentioned the setting powder several times throughout the reviews, here it is. It’s available in translucent, cool beige, and warm saffron. Take note that the translucent powder won’t whiten your skin after it sets.
The powder ensures that the makeup defies smudging, rubbing off on clothes, and melting. Furthermore, it soaks up excess oil to reduce shine.
Dermacol Make-up Cover Full Coverage Foundation
Some say that this is the best tattoo cover-up waterproof makeup. It’s a product designed and made in Europe and used throughout Hollywood.
Dermacol is 50% pigment, giving it exceptionally good coverage. It also happens to have SPF 30 sunscreen.
The formula is free of preservatives and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
Try it, and if you don’t love it, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Glossiva Tattoo Concealer
Instead of a regular foundation, you could also try tattoo camouflage. This makeup is waterproof.
It conceals ink, birthmarks, and scars but won’t wash off easily if you get wet or sweaty.
The package includes a color palette that allows you to mix the exact shade you need. That’s convenient as some parts of your body may be suntanned and a different color.
Blend it into the skin with your fingertips, a brush, or cotton swab. Start in the middle and work out to the edges. Once it dries, you can apply foundation and powder over the top.
Mehron Makeup Tattoo Cover
Mehron has been making makeup in the USA since 1927. Stage performers use this product for a flawless appearance under the bright lights.
It’s an opaque foundation that needs to be set with powder to resist smudging and rubbing off on clothes. For best results, apply the powder between consecutive layers until the tattoo disappears.
Reviewers say the consistency is thick and difficult to spread. It may not look as natural as foundation under close inspection.
Mehron Makeup CreamBlend Stick
This is the stick version of the creamy stage makeup made by Mehron. It does not have the petrolatum base of traditional greasepaint.
The formula is fortified with antioxidants and vitamins to keep the skin healthy. Moreover, it can withstand extreme conditions.
Fortunately, it comes in several shades, from light to dark.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup
Estee Lauder’s full coverage foundation literally creates a barrier on the skin. It defends against pollution and UV radiation while it keeps you looking your best.
The satin finish will leave you with a glowing complexion. It’s highly pigmented, and it doesn’t take much to hide a tattoo with this makeup.
Belloccio’s Professional Airbrush Foundation
Airbrush makeup is outstanding for concealing imperfections and tattoos. It applies in a fine mist that looks realistic and natural. Plus, it doesn’t clog pores or settle into lines.
You’ll need an airbrush applicator – a spray gun – to use it.
The Belloccio brand is water-based and free of oils and parabens. It’s often recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin. Part of its attraction is that it’s hygienic to apply as you never need to use your hands, sponges, or brushes.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation
Which is the best drugstore makeup to cover tattoos? NYX is at the top of the list because it comes in 45 tones.
What’s more, the highly-pigmented liquid won’t rub off easily once it sets. It’s waterproof and lasts up to 24 hours. It even stays matte.
Happily, this is a certified cruelty-free brand, too.
Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation
Maybelline’s 24-hour makeup offers an astonishing amount of coverage for such an inexpensive product. In most cases, you won’t need more than two coats to camouflage a tattoo.
It’s oil-free to prevent acne, plus it’s dermatologist-tested.
Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Foundation
Revlon’s ColorStay foundation comes in 16 shades that keep you covered for up to 24 hours. It’s formulated to withstand high humidity and shouldn’t cake or flake.
One reviewer compared it favorably to Dermablend’s coverage. It may take more of this drugstore foundation to hide a tattoo, but if you’re on a budget, it might be all you need.
Catrice | HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
Catrice’s foundation comes in 23 shades from light to deep skin tones. It walks the fine line between full coverage and comfort. It looks like a second skin and performs like high-end makeup.
It’s a vegan product made by a cruelty-free brand. It doesn’t contain parabens, either.
The foundation should last up to 24 hours, even on oily skin.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation
The Infallible foundation comes in two versions. Be sure to choose the matte finish if you have an oily complexion but avoid it if you have dry skin. It’s very mattifying and will ensure you stay shine-free for hours.
Both offer 24-hour camouflage for blemishes and tattoos. They are full coverage formulas that feel lightweight and are straightforward to blend.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
If you have acne-prone skin, try Tarte’s makeup. It’s oil-free and fortified with mineral sunscreen.
Although it’s not waterproof, it’s available in a wide range of shades. Reviewers say it’s described as full coverage but may take more than one layer to hide dark tattoos.
Conclusion
When it’s time to go undercover with your tattoos, you need the right makeup to hide them. Lucky for you, many outstanding foundations easily cover up ink.
It may take a little practice, but your skin will soon look like it never saw a needle.
Source:
1. https://www.wikihow.com/Cover-a-Tattoo-with-Makeup Co-authored by Grant Lubbock, Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink, Updated: September 9, 2020, accessed January 7, 2021