There are a host of reasons why you might want to cover a tattoo. If the tattoo is fading, looks bad to you, or is simply no longer something you want then you would want to hide it. If you are going somewhere that you feel your tattoo might cause people to judge you in unfavorable ways then you might want to cover the ink up.
Often when people want to temporarily hide their ink, or when they are going through the process of laser removal and the ink is at an unpleasant looking stage, they try to use foundation makeup to hide the body art.
We asked several tattoo artist and makeup professionals what their opinions on the best drugstore makeup to cover tattoos were. We received some excellent advice, pointers, product recommendations and tips.
Top 7 Tattoo Cover Up Makeup Reviews
#1. Full Coverage Concealer by VERONNI
If you are looking to conceal a tattoo, dark areas under your eyes, blemishes on your skin, bruising, scars, birthmarks, or other skin problems this is an ideal concealer to use. It is waterproof so it stays on when you naturally perspire.
This is a hypoallergenic formula that contains 50% pigments. It matches to your skin tone so it masks areas you want to cover and it is safe to use on sensitive skin. The ingredients are created from plant materials so it is a natural product that is safe for the environment and non-toxic.
This concealer contains a sun blocking agent with an SPF rating of 30. It protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It also moisturizes your skin so it does not make your skin look dry and flaky.
It goes on smoothly and does not look like caked on makeup. You will look natural and your skin will still be able to breathe while wearing the concealer. It does not have a tendency to clog pores, or create irritations on the areas it is applied to.
Pros:
- Not heavy or greasy
- Easy to wash off at the end of the day
- Does not easily stain clothing
- Has a light aroma that is pleasant and soothing
Cons:
- Covering a new tattoo with this makeup can lead to infections and irritations.
#2. Tattoo Concealer by Cherioll
This long-lasting formula will allow you to conceal things you consider to be flaws for an entire day. It is easy to apply and it stays on the skin so you have full coverage from morning until you are ready for bed that evening.
This is a non-greasy product that glides smoothly over the skin to help conceal scars, discoloration, acne, tattoo ink, and more. There is a light and a dark color concealer included in the set. You can use either color independently of the other or you can mix the colors to create a custom concealer that is perfect for your skin tone and what you are trying to conceal.
The concealer does not have a tendency to settle in the fine lines of your face. It does not dry and create cracks or creases. It covers the skin and is not easily discernable even in the bright light of day.
You will only need a small amount of the cream so it feels lighter on your skin than many concealers. It does not easily come off so you will need soap and water or makeup remover to wipe this away at the end of the day.
Pros:
- Stays in place all through the day
- It goes on easily and you can use several different application methods
- Does not easily smudge or run
- Creates a smooth protective barrier that hides imperfections
Cons:
- May cause the skin of the tattoo area to dry out over time because you have to use special cleansers to wash it away.
#3. Tattoo Concealer by Glossiva
With the ingredients in this package, you can easily match your skin color and tone. You will not notice the concealer after it is applied because it is the perfect match to the rest of your skin so it blends in without leaving a noticeable line where the makeup stopped.
It is really light weight so your skin can breathe and you do not feel like you have on a mask. The ingredients are waterproof and will last on your skin for the entire day so you can enjoy all activities with confidence.
In just a few minutes after applying the concealer will dry enough that it does not transfer from your skin to your clothing. Once this level of dryness is achieved you can get dressed or apply your other normal makeup. This concealer matches your skin tone and shade so you do not have to apply any other makeup on top of it.
This is perfect for body ink, scars, age spots, skin discoloration, uneven pigmentation, and birth marks. It covers completely without being caked on. It dries to the touch but does not have a tendency to crack or create a line on the skin.
Pros:
- Lightweight formula does not leave you feeling like you have something caked on
- Waterproof formula lasts all day no matter what you are doing
- Does not crack or split
- Leaves skin smooth and soft
Cons:
- Can stain clothing.
#4. Full Coverage Foundation Stick by Dermablend
This makeup is designed to cover things we do not want others to see. If you have tattoo ink, scars, blemishes, acne, birth marks, uneven skin pigmentation and similar things you want to hide temporarily this convenient concealer is right for you.
The concealer comes in the form of a stick and is rolled onto the skin like deodorant or lipstick is. You do not have to dip a makeup sponge into a bottle and then apply. The makeup is rolled lightly onto the surface and then you can use your makeup sponge or fingertips to blend it and smooth it across the area.
The ingredients create a water-resistant coverage that can last all day. You do not have to worry about the makeup running because of a tear escaping your eye or a little perspiration forming on your brow. This makeup stays in place and lets you be more confident about your appearance.
After you have applied your concealer and are happy with the coverage you do need to apply a small amount of setting powder. The setting powder helps to keep the makeup from being able to transfer or smudge.
Pros:
- Convenient stick applicator is easy to use
- Variety of color hues available to match your skin tone
- Light fresh scent
- Moisturizes and protects from some UV rays
Cons:
- You have to use a powder to make the makeup set and stay in place.
#5. Waterproof Tattoo Concealer by Aobbly
Perfectly matches your skin tone so it is not glaringly obvious that you are concealing something. The package contains both light and dark concealer. It also comes with an empty container and a small paddle. You can custom mix the light and dark concealers until you have created a shade that is ideal for your skin.
This is a water-proof makeup that does not easily wipe away. You can sweat, you can cry, and you can live normally all day without worrying that your makeup is no longer concealing your perceived flaw. When you are ready to remove the concealer, the company has provided you with a cleansing oil to use.
You do not have to worry about your skin having the feeling that you are wearing a mask. Some concealers make the skin feel like it is going to crack if you smile or move it. This concealer is light and smooth ad you do not feel like you have anything on.
After the product sets for a few minutes the chances that it will transfer to your clothing or to the clothing of someone you hug is very low. It is designed to stay in place until you want it to be removed.
Pros:
- Smudge-proof formula lets you wear it with confidence
- Easy to apply
- Non-toxic and does not irritate skin
- Does not feel greasy or require a setting powder
Cons:
- Can be difficult to remove.
#6. Waterproof Matte Concealer by L’Oreal Paris
The flawless matte finish created by this concealer will look natural and feel natural as well. It is a non-greasy formula that is waterproof and created so that it does not transfer, flake away or fade through the day.
You can use this concealer to cover imperfections, or create contours, or highlight areas of your face. If you want to cover a tattoo, a scar, or an imperfection match the shade of makeup you buy to your skin color as closely as possible. If you want to create contours that make you appear to have higher cheekbones or be thinner than you are then use a concealer that is one to two shades darker than your skin. If you want to highlight an area of your face or brighten an area to make you look younger then use a color that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone.
This is an affordable product that is readily available in the majority of stores and shops that sell makeup and beauty care items. It is hypo-allergenic and safe for people who have sensitive skin to use.
Pros:
- Great for people with sensitive skin conditions
- Lightweight and does not create a caked-on look
- Readily available online and in many retail establishments
- Affordable and practical
Cons:
- The waterproof formula requires an astringent to remove it.
#7. Tattoo Concealer by SEGMINISMART
If you want to temporarily make your tattoo disappear then this concealer is what you are looking for. It is capable of hiding tattoo ink of all colors, scars, birthmarks, and other similar skin afflictions.
It comes with both light and dark shades so you mix your own custom color according to your skin tones and needs. You only need a very small amount of the product to cover an area so when you are mixing use the supplied empty container that can be sealed if you mix more than you need.
This is not a heavy concealer so the pores of your skin are not likely to be plugged or clogged by it. It feels almost weightless so you do not feel like you have on clown makeup or appear to have lines and creases where the makeup ends and the natural skin begins.
This is a waterproof substance. You can go about your daily life without having to try and protect your makeup from exposure to sweat a few raindrops or other natural elements. You should use a makeup remover to take this off because the waterproof aspect makes it very hard to wash away with simple soap and water.
Pros:
- Stays in place even when you perspire or go swimming
- Gives more coverage and is closer in color to more skin tones
- Is not greasy and does not stain clothing
Cons:
- Not ready to use you have to mix two colors to create the one color you need.
Tattoo Cover Makeup Buyers Guide
What is a Drugstore Tattoo Concealer?
Drugstore tattoo concealer is a makeup product designed to hide imperfections of the skin that you do not want to be noticed. The majority of these products are made to be used in conjunction with other products to completely make the transformation.
Normally when you are using a drugstore makeup concealer you are going to apply the substance to clean dry skin. Some concealers can be applied over moisturizing lotion but the majority need the skin to be product free so it can adhere properly.
These products come as waterproof or water-resistant makeups. The water-proof is less likely to run or smear if you perspire, cry a tear, or expose it to small amounts of water. When these products are waterproof, they also need to be cleaned away using a makeup remover. After using a makeup remover always moisturize your skin because these products can be drying and harsh to the skin.
Different brands and formulas will not be available at all drugstores. You may also find these items at other stores that sell makeup and beauty care products. They are over-the-counter products that require no prescription to purchase.
Type of Drugstore Makeup
Powder
Powdered makeups are usually placed on top of other foundations. They help to dry the other foundation so you do not transfer the makeup to your clothing and so the color of the makeup matches your skin.
Your foundation makeup can also come in a compact that resembles a dry powder compact. The makeup will be a thicker and creamier substance than a powder and designed to spread evenly on the face.
Liquid
Liquid makeup is also called the foundation. It is the base makeup that you put on to blend your skin tones and cover minor imperfections.
Pencil
The pencil or sticks of makeup are generally concealers. These are to be applied before the foundation makeup. They are designed to lighten dark areas or to help create an even skin tone.
Benefits of using Tattoo Cover Up Makeup
There are a lot of reasons to wear makeup over a tattoo. Dong this will benefit you by:
- Allowing you to temporarily cover a tattoo before you go to a formal event like a wedding, or to a job interview where you feel the tattoo might cause you to be judged
- When you are having a tattoo removed by laser treatments the ink slowly fades and disappears. Wearing makeup over the area hides the fading ink and makes you feel more confident
- Very low cost
- Non-invasive and does not normally cause any reactions or skin complications
- Easy to do and only takes a few minutes of your time
- Is non-toxic
- It is temporary
How do You Cover a Tattoo with Drugstore Makeup
There are a few things that you need to do if you are going to cover a tattoo using drugstore makeup. The first thing you have to do is search for makeup that matches your skin tones, has no ingredients that you are allergic to, and is easy to use.
You want to buy a concealer that can be used to diminish the appearance of the tattoo ink. The shade should be a close match to your natural skin color. You also will need a product that is waterproof.
To create the cover:
- Wash and dry your area completely. The oils from your body can cause the makeup to not adhere to the skin properly. Wash your area with a mild soap and rinse all of the soap away. Then dry the skin using a soft cloth.
- Apply a concealer that is designed to hide scars, tattoos, dark spots and skin imperfections. You only need a small amount of the product. The concealer should be smoothed across the area in a thin layer. You do not want it to be very thick or when you are through there will be a visible line around the edges of the concealer.
- Feather out the edges of the concealer so it blends naturally into the surrounding skin.
- Let the concealer dry for a few moments.
- Apply a foundation makeup over the concealer. Once again you want to use very small amounts of the product because you do not want it to be obvious that you have the makeup on.
- Allow the foundation makeup to dry completely.
- The last step is to apply a powder or setting powder over the foundation. This powder will stop the makeup from appearing to be shiny and will blend your skin tone more naturally.
People Also Asked for Tattoo Cover Up
What color covers black tattoos?
If you are using makeup to cover the ink then your normal skin shade when applied correctly should cover black ink. If you are using another tattoo to cover the original one then more black ink should be used to hide the original outline.
How do you cover a fresh tattoo for work?
The best way to cover a fresh tattoo for work or formal gatherings is to use clothing. You can wear loose clothing that covers the area and that will not damage the tattoo. You can put a bandage over the tattoo but the bandage will stop the tattoo from being able to breathe and may make you sweat or cause the tattoo area to be moist.
Can you tattoo foundation on your face?
You cannot tattoo foundation makeup on your face. You can get permanent eyeliner tattooed on, and eyebrows as well as a permanent lip liner. The foundation covers your entire face and there is not a method of applying an even color through tattoo procedures.
What makeup covers the tattoo best?
The best makeup for covering a tattoo is one that can be customized to match your skin color perfectly. A concealer is used to cover the ink and then the foundation is used to hide the fact that you are wearing a concealer.
Final Verdict
Covering your tattoo with makeup is a quick way to get a temporary cover. If you are looking for the most affordable product to do this with, we suggest you look at the Concealer by L’Oreal Paris. It is priced affordable, available in most places that carry beauty products, and it is safe for even sensitive skin.
If you are looking for a concealer that will match your skin tone perfectly, we suggest you look at the Tattoo Concealer by Cherioll. It gives you both a light and dark concealer that you can use alone or mix together to create an exact match to your skin.