How to Cover a Tattoo with Makeup

We're sure you love your tattoos and enjoy showing them off. Still, some situations call for hiding them — whether it's a visit to conservative relatives or a job interview where you want to look extra polished. With the right technique, covering a tattoo with makeup is easier than you might think. The best full-coverage foundation for hiding a tattoo or scar is, without question, Dermacol Make-up Cover — the same high-coverage formula used by film and stage makeup artists.

How to Cover a Tattoo, Step by Step

Cleanse your skin. Before you start, wipe the tattooed area with a cotton pad and your favorite cleansing product. This preps the skin so the makeup goes on smoothly.
Apply a light concealer. Use a liquid or creamy concealer with strong coverage that is a few shades lighter than your skin. Apply it over the tattoo with a makeup sponge or brush, tapping it into the skin rather than rubbing — rubbing spreads the product around without actually covering. Tapping also means you need less product for better coverage. Once the tattoo is covered with one layer, let the concealer dry for a minute or two. It's fine if the tattoo still shows through a little.
Apply the foundation. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone. If you're unsure, go slightly lighter and warm it up with a darker powder — not the other way around. Apply Dermacol Make-up Cover with a sponge or brush, tapping it in just like the concealer, and use your fingers only to smooth the top layer. The formula is thick and highly pigmented, so thin layers are all you need — piling on too much in one spot can actually work against you.
Set with transparent powder. Use a large powder brush to dust a thin layer of transparent powder over the foundation. This takes away any shine and makes the result look natural. And if the foundation shade wasn't quite right, the powder can help even things out — it comes in two variants, light and natural.
Worried about staining your clothes? Here's a little trick: finish with a light mist of hair spray over the covered tattoo. It fixes the top layer and helps keep the makeup from transferring onto clothing or furniture. Let the area dry completely before touching it or covering it with clothes.

TIP: Do a trial run before the big day. If you're covering a tattoo for a wedding, interview, or another special event, rehearse the whole routine in advance. You'll get the technique down and confirm the shade truly matches your skin tone.

Warning: Never try to cover a tattoo that hasn't fully healed — it can take up to 45 days. Fresh tattoos need special care and strict hygiene; applying makeup or touching the area unnecessarily can irritate the skin, damage your new piece of art, and even lead to infection.

Mini FAQ

Will one layer of Dermacol Make-up Cover really hide a dark tattoo?
Often yes — it's extremely pigmented. For very dark ink, the concealer base plus one thin layer of foundation usually does the trick.

Can I use the same method on scars?
Yes, the same steps work for covering scars and other skin imperfections — just make sure the skin is fully healed first.

Where to buy

You'll find Dermacol Make-up Cover and the Invisible Fixing Powder at fabledlook.com — we ship internationally, and if you need help picking your shade, just send us a message.