As makeup artists, we appreciate the beauty, creativity, and artistry behind tattoos, but concealing tattoos? That’s an art all on its own!
Whether you’re covering tattoos for a bride’s big day or transforming a client’s body into a tattoo-less character for film, tv, or modeling – cover up makeup for tattoos takes time, lots of practice, and high-quality makeup.
We surveyed our network of makeup artists to discover the tried-and-true tattoo covering makeup products that get the job done. If you’re in the market for easy, flawless tattoo cover up makeup, these pro-approved products are the best place to start!
Top 9 Brands of Makeup for Covering Up Tattoos:
Ben Nye
Cinema Secrets
Danessa Myricks Beauty
European Body Art
Joe Blasco
Kryolan Professional Make-Up
Mehron
Reel Creations
Skin Illustrator
CONCEALING TATTOOS WITH BEN NYE
Gary Parson, Kim Dawson Agency - Dallas, TX
“[Once I've applied color for tattoo coverage,] I stipple from a Ben Nye Essential HD Matte Foundation Palette to mimic skin tone and texture. I also use a dab of matte powder or cream blush and/or bronzer to replicate the color of the skin in a more realistic way."
TATTOO COVERING WITH CINEMA SECRETS
Pauline Griffiths-Gough, Former MUA - Chester, United Kingdom
“When I was still doing makeup, I only ever used Cinema Secrets Foundation for tattoo coverage. It also doubled as flawless coverage for the face. I had clients come in with bad acne, saying nothing had ever covered their problem areas like that foundation did.”
DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY MAKES GREAT MAKEUP FOR TATTOOS
“The Vision Cream Cover is an all-in-one foundation & concealer that covers everything, including hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and, yes, tattoos. It’s formulated with texture-minimizing properties to create perfect complexion on camera and HD film.”
EUROPEAN BODY ART COVER UP MAKEUP
Chris Milone, Christopher Milone Makeup - New York City
“I use EBA Airbrush for most large tattoo coverage. I barely need to color correct first because it's so opaque. It leaves a matte finish and holds up well on a long day of shooting.”
“To knock out the tattoo, first use the Coral Adjustor mixed with their skin tone from EBA Endura, then go over it with their skin tone color. Because of the highly pigmented, alcohol-based formula, Endura has just the right amount of skin-like sheen and won’t transfer. Plus, I love EBA's skin tone colors! For darker skin, you often just need to use the skin tone match without mixing an adjustor.”
Elizabeth Rist, Elizabeth Rist Makeup Artistry - Dallas, TX
“My go-to for skin-like coverage is EBA’s alcohol-based Endura Airbrush line. It offers great coverage and doesn’t fade or transfer.”
JOE BLASCO MAKEUP FOR COVERING TATTOOS
Mary Erickson, Former MUA & Owner of Camera Ready Cosmetics
“The Blue Neutralizer is easy to use and works like magic to cover dark tattoos. The entire Joe Blasco Tattoo Cover collection features a variety of shades, each named after the pigmentation it corrects. They also double as high-pigment, concentrated concealers that hide rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions.”
KRYOLAN PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP FOR CONCEALING TATTOOS
Doria Miyata-Murphy, Doria Murphy Makeup - Boston Massachusetts
“My go-to in general is Kryolan Professional Make-Up’s Dermacolor Camouflage Creme. It offers enough coverage to completely camouflage a tattoo without compromising the final desired effect -- the appearance of real, healthy skin!”
TATTOO COVERING WITH MEHRON
Brandy Page, Brandy Page Makeup Artistry - Richmond, VA
“I love the Tattoo Covering Wheel because of the array of colors you can mix and match to get the perfect skin tone for your client. The creamy, waterproof formula covers even the darkest tattoos, birthmarks, and skin discolorations. And because it doesn't budge, it's also amazing for weddings!”
REEL CREATIONS COVER UP MAKEUP FOR TATTOOS
Missy Nyberg, Forbidden Makeup
“Over the years, I’ve relied on the Flesh Tone Palette for tattoo coverage. I love that Reel Creations has the best color match of flesh tones compared to any other product. It’s always in my set bag. I set the makeup with RCMA No Color Powder, then spray twice with Reel Creations Blue Aqua Sealer.”
CONCEALING TATTOOS WITH SKIN ILLUSTRATOR BY PPI
Trevor Thompson, Trevor Thompson Makeup - Louisville, KY
“For quick, durable on-set tattoo coverage, I use the Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone Palette with a splatter brush to lay down a nice base color, and then I go in with several different adjuster tones from the Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette to break up the coverage and blend out the edges. These are my tried-and-true go-to’s because they're highly pigmented, last all day on-set, and look phenomenal on camera!”
Kat DeJesus, Kat D Makeup - Denver, CO
“I love the Skin Illustrator On Set FX Palette. I use it for color correction before applying airbrush on top. I also use it to fleck the skin for a natural finish afterward. Being able to work in sheer layers and not have to worry about it moving all day makes this palette ideal for anything on location or when it needs to be completely waterproof.”
Elizabeth Rist, Elizabeth Rist Makeup Artistry - Dallas, TX
“The On Set Flesh Tone Palette is one of my top products for tattoo coverage. It makes neutralizing easy while offering great cover. It won’t melt with body heat or transfer. Great for everything from bridal to film!”
Shop these tattoo cover up makeup favorites and more online and in-store at Camera Ready Cosmetics. Discounts apply for pro artist members.
Which professional-grade makeup products do you rely on for concealing tattoos? Let us know in the comments below!
About Camera Ready Cosmetics
Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by makeup artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional-grade products without the typical makeup store attitude.
Today, our team of beauty industry veterans works together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists.
You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.
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