It takes more than layers of cakey cover ups to hide a tattoo! Pigmented tattoo inks are embedded deep in your epidermis and require a little bit of makeup magic to cover up. Tattoos are also usually drawn in places that might come in contact with clothes and friction from other objects, so creating a layer that won't rub off easy is key. Here is a simple five step guide to help you cover up tattoos with ease.
01Prep and prime
Here are some steps on how to cover a tattoo with camouflage makeup that you need to follow to effectively cover your tattoo. Following these steps will ensure that you easily and effectively cover them without having to worry about them showing up.
Step 1: Prep and prime
Wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to disinfect the area and get rid of the natural body oils that can cause makeup to melt down. Next, use a primer like the Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer to create a smooth canvas and give the products to follow a good base to hold on to. It creates the perfect base for makeup, makes it last longer and hides all your imperfections.
Step 2: Colour correct it
While this step is optional for black inks, it is a necessary step for coloured tattoos. Follow these combinations to colour correct your tattoo — green for red ink, orange for deeper skin tones, pink for lighter skin tones, yellow for blue line tattoos and purple for scattered tattoos. You can also 'bake' your colour corrector with loose powder if your tattoo is bright and new.
Step 3: Use a full coverage foundation
Use a buildable full-coverage foundation after you're done baking. First, use your fingers to apply a good amount of foundation on the tattoo and then blend it using a damp makeup sponge. Apply powder to lock the layer in place. Keep building on layers of foundation and powder simultaneously until the majority of your tattoo is masked under them.
The Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation gives you medium to high coverage as it is buildable in nature for your convenience. It glides on your skin for a smooth and even skin tone, which makes it the perfect foundation to cover up the tattoo.
Step 4: Layer on a concealer
Pick a shade that is closest to your skin tone for the best results. Layer on the concealer and blend with a damp beauty sponge until the ink is completely disguised. Use a heavily pigmented formula so that you don't end up with multiple layers that can end up looking cakey.
The Lakmé 9to5 Primer+Matte Liquid Concealer comes with a built-in primer that gives a medium to high coverage for a smooth base and natural matte finish. With a unique applicator, the revolutionary formula glides on in a single stroke and blends seamlessly to offer crease-free, buildable coverage.
Step 5: Set with a loose powder and setting spray
Add finishing touches to the cover-up with loose powder and setting spray. First, bake with the Lakme 9 to 5 Naturale Finishing Powder for 10 minutes and dust off the excess. It is a lightweight finishing powder that makes your skin appear smooth and oil-free. It also contains antioxidants and SPF 50 components to shield your skin from dirt and pollution.
Next, use a setting spray and spritz it from a distance of 6 inches in order to lock all of the layers in place and give your skin a hydrated, natural finish. The Lakmé Absolute Made to Last Setting Spray, is a nutrient-rich mist designed to set your make-up for it to last longer. It is infused with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe-vera extract. This setting spray moisturizes and hydrates your skin – all the while giving your make-up power, for it to last long.
If you wish to remove the cover-up, use micellar water on a cotton pad and gently wipe it over your tattoo. The Lakmé Absolute Bi-Phased Make-up Remover removes all traces of makeup effortlessly, leaving the skin feeling fresh and hydrated. It combines the cleansing properties of oil with the refreshing properties of water to give you a wholesome purifying experience. What we like about this makeup remover is that it is dermatologically tested and is suitable for sensitive skin too!
With all these tips in mind and following the steps correctly, you can make sure your tattoo goes undetected on any occasion.
02FAQs about Ways to Cover Tattoos with Makeup
Should I wait to cover my new tattoo?
It usually takes two to three weeks for your tattoo to heal, though it can take as long as two months to heal completely. In the case of new tattoos or those that haven't peeled yet, you shouldn't try to cover them, as it could cause irritation or infection. If you don't want the tattoo to be visible for a special occasion, work, or another reason, you can cover it up once it is healed.
How do you cover black tattoos?
It might seem impossible to cover a black tattoo, but colour correcting will make it easy. By using a red or orange colour corrector, you can cancel out the blue or green undertones in black tattoos.
How do I make sure the makeup stays in place over the tattoo?
When you are done covering up your tattoo with makeup, use a setting spray to seal it in. Your tattoo will stay covered all day and night with a setting spray. Just make sure the area is dry before trying to put clothing over it in order to prevent makeup from rubbing off onto your clothing or furniture.
