Makeup
Tattoo Cover Up Makeup

The Best Makeup for a Tattoo Cover Up

By Hannah Liddle - 5 years ago | Updated 1 week ago

woman with tattoos applying makeup for vlog

We love tattoos at Cosmetify - but we’re aware that there are times you may want to cover up. Whether it’s for an important job interview or a meet-up with family who highly disapprove, a quick fix concealer solution is all you need to hide any ink that may be adorning your body and save you from that dreaded lecture from your granny.

We’ve rounded up the very best makeup products that’ll keep your tattoos, both big and small, a secret, should you so wish. We’ve even included a primer and setting spray to make sure they stayed covered for as long as you need.

Inglot Cosmetics Under Makeup Base

£19.47

Before you begin you want to make sure the concealers and foundations stay put – otherwise your tattoo could start poking out at a critical time! The Inglot Cosmetics primer is an award-winning product that smooths out the skin pre-makeup. The appearance of tattoos will be blurred so that the makeup can cover it more effectively.

Stila One Step Correct

£26.55 £28.00 (6% off)

Another great priming option is this colour correcting formula from Stila. Not only does it help you makeup last longer, but it also tackles specific concerns when concealing tattoos. For example, the orange shade helps minimise pigmentation, while the green helps neutralise any redness – perfect for bold, brightly coloured tattoos.

SOSU by SJ Dripping Gold Kabuki Brush

£8.81 £9.00 (3% off)

This SOSU by SJ brush is ideal for covering larger tattoos on the body. It works with cream, liquid and powder products. Simply apply your foundation to the area you want to cover and use the brush to buff the product into the skin. The easy-to-grip handle means it’s a stress-free process that takes no time at all.

beautyblender Original

£17.04 £17.50 (3% off)

For covering large areas, the beautyblender makeup sponge is another great option. Bounce and blend colour correctors and foundations across the skin until you achieve a natural-looking finish. It provides a streak-free look which means even, all-over coverage.

GUERLAIN Meteorites Compact Colour Correcting Blotting & Lighting Powder

£42.25 £51.00 (18% off)

For more comprehensive colour correcting get your hands on the GUERLAIN Colour Correcting Compact. Carefully apply the powders accordingly to neutralise the colours of your tattoo. This will keep your skin tone looking even and balanced when the makeup is applied.

Made By Mitchell Curve Case

£32.70

If you want to create a unique shade to suit your skin tone, try the Made By Mitchell Curve Case. This face palette provides full coverage and a long-lasting finish that is ideal for covering tattoos for a special event or a photoshoot. Simply mix and match shades and blend together for a natural-looking result.

Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer

£5.49 £18.60 (71% off)

Next up is the actual makeup! Not only do you want full coverage, but you want staying power. No use covering tattoos if they smudge or melt off throughout the day. Choose this iconic Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer for a formula that just won't budge. This luxury product beats the heats and humidity, staying in place for up to 24 hours.

Bellamianta Flawless Filter Body Makeup

£20.31

Designed specifically for your body, this thick and full-coverage fluid foundation is excellent at covering big, bold tattoos. It’s also incredibly hydrating so you won’t have to worry about it drying out your ink. And, with a true match colour, it leaves a skin-like finish.

KVD Beauty Lock-It Concealer Creme D37 Warm

£6.65 £7.45 (11% off)

Kat Von D is a master disguiser of tattoos. This high-coverage concealer hides any ink and keeps your skin looking fresh and dewy. It’s non-drying and crease-proof and the wand applicator lets you get to all those hard-to-reach areas.

Illamasqua Skin Base Pressed Powder

£13.09 £30.00 (57% off)

After the primer, colour corrector and foundation or concealer, use a matte powder foundation to blend in the makeup and to provide a little extra coverage. This Illamasqua Foundation is renowned for its buildable and lasting finish. Once buffed on with a thick powder brush, it’ll firmly set all of the makeup in place.

Maybelline Lasting Fix Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray

£12.26

And last, but by no means least, finish up with a setting spray. It ensures your foundations go the distance, while also refreshing your skin when the makeup starts to look a little tired.

Check out this tutorial for a step by step guide on how to conceal your tattoos:

As these makeup products are great for covering up tattoos, you know they’ll be just as good at covering up any scars, marks, blemishes or dark spots. In fact, we have a whole article dedicated to the very best concealers for every skin type, as well as the best full coverage foundation for a perfect complexion.