What a difference covering a tattoo has been. From the time 20 years ago I was asked to cover an actor’s tattoo for a scene in a film and slapped on a bunch of cream makeup and powder only because I didn’t know better, to being on-call all the time covering full tattoo sleeves, chests and backs on brides, actors and the like with makeup specifically designed to cover even the darkest and brightest tattoos.
 
Here’s a bunch of tips for covering your own tattoos, or playing makeup artist and helping a friend cover hers or for that matter his.
 
•  Clean the area with 70% alcohol. If needed, shave the area.
•   To cut the blue tattoo ink, add orange (the compliment or opposite of blue) either alone or added to white to lighten the area with stippling strokes using a makeup sponge.
•  Use a “full cover” cream foundation or those products made for tattoo cover like Kat Von D or Cover FX. Mix a few shades to find the prefect skin match and apply in a stippling manner with a sea sponge over the tattoo area blending into the skin.
•  Powder with a translucent (no color) loose powder by loading a puff and pressing the powder into the skin. Then brush the excess powder off with a large powder brush.
•  If you are into airbrush makeup, (fabulous!), you can use either a waterproof, theatrical or silicone based foundation airbrushed onto the tattoo in the same manner of color as the full coverage foundation. Airbrush will stay on longer and look more natural.
•  Add back in some freckles or add a few extra.
•  If needed add a little Evian mist to the area to give a natural look to the skin.
•  I like to use a little test to be sure the makeup doesn’t rub off on clothing either yours or someone else’s by lightly blotting the area with a tissue, sponge, or powder puff.
•  Have a “backup” kit available with foundation, powder, sponge and if needed setting spray. In regards though to setting spray. I’m not a fan. It dries sticky and too unnaturally shiny.
•  Take a picture both close up and further away and download it to your computer to check your work.
•  Make sure the covered tattoo cover-up doesn’t look too thick, shiny, or matte for the rest of the skin.

These application tips work best for me and lasts for hours, sometimes days. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. 

Helping women feel good about themselves is a creative force that runs through makeup artist Davida Simon. Simon has worked in film, television, and photography for over 20 years with such notables as Susan Lucci, Demi Moore and Brad Pitt, as well as CEOs’ and government officials.  Besides working as a makeup artist on television and commercial shoots, Davida’s busy life includes testing and reviewing cosmetics, beauty expert on ABC, CBS and Fox affiliates, educator and freelance beauty writer.  A special passion is helping women and teens undergoing chemotherapy, through American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program.

Davida was on the show Extreme Makeover and consultant to several of Denver’s News Channels. Davida created “The Makeup Room”, an educational studio and website for women seeking makeover consultations and helping budding makeup artists realize their professional goals.  “The Makeup Room website gives me the opportunity to provide information to busy young women that gives them more insight on developing their image.”