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How to Cover a Tattoo in 5 Easy Steps

MODERN caught up with celebrity make up artist David Maderich (@davidmaderich) who is frequently asked to hide all kinds of things when applying make up for covers, photoshoots or ad campaigns. But sometimes it goes beyond. "As a makeup ...

Maggie Mulhern
Maggie MulhernBeauty and Fashion Director, MODERN SALON
Read Maggie's Posts
December 14, 2015
How to Cover a Tattoo in 5 Easy Steps

 

2 min to read


MODERN caught up with celebrity make up artist David Maderich (@davidmaderich) who is frequently asked to hide all kinds of things when applying make up for covers, photoshoots or ad campaigns. But sometimes it goes beyond. "As a makeup artist, I’m constantly asked to cover tattoos for holiday family gatherings or office parties - and also weddings."

Maderich has come up with a quick Five Step process that will cover any tattoo:

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STEP 1: Before applying any makeup, prep the skin/tattoo with an alcohol pad to remove any trace of dirt or oil that will interfere with the coverup process.

STEP 2: Using basic color theory as a guide, use an orange heavily pigmented concealer to cancel out any dark blue, black or green tones in the tattoo.  Use a flat concealer brush and layer every inch of the tattoo with a thick even layer of orange pigment. Try Mac Cosmetics Studio Finish Skin Corrector in Pure Orange.

STEP 3: Set the orange concealer with a coating of translucent powder and let “bake” for five minutes; then use a soft powder brush to carefully remove the excess powder without disturbing the orange pigment. Try Ben Nye Classic Translucent Face Powder.

STEP 4:  Next, using a  Beauty Blender or cosmetic sponge, stipple on a heavily pigmented concealer that matches your skin tone exactly.  Keep stippling until the tattoo is covered.  If the tattoo is particularly dark, cover the tattoo in layers of concealer/powder. When tattoo is fully covered to your satisfaction, apply a generous amount of translucent powder and let “bake” for ten minutes and then gently remove powder. Try Dermacolor Camouflage Creme for coverage in many colors. Or Mehron Tattoo CoveRing a convent five -shade wheel to mix and match colors.

STEP 5: To keep the tattoo coverup waterproof and smudge proof, mist the tattoo with a light coating of a  finishing spray that locks in your hard work. Try Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray

"After the party or event, use a gentle but deep cleansing wipe to remove the heavy application of makeup." Maderich suggests Dermalogica Precleanse Wipes to gently cleanse the skin.

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