Eliminating Skin Problems

Your tattoo might mean the world to you and convey your personality perfectly, but there are bound to be times when you need to hide it. Whether you're heading off to a job interview or lunch with your conservative grandparent, you can rely on these methods to keep your tattoo hidden from sight.

Option 1: Use a specialized tattoo cover-up and powder.

If you have time to head to the store and purchase a dedicated tattoo concealer, this option is the best one to try. It takes less time to complete, and the results will be more even. Make sure you choose a shade that's as close to your skin tone as possible, and then follow these steps:

1. Wash the tattooed area with a mild soap, and pat it dry. This will help the concealer stick.
2. Use a medium-stiff makeup brush to apply a generous layer of the tattoo concealer. Using short strokes will help blend the concealer into your skin. Makes sure the concealer extends at least 1/4 to each side of your tattoo. (Unlike standard concealer, tattoo concealer does not start to look cakey when applied in a thicker layer.)
3. Moisten a makeup sponge with water. Dab this gently around the border between your natural skin and the concealer. This will help blend the concealer along its edges, so it does not look obvious.
4. When the concealer is dry, dip a brush in some translucent powder, and dust the area. This will keep the concealer from sloughing or creasing.

Option 2: Use standard foundation, concealer and powder.

If you don't have time to buy a dedicated tattoo concealer, you can make do with a standard blemish or under-eye concealer and foundation. You will need a bit more patience, however, since these products need to be applied in thin layers to keep them from looked caked-up and flaky. Follow these steps:

1. Wash your skin with a mild soap, and pat it dry.
2. Use a foundation brush to apply a thin layer of the foundation to the tattoo and surrounding area. Extend the foundation far past the tattoo (this will make the concealed area less obvious in the end). For instance, if the tattoo is on your forearm, cover your entire forearm in a thin layer of foundation.
3. Use a concealer brush to apply standard concealer to the tattoo. A dabbing, stenciling motion will help make the concealer look less obvious. Don't apply too thick of a layer. This first layer should cover the lighter portions of the tattoo, but you'll need another coat to cover any darker areas.
4. Let this first layer of concealer dry, and then go over the dark areas with a second coat.
5. If any areas of the tattoo are still visible, apply a third thin layer of concealer.
6. Moisten a makeup sponge with water, and use it to blend the edges of the concealer into the foundation.
7. Let your skin dry, and give the concealer area a dusting of translucent powder. Admire your work!

If neither of these methods seems to work for you, you may need to buys specialized temporary tattoo cover ups from a company like Tattoo Cover Up Skin.