How To Cover Tattoos

Every day I see people with tattoos they want removed or covered up for various reasons (i.e. they hate the tattoo(s), need to cover them for work or can't get hired, etc.) and let's face it- laser removal does not make you look like you never had the tattoo in the first place, so be sure to do your research if you're considering such a thing.. and that wrecking balm people talk about doesn't work either. 

You can always cover a bad tattoo with another (better) tattoo, or MAKEUP. 

I chose to use Gary as my model for this cover-up project for a couple of reasons: 

1) He has tattoos on his face, the most noticeable, and taboo to some, of places to get tattooed. 

2) His facial tattoos are mostly in his beard area, which is a difficult place to do a flawless cover-up due to coarse hair (even freshly shaved). 

**Unfortunately the lighting varies in the before and after photos due to different times of the day.. 

BEFORE: Gary with tattoos

My biggest concern about this cover-up was getting that 100% coverage while looking as natural as possible. And my second biggest concern was I've never done this before!

As with covering anything, there are specific steps you need to take, like making sure to prime the skin, and when layering concealer, set with powder. As always, I also did a little improvising too...

Here's how I did it:

Step 1: Moisturize.
After washing your face, be sure to moisturize! Makeup never looks good on dry skin- you need a smooth, healthy canvas. I love YesTo Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer because it's natural, moisturizes very well, and also controls oil and breakouts.

Step 2: Prime.
This is another super important step that helps smooth your skin and keep your makeup in place longer. I use Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer to prepare the skin for heavy makeup.

Step 3: Foundation (optional).
This one is up to you, and really depends on where the tattoo(s) is/are, and how natural (or not!) the look you're going for is. I used Tarte Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer to allow Gary's natural glow (of his non-tattooed skin) to show through, and create a more natural, 'no-makeup' appearance. If it was my face, I would have used CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation for a more smooth, very feminine, porcelain look. Most likely, those reading this do not have facial tattoos and do not require foundation.

Step 4: Conceal.
This is the step everyone thinks of in regards to tattoo cover, and many forget the rest... This is the big step that you need to get right, but is also pointless if you ignore everything else on this list. (The concealer is nothing without staying power.) You will want a nice, creamy, long lasting, full coverage concealer. On Gary, I used Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer. I also like Smashbox High Definition Concealer personally, and feel that could be a viable option. I dabbed it on with my fingers, and blended using the same motion. Some like to use a concealer brush, and that would be fine as well.

Step 5: Powder.
You will want to set the concealer with a dusting of powder. I used Sephora MicroSmooth Powder, as it is a staple in my makeup kit. But I tried a little of the Kat Von D Lock-It powder at Sephora the other day, and am very curious about what it can do. (Guess what I'm buying next shopping trip...) I am almost positive it will be a much better choice for tattoo cover.

Step 6: Repeat.
Repeat as necessary. If you have a lighter tattoo and it's covered to your liking, continue on. Otherwise, go back to Step 4.

Step 7: Powder again.
Yes, powder again. This time with a sponge, with a sort of dabbing technique. You want full coverage.

Step 8: Bronze and/or highlight.
Depending on how much space you have to cover, you will probably look dead, as Gary did once covered. I just dusted on Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 027 Sun Dance. Perfect! You may not have to do this.

Step 9: Set it.
Today I tried out the Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix I bought the other day. Not bad, but I still prefer Urban Decay De-Slick much more, and feel it will keep makeup in place much longer, and the mister nozzle is the best one I've used by far.

The outcome:

AFTER: Gary with no tattoos

Not bad for a first time tattoo cover with limited products, I think.

Gary was a little shocked seeing himself without tattoos for the first time in a long lime. I know I would be, too!

Do you have any tattoos you need to conceal? Have you tried, and what did you use?

Makeup: What I'm Wearing Right Now - November 2013

If I could make a career of goofing off in front of a camera...

I have so many skin problems during the colder months, and this year is no different.

As usual, I'm fighting to stay moisturized, but not too much to where I break out. All too often, with exposure to harsh weather, my skin and makeup get dry, crack, and peel. How unattractive!

But I think I found a working combination:
Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation**
Sephora MicroSmooth powder
Kat Von D True Romance eyeshadow trio in fever ray
Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant mascara
Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer
Kat Von D Lock 'N Load Makeup Setting Mist

**FYI the Rimmel foundation is expected to hit stores in January 2014. This was a gifted item and is not yet available for purchase. (read review) 

I purchased the Kat Von D setting mist  ($24) yesterday as an alternative to Urban Decay De-Slick ($28). It's still early in the testing process, but this does not seem nearly as drying. My skin feels refreshed and has a vibrant glow. And the smell is wonderful!

While the KVD mist may be what my skin needs this winter, I can already tell it will not be enough on hot summer days. Once the warmer weather returns, I'll have to switch back to my tried and true.

And I'm still using the yesto Tomatoes moisturizer both day and night as well. It's a miracle product!

What are YOU wearing right now?
P.S. I'm looking for some blogging BFFs...

Review: YesTo Tomatoes Moisturizer

I'm not sure exactly who 'they' are, but...

'They' say you should never put anything on your face that you wouldn't put in your body...

I can understand the purity thing. I try to use natural skin care products on a regular basis. Plus, tomatoes have their own natural salicylic acid, which is known to fight breakouts.

I have very sensitive, breakout-prone skin, and this stuff is a miracle. I use it every night to moisturize and rejuvenate for the harsh makeup routine of the next day...

It moisturizes without making my skin oily, super shiny, etc. In fact, it actually gives me a very healthy looking glow, which I am always anxious to show off to the world.

Typically, it is a little expensive for me, but I deem it worthy of paying full price. However, I will still take advantage of sales on this product.

I originally bought it as an alternative to Burt's Bees, when it saw it was 50% off at Walgreens.

Turns out, it's perfect for me, and probably better than any other moisturizer I've tried.

In My Makeup Bag Right Now: October 2013

*This post contains affiliate links.* 

I've added a few new products to my bag since last month's post- check it out: 

YesTo Tomatoes daily balancing moisturizer
Urban Decay De-Slick makeup setting spray
Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation
Sephora MicroSmooth face powder
Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow in fever ray
Benefit They're Real! mascara
Neutrogena MoistureShine gloss in natural boost

I'm a big fan of the YesTo Tomatoes moisturizer. I bought it a week ago and immediately saw a great difference in my skin quality. It moisturizes, fights breakouts, and is neither thick nor oily. It gives my skin the amazing, healthy glow it has never had. I can't wait to see how it reacts with my dry winter skin over the coming months...

I forgot I had this lip gloss in my collection, so it was amazing to rediscover it. I used to use the Neutrogena MoistureShine gloss in whisper for years, then eventually decided to try natural boost as well. Now that I've gone back to my natural hair color, I think this gloss looks better on me. The staying power is a definite plus as well. I absolutely love it!

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think?