How to Cover Tattoos

Some tattoos will be more challenging than others to cover.

Maybe you have a job interview, a formal dinner or are in the wedding party of a really straight-laced couple. In any event, you want to hide your tattoos. Short of having them surgically removed, you can cover tattoos with an array of methods in which none will be the wiser that you have six birds, one dog and a dragon stemming out of your armpit.

Instructions

1. Wear strategic clothing. Long sleeves, pants, long skirts or dresses, as well as turtlenecks will hide any arm, leg or neck tattoos. If the tattoo you wish to cover is on your foot, choose shoes that are cut to cover the artwork or have thick ankle straps to hide any ankle tattoos.

2. Go for pantyhose. If you have a bevy of lower leg tattoos and still want to wear a shorter skirt, pick out a pair of pantyhose to do the cover up job. This does not mean you have to spend your life in opaque black tights. You can pick any color and a sheer fabric as long as you pick one with designs that will pretty much obliterate any tattoos beneath.

3. Try scarves, headbands, capes, wrist corsages or other accessories. If long sleeves and long pants just don’t cut it, strategically choose accessories that will help cover tattoos. Thick wrist bands, large, ornate jewelry, silky scarves wrapped about the neck or arms will work. Dress up a strapless gown with a filmy cape or wrap to help hide any upper body tattoos.

4. Invest in makeup. Regular face concealer usually won’t cut it. Go for a heavy pancake makeup, theatrical makeup or makeup sold especially to cover tattoos. For the pancake and theatrical makeup, pick at least two shades; you can blend them for the best effect. Pimple covering makeup, usually sold in sticks, can also be used to blend into the makeup. Start by covering the tattooed area with the lightest shade of makeup, then blend around the edges and lightly on top to better match your own skin tone. Finish with a puff of face powder in a hue to match your skin tone.

5. Get a temporary tattoo over the tattoo that is less offensive, obvious or glaring than your real tattoo. The temporary tattoo will usually look like a temporary tattoo, so people will think you got this thing just for the occasion. Choose something frilly or fru fru, for example, to cover your skull and crossbones tattoo.

Tips & Warnings

• Use makeup sponges to best blend the makeup.

• If your cover-up technique is starting to appear incredibly ridiculous, decide if you’d be better off just showing off your tattoo and to heck with it.

Resources

• Comparison of tattoo covering makeup