How to Cover Up a Tattoo for a Wedding

Just like marriages, tattoos are designed to last forever. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that your favorite piece of permanent skin art is a welcome guest at the wedding. Whether it's because you want to keep your tattoo a secret, want to keep it out of the wedding photos or just don't think it matches the formality of the event, you may find yourself in need of some special, heavy-duty makeup techniques in order to cover your tattoo for the big day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Concealer or theatrical makeup
• Makeup sponges
• Long-lasting stain lipstick
• Translucent skin powder
• Powder brush

1. Conceal your tattoo with clothing, if possible. This will be the easiest, least messy and most reliable way to conceal your body art. If you must wear something revealing (such as a bridesmaid's dress or summery outfit), see if you can wear an accessory that will cover the tattoo, such as a sheer, dark-colored scarf or a pair of long gloves or opaque stockings.

2. Choose or mix oil-based makeup in two colors: one that matches your skin tone and one that is slightly lighter. Use blemish concealer rather than foundation, or purchase theatrical grease paint makeup from a costume store. The latter option will be your best choice if you are not Caucasian, as most concealer shades come in beige tones. Theatrical makeup can be found in almost any color or mixed to customize (see link in Resources for a color mixing tutorial).

3. Prepare your skin for makeup. Wax or shave any noticeable hair from the tattooed skin and surrounding area and thoroughly wash and dry your skin.

4. Coat your tattoo in red stain lipstick. Use a primary red for light skin and a more brownish red for darker skin tones. Trace the tattoo with lipstick, then fill in the outline, even over portions of skin within the design that aren't tattooed. Let dry and apply additional layers, if necessary, so that the design is no longer visible.

5. Add a layer of the lighter skin-tone makeup over the red lipstick. Use the makeup sponge to apply, using a blotting technique rather than a swipe or a rub. Make sure to extend the skin-tone makeup past the edges of the lipstick.

6. Apply a second coat of the darker makeup in the same manner. Pay special attention to blending the edges of the covered tattoo using the darker-tone makeup.

7. Coat the makeup with translucent powder using the powder brush. Use as much powder as possible by applying more than you need and brushing or blowing the excess away. This will help the makeup stay in place and minimize transference to clothes.

References

• "The Makeup Artist Handbook," by Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall
• "Stage Makeup Step-By-Step," by Rosemarie Swinefeld

Resources

• Color Mixing Guide

[doodooballz]

on 9/23/2009 LOL I will be sure to use this one!