The Best Makeup to Cover Up Tattoos, From People Who Cover Tattoos for a Living

Color correcting is extremely important when covering up tattoos to cancel out the color of the ink and ensure that the foundation or concealer matches specific undertones. The corrector can be mixed with foundation or applied on its own before adding makeup.

Mac Cosmetics star rating: 4.7/5 stars

“As the saying goes, ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it—and that’s the case with this OG palette. The creamy, full coverage formula is so versatile! You can color correct, make dark spots disappear, and even contour with this palette. This is a longtime favorite.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director

Celebrity makeup artist Ana Marie Rizzieri is used to covering up tattoos for Victoria’s Secret models. She suggests using makeup sticks to allow for easy application in traditionally hard to reach places. (A common problem for lingerie models with ink.)

Amazon star rating: 3.9/5 stars

An Amazon Reviewers says: “It covers all scars blemishes imperfections and stays on until you wash it off. Even if I sweat from working out the cover stick foundation stays on.”

If you’re looking for a product that will make you forget that you even had a tattoo—this is the one. The smooth full coverage formula allows for comfortable all-day wear, with a natural skin-like finish that is great for all skin types.

Sephora start rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This foundation stick blew me away. It’s so creamy and buttery on the skin. Super easy to blend and it looks like second skin!”

Erin Guth, an LA-based celebrity makeup artist, pulls her experience from covering up actors’ tattoos on set. Her go-to product is Jordane’s Total Tattoo Coverage. The long-wear formula is highly pigmented and does not smudge or transfer once it sets.

Having done the makeup for one of this year’s hottest shows, Daisy Jones and the Six, makeup artist Rebecca Wachtel often reaches for Skin Illustrator palettes for tattoo cover-ups. This palette is formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin tones with colors that can be mixed together to get the perfect shade. For the best results, activate this product using alcohol.

Amazon star rating: 3.8/5

“The Skin Illustrator line is nice, their pigments are thinner and take more to cover and I like both the light and dark skin tones.” says Wachtel

Dermacol’s Makeup Cover Foundation is a waterproof long-wear, full-coverage product. Formulated without any preservatives or harmful chemicals, the foundation leaves your skin looking and feeling healthy. And for an added bonus, its compact packaging makes it easy to take it with you wherever you go.

Amazon star rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Your one-stop-shop for the best foundation that covers you perfectly and is just right for your skin type. Absolutely love this product! It covers everything I don’t want shown and stays put till I want it off.”

A cult favorite concealer, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer goes on smooth for a highly pigmented, breathable finish. Its hydrating formula leaves skin with a luminous non-cakey look. For the best result for tattoo cover-up, try using an extra coat or two and setting with a powder and setting spray.

Sephora star rating: 4.3/5

“I’ve been using Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer for a while now and no matter how many times I try to switch it up I always come back to it. I love that I can build the coverage to what my heart desires and it never feels drying which is great for my dry skin.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, Beauty Assistant

You don’t have to break the bank to get great coverage. This product allows for quick and easy application with extreme pigment and a lightweight finish.

Amazon star rating: 3.8/5 stars

An Amazon Reviewer says: “The Mehron is hands down the best! I covered only half of my very dark tattoo and with just two layers, it’s nearly invisible.”