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We all remember our very first tattoo—or at least the one that fills us with regret to this day. Tattoos, like, say, jewelry or perfume, are sometimes sentimental relics, etched with fond memories that transport us back to a spontaneous night out with friends or serve as a symbol of reverence for a loved one. Other times, they can remind us of a past life or person we wish to forget. While tattoos are permanent and removal can be costly, there is a workaround: makeup.
Makeup, specifically foundation and concealer, come in a slew of formulas, but for tattoo cover-ups, the heavier the better. Similar to the way we apply makeup to our faces, there are factors that you must consider to ensure longevity and smooth application for a tattoo cover-up. Skin type, daily routines, skincare practices, and the tattoo ink color all play important roles in an effective cover-up. “Everyone’s skin tones are so different, and it’s important to understand undertones and freckling,” says Rebecca Wachtel, TV and film makeup designer and the artist behind the beauty looks on hit shows such as Daisy Jones and the Six.
Maybe you have an important new job interview, your tattoo doesn’t exactly match your outfit that day, or you got up from the tattoo chair, and the final look is just not what you expected. No matter what situation you may find yourself in, we consulted expert makeup artists and looked to customer reviews to compile a list of products—10 to be exact—that will help you cover up any tattoo.
Pros
Natural, radiant finish
Cons
- Doesn’t irritate acne-prone skin
If you’re chronically online, and by online, I mean an avid TikTok scroller, you’ve likely come across Face Atelier’s Ultra Foundation. This formula is as thick as it gets, designed to offer full coverage and build a defense against any external threats, like oil or heat.
Coverage: Medium to full
Finish: Radiant Formula
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “It covers very well. I have uneven pigmentation and acne-prone skin. This is great; I've been using it for years.”
Pros
- Conceals blemishes and scarring
Cons
- Some users dislike the thick texture
Regardless of what outside looks like, this foundation can last through anything. Just one post dispenses a matte, full-coverage formula that covers any scarring or anything you want concealed, and can be built up to your desired finish without feeling weighty.
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
Formula: Liquid
Sephora rating: 3.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I don’t think I’ve experienced a foundation as full coverage and smooth as Huda Beauty’s Faux Filter, which has quickly become my go-to formula when I want to look completely airbrushed and flawless—on and off the screen. It covers every mark on my face, and I have a lot.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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Pros
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Some users note the coverage could be better
Color correcting is extremely important when covering up tattoos. It cancels out the color of the ink and ensures that the foundation or concealer matches specific undertones. The corrector can be mixed with foundation or applied on its own before adding makeup.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Finish: Natural
Formula: Cream
Nordstrom star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “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! This palette allows you to color correct, make dark spots disappear, and even contour. This is a longtime favorite.”—Danielle James, ELLE.com digital beauty director
Pros
- Convenient and easy to use
Cons
- Difficult to shade match
Celebrity makeup artist Ana Marie Rizzieri is used to covering up tattoos for Victoria’s Secret models. She suggests using makeup sticks, which allow for easy application in traditionally hard-to-reach places. (This is a common problem for lingerie models with ink.)
Coverage: Full coverage Finish Formula
Amazon star rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer 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.”
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Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some don't like the smell
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.
Coverage: Full coverage Finish Formula
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!”
Pros
- Long lasting
Cons
- Dries down quickly
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.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage Finish Formula
Alcone rating: 5/5 stars
An Alcone reviewer said: “This palette is wonderful! Not only can you cover tattoos, but also beard stubble and blemishes, too. The colors are highly pigmented and durable after a light coating of Blue Marble or Green Marble sealers.”
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7
Best for Darker Skin Tones
Skin Illustrator PPI Skin Illustrator On Set Dark Flesh Tone Makeup Palette
Pros
- Flexible shades for different undertones
Cons
- Learning curve
Having done the makeup for one of 2023’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.
Coverage: Full coverage
Finish: Natural
Formula: Cream
Amazon rating: 3.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Although the product was incredibly small for such a large price, it has great coverage.”
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Takes a long time to dry completely
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.
Coverage: Full coverage Finish Formula
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. I absolutely love this product! It covers everything I don’t want shown, and stays put till I want it off.”
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Pros
- Blends easily
Cons
- Some users experience creasing
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.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Finish: Natural Formula:
Sephora star rating: 4.3/5
An ELLE editor says: “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
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can transfer easily
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get great coverage. This product allows for quick and easy application, with extreme pigment and a lightweight finish.
Coverage: Full coverage Finish Formula
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.”
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Meet the Experts
Rebecca Wachtel is a television and film makeup designer and the makeup artist behind the 2023 hit show Daisy Jones and the Six
Erin Guth is an LA-based celebrity makeup artist
Ana Marie Rizzieri is a celebrity makeup artist
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this story, ELLE beauty assistant and fellow tattoo lover Tasha Nicole Smith consulted makeup experts to provide insight on the best products to cover tattoos. She and ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose sourced the best makeup product to cover tattoos effectively.
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Tasha Nicole Smith
Beauty Assistant
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of vintage heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
