Tattoo Cover-Ups: What You Need to Know
If you have a tattoo or know someone with one, I'm sure you have heard the “why” stories. These stories range from silly and off-the-wall to something deep and meaningful. No matter the tattoo's origin story, you may find yourself wondering if you’d like your tattoo showing at your next event. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place.
Covering tattoos with makeup is a popular solution for various reasons. It could be for a special event, a professional setting, or a change of look. However, there are essential factors to consider when deciding if a tattoo cover-up is the best option for you and to ensure your cover-up's best results and longevity.
Coverage vs. Texture: It’s important to understand that while makeup can effectively conceal a tattoo's color and image, it doesn’t alter the skin’s texture. This means that although the tattoo may be less noticeable, the area might not appear as smooth as the surrounding skin. Skincare and priming the area before application can help reduce the visibility of textured skin.
Transfer Concerns: Even with the most waterproof products, there’s always a risk of product transfer onto clothing or other surfaces. Multiple factors can cause product transfer, including, but not limited to, rubbing/friction of the tattoo coverup, body chemistry/PH, and improper skin prep. Below, we break down the most common factors that affect a tattoo cover-up’s longevity.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
Skin Preparation: Properly preparing the skin before applying tattoo cover-up makeup is crucial. Before your appointment, cleanse the area thoroughly to remove any excess oils, dirt, or previous makeup residues. The artist may determine that the area requires additional skin prep, such as oil control, extra hydration, etc. Utilizing skin prep helps create a smoother base and improves makeup adherence.
Skin Type: Different skin types can impact how well makeup adheres and lasts. Oily skin tends to break down makeup faster, while dry skin may absorb more product, affecting longevity. Keep in mind that the skin on our faces is entirely different from the skin on the rest of our bodies. While some people may not experience oxidization with the foundation on their face, they may experience it with a tattoo cover-up or vice versa.
Weather Conditions: Heat, humidity, and extreme weather conditions can influence how long a tattoo cover-up lasts. Hot and humid environments may cause makeup to melt or transfer more easily, while cold and dry conditions can affect the skin’s moisture levels, potentially impacting makeup adherence. If your event will be in the heat and you could be sweating, or in the cold and your skin dries easily, a tattoo cover-up could have a shorter wear time.
Friction and Touch: Areas of the body where clothing or accessories rub against the skin, such as collars, sleeves, or waistbands, can cause makeup to wear off more quickly. We would not recommend a tattoo cover-up if your clothes rub the area where makeup is applied. Minimizing friction by wearing loose clothing or using barrier products like setting sprays or powders can extend the longevity of the cover-up. However, using setting sprays and/or powers does not guarantee the makeup will not transfer.
Preferred Makeup Types: While there is “no one size fits all” product for tattoo coverups, many professional artists prefer alcohol-based makeup due to its durability and resistance to smudging. These formulas are designed to provide intense pigmentation and can withstand challenging conditions better than traditional makeup products. For our sensitive skin clients - worry not! - there is an array of different products available that your artist may use to achieve your desired tattoo coverup needs.
Healing Requirements:
Complete Healing Time: Tattoo cover-ups will only be applied to fully healed tattoos. This means we require a tattoo to be at least one month old, but please note that the healing process is different for everyone and could take more than one month to be fully healed.
Skin Integrity: During the initial healing phase, the skin undergoes a process of regeneration, closing the wound and forming a protective layer of new skin over the tattooed area. It's essential to allow the skin to fully regenerate and strengthen before applying makeup. This ensures the skin is less sensitive and more capable of handling the application and removal processes.
Risk of Infection: The skin is more susceptible to infections after getting a tattoo. Applying makeup to an unhealed tattooed area can introduce bacteria or irritants, increasing the risk of complications. Waiting until the tattoo has fully healed reduces this risk significantly, as the skin’s natural barrier function is restored.
Artist's Discretion: Professional makeup artists may refuse to cover a tattoo if they determine that it hasn't healed sufficiently. They have the expertise to assess the condition of the tattooed skin and will prioritize your skin's health and safety above all else. Trusting their judgment ensures you receive the best possible outcome from the cover-up process.
Post-Healing Care: After the tattoo has healed, continue to care for your skin to maintain its health and appearance. This includes moisturizing regularly, protecting it from sun exposure, and avoiding harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin or affect the longevity of the tattoo cover-up.
Makeup Removal: To remove your tattoo cover-up, use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. Avoid harsh scrubbing or rubbing, especially over the tattooed area, to prevent irritation or damage to the skin. If your tattoo cover-up is particularly stubborn or waterproof, consider using an oil-based makeup remover. Apply a small amount onto a cotton pad and gently press and swipe over the tattoo, allowing the oil to break down the makeup. For areas where makeup persists, such as around the edges or where layers were applied more heavily, be patient and continue gently removing with cleanser or remover until all traces of makeup are gone. After removing the makeup, rinse the area with lukewarm water to wash away all residues. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Once the tattoo cover-up is completely removed, follow your regular skincare routine. This may include applying moisturizer or any other skincare products you typically use.
Tattoo cover-ups can be a fantastic way to hide a tattoo temporarily, but they require careful consideration by the client. We want to ensure you have all the information needed to decide if a tattoo cover-up will best fit you and your event. By educating clients further on tattoo cover-ups, we hope to give you a better understanding of what you can expect from a tattoo cover-up. If you are still unsure if a tattoo cover-up is a good fit for you, please don’t hesitate to email the LUX admin team with any questions or schedule a tattoo cover-up trial session with a LUX artist.
