Don't Let Your Tattoos Outshine Your Wedding Makeup -- Here's How to Cover Them

We know tattoo artist Kat Von D won't be covering up her ink to let her wedding makeup shine when she ties the knot with her equally adorned love, Jesse James. But if you have an 'unfortunate memento' of a past beau you'd like to conceal for the wedding (or hide from your new in-laws), or maybe even a scar that you're self conscious about, it's easily done. Here's how...

Covering a tattoo is a little different from covering a scar or a burn says makeup artist, Mary Schook. Even though a tattoo has the dark pigment, a scar has slicker tissue so it needs a little more attention, she says. Whichever you're covering though, the best "application technique is airbrush." (She recommends using the Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System, $225.) "It's so easy to layer [and build] the foundation" for better, long-lasting coverage. "That's what I use when I cover up tattoos for [photo] shoots," she says.











Airbrushing isn't the only option though, says Schook. There are a number of brands that are specifically designed to conceal unwanted marks. "Dermablend is a top brand that's used to cover scars and tattoos." (It's also great for masking other "skin complaints" like rosacea, birth marks, vitiligo and post-surgical redness.) They have formulations that can be used all over the body (try Dermablend Leg & Body Cover, $27) and shades to match every skin tone.
Whichever method you choose know that when "applied correctly, you won't need touch ups," says Schook. Here's the ideal method:



Step 1: "Start by cleaning the area well to remove any oils that might break down the makeup." Your aim is to build coverage to conceal the tattoo or scar, she says.


Step 2: If you're using a specific coverage product like Dermablend, use your fingers to pat the product directly into the middle of the tattoo or scar. (Don't rub -- you don't want to move the foundation around too much.)

Step 3: Once the mark is completely covered, use a brush around the edges to carefully blend the makeup outwards for a seamless finish. Let it dry for a few minutes and finish by stippling on a generous amount of powder to set the makeup. (Try Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, $30.)

If you're going the airbrushing route, the same principle applies. First, neutralize the color of the ink by applying a yellow corrective base with a sponge. (Sponges help the makeup adhere to skin and look more natural.) Build layers of foundation as needed, spraying in a circular or horizontal motion, setting with powder at the end.

If you need to cover a smaller tattoo or blemish, you can use regular concealers or foundations. Here are Schook's application steps:

Step 1: Start with a yellow corrective base then use a puff to dab powder on top to set the base. (Try T. LeClerc's Loose Facial Powder in Banane, $50.)

Step 2: Apply foundation that's a little lighter than your skin tone (use a brush and a tapping motion) over the corrective base. Set again with powder.

Step 3: For this third layer of coverage, use a sponge to apply a foundation that matches your skin tone exactly on top of the lighter foundation. Finish with powder (Shook recommends using the Make Up For Ever powder mentioned above).

To prevent makeup from rubbing off on your wedding gown, use a makeup sealer, she says. (Try Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, $29.)

Now that you know how to cover up unwanted ink, scars and blemishes, discover wedding makeup looks that will steal the show.