8 Best Foundations To Cover Tattoos Perfectly Well – Top Picks
Properly conceal your tats with affordable and skin-friendly makeup products.
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailored to the individual.
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We love our ink – whether it is the minimal aesthetic we aspire for or the grand, statement-making designs that speak volumes. However, certain occasions like formal work meetings and family gatherings call for the best foundations to cover tattoos that you otherwise love flaunting. These foundations come with full-coverage formulas that offer exceptional results by effortlessly concealing your tattoos without visible traces. Serving as a temporary fix, these can be easily removed once you are done with your stint. These products also contain rich and thick pigments that sit well with your skin tone and texture without looking cakey. If you are overwhelmed with the options in the market, take a deep sigh of relief. To help make your choice easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best foundations that effectively cover your tattoos without the hassle. We’re sure you’ll find the one!
In This Article
8 Best Foundations To Cover Tattoos Flawlessly In 2023
1. Best Paraben-Free Formula:Dermacol Filmstudio Prague Makeup Cover
It is a unique product that works just like a concealer and helps you hide all your skin imperfections like bruises, dark spots, skin discoloration, acne scars and tattoos too. This clinically-tested concealing foundation is available in multiple shades and can be used by people with almost all skin tones. Reviews on online forums attest that it lasts all day long and helps you keep your skin completely flawless. Also, by using a small amount of this product, you can cover a large part of the skin.
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- No harmful chemicals
- Free from preservatives
- Might not be transfer-proof
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 12,859 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best For Stretch Marks:Dermablend Professional Leg And Body Makeup Buildable Liquid Body Foundation
Dermablend is the experts’ choice when it comes to covering up spots, stretch marks, varicose veins, bruises and tattoos. The brand has a wide range of products that make makeup easy and effortless. One such makeup product is this professional leg and body makeup foundation. Unlike other foundations, this one is designed exclusively for the body and not just the face. Reviewers praise this product for helping to conceal skin marks in a very simple manner, while leaving the skin moisturized. The product is allergy tested and thus evades the risk of allergies. Being extremely light in texture, this foundation builds even coverage that stays long and doesn’t feel sticky. Induced with SPF 25, it is great for skin protection too. The high-pigment foundation is transfer resistant which makes it a preferable option.
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
- Triclosan-free
- Fragrance-free
- Phthalate-free
- Anti-transfer technology
- Professional-grade
- Slight oxidation
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 9,368 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best Lightweight Formula:Phoera Liquid Foundation
Pheora Liquid Foundation is an all-time favorite for getting that full coverage over your skin marks, acne scars, tattoos, and bruises totally invisible. With the versatile function of a concealer, foundation and skin corrector, this foundation excels at providing seamless camouflage. This skin-perfecting foundation has a matte texture that lasts long and is hydrating at the same time. The composition is formulated keeping in mind the hydration needs of the skin, making the product moisturizing enough for a soothing coverage. Offered in a variety of shades, this liquid foundation gives skin correcting options for all types of skin complexions. Its buildable formula is easy to spread and keeps the skin refreshed with a perfect airbrushed look. The foundation is also vegan and not tested on animals, making it ideal for ethically-conscious makeup lovers.
- Adds shine
- Oil controlling
- All-day wear
- Lightweight formula
- Provides ultra-smooth finish
- Not cruelty-free
4. Best Long-Lasting:MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation
The micro-skin technology of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation ensures that the product blends with the skin to give an invisible coverage. Your skin will look natural even under the light with medium to full coverage that does not settle in a cakey finish. This liquid color-correcting foundation contains hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin. The weightless formula contains smart adaptive pigments that adjust to the skin tone and offer a flawless complexion, and skin-fusion technology ensures that it blends optimally to give a natural look.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Skin-fusion technology
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Non-comedogenic
- Waterproof
- Sweatproof
- Cruelty-free
None
5. Best For Sensitive Skin:Dermablend Quick-Fix Body Makeup
Dermablend Quick-Fix foundation stick is exclusively designed to give you flawless skin without any marks or scars. It does a pretty decent job at concealing tattoos and enhancing skin texture. From concealing birthmarks and blemishes to correcting skin tone, this versatile makeup stick has the potential to do it all. Reviews on online forums vouch that the non-drying texture of this foundation can last up to 16 hours when used with a setting powder. When wishing to get that seamless finish that looks natural and non-cakey, this dermatologist-testedfoundation stick comes really handy. Its non-comedogenic formula suits sensitive skin.
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
- Triclosan-free
- Fragrance-free
- Sensitive skin tested
- Allergy tested
- Non-irritating
- Natural-looking
- High performance pigments
- Might be slightly greasy for some
6. Best Sun Protection:MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation
Wear the MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation to get your desired buildable coverage. The dermatologist-tested formula lasts for more than 24 hours without fading. The oil-free, smooth texture offers medium-to-full coverage, with an even finish. It does not form a cakey layer and remains breathable. The SPF 15 factor provides protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Buildable coverage
- Breathable formula
- Smooth application
- Photo-friendly
- UV protection
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free formula
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist-tested
None
7. Best Transfer-Resistant Finish:Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation
KVD Beauty Lock-It Foundation is suitable for exceptional coverage. It lasts all day long and provides you with a transfer-resistant finish. The foundation is created with a tattoo-safe formula, making it perfect to cover the tattoos. The product absorbs the excess oils from the skin and lends a beautiful, soft finish. Available in two different sizes, the foundation is suitable for travels. A small amount of this full coverage tattoo foundation can go a long way in concealing tattoos. With glycerin and calcium in it, the formula is great for the skin.
- Liquid form
- Vegan formula
- Blends smoothly
- Available in multiple shades
- Appears cakey when overused
Quick Tip8. Best Sweat-Resistant Formula:Dinair Camouflage Neutralizer
Suitable for delivering medium to ultra-full coverage, this foundation is perfect to cover tattoos and bruises. It doesn’t need any setting powder and still provides a seamless matte finish. Being water and sweat-resistant, it lasts long. The product blends flawlessly and adds freshness to the skin. The interesting part is that it can target stubborn skin issues like sun spots, acne scars, and vitiligo. It can help you achieve even skin tone and make your skin look ageless. Ethically-conscious reviewers also praise this product as it is free of animal testing.
- No oil
- No talc
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Needs to be used with an airbrush machine
So, these are a few top foundations to cover tattoos. Each one of these has special traits. You can choose any as per your requirement, but before making the purchases, take some time to go through the points mentioned below that might help you get your hands on the best product for your needs.
How To Choose The Best Foundation To Cover Tattoos
- Skin Tone
Choosing the right foundation shade is essential to cover the tattoos properly. The foundation shade needs to be slightly lighter to seamlessly blend into your skin tone. There has to be proper application of primer and concealer beneath the foundation, to let foundation do its job precisely.
- Coverage
Coverage really matters, as only with the right coverage can you cover the tattoos flawlessly. If you are someone who doesn’t like heavy full-coverage, opt for foundations that are buildable and provide seamless coverage. In case you are scared of greasiness, look for matte foundations which absorb oil from the skin. People who sweat a lot, must opt for water or sweat-resistant foundation. In case you have pores on your skin, foundations with an airbrush finish will be more suitable for you.
- Longevity
A good foundation that covers tattoos is not enough. It should last long and must not look patchy with passing hours. Also, water and sweat resistance foundations are good for keeping tattoos concealed without letting them fade after sweating. So, such products must be considered.
How To Cover Tattoo With Foundation
- Clean your skin before applying makeup on your tattoo.
- Apply a primer to ensure that your makeup stays long on your skin.
- Then try neutralizing your skin tone with a color corrector to tone down the shade of your tattoo.
- Apply some concealer after the color corrector to provide better coverage. Try dabbing the concealer instead of rubbing it for better coverage.
- Then select your shade of foundation. Apply it generously and blend it with a damp beauty blender.
- Set it with a setting powder for that long-lasting matte finish.
- For large sized tattoos, try opting for a liquid foundation that can blend well and doesn’t seem patchy. Apply the foundation generously and directly on the skin or after using a corrector. Use a blending brush or sponge and apply in tapping motions. Tapping or dabbing motions tend to add a lot of pigment that eventually can conceal your tattoo perfectly well. Rubbing, on the other hand, can mess up the process. So, dab the foundation with light hands for that perfect look.
The Bottom Line
Tattoos are a way of expressing one’s personal views and likes. But, to date, tattoos are frowned upon in most formal places. In such cases, the best foundation to cover tattoos will be of great help. The Dermacol Filmstudio Prague Makeup Cover offers unrivaled coverage to help you thoroughly conceal tattoos, scars, and imperfections with a waterproof formula, ensuring long-lasting results. The Dermablend Professional Leg And Body Makeup Buildable Liquid Body Foundation is specifically designed to cover larger areas with scars, varicose veins, spider veins, stretch marks, bruises and other imperfections, giving you a lightweight, natural looking finish. And the versatile Pheora Liquid Foundation is perfect for those with an oily skin type as it leaves you with a non-greasy matte finish. These foundations are expertly crafted to effortlessly cover the tattoos without any visibility of traces. The full-coverage formulas also hydrate your skin while camouflaging your tattoo. And some enhance your skin tone as well. It will be of great help to invest in the hypoallergenic foundations to suit any skin type and prevent triggering allergies. If you have sensitive skin, opt for dermatologist-tested or expert-recommended formulations and conduct a patch test to avoid irritating the skin. Foundations with SPF value are an added advantage as they protect your skin from harmful sun rays while covering your tattoo for a spotless look.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijani Roy Chowdhury, the author of this article, is a makeup and fashion expert and loves to try different beauty products. She read numerous online reviews and user feedback to curate a list of the best foundations to cover tattoos. Chaitra considered different skin tones, coverage, and longevity to select the products mentioned in the list. These foundations are lightweight, non-greasy, blend smoothly, and cover the tattoos effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use foundation to cover tattoos?
Yes, a full-coverage foundation camouflages your tattoos without any traces.
What makeup do actors use to cover tattoos?
Actors use setting spray, powder, concealer, and foundation to cover their tattoos.
Is concealer or foundation better to cover tattoos?
Both are good for covering tattoos. Choose the right formula considering the ink color, skin tone, skin type, and finish.
What foundation covers tattoos?
A full-coverage foundation with mild ingredients and free of harsh chemicals helps cover bruising, tattoos, acne marks, hickeys, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation without damaging the skin.
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