Now you see it, now you don’t! (Unless you’re REALLY looking for it.)

This was an inner arm tattoo on yesterday’s bride’s sister, color-corrected and covered with Temptu Dura (an alcohol-based formula). I always take test photos to see if any areas are more “reflective” and need some bronzer or powder to adjust.

Everyone was really happy with the results, except the sister, who loves her tattoos and vowed revenge (“When I get married, I’m going to hire you to airbrush tattoos ON to the whole bridal party!” LOL!)

Here’s the even bigger tattoo on her calf – after I scrutinized the after photo, I added bronzer to blend in with the tan on her leg:

For tattoo coverage, I have the subject shave the entire area (body hair gets in the way of the makeup) and I start by using alcohol to thoroughly remove any oils from the skin’s surface. Then I use the principles of color theory to soften any colors in the tattoo and also to mute the black outlines, which are the most difficult to conceal against fair skin. Once the colors are subdued, it’s time for layer after layer of coverage. Temptu Dura, the alcohol based airbrush formula that I favor, does an amazing job at achieving long-lasting, transfer-resistant, and relatively realistic looking coverage (the covered area doesn’t reflect light exactly the same as natural skin as is visible above, but it’s usually pretty close and you can further adjust with powder).

The only thing that removes it is alcohol, so I always warn the subject not to drink too much since we excrete alcohol through the pores in our skin and that will absolutely break down the coverage! To remove (WITHOUT drinking yourself into a stupor), just soak cotton pads in rubbing alcohol (99% gets the fastest results) and swipe the surface until the product breaks down. Then wash and moisturize the area thoroughly.

It takes time and a lot of product to cover tattoos this big, but it’s worth it if the tattoo doesn’t fit with the wardrobe or would stand out too much in a photo. The same techniques apply for covering large bruises, birthmarks, tan lines, etc. – I have yet to find something Dura can’t cover!