by Lynette Alice

Created on: July 15, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2009

Given the upswing in the popularity of tattoos over the past twenty years it is no wonder the market for good tattoo makeup concealers has gotten so huge. Many people that got inked years ago thinking each piece would be special and something they would be proud to display their entire life sometime find that doesn't wind up being true. As you can imagine, as people age their tastes often change, and that ink no matter how beautiful it may be isn't something they always want visible. By trial and error some very good tattoo cover ups have been found for those moments you want to keep your ink under wraps.

One of the first concealers I tried was Tattoo Camo. Tattoo Camo is a two step process. The first step is you apply the paste which completely hides the tattoo. Next a setting powder is applied to prevent smudging. It is very easy to work with and comes in six shades to fit most skin tones. It does still look like you are covering something but it is not so noticeable as to jump off your skin. This is especially good for working with larger pieces where with solid blending techniques you can keep the look as natural as possible. The kit retails for $35.00 to $45.00 and comes with a remover.

Ben Nye, a large Hollywood and stage makeup supplier has a fantastic line of tattoo cover up kits available in almost any skin tone imaginable. As these blends are made to look natural even in extreme close up shots you can be sure you will not look like you are wearing anything. Their neutralizers and concealers retail starting around the $7.00 range with full palette kits beginning around $35.00. What is a great buy for many people especially those who only use a tattoo concealer occasionally is the "conceal wheel" which retails around $10.00 and comes with four different shades. This allows greater flexibility than the single stick concealers as we don't all tan evenly. A setting powder is not necessary but recommended as this will smudge.

Mehron offers a great and inexpensive line of tattoo concealers which can cover even the darkest or most colorful of tattoos without looking uneven or unnatural. The formulas are waterproof so they can even be worn in the water which is a huge plus for beach goers. Mehron only offers five shades which is a bit of a minus, and they offer both individual colors and the wheel like Ben Nye. Their products range from $7.00 to $12.00. Although their color selection is limited, if you match one of their tones this is an excellent product.

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