Can you cover a tattoo with permanent makeup?

Author: Dr. Greyson Tillman  |  Last update: Saturday, November 15, 2025

The Tattoo Cover-Up Process The artist will carefully apply the permanent makeup over the old tattoo, disguising it as much as possible. Color matching and blending techniques are used to ensure that the new design looks natural and seamlessly blends with your skin tone.

How to permanently cover up a tattoo?

Tattoo Concealers: Use specialized tattoo cover-up makeup that is designed to fully conceal tattoos. Brands like Kat Von D, Dermablend, and others offer products specifically for this purpose.

Can a tattoo artist do permanent makeup?

Some permanent makeup artists are tattoo artists who give all types of tattoos, while others are cosmetologists or estheticians who offer permanent makeup as one of their services.

How long does permanent makeup tattoo last?

Most colors last three to five years, although some may not fade for as long as 10 years. Periodic touchups are recommended to maintain the desired look. You can also choose to change colors of your permanent makeup.

What makeup is best for covering tattoos?

Our top picks for the best tattoo cover-up makeup in 2023:
  • Best Overall Tattoo Cover-Up Makeup. MAC Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette. Read more.
  • Best Tattoo Cover-Up Makeup on Amazon. Mehron Makeup Tattoo Cover. Read more.
  • Best Color-Correcting Tattoo Cover-Up Makeup. E.l.f. Camo Color Corrector. Read more.

Tattoo Cover Up that Doesn't Rub Off!

Is there permanent makeup to cover tattoos?

Permanent makeup techniques, such as microblading, microshading, and ombre brows, are used to deposit pigment into the skin. The artist will carefully apply the permanent makeup over the old tattoo, disguising it as much as possible.

How painful is permanent makeup?

In short: No, it doesn't hurt as much as you might think!

Many people report feeling little to no pain, with some even dozing off during their appointment! High-quality permanent makeup clinics use medical-grade numbing agents to ensure that clients feel as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.

What does microblading look like after 5 years?

Five years after microblading, clients often observe certain transformations in their brows, influenced by factors such as type of ink pigments used, skin type and care regimen. After five years, some microblading may show moderate fading on some people, leaving a shadow or remnants of ink pigment.

Does permanent makeup damage skin?

Reactions that have been reported include swelling, cracking, peeling, blistering, and scarring as well as formation of granulomas in the areas of the eyes and lips.

What is a permanent cosmetic tattoo called?

Micropigmentation, also known as permanent makeup, permanent cosmetics or cosmetic tattooing, is a cosmetic procedure used to improve or replace lost coloring on your skin. Micropigmentation is most often used on your face – to enhance eyebrows, eyelashes, eyelids (as eyeliner) and lips.

Can makeup really cover tattoos?

"I typically recommend using only full-coverage foundations; anything sheer, buildable, or translucent will not cover a tattoo. A product like Dermablend is excellent because it's a one-application foundation," she says. "It's thicker, meant for beyond full coverage, and waterproof."

Is permanent makeup worth it?

The biggest benefit of permanent makeup is the amount of time and effort you will save daily by not having to re-apply and remove your makeup. Individuals with an active lifestyle or those who are not good at applying their own makeup will benefit the most from this treatment. .

How to cover up a black tattoo with makeup?

Use a peach corrector for black/blue ink, a green corrector to cover up red, and yellow correctors for purple hues and vice versa. If you have more unusual colours in your tattoo just pull out a colour wheel chart and look for the complementary tint on the opposite side to balance them out.

What tattoos can't be covered up?

Pigments like shades of red, yellow and orange often fail to fully conceal preexisting ink, especially if it the shades beneath are too dark. Think of tattoo ink like watercolor: you can't cover a dark red with blue, but you can make purple.

How much does a tattoo cover up cost?

Most tattoo artists charge by the hour, and you can expect to spend around $50-$300 per hour, depending on their skill and experience levels. If the coverup tattoo is particularly challenging — like concentrated black ink in a large area — you can expect to pay a bit more than someone with a small outline tattoo.

What is the downside of microblading?

However, there are risks, including infection, allergic reactions, scarring, and unsatisfactory results. Proper aftercare and choosing an experienced technician are crucial. While microblading is a convenient option, it requires ongoing maintenance and could be better for some.

Why are people removing microblading?

"There are a few reasons why clients want to soften or remove their microblading," he tells POPSUGAR. "The most common is that their pigment has faded to an unnatural-looking tone such as grey, black, peach, or pink. Some people are also seeing shifting and spreading of pigment to an uneven shape.

Does permanent makeup age well?

Does permanent makeup age well? Permanent makeup typically lasts from one to five years, however it may require touch-ups for upkeep. Though there is no guarantee that it will ever completely disappear, PMU does provide a long-lasting solution for a breezy daily beauty routine.

Does permanent makeup look natural?

Permanent makeup is a form of subtle tattooing that can flatter anyone. Rather than providing a dramatic look, permanent makeup can look very natural. By tattooing tiny dots of ink on your brows, lips, or eyelids, you can get the effect of having makeup on all the time.

What draws out tattoo ink?

Saline tattoo removal is a procedure that uses a saline solution to draw tattoo ink or pigment out of the skin.

Will Nair fade my tattoo?

Will Nair™ affect my tattoo? Nope. Nair™ hair removal creams will not affect tattoos.

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