Inked Talk

The entry of tattoos into mainstream culture happened quickly, but in settings where tradition rules the day adaptation has not come as quickly. Tattooed brides who want to cover their ink for their wedding photos have had to resort to dresses that conceal their tattoos, and retail and corporate employees must select locations for their tattoos that are easily covered up while on the job. Cosmetic companies have seen an opportunity in this, and a few have begun marketing concealers as tattoo cover-up makeup.

Not a bad idea.

One brand, Colortration, markets a liquid concealer that claims to be the best tattoo concealer product available.

Colortration offers a $16.00 custom trial kit consisting of six shades that can be tested to produce the best skintone match. The Colortration Barrier Spray, for an extra $17.00, helps the concealer last longer, particularly on areas like the hands which are much more prone to wear. Colortration liquid concealer runs about $35.00 for a 1.35 ounce bottle.

Another product, Tattoo Camo, uses a two-step process for tattoo concealment. The camouflage paste masks the tattoo, while the setting powder prevents it from rubbing off or smudging. Unlike Colortration, which sells its concealer and barrier as two separate products, Tattoo Camo sells its two steps as a kit for $34.95.

Another option for tattoo cover-up is the Ben Nye line of theatrical makeup, including some developed for tattoo concealment. The Ben Nye formula sells for about $7.00 per 0.3 ounce container, which boasts 50-200 applications.

For many, one of the big questions associated with getting any tattoo is how that tattoo will affect others’ perceptions of that person. A bride may hold off on that large back piece until after the wedding so as not to scare grandma, just as the ink-loving office slaves avoid tattoos on their hands, necks and faces so as not to become unemployable in their chosen professions. An effective tattoo concealer really changes the playing field, making previously taboo tattoo locations available so long as they can be covered up when needed.