Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer Review, Photos, Swatches!

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer ($25) is an oil and paraben free pigmented concealer that is transfer-proof and water resistant. It's described as being heavy-duty and multitasking as it not only hides dark undereye circles and blemishes, but even tattoos.

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer is available in (8) shades: 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 34 ad 36.

I received a sample of the shade 22, which is a soft beige, suitable for medium-light skin tones.

Because this concealer claims to be heavy enough to cover tattoos, I expected it to be a thick, somewhat dry consistency concealer (maybe something like the Make Up Forever Full Coverage Concealer). I was rather surprised to see that the consistency is actually pretty light (almost whipped) and very creamy. It also smooths out really well on the skin.

I'd consider it a medium coverage concealer, but it can be built to a fuller coverage when layered. One layer is never adequate coverage for me, but I like the fact that when I apply a few layers, it doesn't look heavy or unnatural. It also covers blemishes pretty well. After my foundation, I usually pat it on and then set with a powder puff.

You really don't need much, and I'd recommend starting out with less product than you think you'll need and go back to add more if necessary.

My favorite brush to apply this particular concealer is the MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush, although any standard concealer brush works fine. I sometimes like using my fingers as well, but a brush seems to provide more coverage.

The only downside I've experienced is that it makes my undereyes feel a little heavy and dry. I always moisturize my undereye area with Argan oil, so I don't have any issues with it actually making my undereyes appear dry, but it's a concealer that I can feel on my skin.

It lasts really well throughout the day with minimal to no fading.

#22 swatched on my hand

#22 blended on my hand

Two layers of concealer (no setting powder)

I decided to put it to the test with covering a tattoo, as some have said it doesn't really work, while others have said it does. Note that on the Sephora website if you look at the "suggested use", it mentions a 4 step process to cover a tattoo which requires a pink base to neutralize the tattoo before applying the concealer. Meaning, it may not cover a tattoo on it's own. 

With one layer, it provides about 50% coverage. With an additional layer, the black is still showing through. On the far right, I compared it with MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NC20), and it seemed that MAC pretty much covered the tattoo in one layer. I did try three layers of the Kat Von D concealer (not shown) and it only seemed to completely cover it if I applied the third layer without doing any blending. As soon as I'd touch it, it would lift some concealer off, exposing the tattoo.

(Please click the image to view the full-size)

The verdict: Does it work? Yes, but with some work. If you were looking to purchase this concealer for the sole purpose of covering a tattoo, I'd say look elsewhere. Because you have to layer it so much, it looks damp, thick (cakey) and unnatural on the skin. Something like MAC Studio Finish works much better because the drier texture makes it a little more budge-proof.

Despite it not being completely full coverage, I still like the blendability and the way it looks on my skin. I'll most likely purchase a full size tube as I like switching up my products.

Have you tried this concealer? What'd you think about it?

The Round-Up

Pros:

• A small amount of product goes a long way
• Lightweight, creamy consistency blends easily
• Medium coverage - builds easily without looking heavy
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Isn't full coverage with one layer - has to take several layers for absolute full coverage, which can be a pain.
• It feels a bit heavy under my eyes.
• Won't cover dark tattoos on it's own unless  you apply layers and don't blend them, causing it to look thick and unnatural.

Price: $25, Sephora.