August 7, 2012

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation ($34) is a new highly pigmented, full coverage foundation that promises super long wear.

It’s ironic Kat created something that’s meant to conceal tattoos since she is so proud of her own body art. But facts is facts at some point in life those who do have a tattoo might need to conceal it and in that case this provides a crazy good deal of coverage you’ll need to do just that.

Take a look!

This comes in a round plastic tube with a depressor for dispensing the foundation. I’d like to take a second to thank Sephora for creating a foundation product in an excellent package. Not only does this packaging allow the foundation to remain fresh (it lets NO air inside) but it also has a depressor that allows just the right amount of product to be released. Too many times I run into foundation or skincare pumps that let loose enough product to cover a small village or planet. I had no such issues with this. It releases just the right amount of foundation onto my fingers that I’ll need to do my entire face, no more, no less.

Speaking of just the right amount…

Holy Jebus this stuff is pigmented. They really are serious when they say full coverage. It does somewhat remind me of products like Dermablend that were created specifically to conceal birthmarks or tattoos. Truly this will cover just about any issues you’re wanting to hide. Redness, birthmarks, ink, acne scarring, dark spots, etc…etc…I don’t think I’ve tried, owned, or ever run across a foundation product this concentrated. It provides full coverage with as little as a dot size amount.

Not only are you buying into exceptional coverage but but it has an incredible wear time. Supposedly a combination of raw materials and the best siliconic elastomers and siliconic esters provide 24-hour wear with transfer resistance. I wouldn’t go so far as to say 24 hour wear time but you will see all day wear. My day runs around 8 to 12 hours and I didn’t have issues with fading or oxidizing. It remains as fresh as original application for me.

According to the details it’s a matte finish. I can’t wear mattes since my skin is drier however, I didn’t feel this was too bad. It lacks the powdery dry down of a matte finish foundation and has a semi-matte feel that was fairly comfortable to wear without being to heavy. You do have to use a little though as I can see it easily coming across cakey or accentuating flaky/dry areas if you go overboard with it. Plus it does have the potential to feel mask-like if you put too much on.

Shade: Medium 54

I suggest either mixing a little bit with your moisturizer (dry skin only) or using a brush to buff a light finish onto your face. I promise that a little goes a long way and you’ll come across flawless with just that amount.

The formula is so concentrated in fact it contains 21 percent pigment plus it’s paraben free with 14 shades to choose from.

Overall, I’m not sure Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation is for everyone. This is a foundation that’s specifically for those who want and need a good deal of coverage. I personally don’t use a ton of foundation so I do think the formula defeats some of its purpose for a skin type that’s fairly smooth and blemish-free. However, those seeking full on coverage for concealing EVERYTHING this is guaranteed to do so without feeling to heavy or mask-like.

Excellent product.

It isn’t something I’d reach for daily but I can’t deny how flawless a complexion it can create and what incredible coverage it offers.

If you remember a little goes a long way during application, I’m positive you’ll love it as much as I did.

Muse Approved for purchase.

Available now at Sephora and Sephora.com

Tried it?

Do share your thoughts!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Cindy

    I’m excited to give this a try! I’m just worried how it’ll fair on people with oily skin such as myself. If it’s really that full of coverage, I’d hate for it to be melting off my T-zone and the rest of my face look done!

    • the Muse

      it has a good matte finish cindy so it should be perfect, you might not even need powder after application.

    • glimmer88

      I wear Mac’s spf 50 Prep n Prime primer/moisturizer under it and it does great. The Mac absorbs oil and it’s moisturizer and spf and primer all in one so it’s all you need and it does great under the KVD foundation. Also Mac’s Invisible Set powder is the best for oily skin and it also great over this foundation.

      • glimmer88

        Just a note on Mac’s Prep & Prime spf 50. Mac has now changed the formula of this and it’s TERRIBLE. No more oil control–just a runny drugstore sunscreen at best. Just wanted to warn anyone who might be wanting to try it. DON”T unless you read in the reviews that they have changed the formula back to the original, which I am hoping they will. Just giving a heads up since I suggested this in my previous comment…….

  • meep

    I have to warn some people about this as I had a verry different experience. I have oily skin but still moisturize before foundation because even oily skin needs moisture (the oil on skin is most likely from lack of moisture or overexposure of moisture). The first day I wore this I only wore it inside, where it is nice and cool. At first application my face was flawless, but after only 6 hours I looked in the mirror, and to my horror, my face was splotch city! I was terrified, I am so glad I didn’t go outside with this or it would have been a meltdown nightmare. It clung to dry spots that I don’t even have. I returned it, disappointed… I love Kat but this was terrible for me

    • the Muse

      aw sorry meep 🙁 I had issues with it when I applied too much. A little dot did me good though. I think I went a little too overboard my first time because I noticed it really made my dry spots look worst. But after using a lot less I got great long wearing coverage.

  • NoRulesJustBeauty

    I was at Sephora checking out UD Naked Skin and the two girls couldn’t stop talking about how great this foundation was. Thought that spoke for something.

    • TLE

      I just bought the UD Naked Skin this weekend and it’s awesome! And the Good Karma brush that UD put out with it makes a great pairing. Would highly suggest it 🙂

    • Robin

      Im going to Sephora this weekend to check out both foundations. Lots of talk about UD, but not much about this line. I was curious about the KVD foundation so this review is perfect timing!

  • Kiss & Make-up

    That is ironic indeed… 🙂 That said, I’d probably use this on models with bad skin or with hyperpigmenation. At the moment I use Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation for that. It’s not something I’d personally wear myself, though.

  • K

    I don’t wear a full coverage foundation usually. But there are times that I want a flawless face, and this product seems perfect. I have very oily skin, so I hope this won’t melt on my face. I love KVD and her makeup line, but this foundation is a little pricey, I might wait for a sale…

  • Jacquelyn

    i did’t think it was ironic, but more so considerate of her! it’s not like she made this foundation just for herself to cover up her tattoos, but for her customers. she’s probably very familiar with people regretting their tattoos or needing to cover their tattoo up for certain occasions. that and/or whoever designed this product wanted to keep it in relation to kat von d in someway or another for marketing purposes! haha

  • Becca @ The Beauty Sample

    Wow this looks like some pretty serious stuff 😛 it looks really creamy and nice though for people who do like a (super) full coverage foundation. I haven’t tried anything from Kat Von D yet–originally it didn’t appeal to me in the slightest but I started to hear a lot of good things about the brand so now I’m curious. I’ll probably start with an eyeliner

  • Mnmakeupartist

    I have seriously oily skin and I LOVE this foundation. My skin looks flawless for 12 hours. Application is key. I use one pump and buff in with my Sigma F80 flat top brush. I use another pump along my jawline for old acne marks and to bend onto my neck. You also need a GOOD remover for this. One night when I didn’t do a double cleansing(makeup remover and then cleanser) I woke up with several new whiteheads. Not good. That said, I am saving this for special nights out only. I thought of returning it due to the breakouts, but I have never found a foundation that looked this perfect and lasted!

    • the Muse

      so happy to hear it mnmakeupartist!!!!!!! ;-D agreed, a little goes a VERY long way!

  • D-tan

    I got a sample of this in a really light color so I’ll have to mix in one of my darker NYX foundations to get it to my match. I’m excited to try it though, I really loved Hourglass’s Veil Fluid from the sample that I have but would rather pay $34 versus $60 if I like Kat Von D’s better!

  • Kaitlin

    I picked this up and am wearing it for the first time today. My skin looks amazing!

  • Ashleigh

    I own this foundation. I am in love with it. My skin is very dry. What I’ve found with this foundation is that her primer or a primer with similar slip is going to work best. Or, if you choose not to use a primer and go with the moisturizer route, make sure it has good slip. A primer with too much dimethicone is going to cause it to cake pretty fast. Those kinds of primers are great for foundation that has it’s own slip. KVD Lock It dries down quickly. You are absolutely right, a very small amount goes a long way. Also, work in small sections. You should not use a flat foundation brush. I found that the Sephora I.T. natural hair airbrush foundation was the best to spread it. Even the brush that comes in the KVD set is an “airbrush” brush. That tells you that buffing is key. I wore this foundation for a 9 hour work day then dinner and drinks afterward. I had on absolutely no concealer or powder (and I have problem skin). It stayed put all day.
    Here are some primer suggestions:(something that provides slip but not grab. this product grabs all on its own.)
    All Skin Types: KVD Priming Elixir
    Oily-Normal: Make Up Forever HD Primer (also great to use one of MUFE’s color correcting if you find these shades to be a little pink like I did.)
    Very Oily: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer/Laura Mercier Oil-Free
    Dry-Very Dry: Hourglass No 28/Cover Fx Skin Prep Fx

    Brush Suggestions: (Bristles have to be tight and short to have great buffing control)
    Sephora Collection I.T. Natural Foundation Brush
    KVD 5 Piece Brush Set With Case(foundation brush not sold separately)
    Sephora Pro Brush Collection #55 Airbrush Foundation
    MAC #130 Short Duo Fibre Brush

  • Ruthless

    I love this stuff. It goes on like spackle, sticks. OH IT STICKS!! It dries very quickly but remains tacky until you set it. Not for dry skin, must use a primer.

    • Trish

      I don’t know…I have very dry skin and this foundation gives me a beautiful and luminous finish. I do use a primer under it, though. I can’t recommend this foundation enough! I received a sample through a swap and never would have tried it otherwise. When I think Kat Von D I conjure images of tattoo’s and thick, cakey makeup for the young and trendy…not that there’s anything wrong with that…I just didn’t see it working for mature skin with fine lines. How wrong I was!! This is, hands down, the BEST foundation I’ve ever used at any price! A little really goes a long way when you buff it in with a flat top foundation brush. Talk about a super long lasting airbrushed, glowy, incredibly gorgeous, flawless finish! I’m raving!!! now I just need to figure out what to do with all the countless foundations I own because seriously doubt I’ll ever use them again. No need. Thanks for the great, and thorough review! 🙂

      • the Muse

        I am so happy to hear you love it trish what great news ;-D My pleasure! hope the review was helpful! ;-D

  • Cas

    Omgoodness.. I need to grab some of this. I’m absolutely obsessed with perfecting my skin.. lol and its not even that bad!

  • Sandi

    Hi Muse! You and I have similar coloring. Do you what shade would work for you? I’m having a hell of a time trying to decide from the Sephora.com swatches alone and I don’t have a Sephora nearby. Thanks so much!

  • Candice

    I tried this foundation yesterday and really loved it! I looked flawless for the entire day 🙂

    I think the “tattoo” part was meant to catch the eye as a Kat Von D product and also give the idea that the foundation is very long lasting (like a tattoo) and has the additional meaning of being able to cover tattoos since it’s also high coverage. That’s how I saw it anyway and how it appeared to me…

  • valerie

    can you tell me,if possible, what color I would wear if i am an NC20? I am thinking M54? Great review,thanks so much.

    • the Muse

      valerie it’s best to head in store and swatch for yourself, having never seen you before or a photo, etc I can’t really just pick a shade and say it would be suitable for your skin tone based on a mac alone.

    • Mnmakeupartist

      Valerie, I do not think you would be 54. I am NC 25/30 and 48 was just a tad light, but works with bronzer on me, so my guess is for NC 20, 48 might be perfect.

      • Valerie

        Mnmakeupartist…..you were absolutely correct with your 48 suggestion. It is a great match for my NC20 skin and it is a great foundation. I have dryer skin and find I must use a more moisturizing moisturizer with this though. My daughter who has oily skin and acne just tried it and also loves the coverage and will be purchasing it after she is finished her Prolongwear from MAC.

  • Mikayla

    I’m number 405 in Covergirl’s Trublend. I’m pale with pink undertnes and I wanted to ask if anyone would have an idea of what color I would be in KVD’s tattoo foundation? Thanks 🙂

  • Lala

    I recieved this as a sample this summer and found it to heavy, matte, & dry (I have very dry skin) for everyday use. I wore it to a summer wedding on a hot, humid & sweaty day and it was perfect. I used the rest as a concealer for under eye circles & blemishes and it works like a charm for that purpose. I would definitely recommend this for people with oily skin who want a full coverage foundation.

  • Edelweiss

    Been dying to try this. I’m probably best fitted as a #42 in this foundation as I’ve worn Dior Nude for years in 10. I tried it in sephora and it was a tad pink outside but under fluorescent perfect. I’d love to try it but it has been out of stock since midweek due to it’s popularity. Online and in-store. Lamezors…..

  • oxana124

    Love this stuff. I have dry skin, so I have to alter the way it is used. For dry skin a hydrating primer is a must. Also, using a primer prevents breakout for me because it acts as sort of a barrier, since I am very acne prone. The Kat Von D primer is a great one, the Jane Iredale is good too, but for very dry skin only as it may be too moisturizing for other skin types. I apply the foundation with a Sephora brand version of the beauty blender. I wet it, and squeeze the water out, apply very little foundation directly to my face and blend with the sponge. I get a lighter coverage that way, but it still covers everything. For even lighter coverage, using a very slippery feeling primer(both the Jane Iredale and Kat Von D I mentioned above are tacky feeling, not silicone slippery feeling) works well, like the BareMinerals primer, that one is nice and slippery. You can basically get this down to medium coverage, which I know some people would prefer. Also, sometimes I mix this with my Jane Iredale BB cream, which is nice and moisturizing, this bumps up the coverage and wear time of the BB cream, and increases the moisture of the Kat Von D foundation.

  • Gini

    Sephora is out of so many colors making it impossible to order. I don’t live near a store and will be taking a chance ordering online but not in stock on most colors. Very disappointed since I’m in need of foundation now and really want o try this. Is it sold anywhere else?

  • Margaret

    I love this foundation! I seen a review on Youtube – and using a stipple brush, the girl instantly covered a rather large zit with light application. I was impressed! I do have very dry skin as well, and was a bit unsure about buying this, particularly since this foundation costs $44 in Canada. I’m so glad I bought it. I don’t have a lot of blemishes, but I tend to have redness which shows through my foundation and it drives me nuts. I do add a drop of primer and a bit of vitamin E serum and mix with the foundation, as my skin is a bit too dry to use it alone. It helps, as well as using a brush. I can’t stop using this foundation. I use it everyday. I was also interested in the Naked Foundation by Urban Decay. I haven’t reached your review on that yet (if such one exists)… 🙂

  • Nikki

    I have this foundation in the same shade (medium 54) and I love it, but I was wondering what shade I would be in a MAC foundation ( I don’t live anywhere near a MaC store and would love to buy some online but don’t know my shade) please help!!!

  • acne scars!

    I have extremely fair skin with tons of acne scars and very red, my skin is typically dry but it seems always after I put makeup on I get oily and my makeup gets splotchy. I tried the at von d foundation and I dot think I will every use anything else! I’ve always just caked my makeup on and now I don’t have too! Its amazing stuff! Its just very hard to find!

  • Kristen

    Love your site! 🙂

    How would you compare the Kat Von D Lock-It foundation to Estee Lauder Double-Wear Stay In Place foundation? I am almost finished my first bottle of the Estee Lauder and was wondering if I should buy again, or try this Kat Von D stuff out! I do like the Double Wear…it provides great coverage and lasts a while. I have hyper-pigmentation from old acne marks (trying my hardest to get them to fade!) and want something that covers it! I hate having my ‘spots’ peek through half-way into the workday.

    Thanks!

    • the Muse

      i haven’t used el double wear kristen so can’t compare I’m sorry.

  • Daisy

    I have used both the Estée Lauder Double Wear and the KVD foundation. The KVD is significantly more matte and I find that it wears much longer than the Estée Lauder one. Personally, I like the KVD much better since it is much more suitable for oily to very oily skin where the Estée Lauder is a lighter coverage with less wear time and rubs off with blotting.

  • Dye

    I am dying to get this foundation. I like to be very full coverage to cover all my freckles on my face. I love my MAC Studio Fix Plus powdered foundation. I am in the color C3….. I was thinking about ordering kat von d foundation in the color light 48…. Can anyone help me out?

  • alatariel

    I really need a foundation that cover up my tattoo, because of my job, the foundations i try didnt work you could still see the tattoo, it was lighter but not gone, can someone tell me of this really works for tattoo?

  • Daisy

    I don’t think you will get complete coverage with this. It covers well but not completely. I can see multiple layers needed but then you run the risk of it caking up. I noticed at the end of the day after blotting it does rub off but not as bad as other foundations.

  • Jessie

    I think that I am the minority here but have had terrible experience with this. Note I have oily skin but this makes it 100x more oilier. I have tried it with various primers and without primer. I even tried this with Becca’s new matte primer. Set with powder and not set and no matter what I do, it makes me an oil slick. I also do not think that it covers what you need to cover and I really have pretty decent skin but do have freckles and some random dark spots. It doesn’t get close to covering these dark spots. Unfortunately the closest Sephora is 2 hours away.

  • Lyn

    Thanks for the review! For reference, what shade were you in mac at the time?

  • KC

    This is my FAVORITE foundation, and the only foundation I wear. I perform professionally in Musical Theatre, so it not only covers my tattoos for stage, but it makes an AMAZING stage makeup base that stays on through the hot lights, dancing, and even stage blood (Thanks, Evil Dead the Musical lol.)
    I even wear it as my everyday foundation, but only because I have a toddler and I don’t have the time to conceal every little spot on my face- this is a one and done foundation, and I get so many compliments that my skin looks flawless. I have combination type skin, with oil in my T zone and dry patches by my nose, but this covers EVERYTHING. I always moisturize first before applying my makeup.
    I also find that this looks best when applied with a beauty blender, my skin looks so airbrushed and perfect. It lasts FOREVER too, I do 5 shows a week and this lasts me well in to 2 months of use because it’s so thick and pigmented. I recommend working in quadrants around your face when applying, because it sets VERY quickly. I LOVE THIS STUFF.

  • abigail

    I don’t believe she made this foundation to conceal tattoos, she just means that this foundation will “lock” in for 24 hours. It’s supposed to be so long wearing that it’s similar to a tattoo. Plus, a friend of mine bought this thinking it was a foundation specifically for tattoos and it didn’t conceal it whatsoever. Good foundation though

  • Zukma

    Hi ! I wear 2w1 este lauded faundation wich color will I be in Karla von d ? Thank you !