Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics is an alcohol-based liquid makeup line formulated specifically to recreate aged, classic or tribal tattoos on skin, silicone and latex. With exceptional coverage and durability, it is the go-to tool in FX character makeup when you need a tattoo to look like it has been on the skin for years.
Technical specifications
| Base | Alcohol |
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| Content | 60 ml per container |
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| Compatible surfaces | Skin, silicone, latex |
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| Airbrush application | Yes, compatible |
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| Colour range | Aged black and green tones in classic tattoo style |
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| Format | Ready-to-use liquid |
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| Removal | Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover |
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What it is used for
Tattoo Classics is designed for character makeup in film, television, theatre and photography when the character requires tattoos with history. The range of worn black and green tones allows you to replicate everything from old nautical or prison-style pieces to tribal designs with apparent decades of fading. It is also suitable for tattoo effects on silicone or latex prosthetics.
- Recreating aged and faded tattoos on an actor's skin
- Classic, antique or old school style tattoos for character makeup on set
- Tribal bands and historical designs with a worn appearance
- Painting tattoos on silicone and latex prosthetics
- Airbrush work for fine gradients and blending effects
- Brush application for precise line and shading detail
How to use it
- Shake the container well before use to ensure uniform pigmentation.
- Prepare the surface: if applying on skin, it must be clean and dry, free of creams and oils. On silicone or latex, make sure the surface is free of Release agent residue or contaminants.
- Apply with a fine brush for lines and details, or pour into the airbrush cup to work larger areas and gradients.
- If using an airbrush, work at low pressure (approximately 1 to 1.5 bar) in thin, overlapping passes to control colour intensity.
- Allow to dry between layers before adding more colour or shading. Drying is fast thanks to the alcohol base.
- To achieve the aged look, work the colour unevenly, leaving areas with lower saturation to simulate the natural fading of a tattoo over time.
- Seal the result with HD Matting Spray Clear if you need to reduce shine and increase durability.
- To remove the makeup, use Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover applied with cotton wool or gauze.
Usage tips
Control the ageing of the tattoo
The key to making a tattoo look old is lack of uniformity. Apply the base colour with some irregularity in thin layers, allowing some areas to remain lighter. At the edges, blend lightly with a brush dampened in 99% isopropyl alcohol to simulate pigment spreading under the skin over time. 99.9% isopropyl alcohol works as a thinner and for cleaning the airbrush between uses.
Combining with other Skin Illustrator palettes
Tattoo Classics works excellently alongside the dry palettes from the same family to add skin tones around the tattoo or to integrate the piece into the character's overall makeup. Use the Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone Palette or the Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette to unify the skin tone around the effect. For darker tones, the Dark Fleshtone Palette is the ideal complement.
Airbrush maintenance
Clean the airbrush immediately after each session with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol-based liquids can dry quickly inside the airbrush and clog the needle if left uncleaned. Never use acetone, MEK, water or 70% alcohol to clean or thin these colours, as they alter the formula and can damage the equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Can this type of makeup be applied directly on sensitive skin?
Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics is formulated for professional use in character makeup. For sensitive skin or skin prone to reactions, it is recommended to carry out a patch test on a small area at least 24 hours in advance. It is an alcohol-based product, so it may be irritating on very dry skin or skin with active dermal conditions. If you are working on silicone or latex prosthetics, direct contact with the skin is minimal or none.
How long does this makeup last on set without a touch-up?
Durability depends on the body area, the actor's perspiration and set conditions. Under normal conditions, Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics offers remarkable staying power thanks to its alcohol base, which seals the pigment onto the skin. To maximise longevity, apply in thin layers and allow to dry thoroughly between them. Using HD Matting Spray Clear as a final sealer significantly extends the duration of the effect.
Can it be used on silicone and latex prosthetics?
Yes. Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics is compatible with silicone and latex, making it a standard tool for painting prosthetics and special effects in the workshop. Make sure the prosthetic surface is clean and free of any Release agent residue before applying colour, as these agents can prevent proper pigment adhesion.
How do you thin it for airbrush use?
Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics is already formulated to a liquid consistency suitable for airbrush use without additional thinning in most cases. If you need to reduce viscosity, use only 99.9% isopropyl alcohol. Never thin with water, 70% alcohol, acetone or MEK, as they alter the formula and can ruin the result.
How do you remove this makeup from the skin?
Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics is removed with Telesis Super Solv or Telesis Makeup Remover applied with cotton wool or gauze. Rub gently in circles until the pigment dissolves. Do not use water alone, as it is not effective for removing alcohol-based makeups.
Can it be combined with finishing gels from the same brand?
Yes. Skin Illustrator Glazing Gels are an ideal complement for adding localised shine, simulating wet skin or adding depth to the tattoo effect. Always apply them over the already dry and sealed colour to prevent them from unintentionally mixing with the pigment.
How many colours does the Tattoo Classics range include?
The Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics range focuses on aged black and green tones, characteristic of classic, prison and nautical tattoo styles. Each 60 ml container is sold individually, so you can choose exactly the tones you need for your work. Check the product listing at Feroca to see the colours available at any given time.
Can I activate dry Skin Illustrator palettes with isopropyl alcohol instead of the official activator?
Yes, dry Skin Illustrator palettes can be activated with 99.9% isopropyl alcohol as an alternative to the official activator. However, never use 70% alcohol, MEK, acetone or water, as they do not activate the pigment correctly and can ruin both the palette and the final result. Tattoo Classics liquids do not require activation, as they come ready to use.
