7 methods for covering up stretch marks: a 2026 roundup

Stretch marks are a normal part of skin's history, often appearing after periods of rapid growth, weight changes, or pregnancy. For many, they are a non-issue. For others, reducing their visibility can provide a welcome boost of confidence for a special event, a beach vacation, or simply day-to-day life. If you're looking for practical, effective methods for covering up stretch marks, this guide is your resource.

This roundup details seven distinct approaches, from temporary, at-home solutions to long-term professional treatments. We break down each option so you can make an informed choice that fits your goals, budget, and lifestyle. You will find a clear analysis of popular cosmetic camouflage products like body makeup and self-tanners, clothing and style hacks for strategic concealment, and advanced professional options such as medical tattooing and laser therapy.

For medspa owners and aesthetic professionals, this article offers more than a simple list. We provide insights on how to position these services within your clinic. You will learn effective ways to package treatments, pair them with complementary comfort services like Vacustyler for client recovery, and conduct client consultations that build trust. We also cover essential information on contraindications and aftercare to ensure safe, optimal outcomes for your clients. Each section is designed to be actionable, providing the specific details you need to either choose a method for personal use or implement it as a successful service offering.

1. Dermablend Professional — Leg and Body Makeup SPF 25

For clients seeking a reliable, high-performance cosmetic solution for covering up stretch marks, Dermablend Professional offers a standout product with its Leg and Body Makeup. This is not a standard foundation; it is a specialized, high-pigment body concealer designed for complete opacity and long-lasting wear. It’s a practical option for anyone needing to temporarily mask striae, scars, or varicose veins for special events, photoshoots, or daily confidence.

The platform, Dermablend.com, is structured to guide users directly to the right product and shade. It provides a "Shade Finder" tool, which is useful given the importance of an exact match for body makeup to look natural. The website also features video tutorials demonstrating application techniques, a necessary component for achieving the promised 16-hour, transfer-resistant wear.

Product features and application

Dermablend’s formula is dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The inclusion of SPF 25 adds a layer of sun protection, which is a sensible feature for a product often worn on exposed skin.

Its characteristics include:

• Buildable Coverage: Users can apply a thin layer for moderate concealment or build it up for completely opaque coverage without a heavy, caked-on feel.
• Transfer Resistance: The product’s durability depends heavily on proper application. It must be set with a generous amount of Dermablend’s Loose Setting Powder and left to "bake" for several minutes before buffing off the excess. This step is required for achieving its transfer-resistant claims.
• Shade Range: The line offers a broad spectrum of shades designed to match various skin tones, reducing the need for extensive color mixing.

Medspa and professional application

For medspas, this product is an excellent retail item or a temporary cosmetic solution following certain procedures. After treatments like microneedling or laser therapy, clients may have temporary redness or discoloration. While the treated area heals, Dermablend can offer a safe way to conceal these effects. It's a useful bridge product for clients who have undergone treatments but are awaiting final results. For those looking into more permanent solutions for skin texture and tone, there are always options like non-invasive body treatments that address skin quality from a different angle.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Opaque, reliable coverage: When applied correctly, it effectively masks the color and texture differences of stretch marks, providing a smooth, even-toned appearance. Its availability at retailers like Ulta and Amazon makes it easy for clients to purchase.
• Con: The setting process: The mandatory setting powder step adds time to the application process. Skipping it will lead to smudging and transfer onto clothing, a common user complaint that stems from improper application rather than a product flaw. It also contains chemical sunscreens, which may be a drawback for clients who prefer mineral-based SPF.

2. Sally Hansen — Airbrush Legs (Spray or Lotion)

For those looking for an accessible and budget-friendly method for covering up stretch marks, Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs is a classic drugstore staple. This product functions as a sheer "makeup for your legs" and body, available in both a convenient aerosol spray and a traditional lotion. It is designed to quickly even out skin tone, blur imperfections, and reduce the visible contrast of striae, making it a great option for last-minute needs or daily use without the commitment of a professional body foundation.

The official website, SallyHansen.com, is a product showcase rather than a direct-to-consumer store. It provides detailed descriptions of the spray and lotion formulas, shade guides, and application tips. While you can't purchase directly from the site, it links to major retailers like Ulta, Walgreens, and Amazon where the product is widely stocked. This makes it extremely easy for clients to find and purchase, often for under $15.

Product features and application

Sally Hansen’s formula is lightweight and designed for fast, streak-free application. Its primary function is to create a wash of color that mimics the look of nylon stockings, effectively softening the appearance of skin texture and discoloration associated with stretch marks.

Its characteristics include:

• Water and Transfer Resistance: Once dry, the product stays put on the skin and resists rubbing off on clothing or furniture, which is a major benefit for a cosmetic cover-up.
• Two Formulas: The aerosol spray is ideal for covering large areas like legs and arms quickly. The lotion provides more controlled, targeted application for smaller areas or for those who prefer to apply with their hands.
• Buildable Color: While not as opaque as Dermablend, the color is buildable. A light layer will subtly reduce the white or pinkish cast of stretch marks, and a second layer can provide more substantial camouflage.
• Fast Application: The spray-and-blend or lotion application takes minutes, making it a practical solution for anyone short on time.

Medspa and professional application

In a medspa setting, Airbrush Legs can be recommended as an affordable, at-home follow-up for clients between treatments. For example, after a series of microneedling sessions aimed at improving skin texture, a client might use this product to manage any residual redness or discoloration as their skin continues to heal and regenerate. It offers a simple, low-cost way to maintain cosmetic confidence without interfering with the treatment process. Its accessibility means clients can easily find it on their own after a recommendation.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Highly affordable and accessible: This is one of the most cost-effective and widely available options for cosmetic camouflage. Its presence in nearly every major drugstore makes it an easy recommendation for clients.
• Con: Limited shade range: The shade selection is not as extensive as professional makeup lines. It can be challenging for individuals with very fair, very deep, or specific undertones to find a perfect match, sometimes resulting in a slightly orange or unnatural finish. The coverage is also sheerer and may not completely hide deeply colored or textured stretch marks.

3. Vita Liberata — Body Blur (Wash-Off Skin Finish)

For clients seeking a more natural, luminous finish rather than opaque coverage, Vita Liberata’s Body Blur is a leading option. It acts less like a heavy concealer and more like an "HD skin finish," providing an instant tint and a soft-focus effect that optically blurs imperfections. This makes it ideal for evening out skin tone and reducing the visual prominence of stretch marks for special events or photography, without looking like heavy makeup.

The official website, VitaLiberata.com, presents the product with a focus on its skin-perfecting and light-reflecting properties. The site is clean and image-focused, showing the product in action on various skin tones. It provides clear guidance on shade selection and application, recommending the use of a tanning mitt or a large makeup brush for a streak-free, even application. This educational approach helps users achieve the product's intended photo-friendly glow.

Product features and application

Body Blur’s formula is lightweight and hydrating, containing organic extracts that condition the skin. Its primary function is to create a perfected, sheer veil of color that diffuses the appearance of texture, making it an excellent method for covering up stretch marks in a subtle way.

Its characteristics include:

• Wash-Off Formula: The product provides an instant tan and blurring effect that lasts until it is washed off with soap and water. This offers a no-commitment solution for single-day wear.
• Low-Transfer Finish: When a thin layer is applied and allowed to dry completely, the formula sets down and has minimal transfer onto clothing. This is a significant advantage over many other body bronzers and makeups.
• Blurring Technology: The formula uses light-reflecting particles to create a soft-focus effect, which minimizes the shadows and highlights that make stretch marks and other skin textures more noticeable.
• Shade Adaptability: While the shade range is more limited than a traditional foundation, each shade is designed to be forgiving and blend seamlessly into a range of skin tones.

Medspa and professional application

In a medspa setting, Body Blur is a perfect retail product to offer clients looking for a temporary cosmetic enhancement. It’s an ideal recommendation for a client attending an event who wants to feel confident showing skin, but isn't ready for a more intensive treatment. It can also be applied in-house as a finishing touch after a spray tan to add contour and an extra layer of perfection, creating a premium service. For clients concerned about the underlying texture of their skin, this product can be a gateway to conversations about services like microneedling or radiofrequency treatments that offer longer-term textural improvements.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Natural, forgiving finish: Its sheer, buildable formula is less likely to settle into fine lines or look cakey over textured skin, making it a great option for a "your skin but better" look. It’s also available through retailers like Sephora and Ulta.
• Con: Sheer coverage and price: This product is not a concealer. It will not fully block out dark or very prominent stretch marks. It only tints and blurs them. At a higher price point than drugstore alternatives, it is a premium cosmetic choice.

4. Westmore Beauty — Body Coverage Perfector

Westmore Beauty’s Body Coverage Perfector offers a different approach to covering up stretch marks by combining high-coverage camouflage with a subtle, luminous finish. Unlike matte, opaque concealers, this product is formulated to mimic the look of healthy, glowing skin, making it a popular choice for on-camera appearances, special events, or daily wear where a natural radiance is desired. It's designed to conceal imperfections like striae, veins, and scars while providing a flattering sheen.

The official website, WestmoreBeauty.com, presents the product with before-and-after visuals and customer testimonials. The platform focuses heavily on demonstrating the product's finish and wear, with video guides showing how to apply it for streak-free results. A key feature is the availability of different sizes, including a larger 7 oz bottle suitable for professional or back-bar use in a medspa setting, providing a cost-effective option for practitioners.

Product features and application

The brand markets its "Tri-Effects" technology, which focuses on three core functions: high-coverage pigment, an illuminating finish, and long-lasting, water-resistant wear. The formula is vegan, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, appealing to clients with ingredient sensitivities.

Its characteristics include:

• Luminous Finish: The built-in illuminator helps diffuse light, which can soften the appearance of textured skin and prevent the flat, heavy look that some body makeups create.
• Extended Wear: The product claims to last for days when undisturbed. Achieving this requires allowing the product to dry completely for about 10 minutes before dressing to ensure it sets properly and minimizes transfer.
• Buildable Formula: Application is best done in thin, even layers. Users can build coverage in specific areas without it becoming thick, making it adaptable for both light and deep stretch marks.
• Professional Sizing: The availability of a 7 oz pro-size bottle makes it a practical retail or service item for clinics that want to offer cosmetic camouflage solutions.

Medspa and professional application

For aesthetic clinics, the Body Coverage Perfector is an excellent complementary product. It can be recommended to clients for use between laser or microneedling sessions to conceal temporary redness or hyperpigmentation. Its glowing finish also makes it ideal for bridal or event-focused clients who want flawless-looking skin on their arms, legs, or décolletage. Offering application services for special events can be an additional revenue stream for a medspa.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Natural, skin-like finish: The illuminating particles create a more forgiving and natural appearance than traditional matte body foundations, especially under bright lights or on camera. Its claim of lasting for days is a strong selling point for clients attending multi-day events or vacations.
• Con: Potential for transfer and shade matching: Despite its transfer-resistant claims, some users report smudging if the product isn't allowed to set completely or if it comes into contact with oils. The luminous undertones can also make online shade matching a challenge, sometimes requiring trial and error to find the perfect fit.

5. TEMPTU — Airbrush Makeup System (for Body Coverage)

For a professional-grade finish that offers seamless coverage, the TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System is an exceptional tool for covering up stretch marks. This is not a typical brush-on or sponge-applied makeup; it’s a cordless, handheld airbrush device that delivers foundation in micro-fine layers. The result is an even, soft-focus finish that can effectively camouflage the color and texture of striae with a natural appearance, making it a superior option for photoshoots, special events, or any situation requiring flawless skin.

The company’s website, Temptu.com, is designed for both consumers and professional makeup artists, offering a range of kits, individual foundations, and educational resources. The site clearly explains the technology behind their patented Airpod system, which keeps the makeup hygienic and makes application fast. For new users, the "Shade Finder" quiz and detailed product descriptions help in selecting the correct formula and color, which is essential for a convincing body makeup application.

Product features and application

TEMPTU’s system is known for its ability to provide buildable coverage that feels lightweight on the skin. The atomized spray application ensures a more uniform layer of product compared to traditional methods, which can settle into fine lines or look heavy.

Its characteristics include:

• Hygienic Application: The makeup is contained within a sealed Airpod, meaning no brushes or sponges ever touch the product itself. This prevents contamination and is a great selling point for professional use in a medspa setting.
• Buildable, Even Coverage: The micro-fine mist allows users to build coverage from sheer to full without creating a caked-on texture. This is ideal for covering up stretch marks, as it can mask discoloration while appearing skin-like.
• Speed and Efficiency: Once mastered, the airbrush system allows for quick application over large areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or back.
• Pro-Focused Resources: TEMPTU offers extensive support for professionals, including "TEMPTU University" with online training and certification, making it easy to integrate the service into a medspa.

Medspa and professional application

In a professional setting, the TEMPTU system is a fantastic add-on service. It can be offered to clients post-treatment to conceal temporary bruising or redness or as a standalone cosmetic camouflage service for events. Its scalability, with professional kits and a wide range of foundation formulas (including silicone-based for long wear), makes it a practical investment. Medspas can market this as a premium "finishing touch" after body contouring or skin rejuvenation treatments.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Flawless, photo-ready finish: The airbrush application creates a smooth, diffused look that is difficult to achieve with traditional makeup. It excels under camera lighting, making it perfect for clients with upcoming photoshoots or video appearances.
• Con: Upfront cost and learning curve: The initial investment in the airbrush device and Airpods is higher than traditional body foundations. There is also a learning curve; staff will need practice to master the technique for consistent, optimal results without overspraying.

6. Norvell — Professional Sunless Spray Tan Solutions & Equipment

For a solution that evens out overall skin tone rather than directly covering stretch marks, a professional sunless tan is a popular choice. Norvell is a leading brand in the professional spray tanning industry, supplying salons and medspas with the solutions and equipment needed to deliver consistent, natural-looking results. The goal is not to paint over striae but to reduce the color contrast between the lighter, often hypopigmented stretch marks and the surrounding skin, making them far less noticeable.

The platform, NorvellTanning.com, is primarily a B2B resource for professionals. It features a comprehensive catalog of tanning solutions, application equipment like spray guns and tents, and educational programs. The website’s structure is built for salon owners and estheticians, offering professional pricing programs and business starter kits. This positions Norvell as a partner for businesses looking to add a scalable, high-demand service for clients seeking cosmetic improvements.

Product features and application

Norvell’s formulations are a key differentiator, marketed as vegan, non-comedogenic, and free of gluten, parabens, and sulfates. This makes them suitable for a wide range of clients, including those with sensitive skin. The brand offers a diverse portfolio of solutions to achieve different undertones and development times.

Its characteristics include:

• Broad Solution Portfolio: From their original Venetian line to the rapid-developing UVC Cosmo solution, technicians can select a product that best matches a client’s natural skin tone for believable color.
• Tone Blending, Not Opaque Coverage: A spray tan darkens the entire skin surface, including the stretch marks. While the marks will still be there, the reduced contrast makes them blend in. This method is explored in more detail in articles that ask the question: does spray tan cover stretch marks?
• Professional Application: Achieving an even, non-streaky finish that successfully camouflages striae depends entirely on the skill of the technician. This is not a DIY at-home tanner; it's a professional service.

Medspa and professional application

For medspas, offering Norvell spray tanning is a great entry-level aesthetic service. It can be a standalone offering for clients preparing for an event or vacation, or it can be packaged with other body treatments. It is a predictable, high-throughput service that requires minimal downtime and provides immediate results. Because it’s a temporary solution, it encourages repeat business as clients return for maintenance sessions every one to two weeks to keep the color fresh.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Effective tone-evening: For light-colored (hypopigmented) stretch marks, a spray tan is highly effective at making the skin appear more uniform. It’s a fast, non-invasive way to boost client confidence.
• Con: No textural change: This method only addresses color contrast. Deeper, indented, or textured stretch marks will still be visible at close range, as the tan does not fill in or smooth the skin’s surface. Regular maintenance is also required to prevent a patchy fade.

7. Studio Conceal (Los Angeles, CA) — Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo (Paramedical Micropigmentation)

For clients seeking a semi-permanent method for covering up stretch marks, paramedical tattooing offers a specialized, long-term solution. Studio Conceal in Los Angeles provides this service, using micropigmentation to deposit skin-toned ink directly into the scar tissue of mature stretch marks. This process does not remove the stretch marks but effectively camouflages them by reducing the color contrast between the scar and the surrounding skin, making them far less noticeable.

The studio’s website, StudioConceal.com, is an educational hub for prospective clients. It clearly outlines the candidacy requirements, the treatment process, and what to expect during healing. The site emphasizes that this procedure is only suitable for stretch marks that are fully healed, flat, and lighter than the client's natural skin tone. This educational approach helps manage client expectations and ensures only appropriate candidates book a consultation.

Product features and application

Paramedical tattooing is a highly skilled procedure that requires a trained artist to achieve natural-looking results. The technique depends on precise color matching and application.

Its characteristics include:

• Custom Pigment Matching: The practitioner creates a unique ink formula that matches the client’s specific skin tone and undertone. This step is critical for ensuring the treated area blends seamlessly.
• Long-Lasting Results: Once the area is fully healed, the camouflage can last for five years or more. This makes it a low-maintenance alternative to daily makeup application.
• Candidacy-Specific: The treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is ineffective on red, purple, or dark stretch marks and is not recommended for those who tan frequently, as the tattooed pigment will not change color with the skin.

Medspa and professional application

Medspas can partner with or refer clients to certified paramedical tattoo artists for a more permanent camouflage solution. It is an excellent service to offer clients who are unhappy with the appearance of old, white stretch marks from pregnancy or weight fluctuations. It is a complementary service for practices that focus on skin texture but not permanent coloration. For instance, after improving texture with treatments like RF microneedling, some clients may still want to address the remaining color difference. You can find more details on how RF microneedling works on stretch marks to understand how these procedures can be paired.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Lasting concealment: This method offers a "set it and forget it" solution that doesn't smudge, transfer, or wash off. It gives clients the freedom to wear what they want without worrying about daily concealment.
• Con: Procedural commitment: The process involves needles, a healing period of several weeks, and requires a highly experienced technician. It is also an investment, and touch-ups may be needed in the future to maintain the results. It is also limited to a specific type of stretch mark.

Top 7 stretch mark coverage comparison

Choosing your approach to stretch mark concealment

The journey to effectively conceal stretch marks is personal, with no single "best" solution. As we've explored, the path you choose depends on your specific goals, lifestyle, and how much time you want to invest. From temporary cosmetic fixes to semi-permanent professional procedures, the options for covering up stretch marks are more accessible than ever.

Your decision-making process should begin with a clear understanding of your immediate needs versus your long-term desires.

Recapping your concealment options

Let's quickly review the primary categories we discussed:

• For Instant, Temporary Results: Products like Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs and Vita Liberata Body Blur offer a quick, wash-off solution. These are perfect for a special event or a day at the beach when you need reliable, short-term coverage without a major commitment.
• For Opaque, High-Pigment Coverage: If you need to completely obscure the color and texture of stretch marks for an extended period, a body foundation is your strongest ally. Dermablend Professional Leg and Body Makeup and Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector are formulated for this exact purpose, providing transfer-resistant wear that lasts through a long day.
• For a Customizable, Professional Finish: For those who prefer a flawless, airbrushed look, the TEMPTU Airbrush System allows for buildable, precise application at home. It offers a professional-grade finish that can be tailored to match your exact skin tone.
• For a Longer-Lasting Tint: Sunless tanners, such as those from Norvell, work by darkening the top layer of skin. This method helps reduce the contrast between stretch marks and the surrounding skin, offering a low-maintenance camouflage that can last for about a week.
• For a Semi-Permanent Solution: If the daily routine of applying and removing makeup feels tedious, paramedical micropigmentation, like the service offered at Studio Conceal, provides a long-term answer. By depositing pigment into the skin, this technique can camouflage stretch marks for years, though it requires a significant investment and a consultation to confirm your candidacy.

Making the right choice for you or your clients

Selecting the best method for covering up stretch marks involves weighing several practical factors. Consider your budget, the amount of time you can dedicate to application and maintenance, and the level of permanence you're comfortable with. A body blurring lotion might be a five-minute fix, while a paramedical tattoo is a multi-session commitment.

For aesthetic professionals and medspas, the conversation extends beyond the concealment method itself. The focus should be on creating a complete client journey. After a client undergoes a procedure like microneedling or medical tattooing, their comfort and recovery are paramount. Integrating post-procedure care is not just an add-on; it is a core component of a premium service.

Key Insight for Professionals: True client satisfaction comes from a well-rounded experience. Pairing an aesthetic treatment with a recovery service that promotes healing and comfort, such as pneumatic compression with the Vacustyler, elevates your practice. This approach shows you are invested in the client's outcome and well-being from start to finish. It moves the service from a simple transaction to a comprehensive care plan, building trust and encouraging repeat business.

Ultimately, whether you are seeking a personal solution or providing professional services, the goal is the same: to find an effective, reliable method that builds confidence. The wide array of tools available ensures that everyone can find an approach that fits their unique circumstances.

For medspas and wellness centers looking to improve client recovery and satisfaction after aesthetic procedures, consider integrating advanced circulation support. Weyergans HighCare US offers specialized equipment like the Vacustyler, which uses intermittent negative pressure therapy to support lymphatic drainage and blood flow, helping clients feel more comfortable post-treatment. Explore how our solutions can complement your services and provide a superior client experience at Weyergans HighCare US.