Unscented dove and Aquaphor, that stuff rocks!! but just a thin layer as u still want the tattoo to 'breathe' - we found by adding a couple drops of water to it also thins it out abit and makes it abit easier to apply and manipulate as its pretty thick. My boyfriend is 2 sittings into a full sleeve, has other tattoos as well and I have 5.... this is our method and it works perfectly.