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If you're curious about body art but not ready for a lifelong commitment, a temporary tattoo might be just what you need. With only a few supplies found in any craft store, you can design your own tattoo at home. Let’s explore three easy techniques to create temporary tattoos: using eyeliner, stencils, and printed designs on paper.
Steps to Follow
Using Eyeliner for Tattoos
Create your own tattoo design. For a more striking result, sketch a few concepts on paper before applying it to your skin. Use a pencil and paper, and consider these points:
- Eyeliner tattoos appear more realistic when drawn with bold, simple lines. Intricate or delicate details may come out faint or unclear. Choose bold and distinct designs.
- Think about the size. Larger tattoos can be more obviously fake, while smaller ones tend to look more convincing. Tailor your design to suit your preferences.
Pick the right eyeliner. Head to a store and grab a standard sharp-tipped eyeliner pencil. Opt for a matte, non-oily formula; a smooth, quick-drying pencil will help the design stay longer without smudging.
- Jet black eyeliner gives a bold effect, but don’t hesitate to try other colors like emerald, violet, or sapphire for unique looks or subtle highlights.
- Avoid liquid eyeliners—they're tricky to apply anywhere other than your eyelids.
- Sketch your chosen design on paper first. Practice your hand pressure to create clean, smooth strokes.
Draw your tattoo on the skin using eyeliner. Take your time and be precise for the best result. If you're not satisfied, simply erase and try again.
- You can draw the tattoo on any part of your body, but hairless areas are generally easier to work with. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before starting.
- Use a cotton swab to blend colors and add shading effects.
Seal your design with hairspray. The same chemicals that keep your hair in place can help preserve your temporary tattoo for several hours. A light mist is all you need. You can also use clear nail polish or a topcoat as an alternative. Choose between matte or glossy finishes depending on your style.
Wash off the tattoo. Your temporary ink will last a few days before fading naturally. To remove it sooner, just use warm water and soap. It’s a good idea to clean it off before bed to avoid smudging on your sheets. If you used nail polish instead of hairspray, you can peel it off or remove it with nail polish remover.
Stencil Tattoo Technique
Create a stencil for your tattoo. You can achieve a polished temporary tattoo look by using a stencil, which gives you better control over the design than freehand drawing. Choose your desired image, trace it onto a piece of cardstock, then cut it out using a craft knife or scissors.
- This method works best with simple, bold shapes. Try designs like diamonds, circles, or other basic geometric patterns.
Get an oil-based marker, like a Sharpie, to fill in the stencil. Black is a classic choice and creates a realistic tattoo effect, but colorful options add a fun twist.
- Be cautious: some markers contain chemicals not safe for skin. Always look for skin-safe labels.
- If you prefer, you can use a whiteboard marker, though the tattoo may fade faster.
- Another option is stamp ink. Dip a cotton swab into the ink pad and dab over the stencil on your skin.
Start applying your tattoo. Position the stencil over the area you want to tattoo. Hold it firmly with one hand to prevent shifting. Use your chosen marker to color in the design. Once done, lift the stencil and allow the ink to dry.
- Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Shaving the area can improve the result.
- If the stencil won’t stay in place, use tape to secure it. It's also easier to work on flat surfaces of the body.
Remove the tattoo. After enjoying your temporary tattoo, clean it off with warm soapy water or a cotton pad soaked in oil to gently rub away the ink.
Using Transfer Paper
Buy water slide decal paper. Ever used those temporary tattoos from toy stores? They're printed on a special adhesive paper known as water slide paper. The tattoo design is printed onto the adhesive-coated surface of the sheet.
- You can find water slide paper online or at craft supply stores.
Design your tattoo. Let your creativity flow—water slide decals can capture any image, color, or symbol with sharp clarity on your skin. Use Adobe Photoshop or any similar software to create your design.
- Decide if you want a black-and-white or full-color tattoo. A color printer will give you more flexibility.
- Choose colors that will stand out well on your skin tone.
- Keep in mind: when applied, the tattoo will appear mirrored. So if your design includes text, flip it horizontally before printing so it appears correctly on your skin.
Print the tattoo. Load the water slide decal paper into your printer tray. Make sure the image prints on the glossy, adhesive side—not the darker backing. Once printed, use scissors to carefully cut out the design.
Apply the tattoo. Place the printed side directly against your skin. Press a damp cloth or towel over it for about 30 seconds. Then gently peel away the paper. Moisture helps the design slide off the sheet and onto your skin.
Remove the tattoo. These tattoos usually last for a few weeks before fading. To speed up removal, scrub gently with a soapy mixture using a brush.
Sharpie Tattoo Method
Get yourself a Sharpie marker. You’ll also need baby powder and hairspray to complete the look.
Draw your tattoo directly on your skin. Use any design you like and place it wherever it’s easily visible.
Sprinkle baby powder over the tattoo.
Lightly spray the tattoo with hairspray. Don’t overdo it—too much can dry out your skin. If your skin feels irritated or burns, dab the area gently with a damp cotton ball.
Now you've got yourself a new tattoo. It should last for about a month.
Tips
- Wait for the hairspray to dry completely before touching the tattoo.
- If the ink smudges the first time you apply hairspray, use nail polish remover to clean it up, then add baby powder before reapplying the spray.
- No matter what method you use, test each product on your skin beforehand to ensure there’s no allergic reaction.
- Apply one or two layers of baby powder to the ink before sealing it with hairspray for longer-lasting results.
- Always sketch out your design beforehand to avoid mistakes when drawing on your skin.
- For longer-lasting tattoos, consider getting a henna design.
- If you're using a marker, test a small area on hidden skin to check for reactions. If irritation occurs, do not proceed.
- Sharpie markers contain chemicals. If using on children, make sure the marker is labeled "safe for skin use."
- Avoid drawing on broken or irritated skin.
- Use hairspray in moderation—just a thin layer to prevent the design from smudging.
Warnings
- Use Sharpie markers with caution. The chemicals in the ink are not designed for skin contact and can cause harmful reactions. Consider safer alternatives, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
What You'll Need
Creating Tattoos with Eyeliner
- Eyeliner pencil
- Hairspray
Stencil Tattoo Method
- Cardstock or thick paper
- Scissors
- Permanent marker or stamp ink pad
Water Slide Decals
- Water slide decal paper
- Printer
- Scissors
- Damp cloth
