Search for your favorite cartoon characters, symbols, phrases, foods, and more. Any of these can become a cool new temporary tattoo! Embroidery patterns are perfect models for your temporary tattoo. These designs are often simple, cute, and usually on the smaller side, which will transfer more easily to your body. Try to avoid designs that are overly complex or detailed. Simple designs with bold lines generally translate well into tattoos. Designs with shading or intricate lines can be difficult to transfer. [1] X Research source
Places on your body where clothing rubs can decrease the time your temporary tattoo lasts. The friction caused by your clothing rubbing against the tattoo will wear away the tattoo over time. Your forearm or calf are good options to consider for tattoo placement. Keep in mind that skin that is constantly moving and stretching, and in some places your skin moves more than others, like on the back of the hand. This can cause your tattoo to fade or crack very quickly.
Waterproof eyeliner is probably the best option for your temporary tattoo. This kind of ink will last longer and is less prone to smudging if you sweat or it gets wet. When using pencils, you can vary the pressure you use to create shading on your skin. After you apply your liquid liner outline, you can use these to give your temporary tattoo a unique character. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source
If you find drawing the mirror image of your design too difficult freehand, you can use a computer to reverse the image. Copy your tattoo design into an image editing program, like Adobe Photoshop or MS Paint, and flip it along its vertical axis. If you are more artistically inclined, or have a friend willing to help you who is, you could also draw the outline of your tattoo directly on your skin in waterproof liquid eyeliner or with a eyeliner pencil with a fine point. If you plan on inking yourself in this way, once the outline is finished, you can move on to adding color or shading to your design. [4] X Research source
Make the outline of your image dark and thick. This will make it easier for you to follow the outline with your eyeliner, which you then transfer to your skin.
At this point, you might want to check and see how your design will look on the part of your body part you plan to apply your tattoo. Drape your wax/parchment paper outline side down on that body part. You should be able to see through the paper to preview how it will look. [6] X Research source
An eyeliner pencil can also be used to transfer your outline to your skin. Be sure you apply a heavy layer of pencil liner when re-tracing your wax paper outline. The heavier your layer of pencil liner, the better the transfer will be.
When you peel the wax/parchment paper free, the outline of your design should be applied to your skin. Allow your skin to air dry. [8] X Research source
If you don’t have liquid eyeliner, make sure your eyeliner pencil is very sharp so you can get clean, smudge-free lines. If you want to draw thin or fine lines or details, a toothpick can work well as a fine-point applicator. Dip the end of a toothpick into your liquid liner and carefully use it to add details to your temporary tattoo. If you make a mistake, dip a cotton swab in makeup remover. You’ll have to use an oil-based makeup remover for waterproof liners. Squeeze out excess liquid from the swab and then use it to wipe away any mistakes. Allow the area to dry again, then re-draw over the mistake if necessary. [9] X Research source
If you want an authentic looking solid black tattoo that lasts a long time and doesn’t smudge, use waterproof liquid liner to fill in your stencil. It will be very dark and striking. If you want to add color, try a colored eyeliner or even eyeshadow. Anything with sparkles won’t look very natural, but it can glam-up your tattoo.
Your protective layer can sometimes leave your temporary tattoo looking shiny. If this is the case for you, return it to a more natural appearance by dusting the area with another layer of translucent makeup powder, talcum powder, or baby powder. [12] X Research source Try to avoid exercising, swimming, or sweating too much. Your tattoo probably won’t last longer than a day, but avoiding these activities will keep it looking its best for as long as possible.
If you don’t have makeup remover, you can try using other common household products. Some effective options include olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly. When wiping your temporary tattoo off, use paper towel, tissue, or a disposable cotton pad. Otherwise you might end up staining your towels or washcloths.
The ingredients used in makeup can be harsh on your skin, especially if left on your skin for long periods of time. Replenish your skin by using a moisturizer after rinsing.
