Halloween is the one time of year when kids and adults are given free rein to take on new identities, and everyone’s like, “Cool, here’s some free candy.” No wonder we all love Halloween!
Tattoos are one of the many ways you can tap into your creative side. For the needle- or commitment-phobic, tattoos are uncharted (read: dangerous) territory, but 2022 is a new era of gorgeously realistic temporary tattoos. And what better time than Halloween to rock that tattoo sleeve for serious shock value with zero regrets?
“Temporary tattoos are great because they let you test the waters,” says special effects and beauty makeup artist Sadie Mars. “I have real tattoos, but sometimes I like to live with a temporary design for a couple of weeks. That way, I don’t get a permanent tattoo I wind up hating later.”
Mars explains that temporary tattoos can be airbrushed (the same process as airbrushing makeup) or drawn with body markers: “These are the most realistic but require either drawing ability or special equipment. That’s why transfer tattoos are the easiest and the most familiar to people.”
Meet the Experts
Sadie Mars is a special effects and beauty makeup artist.
For realistic and long-lasting results with transfer tattoos, Mars makes these recommendations:
- Make sure the skin is clean of oils and products. You can use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the skin.
- Don’t place tattoos on areas with too much body hair. For the best results, the skin needs to be hair-free for the tattoo to adhere.
- With transfer tattoos, cut as close to the design as possible so you can see the shape and control its placement.
- Use a thoroughly soaked paper towel so the paper design gets completely wet. If the paper is totally wet, it slides right off, and the transfer tattoo won’t stick to the paper and ruin your application.
- To make transfer tattoos look more realistic, lightly spray with a setting spray like Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. “It’s like hairspray for your makeup, and it takes the shine away from the tattoo, so it looks more real,” says Mars. Set with a light layer of your favorite powder, but not too much, so the tattoo gets dull.
- Remove tattoos with baby oil or exfoliation.
As for some of the best temporary tattoos, here are our favorites:
Temptu Transfer Tattoos
Temptu practically invented temporary tattoos. Their ink transfer system was first used in the 1981 film, Tattoo and has been seen on haute-couture runways, in the pages of Vogue, and in Lady Gaga’s music videos. “This is the only brand I use,” says Mars. “I learned about Temptu in makeup school, and their designs are always the most realistic. I compare them to my real tattoos, which look the most like mine.”
Bic BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers
It makes sense that the most ubiquitous pen brand in the world would venture into body markers… right? Their 8-pack comes with assorted colors and stencils. The inks are skin safe — unlike the Bics you used to draw hearts on yourself during 3rd period Math.
Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics
Another pro makeup line that Mars recommends. The Tattoo Classics palette can create incredibly realistic tattoos, but the artistry is all you.
Inkbox Freehand Ink Temporary Tattoos Pro Kit
Inkbox invented a plant-based, cruelty-free ink that lasts up to two weeks. Unlike other temporary tattoos that instantly transfer once you wet the paper design, you leave Inkbox tattoos on the skin for an hour. Then, the ink darkens over the next 24-36 hours. This pro kit includes Freehand Ink, Shading Ink, a Tip Pack, Tracing Pen, Transfer Paper, and a Pencil to make endless creative designs.
Artwear Tattoos Lil Birds
For the trendiest tattoos — anything from a full sleeve to a RiRi-inspired underboob design — Artwear Tattoo is it. We’re just waiting for their Knuckle Letters to come back in stock.
Tattooed Now! Stars Tattoo
Hollywood’s go-to temporary tattoo shop. From Game of Thrones to Matrix Resurrections to Black Widow, it seems Tattooed Now! has (temporarily) inked every movie star out there.
Momentary Ink Delicate Lotus
Offering temporary, semi-permanent, and custom designs, Momentary Ink says they’re the world’s largest temporary tattoo manufacturer. With over 3,000 designs to choose from, it’d be weird if you couldn’t find one you like.
Tattly Rainbow Heart Tattoo
Tattly works with artists around the world to create beautiful temporary tattoos. Their slogan: “Fake tattoos by real artists.” Their colorful and unique designs stand out in a sea of black ink. Plus, they’ve got a kids’ section that, frankly, has adult appeal.
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