If you want to experiment with the art of body painting without permanently changing your skin, a temporary tattoo is the best solution. You can make your own temporary tattoo using some household supplies and items available at craft stores. Learn four techniques for creating a temporary tattoo: using an eyeliner pencil, using a stencil, printing on paper, and using Sharpie (a brand of marker).
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Method 1 of 4: Making Tattoos with Eyeliner
Step 1. Make the tattoo design
To make a great tattoo, think about the design before you put it on your skin. Use a regular pencil and paper to sketch your ideas, following these guidelines:
- An eyeliner tattoo will look better if the lines are thick and simple. Thinner lines and more intricate designs tend to fade and be hard to spot. You should choose clear shapes.
- Determine the size of the tattoo you want. Large tattoos look as if they were hand drawn, while smaller tattoos look more "authentic". Design your tattoo according to the effect you want to get.
Step 2. Choose an eyeliner
Go to a cosmetic store and buy a regular eyeliner pencil, which should be sharpened. Choose a pencil that doesn't give off a shimmer or greasiness. A pencil that can be used to draw dry, even lines will result in a tattoo that lasts longer and doesn't fade.
- Solid black eyeliner can make for a flashy temporary tattoo, but of course you can choose more than one color. Try emerald green, purple and sapphire blue for the whole design or just a little touch up.
- Avoid liquid eyeliner. This type of eyeliner is more difficult to stick to parts of the body other than your eyelids.
- Practice drawing the tattoo design with the eyeliner pencil of your choice on a piece of paper. Familiarize your fingers with the pressure needed to create a smooth line.
Step 3. Draw the design on your skin with an eyeliner pencil
Take enough time and make sure the design is exactly what you want. If you don't like it, you can rinse it and redraw it.
- You can draw a tattoo anywhere on your body, but areas where you don't have a lot of hair are easier to draw. Make sure your skin is clean and dry when drawing your design.
- Use a cotton swab to mix colors and create color gradations.
Step 4. Spray the design with hairspray. The chemical that normally makes your hair harden acts as a seal, ensuring the tattoo doesn't fall out for a few hours. You don't need to spray it until it's wet; just spray lightly.
Step 5. Rinse
These tattoos can last about a day before they start to wear off. You can clean it easily with warm soapy water. You may need to remove it before bed to keep the eyeliner from staining the sheets.
Method 2 of 4: Making a Tattoo with a Stencil
Step 1. Create a stencil
You can create a professional-looking temporary tattoo by creating a stencil, which will help you take control of your tattoo design instead of relying solely on your drawing skills. Determine the shape of the tattoo you want, draw it on an index card, cut the tattoo shape with a cutter or small scissors.
- In this way, it is easiest to create simple and clear shapes. Try diamonds, circles, and other geometric shapes.
- For a more detailed tattoo, you can make a stencil from an existing image. Look for the How to Make Graffiti Stencil guide for more information on how to do this.
Step 2. Purchase a permanent marker
Use one or more colored markers. Black is a classic choice, and is best for making your tattoo look real. Being creative with other colors is no less fun.
- Permanent markers contain chemicals that should never be used on the skin. Look for markers that are labeled safe for skin.
- If you don't like using permanent markers, you can also opt for erasable markers. But the tattoo won't last long.
- Another equally good ink is stamp ink, which comes with a wet stamp pad. To use this ink, press a cotton ball against the ink pad, then sweep it over the stencil and across your skin.
Step 3. Glue the tattoo
Place the stencil on the part of the body you want to tattoo. Use one hand to hold it firmly against the skin, so that the stencil pieces adhere evenly. Use your other hand to color the shape of the tattoo with a marker of your choice. When you're done, lift the stencil and let the ink dry.
- Make sure you stick the tattoo on clean, dry skin. For a more even application, shave the area.
- If you're having trouble holding the stencil in position, tape it down. You can also try placing the tattoo on a part of your body that has a more even surface.
Step 4. Remove the tattoo
When you're satisfied with showing off your temporary tattoo, wash it off with warm soapy water, or 'rub' your tattoo with a cotton swab dipped in oil.
Method 3 of 4: Making Tattoos with Paper
Step 1. Buy water slide paper
Have you ever bought a temporary tattoo at a vending machine (quarter machine) or toy store? These temporary tattoos are printed on water slide paper, which is a special paper that has adhesive on one side. Tattoo designs are printed with ink on the adhesive side.
This paper can be purchased online or at a craft store
Step 2. Design the tattoo
There is no limit if you use water slide paper; any shape, color and pattern can be beautifully printed on the paper and will stand out clearly on your skin. Use Photoshop or another image-making computer program to design your tattoo.
- Decide on the color of the tattoo, whether it is black, white, or colored. If you have a color printer, you can enter any color you want.
- Choose a color that looks in tune with your skin tone.
- Keep in mind that if you apply the tattoo, the image will stick upside down against your skin. This means that if your tattoo contains words, flip the words over in the design, or the writing will be reversed when you apply the tattoo.
Step 3. Print the tattoo
Insert the water slide paper into the paper tray on your printer. Make sure the paper is positioned correctly so that the image will print on the adhesive side, not the other side. Cut the tattoo with scissors when you're done.
Step 4. Glue the tattoo
Place the side of the tattoo that contains the ink on your skin. Cover with a damp cloth or tissue. Press the cloth or tissue, and hold for 30 seconds. Remove the cloth or tissue and remove the paper. This moisturizing process causes the adhesive side of the paper to "slide" off the paper onto your skin.
Step 5. Remove the tattoo
This type of tattoo can last a week or more before starting to peel off. If you want to remove it before the tattoo peels off on its own, scrub your skin with soapy water and a bath brush.
Method 4 of 4: Making a Tattoo with a Sharpie Marker
Step 1. Purchase a Sharpie (a brand of marker pen) in any color
Also buy baby powder and hairspray.
Step 2. Draw the tattoo on your body
Use whatever design you like and place it where you want it, in an easy-to-reach place.
Step 3. Rub the tattoo with baby powder
Step 4. Spray hairspray lightly on the tattoo
Do not overspray, as your skin will feel very dry. If you accidentally spray too much, take a cotton swab and rub the area around the tattoo with water.
Step 5. Enjoy your new tattoo
The tattoo can last about a month.
Tips
- Wait for the hairspray to dry before you touch the tattoo.
- Apply a coat or two of baby powder to a permanent marker and spray with hairspray to make the tattoo last longer.
- If using a Sharpie, draw a small line somewhere hidden in your skin to see how it reacts. If a reaction occurs on your skin, do not use Sharpie.
- Cover the tattoo with liquid plaster because it lasts longer than hairspray.
- If you want a more lasting tattoo, use a henna tattoo.
- If the sharpie bleeds the first time you apply the hairspray, remove the stain using a nail polish remover, then apply more baby powder before you spray it again.
