The thing that I love the most about temporary tattoos is that they work just like makeup. You can wear them one day and remove them the other. However, that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t last as long as possible!
Here I will be sharing a few tips and tricks, based on my personal experiments with countless temporary tattoos. The best part: They are totally safe for your skin. Or at least as safe as makeup can be. 🙂
First of all let’s have a look at a temporary tattoo. The most important thing is the medical grade adhesive. This adhesive is what makes the tattoo stick to the skin, but it has another quality. Shine. And unfortunately, the more long-lasting a tattoo (=more/stronger adhesive), the more shiny it is. This is because of the quality and quantity of the adhesive which is inherently shiny.
However, there are some steps one can take, that they can ensure super realistic temporary tattoos with the best longevity possible.
So, after you apply your temporary tattoo, (full instructions here) you can follow one or more of the following steps.
Apply a silicon based primer
A primer is used on the face prior to makeup, and what to does is to create a layer between your skin and the foundation. When applied above the skin (pun intended!), it creates a layer above the temporary tattoo, partially locking it in place. Plus a bonus. A mattifying primer makes your tattoo super matt and super realistic!
Apply translucent powder
This is a must. Translucent powder creates a thin film above your tattoo, adding extra protection against external factors. When applied above the primer, it locks both the primer and the tattoo in place. I try to apply translucent powder regularly, after shower and whenever the tattoo feels tacky to the touch.
Spray with a non-alcoholic, non-oily makeup fixative
Once again, a makeup fixative locks your makeup in place. When applied above your temporary tattoo, it partly locks the tattoo in place. However, since the tattoo consists of ink and adhesive,it is important that the fixative is non-alcoholic, non-oily. Otherwise, oil and alcohol might cause the ink to smear and the adhesive to weaken. So, be extra careful with this step.
That’s all! Of course, one doesn’t need to follow all steps religiously. What I normally do, is use a primer, translucent powder and makeup fixative right after applying my temporary tattoo and then I forget about it. I will only dust a bit of translucent powder after shower. This way my tattoos can last up to 7 days, depending on the body part I wear them.
So, what about you guys? What are your tricks to make your temporary tattoos last longer?
