Lifestyle

11 Ways to Test Out a Tattoo Before Going Permanent

LifestylePublished Feb 22, 2023
By Michele Zipp
back tattoo woman

Tattoos are a forever commitment, and because of that, many who want to get them do not. But there are ways to try on a tattoo without permanence -- including very real-looking temporary tattoos that can even be designed by you.

If you want to "test out" a tattoo before going under the needle, there are now far cooler options than simply rubbing on a temporary tattoo from the 50-cent vending machine. These are works of art, in various shapes, and include both virtual and real options for trying out how a tattoo looks on your body. Check out these ideas on how to test out a tattoo before you get the real deal.

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Momentary Ink.-placeholder
Momentary Ink.
momentaryink.com

Momentary Ink.

With prices starting at $12, you can get a Momentary Ink temporary tattoo that is totally custom. Work with a tattoo artist online, check out their selections, or upload something you drew yourself.

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Ink Hunter.
Michele Zipp/Ink Hunter

Ink Hunter.

I've become a bit obsessed with the free app Ink Hunter after trying it out and placing an intricate lotus design on my arm with my real tattoos surrounding it. It's free! Which is awesome and it takes a photo of you and puts on a tattoo that you either designed or you found in its selections.

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Henna Tattoo Tin.
target.com

Henna Tattoo Tin

The Henna Tattoo Tin ($17.99, walmart.com) comes with 10 cool stencils and three henna ink pens, which seem really easy to use. Of course, you could also visit a henna artist for help with application. But if you want to try your hand at this at home, this kit has all you need to test out a tattoo.

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Markers.-placeholder
Markers.
Amazon

Markers

Many tattoo artist will freehand certain tattoos. One way to really test out a look on your body is to book an appointment with the tattoo artist you are considering for a trial tattoo. It may cost you if you are spending a significant amount of time, so check with your artist of choice how they would like to proceed. By their drawing on your skin a rough draft of what the tattoo would look like in marker, that could give you a really good idea of if you want to make an appointment for the real deal.

You can also get creative at home iwth these BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers, $20; amazon.com.

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Silhouette Temporary Tattoo Paper.
Amazon

Silhouette Temporary Tattoo Paper

If you have something you designed, why not make your own temporary tattoo? All you need is Silhouette Temporary Tattoo Paper ($7, amazon.com). Print it out and place on your body just like you would any temporary tattoo.

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Inkbox.-placeholder
Inkbox.
inkbox.com

Inkbox

A great new ink is available for pre-order and it's similar to henna but is a fruit-based organic black ink and lasts for about two weeks. Inkbox prices start at $19 and come with ink and applicator as well as a stencil -- they have many great designs to choose from. You could also use the ink to draw something of your own as well.

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Tattly.-placeholder
Tattly.
tattly.com

Tattly

This Tattly Sprig temporary tattoo design is just $5 and you can get it on your skin and wear it to see if it feels like it should be there forevermore. Tattly has some really great designs that transfer well to real tattoos, but they also have a custom department to make the temporary tattoo of your dreams for a major tryout.

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Tattoo You.-placeholder
Tattoo You.
Michele Zipp/Tattoo You

Tattoo You

Guess which tattoo isn't real. The one on my neck was done with Appdicted's Tattoo You free app. They do have a limited amount of designs for free, but you can get more for a fee. However, putting one on does give you the idea of how you would look with a tattoo in the spot you are considering.

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Black Flowers Tattoo Stockings.
Amazon

Black Flowers Tattoo Stockings

We cannot handle how real these tattoos look, but it's just an illusion in pantyhose. The Black Flowers Tattoo Stockings ($14, amazon.com) are just one of many different styles of stockings you can order and all are custom-made. Try out a leg tattoo and fool everyone into thinking you did the real thing.

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SpecialtyTattoo 720x720 2 202005
Sticker You

Sticker You

Sticker You is known for helping you create custom temporary tattoos. Upload your design and order the quantity you want and you're good to go. You can even chose from glitter and glow in the dark options. This is great for trying the design you love on different areas of your body.

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2564332
Ulta

Inked by Dani Temporary Tattoos Self Love Pack

Words of affirmation have become increasingly popular tattoo ideas recently. This pack by Inked by Dani includes phrases like "Just Breathe" and "Be Brave."

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