Temporary Tattoo Application Fail - What NOT To Do!

Written by: Riana King

December 17, 2023

Reading time: 4 min

Table of Contents

Temporary Tattoo Fail #1 - Lotion or Makeup on the Skin Temporary Tattoo Fail #2 - Poor Scissor Skill Temporary Tattoo Fail #3 - Leaving the Top Layer On Temporary Tattoo Fail #4 - Not Enough Moisture Temporary Tattoo Fail #5 - Using Soap and Water for Removal

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Have you ever had a temporary tattoo fail? You know what we're talking about - when you're all excited to apply a new design and then you realized you've missed a crucial step in the instructions and you have to start all over again.

It's pretty simple to apply and remove a temporary tattoo correctly, but if you're not paying attention or it's your first time using temporary tattoos, then there's a little bit of room for error. Here are a few of the most common temporary tattoo fails that we've come across:

Temporary Tattoo Fail #1 - Lotion or Makeup on the Skin

If your skin is not clean and dry you won't get a good application. Remove makeup and lotion first, then apply the tattoo.

Temporary Tattoo Fail #2 - Poor Scissor Skill

When using a design from a sheet of tattoos, take care to cut out the tattoo you want, staying as close as possible to the edge of the artwork.

Temporary Tattoo Fail #3 - Leaving the Top Layer On

In your haste and excitement to apply your new fun tattoo, you may forget to peel off the clear top protective layer. Don't miss this crucial step or you won't transfer the art to your skin.

Temporary Tattoo Fail #4 - Not Enough Moisture

Make sure you get enough water on the washcloth or sponge that you're using and that you fully saturate the back of the tattoo as you press it to your skin. This will help the artwork to transfer flawlessly.

Temporary Tattoo Fail #5 - Using Soap and Water for Removal

Temporary tattoos can last days or even weeks on your skin. They won't come off due to sweat or if you wash with soap and water. The quickest and most efficient way to remove a temporary tattoo is with our Tattoo Gone™ Temporary Tattoo Removal Wipes. Our Removal Wipes are skin-safe and remove any temporary tattoo with ease. Simply unfold and apply the wipe to your temporary tattoo, and gently massage until removed.

Our gentle, lemon scented wipes allow you to put on as many temporary tattoos as you want without the mess! For an at-home remedy, use a cotton ball that is saturated in either baby oil, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. Take the saturated cotton ball and wipe off the temporary tattoo.

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Customize your own tattoo →

What are tattoo-inspired DIY cards?

Tattoo-inspired DIY cards use tattoo art elements such as intricate designs, symbols, and bold colors to create personalized and unique greeting cards. They can feature temporary tattoos or be hand-drawn with tattoo-style motifs.

How can I incorporate temporary tattoos into my DIY cards?

You can incorporate temporary tattoos by applying them directly to cardstock or using them as decorative elements. Simply remove the tattoo from its backing and press it onto the card surface just as you would apply it to your skin.

What types of tattoo designs work well for DIY cards?

Popular tattoo designs for DIY cards include florals, hearts, butterflies, skulls, and script. These timeless designs can add a bold and artistic touch, making your cards stand out. You can also choose symbols that represent personal connections, like infinity signs or anchors.

What materials do I need to make tattoo-inspired DIY cards?

To make tattoo-inspired DIY cards, you’ll need cardstock, temporary tattoos or drawing tools (markers, pens), adhesive if needed, and embellishments like stickers, rhinestones, or ribbon. A damp sponge is also useful for applying temporary tattoos.

How do I apply temporary tattoos to cardstock for a DIY card?

To apply temporary tattoos to cardstock, place the tattoo face-down on the card, press a damp cloth or sponge over it for 30 seconds, and peel away the backing. The tattoo should transfer to the paper, leaving a sharp and vibrant design.

Can I use tattoo art to make cards for different occasions?

Yes, tattoo art can be used for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and Valentine’s Day. Custom tattoo designs can reflect the theme of the card, such as roses for love or skulls for Halloween.

How can I personalize a DIY card using tattoo art?

You can personalize your DIY card by adding hand-written messages, names, or special dates in tattoo-style script. You can also choose custom temporary tattoos that represent shared interests or meaningful symbols between you and the recipient.

What are some creative ways to embellish tattoo-inspired DIY cards?

Creative ways to embellish tattoo-inspired DIY cards include adding glitter, metallic ink, or embossed designs. You can also layer temporary tattoos with stickers or use watercolor paints to add depth and color to the card.

Are there any tips for designing DIY cards with tattoo elements?

When designing DIY cards, keep the tattoo art as the focal point. Use bold, contrasting colors and leave enough negative space around the tattoo to highlight its details. Adding a simple border or hand-drawn accents can enhance the design.

Where can I find temporary tattoos for DIY cards?

You can find temporary tattoos for DIY cards at online retailers, craft stores, or custom tattoo websites. Many websites offer custom temporary tattoos where you can upload your own designs or choose from a library of tattoo-inspired art.

Riana King

Web Marketing Manager at TemporaryTattoos.com, where she leads digital strategy to enhance brand visibility. Riana combines creative content with data-driven techniques. Her skills in design, social media marketing, and customer engagement have played a key role in establishing TemporaryTattoos.com as an industry leader.