Temporary Tattoos: The Perfect Test Drive for the Real Thing

Written by: Riana King

March 28, 2014

Reading time: 4 min

Table of Contents

1. Customize the Design 2. Change the Position 3. Apply and Remove with Ease 4. Change Your Mind 5. Experiment, Try Something Else

I'll bet this guy wishes he tried a temporary tattoo before you getting the real thing.

Tattoos have become a part of mainstream popular culture and today, as a result, the audience for permanent ink is getting younger and younger (think Justin Bieber). When you're only 18 or 20 years old, you may not know who you are yet or how you will change in your adult years. We don't stay young forever, and as your body ages and your skin stretches, you may come to regret your early ink or its placement. Before committing to a tattoo, experiment with temporary tattoos. Below are the top five reasons that temporary tattoos are a wonderful test drive for the real thing:

1. Customize the Design

One of the beautiful things about temporary tattoos is that you can make the design exactly what you want. In doing this, you are able to recreate the exact size, shape, colors, and layout of the tattoo that you are thinking about getting permanently and give it a test run. This will ensure that you are pleased with the design in every way possible.

2. Change the Position

With temporary tattoos, you can try the tattoo in several different positions before you decide where you want it. This is great if you are thinking about getting a permanent tattoo because it will help you find the best place to display your new artwork. Consider how your body will change with the years, and opt for a placement that will look beautiful for decades.

3. Apply and Remove with Ease

Temporary tattoos can be applied and removed very easily which allows you to test and re-test the tattoo wherever you want. Using some water to apply and a bit of baby oil or rubbing alcohol to remove, this is much easier than sitting through a laser removal process!

4. Change Your Mind

With temporary tattoos, you are not locked into the design or the ink when you place it on your body. You can change your mind and easily remove the tattoo if you decide that it is not for you. Permanent tattoos are not so forgiving, if you end up hating the tattoo, removing it is quite the ordeal.

5. Experiment, Try Something Else

Maybe you have a few different designs in mind. With temporary tattoos you can try as many designs as you want. You are not locked into anything and you do not have to stick with one design at all. You can change them as the tattoos wear off, or remove them to try something new right away.

Temporary tattoos are truly commitment free. They are a great resource to use when you are trying to make decisions about getting a real and permanent tattoo, and they allow you the freedom to walk through all of your options before making a choice that will be with you forever.

Have you used a temporary tattoo as a test run? Tell us about it in the comments below!

*Image from Funnypicturesplus.com

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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.

Why are temporary tattoos a good way to test out a design before committing to a real tattoo?

Temporary tattoos let you experience a design without the permanence. You can see how the tattoo looks, feels, and fits on different areas of your body, helping you decide if it's the right style and placement for a real tattoo.

Can I try a temporary tattoo in the same spot where I want a permanent one?

Yes! Applying a temporary tattoo in your desired spot gives you a realistic sense of how a permanent tattoo might look. It’s an easy way to experiment with different placements.

How long do temporary tattoos last, and can they mimic the experience of a real tattoo?

Temporary tattoos last between 3 to 10 days, depending on the type. They allow you to see the design daily, giving a trial experience of what living with a tattoo would be like.

What types of temporary tattoos look closest to real tattoos?

Fine-line, black-ink, and semi-permanent tattoos are designed to look realistic, mimicking the look of a fresh tattoo. They’re perfect for testing out designs that might eventually become real.

Are temporary tattoos safe for testing on sensitive skin areas?

Yes, temporary tattoos are generally safe and made with non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials. However, it's best to test on a small area if you have sensitive skin.

Can temporary tattoos be customized to match the design I’m considering for a real tattoo?

Absolutely! You can order custom temporary tattoos with your exact design from websites like temporarytattoos.com, letting you test the precise style you want for a permanent tattoo.

What are the benefits of using semi-permanent tattoos to test a real tattoo idea?

Semi-permanent tattoos last several weeks, providing a longer trial experience. This helps you see how a design might integrate into your life over time and with different outfits and occasions.

How can temporary tattoos help me decide on tattoo size?

Trying different sizes with temporary tattoos lets you visualize whether a small, medium, or large design looks best on your chosen area. You can see how the size affects the overall appearance and impact.

Are temporary tattoos a good way to test multiple designs?

Yes! Temporary tattoos allow you to explore different designs, styles, and placements without commitment. You can try out various looks and narrow down what truly resonates with you.

Where can I buy realistic-looking temporary tattoos for a test run?

You can purchase realistic, customizable temporary tattoos at stores like temporarytattoos.com. They offer a variety of styles, including semi-permanent options, to help you test designs as you prepare for a permanent tattoo.