Creating Temporary Tattoos

Following on from our post on designing a tattoo for a character, here’s a look at the various ways to apply temporary tattoos for a film or television production and some of the makeup products used.

Products to Create Temporary Tattoos

Stencils

Stencils are made from a thin, durable plastic which is reusable and easy to clean. The tattoo design is cut into the plastic, leaving holes for the makeup to go through.

Some stencils come with a cosmetic-grade adhesive on the back which sticks the stencil to the skin—leaving both hands free to apply makeup. The adhesive lasts for x number of applications.

Other stencils don’t have an adhesive backing, but you can get spray-on adhesive (e.g. Temptu Stencil Tac) that is easy to clean off after every use. Medical tape can also be used around the edge of the stencil to secure it to the skin. Stencils can be used either way round.

Where to buy: Temptu | Specialist make-up shops

Ready-made Transfers

Ready-made transfers come in a variety of designs, colours and sizes. Some transfers are in full colour, others are just in black, which can be left as is or coloured in freehand with tattoo makeup colours.

Transfers can be bought individually and some come in packs of similar designs or theme.

Where to buy: Tinsley Transfers | Temptu

Tattoo Transfer Paper

Transfer paper is a specialist paper that can be used in most printers, allowing the freedom to print any design and to have spares ready printed for use later. Normally A4 in size, it consists of several layers e.g one for the printed design to go on, a paper backing and a glue sheet with the adhesive. Remember to print designs mirror image so that the design is the required way round on the skin!

Where to buy: The Magic Touch transfer paper | Tattoo Johnny

Temporary Tattoo Makeup Products

Professional makeup products to create tattoos have a high pigment content, come in the colours used in real tattoos, are designed to last and withstand various conditions, like heat, sweat and water. Tattoo makeup come as solid dry colours (activated by alcohol), liquid colours (ready to use) and as tattoo pens.

• Dry makeup: Can be bought as individual colours and in palettes. The colours are activated by IPA (isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol), which also helps the tattoo to last. Products include: Skin Illustrator Horishi palette, Temptu Tattoo palette, Skin Illustrator Classic Tattoo pots, and Reel Creations Color Pots.
  

• Liquid makeup: Ready to use, the liquid products can be use in an airbrush or by hand using a brush or sponge. Liquid tattoo colours include: Temptu Dura Liquid Tattoo, Skin Illustrator Tattoo Classics and Reel Creations Body Art.
  

• Tattoo pens: Pens are great for creating freehand tattoos, for colouring in a stencil or outlining. The pens made by KD151 come with different sized/shaped nibs, allowing for both fine work and filling in. Other tattoo pens include: Reel Creations tattoo pens.

Where to buy: Specialist makeup shops | Reel Creations | Skin Illustrator | Temptu

A small selection of tattoo makeup products, from products to activate with alcohol like Skin Illustrator’s Classic Tattoo pots, Temptu’s Dura liquid colours and KD151 pens

How to Create a Fake Tattoo

Preparation

Gather all items needed to create your tattoo, set everything out and wash your hands before you start.

However you apply a tattoo, always make sure you prep the skin first. You must work on clean skin, so use IPA to get rid of any oil and dirt on the skin.

Excessive hair can be a minor problem, so if your tattoo is going onto, say, a really hairy arm, you need to think about how you’re going to work with that. You can remove the hair and, once the tattoo is applied, lay on hair over the top. Or, if you don’t want to do that, you have to use an application method that allows you to get in and around the hair.

Using a Stencil

1. With adhesive: Place the stencil onto clean, dry skin, and press it down gently, making sure it is completely flat to the skin. Without adhesive: Use a bit of medical tape around the outside edge of the stencil to stick it down and stop it slipping about, or use a stencil adhesive like Temptu Stencil Tac.
2. Apply the colour(s): you can airbrush, use a sponge or brush to apply makeup through the stencil. You can also use the stencil to create an outline, then complete the colour after removing the stencil from the skin.
3. Once the makeup is dry (should be fairly quick), carefully remove the stencil.
4. Clean the stencil with alcohol/IPA.

Using a Transfer

Whether you use a pre-made transfer or one that you have printed onto transfer paper, the application method can be slightly different. In other words: read the instructions for each brand you use! A rough guide to applying transfers:

1. Cut the transfer out, as close to the edge of the design as possible. There is usually a clear protective layer over the face of the tattoo which can be pealed off just before application.
2. Some transfers go directly onto clean dry skin; others go onto wet skin and you need to wipe the skin with a bit of water or IPA and leave it damp.
3. The tattoo transfer is applied to the skin and pressed down, keeping it in position to prevent the tattoo shifting.
4. Press a wet sponge/cloth to the back of the tattoo until the backing paper peels away—et voila, you have a tattoo.
5. If any area of the tattoo is lifted, use the damp sponge to press it down.
6. Let the tattoo dry thoroughly.

Watch a “how to” video: Using Magic Touch paper and applying transfer | Applying Temptu transfers

Using a Tracing Paper Template and Colouring Freehand

If you are super talented, or it’s a small/simple design and there are no major continuity requirements, then you can simply draw your tattoo freehand. You can also create a template with a stencil or by using tracing paper—the design can then be completed freehand.

1. Print out the design as a mirror image.
2. Place a piece of tracing paper over the design and carefully trace the design using a sharpened pencil.
3. Clean the area of skin to be used with alcohol and let it dry completely before proceeding.
4. Apply a little clear stick deodorant to the skin. This helps transfer the graphite from the pencil template.
5. Place the tracing paper transfer face-down onto the skin and press firmly, smoothing from the middle to the edges to ensure a good template is made.
6. Remove the transfer and you should have a feint outline.
7. Complete the design using your tattoo makeup.

Finishing Touches

If the tattoo looks a bit shiny, simply dust the tattoo with translucent colourless powder and let it set for a few seconds before brushing the excess powder off.

You can seal the tattoo with a sealer to help the tattoo last longer.

Aftercare

Cosmetic inks usually last 2-5 days; it depends where they are on the body and they tend to last better on dryer skin types (as opposed to oilier skin types). The more care given, the better a temporary tattoo should last:

• Don’t rub or pick at the tattoo, leave it be as much as possible! If it gets wet, pat it dry.
• Don’t use any lotions, oils or soap on the tattoo as this will damage it and even remove it completely.
• You can shower, but don’t use any products on the tattoo area and pat dry afterwards.

Removing Temporary Tattoos

Simply rub oil (like baby oil) or IPA into the tattoo and it will break down the transfer and colours. Soap and water can also remove some tattoos.

Find Out More:

• Designing a temporary tattoo for a character and where to get inspiration for designs.