There are many ways to apply temporary tattoos to the skin. Some are inexpensive, requiring no artistic ability and are quick to apply. Others can cost quite a bit if you choose the option of buying professional airbrush equipment.

The following are four of the most popular temporary tattoo products and methods available.

1. Stick on Tattoo Transfers

   These usually come stuck to a tattoo sheet which you have to wet before applying to the skin. You would then hold down the sheet onto the skin for a few minutes then slowly peal away the sheet to reveal the tattoo. The end result can look good from a distance but this type can be a little too shiny to be mistaken for a real tattoo.

2. Painted On Tattoos

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   This is my favourite type because the pigment is applied using a small paint brush thus giving greater control of the finished design. If you have little or no artistic ability this is not the tattoo type for you.

3. Airbrush Tattoos

   These are the quickest to apply since all you would have to do is spray the ink from the airbrush gun over a stencil that has been placed on the skin. You can purchase ready made sticky stencils that you stick to the skin. After a few minutes the ink will dry and you can then peel off the stencil to reveal a perfect tattoo. If applied carefully this type of temporary tattoo can be extremely realistic.

4. Henna Tattoos

   Henna is a natural pigment made from henna leaves crushed into a fine powder and then mixed into a paste. Ready made henna can be bought in tubes and squeezed over a stencil or squeezed directly onto the skin to form a design. The henna pigment can last on the skin for 10 days or longer and creates a brownish red “tattoo”. You can make the henna paste yourself by mixing henna powder with a mixture of lemon juice and essential oils. You can find several recipes for mixing your own paste on the internet. Beware of black-henna which is really a misnomer since natural henna is NEVER black. Harmful chemicals are used in so called black-henna which can leave permanent disfiguring scars on the body.

A Traditional Henna Design – Also Known As Mehndi

Temporary tattoos are a great way to adorn your body with a unique design without having to commit to the pain, expense and permanence of a real tattoo. They also provide an ideal opportunity to try on many different designs to match your mood, your clothing or an occasion when you want to stand out from the crowd.