The best way to get a tattoo without having to deal with the pain or the permanence of an actual tattoo is…by getting a temporary tattoo, of course! They are cheap, convenient and painless. The best part is that you can get a new one every few weeks, depending on what your mood is. Kinda like changing your clothes whenever you go out (but not as often, obviously). However, there is just one downside to these tattoos – if not taken care of properly, they tend to fade away quickly.

So, how to make temporary tattoos last longer?

The Basics

Here are some important things you need to keep in mind before and during you’re getting your tattoo made.

Choosing the Right Skin Patch

• Make sure that the area on which you’re applying your tattoo has little to no hair. If it does have hair, make sure you shave it before you have your tattoo made there.
• Choose an area that has minimum exposure. This will ensure that it will last longer, as it will be protected against natural elements as well as cosmetic ones.
• Avoid joints. Your sweat collects in these areas, and the accumulated sweat (as well as the heat) will help break down the tattoo faster.
• Go for an area that isn’t in constant motion, or won’t come in contact with clothing often. For example, the nape of your neck would be an ideal place. Your feet would be the worst place.
• Your hands are the busiest part of your body, not to mention the ones that are in the maximum contact of substances (soap, shampoo, oils, etc.). Avoid that area at all costs.
• Make sure you don’t get your tattoo made on an area that you get waxed (hands/legs) or washed (finger tips) often – they will only wear out quicker.

Prepping Before Application

One of the most important (and yet most overlooked) aspects regarding how to make temporary tattoos last longer is prepping your skin.

• Clean the area that you want tattooed. Remnants of natural skin oils or creams applied beforehand can break down the tattoo.
• After you’ve cleaned it, don’t forget to scrub your skin. A mild face scrub is ideal. This will get rid of dead cells on the surface of your skin. A pumice stone works just as well. Exfoliating your skin helps create a blank canvas on which the tattoo paint can sit easily.
• Before the tattoo is to be transferred/created, rub your skin with Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. This will make the tattoo ink last longer on your skin.
• Pat the area dry.

Post Tattoo Care for How to Make Temporary Tattoos Last Longer

And now that we’re done explaining the most important parts of temporary tattoo care, here are other important tips you should know to make these tattoos last longer:

• If you feel your tattoo is too shiny, apply some baby powder on it. If you don’t have it, then your usual makeup mortifying powder would work just as well. And if you have a translucent powder, hallelujah! You can apply powder to it as many times as you want, whenever the tattoo starts getting shinier.

• Say no to washing the tattoo with water. Use a towel damped in water, or a baby wipe instead.
• Let your tattoo air dry. If you’re in a hurry, then dab the area softly with a dry towel. Do NOT rub it, as that will make your tattoo fade quicker.
• Never apply any lotions or creams on the area. Sunscreens are a big no as are oils.
• DO spray with the sealer of your choice.
• Avoid hot water at all costs because your tattoo will come off almost instantly.
• Don’t forget to let your tattoo air dry for a few hours after you’ve had it made. This will allow it to adhere to your skin properly.
• Say no to swimming, as the chlorine in the pool could cause damage to the tattoo.
• Do as little physical activities as possible, because the more heat your body generates, the faster your tattoo will fade.
• Apply clear nail polish or petroleum jelly as a top coat over your tattoo. These two act as sealants or barriers, which help your tattoo last longer.
• When your tattoo starts fading, you can easily run a sharpie over it, redrawing the parts that have begun fading. Use a marker with a thin tip in order to get the most precise design.
• If you have oily skin and are afraid that your tattoo might break down due to quicker exposure to body oils, then you can do one thing. Use baby powder, face powder or even corn starch, and apply it lightly on your skin from time to time. Not only will these easily absorb excess oil from your skin, but will also prevent your tattoo from appearing shiny.
• You can also use blotting paper or simple tissue papers to get the same effect.

Of course, as mentioned above, there are quite a few things that you can do for how to make temporary tattoos last longer. But keep in mind that these methods require a little time and commitment, not to mention a good memory. This is because we often go into auto pilot mode, for example, washing hands before eating food. These things come very naturally to us, so if at all you decide to get a tattoo on your hands, you will have to constantly remind yourself not to do anything that might jeopardize the tattoo.

Good luck!