The great news about InkLabs tattoos: how to apply a temporary tattoo comes down to three simple steps you do yourself at home, in a few minutes, with no needles and no pain. Prep, Place, Peel - that is it. In the guide below we walk you through each step in detail, plus the tips that make the difference between an "okay" result and a flawless one with clean lines and maximum longevity.
How to apply a temporary tattoo: what you need
You do not need anything special - the tattoo comes with everything required. In addition, just have: a little water, a damp sponge or cloth, and a clean surface. Make sure the chosen area is hair-free (or has very short hair) and free of any cream or oil.
Step 1: Prep
Gently exfoliate the area where you want to apply the tattoo for about 30 seconds, then let it dry completely. Clean skin, free of oil, cream, or dust, helps the ink adhere evenly. This is the step most people skip - and it is exactly the one that determines how good the result looks.
Step 2: Place
Remove the protective film from the tattoo and place it on the skin with the adhesive side down. Find the detachable corner and remove the paper edge. Press firmly over the entire surface to make sure it is fully adhered. Then apply a layer of water directly over the tattoo (or with a small sponge) and leave it for about 1 minute until the paper is fully soaked. Even moistening is essential - if any area stays dry, the transfer may be incomplete there.
Step 3: Peel
After one minute, slowly peel off the backing, from one corner to the other. Initially, the ink will be light and blue in color - that is perfectly normal. Over the next 24 hours it will deepen (blue/black), and the final shade can vary slightly depending on your skin type. Do not be alarmed by the light appearance at first: this is just the first stage of the process. Details on how the color develops are in the guide how long a semi-permanent tattoo lasts.
After application: what happens in the next 24-48 hours
In the first 24-36 hours the "magic" happens: the ink reacts with the keratin in the skin and gradually deepens until it takes on the look of a real tattoo. During this window, treat the area with care:
- do not get it excessively wet or rub the tattoo in the first few hours;
- avoid hot water and direct rubbing with a towel;
- avoid creams and oils directly on the design on the first day.
For maximum longevity, follow the complete tattoo aftercare guide.
Tips for a perfect result
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Exfoliate and degrease the area | The ink adheres evenly to clean skin |
| Choose a flat, hair-free area | The transfer is more precise, with no gaps |
| Moisten evenly for a full minute | You avoid areas with incomplete transfer |
| Peel slowly from one corner | Prevents lines from stretching or breaking |
| Be patient for 24-36 hours | The final color appears gradually |
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent causes of a poor result are: oily skin or skin with cream on it (the ink does not adhere), insufficient moistening (incomplete transfer), peeling too quickly (stretched lines), and rubbing the area immediately after application. Avoid these and you will get a clean, sharp tattoo every time.
Ready to try? Choose a design from the InkLabs collection or from the newest designs. Free shipping over €30 and a 30-day guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
How long does application take?
Just a few minutes: the prep, placement, and moistening (about one minute), then peeling. The final color appears after 24-36 hours though.
Why is the tattoo light right after peeling?
That is normal. The ink starts blue and light, then gradually deepens in the first 24 hours to its final shade.
Can I shower after applying the tattoo?
Let the tattoo develop in the first few hours without getting it excessively wet. Once it has set, it is waterproof and you can shower normally.
What do I do if an area did not transfer properly?
Most likely that area stayed dry or the skin had oil/cream on it. Next time exfoliate and degrease well, and moisten the entire tattoo evenly for a full minute.
