A frequently asked question - and one that causes a lot of confusion: what colour are temporary tattoos from InkLabs, exactly? The honest answer: our tattoos aren't multicoloured or metallic - they develop naturally to a realistic blue-black shade, exactly like a real tattoo. And, very importantly, they start light and then darken. In this guide we explain why, what to expect step by step, and why this colour is actually the secret to an authentic look.
What colour they actually are
InkLabs tattoos develop to a dark blue-black. They're not coloured (red, green, gold, metallic) - and that's intentional. The blue-black shade is exactly what makes a tattoo look real, similar to the ink of a classic permanent tattoo. If you've seen searches for "coloured" or "gold" tattoos, those typically refer to stickers or metallic flash tattoos - a completely different category.
Why they start light and darken
Something that surprises many people: immediately after application, the tattoo has a light, slightly bluish shade and looks "faint". That's perfectly normal and doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. The ink needs time and oxygen to react with the skin and "mature".
| Stage | Colour |
|---|---|
| Immediately after application | light, bluish, looks faint |
| After a few hours | begins to intensify |
| At 24-36 hours | dark blue-black, final look |
| Following days | stays intense, then fades gradually |
For the full mechanism, read how semi-permanent tattoos work.
The final look: realistic, not coloured
After the 24-36 hours, the tattoo reaches its dark, matte shade that makes it look authentic. This colour is precisely why our tattoos "look real" - see temporary tattoos that look real.
How to get the most intense colour
- Exfoliate and degrease your skin before application;
- Let the ink develop and respect the development time;
- Don't wet excessively or rub within the first 24 hours;
- Choose a low-friction area for an even, uniform shade.
Full steps are in how to apply a temporary tattoo and in the aftercare guide.
Who this colour suits
The blue-black shade looks great on all skin tones and suits any style - from minimalist and fine line designs to detailed illustrative pieces. In practice, it's the colour that most faithfully imitates a real tattoo, whatever the design.
In brief: the colour of temporary tattoos
If there's one thing to remember, let it be this:
- They start light - immediately after application, the shade is faint and bluish;
- They darken within 24-36 hours - to dark blue-black, the final look;
- They're not coloured - the realistic shade is intentional, not a flaw;
- They look great on all skin tones - and suit any design style.
So if in the first few hours your tattoo seems too light, be patient - only after full development will you see the true, dark and realistic shade. That's exactly the colour that makes InkLabs tattoos look like real tattoos, not stickers.
See the realistic effect on your skin. Explore the InkLabs collection. Free shipping over €30 and 6 free tattoos on orders over €40.
Frequently asked questions
What colour are InkLabs tattoos?
They develop to a dark blue-black, a realistic shade similar to a permanent tattoo. They're not coloured or metallic.
Why is the tattoo light at first?
Because the reaction with the skin needs time and oxygen. Within 24-36 hours it darkens completely, reaching its final shade.
Are there coloured temporary tattoos at InkLabs?
No. Our range develops to blue-black, specifically to achieve the most realistic look possible. Coloured or gold variants are typically stickers or flash tattoos.
Does the colour look good on all skin tones?
Yes, the blue-black shade suits all skin types and any design style.
