How to Make a Fake Tattoo With a Sharpie

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Tattoos are a lifelong commitment, so if you are unsure about getting one, creating a temporary tattoo is a fun and easy way to test how well you will like the real thing. Temporary tattoos will last two to three days, or a shorter amount of time if you scrub them with soap and water. You can easily make a fake tattoo with a Sharpie pen and a few other supplies found around your house.

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Things You'll Need

  • Sharpie Pen

  • Scissors

  • Translucent, Loose Powder (Baby Powder Or Face Powder)

  • Tattoo Or Ink Pencil

  • Tracing Paper

  • Image Or Picture Of Tattoo

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Clear Gel Deodorant

  • Cotton Swabs

  • Fine Tip Pen

Step 1

Find a picture of something you want to recreate as your tattoo. Lay tracing paper on top of it and trace with a fine tip pen. Flip the tracing paper over, and trace the image with your tattoo or ink pencil.

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Step 2

Cut the image out of the tracing paper using scissors. Make sure to leave 1/2 inch of tracing paper along the sides.

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Step 3

Rub deodorant on the area of your body you wish to temporarily tattoo.

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Step 4

Place the tattoo pencil-side down onto your skin. Press firmly to insure the entire image transfers onto your skin.

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Step 5

Remove the tattoo and inspect for mistakes or blurred lines. Apply alcohol to a cotton swab and wipe the swab over the tattoo to remove it if you are unhappy with the way the image transferred. Repeat by applying deodorant and the tattoo again.

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Step 6

Outline the image on your skin with the fine tip pen.

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Step 7

Add a line or two of ink with the Sharpie to the interior of the tattoo. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to blend the lines of the Sharpie into the lines of the fine tip pen.

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Step 8

Outline the tattoo again with the fine tip pen once you are happy with its appearance.

Step 9

Add a light coat of powder on top the the tattoo. This sets it and prevents the ink from moving too much.

Warning

Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to your skin to test its reaction before applying your temporary tattoo. Test the Sharpie as well by applying a small dot to the skin. Proceed if you have no reaction.

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