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Jul 07, 2023

How to Make a DIY Temporary Tattoo Using a Pen and Toothpaste

Think temporary tattoos are only for little kids and Coachella baddies? Think

Think temporary tattoos are only for little kids and Coachella baddies? Think again.

You can flex your artistic muscle and give yourself a tattoo with some simple items stashed away in your house. No, not ink and a pin for an ill-advised stick-and-poke. More like toothpaste and a pen for a sick tat.

That's right, commitment haters: This artistic ink is only temporary.

This viral YouTube tutorial, which has more than 38 million views, demonstrates how to use a pen and toothpaste (plus a few extras) to make a DIY temporary tattoo. While the hack is basically made for a boring quarantine-night-in, the DIY temporary ink is also perfect for testing out new tattoo designs before you call up your choice parlor for the real deal. Plus, the result is waterproof and all.

As the video outlines, the first step is to prep the to-be-inked area by shaving it clean of hair. Then, apply a thick layer of toothpaste to the skin and rub it in. This minty step is said to remove excess oil from the skin and reportedly helps the longevity of your temporary ink. The video recommends Colgate toothpaste, though it's unclear if the particular brand has any effect on the final product.

After wiping the excess toothpaste off, grab a marker-like pen and get to sketching your ink. Once you are happy with the design, dust it with face powder or baby powder. This particular tutorial then goes over the design again in waterproof eyeliner for extra staying power, dusting it once more for good measure.

To lock the resulting ink in even further, apply one super thin layer of Vaseline, which is known for repelling water. After drying for 30 minutes, your tattoo is ready to be put through the wringer. That includes pools, showers, gym sessions, and whatever other trouble you could get into.

Think temporary tattoos are only for little kids and Coachella baddies? Think again.

Watch the tat tutorial for yourself below:

Katie Dupere is an editor and writer in New York City specializing in identity, internet culture, social good, lifestyle and beauty topics.

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