How long do temporary tattoos last?

The honest answer

Typically lasts 2–3 days. It may last longer on low-friction areas with proper care.

Wear time is not a fixed number, because it depends far more on where you put the tattoo and what you do afterwards than on the tattoo itself.

What shortens wear time

Anything that rubs, stretches or dissolves the transfer will take days off.

• •Friction from clothing, bag straps, watch bands and waistbands
• •Joints and areas that flex constantly, such as inner wrists, elbows and fingers
• •Heavy sweating, long showers and swimming
• •Oils, moisturisers, sunscreen and alcohol-based products applied over the design
• •Scrubbing the area while washing, rather than patting it dry

What extends wear time

Placement is the single biggest factor you control.

• •Choose a flat, low-friction area such as the forearm, outer upper arm, shoulder blade or calf
• •Apply to clean, dry skin with no lotion or oil on it
• •Let the design dry fully before dressing
• •Pat dry after washing instead of rubbing
• •Water-resistant after application, but not fully waterproof. Swimming, heavy sweating and friction may shorten wear time.

What this means if you are testing a real tattoo

A few days is usually enough to answer the questions that matter: does the scale look right, does the placement work when you move, and do you still like it on day three. If you want a longer test, order more than one copy and reapply.