Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer

Updated on Feb 13, 2024

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In this article, we will take a look at a list of some of the best temporary tattoo markers that are a great medium for expressing your creativity with body art. Temporary tattoo skin markers offer a fun and flexible option to experiment with unique designs, without the lifelong commitment of permanent tattoos. These safe and non-invasive tools are suitable for all ages and have popular among stage performers, cosplayers, artists, and more.

There are different types of semi-permanent tattoos and each of them offers unique application methods and longevity – they come in the form of stickers, markers, henna tattoos, airbrushes, or transfer temporary tattoos. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best tattoo markers. From an array of vibrant colors and innovative features to skin-friendly ingredients, you'll find everything you need to create stunning fake tattoos that reflect your style. Unleash your creativity and show off your unique style with our amazing recommendations!

Our top picks

What Are Temporary Tattoo Markers?

Temporary tattoo markers are specialized markers that are designed to create temporary tattoos on the skin. Unlike permanent tattoo ink, these markers are non-toxic and formulated to be safe. They allow you to create custom designs, patterns, and artwork that resemble real tattoos but will gradually fade away over time. Always perform a patch test before applying a larger temporary tattoo, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. With the right application and care, temporary tattoos can be a delightful and exciting way to add a touch of artistry to your skin.

7 Best Temporary Tattoo Markers

Anmmy’s Temporary Tattoo Markers for skin offer a fantastic option for various occasions like special events, sports gatherings, parties, and festivals. The markers feature a flexible brush tip that simplifies the painting process. With a selection of 16 diverse colors available, you can cater to a wide range of festivals and parties and express yourself creatively. The ink used in these markers is of high quality and is safe to be used on the skin, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting colors. This allows you to achieve the body art you desire without any long-term commitment. These body markers make expressing yourself through temporary art enjoyable and effortless due to its quick-drying ink, which reduces smudging. Plus, it also has water-resistant properties.

Pros

• Easy to wash off
• Suitable to be used by kids
• Vibrant color payoff
• Highly pigmented

Cons

• They are not reusable

2

Best for Kids

Professional Goth Body Art Pens

Permanently enhance existing tattoos with the finest lip liner that’s available on the market. You can also accentuate and define your eyes with a real tattoo look and feel using these pens – they are trusted and used by professional skin artists on permanent tattoos. The product is gentle on the skin, making it suitable even for kids. It can be used on the face as well, ensuring great quality. These pens feature water-based liquid ink with a quick-dry formula and a revolutionary velvet-like tip for smooth application without any skipping, dragging, or pulling. You need to note that water can cause the ink to fade and wash off, so it needs to be taken care of. You can use these pens freehand or combine them with stencils to create intricate Henna-style designs and artwork. Rest assured, these tattoo markers for skin are smudge-free, waterproof, and have a no-pulling and no-dragging formula that will last all day.

Pros

• Dries instantly
• Sweatproof
• Flexible Tip
• No smearing

Cons

• The ink may dry out after a while

3

Best Marker Tip

BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Marker

These cosmetic quality markers by BIC are approved by professional tattoo artists as they provide the means to craft distinctive and vibrant temporary designs that last for a long time. They are specifically formulated to be safe for use on the skin, adhering to cosmetic regulations. To ensure proper usage, it is important to follow all warnings and instructions as they have not been tested on sensitive skin. These markers feature a flexible felt tip, allowing you to effortlessly create both thin and broad lines. Each pack contains three markers in vivid red, black, and orange ink colors. The Halloween-themed pack includes four sticker-like stencils featuring a pumpkin, skull, spider, and spiderweb, providing plenty of spooky inspiration.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Easily to remove removable
• Highly pigmented
• Has a smooth tip

Cons

• May cause allergic reactions for sensitive skin

4

Best for Sensitive Skin

LOONEY ZOO TEMPORARY TATTOO MARKERS

Experience the creativity of bold body art with Looney Zoo’s skin markers – they bring vibrant temporary tattoos right to your fingertips. This 30-piece temporary tattoo kit includes 10 skin-safe body art pens and 20 large temporary tattoo stencils, making the process of getting temporary tattoos a breeze. Discover the world of color with these rainbow tattoo marker pens that have been formulated with cosmetic-grade ink, specifically designed for skin use. The ink is temporary, non-toxic, and non-irritating, making it safe for all users. The user-friendly peel-and-stick stencils make it effortless to fill in designs using the broad-tip ends of the tattoo pens. Once the ink dries, simply peel off the reusable stencil. After using this kit, we felt that adding intricate details was very easy with the fine-tip ends that gave an impressive finish.

Pros

• Reusable
• Contains no harmful chemicals
• Ideal for sensitive skin
• Value for money

Cons

• The markers may leak if not stored properly

5

Best Non-comedogenic Formula

Jim&Gloria Face Paint Pens

With these 10 fine-tip face paint markers, you can achieve a mess-free and versatile solution for face painting. They come with a soft brush tip that allows you to create fine strokes and blend colors seamlessly. The best part is that these face paint markers won't clog your pores, making them suitable for all skin types. They are water-based and are designed not to itch, crack, or irritate the skin. You can easily remove it with bar soap and warm water, though it may require a few washes. These markers are not only perfect for face painting but also serve as temporary tattoo pens, conveniently fitting in your pocket. It keeps the paint on just your face and doesn’t get on your fingers. Crafted from durable PVC plastic, the stencils stay in place and can be used multiple times. Whether you're a professional face painter or simply enjoy having fun with makeup, this beautiful kit has got you covered.

Pros

• Skin-friendly
• Non-toxic formula
• Comes with reusable stencils
• Has a smooth applicator tip

Cons

• The tip is not very fine

6

Best for Beginners

Vanli's TEMPORARY TATTOO MARKERS

Unleash your creativity and express yourself using this tattoo marker kit that comes complete with a variety of high-quality tattoo stencil papers. With 50 unique and cool designs, you can easily create eye-catching art on your skin. These tattoo markers are user-friendly, making the process a breeze – You can create trendy and fun tattoos in the comfort of your home with this kit. The ink is available in black and various colors that are highly pigmented, ensuring consistently crisp tattoos. This lovely kit allows you to showcase your artistic side, whether you're decorating your own body or that of your friends. This ink is made from plant-sourced pigments, adhering to US cosmetic standards, ensuring safe and natural temporary tattoos. Use them to add flair and artistic freedom to your next event. It is made of sodium sulfate, water, sodium carbonate, sodium lignosulfonate, titanium dioxide, and nontoxic pigments of varying colors. Moreover, these markers are perfect for beginners and can be easily washed off with soap and water.

Pros

• Gentle formulation
• Easy to remove
• Has an extensive range of colors
• Very pigmented

Cons

• Not waterproof

7

Best Cruelty-free Formula

Inkbox Freehand Ink Temporary Tattoos

This professional kit offers various components that include freehand ink, shading ink, a tip pack, a tracing pen, transfer paper, and a pencil. This collection grants you immense creative freedom, opening up limitless possibilities. Inkbox's formula is cruelty-free and has undergone safety testing. However, it's important to exercise caution, as it should only be used externally and should not be applied to the face, neck, upper chest, intimate areas, or irritated and damaged skin. Applying the ink is effortless with our beautifully designed ergonomic bottle, allowing for easy control and precise application. The proprietary ink penetrates the top layer of your skin, resulting in a water-resistant and lifelike tattoo that lasts 1-2 weeks and gradually fades away. This is a fantastic alternative to permanent tattoos, giving you the chance to turn your body into an artistic canvas – so go ahead and ink it!

Pros

• Promotes skin-safety
• Versatile tips sizes
• Creates long-wearing body art
• Easily to transfer your sketch

Cons

• Little pricey

How to Choose the Best Temporary Tattoo Marker?

When choosing the best temporary tattoo markers, you'll want to consider several factors, including color options, features, and ingredients. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

1. Color Options

Look for a set of markers that offer a wide variety of color options to unleash your creativity. A diverse color palette allows you to create intricate and colorful designs. Consider temporary tattoo ink sets with basic colors, as well as unique shades and metallic brush pen options for added variety.

2. Features

Some temporary tattoo markers come with additional features that enhance the tattooing experience. Look for markers with fine tips for detailed work, dual-tip markers with different tip sizes, or brush-like tips for smooth, flowing lines. Erasable markers can also be helpful if you want to experiment and correct mistakes easily.

3. Ingredients

Pay attention to the ingredients used in the markers, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. The best temporary tattoo markers should be made from non-toxic and skin-safe materials. Water-based and plant-based ink markers are generally a good choice as they are less likely to cause skin irritations. Avoid markers containing harsh chemicals or substances that may be harmful to your skin. Opt for markers that are smudge-proof and water-resistant. This ensures your designs stay intact even if they come into contact with water or sweat.

4. Longevity

Temporary tattoos are meant to last for a certain period before fading away. Consider markers that offer a balance between longevity and the ability to be easily removed when desired. The average duration of temporary tattoos is usually around 1-2 weeks, but some markers may provide longer-lasting results.

How to Create Temporary Tattoos With Markers?

Creating temporary tattoos with markers can be a fun and creative way to express yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make your temporary tattoos:

Step 1: Clean the Skin

Start by cleaning the area of the skin where you want to apply the temporary tattoo. 

Step 2: Create Your Design

Using the temporary tattoo markers, draw your desired design directly on your skin. You can either freehand your design or use a stencil to guide you for more intricate patterns. 

Step 3: Allow the Ink to Dry

Once you've finished drawing your design, let the ink dry completely before touching the area. 

Step 4: (Optional) - Apply a Tattoo Sealant

For added durability and protection, you can apply a transparent adhesive film, tattoo sealant, or petroleum jelly over the design. This step helps to prevent smudging and ensures that the temporary tattoo lasts longer. 

Choosing the best temporary tattoo markers is an exciting journey into the realm of creative expression. By prioritizing a wide color selection, helpful features, and skin-safe ingredients, you can confidently select markers that suit your preferences and ensure a safe tattooing experience. Whether you're planning to adorn yourself with artistic designs or add an extra flair for a special event, these top-notch markers will unleash your imagination and let you enjoy the world of temporary body art to the fullest.

FAQ's

How long do BodyMark temporary tattoo markers last?

They last for around 2 days.

Are temporary tattoos worth it?

Temporary tattoos are fun, they allow you to get the experience without any pain and no lifelong commitment.

How do you keep temporary tattoos from fading?

Always allow your temporary tattoos to fully dry, do not let them come in contact with clothing. A layer of hairspray can also extend its lifespan.

How do you remove temporary tattoo markers?

Rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover can help you easily get rid of temporary tattoos.

How do you remove BIC temporary tattoo markers?

To remove BIC temporary tattoos, just lather the ink area with soap and rinse it off with water.

How long do Inkbox tattoo markers last?

They last for about 1-2 weeks, depending on your skin and how it is cared for.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Apart from being passionate about imparting knowledge on the things she is enthusiastic about, Sayantani also has a knack for all things creative and aesthetic. She believes that tattoo markers are a great choice as they allow you to experiment with different styles and designs without the need of permanently inking your skin or causing yourself any pain.

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reason!

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Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More

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