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The best temporary tattoos are like a fling. They’re fun, fleeting, and over before anybody gets hurt. A temporary tattoo gives you a taste without the lifelong commitment and pain it takes (sometimes even with numbing cream or spray) to get the real thing. But if you’re debating something more permanent, a temporary tattoo is the perfect test run. Fake tattoos that look real let you play with various placements and designs and fade away within days.

Temporary tattoos of today are nothing like the lick-and-stick versions from childhood. They’re intricate, modern, and look startlingly realistic. With the proper care, some semi-permanent tattoos can last up to two weeks. My parents would’ve flipped.

From small, delicate designs to large, full-sleeve designs, there is a lot to choose from in terms of the best temporary tattoos. Luckily, all the searching has been done for you. The top 7 temporary tattoos are just a scroll away.

Key Takeaways 

Like the best temporary tattoos, Inkbox has beautiful, detailed designs made by real artists that can last up to two full weeks on the skin.

For thousands of design options to choose from, Momentary Ink is another great option. If a sleeve is what you’re after, Pinone makes awesome designs for arms and legs.

When I first saw an Inkbox tattoo, I was blown away. It was so intricate and beautiful, which made sense once I learned they’re designed by real artists. You can expect classic designs typically chosen by men, like swords, roses, and animals, but they all have an extra artistic flair. I love that they also have lots of smaller tattoos that are perfect for hands. Custom options are available, too.

And it’s not just looks that make them the best. Inkbox has the most long-lasting temporary tattoos. Unlike other brands that apply in seconds, you have to leave this one on for an hour. Over the next 24-36 hours, the ink penetrates the collagen and protein in your skin and darkens to really set in (the ink is vegan and cruelty-free). Each tattoo comes with a chart to describe how long it will last. Many stick around for up to two weeks.

Simply exfoliate for easy removal, but the tattoo will fade as your skin naturally regenerates.

Tip: Avoid showering or sweating six hours after applying, and wear loose clothing to bed on the first night to prevent the tattoo from imprinting on another part of your body or your bedsheets.

Lasts: Up to 2 Weeks | Custom Design Options: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes

As someone who loves to express my unique style and personality, turning to Inkbox’s Freehand Ink Temporary Tattoo kit was a no-brainer when looking for a way to experiment before committing to a tattoo (much more affordable too). 

With a variety of black ink pens and stencils included in the full kit (this option is only the pen’s – perfect for the confident free-spirit), I was able to let my creativity shine and design my own tattoo. 

To my surprise, the application was easy, and the quality of the final product was impressive. The ink is waterproof, boasting 1-2 weeks of wear but isn’t safe for your face, neck or intimate areas, so get wild but not too wild.

Lasts: 1-2 Weeks | Custom Design Options: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Henna has long been a staple in the world of men’s grooming and body art. It’s a natural dye, made from the leaves of the henna plant, and can be used to create intricate and beautiful designs on the skin. Unlike other temporary tattoo options, henna is a paste that you pipe onto the skin and leave to dry (tip: the longer you leave it to dry the darker it becomes), it will also darken over the first 24 hours. While this option is not completely mess-free it is the best organic option. 

Not only does henna provide a temporary tattoo experience that is both painless and non-permanent, but it is also a safe and natural alternative to chemical-based dyes and inks.

Lasts: 1-2 Weeks | Custom Design Options: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The best temporary tattoos don’t have to be thin-lined modern designs. What drew me to Cargen was the nostalgia aspect. In terms of style, this 9-sheet tattoo set is giving old-school vintage vibes with hearts, swords, and roses. It definitely has a beatnik flair but also works for a pirate or sailor Halloween costume like a charm. The thick, dark lines are very realistic-looking.

A typical temporary tattoo from this collection should last anywhere from 3-5 days with proper care. However, some reviewers say they can last up to two weeks on legs, which is pretty sweet. A frequently used and touched area like your hands and neck usually fades faster.

Lasts: 3-5 Days | Custom Design Options: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes

Next to a full sleeve, Zomme temporary tattoos are probably the most badass. It comes with a whopping 62 sheets, but many of the tattoos are big. They look awesome on the chest, arms, and shoulders. While the style doesn’t feel very original, and I’m not crazy about the design aesthetic, they are well done and highly detailed. Expect lots of wolves, skulls, symbols, and even some florals.

For the tattoo to last, it’s best if you don’t place them in an area where the skin creases. They work best on clean skin, but make sure the area is totally dry before applying. Give it a good 10 minutes to soak in, then lather with moisturizer to help it set in.

Lasts: 5-7 Days | Custom Design Options: No | Water Resistance: Yes

There’s something about a full sleeve that I love. A little punk, a little rock, and a whole lot of edgy, Pinone temporary tattoos let you embrace what it would be like to have a full sleeve—without the full commitment. And it comes with 12 pieces to experiment with.

Reviewers can’t seem to get over how surprisingly real they look. That’s saying a lot for an extra-large tattoo covering a lot of surface area. Just don’t forget to shave the area before applying.

Lasts: 3-7 Days | Custom Design Options: No | Water Resistance: Yes

Cool, big temporary tattoos are hard to come by. While the designs aren’t revolutionary, Sovereign Gear tattoos are pretty damn solid overall. My eye keeps drawing to a snake, skull, and sword design that has a lot of character.

The great part about a large temporary tattoo is that it really helps you envision what it would be like to cover a large part of your body in a tattoo, like your legs, back, stomach, or bicep. This non-toxic set comes with eight large tattoos, so you can have fun playing around.

Lasts: 3-5 Days  | Custom Design Options: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes

Get in touch with the natural world with Hotoyannia temporary tattoos. This set is all things Earth and universe, from planets and animals to beautiful natural mountains scenes. All in modern circular, triangular, or diamond shapes. I could see the hiker, surfer, or any outdoorsy spiritual dude being drawn to these temporary tattoos.

I do wish they lasted longer, but with proper care, you should be able to get a week out of it. As a fun bonus, these tattoos can also be applied to smooth surfaces like glasses and stationary for a quick craft that would make a unique gift.

Lasts: 5-7 Days | Custom Design Options: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes

Momentary Ink is similar to Inkbox in terms of intricacy. What sets it apart is the ability to choose from temporary tattoos that last 3-7 days and semi-permanent tattoos that last up to two weeks.

They have birds, flowers, and zodiac, but they also have quotes, such as a simple “Believe” and even Arabic letters (not translated, so proceed with caution). Naturally, a high level of detail comes at a price, and some single tattoos exceed $20.

However, with free reign in custom design and over 3,000 existing styles to choose from, they’ll probably have just the tattoo you’re looking for. This makes it perfect for trying out a tat before you get the real thing. And it’s safe, too. Momentary Ink uses only cosmetic-grade inks and FDA-certified colorants.

Lasts: 2-14 Days | Custom Design Options: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes

What To Look For In The Best Temporary Tattoos 

Design options 

In my opinion, design is the most important decision to make when considering the best temporary tattoos. Do you think it’s cool? It’s going on your body, so you’d better. If you’re purchasing a tattoo set, you’ll need to like a few to make it worth it. Because some temporary tattoo brands like Inkbox and Momentary Ink offer mostly single designs, you’ve got to really love it before you buy.

How long it lasts

Typically, you’re not going to get more than a week out of your average temporary tattoo. You can get up to two weeks with Inkbox and Momentary Ink, however. But not everyone wants a temporary tattoo to last. Perhaps you’ve got work or a wedding, and you need it to fade faster. Gentle exfoliation with a washcloth should remove a tattoo like that in a flash.

Size 

Size matters when it comes to temporary tattoos. Several brands offer tiny, delicate tattoos that are less noticeable at first glance. Some are much larger, which is something to consider if your workplace is a factor, for instance. Sets are great for variety and sharing with friends.

How To Care For Your Temporary Tattoo

You likely won’t get more than two weeks out of the best temporary tattoos, but aftercare is a big determining factor in how long your tattoo is going to last. Moisturizing daily is probably the best thing you can do to keep the tattoo from cracking, drying, and fading. A simple lotion will suffice.

As for showering, avoid exfoliating the tattoo and surrounding skin. Once you get out of the shower, pat the tattoo dry with a towel, don’t rub. You want to keep the tattoo in as pristine condition as possible.

If possible, avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading. This is likely impossible if you’re enjoying a temporary tat for a summer festival or concert, but it’s something to keep in mind if you want your tattoo to last.

Final Verdict 

The best temporary tattoo will have a beautiful design and last for at least a week, like those offered by Inkbox. Ideally, you should be able to choose from a range of sizes for different placement areas. Of course, the ink should be safe, non-toxic, and easily come off with exfoliation, if need be.

Why do we always want what we don’t have? Those with limp, straight hair would often kill for a bit of volume that doesn’t require styling tools or bucket-loads of product. And those with tight spiral curls eye the straight-haired with envy.

But between the two, there’s natural waves. And while those with wavy hair will still gripe about its annoying tendencies (there are one or two), there’s much to appreciate in this wash-and-go hair type. You can chemically straighten or perm hair, but there’s no magic in a bottle for those in-between waves.

Wavy hair tends to be thicker, denser and less prone to thinning and there are plenty of icons including Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles to look up to. So, what more do we need to convince you that you lucked out in the follicle department? Experiment with the best wavy hairstyles below, along with some expert barbershop styling advice, and you can thank us later.

How To Manage Wavy Hair

Ok, so humidity might not be your friend, and there’s always that one little bit that refuses to behave. But these are glitches that can be fixed with the right hair products (think best hair mousse, men’s hair gel or pomade) and styling techniques. Tim Pateman, the director of Clerkenwell salon, The Lion and The Fox and a session stylist (who’s worked with George Ezra, Russell Kane and Jake Bugg) gives us the lowdown on how to manage waves.

Let’s start with the basics. Pateman favours co-washing with wavy hair (co-washing is short for ‘conditioner washing’). “This method should still involve two steps as if you were using shampoo,” says Pateman. “Skip the shampoo, take a dose of conditioner to emulsify the hair all over to clean it, rinse and then repeat.” He likes Redken Curvaceous Conditioner and Kiehl’s Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid. We’re also fans of Davines Love Curl Cleansing Cream.

“If you’re co-washing you should lay off heavy styling products,” advises Pateman. “With the build-up of natural oils hair becomes impenetrable and learns to regulate itself, so you’ll find you need less styling aids as part of the process,” he explains. “It’s also essential to find a barbershop or stylist who knows how to cut curly hair.” Because, weirdly, a lot of hairdressers just don’t have the knack or the knowledge.

“Also concentrate on finding the right products,” he says. “As a general guide, curls and waves love a cream: something that absorbs easily and gives a natural finish. Avoid anything that is sticky – or risk a wet poodle curl.”

Note: There are more permanent fixes for frizzier hair types in the form of keratin ‘Brazilian’ chemical relaxers than can be used sparingly around the hairline or other problem areas.

The Best Hairstyles for Wavy Hair

There are plenty of famous wavy hair wearers out there but if you want to rock a look that’s more your own, here’s five cuts to inspire you.

Mid Length, Grown Out

“This is a soft, grown-out look that has a 1990s feel about it,” says Pateman. ‘Curtains’ was the defining hairstyle of the era, where the hair is worn medium-length with a side parting forming a wedge shape with shorter layers underneath and at the back. As hair grows out of a quiff style it can easily be manipulated into this.

“You need to be able to run hands through this look. Take a little hair oil, apply it to wet hair and allow to dry naturally,” advises Pateman. “Or, when heat styling, I use a tiny bit of Original & Mineral Project Sukuroi Gold Smoothing Balm. I like this product because it actually makes hair easier to style over time.”

Key Products

Textured Fade

For this style ask for “a barbershop fade with short back and sides, left longer on top,” says Pateman. “Keeping a heavy visible line at fade point and going from approximately grade one to three – keeping the beard same length. Use a strong matt wax to style, such as Bumble and Bumble Sumotech or Davines Strong Dry Wax, to define the texture.”

Key Products

Long & Natural

This look is basically a longer version of ‘curtains’, where the model has curlier hair. “This needs layers and more length at the back,” says Pateman. “It’s basically a grown-out version of the first look. The length will vary depending on how tight the curl is, but it should sit at cheek bone level at the front. Make sure it’s point cut to soften the ends of the curls. If hair is very thick, slide cutting should take some of the weight out for a better shape.”

For a Chalamet-grade finish, “Take sections of damp hair and work through, twisting each curl with a product like Davines Curl Building Serum, or Redken Curvaceous Ringlet Perfecting Lotion. To speed up the process and control the curls, use a diffuser.”

Key Products

Undercut With Fringe

Really thick hair can become manageable overnight with this style, making it a good option for men who don’t style their hair so much as wrestle with it. It’s also a touch more corporate-friendly than the beachier looks on this list.

“Just ask for an undercut but maintain the length on top for emphasis,” says Pateman. “Style to preference. I’d use a salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray and finish with a shine wax, such as Bumble and Bumble Sumowax. It’s easy to maintain but it does need to be cut about every three weeks to keep it sharp.”

Key Products

Mid Length Smart Sweep

Aka, the McConaughey. “Starting with a quiff and a side parting, let the back grow out for more texture,” says Pateman. “Use a salt spray for hold and then a styling cream like Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom to give that kind of finger mark movement through the top. Use a hair dryer to style stubborn hair in the direction you want it to go – it should take about two weeks to train it into place.” Awright, awright, awright.

Key Products

A lot of music fans don’t see the point of covers albums. They want the originals, not a bunch of copies. But I’ve always liked them, whether it’s Johnny Cash’s American IV or Rage Against The Machine’s Renegades, because they’re original and reveal things about the artist.

The songs they decide to cover, the way they sequence them on the album, and how they cover them – how faithfully or originally – says a lot about their influences and why they make the music they do. 

Take Kicking Against The Pricks by Nick Cave. The appeal is not just that the Bad Seeds make every song sound more dangerous and ominous – more Bad Seeds – it’s the way it reveals how sincerely Cave loves a crooner, even if it is Tom Jones. And how much they’re all influenced by the dark side of country music. 

I mention this because I liked the point, and I never really talk about music. But also because I think it’s one way to think about the value of multi-brand shops, of which Beige in Paris is one of the best. 

A multi-brand shop – or select store – should have just as much personality as a brand’s shop. It’s just that the personality comes from the combination of the brands they select, the clothes from the brands, and the way those clothes are put together in original, distinct ways.

We all do this – pick clothes from brands and combine them in ways that we think reflects our style – and a multibrand store is no different. Just bigger and often better. 

This is communicated in many ways, but often most effectively in the shop’s imagery. The looks below, from Beige lookbooks in 2019 and 2023, could be from no one else. There is a unique mixing of smart and casual and street, refined yet playful.

And if you like that look, it’s why you’re interested every time somewhere like Beige starts stocking a new brand. It’s why they’ve been so influential in recent years in bringing brands like Doek and Coherence to wider attention. 

There’s nothing to stop other shops then stocking them, but their angle would be only one of convenience – the local place to get the cool thing Beige has – and that’s not much of a foundation for a business (particularly given how important e-commerce is to all these shops).

Then there’s the third part of that trifecta – the clothes picked from the brands. If you walk round the new Beige shop in St Germain, it’s not the brands that stick out but they way they all work together. It’s the particular check on a Justo Gimeno teba, and how well that goes with the black Brady tote and black Quoddy deck shoes. 

It feels like a brand much more than a department store. 

I visited the (relatively new) Beige shop in January, and again in March. This unusual frequency made the experience feel more like that of a local, attracted by a few things on the first visit, then seeing and trying more on the next. Going deeper, understanding more of the style each time and looking forward to what’s next. 

I was interested in the Heimat merino thermals the first time, and the Quartz parkas, as neither was a product I’d seen before. The second time it was the sunglasses from Max Pitton and Jacques Marie Marge that caught my eye, and the Quoddy canoe shoes. They were products I already knew, but I started to appreciate Beige’s selection and tweaks to the design (eg the sole and stitching on the Quoddys). 

Jacques Marie Marge, by the way, is another of those brands that Beige has been working with for a while but is now everywhere. 

A shop itself should also, ideally, be a reflection of a multi-brand operation’s personality, and the new Beige shop feels like it more than their previous location.

The new one is on the corner of a very Parisian mansion block, in the quiet area of Saint Sulpice. This is the rich part of the Left Bank: liberal but moneyed. The book shops are rare book shops; there’s a good smattering of embassies around the pretty Luxembourg Garden.

“People in this area understand the product,” says Basile (below). “Tebas do well here – it’s the kind of customer that might have gone to Arnys in the past perhaps. 

“Where we were in the 16th, it was a little different. Someone might complain that a Shetland sweater was scratchy because they didn’t know what it was.”

That experiment in the 16th arrondissement, far outside of the centre of Paris, was an influential experiment, but everyone has now left (Holiday, Le Vif). “The 16th was fun, and a good place to start,” says Basile. “It was originally just a showroom, though we had so many appointments that we ended up opening every day.”

Interestingly, looking back on those early days shows how much Beige has changed – a shop has to evolve with its customers, just like an individual. “Originally the selection was very based around tailoring – Ring Jacket suits, Drake’s ties – and that was quite rebellious in Paris at the time,” says Basile.

“Now we’re more casual, comfy, practical – but there’s always the same approach to the brands.”

A good example is those Quartz parkas, which originated with a chance meeting between Basile and the Montreal-based maker. “We changed a few things to make them more us, and to make them more practical for city wear. We added contrast panels and changed the fill power from 800 to 650, says Basile.” The former was designed to withstand temperatures of -50C, so probably overkill for Paris. 

Other brands it’s worth looking at are Rier, whose pieces are quite modern-looking sportswear but made in 100% wool where most are synthetic. And Bunney, an English jewellery maker that is only sold at Beige in France.

Hopefully, I’ll be back in Paris before the end of the year and be able to see how various projects Basile mentioned have come to fruition: new brands, new products, new styles. 

This is the pleasure of a multi-brand shop, and as we’ve written before, there are fewer and fewer good ones around. 

The Paris Shopping Guide is in the process of being updated, and will be republished in the next week or two. 

All the historical Beige Lookbooks are available online, which is nice. See them here. 

www.beige-habilleur.com

Oh, the sartorial saga continues! It seems like just yesterday when a crisply tailored suit was the armor of the modern gentleman, a beacon of sharp aesthetics and ambitious intentions. But lo and behold, as I strut down the bustling streets of our urban jungles, I’m met not by the debonair echoes of Cary Grant or the rakish charm of Marcello Mastroianni. Instead, I’m besieged by a parade of oversized hoodies, saggy jeans, and—dare I say—flip-flops that echo the call of the wild rather than the call of the boardroom.

Where has the finesse gone? Where is the charm that once danced through the halls of fashion and commanded the world’s gaze? My dear gentlemen, it appears we’re in a bit of a pickle, and not the chic, artisan kind served alongside a craft cocktail.

Let me paint you a picture: imagine a world where our streets are the runway, each corner a spotlight, each sidewalk a catwalk where every man is a king, his wardrobe a dazzling court of style and substance. But instead, what do we see? It’s as if the mantra has become, “When in doubt, dress down.”

Now, I understand comfort is king in our fast-paced, tech-driven world. But must comfort always mean a total abandonment of style? Have we swapped the velvet ropes for a velvet couch and a pair of stained sweatpants?

The King Is Dancing

Let’s consider the cinema, the theatre of life. Remember “The King Is Dancing,” where the grandeur of Louis XIV’s court brought the arts to the forefront, making the very act of dressing an art in itself? Men were peacocks, proud and resplendent in their attire. What a stark contrast to today’s often dreary dress codes!

But it’s not just about looking back; it’s about moving forward. In a world teeming with influencers, where every moment is a potential Instagram hit, why settle for mediocrity? Gentlemen, every day should be your red carpet moment. Why wait for a special occasion to pull out the three-piece suit, when every dawn offers a fresh runway?

I dream of a renaissance, a revival of care in male fashion. Let’s dust off the dinner jackets, polish those Oxfords, and tie those silk cravats with a flourish! Fashion is a language, my friends, and what we wear speaks volumes before we even whisper a word. It’s about self-respect, a visual sonnet of our own narrative.

And let’s not forget, the effort you put into your appearance reverberates through your entire life. It’s about setting a tone, crafting an image that says, “I value myself, and so should you.” It’s about swagger; it’s about presence. It’s about walking into a room and the room taking notice without a single word uttered.

So, to the men out there lounging in the sartorial shadows, hear my plea: rise up! Embrace the cufflinks, the pocket squares, the crisp lines of a well-fitted blazer. Be the kings of your own stories, not mere footnotes in sweatpants.

Let’s set a new trend, one that combines comfort with class. Let’s innovate with materials that breathe and designs that dazzle. The world is your stage, and every day is an opening night. What role will you play? Will you be the unforgettable lead, or the understudy that never steps into the light?

In conclusion, my dear sartorial soldiers, the kingdom of fashion is wide and varied. There’s room for all to forge their path in golden threads or minimalist chic. But let it be a conscious choice, a deliberate act of fashion, not an accidental slip into the commonplace.

Here’s to the reclamation of glory, to the men who dare to dress as though the world is watching. Because, gentlemen, in case you haven’t noticed, it is.