Temporary Tats vs Real Tats Fashion?

Dec 13, 2010

Erin Z.

I have strong opinions about tattoos and body modification in general. Somehow I find the trendy "fake" tats even more annoying than the oh so popular wall flash tats people have been getting for years, like barbed wire, mom in a heart, or "tramp stamps".

Of course when it comes to body art, my stand point is: it's YOUR body and you have a right to modify it however you choose.

On the other hand, the fake tattoos as a form of "glamour" or fashion just seems to be riding in the coat tails of the resurgence of pin-up culture, and other sub culture groups that are gaining a lot of popularity main stream.

fake tattoos are the definition of Simulacrum. Just like in the writings of Jean Baudrillard, this becomes a copy of a copy, thus baring no meaning or resemblance to the original.

A temporary tattoo is the antithesis of what a tattoo is MEANT to be: permanent. So, as a tattooed lady, I find it a little more than off putting. 

Dec 14, 2010

Ashley C.

i agree with erin i find it annoying and such a waste of money! i mean for halloween maybe but i dont understand this whole new fad of fake tattoos. It is simple, a new way of making more money.
I dont have any tattoos nor peircings other than my ears because i have plenty of scars. im happy with that and love the vibrant colors and expression through tattoos.
You can tell they are fake. so why buy it!

Dec 14, 2010

Colleen M.

personally, i think it's annoying. the same people who looked at tattoos as wrong, are now using the temporary ones because it's considered "cool". I got my tattoos because they mean something to me. They mark a time in my life that I want to remember. I feel like the whole fake tattoo trend is kinda taking away from that. I don't know if that makes sense haha but whatever floats your boat! :]

Dec 14, 2010

Erin Z.

I hate to sound elitist, and I know you ladies understand it's not meant to, but I totally agree with everyone here.

Colleen nailed it! A tattoo means something because of it's permanency. The wearer almost always chooses something that represents an important aspect of their lives, or something that symbolizes some value to them.

What is so irksome about this temporary tattoo trend is that it appeals to those same people who would mock and judge us because of our ink. That is just wrong to me.

Ashely you also make a strong case for the money making engine which drives this whole trend. I mean I can't think of a better market strategy than one that sells something that is temporary...it increases demand as well as the likelihood of a repeat customer. Big money always has it's own interests at heart.

I say, if you want a TATTOO, get one. If you don't...then don't. But PLEASE don't sport a fake one because it's soooooo trendy and cool, then look through your nose at someone who is covered head to toe. It's a personal choice. 

Jun 26, 2012

Nicola C.

I agree with most of what people have said, but i think henna falls into a different category. I love putting henna tattoo's on my hands and feet, and I love that they only last 2 weeks before fading. I can have fun applying different styles and patterns. It feels like makeup for my hands, and really I don't see the difference between applying henna to my hands and makeup to my face. Also, I think that temporary tattoos could be useful, if you were unsure if you wanted something permanent you could use a temporary one to see if you like it.
Just my 2 cents :)
xxx 

Dec 2, 2012

Ema D.

I have no regrets only love for my tattoos. Each represent a different phase of my life. When people ask me why I have several tattoos I like to ask them why they have none. Hehehe YOLO