Inkbox is a relatively new company (founded in 2015) specializing in temporary tattoos. No, not the ones you spent a quarter on out of a gumball machine at your local grocery store. Inkbox tattoos are a premium temporary tattoo marketed towards an older crowd. Not only do they have thousands of designs to choose from, but they partner with artists to help support and promote their work as well. On top of that, you can create your own custom tattoos by using software on their website to upload your own image.
There are plenty of use cases on why someone would purchase an Inkbox tattoo, such as:
- Enhance your Halloween costume
- Create those “vibes” at a music festival
- Get a visual idea of placement and design when considering a tattoo before committing to one
- Give your mom a heart attack during the holidays (please don't)
Inkbox tattoos last approximately 1 to 2 weeks depending on many factors such as proper application, your lifestyle - such as if you sweat or swim a lot, and where on your body the tattoo is applied.
The application process is quite easy, as pointed out on their website and instructions included in every package. Use a primer wipe to exfoliate, clean, and cleanse the area you want to apply the tattoo. Second, peel off the paper and place the sticky side down on the skin. During this step, it is very important to ensure that all the adhesive is in contact with your skin and to avoid wrinkles. Next, leave the film on for 60 minutes and avoid excess movement and sweating. Finally, remove the adhesive and wait 1 to 1.5 days for the tattoo to darken.
Pros:
Inkbox temporary tattoos provide choice. With many people who have permanent tattoos, each one signifies something special or unique. When they look at that tattoo, it reminds them of the reason why they will have that art for the rest of their lives. Inkbox’s laundry list of tattoos to choose from, as well as the ability to create your own, taps into one of the sole reasons why someone would want ink. The primary benefit of an Inkbox temporary tattoo is that it frees you from a lifelong commitment. If you don’t like the design or don’t like the location after 2 weeks, it’s gone and you can start over again. Inkbox will also sell you free-hand ink in a bottle which gives you or someone you know unlimited possibilities on what you would want temporarily inked on your body. Just like the pre-made tattoos, the ink will develop over 1-1.5 days and last up to 2 weeks.
While it may not seem important to everyone, the packaging is very well done; it's decidedly premium in both look and feel. Therefore, the first impression is that these tattoos are special and well thought-out. The instructions are easy to follow and very straightfoward, and Inkbox features videos on their website if you’re more of a visual learner.
Another key benefit to Inkbox tattoos is the ability to support local artists. A few of our resident tattoo enthusiasts at Bestcovery have spoken to many tattoo artists in Southern California, and most of them have expressed difficulty in bringing in clients due to them not having a huge following. Meanwhile, better-known artists have wait lists that can stretch up to a year. Sporting a local artist’s work through Inkbox can strike up a conversation with a stranger and get the word out on who designed their Inkbox tattoo. It's a great way to bring attention to artists who are trying to make a name for themselves in the tattoo industry.
A prime example of this is the collaboration between Inkbox and tattoo artist Dillon Forte. Dillon is a California native and specializes in seamless geometric shapes that flow into creative art. The packaging boldly displays his artwork when you purchase one of his designs from Inkbox. This is how Inkbox is bringing local and renowned artists right to your doorstep, and more consumers are able to represent the artists' work without a permanent commitment.
If you're curious to know more, check out Dillon Forte's website as well as his Instagram page.
Cons:
Although the application process is easy to follow, it can often be difficult to apply the tattoo correctly without smears or wrinkles. It's very important to think ahead before applying the tattoo - you'll need to determine what position you need to be in so that once your tattoo is applied, you do not move that area and cause wrinkles. Also, since the tattoo takes over a day to fully set, you have to be mindful to not scrub your tattoo when in the shower or apply too much pressure when towel drying. If the application process goes awry, you will have smudges or a faded tattoo from the get-go. Therefore, careful application is absolutely crucial. It will sting a bit if your $20 temporary tattoo comes out smudged or faded as a result of a mishap.
Verdict:
While there really isn't a substitute for a permanent tattoo, Inkbox does a great job of mimicking one if applied correctly. Inkbox is a great way to envision how ink looks on your body without making a decision that you can't take back. You can express your artistic side while supporting your local artists at the same time, and that should be a big win for any tattoo enthusiast.
