Last week I wrote an article in which I talked about whether graphic designers can have tattoos, and I mentioned that we tend to be a fickle bunch when it comes to sticking with, and being happy with a design.

For that reason it can be difficult deciding on a design to put on your skin for life.

Inkbox may be the solution for that.

This Canadian company create temporary tattoos that last for just two weeks.

But these aren't the kind that stick to your skin and peel off - you know the ones that don't look or feel 'real'.

These are done with real ink that seeps into the top layers of your skin, so it looks, for all intents and purposes, like a normal tattoo. 

I thought these might be a great solution for people who would like a tattoo to 'express themselves', or for a specific occasion, but who didn't want to commit to a lifelong mark. 

I admit, I was sceptical, but I decided to give it a go.

Inkbox Temporary Tattoo Review

Your tattoo arrives in a nicely designed kit (I love the branding, yes I'm a geek). 

It has clear, precise instructions on how to apply it correctly. After cleaning and drying your skin, the first step is to apply the stencil, which involves sticking a pre-made stencil to your skin and applying pressure from a warm cloth (which they also provide). 

After fifteen minutes, the second step is to remove the stencil (carefully).

At this point the design won't look very dark because it takes up to 24 hours to fully develop. 

Here's mine the morning after applying it, and as you can see it's gone a lot darker. 

And here it is a full 24 hours later where it's almost black. The ink has a slightly bluish tint to it, but for me, that makes it look more authentic as the blacks in normal tattoos tend to fade into a bluish colour.

The first test was a success! I love it. The line work was really sharp and crisp, and the instructions were clear and simple. 

I'll see how long it lasts and post and update when it's worn off. 

Freehand Ink

As well as the pre-made stencils, Inkbox also sell the ink separately so you can draw your own designs. I couldn't resist getting that too, but I wasn't as confident with free handing it, so I tested it on my foot - worst case scenario, I can cover it up with a sock for two weeks. 

It works in a similar way to the stencil versions, in that you apply it to the skin, then wait for 24 hours as it develops. 

It's slightly more difficult to get a crisp line with this method, and I imagine it takes a bit of practice before you can make designs as good as the stencil versions. However this approach gives you a lot more freedom. 

I'd suggest you try more organic designs if you go down this route. For example, using nature based designs, such as flowers etc will look fine even if the lines aren't completely straight or crisp.

All in all, a great product and I look forward to them releasing new designs. 

Have you used Inkbox? What was your experience? Leave me a comment below.