Finding quality temporary tattoos is an ongoing challenge. The only way I've ever been able to judge the quality of a fake tattoo is to actually wear it. This real-world testing is what I use when I add new tattoos at Funtoos.com. I tested dozens of tattoos over the past 3 months. Some made the cut, others didn't. You can see the winners in our 2011 New Additions category. When I test a tattoo, I apply it on my arm and judge it as it ages over several days. My reference for premium quality is Japanese Paper Tattoos, but I also accept some traditional tattoos if they meet my standards for artwork and hold up for at least 3 to 5 days.

The photos shown here are some of the tattoos I've tested recently. I usually take pictures of each tattoo at various points of its life so I can compare the appearance as it degrades.

There are two enemies of temporary tattoos. First is abrasion...rubbing from clothing or other things. Second is oil. Contamination by lotions and suntan oil is an obvious example, but the body also secretes oil which is absorbed by the tattoo from contact with the skin. The amount of natural body oils varies from person to person and at different areas on the body. My wife can put the same tattoo on her chest and her ankle at the same time. The one on her chest only lasts 2 or 3 days while the one on her ankle lasts a week or longer. That's why I always do my real-world testing on my arm as a consistent reference.

If you looked at the 2001 New Additions, you'll notice a dozen FX series tattoos. These are the Tinsley Transfer tattoos that were developed for the film and TV industries. My real-world testing showed these to be very near the premium quality of the Japanese Paper Tattoos that I import.

Having been in this business for over 20 years, I know that there is a big difference in quality when it comes to temporary tattoos. That's why I do so much real-world testing to provide my customers with the best quality I can find.

Labels: fake tattoo, fake tattoos, funtooguy, funtoos, paper tattoos, tattoos, temporary tattoos