Temporary tattoos are a fun because the regret usually only lasts a couple of days. But a pair of brothers from Toronto have created a new kind of temporary tattoo that’s just as easy to apply, but actually last a full two weeks through showers, swims, and daily life.
The Inkbox tattoos are applied just like the temporary designs you’ll find on sites like Tattly. You peel off a protective backing, press it onto a clean area of your skin, dampen it with an included wet towelette for 10 minutes, and then peel it all away. Just don’t be alarmed when there’s nothing on your skin afterwards.
That’s because the Inkbox tattoos, made from 100 percent organic fruit (the actual recipe is a closely guarded secret) don’t sit on top of your skin like a traditional temporary tattoo. Instead, the ‘ink’ actually stains the epidermis, the top most layer of your skin, by turning organic compounds in the tissue black after 12 hours. That’s why your skin actually appears blank immediately after application—but also why these temporary tattoos are able to stick around for about two weeks.
The Inkbox’s staying power does mean you’re limited to monochromatic designs and hard-edged shapes. There’s no color, at least not yet, and no shading either. The visibility of the temporary tattoos will vary depending on your skin color, and if you want to remove one, or at least expedite the fading process, it can only be done by exfoliating your skin twice a day. The brothers, Tyler and Braden Handley, have also chosen to go the Kickstarter route with their new creation, attempting to raise $20,000 for an initial production run.
The good news is that they’ve already shattered that funding goal, and with a donation of just $18 you can pre-order one of the designs with a delivery expected as soon as October later this year. Eventually the brothers will allow anyone to submit custom designs as well so you can finally tattoo your partner’s name across your chest, without having to commit to anything long-term—including the relationship.
