InkBox Review: Making Temporary Tattoos Cool Again
A surprisingly convincing two-week temporary tattoo that looks more real as it fades — as long as you follow the application instructions to the letter.
The longer I leave it, the more it looks like a real tattoo.
Our reviewerA Convincing Two-Week Tattoo, If You Follow The Rules
InkBox set out to make temporary tattoos cool again, and on the evidence of our test kit, it succeeds. We tried one of the brand's pre-made designs, chosen because it looked close to something we'd actually consider getting permanently.
The application is more involved than the wet-towel trick from childhood. InkBox ships gloves, a microwavable towelette, and strict instructions: peel, dab, apply, then press the warm cloth in place for a full 15 minutes without letting it shift.
That patience paid off. The tattoo took about a day to reach full darkness, and two weeks later it was still intact, looking more realistic as it faded and drawing compliments along the way. We did smudge one edge by placing it somewhere that touched another body part overnight, a mistake InkBox's own instructions warn against and one we'd chalk up to user error, not the product.
At $19 to $24 per design, with a $5 discount at checkout, an InkBox tattoo isn't pocket change, but for roughly $20 the quality holds up well against the real thing. We'd suggest ordering at least two: one to learn the application on, and a second to get it right.
Why We Love It
- Realistic look that improves as it fades over about two weeks
- High-quality kit with clear peel-dab-press instructions
- $5 discount available at checkout
- Lets you trial a design before committing to a permanent tattoo
Considerations
- Requires holding the warm cloth undisturbed for a full 15 minutes
- Easy to smudge if applied where skin touches skin overnight
- Instructions must be followed exactly or the tattoo can be ruined
Applying the Tattoo
InkBox ships the kit with gloves, a microwavable towelette, and clear step-by-step instructions: peel, dab, apply, then press the warm cloth over the design and hold it completely still for 15 minutes.
Two mistakes are easy to make, and both come straight from the instructions: shifting the cloth even slightly smudges ink across the skin, and placing a design where one body part touches another overnight can transfer ink onto skin that was never meant to be tattooed.
A Smudged Lesson
Our reviewer placed the tattoo somewhere they assumed wouldn't touch another body part while sleeping, and woke up with ink transferred onto their upper arm. Washing the tattoo gently right before bed prevents the same 'ghost tattoo' mistake.
We Recommend This To Readers Who:
-
Want to test a design before going permanent
InkBox lets you wear a design you're considering as a lasting tattoo for about two weeks before committing.
-
New to temporary tattoos
Choose a spot you can hold steady pressure on for 15 minutes, and one that won't touch another body part while you sleep.
-
Want the most realistic result
Order at least two: treat the first as practice and the second as the one you actually wear out.
A Closer Look
Investment in Ink
Each temporary tattoo costs less than a night out, with a discount available for new customers.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Per Tattoo | $19 – $24 |
Good to Know
A Fun, Convincing Comeback for Temporary Tattoos
InkBox nails the two-week temporary tattoo, provided you follow the application instructions to the letter — smudge-free results are earned, not automatic.
