How our tattoos work

Fugacious tattoos are made using genipin, a naturally occurring plant substance.  Upon direct contact with the skin, this magical substance reacts with proteins inside the skin and turns dark blue/black over the course of 24 hours.  The colour lasts until the skin regenerates, anywhere from 7-14 days.

Steps:

1- Prepare your skin by shaving and exfoliating.  Make sure the skin is dry and free of any skin care products (moisturizers and sun screen can create a barrier that will prevent the genipin from absorbing into the skin).

2- Peel off the release liner to expose the sticky surface of the tattoo applicator without touching the sticky part - (this is where the ink is embedded, so touching it could turn your fingers blue!)

3- Place the sticky part on the skin, making sure not to bend the applicator.  Once the sticker is on the skin it shouldn't be moved.

4- Leave the sticker in place for at least ninety minutes.  Be careful not to bend the applicator when it's on the skin as this will affect the image transfer.  Do not get the applicator wet and try not to sweat while the applicator is on the skin- this will also mess with the image transfer.

5- Peel off the applicator - it will feel a bit like ripping off a bandaid.  You start to see the tattoo developing at this time.  It may not look like anything yet, but after 8-10 hours you will see your tattoo start to darken.  24 hours after application you will see your crisp and fully darkened tattoo with all the detail.

(Feel free to leave the applicator on overnight or longer than ninety minutes.  The benefit of leaving it on overnight is that when you wake up and peel off the applicator you will already be able to see you tattoo, and it's sort of more fun!)

Tattoos last a week or two... that depends on you.  To preserve your tattoo, avoid scrubbing it in the shower or exfoliating the area with a towel.  Avoid sweating and direct sun for maximum longevity.  If you want to remove your tattoo, exfoliating the area will likely make it go away in 4-5 days.

FYI: Tattoos have a limited shelf life and are best used within 30 days of receipt, after which they will slowly begin to lose potency.  There is no harm in using a tattoo that has been on the shelf for some time, but it may not look as dark.