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Even as the rage begins to wane by area or age group, permanent tattoos are being replaced by a new trend for temporary tattoos that allow all the fun - while eliminating all the discomfort of a permanent needle tattoo, or any possible social stigma at school or work.

Gone are the days of "lick and stick" water-based tattoos found in bubble gum wrappers or Cracker Jack boxes. Today, most temporary tattoos are vegetable oil-based, reducing the chance of a smudged or fuzzy transfer.

Probably the best thing about temporary tattoos is that you can experiment with different designs or looks, or fit the tattoo to any occasion, without the high cost or discomfort.

If you budget allows, however, high-end temporary tattoos involve the use of an airbrush by artists who expertly spray paint through a stencil onto your skin. It lasts for up to a week and is generally considered the professional alternative to a permanent tattoo.

Changed your mind? The experts recommend baby oil for removing most commercially produced temporary tattoos, (or follow directions that come with most tattoo transfers. Rubbing alchohol may do the trick also, but will dry out our skin in the process.)

Feeling creative? Surf around the Web to discover how you can affordably take your custom tat from inkjet printer to transfer in a couple of hours, along with expert advice, health and safety tips, and related photo galleries to inspire you...

Temporary Tattoos - Good discussion on various methods used, including transfers, airbrush, henna and mehndi, and kids tattoos, from LoveToKnow.com.

Temporary Tattoos - Rank My Tattoo - Good overview on the temporarty tattoo craze with a related gallery of visitor-submitted photos.

Temporary Tattoo Workshop - A complete course for designing, printing and applying a temporary tattoo using a home printer and tattoo transfer paper. Adobe Reader required.

Make Temporary Tattoos Look Good - Good advice on applying, removing and fixing temporary tattoos with related links and resources.

How to Wear a Temporary Tattoo - Step-by-step instructions for cleaning and preparing your skin for a temporary tattoo transfer, advice on prolonging the life of your new tattoo, plus related tips submitted by visitors at eHow.com.

Temporary Tattoos and Henna/Mehndi - Tips from the U.S. FDA on colors and safety precautions with more resources to restrictions on cosmetic additives and novelty makeup..

also see -> Butterfly Tattoos | Celebrity Tattoos

Celtic Tattoos | Dragon Tattoos | Japanese Tattoos

Traditional Tattoos | Tribal Tattoos

also see -> Henna Tattoos