Can You Put Temporary Tattoos over Face Paint (2025)

Face painting and temporary tattoos are both fun, creative ways to dress up for parties, performances, and special events — but what happens when you want to combine the two?

Maybe you’re planning a birthday party, carnival, cosplay look, or Halloween costume and wondering:

Can you put temporary tattoos over face paint?

The short answer is: It’s not recommended.

While it might seem like a fun idea, combining face paint and temporary tattoos usually doesn’t work well — and in some cases, it can even damage your design or irritate the skin.

In this article, we’ll explain why it’s not ideal, what alternatives to try, and how to get the best results from both face paint and temporary tattoos using Gecko Paper’s high-quality printable tattoo paper.

Why Temporary Tattoos Don’t Stick Well to Face Paint

Temporary tattoos are designed to adhere directly to clean, dry skin. The adhesive layer needs direct contact with skin in order to transfer the ink properly.

Face paint, on the other hand, creates a barrier between the tattoo and the skin. Most face paints contain waxes, oils, or pigments that:

• Prevent the adhesive from sticking
• Interfere with the tattoo’s water-based transfer process
• Cause the tattoo to smudge, slide, or lift
• May even dissolve under the damp cloth used during application

In most cases, when you try to apply a temporary tattoo over face paint, the result is messy and incomplete — and can ruin both the paint and the tattoo.

What Happens If You Try It Anyway?

Here’s what you can expect if you apply a temporary tattoo over face paint:

• The tattoo may not transfer properly, leaving only part of the image
• The moisture required to apply the tattoo could cause the paint to smear
• The adhesive layer could lift or slide off
• You could end up with a sticky, smeared mix of paint and ink

In short: You won’t get the clean, bold look that temporary tattoos are known for.

How to Combine Temporary Tattoos and Face Paint (The Right Way)

While applying a temporary tattoo directly over face paint isn’t ideal, you can still use both together — with a little planning:

Option 1: Apply the Tattoo First

• Apply your temporary tattoo to clean, dry skin
• Allow it to set and dry fully (a few minutes is enough)
• Then carefully paint around it, avoiding direct contact
• This works well for superhero masks, animal designs, or fantasy characters

Option 2: Keep the Tattoo and Face Paint Separate

Use face paint on one area of the face (like the cheeks or forehead) and temporary tattoos on another (like the arm, wrist, or shoulder). This lets each stand out and avoids overlap issues.

Using Gecko Paper for High-Quality Temporary Tattoos

If you’re planning a party or costume, custom tattoos can really take your design to the next level. With Gecko Paper’s printable tattoo paper, you can:

• Create your own designs at home using an inkjet printer
• Apply tattoos in minutes using just water
• Enjoy bold, detailed images that look realistic
• Remove them easily when the event is over
• Use them on skin, not paint, for the best result

Great for kids’ parties, cosplay events, and themed photoshoots, our tattoo paper lets you match your face paint with personalised designs that really complete the look.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t apply tattoos over oily, wet, or painted skin
• If combining with face paint, apply tattoos first
• Use water-based, quick-drying face paints if painting near a tattoo
• Avoid rubbing the tattoo area while applying or removing face paint
• For temporary designs on non-skin surfaces (like props), Gecko Paper tattoos can also be applied to plastic, wood, and more

Final Thoughts: Use Tattoos with Face Paint, Not Over It

While it might be tempting to layer temporary tattoos directly over face paint, the two don’t play well together.

To get the best from both, apply tattoos to clean skin first, then use face paint creatively around them — or keep them in separate areas entirely.

Want to create your own matching tattoo designs?

Shop Gecko Paper’s Printable Tattoo Paper and bring your costume ideas to life with skin-safe, vibrant temporary tattoos.