It's not exactly known when temporary tattoos first appeared, but it's generally accepted that they were first commercially available around 1900.

Initially, they were created using food coloring and provided on special paper that was impregnated with the design of tattoo. These pieces of paper were then held over the desired area of the body and transferred to the skin using water. These temporary tattoos were widely distributed for free with various food products.

Initially, there wasn't a great choice of temporary tattoos available, but in recent years their popularity has grown rapidly, as have the number of products.

It has now reached the stage where they are regarded as legitimate pieces of body art and are widely used as fashion accessories.

At this stage it's important to bear in mind that these temporary tattoos only last a few hours or a few days. As soon as you wash the tattooed area the design will begin to break up.

It is possible to find other temporary designs that last slightly longer, such as henna tattoos, but that's the subject of another article.

The main attraction of temporary tattoos is revealed in the name. They won't last forever, so if you don't like the design, you won't have to put up with it for the rest of your life. And if you're the type of person who likes change, it gives you an opportunity to alter the look of your body on a regular basis.

There's also a sizable number of people who would like a tattoo but are concerned about poor hygiene, infection, needles or anxious about the potential pain of getting a tattoo.

Temporary tattoos are also a great way to help you decide whether or not to get a permanent tattoo. They can help you to decide the type of designs that you like, where to place them on your body, and most importantly, whether you could live with a certain tattoo design forever.

Temporary tattoo designs can be found online or perhaps even at your local tattoo parlor. And if you opt for a high quality temporary design it should look exactly like a tattoo of the permanent variety.

There are thousands of different designs to choose from ranging in size from tiny to large and covering a whole range of styles.

So you want a traditional heart and anchor design? No problem. Or how about the latest ultra cool design or perhaps a cute pixie on your shoulder? Temporary Celtic tattoos are also extremely popular.

It's also possible to get temporary tattoos that display words and phrases. So why not get a heart that bears the name of your partner? At least it doesn't present the same risk as a traditional permanent tattoo which may last longer than the relationship is represents.

And finally, if you can't find a temporary design that you like, there are numerous tattoo packages that allow you to design your own temporary tattoo designs. So you can be as artistic or as outrageous as you want.

You just create a design using the materials provided, then transfer it onto the relevant part of your body. And if it doesn't turn out as intended, it can be washed away with nothing more than soap and water. It's quick, it's easy, it's fun, and most importantly it's not permanent.