Temporary ‘tattoos’ are reminiscent of mehndi, i.e. henna skin decoration on the hands and feet of girls and women in India (fig.). Though initially applied during special occasions, they may nowadays sometimes be applied as a fashionable or trendy adornment (fig.).

Likewise, painted tattoos are available for those who either have a changing taste, or just don't like the permanency of a real tattoo. A freshly painted tattoo needs to dry for 2-3 hours, after which the thickness of the ink disappears. It stays clearly visible for about a week. This one shows the Chinese character for Love.