Cape Town - Metallic temporary tattoos are summer’s biggest beauty trend.
From models on the runway sporting the temporary metallic foil tattoos called Shine-ink, to Beyoncé showing off several shimmering designs in gold and silver on her tanned body while holidaying in Europe – it’s apparent this foiled jewellery trend is here to stay.
Cape Town Shine-ink supplier Imaan MacQuena says the temporary foil tattoos are the perfect replacement for jewellery, and are fabulous for the beach, a night or day out on the town or that special occasion.
“I love that you can have this kind of body art that is non-permanent. It’s a really cool and fun product for ladies… it’s interactive, funky, stylish and it’s different,” says MacQuena, who lives in Sea Point.
“If you are a person that doesn’t like permanent tattoos or wearing accessories then Shine-ink is perfect for you. I don’t have the guts for a permanent tattoo… they are just not for me. I find Shine-ink to be a unique alternative,” she says.
We meet the Durban-born, full-time model at a restaurant in the city centre. She tells us she fell in love with the stencils that mimic jewellery a few months ago after her jewellery and accessories designer friend Miree Chatz of Queen Magpie asked her to model some of the Shine-ink collections.
“I enjoyed shooting the product… it just sells itself,” she says “Shine-ink is literally like the temporary removable fake tattoos we used as kids, the ones that came from lucky packets… it’s the same concept, one gets to be a kid again.”
The non-permanent tattoos come in three design ranges: the African inspired Africa range, the funky Geometric range, as well as the more demure and pretty Vintage collection. Two additional funky collections, Shine-ink Boho and Resort will soon be available, says MacQuena.
Each Shine-ink pack, at R250 each, consists of four assorted sheets (size 10x21cm) of the temporary foil tattoos for you to create your own unique look.
MacQuena, who started modelling at 19, has travelled the world and worked with some major brands and on campaigns that have exposed her to world trends. She has been selling Shine-ink for about three months.
“It has been very well received. Everyone that comes into contact with it loves it, both young and old.
“The product also becomes an interactive thing for women to do together during tea parties or while getting ready for a night out. I have done a few ladies’ events. I am so proud of it, it’s just gorgeous.”
One can apply it around your neck as a statement jewellery piece, or in bits and pieces on your arms, back, stomach and legs – the shimmering foil tattoo is sure to draw attention.
The most popular places are the arms, across the back and neck or at the inner wrist if you don’t want to draw too much attention.
“It’s not restrictive and one can put it wherever they like,” says MacQuena.
The foil jewellery takes about five minutes to set after being applied with water and a damp cloth. It can last for about 46 days, as long as you don’t scrub or rub it.
“It removes quite easily as well, with an oil-based wash or soap, or you can soak it off in warm water,” says MacQuena.
I tried the Africa collection around my forearm. I loved the bold tribal patterns in gold, silver and black, and it drew a lot of attention from curious strangers, before I scrubbed it off four days later with a bath scrub and soap.
This range of temporary metallic foil tattoos does not get into the skin, making it gentle on all skin types.
So far there haven’t been complaints of allergies or skin irritations, says MacQuena.
“As it’s a summer trend product we cannot predict how long people will be interested, but for now I am enjoying… interacting with people.”
* For more information, e-mail MacQuena at [email protected].
Cape Argus