Frequently asked.

It's a real, pigmented stain that sits in the outermost layer of your skin (the stratum corneum) — not a sticker, not a decal. Our ink transfers through water pressure and reacts with amino acids in your skin to produce a dark blue-black stain that looks like real tattoo linework. Because it only colours cells that are about to naturally shed, it fades on its own over 7–14 days. No needles, no pain, no permanent trace.

Two key differences. (1) Old-school temporary tattoos use decal transfer — the ink sits on top of your skin and rubs off within 24 hours. Ours chemically bonds with your skin and lasts 1–2 weeks. (2) Our designs are hand-drawn by studio artists and look genuinely like real tattoo linework — no cartoon colour, no glitter, no childish aesthetic.

Our active ingredient is genipin, a naturally-occurring compound extracted from the gardenia fruit (Gardenia jasminoides). It's been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and in modern cosmetic dermatology for skin-tracing applications. It's suspended in a water-and-glycerin base with a small amount of thickener for even application. Full INCI ingredients list: Water, Glycerin, Genipin, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Citric Acid (pH stabiliser). No parabens, no sulphates, no alcohol, no fragrance, no heavy metals, no mineral oils. Vegan, cruelty-free.

Designed, drawn, printed, and packed entirely in our studio at 2E/8 Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi 110055. We do not dropship, rebrand, or import from overseas manufacturers. The ink pigment is sourced from a cosmetic-grade supplier in Gujarat. The transfer paper is imported from Germany (the only region currently making the thin-film grade we need). Everything else — design, production, quality checks, packaging — happens in Delhi.

Yes. The ink is formulated for sensitive skin and uses cosmetic-grade ingredients. Skin reactions are rare, but can happen, and we cover those cases fully (refund + reasonable medical costs — see our Refund Policy). We recommend a 24-hour patch test on the inner wrist if you have a history of reacting to adhesives or cosmetic products.

Semi-permanent tattoo products are regulated as cosmetics, not as pharmaceuticals, and don't fall under a specific FDA drug approval category. Our ingredients are cosmetic-grade and sourced from suppliers that follow standard cosmetic manufacturing practices. We are not FDA-registered or FDA-approved, and we don't claim to be. If you need specific regulatory paperwork for a particular use case, email us and we'll share what documentation we have available.

Designs come in four size categories: Small (fits in a 2-inch box, ₹100–₹299), Medium (2–4 inches, ₹349–₹499), Large (4–6 inches, ₹499–₹599), and Statement (6+ inches, custom only, ₹1,999+). Each sheet contains one design in one size. Couple sets come as two matching designs on one sheet.

Yes. We offer curated sets of 3 (₹699), 5 (₹1,099), and 10 (₹1,999) designs at 20% off vs individual pricing. Sets are themed — "Minimal Starter," "Celestial Collection," "Script Pack." We also do custom matching sets for couples, siblings, or friends — usually 2 or 3 coordinated designs at a 10% discount.

The actual application is under a minute: clean skin, place the design, press a wet cloth for 30 seconds, peel. The full process including prep and curing takes about 3–5 minutes plus a 1–2 hour "don't touch it" window while the ink sets. See our full application guide for step-by-step instructions.

Just clean scissors to cut around the design, tap water, and a clean cloth or cotton pad. Your order includes a pre-moistened cotton wipe so you don't even strictly need the cloth. Do not use alcohol, sanitiser, or any skin-prep solutions — they interfere with adhesion.

Yes — most customers do. For placements you can see in a mirror (forearms, wrists, ankles, thighs, collarbone, front of calf), solo application is easy. For hard-to-reach spots (upper back, shoulder blade, back of neck, behind the ear), a friend makes it much easier and cleaner.

Press the paper backing down with a wet cloth for another 20 seconds with firm pressure. The most common causes: (a) paper wasn't fully saturated, (b) skin had oil or moisture residue, or (c) you peeled the paper backing too fast. If the tattoo is partially transferred, remove it with oil-based makeup remover and apply a fresh one. First-tattoo application failures are covered by our replacement guarantee.

Yes, anywhere you like. Keep at least 1cm between designs so their edges don't overlap during pressing. If you're applying several at once, do them one at a time — apply one, wait for it to cure, then do the next. Don't rush.

Light hair (forearm fuzz) is fine. Dense hair blocks the ink from reaching the skin evenly and the tattoo looks patchy. For best results, gently shave the area 24 hours in advance — not immediately before, as freshly-shaved skin is too irritated for optimal adhesion.

Not at all. No needles, no scraping, no pain. Some customers feel a very mild tingling sensation for a few minutes during curing as the ink reacts with skin proteins — this is normal and not painful. If you feel actual burning or stinging, remove the tattoo immediately.

Technically yes — we have small designs that work near the eyebrow, cheekbone, or neckline. But we don't officially recommend face application because (a) facial skin has higher oil content and fades faster, (b) proximity to eyes requires extra care, (c) application over facial hair like beards is difficult. If you want a face piece, our Script collection works best for small minimal marks.

On a fully healed, older scar (6+ months old) — yes, it works, though the ink may appear differently on scar tissue than surrounding skin. On a recent or raised scar — no, wait until fully healed. Never apply over keloids or active scar treatment.

Not after the first 2 hours of curing. During the initial curing window, the ink is still settling and could transfer slightly onto fabric — that's why we recommend keeping the area uncovered and loose. After curing, no transfer to clothes regardless of colour or material.

1–2 weeks on average. Exact lifespan depends on three factors: (1) placement — upper arm/back last 10–14 days; fingers/hands only 3–7 days; (2) skin type — oily skin fades 2–3 days faster than dry or normal skin; (3) lifestyle — frequent showering, swimming, gym, or oil-based skincare shortens lifespan. See our placement guide for specific expected durations.

Showers and light activity are fine after the first 2 hours of curing. Extended pool swimming, sauna, hot yoga, and anything that keeps the skin hot + wet for long periods will shorten the tattoo's life by 2–4 days. Occasional swimming is fine; daily laps will kill it within a week.

(1) Choose a low-friction placement like upper arm or back. (2) Pat dry after showers instead of rubbing. (3) Avoid oil-based lotions, coconut oil, body butter on the area. (4) Apply sunscreen SPF 30+ if it's sun-exposed (UV fades ink faster). (5) Wear loose clothing over the area the first night. (6) Sleep on soft fabric pillows/sheets. Follow all six and most designs hit the full 14-day mark.

Fastest method: oil-based makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad, pressed firmly for 30 seconds then rubbed in small circles. Repeat 2–3 times. Most of the ink will come off; any remaining trace fades within 24 hours naturally. Alternative: warm water soak + gentle exfoliating scrub. Do not use acetone, nail polish remover, or alcohol — they irritate the skin without removing the ink faster.

No. The ink sits in the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum) which naturally sheds every 7–14 days. There is no permanent residue, no scar, no skin discolouration. Your skin returns to exactly its previous state. People with extremely fair or extremely dry skin may notice a very faint ghost of the design for 2–3 days after full fade — this also disappears completely.

Yes — slightly. High-friction areas within the design (edges touching clothing, places you wash more) start fading first. This is normal and most people like the worn-in look that results. If you want perfectly even fading, place the tattoo somewhere the entire design experiences consistent wear — upper arm, centre of back, outer thigh.

Yes — and you should, if the area is sun-exposed. Wait 24 hours after application, then apply SPF 30+ generously. Choose mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) over chemical ones — they're gentler on the ink. UV exposure without sunscreen can fade the tattoo by 3–5 days.

Only after the old one is fully gone (day 14+ or after oil-removal cleaning) and the skin has rested 24 hours. Applying over a partially-visible tattoo leads to muddy colour, poor adhesion, and sometimes uneven texture. If you want a fresh look sooner, remove the old one with oil cleanser first.

Not on the same spot — the adhesive on the second sheet won't grip properly over the ink of the first. But you can apply two adjacent designs with a small gap (1cm+) to create the look of a larger composition. For true multi-layer tattoos, wait 24 hours between applications.

Our formulation is specifically designed for sensitive skin — gentler than most commercial cosmetics. That said, "sensitive skin" covers a wide spectrum. If you've previously reacted to adhesives (plasters, medical tape), cosmetic pigments, or have active eczema/dermatitis, please do the 24-hour patch test first using the included test square. Apply to the inside of your wrist and observe for any redness, itching, or bumps.

Our ingredients are cosmetic-grade and topically applied (no ingestion, no absorption into bloodstream in meaningful amounts), but we still recommend checking with your doctor before use during pregnancy or while nursing. Skin sensitivity can shift significantly in these periods. If your doctor approves, proceed with a patch test first.

Recommended age: 13+. For ages 8–12, an adult should apply it for them. For under 8, we don't recommend it — the ink is gentle, but the application process requires steady hands and patience that young children typically don't have. Never apply to infants or toddlers.

Remove immediately with oil-based makeup remover or micellar water. Wash with mild soap and cool water. Apply a cool compress for 10–15 minutes. If the reaction persists beyond 24 hours or involves swelling, please see a doctor. Contact us within 48 hours at support@annaztatto.shop — we will issue a full refund, cover medical/pharmacy costs up to ₹3,000, and pull that batch from our inventory.

Avoid applying over an active flare-up or inflamed patches. On calm, non-flaring skin between flare-ups, application should be fine — but do the patch test first. If in doubt, consult your dermatologist. We'd rather lose a sale than cause a flare.

Please consult your oncologist. Chemotherapy and radiation significantly change skin sensitivity, and we don't have controlled studies on application during active treatment. Many of our customers wear them during treatment as a morale boost, but always on their doctor's advice.

Yes, normal showers with any soap or body wash are fine. Avoid scrubs, exfoliating washes, or body washes with high concentrations of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinol — these accelerate fading. Regular lathering and rinsing has no adverse effect.

Ready-made designs ship within 24–48 hours of order. Delivery times: Delhi NCR 1–2 working days · Metro cities (Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad) 3–5 working days · Tier 2 cities 4–6 working days · Rural / remote areas 5–7 working days. Custom commissions add 3–5 days for drafting and proofing before production.

Not yet — international shipping is on our roadmap for late 2026. We need to finalise customs classification and compliant packaging for export first. If you're abroad and want to be notified when we launch international shipping, email hello@annaztatto.shop with your country and we'll add you to the launch list.

Free on all orders over ₹1499 within India. Below that, flat ₹79 shipping via standard courier. Express delivery (1–2 days to any city) is available at ₹199 additional. COD charges: ₹49 additional on all COD orders, regardless of order size.

Yes. You'll receive a tracking link via email and WhatsApp as soon as the parcel leaves our studio — typically the next morning after you order. Our shipping partners (Delhivery, Bluedart, DTDC) all provide real-time tracking. If tracking hasn't updated for 48 hours, WhatsApp us and we'll investigate.

Yes, everywhere in India except a handful of remote pincodes that our courier partners flag as non-serviceable for COD. You'll see availability at checkout based on your pincode. COD orders have a ₹49 additional fee. For orders above ₹2,500, we require 25% pre-payment via UPI to confirm the order (refunded if you cancel before dispatch).

All Indian payment methods: UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM), credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Amex), net banking (all major Indian banks), wallets (Paytm, Mobikwik, Freecharge, Amazon Pay), and Cash on Delivery. We use Razorpay for secure payment processing — we never see your full card details.

Yes, if the order hasn't shipped yet. Orders ship within 24 hours typically, so you have roughly an 8-hour window to modify or cancel. WhatsApp us as soon as possible at +91 96397 84727. Once the order is dispatched, changes aren't possible, but you can still refuse delivery for a standard return.

First, check your tracking link. If it hasn't updated in 48 hours, WhatsApp us with your order number and we'll investigate with the courier. If an order is genuinely lost in transit (7+ days without movement), we ship a free replacement immediately. You never pay for courier errors.

Unopened items: yes, within 7 days of delivery for a full refund. Opened items: no — tattoos are personal-use items for hygiene reasons. Damaged or incorrect items: we replace free immediately. See full policy on the Refund page.

Approval: within 24 hours of your request. Initiation: same day. Bank processing: 5–7 working days for UPI, 7–14 days for credit cards, 1–3 days for wallets. Timelines beyond our approval are controlled by payment networks, not us.

On an approved placement (upper arm, back, thigh) fading within 5 days is considered a batch defect and we replace it free. On high-friction placements (fingers, hands, wrists, feet) where we publish shorter expected lifespans, shorter duration is not a defect — but if you're a first-time customer, we'll usually offer a 10–20% discount on your next order as a goodwill gesture.

Full refund plus reimbursement of reasonable pharmacy or doctor costs incurred (up to ₹3,000 without receipts, higher with receipts). Contact us within 48 hours with photos of the reaction. We also review the batch and pause shipping from it if needed. Skin reactions are rare but we treat every report as top priority.

Custom work is covered case-by-case. Before we start drafting: 100% refund. After you've received the digital proof but before production: 60% refund (we retain 40% for artist time). After production: not refundable unless defective. If the printed piece differs from your approved proof, we replace it free.

Email support@annaztatto.shop or WhatsApp +91 96397 84727 with your order number and a brief description. Photos help speed things up for damage/wrong-item claims. First response within 24 hours, resolution within 3 working days for valid claims.

Five stages: (1) you submit a brief through the custom form describing your idea and attaching references; (2) we reply within 24 hours with a quote and timeline; (3) once you approve and pay, our artist drafts the piece (2–3 days); (4) you review the digital proof, request up to two rounds of revisions; (5) on your final approval, we print and ship within 48 hours.

From ₹599 for small custom pieces, up to ₹1,999+ for statement or full-arm work. Exact quote depends on size, complexity, and artist time required. Full pricing on the commission page. We send a firm quote within 24 hours of receiving your brief.

Only if (a) you have explicit permission from the original artist in writing, or (b) the work is clearly in the public domain (classical art, traditional symbols, historical illustrations). We don't reproduce copyrighted work or other artists' original designs without consent. If you love a tattoo style and want something in that direction, our artists can reinterpret the aesthetic without copying the piece.

Two rounds included in the base price. Most commissions approve on the first or second proof. Additional revisions after the second round are ₹150 each — mostly used when clients change direction mid-project, which is fair.

Yes — we include a high-resolution PNG of the final linework with every completed commission, delivered via email along with shipping confirmation. It's licensed for your personal use (you can print it, frame it, show friends). Commercial use or resale requires separate licensing — contact us for rates.

Absolutely — it's one of our most-requested services. Send a clear photo of the handwriting (ideally scanned or photographed with even lighting), tell us which words or letters to pull, and we'll recreate it faithfully. Grandmother's recipes, children's notes, partner's signature — all work beautifully. From ₹599.

Yes. Matching pairs get a 10% discount on the total. Matching sets of 3+ get 15% off. Designs are coordinated but not identical — one tattoo complements the other (like a sun + moon, two halves of a phrase, or related symbols). Send one combined commission request listing all participants.

ANNA Z is our studio name, referring to our two founders whose middle initials both happen to be Z. The full backstory is on our About page. It started when one founder got a permanent tattoo she regretted three months later — and realised the gap in the market for semi-permanent work that actually looks like real tattoos.

Yes. We're at 2E/8, Third Floor, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi 110055 — four minutes walking from Jhandewalan Metro Station (Blue Line, Exit 3). Studio is open Mon–Sat, 10am–7pm. Sundays closed. You're welcome to walk in, but we appreciate a heads-up via WhatsApp if you're coming specifically to meet someone, so we can have the right person available.

Not currently. You pick up or receive your order and apply at home following the instructions included. We may explore in-studio application and event services in future.

We're open to discussing on-site applications for events such as weddings, brand activations, or small gatherings on a case-by-case basis. Availability and pricing depend on date, location, and scope. If you'd like to explore this, email partners@annaztatto.shop with your date, venue, and expected guest count and we'll respond with what we can offer.

We're open to speaking with boutiques, concept stores, and retailers whose aesthetic aligns with ours. Wholesale terms depend on volume and partnership details, and we discuss each one individually. Email partners@annaztatto.shop with your business details and we'll see if there's a fit.

Yes — Instagram is where we post new designs weekly, customer photos, and studio behind-the-scenes. Search @annaz.tatto. We also publish occasional longer-form pieces on our journal page (linked from the main menu). We don't have TikTok or YouTube channels, though we sometimes appear on creator collabs.