Monday, December 31, 2012

Tattoos / Body Piercings: Top 10 Tattoo Articles of 2012

Tattoos / Body Piercings
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Top 10 Tattoo Articles of 2012
Dec 31st 2012, 19:43

2012

As we get ready to bid farewell to 2012, I'd like to highlight the most popular articles on the Tattoos channel from the past year.

Please take your time to scroll through the following and get inspired for piercings, body art and design ideas for the New Year.

Thank you for your readership, loyalty and passion for the world of tattooing and body modification.

Happy New Year! May 2013 be filled with many blessings!

1. Feather Tattoos

2. Five Sexy Spots for a Girls Tattoo

3. United States 2012 Tattoo Convention List

4.Cherry Blossom Tattoos Bloom with Many Meanings

5. How to Design Your Own Tattoo

6. Five Hot Tattoo Designs for Men

7. Types of Body Piercings

8. Five Popular Tattoo Art Styles

9. Where Do Tattoos Hurt the Most

10. Top Ten Old School Tattoos

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Cost of Body Piercings

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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Cost of Body Piercings
Dec 31st 2012, 11:14

Question: How Much Does a Body Piercing Cost?

There are a lot of factors that determine price of body piercings. What factors determine how much a body piercing will cost?

Answer: The type and location of a piercing will obviously make a difference. It will also depend on whether jewelry comes with the price of the piercing, or if the two prices are separate. If the prices are separate, it will depend on what kind of jewelry you choose. Titanium will cost you more than surgical steel, a genital piercing will cost more than an eyebrow. The best thing you can do is call your piercing studio of choice and ask them how much it would cost. Tattoo prices can't be given over the phone, but piercing prices can. So, give them a call!

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Top 5 Tattoo Fails

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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Top 5 Tattoo Fails
Dec 31st 2012, 11:14

The following top 5 tattoo fails prove you should really think before you ink a permanent mark on your body. From bad meanings to scratcher skills, the following tattoos are all strange and bad in their own unique way. Before you opt for body art, put a little thought into your tattoo pieces. Don't go to a shop drunk, under the influence, or after a bad break-up just to feed a fix. Remember, tattoos can also be addictive. Once you have one, you'll understand just how easy it is to want another. Tattoos tell a story, and no matter how good or bad, they entice you to turn the page and keep telling it. The following top 5 tattoo fails should have never made it past the rough draft of the design process. Ever. These are just a few small examples of what can happen when you fail to think before you ink. Don't be left with body art that needs to be removed or covered. Be smart and plan your design with diligence and find an artist that can bring a tasteful and well thought design to life. Your body deserves a thoughtful and professional tattoo.

1. Slot Machines

TRF-Mr. Hyde @ Flickr
Inserting a coin into the slot is a golden choice for anyone living La Vida Loca in places like Las Vegas, rolling high and gambling away the nights. If you truly have a gambling spirit, a tattoo of this genre may make sense. There's lots of lucky casino and jackpot themed tattoo designs but this is not one of them.

2. Fashion Brands

Image courtesy Paul H. @ Flickr
Fashion brands are a tattoo don't! If you must wear a logo, then spend your money on the clothing or the bags, not on permanent body art. This Louis Vuitton print, while classic and stately in design, just doesn't work on anything but waterproof canvas.

3. Car Brands

Image Courtesy Daveotter@Flickr
Put it this way, unless you invented the wheel, try not to wear the tattoo. This Honda brand tattoo is old and faded, but still holds some sentimental value, as most Hondas do. Placed in such a prominent area, this tattoo could be worse. It really could. It could be a Pontiac, or a Saturn and the list could go on. Think twice before you get any sort of name tattoo.

4. Name Tattoos

Inage courtesy teamjimmyjoe

Name tattoos are also a bit of a risk, so why keep making them repeatedly multiple times across your body? This guy obviously likes to go by the name Mr. Ice, and he's even bone-chilling ready to prove it to ya. But who cares really? Do you?

5. Face Tattoos

Image courtesy Jennifer Cochren@ Flickr

Let's face it. Nobody really knows what this tattoo is supposed to mean. It looks like maybe this guy is into metaphysical beings, but I'm not so sure. It could be an alien life form, or a simple depiction of the human body in a natural and relaxed state. Either way, he shall live the rest of his life with people squinting, tilting their heads in disbelief with their mouths opened, first in amazement and then in concern, rather than checking out his unique green eyes. Epic fail. Why on earth did this man tattoo this design on his face?

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Body Jewelry Materials

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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Body Jewelry Materials
Dec 31st 2012, 11:14

The dictionary defines the word organic to mean objects that are “of, relating to, or derived from living organisms”. Body jewelry that fits under this term would include wood, bone, horn and ivory. It also tends to include rock/stone, even though it doesn’t technically qualify under the definition. Each of these materials can come in many different varieties, but the primary connection is that they all come naturally from the earth. Almost all jewelry made from these materials will come in the form of plugs, earlets, eyelets or claws â€" jewelry that is designed for stretched piercing holes, usually the ear lobes.

Wood
Body jewelry made of wood has great versatility. It is lightweight, so even a largely stretched piercing can be accommodated without discomfort. Wood comes in a variety of colors and hardness, depending on the source, which can be anything from the reedy bamboo to the rock-solid ebony.

There are, however, some cautions that should be taken regarding body jewelry made of wood. Although most raw woods are relatively safe, there are some that could be considered toxic when brought into contact with the skin, especially for a duration. Also, dyes and other chemicals are sometimes added to wood to enhance their natural beauty, but these can cause irritation of the skin known as “contact dermatitis”. The severity of the reaction to these toxins vary from person to person, but the best thing you can do is avoid them altogether. Make sure that your organic body jewelry supplier is well versed on the subject and guarantees their product to be safe. For more information on the types of wood considered toxic, see A Guide to Hardwoods for the Piercing Community.

Wood is also not recommended for long-term wear, cannot be autoclave sterilized, and is not recommended for new or unhealed piercings. Don’t allow wood jewelry to get saturated or over-heated (remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or entering a sauna), but it can be safely cleaned with mild liquid anti-bacterial soap and a small amount of water, providing that it is dried immediately. Then it can be lightly treated once a week with jojoba or olive oil to prevent cracking. Tea tree oil can also be used for cleaning and to add sheen.

Bone
Although they consist of different substances, bone and horn body jewelry can be treated essentially the same. They are semi-hard, porous, and can be carved into different shapes for a variety of body jewelry uses. Most bone jewelry will come from cow bones, and most horn jewelry comes from buffalo, although there are always exceptions to every rule and you need to be sure what you are purchasing.

Bone and horn are relatively lightweight, come in natural shades of white to black, and can be carved into different shapes. Bone and horn are fragile and can shard when broken, so care should be taken not to allow them to be exposed to extreme pressure. They are not autoclavable, but can be carefully washed with mild antibacterial soap and a small amount of water and then treated once a month with jojoba, coconut or olive oil. They are not recommended for new or unhealed piercings, should not be worn long-term or during swimming, bathing or sleeping.

Ivory (Tusk)
When most of us think of ivory, our minds usually go immediately to elephant tusk, which is illegal. However, there are some forms of ivory that are not illegal and can be used to create body jewelry. Walrus tusk is one such example, as well as Mammoth and Mastodon. (Learn about the different types of ivory.) Despite its legality, ivory still remains controversial and is a personal decision each person must make regarding its purchase.

Ivory, like bone and horn, cannot be autoclaved sterilized. If it is allowed to get dried out, it can get cracks that can encourage bacterial growth. It should not be saturated or exposed to high heat and humidity. It can, however, be cleaned periodically with mild antibacterial soap and a small amount of water, dried immediately, and then treated with jojoba, coconut or olive oil. These treatments are recommended once a month.

Ivory is not recommended for new or unhealed piercings and should only be worn short-term or for special occasions.

Rock/Stone
Rock or semi-precious stone is also used to create beautiful body jewelry. It’s heavy, and usually won’t come in very large sizes. The weight can also cause the jewelry to fall out unexpectedly.

It’s more durable than other organic materials, but can still break if dropped or treated roughly. Despite it’s smooth surface and solid texture, stone still cannot be autoclave sterilized and needs to be cleaned with mild antibacterial soap and water.

Stone jewelry is not recommended for new or unhealed piercings and should only be worn for short periods of time.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: New Tattoo Needles

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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New Tattoo Needles
Dec 31st 2012, 11:14

What is an autoclave bag? Well, not to bring up any bad memories, but you know the little pouches the dentist gets all of his tools out of? That's an autoclave bag. The needles should not be removed from that bag until you are sitting there and they are ready to start your tattoo. You can also ask to see the little sterile confirmation logo on the bag itself. Usually the company's name that made the bag will be visible on the front of the bag ONLY when the equipment has been properly autoclaved.

So, how do you know that the needles are new? Now, I will tell you; in some states, it is not a legal requirement to use new needles. If used needles are properly autoclaved, it is legally acceptable to use them, but this is not a recommended practice!!! New needles should be bright silver in color, not stained with ink or brownish looking. Used needles, if properly sterilized, can very well be perfectly safe. There is also the risk, though, of the needle tips becoming dull after use on a previous client, which can seriously damage your skin when used.

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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Tattoos / Body Piercings: Find Your Voice, Truth and Bliss with a Conscious Ink Tattoo

Tattoos / Body Piercings
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Find Your Voice, Truth and Bliss with a Conscious Ink Tattoo
Dec 31st 2012, 00:37

Image Conscious InkConscious Ink temporary tattoos were created by Frank Gjata with one mission in mind: to help people find their positive voice and wear it in the form of a temporary body art tattoo.

Affirmations, love quotes, dreamy goals and healing thoughts can be placed anywhere on your body with these safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly designs.

Connecting the mind and the body to positive thoughts can be empowering. Imagine being able to place a few chosen words just where you want them, but only for a short while. You can be creative and wear inscriptions on your inner wrist, wrap quotes around your finger or place a phrase on your hip bone rather than endure the true pain.

Conscious Ink tattoos are also good for the people around you. Positive verses can uplift even a stranger. What better impression to leave behind? Perhaps you can say something that will make their day.

The entire line of Conscious Ink temporary tattoos can be purchased directly at the company website here. Prices average two dollars per tattoo with several starter sets available for fifteen dollars.

If applied properly and with normal wear, Conscious Ink tattoos last an average of three to five days. Just in time for you to change your mind and think of something else to say.

Namaste!

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Foot Tattoos

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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Foot Tattoos
Dec 30th 2012, 11:15

Usually, fall and winter are the best seasons to get tattooed. But there is one area of the body that is actually best to ink in the springtime, and that is the feet.

Foot tattoos are somewhat difficult to heal to start with â€" your feet are the most likely parts of your body to lack proper blood circulation, retain water, and experience stress and fatigue on a daily basis due to normal activity. Wearing socks and shoes add heat, sweat, and friction into the equation, making an already delicate situation even more volatile.

When you get your foot or feet tattooed, it’s important to create the best possible circumstances for successful healing. Drinking plenty of water every day will help to avoid water retention. Being active on a regular basis will keep your circulation strong. Eating well and taking vitamins will enhance your immune system and your body’s ability to heal itself. And last but not least, keeping your feet bare or wearing the least amount of footwear possible â€" such as flip-flops or sandals â€" will reduce the amount of damage that can be done to new ink from friction and heat.

Drinking adequate amounts of water and wearing sandals are both more easily accomplished during the warmer months. But waiting until summer can also be detrimental because, as I’m sure you already know, the sun is very damaging to tattoos. Plus, normal summertime activities such as swimming, running, kicking balls, hiking, etc. are not conducive to healing a foot tattoo.

You’ll need to really baby your tattoo for at least two weeks, and then special care still needs to be taken until the tattoo is 3 months old, which is the length of time it typically takes to rebuild the protective cells over the ink. Any excessive rubbing or friction against the tattoo during that time period can fade the color and dull the sharpness of the lines.

That’s not to say nothing can go wrong, even if you do everything right. Foot tattoos are trickyâ€"excessive swelling, pain and infection are all risk factors you need to be aware of. How you react to those problems will also affect the final outcome.

If you have swelling in the day or two after getting the tattoo, it’s perfectly normal and probably is not an indication of infection. It’s more likely caused by lack of circulation and/or water retention. Putting your feet up above your heart and placing ice on the swelling for at least a couple of hours a day will improve circulation and reduce swelling. Be sure you’re also drinking plenty of water; when you don’t drink enough water, your body holds it in so you don’t get dehydrated. Ibuprofen can help with swelling, too, but be sure to check with your doctor about taking it since it can also raise blood pressure.

If the swelling becomes excessive, to the point of preventing your ability to walk, it could be an indication of something more serious or it could cause a more serious problem if not corrected. You need to see your doctor if this is the case. Your entire physiology depends on your feet to work properly and a lot of metabolic “breakdowns” can be caused by not attending to foot issues quickly enough.

Pain is also normal, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling. Over-the-counter pain killers can help with mild discomfort. But severe pain with swelling that lasts more than a couple of days â€" if your skin is red or hot to the touch â€" you could be developing an infection. Again, this is something that needs to be attended to immediately before it becomes very serious, and yesâ€"tattoo infections can becoming life-threatening.

Once you’ve reached the two-week point and your tattoo is feeling fine, you can resume swimming and occasional shoe-wearing. One hiking trip or soccer game probably won’t do any serious damage as long as you’re careful, but these activities need to be greatly limited until you reach that three month point.

So, if you want to get your foot tattooed and you’re in a part of the world that has just entered the spring season, now is the time to do it. By the time summer is here, you’ll be completely healed and able to resume normal activities without fear of ruining your ink.

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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: What Makes a Good Tattoo Ar...

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
What Makes a Good Tattoo Ar...
Dec 29th 2012, 11:17

You want to see what kind of skills are currently prevailing in the tattoo community? Take a look at the works of Pat Fish, Tom Renshaw, Kim Saigh, Josh Woods, , Paul Booth, Meghan Hoogland, F. Kirk Alley, and Tom & Mick Beasley. Not humbled yet? How about Aaron Bell, Bob Tyrell, Henning Jorgensen, or Trevor Marshall? This is just a pittance of the tattoo world’s most superior artists and the monumental excellence of art they provide. Are you ready to count yourself as one of their peers? If you are, then good for you! If you’re not but you desperately want to be, then go get the training that is necessary, like a fine arts class. If you’re not ready and you’re not willing to work hard to get there, then tattooing is not for you. If all you want to do is trace flash and make fast cash, then you have nothing to offer to the continuation and evolution of the art of tattoo. If you have nothing to contribute, then you need to find something else to do.

Anything Worth Doing…..
Ever hear the saying, “Anything worth doing is worth doing right (or well)”? Well, the same thing goes for learning the art of tattoo. Being an artist on paper is one thing â€" being an artist on skin is another. But before you can be a tattoo artist, you need to learn the other aspects of working in a tattoo studio. Even more important than drawing, more important than tattooing or making money, is knowing how to keep your customers safe. You need to learn how to clean, how to prevent cross-contamination, how to sterilize your equipment, what can be sterilized and what has to be tossed, how to safely protect your equipment and how to properly dispose of contaminated materials. If you don’t care about any of these things, then you damn well had better not want to be a tattoo artist because you will have someone’s blood on your hands faster than you can say "lawsuit". Safety is the number one priority of any reputable artist and studio owner. The way to learn it is to apprentice under someone that’s been doing it and living by it for years.

Once you learn the basics, they will then teach you the art. Learning how to effectively apply a tattoo to hundreds of different kinds of skin without damaging your client can take months or even years. You will be trained in how to customize particular designs to meet the needs and desires of your customers. Through many hours of practice you will learn how to increase your speed, improve your consistency and efficiently go from one customer to the next. You will also learn customer relations and possibly how to run a tattoo business and manage the studio. All under the direction of an experienced artist, who is there to answer your questions, correct your mistakes and give you constant guidance. This is the only truly acceptable way to learn how to tattoo. Even artists that once taught themselves will strongly advise against it to anyone else. If you want to make an impression, don’t be lazy and stupid by trying to take the “easy” road. In the long run, it will only hurt you and potentially anyone you tattoo.

Pure Dedication
I said in the beginning of this article that desire alone would not be enough to make it in the tattoo world. Desire is wanting, but it’s not doing. What you need is a dedication that inspires you to action, and enough dedication to stick with it for the long term. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it’s an art form. Some painters become famous and get rich from it, but most don’t â€" and all do it for the love. The same goes with tattoo artists. If you love it so much that you would be willing to do whatever it takes to become a competitive artist with a honed talent, then you are certainly on the right road. If you love the art so much that you would be willing to do it for free, then I wish you all the success in the world.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Ear Lobe Piercings

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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Ear Lobe Piercings
Dec 29th 2012, 11:17

Definition: Ear lobe piercings are obviously the grandfather of all body piercings. They can be traced back to ancient civilizations and have a vast history. The lobe is the easiest place on the body to pierce and has the highest success rate when it's done properly. It heals well, and can be adorned with many different styles of jewelry. Lobe piercings can also be stretched, an ancient practice that continues to have great influence in modern society.

Unfortunately, the invention of the piercing gun has made modern ear piercings even more risky than tribal ritual piercings done hundreds of years ago. No piercing, including the earlobe, should be done with a gun or squeeze trigger piercing apparatus. Please avoid department store and mall kiosk piercing stations - the people there are not trained on proper sterilization methods and everything about gun piercings is the exact opposite of how a piercing should be executed and treated. For more information, read Piercing Gun vs. the Needle.

Recommended Starter Jewelry: You've got plenty of jewelry options for a lobe piercing - CBRs and circular barbells come in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes. I don't recommend anything smaller than 16 gauge for a lobe piercing, and even if you want to stretch to a larger size eventually, your first piercing shouldn't be any larger than 12 gauge.

The earlobe heals pretty well, but exposure to bacteria is high risk so proper cleansing is essential. Earphones, telephones, pillows, makeup, and hairspray are just a few sources of bacteria and irritants that can make healing any ear piercing more difficult. Initial healing, allowing for jewelry change, takes about 6-8 weeks. That doesn't mean it's completely healed inside and out, though, so you can't stretch your lobe that quickly.

If you're interested in more information on stretching a lobe piercing, please read How to Safely Stretch a Piercing.

A lobe orbital is two lobe piercings connected with one CBR loop, so the jewelry looks as if it "orbits" the ear, like Saturn's rings.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Vampire Bites

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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Vampire Bites
Dec 29th 2012, 11:17

Definition: Vampire Bites are really just a strategically placed surface piercings. Since the rod that connects the two ends is invisible underneath the skin, the gems or discs on the surface of the skin simulate the appearance of fang bites in the skin. The piercing is placed in an area around the neck or shoulder that is the typical target area for a hungry vampire. Red jewel ends are usually the most popular choice, because they look like blood.

While they've always been done with surface bars in the past, with the invention of microdermal anchors, a Vampire Bite could easily be done with two microdermals instead. The end result is the same. If you have it done with a single bar, though, it's really important that the connecting rod is made of a flexible material or is an actual surface bar, not a barbell. This reduces the chance of migration and/or rejection, which is a standard risk with all surface piercings. Having a piercer that has a lot of experience with surface piercings is also important.

On a side note, while this is typically a piercing that girls get, there's no reason a guy can't get it, too. There's nothing "feminine" about being bitten by a vampire.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Kat Von D Makeup Line

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
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Kat Von D Makeup Line
Dec 29th 2012, 11:17

The Bottom Line

This is a good quality line of makeup, although some individual products are better than others. If you're a fan of Kat Von D, you'll probably enjoy this line especially if you want to emulate her bold style of makeup. The colors are very dark and bold and have to be applied with care or you just end up with a mess. The prices are reasonable and the line is growing to include even more products. But all in all, I wouldn't say it's any better than any of the other trendy lines that Sephora carries. It's all personal preference.

Pros

  • Good Quality Makeup in Bold, Trendy Colors
  • High Quality Brushes and Tools
  • Line is Growing Quickly, Offering More Products Monthly
  • Reasonably Priced for a High End Beauty Store

Cons

  • Some of the eye shadow colors are way too dark
  • The individual eye shadow pots don't apply well dry but are too dark wet
  • Not really any better than similar high-end makeup lines

Description

  • The liquid eyeliners come in a nice collection of colors both neutral and bright, depending on your personal style.
  • The lipsticks deliver a true Kat Von D heart attack in varying shades of red.
  • The new tattoo concealer does not seem to be any different than a normal concealing product and failed to cover my ink.
  • The sparkling lip glosses smell and taste great while delivering a beautiful shimmer, but leaves a slightly gritty residue.
  • The individual eye shadow pots are only for the most daring. They are also dry and dusty and make quite a mess.
  • If you can still get the limited edition shadow collections, they are beautiful and creamy and apply like a dream.

Guide Review - Sephora's Kat Von D Makeup Line

When Sephora introduced the Kat Von D line, I wasn't sure what to think. My first impression was positive because it's great to see such a high end shop embracing someone so heavily entrenched in the body art culture, but then again it really all comes down to the almighty dollar doesn't it? So, then I wondered--is Sephora just cashing in on the next big thing, or were they really going to provide a high quality but edgy line that would appeal to the tattoo community?

The line started out very small at first - a couple of limited edition shadow collections, a few lipsticks, and a few individual shadow pots in varying shades of black. Granted, Kat Von D can get away with looking like she's got 10 layers of color on her eyes and lips, but the rest of us would probably look ridiculous. It was my hope that the line would afford the opportunity to wear a toned-down version of Kat's edgy persona.

At first, that wasn't really the case. The only things available - other than the limited edition collections - were so dark and bold that, unless you're in a rock band, were just too much. But as the line continues to grow, there are more friendly (but still edgy) products being introduced, such as sparkling lipglosses and colorful eyeliners.

Since Sephora is so good about allowing you to try before you buy, I would suggest visiting your local store and playing with the samples a bit before deciding whether this makeup line is for you. I do like it, but I don't like it any more than Smashbox, Too Faced and Urban Decay, which all deliver similar trendy products that are more suited for the average, non-rockstar woman.

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Friday, December 28, 2012

Tattoos / Body Piercings: Most Popular Articles: Trinity Knot Meaning

Tattoos / Body Piercings: Most Popular Articles
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Trinity Knot Meaning
Dec 28th 2012, 12:07

While many Celtic knots are popular designs as tattoos, the one most often seen is the Trinity Knot, also known as a Triquetra. But what does the symbol mean and what significance does it hold? It almost depends on who you ask, because it holds meaning to both Christians and non-Christians, but their definitions differ based on personal beliefs.

Christians believe that the three points represent the three elements of the trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost).

Pagans, which are basically modern offshoots of the original Celts/Druids, take a more tellurium approach to the symbolism, seeing it as a representation of the natural forces: earth, air, and water. On a more spiritual level, it has also been known to symbolize life, death, and rebirth. There are also several other meanings that basically boil down to one thing: three separate entities that are inter-connected.

Blurry Origins

Who created the symbol has been an issue of controversy for centuries. Christians feel that it started with the Monks, who brought these designs along with their teachings of Christianity when attempting to convert the Celts of the day. However, it's been common practice for Christianity to adopt ancient pagan symbols and rituals into its own belief system, making it a very good possibility that the original knotwork symbols were, indeed, Celtic to begin with.

The Circle

Sometimes, the traditional triquetra symbol is accompanied by a circle. The circle, in many belief systems, is a symbol of eternity. Whether it is the eternity of God's love or the eternal circle of life itself, the circle adds even more weight to the significance of the triquetra.

So, whether you're Christian, Pagan, or somewhere in between, there's a good chance that the Triquetra could hold some kind of personal significance and no one else can dictate what it should mean to you.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Trinity Knot Meaning

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
Trinity Knot Meaning
Dec 28th 2012, 11:14

While many Celtic knots are popular designs as tattoos, the one most often seen is the Trinity Knot, also known as a Triquetra. But what does the symbol mean and what significance does it hold? It almost depends on who you ask, because it holds meaning to both Christians and non-Christians, but their definitions differ based on personal beliefs.

Christians believe that the three points represent the three elements of the trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost).

Pagans, which are basically modern offshoots of the original Celts/Druids, take a more tellurium approach to the symbolism, seeing it as a representation of the natural forces: earth, air, and water. On a more spiritual level, it has also been known to symbolize life, death, and rebirth. There are also several other meanings that basically boil down to one thing: three separate entities that are inter-connected.

Blurry Origins

Who created the symbol has been an issue of controversy for centuries. Christians feel that it started with the Monks, who brought these designs along with their teachings of Christianity when attempting to convert the Celts of the day. However, it's been common practice for Christianity to adopt ancient pagan symbols and rituals into its own belief system, making it a very good possibility that the original knotwork symbols were, indeed, Celtic to begin with.

The Circle

Sometimes, the traditional triquetra symbol is accompanied by a circle. The circle, in many belief systems, is a symbol of eternity. Whether it is the eternity of God's love or the eternal circle of life itself, the circle adds even more weight to the significance of the triquetra.

So, whether you're Christian, Pagan, or somewhere in between, there's a good chance that the Triquetra could hold some kind of personal significance and no one else can dictate what it should mean to you.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Piercing Gauges

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
Piercing Gauges
Dec 28th 2012, 11:14

Question: Body Jewelry Gauges and Measurements

How is body jewelry measured? What is typical?

Answer: The word gauge (pronounced GAYj) is used to refer to the thickness of body jewelry. Gauge sizes work in reverse, meaning that higher numbers (like 16 gauge) are thinner than smaller numbers (like a 6 gauge). Body jewelry gauges usually range from 18 to 00g - after 00g, jewelry then goes to actual measurements such as with 1/2 inch plugs. The word gaging refers to increasing the size of a piercing hole to accommodate larger jewelry.

First, if you need to know what gauge your own piercing jewelry is, the best thing to do is go back and ask your piercer. Unless you request something different, most piercers have a standard size they prefer to use for starter jewelry. Most starter piercings are usually either 14 or 16 gauge, although some may go as large as 12 or as small as 18.

The thing to keep in mind is that in most cases, larger gauges are going to be your best option. A very small gauge like 18 or even 16 runs a greater risk of migration because it can act very much like the wire of a cheese cutter, slicing its way through skin and causing a lot of pain and possible rejection. As long as it's pierced properly, a larger gauge such as 14 or 12 will be much more stable.

Some will avoid larger gauges because they assume that getting pierced with a 12 would hurt much more than getting pierced with a 16. This is really not the case as its going to be uncomfortable either way but neither is unbearable. It's also worth it to ensure a piercing you won't have to remove a few months down the line because of migration.

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tattoos / Body Piercings: Vote for Your Favorite Quote Tattoo

Tattoos / Body Piercings
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Vote for Your Favorite Quote Tattoo
Dec 27th 2012, 14:10

verseWhile quote and phrase tattoos are highly personal, there are a few popular verses that speak volumes to many. What's your favorite quote from the list? Vote or leave your favorite phrase in the comments below. Image Lindsay Zeek-Fees at Flickr

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: 5 Strange and Bad Tattoos

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
5 Strange and Bad Tattoos
Dec 27th 2012, 11:14

May the following 5 strange and bad tattoos serve as a reminder to always pick a talented tattoo artist and design carefully so that you can enter the tattoo process without an ounce of regret.

Not only should a professional artist provide quality work, their integrity should be as such that they encourage you to avoid any silly and/or permanent mistakes.

Should you have your heart set on such a piece then by all means get tattooed with a passion from an artist who agrees to do the work. Just make sure you follow the process of selecting a professional artist and practice their suggested tattoo after care.

While tattoo removal can erase a bad mistake, it's a costly and painful process. Should your current tattoo resemble any of the following 5 strange and bad tattoos and you wish to make a change, see a tattoo artist first and consider covering up your old tattoo with a custom design that's sentimental and offers personal significance.

Take a look at the world of self-expression and decide; are the following 5 pictures strange and bad tattoos, or are they worthy of a permanent mark? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and art is subjective.

1. Superheroes

image CCimage CC

Even if you feel like the strongest man in the world, chances are depicting that image on your body is a superhero mistake. Especially when you add to your hero some sort of demonic or villan quality or trait. If you want to capture the symbol of strength or any otherworldly ability, seek out symbols or character representations that prove you've got some brains along with those good looks.

2. Ribbons and Bows

While ribbons and bows can have a sweet and seductive charm to them, be careful where they are placed. This tattoo does nothing for the shape of her legs. Not only are the bows too big, the placement is just right smack in your face. Place a bow where you'd like to unwrap something and let your mind and imagination linger from there.

3. Technology and Microchips

image CC Blakespot @ Flickr

Just as time flies and technology changes, so do tattoos. This quirky micro-chip tattoo has already been done along side the barcode tattoo trend. Not only are these witty and comical tattoos played out, they serve really no distinct purpose other than the speculation of the future. Rather than live in the future, live for today and opt for a tattoo that defines who you are. That can't be just a number, right?

4. Flying Objects

Image Cc Lomo CamImage cc Lomo Cam@ Flickr

Anything that flies that normally shouldn't such as a pig, clock, a cow over the moon or a camera may prove to be a mistake later, mostly because you'll likely spend your entire life explaining to complete strangers what your tattoo means and why it flies. If you're brave enough to opt for a strange tattoo such as a flying camera, seek out a talented artist and at least have them do a colorful and quality job as seen here.

5. Sports Star Tattoos and Glory Days Designs

image cc jedimenta 44 @ Flickrimage cc jedimenta 44@Flickr

We've all been there. Glory days such as high school sporting events will always hold a special place in our hearts. Whether you were the captain of the team or simply cheering on the boys from the sidelines, there is simply no reason to tattoo anything like 'Throw it in her butt' on your body. Not now and most certainly not during your glory days. This includes jersey numbers from the team unless they are in memorial. Sorry boys.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Nipple Piercing

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
Nipple Piercing
Dec 27th 2012, 11:14

Nipple piercing is by far one of the most popular forms of body piercing and is often considered the sexiest, leading the way before genital piercings. This ancient form of body adornment provides sexual pleasure upon stimulation and also looks pretty interesting too. If you're considering a nipple piercing, read these FAQ first and discover if it's a natural pair for your body art style.

1. Does a nipple piercing hurt?

Image courtesy Fimb @ Flickr

As with any form of body piercing or alteration, you should expect a bit of pain with the process. Nipple piercing is said to be fairly quick and you should not expect any form of extreme pain during the procedure, although the sensation may be described as "intense."

2. How old must I be to get my nipples pierced?

Body piercing laws and regulations vary state to state. Most require parental consent for anyone under the age of 18, so be prepared to show your ID card and make things legal before getting any sort of body modification. If you're not of age you'll just have to wait. There's nothing worse than risking your health and safety for an at-home procedure in the meantime.

3. Are nipple piercings sexy?

What you consider sexy may not be the general opinion of the word. Nipple piercing, like all forms of body piercing, is subject to the individual. This is exactly why it's so important to have a sound mind and your own ideas prior to altering your body. You don't need approval from anyone but yourself. If you're pleased with the way a nipple piercing looks, why not try it out? Spend time finding a diligent piercer so that you can avoid human error as much as possible. In mass response, our voter poll found here suggests that the nipple is the sexiest form of body piercing.

4. What's the origin of nipple piercing?

Nipple piercing has vintage roots. From the late 1800's, when fashionable Parisian women wore "Bosom ring" nipple piercings paired with low neckline dresses to further entice, to Roman battles and the fighting men who wore armor and capes suspended from their nipples, there's a strange fascination with nipple piercing. Constant stimulation of the nipples can be very erotic, which is likely the very reason so many people are a fan of this suggestive site. During sexual play, a nipple piercing provides your partner with something to do, and the mere sensation can be quite pleasurable and arousing for both of you.

5. Where should I get a nipple piercing?

Most tattoo shops have a professional body piercer onboard who's capable of performing a body piercing. Bear in mind if you have any special requests, anatomical issues or need more attention for the piercing, you may need to go elsewhere. Anyone who's considering a body piercing should first check out Elayne Angel's book, The Piercing Bible, for a more definitive and in-depth look at the piercing process and any special considerations.

6. Can I pierce my nipples myself?

The answer to this question is fairly straightforward. Yes and no. To say you can't would imply lack of ability, which most people likely have. You can also tattoo yourself, perform a genital piercing and even pierce your tongue if you'd like, but chances are you'd rather leave all of these jobs to the professional, as you wisely should. Piercing is not only technical, placement is key as well. Most nipple piercings that have been done at home come with the risk of infection, disease, improper placement and a host of other unattractive situations. If you're going to pierce your nipples, save up a bit of money and have a professional do the job.

7. Should I pierce one or both nipples?

For cosmetic reasons, some people choose a single nipple piercing while others pierce both. For starters, you can try one nipple and see how it looks. You can always add to your body modifications as you see fit. Once you experience the healing process of the nipple, you'll know what to expect should you opt for the other. You can also have several piercings in one nipple and wear different types of jewelry for a customized body style. Be creative with your adornments.

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