With stickers and a serum applied to her skin, she gets sun-drawn tattoos all summer long
What if your skin became a canvas this summer? Tanning is no longer just about getting a golden glow—it’s now about creating temporary designs right on your skin. It’s a creative trend, spearheaded by content creators like @sophiehennekens, that turns every sunbathing session into a true artistic ritual.
When a Tan Becomes a Temporary Work of Art
It all started with singer Zara Larsson, who sported a glittery butterfly on her skin during her tour. Since then, the trend has taken off: hibiscus flowers, sea turtles, and beaded seashells are appearing on people’s bodies, playing off their developing tan. Some opt for small, discreet details—tucked into the neckline of a top or behind a bikini string—while others choose designs that are sure to turn heads.
The body thus becomes an accessory in its own right. Rather than gluing on beads with the precision of a jeweler, content creator Sophie Hennekens (@sophiehennekens) has developed her own method—one that’s more accessible and just as spectacular. She shared it in a demonstration video that quickly went viral on social media.
Her technique is as simple as it is surprising. She applies summer-themed stickers along the entire length of her leg, then sprays her skin with a serum that has effects similar to those of monoi oil. Next, she lets the sun do its work and etch these designs into her skin.
The result: high-contrast sun tattoos
After a few hours of exposure, the magic happens. When Sophie removes the stickers, the designs stand out against her tanned skin, like symbols etched into her dermis. They create the illusion of a natural arabesque and require no additional jewelry.
“These skin markings don’t wash away with the first wave that’s a little too rough.”
These sun-kissed tattoos do fade over the course of your lazy days, but that’s a great excuse to try out different designs and start all over again. Your skin then becomes a sketchbook that the sun refreshes with every outing.
A creative alternative to rhinestone tattoos
The beauty world has recently been touting the merits of rhinestone tattoos, whether handmade or ready-to-use. However, these sparkling designs don’t last long in saltwater or when exposed to sweat. Sun tattoos, on the other hand, are much better suited for summer activities.
They adorn the body like embroidery on a skirt, without fear of water. What’s more, they can be made with simple materials: all you need are some stickers from a stationery store and a nourishing serum. This makes the method accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.
This type of creative tanning is part of a broader trend: body beauty is becoming more playful, less permanent, and more personal. Following the rise of temporary tattoos and body makeup, the tan itself is evolving into a form of self-expression.
What This Trend Says About Beauty in 2026
Contemporary beauty seeks simple, creative, and reversible treatments. In this sense, temporary tattoos perfectly meet this need: they last only a few weeks and fade naturally, like a vacation memory etched right onto the skin.
As a result, this practice appeals to women who want to personalize their bodies without a long-term commitment. It also offers creative freedom: seashells, geometric shapes, floral patterns—each session can be different.
- Choose stickers with a summery theme: seashells, flowers, and sea creatures.
- Spray a nourishing serum on the area before sun exposure.
- Stick the stickers on so they lie completely flat for a clean outline.
- Remove the stickers after a few hours of exposure to the sun.
- Repeat this step each time you go out to create different patterns.
Precautions You Should Not Overlook
Tanning is a defensive reaction of the skin to UV rays. These sun-induced “tattoos” are appealing, but they should never come at the expense of skin health. By following a few simple precautions, you can enjoy this summer treat without any risk.
First, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your entire body, including the areas around your tattoos. You should also avoid prolonged sun exposure between noon and 4 p.m., as UV rays are strongest during those hours. Trying to speed up the tanning process with oils that don’t provide sun protection is a common mistake that should be avoided.
It’s also important to watch for redness, skin irritation, or sunburn starting with the very first sessions. People with particularly sensitive skin or those prone to skin reactions should avoid this practice. For everyone else, however, a little care is all it takes to balance style and protection.
The real goal isn’t to turn your skin into a summer billboard. It’s about having fun with contrasts while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays over the long term. No matter how creative it may be, a “tattoo” created by tanning isn’t worth getting sunburned for.
