By this point it’s safe to say that getting inked isn’t just a trend, but instead a practice that’s not going anywhere anytime soon—which is why 99.9 percent of us have a Pinterest board titled “Simple Tattoo Ideas.” Yeah, yeah, we know that tattoos are permanent, expensive, and straight-up painful—but with style-savvy celebs like Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Miley Cyrus and Kylie Jenner regularly seen showing off their cute tats, we’re still totally feigning for some fresh ink.
These stars don’t have full sleeves, but instead rock smaller, simpler designs on their skin. There are some major pros to tats on the tamer side: Small, basic tattoos are quicker (meaning less pain), less expensive, and not too drastic—so there’s less of a chance you’ll regret your decision 30 years down the road. They’re pretty much the perfect foray into the world of body art.
If you are a first-timer, sticking to something simple for your debut tattoo may be the way to go. We’ve been studying up on cool tattoo ideas that are simple—and won’t make your mom cry.
A version of this article was originally published in July 2014.
A Tiny Crown
Photo:
Miquel Benitez/Getty Images.
One Letter or Number
Photo:
Timur Emek/Getty Images.
Foot Tattoo
Photo:
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images.
Ankle Tattoo
Photo:
Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images.
Wrist Tattoo
Photo:
Timur Emek/Getty Images.
Shooting Star
Photo:
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images.
'Muse'
Photo:
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images.
A Meaningful Year
Photo:
Instagram/@_artbysm
A Name
Photo:
Instagram/@laraaapatricia
Flower
Photo:
Instagram/@jingstattoonyc
Tiny Finger Tats
Photo:
Instagram/@tattoo.videos
A Daily Reminder
Photo:
Instagram/@danielsoler.ink
'Young Forever'
Photo:
Instagram/@tattooist_arar
On Your Ear
Photo:
Instagram/@disegnarti
Tiny Tree Tat
Photo:
Instagram/@resa.li
An Ode to Brancusi
Photo:
Instagram/@tattoovasquez
A Single Rose
Photo:
Instagram/@ivanvargastattoo
Three Triangles
Photo:
Timur Emek/Getty Images.
'Never Give Up'
Photo:
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images.
Skull and Cross Hand Tat
Photo:
Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images.
Palmtree
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
Crescent Moon and Star
Photo:
Onnie A. Koski/Getty Images.
Hand Tattoo
Photo:
Timur Emek/Getty Images.
Angel Wings
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
Finger Cross
Photo:
Onnie A Koski/Getty Images.
Near the Shoulder Blade
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
The Moon and Sun
Photo:
Instagram/@stickyfingeertattoo
Beet It
Photo:
Instagram/@alinehuebtattoo
'Adieu'
Photo:
Instagram/@handpokeee
Mother and Child
Photo:
Instagram/@antstattoo_bojin
Leaves
Photo:
soyoontattoo/Instagram
A Flight of Birds
Photo:
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Arrow
Photo:
Timur Emek/Getty Images
Right on the Left Foot
Photo:
Pat Lyttle/Getty Images
Cursive
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Compass
Photo:
Instagram/@t.a.t.u.a.j.e
Finger Art
Photo:
Instagram/@galeta.tattooartist
Too Fly
Photo:
Instagram/@caionogueira_tattoo
Over the Moon
Photo:
Instagram/@tattooer_beni
Little Creatures
Photo:
Instagram/@thestandardtattoo
Animal Love
Photo:
Instagram/@tinytattoos_studio
Pretty Little Birds
Photo:
Instagram/@sofi_mirnko
Positivity
Photo:
Instagram/@inkanddaydreams
Blue Leaf
Photo:
Instagram/@antstattoo_bojin
Climb Every Mountain
Photo:
Instagram/@fannys_tatts
Grace
Photo:
Instagram/@anjumandtattooartist
Pinky Promise
Photo:
Instagram/@cginks
The Vine
Photo:
Instagram/@gokceozaslan
Eye See You
Photo:
Instagram/@insta_tatuaggi
Technicolor Moon
Photo:
Instagram/@clubtattooperu
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Simple and Chic Tattoo Ideas | @stylecaster
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