Meet the Tattoo Artist Who Recreates Famous Paintings With Ink

Single Star Tattoo

Solidify your spot as the star in your life by getting a star tattooed on one of your ankles. Just think — you can debut it while wearing one of your new going out tops this spring!

Bunny Tattoo

Getting a bunny tattoo during spring somehow feels seasonally appropriate. It doesn't matter that Easter is gone either. All you need to convince you that your dainty ankle tattoo is the thought that you're happily hopping from one chapter of your life to the next.

A Nod to Youth

Get this cute nostalgic tattoo to remind you to enjoy your life in the midst of crushing your goals! No seriously — get out and enjoy the sun!

What's My Age Again?

Blink-182 made the most nostalgic song in the early 2000s that works well for an ankle tattoo that displays the year you were born. If you're super committed to being a millennial or a part of Gen Z, this idea is perfect for you.

Shine a Spotlight On Playing

Can you tell we're encouraging you to spend more time playing again? It may be fun to make money from your side hustle, but we dare you to fall in love with playing just because it's fun.

Karmic Cycles

Need a reminder that "what goes around, comes around?" Look no further than a small ankle tattoo that hints at karmic cycles.

Light as a Feather

Lastly, make it a point to be light as feather! We're not talking about how you walk either.

It's time to start breaking up with the way you let stress overwhelm you this spring.

1. Keep the second-skin (medical-grade adhesive) on for several days, or however long your artist recommends.

Your artist will likely place a second-skin material over your tattoo after it’s finished. It works as a barrier to keep bacteria out while the tattoo is in its freshest stage, only meant to stay on a few days.

When it’s time to take it off, be patient and go slow to avoid damage to the skin. Before doing this, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel to avoid additional germs and bacteria that could harvest in a normal hand towel.

Blood and plasma fluid coming out from the second-skin is normal, but if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary excretions or sensations, contact your tattoo artist ASAP.

2. Wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free, unscented, antimicrobial soap.

After removing the second skin, the next step in aftercare is to wash off the tatted area. Using a gentle soap ensures that your tattoo doesn’t get any further irritation that could cause unfavorable healing.

When it’s time to wash, move gently, as the area can be tender. You’ll want to start with clean hands and wash with lukewarm water as well, to avoid burning the exposed skin. These are the soaps most commonly used for tattoo aftercare:

3. Moisturize after pat-drying your skin with a paper towel.

Though petroleum jellies (like Vaseline) can be moisturizing on the lips, it’s no longer widely recommended for tattoo aftercare. Too much of it can create a thick, non-breathable layer on top of your tattoo – less air-flow means slower healing and the potential for ink bleeding. Look to opt for light ointments and balms. Here are a few widely-loved ones:

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($16)
• People Of Substance All-Natural Tattoo Balm Stick ($15)
• Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream ($22)
• Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion ($11, was $13)
• Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm Stick ($12)

Bandages or other tight skin coverings are not necessary once you’ve washed off your tattoo. A seal created by these barriers could restrict air-flow, too.

After a week or so, it’s safe to move away from ointments and balms, and onto gentle lotions like the Eucerin Unscented Advanced Repair Body LotionAdvanced Repair Body Lotion ($11, was $13).

4. Avoid *too* hot of showers + no physical activity for at least 48 hours after your appointment.

Heat caused by external factors (weather, hot water, etc) and sweating can increase the risk for the ink on your tattoo to bleed. Plus, moving around too suddenly (like how you would during a workout) causes your skin to stretch, potentially altering your tat’s shape. Not to mention, there’s a very real risk of infection from that grimy gym equipment!

5. Stay out of direct sun for at least 2 weeks.

Sun can further damage your ink, so it’s not a good thing for tattoo aftercare. If you have to be out, your first line of defense should be a physical barrier like some loose clothing, then a light layer of mineral zinc oxide-based sunscreen to protect your tat.

6. No underwater activity for at least 2 weeks.

The risk for bacterial infection from the water in pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean is high. That’s why people prefer to get tatted in the winter, where they won’t have to actively avoid swimming and the subsequent FOMO of not diving in.

7. Stay hydrated!

Hydrating your body hydrates your skin – and having hydrated skin means your tattoo is ready to heal as best as it can. Drinking water throughout the day (don’t go too crazy) certifies that your body can handle the ink. You also might want to avoid alcohol for a bit. It can cause bouts of dehydration and thin your blood, causing excess bleeding from the tattoo’s wound.

Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals

I had to mention the OG! These sandals are fitted with Birkenstock's original footbed, which is specially designed to enhance your gait and coordination, improve stability, and provide arch support. This means they're stylish and practical, which is a win-win, if you ask me.

This design has a shorter break-in period than you'd expect. Per Birkenstock, "the soft footbed has an integrated latex foam cushion... it offers excellent comfort from day one."

The upper is a serene green suede and boasts two adjustable straps with color coordinating buckles.

The Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals currently come in 3 other colors for $140.

Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals

Part of the Papillio by Birkenstock collection – which primarily amplifies platform styles – this fresh take on the Arizona sandals flaunts a flexible platform sole, smooth black leather throughout the shoe, and a contoured cork-latex footbed that shapes to your step with wear. This pair is great when you want a little boost!

The duo straps are reflective of the OG Arizona sandals, but look a bit more polished in this iteration.

The Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals also come in light gray for $220.

Theda Leather Sandals

Another unique Papillio silhouette, the Theda sandals havelots of cushion along the ankle straps and footbed, so they're bound to be the comfiest sandals you own. The straps that span the ankles and toes are looped, securing with velcro. Their smooth leather construction offers an elevated air.

These Birkenstock sandals are currently shoppable by members-only access by creating an account with the brand. They also come in black for $180.

Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals

Let's get into the fun summer colors! Birkenstock has a lot of them, but this pink is just stunning. The gold hardware flatters virtually any skin tone and feels especially fitting for a warm summer vacation – or even when you just want a little pop of brightness! They're essentially the same shoe as the classic Arizonas but with enlarged, contrasting metal buckles that draw the eye in. The natural leather upper on these sandals has an exceptionally shiny finish for even more curb appeal.

The Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals are shoppable in 8 other summer-ready colors for $170.

St. Barths Leather Sandals

I see you, unique blue hue! Sporting maybe the flattest Birks silhouette to-date, the St. Barths Leather Sandals scream cool girl. They stray from the norm with two woven buckled straps, silver hardware, and low-key rubber sole (which Birkenstock describes as "city-ready"). The smooth leather insole offers total flexibility and cushion for stepping out.

This design also comes in all black for $230.

Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs

These shoes are pretty much my #1 favorite of the Birkenstock lineup. Cool girls wear clogs! I'd say they're just as iconic as the Arizona sandals, and they're really nice for when you don't necessarily want to show some toe, but still want to wear slip-ons. The soft suede material on these gives a casual, already worn-in vibe, so they're super easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Opposite the lightweight sole is the original Birkenstock footbed made with an extra foam layer for utmost softness!

The Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs comes in 4 other easy-to-pair colors for $160.

Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals

These deliver such a clean look, and I love it. The white colorway is spruced up with some shimmer in an embossed croc pattern. The classic contoured cork-latex footbed molds to your feet with time and wear, which won't be hard since you'll wanna wear these all the time. The trio of straps boasts adjustable silver buckles so you can find your perfect fit.

The Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals come in 3 other fun pastel colors for $100.

Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals

The Papillio line strikes again with these timeless slip-on sandals! The grooved chunky white sole gives 'em some playful personality for frolicking around in this summer. They have the classic suede upper with two buckled straps, and the contoured cork footbed will adjust to your perfect fit with time and wear.

The Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals also come in 3 other colors for $135.

Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals

Made from super flexible EVA, this ultra lightweight, shock absorbing, waterproof (hello, beach days!) take on the Arizona sandals feel like the perfect pair for summer adventures. They still have signature adjustable buckles, too, so you can adjust the fit as you go!

The Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals come in 12 other colors for $50.

Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals

The wide straps on these neutral sandals add stability to your step and a touch of style you don't normally see from Birkenstock! The cork wedge is stylistic of the Birkenstock brand, but it offers a unique take since the cork is *actually* visible. These shoes flaunt a nubuck leather upper and only one adjustable strap of the two. They have the classic black sole with a good amount of traction!

The Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals comes in two other colors for $135.

Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs

Even the Boston clogs got the Papillio treatment! These have a very chunky EVA sole that feels cushy when you walk in it. The green suede material on the upper feels ultra-soft and velvety from the get-go. The cork-latex footbed will mold to your feet with time and wear, too.

The Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs are shoppable in 3 other colorways for $150.