Facial tattoos have always been taboo in America until recently. From small teardrops to large works of art that encompass the entire face, facial tattoos have always been a way to transform the face in an obvious way.
Permanent Makeup
Perhaps the most subtle of facial tattoos, permanent makeup is a way to save time each day. The procedure involves matching ink to favorite colors and then tattooing the makeup on. The most common procedure is the eye lids and eye brows, although some women will get their lips lined and colored as well. The ink does fade, so touch ups are often needed to maintain more intense shades.
Small Face Tattoos
Not all facial tattoos encompass the entire face. Many people have added small stars, teardrops, or crosses to their faces. These small markings make a very bold impression without looking too extreame. Many find that these small tattoos are not only attractive but don’t hinder their everyday lives like an entire facial tattoo would.
Ear Tattoos
While not as noticeable as a small face tattoo, the ear tattoo is usually small and subtle. Many different designs work well with this area and many different colors can be used. Some designs include tire tracks or other bold patterns around the rim of the ear. Other people have tattoos of names or small animals. This area fades a little less quickly than the front of the face and even the brightest colors can be hidden by hair or hats for work purposes. This makes ear tattoos a popular choice for people who want to add something bold to their face that doesn’t interfere with their daily life.
Logo and Banner Tattoos
Many people use small facial tattoos to make a political statement or advertise a product. One recent example is of an Indiana man who tattooed the Romney-Ryan campaign logo next to his right eye in 2012. The man initially got the radical tattoo to make politics and the 2012 election more fun, and was paid $15,000 to do so. At the end of the campaign, he announced it would be removed, a painful process considering the sensitive location.
Complete Facial Tattoos
Some few people use facial tattoos to help them do a complete transformation. Usually these people have one particular design in mind. Sometimes it is used for artistic purposes, but the complete facial tattoos are usually added to the body for personal reasons. One well-known example is the Lizardman, Erik Sprague, who is considered to be an artist as well as a proud freak.

