We’re not sure when tattooing evolved from an outrageous subculture statement to swank and dainty body decor, but it happened. One culture connoisseur tracks the epiphany of chic ink, to a dainty wrist-let Janis Joplin had etched into her skin, in 1970. The design replicated a South American bracelet she picked up while on tour. According to the tattoo artist and historian of the trade, Lyle Tuttle, needling it permanently onto the front of her wrist was so (expletively) painful – she had many other choice words – that she nearly opted not to have her second design, a small emoji-sized heart, inked onto her chest. The body art artist sent her downstairs to the bar for a drink. She returned. He hand-drew the heart shape with ballpoint pen and seared the tiny design just above her real, still-beating heart. She loved them. Later, she held a party at her house and invited the artist plus all of her friends – 18 of them left with brand new tattoos.
The merge of bold, nonconformist tats with the fashion and cosmetic industries wouldn’t intertwine until decades later. Edgy vs. stylish body art has seemingly streamlined, until it came full circle with laser removal. The cosmetic surgery of un-tatting is a booming segment of the industry, quadrupling sales year after year, even though the procedure is five times as painful and costly. With the rising tide of tattoo art, there’s much to admire on the canvas called skin. Rock stars and celebrities, just like Janis, love to make bold statements about their individuality, as do many of us. Here are some of the most intriguing designs celebrity women choose to flaunt. After you’ve seen them all, you’ll be researching tattoo artists, or else cementing your place in the anti-tat class!
Selena Gomez's Important Message To Herself
Selena started small. Just one tiny musical note imprinted upon her dainty wrist kicked off her tatting obsession. Now she’s hooked. She’s got at least ten glamorous tattoos to this day. Many of them represent the sentimentality of friends and family. We know this because she shared it on Instagram.
The most fascinating wasn’t shared by her. Celebrity tattoo artist Bang Bang Instagram’d his permanent gift to her recently. A delicate script curved to her top rib penned in beautiful Arabic. It’s translated: “love yourself first”. More about Bang Bang to come.
Rihanna's Stars
Fact is, Rihanna made Bang Bang into the celebrity tattoo artist he is today. Rihanna found Keith McCurdy (Bang Bang’s given name) working inside the dark entrails of a dingy basement NYC tattoo parlor over ten years ago. Rihanna recommended Katy Perry, and then came Cara Delevingne, and Adele... he’s tattooed at least four Vogue cover celebs and caters to Justin Bieber, obviously Selena Gomez’s link to Bang Bang’s exquisite parlay between fashion and rogue art.
Rihanna sports many of her personal inker’s designs. A trailing henna-inspired decor sprawling across her hand is his work, but the first she commissioned at that dingy NYC parlor is a Sanskrit prayer verse scripted down her right hip. The most stunning has to be the trail of delicate stars streaming from the nape of her neck and trickling down her back. Swank.
Olivia Wilde's Sweet Dedication
Many times, celebs share the personal and intimate meanings they chose to etch into their skin forever. Recently, Olivia Wilde diagrammed the alignment of the stars of her son’s birth down the front of her lower arm, courtesy of Dr. Woo, an unofficial tattoo artist to the stars.
The dedication to her late uncle, the legendary and fierce leftist journalist who passed in 2012, is written in typewriter font down her wrist. His name is Alexander Cockburn, and according to Olivia, her uncle penned her a letter once, signing it: "all love, A". It reminds Olivia of the love he held for all, and her will to emulate him.
Lea Michele's Tender Remembrances
Lea Michele possesses at least 14 low-profile tattoos. Three of them are dedicated to her late fiancé and Glee co-star boyfriend, Cory Monteith.
There’s a “5” under her arm for the jersey number he wore on "Glee," his last words, “if you say so.” inked in along her ribcage, and just to yank on your heartstrings, he was replying to her response: “I love you more.” Crowning her left shoulder are two groovy musical notes commemorating their musical bond on "Glee" and beyond.
Cara Delevingne's Little Lion
Supermodel and Suicide Squad star Cara Delevingne caught the body art bug big time. Her detailed lion fingerpiece was inked by Bang Bang in NYC, and she returned again and again. She’s got, like, 20. Though Bang Bang’s work has been her first choice, Dr. Woo is her go-to tattoo artist in LA.
They all mean something. Her very first tat, the dainty lion etched in by Bang Bang’s tattoo guns, symbolizes her astrological sign. She’s a Leo, so for her, the lion represents fearlessness and serves as a reminder of her inner fire.
Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn's Dual D's
In 2014, these two British supermodels commemorated the “D” in their last names with a matching cursive double letter “D” image applied just above their hipbones by Bang Bang, naturally, their premier ink stylist.
A bold B.F.F. statement? (Extra emphasis on forever).
Delevingne's "Made In England" Stamp
One more for Cara Delevingne, her chic ink portfolio demands it. The text tattooed on the sole of her foot, like a doll stamped on a factory production line, is a protest of sorts.
Delevingne said modeling can be dehumanizing, they’re treated as doll parts, objectified, she said she felt like a mannequin. “Made in England” is her personal rebellion.
Gisele Bundchen's Little Twinkly Star
Brazillian supermodel Gisele Bundchen relocated to NYC and found something was missing. She looked up to the sky, but the big city outshined the stars.
So, every night for a month Bundchen drew one on her wrist as a memento of home. Eventually, she made her dainty design a permanent fixture.
Zoe Saldana Has A Little Star Too
She also has her husband’s face needled into a hidden spot near her ribcage. Saldana wanted to keep it private, the "Guardian of the Galaxy" star told host James Corden on "The Late Late Show."
Irishman and tattoo artist Mark Mahoney provided the service, as well as the tattoo of her face her husband’s been sporting for years. But the star. Dainty and glamorous, you’ll find it tucked into her ankle just above the heel.
Rita Ora's Feather Tat Story
Rita Ora has a lot of tattoos inked by the most prominent artists. Mark Mahoney needled in, with exquisite detail, one of her favorites topping her spine. Bang Bang inked the stylish feather tattoo into the side of her hand, and then the British singer, songwriter, and actress had him refashion it into a classy rose.
According to an interview at iHeart Radio, she had gotten matching feather tats with an old boyfriend and then regretted it. “At the time, I was dating a guy with loads of tattoos, and I was like, ‘Wee, let’s get tattoos!’ Now regret it, but it all has a story.”
Lena Dunham's Trending Tattoos
Girls actress and director Lena Dunham is not shy about sharing her body art. She posted nearly nude on Instagram in order to show off massive newly inked masterpieces upon her milky canvas. It’s empowering, in her opinion, inking her skin. “I think it gives me a sense of control and ownership of a body that’s often beyond my control,” she stated in the post.
In a gesture to empower women and girls, she went so far as to design a tattoo for super-fan Tina Wargo. The fan tweeted Dunham to hand-write the title of the third episode of Girls and send it to her. Dunham appropriated a paper napkin and scripted the design: “all adventurous women do”. Stylish and edgy.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Floating Heart
Victoria's Secret supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley keeps it simple and elegant.
One of her slight assortment of classy body art selections traces a delicate heart outline inked onto her wrist. Subdued. Sweet.
The Coolest Tattoo Goes To Emma Stone
It’s pretty cool symbolizing a rare Beatles tune with ink-drawn markings, but Emma Stone’s design was personally drawn by the legendary singer of the song. Sir Paul McCartney himself sketched the adorable blackbird feet for Emma Stone. It was a heartwarming cause.
Emma chose the song “Blackbird” from The White Album because it’s a favorite of her mom’s, so they both had the original drawing tattooed on matching wrists to celebrate mom’s triumphant victory over cancer.
Rihanna's Wrist
Henna is a decorative body art form called Mehndi in Sanskrit which is rooted in traditions and customs of ancient India. The brownish dye is made from henna plant leaves and the intricate designs last for up to three weeks.
Rhianna’s graceful henna-inspired pattern trellising her hand and wrist was permanently inked into her skin with the practiced art of Bang Bang and his renowned single-needle threads. Exquisite.
Kate Moss And Her Anchor
Kate Moss has had her tiny anchor tattoo eternally imprinted upon her wrist since 2008. The anchor’s always been a popular tattoo. Navy men, sailors, and other big burly seamen most commonly have sported the image, but now it’s not an uncommon trendy inked accessory for models and celebs. Moss’s most intriguing tattoo sits at the base of her back. It is a pair of birds tattooed by Lucian Freud, the foremost British artist and portraitist, who is a grandson of Sigmund Freud and whom Moss admired and befriended.
Since his passing in 2011, her back could be worth millions, Moss has quipped. The artist told Moss that he tattooed anchors on sailors and seamen as a 19-year-old during WWII. That conversation led to the original work of priceless art which adorns her lower back.
Adele's Monogram
Adele's tattoo is as classy as she is. Just one elegant letter tucked behind her ear in a delicate font, a permanent letter “A,” for her and her adored son Angelo’s names.
We love the delicate lines and classic font type she chose. Adele's tattoo is definitely a keeper in our book!
Demi Lovato's Inner Warrior
Demi Lovato has so many tattoos she’s lost count. It’s no wonder. She just added a rose next to her enigmatic inside index-finger script, “Sorry not Sorry” and an ankle portrait of her late dog Buddy for which she credits Bang Bang.
But what about this cryptic phrase curving atop her shoulder: “now I’m a warrior.” Deep personal meaning, no doubt.
Bar Refaeli Takes The Tat Plunge
But just barely. It’s a tiny lace-like white butterfly embossed behind her delicate wrist, and it’s her last one. “I finally did it! My first (and last) tattoo,” the celebrity announced to her Instagram following. They loved it! In one day she got 38K likes.
White ink tats are just like regular tattoos except a high-quality white ink is injected into the skin instead of black Indian ink. Another innovation, 3-D tattoo art, is a newer method that has been gaining popularity among edgy fashion freaks.
Jessica Alba Isn't Really Into Tattoos Anymore
The lovely Lotus flower reference scripted in Sanskrit on her wrist is forever, however, meanings shift and bend. Alba opened up to The Late Show host Stephen Colbert about some of those sensitive meanings. This Sanskrit word for Sacred Lotus tattooed on her arm came about after a rough patch. It was a statement of spiritual growth following a difficult break-up. “He was really anti-tattoos, and I felt like after I broke up with him, I found myself again.”
As a warning of sorts to the young, Alba told Allure, “Something that’s meaningful to you when you’re younger is not going to be meaningful to you five years later.” Clarifying, “You’re never going to be in the same place emotionally and mentally...,” she said, opening up about some of the tattoos she regrets.
Nikki Reed's Unidentified Symbol
Twilight actress Nikki Reed has been experimenting with laser removal. The Russian lettering tattooed on her wrist used to spell out Russian actor and ex-boyfriend Priluchnyy’s name. She’s moved on.
The best is this finely etched design topping her spine at her hairline. Reed has not shared its meaning, but we're still loving it!
Cheryl Cole's Controversial Body Art
“To me, it’s art,” UK pop star Cheryl said of the various pieces she commissioned on her skin. Her largest canvases her entire backside with an English rose design like a wall plastered in graffiti art. It took 15 hours, inked in parts, and cost as much as a small car, the celebrity said.
One of her favorites decorates the side of her hand with a tribal-like Polynesian Maori insignia. It’s a representation of the letter “C” and a symbol of new beginnings.
Sienna Miller's Tri-Star Cluster
Actress Sienna Miller is not only gorgeous but also very classy and discreet. So, it only follows that her taste in body art would be, as well.
Miller prefers dainty and discreet tattoos and these three stars in blue ink crown her shoulder nicely. Don’t you think?
Nicole Richie's Art Menagerie
Celebrity, and now businesswoman Nicole Richie, exhibits a menagerie of inky marks that grace her slight frame. A small pair of wings applied to each shoulder blade is an angelic touch. And I pray she always likes them.
Tattoo removal does not respond well to colored ink tattoos, especially yellow, purple, and turquoise. Let's just hope Richie doesn't change her mind anytime soon.
Erin Wasson's Artistic Side
Supermodel and celebrity, Erin Wasson, adores art. Her home is like a museum or an art gallery and she curated it herself. Ditto her body. And we're just loving the result.
Adorned with at least a dozen artistic symbols placed strategically out of view, you’ll find an arrow, a pyramid, a heart, and a feather accompanying her collection. Her body is her canvas. What makes her so cool? A motto of hers is: “Take it easy, but take it all the way.”
Scarlett Johansson's Wrist-let
Scarlett Johansson hasn’t been open about the significance behind her several many tattoos, but Robert Downey Jr. told Entertainment Weekly that five of the six original Avenger stars got matching tats in honor of their time with the Marvel franchise. Mark Ruffalo is the only holdout to the Avenger tattoo bonding idea inspired by Scarlett.
The "Black Widow" star instigated the Avenger tattoo bonding plan when she convinced Chris Evans to get matching tattoos inked in NY, according to Downey Jr. At last year’s Emmy awards Johansson’s backless dress revealed two of her larger tattoos, a climbing rose and an adorable and gentle lamb resting. Her daughter’s name is Rose, so meanings are speculated. And, of course, the wrist-let. It’s an inky ode to NYC.
A Tat As Sweet As Drew Barrymore Herself
How adorable is this darling stick figure birdie indelibly inked onto Drew’s forearm? Barrymore has quite a few other tattoos.
Equally as sweet is a new one, “Olive and Frankie”, the names of her two daughters in a whimsical freehand printed font. Just another reason for us to love the sweet actress!
Kasia Smutniak's Subtle Decor
Polish actress and model Kasia Smutniak embossed the base of her neck with this stylish and elegant emblem. Modest, feminine, and sweet.
This Polish actress definitely knows how to use her tattoos as accessories. She's definitely proving that you can have tattoos and still look incredibly elegant!
Chanel Iman Explains It
“It represents being a model,” Chanel Iman said of the logo-like drawing tattooed at the base of her neck. “You put clothes on a hanger and you put clothes on a model,” she expounded.
We like her thinking. It’s cute. A simple hanger resting atop her supermodel name. And, she has it in a very versatile spot, being able to cover it up with her hair anytime a shoot requires.
Lana Del Rey's Dark Side
Musician Lana Del Rey’s tattoos tend toward the morbid but meaningful. “Paradise” for the afterlife, “die young” scripted down her finger, and “trust no one” on the poet’s left hand.
She’s also got the names of her favorite writers indelibly scripted on her arm. Nabokov and Whitman. They’ll go with her to the grave.
Victoria Beckham's Stylish Ink
The sophisticated script running down her spine from the base of her neck reads, “Ani l’dodi li va’ani lo haro’eh bashoshanim.” Elegant. Romantic too. On Victoria and David Beckham’s sixth wedding anniversary they chose this line for matching tattoos. It means, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” But wait. Recent photos have revealed that the quoted text is gradually disappearing from her back as if she is undergoing laser tattoo removal procedures.
Another tattoo on her wrist is fading as well causing some to speculate that her new career as a businesswoman calls for a more professional image.
Rihanna Is Irresistible
Another one for the trendsetting diva. Like an entreaty for calm in the storm of celeb life, this inked script shows what she means when she brings her index finger to her lips: “Shhh…”.
This is quite a clever tattoo, and we're loving its uniqueness. In case anyone doesn't understand what the universal 'finger to the mouth' gesture means, Rihanna's tat is there to clear it up.
Minka Kelly's Red Star
In the past, the red star widely symbolized communist ideology, but it’s also a popular logo for Heineken and Macy’s. Everyone loves a red star. American TV actress Minka Kelly does too.
Maybe that’s why she tucked one just inside her right ankle. Swanky, yes?
Ireland Baldwin's Best
Fashion model and actress Ireland Baldwin adores her eternal artwork. Much of it depicts Hindu and Buddhist symbology, while others illustrate what she loves; like her dad (with the word “squirrel” in French), David Bowie, and her boyfriend.
On her arm, an extraordinarily striking arrow traces the line of her humerus. Bold. Arm tattoos definitely look stunning, if they're the right design, of course.
Lucy Hale's Bow Tie
American actress and singer, Lucy Hale, dons an indelible bow tied at the nape of her neck, and it is adorable.
And so are matching “I love you” tattoos Hale and her big sis had needled in across their left forearms; the script is done in a replica of their Grammy’s handwriting. Awww.
Jenna Dewan-Tatum's Wings
During Jenna and Channing Tatum’s honeymoon in 2009, they got matching tattoos. These three little words from their vows were inked onto their skin: “Side By Side”.
Unfortunately, their marriage has since ended. So much for that. Dancer and actress Jenna Dewan also wears permanent wings at the nape of her neck. Don’t they look angelic?
Hilary Duff's Wishbone
Once teen-star, and now adult celeb, Hilary Duff, is an avid fan of tattoos who prefers Dr. Woo’s studio.
All of them have meanings, but this wishbone depiction is especially sweet. It’s for good luck.
Leona Lewis's Ode To Horses
Celeb and activist Leona Lewis penned an ode to horses and had it scripted down her spine - Victoria Beckham style. And we just love it.
“End Animal Testing” stamped on her back in permanent ink gives you a sense of her activism. Kudos to Lewis for committing herself to such an important cause.
Khloe Kardashian Rethinks Her Tramp Stamp
She was only 16 and it was a dedication to her late father. It’s a cross with “Daddy” written over it, and it would’ve been lovely had it been inked anywhere else but on that infamously designated area. Long story short, the youthful indiscretion has been laser-removed.
Khloe’s “Bye Bye Tramp Stamp!!!” Instagram post thanks Dr. Ourian, the laser surgeon. She didn’t need it. On her wrist is a touching tattoo that says “I love you” written in her dad’s handwriting. She’s keeping that one.
Jessica Szohr's Limits
This is a cute one. Inked onto her side the script “know your limits” is topped by a bold line. Maybe it's just us, but we think this is something no one should ever forget - to know their limits.
Actress Jessica Szohr hasn’t shared much about her tattoos and the meanings behind them, so we’ll respect that. But we're sure they're worth knowing.
Miley Cyrus's Permanent Ink
Miley Cyrus has too many tats to count. Notable ink by famous tattoo artist Kat Von D decorates her right arm. One of them is a portrait of her “Mammie,” sketched by Kat Von D, the artist and celeb whose name is Katherine von Drachenberg.
Inside Cyrus’ bicep she has “love never dies” eternally scripted in ink. It kinda adds to the everlasting nature of the expression.
Lily Collins' Adorable Collection
It’s not just sweet and lovable phrases like “Love Always and Forever” written in her own hand and scripted into her skin. Lily’s got delicate renderings of fairy-themed scenes modestly gracing discrete areas of her fair complexion.
A dainty drawing of a tiny girl sitting upon a lily pad is exquisite.
Zoe Kravitz Has 45 Tattoos
But by now she’s probably got more. Celebrity Zoë Kravitz was born to tat. Her dad is Lenny Kravitz and she’s absorbed the rock and roll lifestyle quite successfully. How to choose just one? Some commemorate the civil rights movement, and the one that recalls the iconic struggle in a song is notable.
Referring to Nina Simone’s legendary jazz song “Mississippi Goddamn,” Zoë incorporated the idea and tattooed “Mississippi *@!!*@!” near her shoulder.
Jordin Sparks Speaks Out
Celebrity musician Jordin Sparks wrote a hit song called “Tattoo.” She’s a big fan. Most intriguing is the script in Hebrew scripture running down her spine.
No matter it’s not accepted to tattoo one’s skin within the faith, as a non-Jew, we guess it’s okay. Translated the line means, “If I am not myself, then who will be me?”
Penelope Cruz's Cryptic Insignia
It’s alluring because we don’t know the significance. Though it’s tattooed in an international language, no one knows what it means. Spanish actress Penelope Cruz inked “883” high on her right ankle. Intriguing.
We can only assume that 8 and 3 are her lucky numbers. Regardless, this actress would look stunning with a pick-up truck tattooed to her forehead, so we guess it doesn't really matter.
Evan Rachel Wood's Philosophical Statement
American actress and celebrity Evan Rachel Wood has quite a few little gems. Here’s one. An Edgar Allen Poe verse from his poem, “A Dream Within a Dream.” It’s more than skin deep.
Near the base of her neck, curved in black ink, the line “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream” is penned forevermore.
Ariana Grande's Meaningful Tattoos
Most notable is Ariana’s typo tat. The meaning she wanted, “7 Rings”, in deference to her new song, wasn’t the meaning that was needled into her wrist with indelible ink. Regrettably, the fix-it tattoo attempt only made it worse. She’s sick of the story.
There’s a sweet little heart outline traced on her little toe, and she had it tattooed while recording her first album which includes the song, “Tattooed Heart.” So sweet.
Brooke Burke-Charvet's Fake Tattoos
It’s fun getting temporary tattoos, and they don’t hurt! American celeb Brooke Burke rocks a few. They’re lovely.
Burke sports permanent ink as well. She’s got the names of her children tattooed forever.
A Crown For Kate Middleton
Can you imagine the exhilaration of the British press if this crown-emblem wrist tat was not a Photoshop fake? Although, we have to say, it actually looks great on her.
She should definitely make the best of this photo and have some fun with the press!
Angelina Jolie's Full Ink Gallery
Other than an incredible career in acting and directing, Angelina Jolie is noted for her humanitarian efforts, for which she has received many awards. She also makes sure to display those efforts on her skin with a back tattoo that reads "know your rights." That is only one of the many tattoos Jolie has. The ink gallery on her body includes coordinates, a Buddhist spell. Arabic script, and more.
She used to have a tattoo of her ex-husband's name (Billy Bob Thornton) over a dragon on her left shoulder but she had it removed after the two got divorced. She has since managed to marry Brad Pitt and get his birthplace coordinates tattooed as well, but they too split up. Maybe think twice before inking some skin for any romantic partners next time, Angie?
Nico Tortorella Makes Statements in Ink
Nico Tortorella is an actor and star of the comedy series Younger, where we got to see his shirtless body displaying his many tattoos. He has also published a poetry book titled "All of it is You.: Poetry".
Another thing he is known for is advocating for LGBT rights and gender fluidity. This issue is represented in one of the tattoos on his forearm. It is a picture of a king and queen cards, only the queen is on the king's card and vice versa.
Margot Robbie Can Tattoo Others Too
Most of us first saw Margot Robbie in her 2013 breakthrough role as the rich and seductive Naomi Lapaglia in 'The Wolf of Wall Street', and we couldn’t get her out of our heads ever since! The Australian actress later went on to play the beautiful, yet totally psychotic, Harley Quinn in 'Suicide Squad'. While playing that part, Robbie got to tattoo some of her crew members, including Cara Delevigne, who got smiley faces on the bottom of her toes.
Robbie herself has four tattoos but has given dozens of tattoos to friends even though she is not a licensed professional. According to her, she just got a tattoo gun on eBay and just started giving tattoos to anyone who could trust her. Sounds adventurous. Maybe a little too adventurous.
David Duchovny Tattooed His Wedding Ring
David William Duchovny is an American actor, producer, writer, novelist, director, composer, and singer. He's famous for his role as FBI agent Fox Mulder, on the hit television series "The X-Files", and as a writer named Hank Moody, on "Californication." The two roles have earned him Golden Globe Awards.
He is also the proud owner of a few tattoos. The most visible of them is the AYSF anagram one on his ring finger. He got it instead of a wedding ring when he was married to Tea Leoni. The two got divorced in 2014 but he's not planning on getting it removed as far as we know.
Going Gaga for Tattoos
Having gotten her first tattoo at 17 years old, Lady Gaga has more than 20 tattoos and it seems like she's not about to stop getting additional ones anytime soon.
Most of her ink is located on the left side of her body as a tribute to her father. Gaga once said she promised him that she remains "on one side, slightly normal." Apparently, that side is her right side.
Amy Winehouse Had Lots of Ink
The five-time Grammy winner passed away at the young age of 27. Her influence lives on with her deep voice still heard on radios all over the world. Her tattooed arms were featured in her iconic music videos.
She has had 14 tattoos overall, including a horseshoe, a few hearts, several pinup girls, and more. Her famous heavy eyeliner, however, was not a tattoo. Just makeup.
Justin Bieber Is a Believer
Justin Bieber's skin gallery has almost 70 pieces of ink on display. He got his first tattoo in 2010 when he turned sixteen. It is a small tattoo of a Jonathan Livingston seagull, something that many of the Bieber men have tattooed on their wrists. He got his seagull on his left hip.
A lot has happened since his first tattoo, like his tattooed torso and his full-on tattooed sleeves. Many of his tattoos contain religious symbols that represent his Christian faith, such as Jesus's name in Hebrew, and praying hands.
Emma Watson's Time to Get Her Ink Fixed
When we first saw Emma Watson as the intelligent and book-smart Hermione Granger, we knew that this was one actress to follow. Watson didn’t disappoint and matured into a leading actress, model, and activist, and went on to win British Artist of the Year in 2014.
Emma Watson is a great example of what beauty and brains look like, and has worked extensively to promote women’s rights. That's also what stands behind the fake tattoo at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The temporary ink read "Time's Up". Unfortunately, there was a missing apostrophe there. She was able to elegantly laugh about it on Twitter later. Elegance is almost her middle name at this point.
Megan Fox Is a Shakespeare Fan
Megan Fox is celebrated in Hollywood thanks to her good looks and her acting skills. She is mostly known for her role in the extremely famed Steven Spielberg film, Transformers. Not many people know that she has a Shakesperean tattoo on her back. The quote reads "We will all laugh at gilded butterflies" which comes from Shakespeare's King Lear.
She most recently appears on the hit comedy television series, New Girl. Although, these days, it seems that she has particularly slowed down on her television and film appearances.
Adam Levine Doesn't Have to Wear a Shirt
Adam Levine is the dapper and edgy frontman of the band called Maroon 5. He has so many tattoos on his body it looks like he's wearing a shirt even when he isn't.
Other than two full sleeves and a score of tattoos on his front, his back is completely covered with a tattoo of a mermaid holding a skull on a background of a sailing ship.
Katy Perry Now Knows That Some Things Aren't Forever
Pop singer Katy Perry and actor and comedian Russell Brand had an extravagant wedding, even for Hollywood celebrities. The ceremony took place in India, and the couple flew in their family and friends to join in a traditional Hindu wedding. The two even got matching tattoos of the words "go with the flow" in Sanskrit on their inner arms.
But sadly, the romance was short-lived. Katy was touring when Russell scandalously let her know via text that he wanted a divorce. This was all filmed in real-time as part of Katy’s documentary film “Part of Me”.
David Beckham Can't Get Enough of Tattoos
Both David Beckham and his wife Victoria, have some permanent ink on their skin. With more than 60 tattoos, David probably has more ink than Victoria. They spread across his chest, cover his arms, and even go down his ribs and up his neck.
One of those tattoos goes down his left side. This tattoo is in Chinese and means "Death and life have determined appointment. Riches and honor depend upon heaven."
Beyoncé Is Keeping Her Ink on the Down-Low
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, Bey, or Queen B for short, is not only a worldwide celebrity singer, actress, and dancer, but she is also an inspiring career woman and an incredible mother. Her tattoos are so small it might come as a surprise that she has tattoos at all.
In fact, Queen B has four tattoos. Three of them are located on her knuckles, and one (an angel) used to be located on her hip until she had it removed.
Priyanka Chopra Loves Her Daddy
Despite winning Miss World 2000 and being India’s highest-paid and most popular female celebrity, Priyanka Chopra is known as a humble person. Chopra is the recipient of several awards, among them, one National Film Award and five Filmfare Awards.
Chopra has a tattoo on her right wrist that reads "Daddy's lil girl." It is a tribute to her late father, and it helps her remember that she will always be his little girl no matter what happens. We're not crying, there's just something in our eye.
Emily Ratajkowski Likes to Be Reminded of Home
London-born model, designer, and actress, Emily O'Hara Ratajkowski, originally rose to fame in 2013 after appearing topless in Robin Thicke's music video, "Blurred Lines," which became the #1 song of the year in several countries.
With her world fame and her international travels, she needs something to remind her of home. That something is a tiny window tattoo on the back of her ankle. It is her only known tattoo.
Emilia Clarke Has Her Babies on Her Wrist
Emilia Clarke, our favorite Mother of Dragons, Queen of the Andals, Daenerys Targaryen, quickly rose to international fame through her long-lasting role in HBO's 'Game of Thrones'.
In 2018 she paid homage to her character and tattooed three small flying dragons on the inside of her wrist. This way she will have her dragon babies with her no matter where she goes or what other roles she gets to play.
Anne Hathaway Keeps Us Guessing
Anne Jacqueline Hathaway, also known as Anne Hathaway, is one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, with her films earning a total of $6.8 billion worldwide. Her poise and elegance are unmatched, and her single tattoo is just as elegant as she is.
Hathaway has the letter M tattooed on the inside of her wrist. She has never spoken to the press about this tattoo so we can only speculate what the meaning of it is. So far, we have narrowed it down to her brother Michael, her mother's maiden name (McCauley), or an upside-down W. Though it's probably not an upside-down W.
Matt Damon Has His Kids on His Arm
Matt Damon is probably one of the brightest stars in Hollywood today. He’s been in movies that have sold millions of tickets worldwide, and who knows where his talent will take him next? Whether he continues to become a star or changes careers and becomes something else, we can only be sure of one thing: he'll always have his family on him. Literally.
Damon has the names of his wife and four daughters tattooed in dainty cursive on his right bicep. It was done by tattoo artist Daniel Stone, who also tattooed celebrities like Lady Gaga and John Legend.
Dwayne Johnson's Ink Is Just as Famous as He Is
Dwayne Johnson is known in the wrestling world and in Hollywood. Not only is he one of the greatest professional wrestlers we’ve ever seen, but he’s also huge on the big screen.
We've seen him and his glorious tribal tattoo in hits like Baywatch, but it has also inspired the design of the tattoos on Maui, the animated character he dubbed on Disney's Moana.
Shay Mitchell Likes to Sport Some Ink
Shannon Ashley Garcia Mitchell is a Canadian-born actress, model, entrepreneur, and author, showing women in power everywhere how to be the boss, and looking fabulous while doing it.
The Canadian actress is best known for her role as Emily Fields, in the ABC teen drama series 'Pretty Little Liars'. Mitchell and her PLL castmates all got matching tattoos of their initials on their fingers. She has three more little tattoos, all located on her hand.
Ke$ha's Feet Are Super Decorated
Kesha Rose Sebert, formerly known as Ke$ha, is an actress, rapper, songwriter, and singer. A label signed her at age 18, and her first significant success came 4 years after the number-one single "Right Round" was released by Flo Rida, featuring her.
Kesha has more than 30 tattoos, twelve of which are located on her feet! She also has the words "live free" tattooed on her fingers. She got that tattoo shortly after releasing her third album "Rainbow".
Irina Shayk Has a Special Way of Remembering Her Grandmother
The gorgeous Russian model received international recognition when she landed the cover of the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Irina Shayk was born in the Soviet Union during the late '80s but says she inherited her South American look from her dark-skinned Turkish father.
Shayk's only tattoo is so tiny you almost forget that it's there. On her left ankle, you can see her Grandmother's name, Galina, written in Cyrillic alphabet. She says that her grandmother was one of the strongest women she has ever known and that this is her way of remembering her.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Are Just the Cutest
We would call John Legend a nerd, but it takes more than a common nerd to marry Chrissy Teigen and get matching tattoos with her so we’re gonna pass.
In 2019, John and Chrissy got matching family tattoos on their inner arm. John's tattoo reads "Chrissy Luna Miles" and Chrissy's reads "John Luna Miles" which is so cute we need a tissue.
Kate Upton Wears Her Faith on Her Finger
Everyone secretly wishes that Kate Upton was either their girlfriend or their best friend, depending on their preference. The American model and actress first appeared in 2011 in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The actress is a religious person and claims her belief in God is important to her. After an incident where someone mocked her for wearing a cross necklace, she decided to tattoo one on the inside of her finger. Now let's see if anyone dares to mock her.
Ashley Graham Is a Tattoo Novice
A paragon of body positivity, Ashley Graham is unarguably the most beautiful plus-size model in the world. Her career includes work with international designers and big magazines such as Sports Illustrated.
Graham is also one of the spokeswomen for the makeup brand Revlon. At a 2018 campaign party, she got her first tattoo — her husband's initials, J.E., right behind her ear. She made sure to keep her millions of Instagram followers updated on the process.
Chris Martin Has a Wild Side
Despite filling stadiums to the brim with fans, Chris Martin doesn't exactly strike us as someone with the personality of an edgy, rugged rockstar. This is why we were so surprised to learn that he has several tattoos.
The Coldplay lead singer actually has six little tattoos, all located on his arms and hands. Two of them are hearts — one on his finger, and another one on the inside of his arm. How sweet!
Dakota Johnson Has Chris Martin Inked on Her
Despite acting minor parts in various small films, this actress is best known for starring as Anastasia Steele in the franchise that grossed over $1.3 billion, "50 Shades of Grey."
Johnson has been in a relationship with musician Chris Martin since October 2017, and two of her eight tattoos were done for him — a matching infinity sign she got with him and another one that reads "I love you" over her right elbow.
Jennifer Aniston Is Still Attached to Her Dead Dog
Jennifer Aniston is one of the most beautiful, talented, and beloved actresses in Hollywood. The actress has been married twice, but somehow, none of her husbands have made their way to get inked on her forever.
The one who did make the cut, is Norman, Aniston's dog, who passed away in 2015. She tattooed his name on the arch of her right foot. That's what we call priorities. Other than Norman's name, Aniston also has a wrist tattoo of the number 11. Maybe it stands for her date of birth (February 11th) or maybe she's just a fan of Eleven from the Netflix show Stranger Things.
Charlize Theron's Happy Feet
Considered by many to be the most beautiful and unique actress in Hollywood, South African beauty Charlize Theron is a powerful media figure and one of the most recognized people in Hollywood.
Slightly less recognized, are Theron's tattoos. She has two — a little blue flower on her right foot and a teensy koi fish on her ankle.
Kaia Gerber's Fine Lines
Kai Gerber is the supermodel daughter of fellow supermodel Cindy Crawford. While some models shy away from tattoos, Kaia embraces the body art form. Gerber is a fan of fine-line tattoos, which are dainty pieces of art and are usually small. She's such a fan, in fact, that she has over 20! Pictured here are just five.
The writing on her left arm says "Jordan," which is her middle name. On her ribcage, she has a tattoo of a cherub with outstretched wings, and on her inner arm is a depiction of Picasso's "Woman with Dove" artwork. By her right shoulder is the name "Prez," an ode to her brother, Presley, and finally, in this picture at least, is a bouquet of flowers on her wrist.
Kelly Osbourne Takes a Stand
Kelly Osbourne is a long-standing fan of tattoos, and she uses them to speak her mind. In 2016, a terrible tragedy occurred in Orlando where a gay club was the scene of a shooting. In solidarity with the victims, Osbourne inked her head with that very word.
She unveiled it on her Instagram with a heartfelt caption, reminding people about our individual strengths and talents, as well as our duty to one another. It's a beautiful message, though somewhat dependent on her not growing her hair back. Still, the memory will always be there, and Kelly isn't one to stay silent about her opinions in any case.
Carey Mulligan's Seagull Reminder
Carey Mulligan has a small but significant tattoo on her wrist - a seagull. It may look cute and somewhat meaningless, but it packs a big punch for the actress. She got it after playing a character in a film called "The Seagull." The symbol represents the connection Mulligan felt to her character and everything that she went through.
Her character experienced a crazy series of events that would leave anyone reeling, but the character was optimistic for the future and had a sense of endurance that Mulligan truly admired. To never forget the impact of this role, Mulligan got a small tattoo on her wrist - and that story even earned her another movie role when she shared it with the director.