The best compliments are when people can't tell which tattoos are older than my kids.

Some of my tattoos are older than my kids.

One of my favorite compliments is when someone points to one of them and says, "Wait... that's one of your older tattoos?"

Yep.

Sure is.

I don't have a complicated tattoo care routine. I don't have a shelf full of tattoo balms, miracle creams, or products that promise to make my ink look brand new forever.

I just take really good care of the skin they're in.

Because here's the thing...

Your tattoo lives in your skin.

Healthy skin is the best thing you can do for beautiful tattoos.

Here's exactly what I do.

Your Tattoo Lives in Your Skin

Once your tattoo is healed, you're not really taking care of the ink anymore.

You're taking care of your skin.

Think about it...

If your skin is dry, dull, or flaky, your tattoos are going to look dry, dull, and flaky too.

But when your skin is healthy and hydrated? Your tattoos look richer, smoother, and more vibrant.

The good news is you don't need to add another twenty-minute routine to your day.

Mine fits into the shower I was already planning to take.

I Wash My Tattoos Like I Wash My Face

Maybe this sounds weird...

But I treat the skin with my tattoos the same way I treat the skin on my face.

I don't want anything that leaves it feeling squeaky, tight, or stripped.

If my skin feels like it desperately needs lotion the second I step out of the shower, that's usually a sign whatever I washed with wasn't doing it any favors.

That's actually one of the reasons I started making handmade soap.

I wanted something that cleaned my skin really well without making it feel like all of its moisture had disappeared down the drain.

Our handmade coconut milk soaps create a rich, creamy lather that leaves my skin feeling clean… not tight.

Because healthy skin makes beautiful tattoos.

My Favorite Mom Hack: The Last Step

Let's be honest...

I don't have time for an Everything Shower every day.

Some days I barely have time for a shower.

Most mornings I'm just trying to get in, get clean, and get everyone out the door wearing matching shoes.

That's why shower oil has become one of my favorite little mom hacks.

I use it as the very last step before turning off the water.

A quick massage over my skin, a light rinse, and I'm done.

By the time I towel off, my skin already feels soft and hydrated.

No standing in the bathroom trying to convince myself to put lotion on.

No greasy feeling.

No waiting for anything to soak in before getting dressed.

And here's my favorite part...

I don't use it every day.

I use it when my skin needs a little extra love.

After a weekend outside.

After too much pool time.

Or whenever my skin starts feeling dry.

It works around my life instead of giving me another routine to keep up with.

 

 

If You See Me Hiding in the Freezer Section at Fry's...

Mind your business. 😂

I'm not trying to decide between Rocky Road and Mint Chip.

I'm doing the opposite of defrosting.

If you live in Arizona, you already know exactly what I'm talking about.

The sun here doesn't mess around.

It hits differently than Miami.

¡Esta el sol que pica!

If my tattoos are showing, sunscreen is coming with me.

Pool day.

Soccer game.

Farmer's market.

Running errands.

It doesn't matter.

The suns rays are one of the biggest reasons tattoos fade over time, and SPF is one of the easiest things you can do to help protect all those hours you spent sitting in the tattoo chair.

When I Want My Tattoos to Steal the Show

Not every day calls for body oil.

But some days absolutely do.

Date night.

Girls' night.

Vacation.

A concert.

That first tank top after winter.

Or honestly...just because.

A few drops of body oil gives my skin that healthy, hydrated glow that makes my tattoos really stand out.

Not glittery.

Not greasy.

Just that "Wow...your skin looks amazing today" kind of glow.

It's amazing what hydrated skin can do for colorful tattoos.

Love Your Tattoos. Check Your Skin.

This tip has nothing to do with beauty.

And everything to do with taking care of yourself.

Once a month, take a few minutes to actually look at your skin.

Check for new moles.

Notice if anything has changed.

Feel for changes in texture.

If you've got tattoos on your back, ask your partner or a friend to take a look.

Your tattoos tell your story.

The skin underneath them deserves just as much attention.

My Five-Minute Tattoo Routine

If you skipped straight to the bottom looking for the short version...

I've got you.

🫧 Step 1: Wash with a gentle handmade soap

🚿 Step 2: Finish with shower oil whenever my skin needs extra hydration.

✨ Step 3: Add body oil when I want glowing skin and my tattoos to really pop.

☀️ Step 4: Wear sunscreen if my tattoos are going to be out.

❤️ Step 5: Do a monthly skin check.

That's it.

No twelve-step routine.

No cabinet full of tattoo products.

Just healthy skin.

Because healthy skin makes beautiful tattoos.

Shop My Tattoo Favorites

These are the three products that have earned a permanent spot in my bathroom.

🫧 Handmade Coconut Milk Soap
Gentle without that tight, stripped feeling.

🚿 The Last Step Shower Oil
My favorite shortcut to soft, hydrated skin.

✨ Nourishing Dry Body Oil
For the days I want glowing skin and tattoos that steal the show.

Remember that taking care of your tattoos doesn't have to be another thing on your to-do list.

You're already taking a shower.

You might as well let it do a little extra work for you.

Now go drink some water... and if you're in Arizona, I'll meet you in the freezer aisle at Fry's. 😂

xoxo, Julie