20 Watercolor Tattoo Ideas And Designs That'll Brighten Up Your Mood

I'm a high-key wimp when it comes to needles, but if there's anything that could convince me to get a tattoo, it's a ridiculously pretty, watercolor design. Like, I love the look of a classic black-ink tattoo, but there's something extra special about paint brush-inspired strokes and crazy-bright details. That's why I combed through the massive amount of inspiration on Instagram to find the prettiest watercolor tattoos of all time, from baby-blue butterflies to flower-filled lightening bolts.

Trust me when I say these 20 watercolor tattoo ideas have me contemplating a spur-of-the-moment trip to my local tattoo shop.

1. Lightning Bolt Watercolor Tattoo

   This lightning bolt tattoo is anything but basic, thanks to the ridiculously pretty, watercolor flowers that live inside of it.

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2. Butterfly Watercolor Tattoo

   What's cuter than two dainty watercolor butterfly tattoos, you ask? Literally nothing, that's what.

3. Watercolor Ankle Tattoo

   This ankle tattoo is equal parts subtle and bold, thanks to the combination of delicate strokes and bright ink. 

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4. Bird Watercolor Tattoo

   A blend of blue, violet, and black ink gives this watercolor bird tattoo a cool, galaxy-inspired touch.

5. Pink Watercolor Tattoo

   The soft, diffused strokes on this pink floral tattoo makes it look like an actual watercolor painting.

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6. Tiny Watercolor Tattoo

   There's something extra tempting about a teeny tiny tattoo, especially when it's rendered in the prettiest watercolor hues.

7. Watercolor Thigh Tattoo

   Bright colors not totally your vibe? No prob. This watercolor tattoo gives you the same soft, free-hand strokes but in a totally subdued color palette.

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8. Peony Watercolor Tattoo

   This peony tattoo is made extra dreamy with shades of green, pink, white, and yellow—and that perfect placement is pretty hard to beat.

9. Watercolor Neck Tattoo

   Wear your hair down and this delicate watercolor tattoo is easily disguised, or opt for a bun and show off that lil' beauty to the world.

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10. Sunflower Watercolor Tattoo

    There's nothing *not* to love about this sunflower tattoo, but the oil painting-esque shading on the petals is beyond cool.

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11. Dragonfly Watercolor Tattoo

    This dragonfly tattoo is fairly simple in design, but the crazy-bold background colors gives it some nice edge.

12. Watercolor Wrist Tattoo

    This watercolor tattoo design is so damn pretty, there's no reason not to show it off 24/7—and the genius wrist placement lets you do just that.

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13. Watercolor Back Tattoo

    This watercolor tattoo—which sits a few inches below your neck—will look so sick peeking out of a tank top this summer.

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14. Watercolor Heart Tattoo

    This itty-bitty heart design has a defined outline, but the watercolor detailing in the center makes it perfect for anyone wanting a colorful tat.

15. Watercolor Foot Tattoo

    This olive-leaf tattoo will look so freakin' pretty with a neutral nail polish.

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16. Wrap-Around Watercolor Tattoo

    Take your wrist tattoo up a notch by opting for this wrap-around watercolor design (which is basically like a permanent bracelet).

17. Watermelon Watercolor Tattoo

    I never thought I'd consider tattooing a watermelon onto my arm until I saw this insane watercolor design. Like, wouldn't you just smile every time you look at it?!

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18. Rose Bud Watercolor Tattoo

    Not down for a full bouquet? This little rose bud tattoo gives you your floral fix without going overboard.

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19. Watercolor Spine Tattoo

    If you're brave enough to sit through a spine tattoo, it might as well be for a ridiculously pretty outcome, like this diffused, watercolor flower stem.

20. Cherry Watercolor Tattoo

    The bright-red ink in this dreamy cherry tattoo is so vibrant, but the design is simple enough that you'll never get sick of it.

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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.