8 Amazing Face Tattoo Ideas With Their Meanings

Dare to be different with designs that are as bold as you.

Reviewed by Brik Rangel, Tattoo Artist Brik Rangel Brik RangelTattoo Artist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons) Pahul Nanra BA (English Hons) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

Face tattoos are an expressive form of body art. They make a powerful statement about individuality, culture, and identity. They are no longer confined to Indigenous people around the world but are becoming mainstream as more people have become open to the idea. When you get a face tattoo, you leave a permanent mark on one of the most visible parts of your body. They can range from dainty and delicate designs to intricate, bold patterns, each carrying a unique meaning. So, if you are ready to make a bold statement against the conventional beauty standards that put much emphasis on a clear face, embark on this exciting journey to discover cool designs. Keep scrolling!

What Are Face Tattoos And What They Signify?

Face tattoos are a type of body art done on the face on areas such as the forehead, cheeks, chin, under the eye, etc. Facial tattoo designs may range from simple, tiny symbols to elaborate patterns. These designs often carry deep personal, cultural, or artistic significance. Historically, face tattoos have been integral to many indigenous cultures. They symbolize status, rites of passage, or spiritual beliefs. However, in contemporary society, they are chosen for self-expression and individuality. Some may even choose them for the aesthetics of the designs.

Whatever the case, face tattoos are a serious commitment that requires careful thought and professional execution, as there’s barely any room for making mistakes. However, if that is not a concern that applies to you, take a look at the designs below to inspire your first facial tattoo.

8 Cool Face Tattoos Ideas

Facial tattoo designs may include geometric patterns, delicate floral designs, tribal motifs, and other meaningful symbols. They offer a unique way to express individuality and artistic style. Here are some ideas to take inspiration from:

1. Cross Face Tattoo

A cross tattoo placed between the eyebrows
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

A small cross tattoo between your eyebrows in black symbolizes faith, resilience, or personal beliefs. This bold placement makes a strong statement to showcase your convictions prominently. The spot between the eyebrows is considered an energy point in some cultures, especially Hinduism. Placing a cross tattoo there may signify a deep spiritual connection and reflect their personal journey of faith and enlightenment.

2. Tribal Face Tattoo

Black ink tribal tattoos on the forehead and cheekbones
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tribal face tattoo is done in black ink, very similar to the tattoos of indigenous tribes. It consists of geometrical shapes, spirals, and tribal patterns covering the forehead, nose, cheeks, and neck. The design signifies an appreciation for one’s cultural heritage and identity. It is a way for you to honor your roots and display your identity proudly by choosing this placement. Moreover, some areas, such as the nose and the area around the eyes, may hurt more than other parts. Thus, getting a tattoo on these areas may also signify your inner strength.

3. Heart Face Tattoo

A red heart tattoo on the cheekbone
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Doesn’t it remind you of the little heart tattoo of Harley Quinn in The Suicide Squad? While her tattoo was black, this one is bright red, and looks cute! A bright, red heart symbolizes love, passion, and vulnerability. Getting this tattoo on the apple of your cheek conveys warmth and affection. Some may also view it as a bold declaration of the love they hold in their hearts and share with the world.

4. Star Face Tattoo

A tiny twinkling star tattoo below the eye
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Get over the traditional star tattoos and go for this starburst tattoo instead! A star usually has five points and when you get it inked in a starburst form, it mimics the form of a twinkling star. The thin outline and the lack of any colors make it even daintier. This tattoo symbolizes hope, guidance, and aspiration. It may serve as your guide and remind you to reach for the stars and navigate life’s journey with confidence and clarity.

5. Butterfly Face Tattoo

A blue and black butterfly tattoo right under the outer corner of the eye
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Here is a cute and tiny butterfly tattoo with a gradient of blue and black to add visual interest to the design. The shape, size, and placement around the corner of the eye look playful and elegant. However, it’s more than the aesthetics – butterflies usually symbolize transformation, freedom, and beauty. So, this tattoo may reflect your journey and your ability to emerge stronger and more vibrant, just like this colorful butterfly.

6. Floral Face Tattoo

A colorful floral tattoo under your eye
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This tiny and elegant bouquet of colorful wildflowers under the eye looks absolutely chic and feminine. This colorful floral tattoo features blue, yellow, red, and green inks, symbolizing growth, beauty, and vitality. This tattoo is a perfect nod to your lively spirit and may also reflect your love for your favorite flowers. This dainty design celebrates your connection to the natural world’s ever-blooming and colorful essence.

7. Moon Face Tattoo

A black crescent moon face tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

You can get this cute and tiny moon tattoo anywhere on your face. This black crescent moon symbolizes intuition, change, and mystery. It is a good way to highlight your connection to the lunar cycles and your inner self. This tattoo allows you to embrace life’s phases. The placement under the eye definitely captures attention and sparks curiosity about your unique journey.

8. Native American Face Tattoo

A Polynesian tattoo that covers one side of the face and hairline
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This Native American tattoo features tribal patterns and covers one side of the face from forehead to chin. The pointed outline resembles the shape of a shark’s tooth, which may highlight your resilience and warrior spirit. The design symbolizes heritage, protection, and strength and is a way to honor your ancestors and cultural roots.

Face tattoos make a bold statement and let you showcase your identity and beliefs prominently. By choosing to ink your face you embrace self-expression in its most visible form to reflect deep personal meanings or cultural heritage. Depending on the design you choose face tattoos can symbolize strength, passion, resilience, or transformation. Your choice of face tattoo highlights your willingness to stand out and share your story with the world. It is a courageous act that captures attention to ensure your tattoo becomes an integral part of your identity. So leave behind everything you thought scared you and embrace your identity courageously with these tattoos.

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
disqus_comment

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.

Brik Rangel
Brik RangelTattoo Artist
Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

Read full bio of Brik Rangel
Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

Read full bio of Shreya Mukherjee
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Pahul Nanra
Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

Read full bio of Pahul Nanra
AFS