5 Moon Tattoo Ideas: Wear It 2 Weeks Before You Ink

5 Moon Tattoo Ideas by Style and Placement

Every idea below is a design you can wear today, with its real size. Pick the one that fits your spot, wear it for 2 weeks, then decide.

1. Crescent moon with dots

A crescent with a dotted pattern, for the wrist, behind the ear or the ankle. Size: 4.4 x 3.5 cm (1.7 x 1.4 in). See the crescent moon with dots design.

2. Sun and moon

The sun and the moon in one round design, often chosen for a couple or for balance. On the forearm or the shoulder. Size: 6.8 x 6.8 cm (2.7 x 2.7 in). See the sun and moon design.

3. Moon phases

A long, thin line of moon phases for the spine, the back of the arm or the side of the forearm. Size: 1.3 x 14 cm (0.5 x 5.5 in). See the moon phases design.

4. Moon with flowers

A crescent moon with small flowers. Good for the wrist, the forearm or behind the shoulder. Size: 4.1 x 3.9 cm (1.6 x 1.5 in). See the moon with flowers design.

5. Wolf and moon

A wolf in front of the moon. Good for the forearm, the calf or the shoulder. Size: 5.4 x 8 cm (2.1 x 3.1 in). See the wolf and moon design.

Moon Tattoo Meaning

A moon tattoo often stands for change, cycles and femininity. Moon phases show growth and new starts. A crescent is a small, calm symbol. Sun and moon together often stand for balance or for two people.

Moon Tattoo Styles

• Fine line crescent: small and discreet.
• Moon phases: a line of phases, often vertical.
• Sun and moon: two halves of one design.
• Dotwork: dots instead of shading.

Want to see more moon designs on real skin? Read our guide: Moon temporary tattoo: minimal or realistic, tried on your skin.

Moon Tattoo Placement & Size

• Wrist, behind the ear, ankle: a small crescent of 3 to 4.5 cm.
• Spine and back of the arm: moon phases.
• Forearm and shoulder: sun and moon.
• Finger: a tiny crescent.

Size is the easiest thing to get wrong with a moon tattoo: too small to read, or too big for the spot. Every product page gives the exact size in cm.

Not sure yet? Wear it for 2 weeks

Wear the design at its real size for 10 to 14 days (7 to 10 on the fingers): a real-looking tattoo on your own skin, not an on-screen preview. Want your own moon design? Send your drawing and wear it first with a custom temporary tattoo.

How do you put it on?

Application takes about 5 minutes. The colour develops in 24 to 36 hours, then the tattoo looks like real ink and fades on its own after 10 to 14 days. The ink is plant-based, vegan and free of PPD.

Related tattoo ideas: sun tattoos, star tattoos, gothic tattoos and lotus flower tattoos. Or browse all tattoo ideas by motif.

Moon Tattoo Ideas: FAQ

What does a little moon tattoo mean?

Most often change, cycles or calm. A small crescent is one of the most discreet celestial tattoos. The meaning is yours: wear it for 2 weeks to see if it still feels right.

Which moon phase is best for a tattoo?

There is no rule: some people pick the phase of a birth date, others the full line of phases. Pick the one that means something to you.

Where to put a moon phases tattoo?

Down the spine, on the back of the arm or along the forearm, because the design is long and thin. Ours is 14 cm (5.5 in) long.

What goes with a moon tattoo?

Stars, the sun, a flower or a small line. Start with the moon alone and add later if you feel something is missing.

How can I try a moon tattoo before getting it?

Wear a real-looking temporary moon for 10 to 14 days at its real size. It looks like real ink, then fades.