Face tattoos: the new extreme

Call me conservative, but I once thought sleeve tattoos were pretty extreme. And that body art that covered one’s entire back or legs were totally out there. But then I saw the above picture of the romantic gesture (and I used that term very loosely) made by Lesya Toumaniantz, and it forced me to reassess my definition of extreme.
In case you haven’t heard it yet, here’s the story: Russian designer Lesya met Belgian tattooist Rouslan Toumaniantz in a chat room. They fell in love and decided to meet in person. Within 24 hours of meeting Rouslan, Lesya had his name tattooed across her face – from cheek to cheek.
His. Name. Tattooed. Across. Her. Face.
Let’s forget for a second that tattooing a loved one’s name on your body can leave you in a bit of a pickle should things turn sour (I’m looking at you, Johnny Depp!), and focus on the fact that the very pretty Lesya now has a very permanent marking on a very visible part of her body. Is this what the world of tattooing is coming to? That a butterfly behind your ear/on your ankle or even an entire arm full of ink isn’t enough and your face is the new ‘it’ location to express yourself? That suddenly Rihanna’s under-boob tatt doesn’t look so out-there anymore?
Tattoo artist Kat Von D has a cluster of stars that run on the left-hand side of her face – from her forehead just down to her ear. Mike Tyson is renowned for the tribal tattoo that spans the side of his face. American Rapper Gucci Mane has an ice cream with lighting bolts coming out of it (you didn’t read that incorrectly) tattooed on his cheek. Admittedly these stars were a little kooky to begin with (Gucci got his tatt after being released from a mental health facility – yikes!), but is this where tattoo expressionism is heading?
What do you think of face tattoos – too much or just another way to express yourself? Do you have any tattoos?
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Main image: facebook.com/toumaniantz.rouslan
96 Member Comments
In some tribes across the middle east women get facial tattoos and they look stunning (theyre much more minimalist than this, and I can't really see them looking as beautiful outside of that context)
As for the images shown here, if you think this is extreme, try looking up EYEBALL TATTOOING (yes, thats a thing)
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I do not have any tattoos, as it is not part of my culture. Also do not like messy looking skin. Love it clean and tidy. Do not mind seeing them on some people like Tā moko, traditional Maori tattooing . That is awesome!
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Only Myke Tyson can pull it off! Very nice tat!
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Face tattoos not my thing.
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god, cant even look
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no no no no no why!
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I think Kat's and Mike's aren't that outrageous. As long as they are still somewhat tasteful.
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I can't imagine anyone wanting a tattoo on their face or anywhere else. But I guess it's their choice.
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Do what you like but most people are going to think you're a f...wit!
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I would never get a tattoo!!
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It's way too much and really weird.
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I have seen some face tattoos that I like, but they are subtle, delicate, or tribal. There is a time and place, but this girl is crazy. It seems perhaps he preyed on her, being that he is the tattooist. I don't have any tattoos but I want many.
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For her sake, I hope she will be together with her man forever.
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I would never do that to my face. It is so extreme especially after only meeting so recently! The poor girl if thing dont end on a high note.
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The couple in the main picture are crazy. No doubt about it ! They will be judged and I guess they should be for the pure stupidity! And well laughed at...and not hired for a job. I don't mind Kat Von D's as she can cover it with hair, but I really think overall no-one should want one on their face as it cannot be undone! The price of lazer....You wouldn't bother!
Tatoos on the body are SOOOOO common now its a joke. I only have 1, it's little and can be covered unless im swimming. That's what I am happy with as no-one would know unless I want to show them.
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Each to their own. I don't have a tattoo nor am I interested in getting one. I think some people will regret having face tattoos but who really knows what motivates people to do certain things to their bodies.
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I love tattoos but NEVER ever on the face! Unless it's a tribal thing, then it's ok :) I want to get one done somewhere on my leg one day but would never consider destroying my face like that!
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I do not like face tattoos. I'm surprised it's becoming more common these days. How can you be sure you will like in 5,10,15 years from when you get it.
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Man I think she'll regret it - I really think she will one day - maybe if she gets to 35 and has a couple of pretty little girls as toddlers she'll be contemplating what kind of role model she is. I suppose she can atleast then be honest with her kids and let them know how sorry she is for doing something so irreversable when she was young. I feel very sorry for her actually. People change throughout their lives and she won't stay tattoo-loving forever.
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i dont have any tattoos.. i am not a fan of them, especially not on the face!
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That is a bit extreme - hope they don't regret it!
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why on earth would anyone do this to their face? it looks ridiculous! and its permanent!! are these people crazy??
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way too extreme for me
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