Temporary (Pen or Lipstick)
Using temporary markers such as pens or lipstick to write, draw, or leave messages on the skin. These marks are non-permanent and often used for playful humiliation, ownership symbols, or artistic expression in BDSM scenes. Short Explanation: "Receiving" means you have temporary markings applied; "Giving" means you create the temporary marks on your partner.
Interested in exploring Temporary (Pen or Lipstick) with your partner?
Start Your ChecklistTemporary marking with pens, lipstick, markers, or body paint represents one of the most accessible forms of ownership and claiming within BDSM. These impermanent marks allow partners to explore the psychological intensity of being marked without any lasting physical consequences—creating powerful in-the-moment experiences that wash away afterward.
The temporary nature of these marks makes them ideal for exploring marking dynamics, testing how being marked feels psychologically, and enjoying ownership play without commitment to permanence. Many couples use temporary marking extensively before ever considering permanent options, while others find temporary marks perfectly satisfying as an ongoing practice.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover the various methods of temporary marking, their psychological impact, safety considerations for different products on skin, and creative ways to incorporate temporary marking into your BDSM practice.
How Temporary Marking Works
Temporary marking in BDSM involves writing, drawing, or otherwise creating visible marks on the body using non-permanent materials. The marks might last from hours to days depending on the method used, the body location, and aftercare. The transience becomes part of the meaning—these are claims that must be renewed, ownership that fades unless maintained.
The psychological impact of temporary marking often surprises those new to the practice. Despite knowing the marks will wash away, being written on—especially with ownership words or a partner's name—creates powerful feelings of being claimed, possessed, or belonging. The visual reminder worn under clothing throughout the day keeps the dynamic present even in vanilla contexts.
Temporary marking serves as excellent preparation for those considering permanent marking. Living with visible ownership symbols, even temporarily, provides insight into how permanent marks might feel psychologically. Many discover this level of experience is satisfying without needing to escalate to permanence.
Techniques and Variations
Pen and marker writing allows for text-based marking—names, ownership declarations, instructions, or degrading/affirming words depending on the dynamic. Body-safe markers designed for skin are ideal, though standard markers can be used with caution. Writing can be hidden under clothing or placed visibly.
Lipstick marks carry particular erotic charge, literally marking with a kiss. Lip prints on various body parts, names written in lipstick, or decorative patterns create intimate, sensual marks with obvious erotic origins.
Body paint enables more elaborate artistic marking—designs, patterns, or full-body decoration. Water-based body paints are safest and easiest to remove. Some couples create elaborate scenes around body painting as an extended activity.
Temporary tattoos and custom-designed transfer tattoos allow specific images or text without any skin irritation concerns. Custom temporary tattoos can be designed to match the aesthetic of potential permanent pieces.
Henna creates semi-permanent marks lasting one to three weeks. The extended duration creates a different experience than marks that wash away immediately—the submissive carries the mark through their daily life for an extended period.
UV/blacklight markers create invisible marks that appear only under UV light, allowing secret marking that's hidden in normal circumstances but can be revealed during scenes.
Equipment and Tools
Body-safe markers designed for skin application are the safest option. Brands marketed for face painting or body art have been formulated to minimize irritation and remove easily.
Lipstick and cosmetics work well for marking when formulated for skin contact. Long-wear formulas may last longer but can be more difficult to remove. Test on less sensitive skin first.
Sharpies and permanent markers are commonly used but aren't designed for skin. They're harder to remove and may cause irritation for some people. If using standard markers, avoid sensitive areas and test on a small patch first.
Water-based body paints available from art and costume suppliers offer the broadest color range and easiest removal. Oil-based paints last longer but are harder to clean off.
Removal supplies appropriate to your marking method—soap and water for most body-safe products, makeup remover for stubborn cosmetics, or oil for challenging marks. Having removal supplies ready is part of preparation.
Safety Considerations
While temporary marking is generally low-risk, skin reactions and product safety require attention.
Physical Safety
Patch test unfamiliar products. Before covering significant skin area with any new product, apply a small amount to inner arm and wait several hours to check for reactions. Skin sensitivities vary; what's fine for one person may irritate another.
Avoid sensitive areas. Keep marking products away from eyes, genitals, nipples (unless products are specifically rated safe for these areas), and any broken skin. These areas are more prone to irritation and infection risk.
Choose products thoughtfully. Body-safe markers and paints are preferable to products not designed for skin contact. When using standard markers, understand you're accepting some increased irritation risk. Never use industrial markers or products containing known skin irritants.
Remove marks before irritation develops. If skin beneath marks becomes itchy, red, or irritated, remove the marks immediately and wash the area thoroughly. Don't push through discomfort for the sake of keeping marks longer.
Consider allergies. Fragrances, dyes, and preservatives in marking products may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have known cosmetic sensitivities, choose products carefully or stick to products you've used safely before.
Emotional Safety
The psychological impact of being marked—even temporarily—shouldn't be underestimated. Being written on, especially with ownership-related words, creates vulnerability that requires trust and care.
Discuss content before marking. What words or images are acceptable? What's off-limits? Surprising someone with unexpected marking content violates consent even if they agreed to be marked.
Consider visibility and context. Marks that might be visible to others—at work, gym, or with family—require explicit discussion. The marked person should have full say over what might become visible to others.
Degrading marks require particular care. Words intended to create humiliation affect people differently. Check in during and after about how specific content lands emotionally.
Red Flags
Stop and address any situation where: marks are applied without consent, content differs from what was agreed, marks are placed in areas that were off-limits, or skin shows signs of adverse reaction.
Concerning patterns include: marking used to publicly "out" someone without consent, marks designed to be seen by others without discussion, or using marking as punishment in ways not negotiated.
Beginner's Guide
Starting with temporary marking offers low-stakes exploration of claiming and ownership dynamics.
Begin with simple marks. A single word, initial, or small symbol allows you to experience the psychological impact of marking without elaborate preparation. See how it feels to wear the mark before progressing to more extensive marking.
Choose hidden locations first. Marks that will be covered by clothing let you experience carrying a mark through your day without concern about others seeing. You can always progress to more visible locations after initial experience.
Use body-safe products. While it might be tempting to grab any marker nearby, starting with products designed for skin minimizes the chance of adverse reactions affecting your experience.
Discuss content explicitly. Before the marker touches skin, agree on what will be written or drawn. This isn't overly cautious—it's respectful communication about what will be on your partner's body.
Pay attention to emotional responses. Notice how you feel being marked or doing the marking. What's exciting? What's uncomfortable? These responses guide how your marking practice develops.
Experiment with duration. Some marks wash away in one shower; others take days to fully fade. Try different durations to discover what works for your dynamic—the constant presence of a longer-lasting mark creates different experience than marks that disappear quickly.
Discussing with Your Partner
Introducing temporary marking requires discussion of what marking means to you both and negotiation of specific parameters.
If you want to be marked, express what appeals—the visual reminder of ownership, the vulnerability of having words on your body, or specific content you'd find meaningful. Help your partner understand why this practice calls to you.
If you want to mark your partner, share your vision for what marking would express—claiming, affection, objectification, or other dynamics. Explain what the act of marking means from the dominant perspective.
Negotiate specifics: What words or images? Which body locations? How visible? How long should marks last? Who removes them and when? These details matter for both practical and psychological reasons.
Discuss context and privacy. Who might see marks? Is that acceptable? How will you handle marks that show unexpectedly? Agreement on these scenarios prevents embarrassment or violation of privacy.
Consider marking as regular practice versus special occasion. Some couples incorporate marking into every scene; others reserve it for particular moments. There's no right answer—discover what role marking plays in your dynamic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do different types of temporary marks last?
Body-safe markers typically last one to three days with normal washing. Standard Sharpies may last three to five days or longer. Lipstick varies by formula but often survives one washing. Henna lasts one to three weeks. Body paint generally washes away completely in one shower. Duration also depends on body location and how frequently the area is washed.
What's the easiest way to remove stubborn marks?
For marker that won't wash away with soap, try makeup remover, baby oil, or rubbing alcohol (though alcohol can dry skin). Some find that applying sunscreen and then wiping breaks down stubborn inks. For henna, gentle exfoliation speeds fading. Never scrub aggressively—skin damage isn't worth faster removal.
Is it safe to use regular Sharpies on skin?
Standard Sharpies aren't designed for skin contact but are generally considered low-toxicity. Many people use them without issue, but some experience irritation. Body-safe markers are preferable when available. If using Sharpies, avoid large coverage areas, sensitive skin, and broken skin, and remove marks if irritation develops.
Can temporary marking help decide about permanent marking?
Absolutely. Living with temporary marks in potential permanent tattoo locations and with similar content provides valuable insight. How does it feel to carry visible ownership? How do you feel when the mark fades? These experiences inform decisions about permanence. Many couples do extended "trials" with temporary marks before committing to tattoos.
What content is appropriate for temporary marks?
Whatever both partners enthusiastically consent to. Common marking content includes: partner names or initials, ownership words ("property of...", "owned", "taken"), affirmations ("good girl/boy"), instructions, degrading terms (when negotiated), or purely decorative patterns and symbols. The "right" content depends entirely on your dynamic.
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