You’ve seen the photos. Maybe you’ve even seen the Etsy shops selling the "exact" replica. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or scrolling through fan edits of the Short n’ Sweet tour, you’ve definitely noticed that vibrant, red lipstick mark on the side of a certain pop star's neck. It looks real. It looks intentional. But here is the thing: the sabrina carpenter kiss tattoo is actually one of the most successful illusions in modern pop branding.
Honestly, it’s kinda genius.
Sabrina has a very specific aesthetic right now—a mix of 1960s bombshell, vintage pin-up, and "that girl" energy. The kiss mark fits perfectly into that vibe. But while fans are rushing to tattoo parlors to get the same thing, the truth is a bit more temporary.
The Mystery of the Sabrina Carpenter Kiss Tattoo
Let’s clear the air. Sabrina Carpenter does not have a permanent kiss tattoo.
If you look closely at her red carpet appearances or her high-fashion shoots—like the ones for W Magazine or Vogue—the kiss mark isn't always there. It’s a signature look she adopted specifically for the Short n’ Sweet era. Most of the time, it's actually a high-quality temporary tattoo or even carefully applied lipstick.
Why the confusion? Because she wears it so consistently during her shows. During the Short n’ Sweet tour, she frequently sports the red lip print on her neck or shoulder. It’s become as much a part of her uniform as her platform boots and custom Victoria’s Secret corsets.
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What about her real tattoos?
While the kiss mark is a temporary accessory, Sabrina is no stranger to the needle. She actually has five permanent tattoos that she’s picked up over the last few years.
- "Lucky" on her neck: This was her first one, done back in 2020. She told NME it’s named after her childhood teddy bear, but it also represents how she feels about her career.
- The <3 behind her ear: It’s tiny. It’s subtle. It’s basically the "chronically online" version of a heart, and it’s arguably her most mysterious piece.
- Matching butterflies: She and her sister, Sarah, have matching half-butterfly wings on their ribcages. Sabrina’s is black ink; Sarah’s is red.
- "At Last" on her shoulder: A nod to her long journey to stardom. It took her a decade to become an "overnight success," and this script on her left shoulder commemorates that.
- "Short n' Sweet" on her right shoulder: Her most recent permanent addition, celebrating the album that basically turned her into a household name.
Why the Kiss Design Went Viral
Basically, the sabrina carpenter kiss tattoo became a thing because of the "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" music videos. The imagery of a lipstick smudge is all over her branding. It represents that "flirty but dangerous" persona she’s mastered.
Fans started buying temporary tattoo kits to wear to her concerts. If you go to a show today, you’ll see thousands of people with red lips on their necks. It’s a community thing. It’s like the friendship bracelets at the Eras Tour, but a little more "coquette."
You’ve probably seen the VIP merch packages, too. Some of the official tour kits actually included "Kiss Lips" temporary tattoos. When the artist herself provides the stickers, it’s no wonder people think the ink is permanent.
"I wanted my first tattoo to be something I wouldn't regret," Sabrina once mentioned regarding her "Lucky" ink.
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It makes sense that she’d be hesitant to get a giant red kiss mark permanently etched onto her neck. Trends change. Red ink is also notoriously difficult to remove and prone to fading into a weird smudge over time. By keeping it temporary, she gets the look without the lifetime commitment.
How to Get the Look (Without the Needle)
If you’re looking to recreate the sabrina carpenter kiss tattoo for a concert or just because it looks cool, you don’t need a tattoo artist.
Actually, most fans just use a long-wear liquid lipstick. Apply the lipstick to your own lips (or a friend's), wait a second so it's not too wet, and press it onto the skin. Set it with a little translucent powder, and it’ll last the whole night.
Alternatively, there are dozens of creators on Etsy and Amazon selling "Sabrina-inspired" temporary tattoo sheets. These are usually better because they don’t smudge on your clothes. Just keep in mind that placement is key. Sabrina usually puts hers on the side of her neck or just below the collarbone.
Does she ever change it?
Sorta. While the red kiss is the standard, she’s been known to play around with the placement. During the Minneapolis stop of her tour, she even drew a tattoo design for a fan mid-show. She’s very plugged into tattoo culture, even if she prefers her own ink to be minimalist and fine-line.
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The Verdict on Sabrina's Ink
So, to recap: the kiss is fake, but the "Short n’ Sweet" is real.
Sabrina is a master of branding. She knows that a visual hook—like a red kiss mark—is enough to get people talking. It creates a "look" that is easily identifiable and, more importantly, easily imitable by fans.
If you’re planning on getting a real sabrina carpenter kiss tattoo, maybe think twice. Not because it doesn't look great, but because even Sabrina herself hasn't committed to it permanently yet.
If you want to stay updated on her real tattoo journey, keep an eye on her Instagram "photo dumps." That’s usually where she debuts her actual fine-line pieces by artists like Dr. Woo. For now, the kiss remains a flirty, temporary part of her stage persona.
To get the most authentic "Short n' Sweet" look for your next event, stick to high-quality temporary decals or a smudge-proof red matte lipstick—it's cheaper, less painful, and exactly what Sabrina does herself.