Kylie Jenner, a global icon in beauty and business, is also known for her subtle yet significant tattoo collection. Unlike some celebrities with sprawling, elaborate designs, Jenner favors delicate, minimalist tattoos that hold deep personal meaning. From tributes to her daughter Stormi to symbols of past relationships and personal mantras, each piece of ink tells a story. Let’s delve into the world of Kylie Jenner Tattoos and explore the meanings behind each design.
A Closer Look at Kylie Jenner’s Tattoos and Their Stories
Kylie Jenner’s tattoos are characterized by their small size and intimate nature. Often inked in red or black, they are strategically placed and rich with personal significance, reflecting different chapters and relationships in her life. Here’s a breakdown of each of her known tattoos:
1. ‘4:43’ – A Timestamp of Motherhood
One of Kylie’s most prominent tattoos is the number ‘4:43’ on her forearm, inked in delicate black numerals. This tattoo is a heartfelt tribute to her daughter, Stormi Webster. ‘4:43’ represents the exact time Stormi was born on February 1, 2018. Revealed in July 2020, this piece is a constant reminder of a pivotal moment in her life and the profound bond with her daughter. The choice of a time stamp highlights the precision and specificity of the memory she cherishes.
2. ‘Stormi’ – A Matching Tribute to Her Daughter
Further solidifying her devotion to her daughter, Kylie and her then-partner Travis Scott got matching ‘Stormi’ tattoos. Located on the back of their arms, the tattoo simply spells out “Stormi” in a fine, elegant script. This matching ink was done during Travis Scott’s 28th birthday celebration and shared with her best friend Anastasia Karanikolaou, who also got the same tattoo. This act of getting matching tattoos with loved ones is a popular trend, symbolizing unity and shared affection.
3. ‘M’ – A Fading Mark of Friendship
In 2016, Kylie and her former best friend Jordyn Woods opted for matching ‘M’ tattoos on their pinky fingers. This initial represented “Mary Jo,” Kylie’s grandmother, but also served as a symbol of their close friendship. However, their highly publicized fallout in 2019 due to a controversy involving Jordyn and Khloe Kardashian’s then-boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, has inevitably altered the tattoo’s meaning, turning it into a poignant reminder of a bond that was once strong but is now lost.
4. ‘LA’ – Rebranding a Relationship Reminder
Kylie once sported a ‘T’ tattoo on her ankle, a clear ode to her relationship with rapper Tyga. Following their split in 2017, instead of removing the tattoo, Kylie cleverly repurposed it. She transformed the ‘T’ into ‘LA’, representing her home city of Los Angeles, California. This transformation is a testament to a resourceful approach to tattoo regret and a clever way to reclaim a personal symbol, shifting its meaning to something enduring and personal – her hometown.
5. Butterfly – A Symbol of Transformation and Love
Another matching tattoo with Travis Scott, Kylie has a small butterfly on her ankle. Travis Scott’s hit song ‘Butterfly Effect’ was released in 2017, the same year they got these tattoos, making the butterfly a significant symbol in their relationship. Butterflies often symbolize transformation, change, and beauty, themes that resonate with both personal growth and romantic relationships. The butterfly became a recurring motif in their public appearances and social media posts, further cementing its special meaning.
6. ‘T’ – The Original Tyga Tribute
Before its LA makeover, the ‘T’ tattoo on Kylie’s ankle was a straightforward declaration of affection for Tyga during their three-year relationship. This tiny, cursive ‘T’ was a classic example of relationship-based tattoos, common among young couples. While now altered, the original ‘T’ serves as a reminder of a past chapter in her life and relationships that have shaped her journey.
7. ‘Mary Jo’ – Honoring Family Heritage
Demonstrating her close family ties, Kylie has the name ‘Mary Jo’ tattooed on her inner arm in red ink. This tattoo is particularly special as it’s written in her grandfather’s handwriting. Honoring a grandparent with a tattoo, especially using their handwriting, adds an incredibly personal and sentimental layer to the ink. It’s a lasting tribute to her grandmother and a connection to her family history.
8. Red Heart – A Sweet and Simple Start
One of Kylie’s earliest tattoos, acquired around her 18th birthday, is a small red heart on the back of her upper arm. Red ink tattoos have gained popularity for their vibrancy and the symbolic meaning of the color red, often associated with love, passion, and vitality. This simple heart is a classic and timeless tattoo design, reflecting perhaps a youthful sentiment or a foundational symbol of love in her growing tattoo collection.
9. ‘Before’ – Adding Context to ‘Sanity’
Kylie originally had the word ‘sanity’ tattooed on her hip. Later, in 2016, she added the word ‘before’ in front of it, changing the phrase to ‘before sanity’. This addition provides context and depth to the original single word. It suggests a reflection on a state of being “before sanity” was achieved or perhaps lost, indicating a journey or a personal evolution over time.
10. ‘Sanity’ or ‘sa-na-tē’ – A Mantra for Mental Wellbeing
Kylie’s ‘sanity’ tattoo, rendered in phonetic spelling (‘sa-na-tē’) in red ink on her hip, was her very first tattoo, acquired in 2015. She has openly spoken about the meaning of this tattoo, explaining it serves as a daily reminder to maintain her sanity and mental well-being. In a 2018 Instagram post, she shared her struggles with anxiety and the importance of this tattoo as a personal anchor, especially after becoming a mother. This tattoo is a powerful statement about mental health awareness and self-care.
Kylie Jenner’s Tattoos: A Personal Narrative in Ink
Kylie Jenner’s tattoos offer a fascinating glimpse into her personal life. From tributes to family members like Stormi and Mary Jo to markers of past relationships and personal philosophies, each tattoo is a carefully chosen symbol. Her preference for small, meaningful designs aligns with a growing trend towards minimalist tattoos that prioritize personal storytelling over grand displays. As a trendsetter in beauty and fashion, Kylie Jenner’s tattoo choices undoubtedly influence her fans and contribute to the ongoing popularity of delicate and meaningful ink.
