By Megan Gustashaw for GQ.
2016 was a hell of a year and, in order to cope, folks got some intense ink. Celebrities were no exception. Micro tattoos were popular with the famous ladies of Instagram (see: Kendall Jenner's "meow" tattoo), but some celebs took things a bit farther than that. From aggressive neck tattoos to highly emotional tribute tats, nothing was left on the table. Here, some of the most daring ink choices we saw over the last twelve months.
Justin Bieber’s Whole-Torso Tattoo
Justin Bieber got this massive "Son of God" tattoo across his stomach in tandem with quitting Instagram and calling it "the devil". He might be going through something.
Zayn Malik’s Star Wars Tribute
In a highly nerdy move, Zayn Malik got a UV-light activated light saber tattooed on his middle finger by JonBoy, king of the micro tattoo.
Kevin Durant’s Tupac Portrait
Over the summer, the NBA all-star commemorated his move to the Golden State Warriors with this tribute to the West Coast rapper.
Shawn Mendes’ Sensitive-Guy Forearm Tattoo
The Vine star turned actual star followed in the footsteps of Pinterest users, getting this forest tattoo in the shape of a guitar on his forearm.
David Beckham’s Neck Ink
After taking his kids to the Pablo pop-up, Beckham added this horse head to his collection of neck tattoos while on the Sunset Strip.
Rihanna's Camo Shark
Fans hypothesized that this ink was based on a stuffed animal Drake gave Rihanna on a date at the aquarium.
Drake’s Camo Shark
Drake got the same tattoo on his forearm. In short, Drake + Rihanna 4 eva.
Also: Drake’s Flaming Skull
Dr Woo also did this flaming skull on Drake's shoulder a few weeks ago. It's sort of hard to find fault with, like practically everything Drake does.
Shia LaBeouf’s Double Missy Elliotts
Shia got these double Missy Elliott tattoos on a dare while filming American Honey. He also has portrait of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac in the same location.
Adam Levine’s Whole Back Tattoo
Before becoming a father, Adam Levine dyed his hair pink and added a ton of ink to his growing collection of back tattoos. We feel you, buddy.
Miley Cyrus’ Homage to Vegemite
Miley Cyrus got Liam Hemsworth’s favorite (and highly divisive) food, Vegemite, tattooed on the back of her arm, courtesy of Los Angeles ink god, Dr Woo.
Joe Jonas’s Hipster Hand
Tattoo artist Curt Montgomery does some pretty racy tattoos but this '80s-vibe ink is pretty safe. Because Joe Jonas is a good kid.
Aaron Carter’s Raging Neck Tattoo
Trump supporter Aaron Carter's neck tattoo might say "Love" but there's something very angry about those flames.
Lady Gaga’s David Bowie Tribute
We appreciate Gaga's straightforward portrait of David Bowie. She got this ink a few days before performing a tribute to the music legend at the Grammy Awards.
Cara Delevingne's Creepy Eyes
Cara Delevingne did that whole Suicide Squad group tattoo thing this year, but the eyes she got tattooed on the back of her neck were a million times freakier.
Liam Payne’s Bouquet of Roses
Payne played catch up with his former One Director bandmates this year, getting a ton of new ink — including this floral hand tattoo — and signing a record deal with Republic Records.
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