Kokoist Bleeding Ink Collection Review + Swatches | Summer 2026
As a Kokoist USA Educator, I have been jazzed for months waiting for the relaunch of Kokoist's Bleeding Ink Collection.
Alcohol inks, in general, are notoriously mercurial and tend to have a mind of their own, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much control I had while working with these. My favorite feature? The bottle brush is actually a pointed liner, which makes placement and detail work so much easier.
The collection includes 16 shades ranging from chalky pastels to glossy brights and semi-opaque deeper tones.
For these swatches, I applied the Bleeding Ink directly over a cured layer of Art Clear using a doe-foot cosmetic applicator. I like working over the inhibition layer of Art Clear because it isn't overly tacky, but still allows for a little movement and spread. The result is a really beautiful ink-blot effect with soft, organic edges.
If you're working on a matte surface, you'll get stronger color payoff, less spreading, and a bit more working time. If you're looking to create a classic marble effect, I'd definitely recommend working over a matte finish.
One of my favorite discoveries while testing the collection was using Bleeding Ink to create custom Boba Gel colors.
Place a small amount of Boba Gel (High or Low) onto your Card Palette and apply Bleeding Ink directly to the surface. Allow the ink to dry completely before kneading the Boba Gel until the color is fully blended. It's a fun way to create custom translucent shades and gives you even more ways to use the collection beyond traditional ink art.
As always, you can support the blog and save on your order by using code RACHEL10 when you shop at KokoistUSA.com.
Swatches
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