In the above video I discuss the Pros and Cons of body blushing for BJDs (Ball-Jointed Dolls).
Body Blushing for dolls uses the same materials as face-ups, which is the makeup and additional details of the doll sculpt. Face-ups bring out the emotions and details of sculpts. Body Blushing makes the details like, muscles, veins, and fantasy parts stand out even more.
Face-up and Body Blushing Materials:
- Mr. Super Clear flat (MSC) or alternative
- gloves to keep oils from hands off doll
- soft pastels (chalk-like NOT oil)
- Acrylic Paints
- Brushes, assorted sizes
- water based gloss varnish
- acrylic paint cleaner
- artist pallet for mixing colors and thinning paints
- Optional – sand paper for grinding pastels into finer powder and paper towels for clean up
Body Blushing is a Personal, Artistic Choice
If a body blushing comes with the face-up when you purchase a doll, go for it. It really brings out the details of the doll and makes them more life-like for photography.
My Ice Queen from Angell Studio was a full-set that included faceup and body blushing. This was really important as the body blushing made her “ice crystal” legs look like they were frozen with a glittery blue blushing.
The body blushing can be seen in this photo around her collar bone, joints, and even her chest. As you see in the photo it really makes her look life-like in the photos, despite her joints being clearly visible.
Even her crown, pictured here is blushed by the company to show that gradient blue.
I Prefer Body Blushing for Doll Photography
I prefer body blushing for photography, which is one of the things I love most about the doll hobby. I especially love body blushing for fantasy sculpt dolls, as it really makes those elements stand out. It can match the colors of the doll to their wigs and other features.
You can see how body blushing brings out fantasy parts with my Impdoll Gela and Teno, named Topaz and Onyx, pictured right.
I used chalk pastels to make Topaz’s fantasy legs stand out more. By adding purple to the hair and fur around her hooves I was able to match her purple wig a little, and really capture the details of the sculpt.
With Artunnus, pictured left, you can see how body blushing really brings out the natural skin of human dolls as well. Artunnus is an Iplehouse SID Storm. He has an amazing sculpt with lots of muscle and vein details. Blushing these details really makes them stand out in photos and also gives him a more natural look.
You Do Not Need to Blush Your Dolls
You do not need to body blush your dolls. As you can see in the picture of my Doll Family event Rabbit, right, which is blank, the details of the sculpt show up fine in photos even without any blushing or face-up. When a doll has no face-up or blushing it is called Blank.
In fact body blushing chips and fades much easier and quicker than faceup. Every time you move and play with your dolls you are getting oils from your hands onto the dolls, which can overtime wear away at the body blushing, even with clear coat on top. If you have blushing in the joints or near the joints of your dolls, that part will chip and wear when you move the joints.
Pro
- Brings out details of sculpt
- Emphasizes muscles, veins, fantasy parts
- Makes for more natural doll photos
Cons
- Chips near joints
- Fades and wears easily with doll movement and clothes
Ultimately if you blush your doll body or not is up to you and what you want from the doll hobby.
For those who have been following me over the years, Thank You.
Until Next Time
You can find more doll videos on my YouTube Channel.
I talk about my dolls, the doll hobby, and the inspiration behind my dolls.
