1. Den of Angels is closing in August 2026. New account registrations are closed. Please see this thread in Den of Angels news for important information: /threads/the-future-of-den-of-angels.893314/
    Dismiss Notice

First faceup - please critique

Jul 2, 2013

    1. Hi, guys!

      I finished my first faceup today. I did it all with watercolor pencils and pastels. ;v; I'm pretty happy with it overall, and I feel like I learned a lot. However, can I get some tips on making the lower lashes with watercolor pencils?

      Please let me know what you all think. ;v;

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]
       
    2. Good job! ^_^
      I really like the blushing that you did in the ears.

      Here is what I notice:
      I think that the mouth looks a little undefined. From the photos, it seems like the majority of the color on the bottom lip doesn't quite reach the lip's bottom. On the top, it seems like it goes a bit over the top edge of the lip. Also, on a natural lip, usually the top lip is a bit darker then the bottom. Of course you can also re-shape the mouth using these techniques, here you've accented the lower lip and made it look thinner. The upper lip now looks a bit thicker.

      For the eyes, the blushing on the left eye seems to go higher over the eye crease at the outside edge then on the right eye. I actually think you could go over the eyeliner more. The line looks like it has more pigment in some areas than others. Going over it a few times will help even out the tone. Water color pencils can be a bit grainy on the first swipe, so I also like to use several layers to get the edge nice and crisp. I noticed that the eye liner goes inside the edge of the eye on the bottom. This will make the whole eye darker. I'll usually fill in the inside top with black (it also helps to mask the area if you apply top lashes), but I only apply the bottom eyeliner to the outside edge, then paint the inside a pinkish flesh-tone and gloss it. This helps simulate the natural point on your eye where your lashes start to grow. Of course, some people apply eye liner on that edge when doing their makeup, so it's your preference and depends on what you are going for. ^_^
      As for the eyelashes, keep a really sharp edge on your pencil. Keep sharpening as you go too, the edge will not last very long. Check your pencil as you are working and keep turning it the the sharpest point. Try adding a bit more pressure at the root and then lighten up toward the tip to get a range of thickness on the hairs. You want them to taper toward the ends. As you were doing too, the hairs at the inner eye are shorter than at the outer edge of the eye.

      Last thing, eyebrows. I think you did really well on these! They start in a good area (around the start of the tear duct) and they are in a good place on the brow ridge. I see a lot of faceups where the eyebrows are too high (I know I still struggle with this!), but yours are in a nice place. I think the eyebrows could stand to have more distinct hairs in them though. Right now I can't tell if they were done with pastel only or if they were done with pastel and watercolor pencils. They look very blended. Adding a few strategically placed darker hairs (just a shade or two) will help to give them a lot of character. You can accent the start of the brows (which makes them look heavier, good for a guy), or the ends (makes them look soft and fine, good for children), or the start and peak (I like to use this for women with makeup to give them that nice arch). It really gives them depth.

      All in all, I think this is a strong start. It's a good, natural faceup. Keep experimenting. I think you are on the right track! ^_^
       
    3. Thank you so much! This is just the advice I needed. :D I really appreciate your input!
       
    4. No problem. ^__^