Freckles
Besides realistic paintwork, you can further enhance the doll's skin by adding freckles. Freckles can be added both to the body and to the face.
Face Freckles
You can further enhance the doll's appearance by adding freckles to the face. This is one of those small details that has the biggest impact on how the model is perceived: the face is constantly the centre of attention, and it's here that freckles do the most to make a doll feel "alive".
How it works
Freckles are applied with permanent paint at the final production stage, on top of the head's base make-up. They can't be removed without damaging the layers of paintwork underneath. The factory artist decides on the placement and density of the freckles, following a natural distribution: the bridge of the nose, cheeks, cheekbones.
What this gives you
Freckles are an important focal point that helps the doll be perceived as a living object. Perfectly even skin looks "doll like", and small natural details break that effect. This effect is especially noticeable in close up photographs and daylight.
Is it worth adding
It all depends on your preference. If you like freckles, this upgrade will make the doll's face noticeably livelier. If you don't like them, skipping them won't spoil your overall impression of the doll.
Before adding freckles to the face, bear in mind: this is a permanent change to the most visible part of the doll. While freckles on the body are easy to hide with clothing, the face is always on show. So only add Face Freckles if you're confident you won't tire of this look.
Care
Like any paint, freckles wear away over time, especially from friction and aggressive washing. Wash the doll's face gently, without rubbing, blotting rather than wiping. With careful handling, face freckles last longer than body freckles, since the face has less contact with clothing and surfaces.
Body Freckles
Besides the face, freckles can also be added to the doll's body. Body freckles act as an important detail that helps give the doll a more realistic look. This is especially useful for dolls with pale skin and red hair, where freckles look their most natural. This is exactly how pigmentation works on real women.
How it works
Freckles are applied with permanent paint at the final production stage, on top of the body's base paintwork. They can't be removed without damaging the layers of paintwork underneath.
Where freckles are placed
Freckles are usually applied in natural areas: the shoulders, the décolletage and the upper back. This mirrors how freckles are distributed on a person.
What this gives you
Like face freckles, this is a focal point that makes the doll feel more animated.
Is it worth adding
It all depends on your preference. That said, body freckles are a "safer" choice than face freckles. They're less visible, can be hidden with clothing if you like, and don't change how the face is perceived. If you want a finished look, add them alongside Face Freckles: freckles on the body alone, with none on the face, look less natural.
Like any paint, freckles wear away over time, especially from friction and aggressive washing. Body freckles are more prone to this than face freckles: the body is in constant contact with clothing, surfaces and hands. Areas of active friction fade fastest. Be prepared for freckles to gradually lighten over time.
Works in combination
Freckles look best on top of Realistic Body Painting. On detailed skin with a natural gradient, they look like part of the skin rather than a pattern.