Faceup question: Gradient effect

Hi!

I do a lot of faceup lately but there's one thing that I couldn't do right - how do you achieve the gradient effect on the eyelashes/eyebrows?

Faceup picture from Watashi Doll (watashidoll.com) for reference:

 

Paint it?

Work in layers.
Paint the area with the colors, and then add the black/paint around. Or paint on top of the black.
Watercolor pencils, or pastels, on top of acrylic works as well. (Just be careful not to scrape off the acrylic. And sealant will dull pastel colors)

Those are the techniques I've used.
So that's all I can suggest, without knowing exactly what you are having trouble with.

I use dark pastels, and I find that the easiest option. A soft ring of black or dark brown around the edge of a shape can give it that "3d" gradient look. I find that easier than trying to blend a gradient using wet mediums.

It can be a little messy, though. I keep a kneaded eraser handy to keep edges sharp.

On 10/5/2022 at 4:04 PM, Yumeiro said:

So that's all I can suggest, without knowing exactly what you are having trouble with.

My trouble was I did the whole black/brown eyelashes first and I paint on top of it... but no matter what, the lighter color just fades and it won't stay opaque. If I thicken the paint, then it will be too sharp and not achieve the gradient effect.

Have you tried different brands of paint?

3 hours ago, Yumeiro said:

Have you tried different brands of paint?

I've only been using Liquitex soft body acrylic paints. 

I airbrush them on my dolls sometimes, if I’m just using brush to paint it on I would thin the paint done and use some slow dry/retarder. 

Maybe you could try to paint the black layer first, then seal it, then painting with the colour of you choice and then when it is still wet slightly dab it with a clean dry towel or cloth to lighten the paint.

Edited October 18, 2022 by Leparda