BJD GUIDE

BJD face-up

A face-up is the hand-painted makeup that gives a BJD its expression. The same sculpt can look sweet, cool or mysterious depending on the face-up.

01

DOLLSN face-up service

DOLLSN offers face-ups not only for our own dolls but for BJD heads from every other brand as well. From a first face-up on a blank head to removing an old face-up and repainting it, we will carefully create the look you want.

02

What is a face-up?

Resin heads are sold either blank or with a face-up painted by the maker or an independent artist. A face-up typically includes eyebrows, eyelashes, lip colour, blush and shading, and often matching body blushing on the hands, knees and other details.

03

Materials

  • Soft pastels applied with brushes for blush and shading.
  • Watercolour pencils and acrylic paint for fine lines such as brows and lashes.
  • Gloss varnish or gel for wet-looking lips, tear ducts and eyelids.
  • Matte sealant (such as Mr. Super Clear) to give the resin "tooth" and protect each layer.
04

Sealing

Sealant is sprayed in thin layers between painting steps, always outdoors or in a ventilated area, with a mask, and never in humid weather, which can make the finish cloudy. The final seal protects the face-up from handling, but it is still delicate: do not rub it.

05

Re-face-up

Face-ups can be removed with a suitable remover and painted again, so you can change your doll's look. Many owners commission a face-up artist. Always ask about the artist's process and turnaround time, and pack the head carefully for shipping.