Eyelashes

Eyelashes are a detail that stands out most in close-up photos and side-on views of the doll. For a TPE head, only one type is available: false eyelashes.

How it works

The eyelashes are ready-made false strips, glued to the doll's eyelid during production. These are the exact same kind used by real women in everyday make-up. Implanted eyelashes, available for hard and ROS heads on silicone dolls, aren't possible with TPE: the soft material can't hold hairs, and gluing a strip to the elastic TPE eyelid is the only construction that works.

Features

  • The lashes may come unstuck over time. It's usually the inner or outer corner of the strip that lifts first. This isn't a defect, it's a feature of the construction.
  • For TPE, coming unstuck happens somewhat more often than for silicone: the eyelid is elastic and mobile, and the oils the material releases gradually weaken the adhesive layer.
  • A lifted strip is easy to glue back on with false eyelash glue.

If a strip comes off completely, don't throw it away. Eyelashes can be reattached in a minute using ordinary false eyelash glue from any cosmetics shop. You can also replace them with any other false eyelashes: it's a simple way to change the expression in the doll's eyes. Before gluing, wipe the edge of the eyelid dry and remove any residual talc from the gluing area, otherwise the glue won't hold.

Caring for false eyelashes

  • Don't rub the eye area when washing the face. Water and friction weaken the glue.
  • Don't pull on the eyelashes when handling the eyes, for example when swapping eyeballs or adjusting the gaze.
  • When applying talc to the face, avoid the eyelash area: talc on the adhesive layer speeds up peeling.

Should you worry about not having a choice

In our view, no. False eyelashes are the only option for TPE. They're also practical, replacements are done by hand in a minute if needed. Unlike the implanted eyelashes on silicone dolls, which if they fall out are gone for good, a false strip can be refreshed. Some users turn this into a customisation tool: by changing the shape and length of the eyelashes, you change the expression in the model's eyes.