COLOUR EDIT: TOP 5 GEL COLOURS FOR SKIN TONES

With new figure classes launching later this year, I'm writing a few blog posts to give you a head start with creating characters.

We all know that making figures comes with its fair share of ‘interesting challenges’, so I thought I’d kick things off with a quick guide to my go-to gel colours for skin tones.

So, let's get into it!

One of the tricky things with gels is that the swatch displayed on the pot usually shows the shade at full saturation. In reality, when mixing skin tones, you’ll often need to use the colour more sparingly.

This can make it difficult to judge just by looking which colours will deliver the desired result. So, to give you a solid starting point, I’ve put together my top 5, along with a few tips on how I use them.

Quick sidebar: Sugarflair gels are my favourite to use on most projects — and they have been since I first started caking. I find them hard to beat for vibrancy, consistency and fade resistance, so just to be clear, this isn't a paid promotion or anything like that. They really are just very good gel colours.

1. Honey Gold

A great go-to for paler complexions. It leans slightly pinkish, which gives a fresh and natural finish.

• Build it up gradually — it tips into "PINK!" quite quickly if you get too gel-happy.

• A tiny touch of Paprika warms the colour up.

• A dash of Chestnut adds a little extra depth.

2. Paprika

Another reliable option, delivering a warm peachy glow.

• As with Honey Gold, this colour needs a light touch or you'll drift into “Trump territory” fairly fast.

• Works well if you’re after a paler tone that's well-suited to younger or cherubic characters.

• One of my most used mixes is 50/50 Paprika and Chestnut, which gives a natural, slightly deeper tone.

3. Chestnut

If I could only take one skin tone colour to a desert island — don't ask me why I'd be modelling figures on a desert island — this would be it.

• Can be used by itself for pale shades right through to deeper mid-tones.

• Nicely balanced — not too pink, not too peachy.

• If you’re experimenting with mixes, this colour works well with everything else on the list — so it’s an excellent one to have in your kit.

4. Chocolate

A rich brown that has lovely depth and warmth.

• Avoids the overly yellowy or orangey tones that some darker browns can have, especially when used sparingly.

• Perfect on its own for mid to darker complexions.

• Try roughly equal amounts of Chestnut and Chocolate — another favourite combo of mine.

5. Dark Brown

A solid choice and super-useful as a base when you're looking to mix darker custom colours.

• Fairly neutral, so it won't pull a mix too pink or too orange.

• Works well on its own, even at higher concentrations, making it ideal for deeper shades.

• Mix with Chocolate to create a range of tones, adjusting ratios to suit your character.

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