Okay so I'm being thick

I must be being really stupid. I have found a new skin that I quite like and when I put the demo on my whole face is still the same shape (lips, nose, etc) but it just changes the colours.

Is that all that is supposed to happen? If so, how on earth do I get a nice face! I want my lip shape to change, nose shape, etc...

Your shape underlies the skin... the skin is just the "picture" layer or texture that goes over the shape.

You can buy shapes seperately, but I've never seen the point. To make a do-it-yourself version, go into Edit > Appearance and fiddle about with the body sliders until you're happy with how you look.

Don't forget to save your new shape and give it a name.

Hi Briony

A skin will just change your skin, not the shape. To do that, you need to buy a shape or many people are good in Appearance, which you can access by right clicking on yourself. If you find that difficult, there are many shapes available to buy, some are even free. Try a demo and if you want to change it a little after you buy it, make sure its modify. Otherwise you are stuck with it.

I hope that helps.

Thank you both

I'm fixing my face up now, or trying to anyway

Don't worry, I say that every morning in RL.

It can be a bit confusing to change your shape. The advice you get about changing it yourself is true, but let us admit it... some will never feel confident about adjusting the sliders.

Especially if you want a certain "look". Some shapemakers are damned good! So if you stand there with your demo skin on and struggle with editing, it is ok to send the skin seller a IM or notecard and ask where the shape is from. Maybe they sell the shape, or are willing to sell you a shape that's used in the ad. Or they can provide you with a "style card" of the products used in the ad. Shape, hair, eyes...

Just be sure that you get a shape that's "modify" and "copy". Then you take a copy of your shape and adjust it a bit if you aren't so happy with it as you thought you would be. And you have the original shape as "backup" if you don't like your own result.

If you decide that you will buy another skin, you often have to adjust the shape a bit. Especially the mouth. Some skinmakers paint on big pouty mouths, and other more thin lips.

Is there a way to make the eye colour smaller?

xx

The eye is a texture just as the skin. You can buy other ones in different size and color. And, no, you can't edit the eye texture.

There is 'shape' and then there is 'skin' and 'eyes' and 'hair' that are all distinct items that make up the basic avatar - the 'hair' can also define the eyebrows, though hair and/or brows can also be controlled by the skin (i.e. painted onto the skin). Many/most avatar use a 'hair' that is bald and then attach prim hair.

Confused again?

You are not thick -- it is all quite confusing and, in my opinion, one of the things least explained to new people.

Just a tad confusing I have asked the skin maker if they could let me know how to get the shape or if they could sell me it if they made it.

It is really lovely, doubt I'll get a reply though

Now I need to find smaller eyes too!

The good thing about buying new eyes is that they're cheap. If you are looking for eyes with a smaller iris and pupil I've seen eyes like that but I can't remember where. Some stores will sell eyes with a smaller iris than the default but they won't really mention it. You have to look closely at their advertisement pictures.

As for shapes you can also purchase them at stores. I'm not sure if someone mentioned that already.

I would probably hit all the freebie places first if I was looking for eyes -- tons and tons and tons of free ones out there.

I've seen lots of skin places offer packs of free eyes along with their skins as well.