Skins

My female alt (I have one male one female..iono why) uses the same shape as me, and a skin from the same maker, that's basically just paler, and looks completely different.

It's amazing how the little things can do so much O.o

Different shapes do different things to skins, especially the face, and most especially the eyes. So, some skin/shape combinations are available, but unless you really, really want to look exactly like that model forever and ever, don't buy a no-mod shape. If only a no-mod shape were offered with a skin I really liked, I'd buy the skin and make my own shape with the appearance sliders--maybe taking a snapshot of the skin/shape model as a kind of "existence proof" and pattern. There are just no circumstances under which I'd buy a no-mod shape.

Some of the places that sell shapes will include a complete styling card for the image used in the sales ad for that shape, so if you like what you see on the ad then often when you buy it you'll be given a notecard containing all the landmarks and details of everything that went into creating it, from skin to hair to clothes, etc. If you're not sure whether the shapes store you're at does this, just right-click on one of their ads, select Edit and then check the contents tab. If you see a notecard called something like 'styling info' then you're in luck.

Always, always, always get the demo skin first and try it on. If there's no demo available, don't buy it.

Think about what you really need in variety. I got mine from Adam and Eve, who very kindly and efficiently sold me the single skin I wanted out of a package. They had a sign to that effect, but other stores will often be willing to do this if you ask. If you're sure you'll only ever use just one of the skins, then you're better off paying $1500 for that one skin than $4000 for a set of 6 non-transferable skins.

Also some places will sell tintable skins, which lets you customize how tan you look within limits.

I found a great place for male skins. They only make male skins so they are specialized. My main and Mac both now have skins from there. The shapes if you want to achieve the look in the pics are a bit steep at 1K, but the skins are around 1200 and very nice.


You can find them at Skutter 238,39,759 (Mirror Image is the name)

I once bought a whole pack of skins with all the different facial hair options. I paid about 5K for it. Problem was when I grew bored and wanted to change there I set with a ton of skins that were quite an investment collecting dust in invo. It can be nice to have options, but anymore I just buy a 5 O'clock shadow and call it good.

Be sure and try out lots of demos. Good luck.