The aesthetic of the 'Living Dolls' is considered a sort of subculture in which the individuals involved imitate the appearance of a doll- from the porcelain variety to the more iconic Barbie. This transformative lifestyle is typically achieved via one (or both) of two methods: makeup and special effects or cosmetic surgery.
Those that pursue their unique porcelain looks through the application of makeup often consider it a form of art, using their appearance as a deliberate declaration of self-expression. Obviously the extent to which one is willing to go to create and display their 'masterpiece' varies by individual, but there are some cases in which it can be taken to the extreme (as with anything).
Special clothes and accessories, context lenses, latex, body paints, wigs, enough makeup to astonish even Jeffree Star, and countless other resources go into their every day routines of 'dollification'.
Makeup artist Toshi Salvino, the self proclaimed plus-size living art doll Skye McLaughlin, and the British YouTuber Venus Palermo (more widely known on the platform as Venus
Angelic) who posts tutorials centered around her Japanese doll style are a few of the more prominent practitioners among many.
On the other side of the coin, the obsession with plastic perfection takes an (arguably) more dramatic turn toward permanent cosmetic procedures and plastic surgeries to emulate natural impossibilities shown in the appearance of idealized dolls such as Barbie or her masculine counterpart Ken.
Lip fillers, breast augmentations, Botox, eye alterations, even rib removals to achieve a smaller waist- nothing is out of the question when it comes to getting the look just right.
Lip fillers, breast augmentations, Botox, eye alterations, even rib removals to achieve a smaller waist- nothing is out of the question when it comes to getting the look just right. o Santebanes (who unfortunately passed away after a battle with cancer in June of 2015).
Often described as a sort of escapism, the common theme among the subculture is commonly rooted in the desire to control and alter what others perceive based on what they project themselves as. Although many involved have expressed histories with social exclusion, bullying and insecurities, they find freedom in the way they present themselves.
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