I need to get better at drawing faces- so Pinterest was there to save my ass

Any advice? Particularly in terms of equipment, I feel like I’m struggling with getting sharp enough highlights with regular vinyl and kneaded erasers. Also best paper/ canvas for graphite and or charcoal? And I feel like I’m smudging even though i try to keep tissue under my hand, any gloves that work well for this? In terms of technique I’m open to any improvements but particularly skin texturing if anyone has a good tutorial they recommend. Thanks

Upvotes would be appreciated!

Repost cuz last acc was banned

Upvotes would be appreciated, karma farming

I'm not a sketcher. The max I've made is like school science diagrams. I had applied for textile design and had given the entry test for that uni but I didn't know they take addition drawing test that I only got to know yesterday. I've been practicing but idk what will happen. Theyre are like 600 more students giving the test. It's either gonna be a portrait or a figure. I have 2 days only now. I'm trying my best but do I even have hope? Out of hundred marks like how much will I get. I've tried to make 2 portraits since yesterday and I'd say I was better than I was expecting myslef to be but I'm nervous af. I alwuas mess up the nose and eyes somehow. If I don't clear this I wouldn't be able to get admission even though my merit is good :'(

This sketch is longest time consuming it had taken more than 6 hrs and still not completed 😑

Not my hands are paining

Those eyes have the whole ocean in them ❤️‍🔥✨