thank you, i have found long taper needles do less irritation for me, i never use bug pins,,, always a size 12.
i seem to overwork the skin easier with a curved mag rather than an m1, but an artist in the shop who does colour realism swears by curved, I've watched him work and asked questions but he can't seem to help me. ill update this in a few days after I've done some pieces and se how i go on, thank you all so much.