I use a default skin (e-skin fresh) and it encompasses Male-Female, Toddler-Elder. I'm lazy, so I don't want a bunch of EA skins, and then non-default skins on certain sims.
Keep in mind some non-default skins don't encompass all ages and genders so you might get a child that inherits the 'non-default' but it won't show until they are a YA or what have you. Which is ok sometimes, but IMO doesn't always work out well especially if they use a different tone ramp. Two light skinned non-default skinned sims can have a baby that looks very dark because the tone ramps don't match up.
So here you can see the same sim, this is EA skin with EA eye.
And my default e-skin fresh. I just like the increased shading and texture, plus IMO it makes everyone (even puddings) look pretty good. (also with my default eye)
The only time I use non-default skins is on sims that I plan on keeping around for a long time. For normal lifespan games I wouldn't bother because of said issues with genetics. I wouldn't want to mix EA skintones with anything that was too realistic, it would just be too different.
Sometimes you just have to try out a few to find what you like though. If you like a less realistic skin, smoother, then I would go with Kurasoberina Primer in DEFAULT. It encompasses all ages (including baby).
Also with eyes, I go with a Default because I can't be bothered to equip anyone with contacts. My non-defaults are brntwaffles N19, because they are the most appealing to me. They are colourful with a large catchlight which gives the illusion of better lighting. They still retain the original colour, and are hereditary. Its sort of another thing you just have to try out until you find the one you like. I've tried a lot of different skins and eyes, and those two are hands down my favorite the the kind of sims that I like to play and make.
ETA: The one thing TS3 doesn't do well is asian sims, because they are missing the epicanthic eye. So in that case I would use a Non-Default skin and apply it to my asian sims. With that also said I haven't found one that I am in love with. The search continues!!
Ridiculous Time of Layla and Harris - Wishacy (PG)
Look What We Started- Simblr (MATURE CONTENT)
ISLAND END- Simblr (MATURE CONTENT, link is for scene list on sims.com)
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