diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/BlendFace.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/BlendFace.cpp
index fb7ad46035..d376c976eb 100644
--- a/interface/src/avatar/BlendFace.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/BlendFace.cpp
@@ -120,6 +120,7 @@ bool BlendFace::render(float alpha) {
         // apply material properties
         glm::vec4 diffuse = glm::vec4(mesh.diffuseColor, alpha);
         glm::vec4 specular = glm::vec4(mesh.specularColor, alpha);
+        glMaterialfv(GL_FRONT, GL_AMBIENT, (const float*)&diffuse);
         glMaterialfv(GL_FRONT, GL_DIFFUSE, (const float*)&diffuse);
         glMaterialfv(GL_FRONT, GL_SPECULAR, (const float*)&specular);
         glMaterialf(GL_FRONT, GL_SHININESS, mesh.shininess);