#TOO MOIST FOR CONFORT

[nelapanela94]

TW: Angst. Miscarriage. Hurt/Confort

Happiness vanishes like a dream under the bright morning light.

“Guess what?” You bombard him with a machine gun of kisses at close range, taking his lips again and again as your arms snake around him, wielding his chest with your chest. When the belt runs out of bullets, you drink in his startle face as he stretches his arm to the console table and drops the keys on the ashtray.

“Do I chill the wine?” His lips seal on yours as his hands anchor to your waist, then his mouth pulls apart. “Though I don’t know what we’re celebrating.”

You shake your head, the corners of your lips pinned up to your cheeks. “I’ll have to replace wine for tea ‘till next spring.”

“Did you bet with someone?” He raises a brow.

“No silly.” Another peck. You fish out something from the pocket of your dress and hold it out on your palm. A baby sock, yellow like the newborn petal of a tulip.

Levi steps back in shock, white specks dancing in his eyes like a glinting night sky pouring down onto a restless lake. He chokes in his words as he tries to scoop them out, opening his mouth and closing it again like a gasping fish. Happy tears swell in his lower lash lines, his heart leaping up with joy.

“Le–“ His hands hook firm at your waist and next second, your feet are whisking the air. Your skirt eddies as the living room and the main door blur, the objects becoming streaks of colors on the bone white background. When you brain ducks back into place, you’re sitting on the couch, curled on Levi’s chest as he pampers you in a shower of kisses.

“Levi” You try to lean away, scrunching your face at the tickles but he doesn’t let you escape from his arms.

“I can’t believe you’re pregnant.” He murmurs in your neck.

“We are pregnant, Levi.”

“Right. We.” He nestles his face into the crook of your neck, sniffling, something warm and moist infusing your skin. Your eyes soften, and your hand threads with his.

“I love you, Y/N. I love you, and I love the little brat growing in you.” Your locked hands land on your tummy, and a winsome smile blooms on your lips.

“I love you too, Levi. We love you too.”

*

Bent at the knees, your legs are folded one on top of the other; your head roosted on your hand, elbow perched on the armrest. You watch him with endearment as he upends the shopping bags on the rug and a flimsy chuckle seeps from you. “It’s still a little bean, Levi.” He has been taking the same route from home to work and back for more than four years and had never noticed the baby store. It's like it just showed up the day after he found out he was going to be a dad. And since then, not a day can go by without him checking out all the items displayed in the windows. Today, lured by the pastel colors and lullabies, he walked in. He peered around, unable to decide on only one thing, so he resolved by taking home half the store in his hands.

The floor in your living room hides under the scattered toys and plushies, weekly onesie sets from months zero to six, wool caps, pairs of socks of the colors of the rainbow in their pastel version, baby blankets, even a baby bathtub, oh, and the shoes. A pair of caramel brown baby booties.

You know why he’s doing this, and it melts your heart. He wants his baby to have all the things he never had. And more.

He barely talks of his childhood, having given you scanty crumbs since you met, shards that you can’t yet put together in the picture. You know it’s hard for him to delve in that chest. He saw things that a child–no, that anyone should witness in their life.

“Do you think they’ll like all this?”

“They’ll love it, Levi.” You beckon him with a curling finger, and he toddles in his knees to you, flinging your shirt up to plant kisses on your tummy.

“Oi, brat! Wanna know how mom and I met?”

You roll the eyes, lacing your fingers through his hair.

“Ok, let’s listen to dad’s version.”

It was an early summer night in which you had to strain your shift because of a nagging customer who couldn’t wait until next day for his product mockup. Drenched and shivering, you trotted to the nearest bus stop, rain pelting on your shoulders like hundreds of marbles. And there he was, standing under the Perspex roof, black hair slick onto his forehead, a white button up shirt–translucid–showing off his taut, rippling muscles. He was rocking on his heels, hands jammed into his pockets, averting his gaze. Slightly uncomfortable. Maybe it was you ogling at his chest, though you couldn’t help yourself. You tried to fixate in another direction, but your eyes swung back to him as if they were magnets and him an iron stick. What kind of lunatic wears suspenders with a belt?

Fiddling with your earring, you yelled over the rain. “Has the A26 long since passed?”

“Haven’t seen it.” His sexy, raspy voice encroached the desperate tapping on the roof. “Been here for five minutes.”

Your heart was galloping, vying with the frenzy of the downpour.

“Y/N.”

“Uh?” His face snapped to you, eyebrows rising.

“That’s my name.” You lift your chin and scratch an itch under your jaw. “This is when you tell me yours.”

“Why should I?” He grins, and tingles seized your inner thighs. Your face grew hot with embarrassment, and you wished your ride came soon, but there wasn’t any sing of those flashing yellow lights.

“Levi.”

Levi. You rolled it in your head. “Levi.” You rolled it in your mouth, and he smiled.

And it seemed as if the universe was mocking you. You took a step backwards, and your heel got stuck in a crack, causing you to lose your balance.  You scrambled forward, your arms floundering in the air trying to hold onto something, but there wasn’t anything else but him. Steel gray eyes opened wide in alert, and when he stepped in to cushion your fall, your lips fell on his too.

“She kissed me. Can you believe that? And she only knew my name.”

“I didn’t kiss you.” You whack him on the shoulder. “It was an accident.”  

The most beautiful accident.

You awkwardly exchanged numbers and the rest is history.

*

“Are you ok?”

Rucking up your face, you stir in bed, bent down holding your belly. “Yeah, it’s just a bad cramping, Maybe I ate too many tacos.”

He pulls the chain of his lamp and rubs his eyes. His heart springs dry in his chest when he spots the bright crimson stain in the sheets. He tosses the covers away, trying not to panic as his heart thrashes in trepidation, hands fumbling, blood scorching through his veins.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck.

You’re sweating, lightheaded. All you remember is Levi’s dead worried face, the raucous sirens of the ambulance, blue and read lights lapping the front of your building.

“I’m sorry.” The doctor says and the world crashes, your world, swept away by a train with no brakes. The mid forties bearded man taps his pen on the clipboard. “In a few weeks you can try again.”

Do they even teach empathy in med school?

Levi can’t think of anything worse than seeing the love of his life in pain and not be able to fix it. Your sadness is his sadness and he’d carry it around with him like buckets full of rocks for the last of his days if that means you didn’t have to endure the weight.

Seeing you like this, soulless, is chipping the rims of his hearts like his old favorite mug. He wants to reach out but doesn’t know how to.

“Hug me.” You mumble and he slips into the hospital bed, warming you in his arms. “I’m sorry.” Your chest feels heavy as if a balloon were swelling, depriving you of air. “I’m sorry.” You stutter, chin wobbling, and the dam of tears breaks.

Fat gulps rack through you as you emotionally collapse in his chest, filling the room with your sobbing and weeping, each one a stab to his heart.

He knows what thoughts are scratching at your head, torturing you with their sharp claws. That you must defective, that you’re not woman enough to bear his child.

You clutch to his shirt, burying your face in his chest. “Forgive me,” And the room that was going to be your baby’s, the crib Levi already assembled, the toys and clothes. You want to tear it all apart, and pretend it never happened.

“It’s not your fault, Y/N.” He takes a long, easing breath. “Don’t you blame yourself. Please.” His voice travels along a wire about to snap, hanging by a single thread, resisting.

Though he’s not sure it will hold any longer.

He palms your face in his hand, and you look up at him. “Please.” He utters.

“Only if you stop playing being the strongest.” Your palm strides to his chest. “Promise me.”

He nods, eyes red and glistening with the represses tears. Fuck. He was so excited to be a dad. His browsing history was packed with websites of first time father’s advise, lists of names and their meanings; he could picture himself pushing swings in the park, becoming the tooth fairy and Santa. Having tea parties in the living room, dressed like a princess or a knight or Buzz light year. He had never felt his heart flitting with such outburst of joy when you drop the news, like the day you said yes to his question.

He did want to be a dad.

Give that little bean everything he yearned when he was a child.

And with that, the last thread breaks.

#Levi ackerman #levi ackerman x you #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman/reader #levi ackerman/you #Levi ackerman attack on titan #levi aot #levi attack on titan #aot #attack on titan #snk #snk levi #aot Levi

[booty-revolutionary]

my cat is lickin her ass with such ferocity i can hear it from across the room and it is

#TOO MOIST FOR CONFORT #words #cats #cat are cute #cats eat ass #but in a good way

[mistygoldart]

★ Home is where the heart is by MistyGoldArt ★

My submission for @lapidot-week: Homeworld prompt.

I wrote an one-shot for this too, which can be read after the cut or on my ao3 here. Enjoy! :3

Lapis soared silently on the pink-tinted sky. The warm breeze bought together a nice feeling within it, and she soft splashes of her water wings made it into a steady pace her way back home. She had taken Steven’s advice and began exploring the earth and the vicinities of beach city, namely, her trip today was into the woods.

She had to admit, earth had much more to see than she’d previously considered. It was something good to do with all the free time she had in her hands and unlike when she was trapped in the mirror, now she could go out and do whatever she wanted.

Her attention turned from her thoughts to the familiar building sillouette as it approached into view. The remanants of sunray shone on the barn and the silo, and now that she looked closely she could see a green spot resting there too.

At last she descended gracefully on top of the wooden roof a few feet away from said gem, who gave nothing but a quick glance before resting her head back on her hand. She took note of Peridot’s composture. She sat hugging her legs close to her chest, one hand holding her chin so that she could look upwards at the sky. Something felt different about it, but she couldn’t point out just yet. Instead of mentioning it, she opted to walk over and sit beside her, the shadow of the water silo presented itself as a preferable space to rest after all. Lapis looked at the sky, but the remaining sunlight was still enough to outshine most of the stars. Her gaze lowered to the horizon, to part of the forest she’d just explored, to the sea and the edge of beach city far away, and when she found nothing interesting enough she let herself lay down, her back against the warm wood feeling nice on her gem.

She faced the sky but didn’t really looked at it until the first stars became bright, the sky accquired a particularly pretty purple color and she remembered she was not alone there. She turned her face just enough to see the side of that triangular shaped hair. From this angle she could see the profile of her face, as well as Peridot’s expression as she steadily looked at the sky with eyebrows knitted into a tired frown, eyes droppy and, from what she could see, her mouth curved as an ’m’ shape. She normally wouldn’t worry if that transpassed for a brief moment of frustration, tipically when one of the many contraptions she built everyday went haywire, but apparenty there was no reason for the usually bubbly gem be so…down. She followed her gaze focused on that spot of the sky with homeworld’s galaxy- Oh, right, now it made sense.

Lapis straightened and sat up, eyeing the so-familiar set of stars and indulging in memories of the first few weeks she spent here at the barn, after she decided to stay on earth. She would fly up to the top of the silo and rest in not such a different position, watch the stars until her eyes grew aching, become moody and sad and angry at the simple reminder that these stars would bring to her. ‘Home’ is all she can think of them, of this. Homeworld, and surprizingly enough, it’s not the 'new homeworld’ they remind her of. No this was not her home, the place she missed for all these thousand years imprisoned didn’t even exist anymore.

She was left adrift once Steven set her free, and earth was the place she had left- No, the place she had decided to stay and make her home.

She remembered in the early days, when this gem was the one to care and make sure whe was confortable, she would give her space, ask unnecessary questions, it did really seem like she was the most interested in being 'roommates’. To see that familiar look of homesickness on the green gem’s face was something different, wrong in a way as if it didn’t belong to her. She started talking without thinking.

“You miss it, right?”

Peridot seemed to jump at that, shooting her a wide-eyed expression before frowning again, tightening her arms around herself. She sighed.

“Yes, as a matter of fact. Despite being all this time on earth and having all these… Nice experiences… I still miss homeworld. That’s where I was made after all.” She shrugged and brought her knees closer to her chest such that her chin now rested over them. She grumbled something incomprehensible under her breath and Lapis noticed a small streak of sadness in her voice… Had she been crying?

She hummed in response, Peridot’s vent suddenly bringing very old momories, before the mirror, before the war… When she was a free gem and worked under Blue Diamond’s court. A small smile pulled at the corner of her lips at that, and with it a bittersweet feeling rose at the bottom of her metaphorical gut. She remembered the places she’d been, the colonies she terraformed and the gems she’d met and served with her 'outstanding powers’. She would be a liar to say she didn’t have feelings about homeworld too, it somehow hurt to know these moments were gone forever, remaining simply as recordations like moist that evaporated into the air.

“I miss it too.”

After a brief moment Peridot turned to look at her with a quizzical expression. She opened her mouth as if to say something but closed it shortly after, her gaze casting down to her legs. Lapis stared intently, about to ask for a share of her thoughts when Peridot fully turned to look at her for the first time since the blue gem arrived there.

“What was it like before the war? I mean on homeworld.”

Lapis exhaled in a mix of a laugh and a snort, straightening up.

“Nothing like what I saw when I arrived there” The speck of a chuckle she had quickly vanished as she recalled her arrival at the 'new homeworld’. How she felt scared and out-of-place, and mainly, utterly frustrated.

She took notice of Peridot’s eyes suddenly widen, and felt warm at how quickly her partner noticed her discomfort.

“Oh! Sorry I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s okay” She reassured. “I have a new home now”

Peridot halted at that, mouth tight into that familiar ’m’ shape again and visor-covered eyes fully fixed on her. After a few moments of silent stare, the smaller gem exhaled an unnecessary breath and looked away.

“Nyeh… I guess me too. I mean, I like it here. It’s genuinely pleasurable to partake in exploring earth but sometimes I still feel like-”

“Something’s missing, yeah”

“Exactly! you know- On homeworld I always had something to do, I had a purpose. I didn’t… lay around like this.” She gestured around them. “Although there’s no way I could possibly go back even if I wanted to.”

“And do you want to?”

“No! I mean, I miss it, but returning there is totally out of cogitation. They would just straight up shatter me if I ever dared to return.” Peridot went quiet at that.  Lapis took the clue to speak up.

“I feel this way too, sometimes. It’s… kind of something you have to get over with time. Like in the begining, here.” She softened as she remembered the time she decided to stay here with Steven, how funnily enough they ended up having to share space in the barn. She remembered, too, how she grew to enjoy her company as time passed, how that gem made it a little less hard to accept living in this place, even though she never voiced that thought out loud. She was almost surprized to know said gem felt the same way she did back then.

“Peridot, we have something different now. We can be ourselves here. We don’t have to be what homeworld wanted us to be and I know it’s hard to embrace it but-” She wished she was better with words, Peridot always knew what to say -or rather, she rambled so much that something good came from it, but that was not the point right now. She felt the weight of expectant eyes on her and exhaled, looking back at the sky.

“Steven said home is where the heart is, and… I like being with you” There was a static silence after that, which made her shift on her seat and pounder her words. Maybe she’d been too blunt or straightforward or-

“Wow, thanks” She turned to catch the glimpse of a warm smile as this time Peridot looked away from her, even though the gem’s expression still showed signs of her early frustration. For a split second Lapis could see herself the moment she caught her reflection on the green visor.

Perhaps her home was really here after all. With her.

#steven universe #lapidot week #lapidot #lapis lazuli #peridot #fanart #meep morp #personal favs #story time

[sophiemccu6-blog]

Personal 1 - How are you? Tired
2 - Post a picture of yourself.
3 - Do you ever wish you were someone else? Yeah, Emma Roberts
4 - What is your entire name? Sophie Elizabeth McCulloch
5 - How old are you? 
6 - Age you get mistaken for: Idk
7 - Your zodiac/horoscope and if you think it fits your personality: Taurus, idk
8 - What did you do on your last birthday? A whore came over
9 - What is one thing you would like to accomplish before your next birthday? Batter said whore
10 - What is your hair color? Brown
11 - Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes 
12 - What is your eye color? Blue
13 - If you could change your eye color, would you? Nat
14 - Do you wear contacts/glasses? No
15 - Your opinion about your body and how confortable you are with it: It's okay, not particularly happy with it
16 - Have you ever considered plastic surgery? What would you alter about your body? Lip fillers
17 - Say 8 facts about your body: I've broken many bones, I'm very clumsy, I'm 5'5" I live off of energy drinks I've got sallow skin I've got Sjögren's syndrome 
18 - Do you have any tattoos? No
19 - Do you have any piercings? Yeah
20 - Left or right handed? Right handed
21 - What’s your sexual orientation? Straight
22 - Do you drink? Nah
23 - Do you smoke? No
24 - Do you have any pets? Yes
25 - Where do you work? I don't
26 - Something you are working on right now:a story
27 - Do you have any “rules” about food? No meat
28 - Where are you from? Scotland
29 - What would you say is your best quality? Quite funny
30 - What do you think you’re really good at? Idk
31 - What do you think you’re really bad at? Most things esp sleeping
32 - What talent do you wish you’d been born with? Singing
33 - Are you a bad person? Can be
34 - Are you nice to everyone? Nat
35 - Say 3 facts about your personality: sarcastic. Quite mean. Can keep secrets 
36 - Has someone ever spread a nasty rumor about you? Yep
37 - What is your ideal bed? Why? High single bed. Comfier 
38 - Do wake up cranky? Yeah
39 - Do you sleep with a stuffed toy? No
40 - What do you think about the most? Idk
41 - Share 2 habits: bite my nails. Crack my wrist
42 - What you want to be when you “get older”? Lawyer
43 - What are your career goals? Lawyer
44 - What is your ideal career? Lawyer
45 - Is your life anything like it was two years ago? No
46 - Do you replay things that have happened in your head? Yes
47 - Have you ever had an imaginary friend? Yasss
48 - Say 10 facts about your room: Tip, dark. Two windows. Lots of space. Lots of posters. A lot of lights. Etc
49 - Do you have any phobias? Yes. Spiders, puppets and dolls
50 - Have you ever been to a psychiatrist/therapist? Not yet
51 - Are you allergic to anything? If so, what? Yes, loads
52 - Ever broken any bones? Aye 21 multiple times 
53 - Ever come close to death? Yes
54 - Things you like and dislike about yourself: I like my hair that's about it
55 - A random fact about yourself: I drink loads of energy drinks 
56 - What are three things most people don’t know about you? I've got anxiety, I'm quite sensitive and I hate cats
57 - An unknown fact about your life: idk
58 - Share something about yourself others might think is weird: idk
59 - Five weird things that you like: I like hunting idk
60 - Do you have a facebook? If so, would you add the person who sent you this? Yes, I have him
61 - Do you have any pictures on your Facebook? Yes
62 - Describe yourself in one word/sentence: idk
63 - A quote you try to live by: if you love someone, you should never hurt them- Tate Langdon (Evan Peters) 
64 - A famous person you’ve been compared to: Nae cunt
65 - Weird things you do when you’re alone: Nowt
66 - Something you do without realising: Crack my Wrists
67 - 5 things you want to change: Me
68 - Someone you’d like to be for a day and why: Emma Roberts, So I could be with Evan 
69 - Leave me a compliment:you're perfect Favourites 70 - What is your favorite thing to do? Go out
71 - What’s your favorite color? Red
72 - What’s your favorite band/singer? Idk
73 - What’s your favorite movie? Inbetweeners 2
74 - What are your favorite books? Girl online series
75 - What is your favorite quote and why? Said above. It's good
76 - What is your favorite word? Buttons
77 - What is your least favorite word? Moist
78 - What is your favorite type of food? Chips, cheese and curry sauce 
79 - You favorite ice cream? Carmel 
80 - What’s your favorite animal? Ocelot
81 - Dogs or cats? Dogs
82 - Describe your favourite texture: denim
83 - What is your favorite flower? Rose 
84 - What’s your favourite scent? Idk And on the opposite sex? Cologne 
85 - What is your favorite season? Summer
86 - What are the top five places you wish you could go before you die? America 
87 - What are four things you can’t live without and why? Family, friends, idk
88 - Which mythological creature are you most like? Why? Idk
89 - What’s your favorite television show? American Horror Story 
90 - Favorite place to shop at? Primark 
91 - Say 2 facts about your favorite things: Amazing and idk Family, childhood and places 92 - Say 4 facts about your parents: idk
93 - Are you more like your mom or your dad? My mum 
94 - Do you have any siblings? Aye
95 - Say 9 facts about your family: it's huge, from all over Scotland and Ireland. They all swear. Idk
96 - What’s your relationship like with your family? Shite
97 - Say 7 facts about your childhood: idk
98 - The best and the worst childhood memories: idk
99 - Say 6 facts about your home town: no bad, big, boring, nowt to do, a state and too many junkies
100 - Are you going out of town soon? Hopefully 
101 - Where would you like to live? Ayrshire 
102 - What would your dream house be like? Big
103 - Where would you go on your dream vacation? America
104 - Where you want to be right now? Spain
105 - Top three places to visit: idk ************************************************* ~~~~~~~~~~Friends 106 - Would you ever smile at a stranger? Aye
107 - Do you prefer to be friends with girls or boys? Both
108 - Who is someone you never tire of? Anya
109 - Do you have someone you can be your complete self around? A few pals
110 - Who is your most loyal friend? Lewis
111 - Is there anyone you can tell EVERYTHING to? Yea
112 - If your best friend died, what would you do? Idk
113 - Something you’ve lied about. Loads
114 - Have you ever felt replaced? Yes
115 - Say 5 facts about your bestfriend(s): weird, funny, cringy, love them, trust Relationships 116 - The last person you hugged? Madison
117 - Story of your first kiss? N/A
118 - Do you like kissing in public? Idk
119 - Have you ever kissed someone older than you? No
120 - You have a preference for boys or girls? Boys: idk
121 - Is the male or female body closest to perfection? Idk
122 - 5 things that irritate you about the same sex/opposite sex. Idk
123 - Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes
124 - Do you believe in soul mates? Yeah 
125 - What is your idea of the perfect date? Ifk
126 - Based on past relationships or crushes, describe your perfect boyfriend/girlfriend: Evan peters 
127 - What is the first thing you noticed in someone? Height
128 - Are looks important in a relationship? No
129 - What’s the most superficial characteristic you look for? Idk
130 - What’s your opinion on age differences in relationships? I don't mind
131 - Would you ever date someone off of the Internet? Yes
132 - Five guys/girls whom you find attractive: Evan Peters, BT, SC, JH, L
133 - Do you have a crush on anyone? Yes
134 - A description of the girl/boy you like: funny, cute, good looking, etc
135 - Say 1 fact about the person your like: trust them
136 - If the person you like says they like someone else, what would you say? Good to know
137 - When was the last time you told someone you loved them? Idk
138 - Do you think someone has feelings for you? Yes 
139 - Do you think someone is thinking about you right now? Maybe
140 - Have you ever cried over a guy/girl? Yes
141 - Have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have? Yes
142 - Anyone you’re giving up on? Yes
143 - Have you ever liked someone you didn’t expect to? Yes
144 - Have you ever liked someone who your friends hated? Yes
145 - Have you ever liked one of your best friends? Yes
146 - Has anyone told you they don’t want to ever lose you? Yes
147 - Is there a boy/girl who you would do absolutely everything for? Yes
148 - Is there someone you will never forget? Yes
149 - Say five ways to win your heart: make me laugh, give me energy drinks that's about it
150 - What turns you on? Evan Peters
151 - What turns you off? Dick heads
152 - What is the sexiest thing someone could ever do for/to you? Idk
153 - What’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for you? Made me laugh when I was crying
154 - What’s something sweet you’d like someone to do for you? Idk
155 - Have you ever written a song or poem for someone? Have you had one written for you? No
156 - What’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever done for someone? Idk
157 - Are you in love? Kinda
158 - Are you in a relationship? Naw
159 - If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend, what is your favorite thing about him/her? N/A
160 - Are relationships ever worth it? Yes
161 - Is there someone mad because you’re dating/talking to the person you are? Yes
162 - Can you commit to one person? Yes
163 - Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months and not cheat?
 Yes164 - Do you ever want to get married? Yes
165 - Do you think you’ll be married in 5 years? Naw
166 - Future names of your children: idk
167 - Do you get jealous easily? Sometimes
168 - The last time you felt jealous, and why? I was jealous of my pal going out w/ someone
169 - What is your definition of cheating? Idk
170 - Have you ever been cheated on? No
171 - Do you forgive betrayal? Yes
172 - Have you ever cheated on someone? No
173 - Why did your last relationship fail? He wanted someone
174 - Things you want to say to an ex: idk
175 - A description of the person you dislike the most: whore
176 - If your first true love knocked on your door with apology and presents, would you accept? Yes
177 - How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had? 8
178 - How long was your longest relationship? 10 weeks
179 - You’ll love me if… idk
180 - Share a relationship story: nah Music, movies and books 181 - How often do you listen to music? Everyday
182 - What kind of music you like? Loads
183 - Do you like to dance? Nah
184 - What was the first concert/show you attended? N/A
185 - Have you heard a song that reminds you of someone today? Yeah
186 - Share a song that takes you to a certain memory in the past: Like I Would- Zayn
187 - A song that’s been stuck in your head: Beautiful Light- Uppermost
188 - Put your music player on shuffle and write the first ten songs that play: ^, Teenagers, Youth, Prayer in the C, Ava, I write sins not tragedies, Monster(AHS edit), come as you are, pillowtalk, Nancy mulligan
189 - A book you want to read/have recently read: miss peregrines home for peculiar children 
190 - Describe your dream library: idk
191 - Last movie you just watched: titanic
192 - Do you like watching what type of movies? Idk Situations and crazy things 193 - You’re in a tattoo parlor about to get inked. What are you getting done? Henna type of tattoo
194 - What’s something you can see yourself going to jail for? Fighting
195 - If you could be any character, from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Idk
196 - You’re given $10,000…under one condition: you cannot keep the money for yourself. Who would you give it to? Charity
197 - If you had to go back in time and change one thing, what would it be? Nothing
198 - If you were an element on the Periodic Table, which would you be and why? Idk
199 - If you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be? 2015
200 - You’re an Action Movie Hero. What’s your weapon of choice and the line you scream when defeating your arch enemy? Idk
201 - If you could design an amusement park ride, what would it be like? Tall, big drop like the Shambhala at Porta Ventura 
202 - What is the first curse word that comes to mind? Fuck
203 - What the last party you went to was… and when the next will be…. Idk
204 - Halloween costume idea? Idk
205 - How you’d spend ten thousand bucks? I'd invest on starting a business up
206 - Press ctrl+v and post: can't 
207 - Would you rather be stranded on a desert island with someone you love for ten years or someone you hate for a month? Explain why. Someone I hate, because I might start to like them
208 - 5 things within touching distance: a folder, a book, a shelf, irn Bru and tweezers
209 - A drunken story: N/A
210 - What are you supposed to be doing right now? I don't know
211 - Currently wanting to see anyone? Yes
212 - Why you follow me? 
213 - If you met me what would you do? Idk
214 - YOU have to leave me a random/ridiculous question: nah
215 - YOU have to leave me a cute message: naw Opinions and beliefs 216 - Is the cup half full or half empty for you right now? Half empty
217 - Do you believe in fate/destiny? Yes
218 - What you wish for on 11:11? Nothing 
219 - Do you consider yourself lucky? Not particularly What’s your good luck charm? Nothing
220 - Do you believe in aliens or life on other planets? Yes
221 - What is your religion, if any? Christian
222 - Would you go against your moral code for money? Yes
223 - What’s more important to you: strength of the body or strength of the mind? Mind
224 - How important you think education is? Extremely 
225 - If you were the president, what would you do? Idk
226 - If you could change one thing in the world, what would you change? No racism 
227 - Is it the thought that counts? Or is that phrase circumstantial? Idk
228 - If you only had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Say goodbye to everyone 
229 - Which movie character do you most identify with and why? I honestly don't know Feelings and Others 230 - Are you a procrastinator or do you get things done early? Both, depends on what the thing is
231 - Post a photo/draw a picture/write a poem (pick one) of a moment of personal significance: nah
232 - Say 5 things you love unconditionally: my friends, family, pet, idk
233 - What motivates you in life? Idk
234 - Something that you’re proud of: idk
235 - Five words/phrases that make you laugh: a poem from AHS, 'I'm Dane, and I can bring you great pain', 
236 - Share the story of something that makes you smile: me and my friend getting kicked out of a shop for blasting a song while running round laughing 
237 - Something you always think “what if…” about: things were better
238 - What was something you used to enjoy, but was ruined for you? What’s the story behind that? I used to enjoy going up a set of woods, but one of my friends fainted and kept coming in and out of consciousness 
239 - Describe one of the most awkward experiences of your life: loads
240 - Something/someone that you miss: my gran
241 - Are you over your past? No
242 - What is your saddest memory? My aunt getting diagnosed with cancer
243 - One of the hardest moments in your life: letting go
244 - Is there something that happened in your past that you hate talking about? Yes
245 - What’s something you want to do that you’d be embarrassed to tell other people about? Idk
246 - What was your most embarrassing moment? Loads
247 - Share one of your fears/insecurities: puppets, spiders< fears. My figure and looks< insecurities 
248 - Something you’re currently worrying about: my health and family
249 - Have you done something you regret very much? Yes
250 - If you could take something back that you said or did, what would it be? I wouldn't because it would change the future
251 - Does anyone hate you? Aye
252 - Do you hate anyone? Yes
253 - Lyrics that apply to your current situation/mood. 'But the drugs never work'
254 - Are you good at hiding your feelings? Yes
255 - What’s something you hide about your personality? That I'm incredibly sensitive 
256 - How do you approach social situations? Idk
257 - Are you a social or an antisocial person? Both
258 - Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Both tbh
259 - Do you care if people talk badly about you? Sometimes
260 - How do you deal with criticism? I don't 
261 - How you hope your future will be like? Idk
262 - What’s something that scares you about the future? I don't know what will happen
263 - Five items you lust after: Evan peters 
264 - One thing you’re excited for: to be an adult
265 - Describe the most terrifying/strangest/beautiful dream you’ve ever had: Got murdered 
266 - Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character? Yes
267 - Who is your celebrity crush? Evan Peters
268 - Make a confession: nah

[uglinesses]

The “no-cream routine”.

The routine can be as simple as two steps, and as complicated as you’d like. However, certain rules must be followed in order to ensure the efficacy of the routine.

RULES

Your moisturizer should be an oil rich in linoleic acid. Do not use a traditional lotion or cream.

Avoid pore-clogging ingredients. Saturated fatty acids, saturated fatty alcohols, saturated triglycerides, and high-oleic oils (e.g., lauric acid/lauryl alcohol, myristic acid/myristyl alcohol, palmitic acid/palmitates, stearic acid/stearyl alcohol/stearates, caprylic alcohol/caprylic triglyceride, cetearyl alcohol, coconut oil and coconut derivatives*, such as coconut alkanes). These are thickeners and emollients that give viscosity and solidity to traditional lotions and creams, and other products. They are likely to cause clogging, and should be avoided. Silicones can also be culprits for clogging, especially in combination with the aforementioned ingredients, but do not necessarily have to be avoided unless you have an identified sensitivity to them. Look for these ingredients in any leave-on products and avoid them. If you use a rinse-off product that contains them (such as an oil cleanser), make sure to use a cleanser afterward. *You may find coconut derivatives in cleansers, such as coco glucoside. These are OK.

Oil alone cannot moisturize the skin. Skin needs water, and using an oil on dry skin can cause skin to become dehydrated and irritated. Before applying the oil, either splash/spray water on your face and allow it to absorb before applying the oil, or apply a water-based hydrating treatment to the skin and allow it to absorb before applying the oil.

Do not harm your skin. Clogged pores, acne, dark spots, and the like may seem unsightly and be uncomfortable, and you may be tempted to try anything possible to rid your skin of all of its perceived imperfections overnight. However, it should always be your aim to be as gentle as possible with your skin, or you stand to make your existing skin issues worse and cause new problems. Avoid irritating ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol, sulfates, fragrance/parfum, irritating essential plant oils and their derivatives, and any other ingredients you may have allergies or sensitivities to. If you choose to use actives (such as antioxidants, exfoliants, prescription topicals, etc.), use as directed by a physician or the bare minimum to effect positive change in the skin without irritation.

THE ROUTINE

In general, the routine has four parts: CLEANSE (to clean away excess oil and debris without stripping the skin) - TREAT (using concentrated, targeted products to address specific skin issues) - MOISTURIZE (by layering oil over water) - PROTECT (during the daytime, with sunscreen).

The routine can be simplified as far as a rinse with water (to cleanse and hydrate [rule 3]) and the application of a linoleic acid-rich oil (to treat and moisturize). This alone may be enough for some people, and it may be a good starting point for someone new to skincare or looking to start from scratch.

Below, I provide a sample routine using seven products: CLEANSE (oil cleanser, gel cleanser), TREAT (AHA/BHA exfoliant(s), Vitamin C serum), MOISTURIZE (hydrating treatment, linoleic acid-rich oil), and PROTECT (sunscreen). I provide a rationale for each product, including recommendations, tips, and things to avoid.

CLEANSE

(1) Cleansing oil. Oil cleansing, especially with oils that are right for your skin, has the ability to physically loosen pore debris and clear out pores as you massage them into your skin. You will often feel the debris from your pores come out; the sensation will be gritty, and the debris is visible -- it can range from looking like grains of sand to grains of rice. Oil cleansing also effectively lifts makeup and sunscreen from the skin and pores, where only using a foaming cleanser might leave some behind. You have one of two options: a) you can use a plain, unadulterated linoleic acid-rich natural oil or synthetic oil as a cleansing oil, which cannot be rinsed off with water and must be wiped off with a hot damp cloth, or b) you can use a dedicated cleansing oil that is designed for skincare and can be rinsed off -- it will turn white and milky upon contact with water.

I RECOMMEND: If you choose to use an unadulterated oil as a cleanser, use a linoleic acid-rich oil, such as hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or high-linoleic (not high-oleic!) safflower oil. Oils rich in linoleic acid (as opposed to oleic acid) have the ability to dilute sebum and dissolve pore clogs without clogging pores themselves. If you choose to use a dedicated skincare cleansing oil, I suggest Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil; Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil*; Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil; Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil. Some people swear by medical-grade 100% mineral oil, a synthetic oil, as a cleansing oil. If you decide to use mineral oil, opt for one from the pharmacy aisle as opposed to the baby aisle (i.e., baby oil), as baby oil often contains fragrance and additives.

AVOID:  Oils rich in oleic acid and saturated fatty acids, such as coconut oil. They are more likely to clog pores and may not be completely cleansed from the skin even after using a foaming cleanser.

TIP: Do not rinse or cleanse your face before applying your cleansing oil. Water and water residue on your skin will interfere with the oil’s ability to penetrate into your pores. Apply the oil cleanser to your dry, untouched face.

TIP: Firmly massage the oil over your skin to remove sunscreen and/or makeup and and to loosen debris from the pores, paying special attention to areas where you have clogged pores. Be sure not to press too hard or rub too vigorously, or you may cause redness, inflammation, or broken capillaries.

(2) Low-to-neutral pH (between pH 4.5-7) gel or cream cleanser. This is to remove clogging residues from the oil cleanser and any remaining debris. A low-to-neutral pH is important to keep your skin from feeling stripped and irritated, and to ensure that the products you put on your face next work well.

I RECOMMEND: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Cleanser*; CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser; Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, Foaming Formula

TREAT

(3) AHA (usually glycolic acid) and/or BHA (salicylic acid or salicylic acid derivative) leave-on treatment (Optional). AHAs work on the surface of the skin to open up clogged pores, bumps, lift hyper-pigmentation, and smooth skin texture. BHAs penetrate into pore debris, reduce acne inflammation, and also smooth skin texture. You can use one or the other, or use both — there are also products that contain both.

I RECOMMEND: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid; CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (4% betaine salicylate, a good option for sensitive skin); CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid (7% glycolic acid); Deciem The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution; Neostrata Acne Clear Clarifying Solution* (10% glycolic acid, 2% salicylic acid)

AVOID: If you have sensitive or dehydrated skin, avoid AHA and BHA products that contain large amounts of alcohol (denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol are all names for the same ingredient), as alcohol can be drying, irritating, and cause inflammation.

TIP: You may not need an AHA/BHA — all that may need to happen for you is the elimination and replacement of irritating and pore-clogging products in your routine. This is why AHA/BHA is optional. Also, you may not need to use an AHA/BHA forever — if your skin clears, you continue to avoid irritating and pore-clogging products and ingredients, and you find that your skin remains uncongested after stopping the use of an AHA/BHA, you can remove it from your routine.

TIP: AHAs are photosensitizing (i.e., make you more sensitive to the sun) no matter what time of day they are applied. Be sure to use sunscreen when using an AHA, year-round.

TIP: If you have never used an AHA or BHA before, make sure to test it on an inconspicuous patch of skin to ensure that it is something your skin can tolerate.

TIP: If you choose to use both an AHA product and a BHA product, either a) use BHA in the morning and AHA at night, as AHAs are photosensitizing, or b) if you have more tolerant skin, use the AHA first and layer the BHA over top as a spot treatment on clogged areas.

TIP: Build up your tolerance to AHA/BHA to the point of maximum effectiveness without irritation, redness, flakiness, and dehydration. There is no need to use an AHA and/or BHA more than necessary — this can cause irritation, inflammation, and damage your skin if your skin is unable to tolerate it. If you only need an AHA/BHA once a week, only use it once a week. If once a week isn’t cutting it, use it once every few days. If that isn’t enough, once every other day, then once a day, up to twice a day.

TIP: If you are prone to ingrown facial and neck hair, AHAs and BHAs alone or together can help to resolve bumps from ingrown hair, can prevent new ingrown hair when applied after hair removal, and can treat hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin texture from ingrown hair.

(4) Vitamin C serum (Optional). Vitamin C is a well-researched antioxidant with proven benefits -- it treats underlying existing cell damage and protects from future damage, evens skin tone, reduces hyper-pigmentation, and more. A powerhouse and staple.

I RECOMMEND: Deciem Hylamide C25 Booster*; Deciem The Ordinary’s many, many inexpensive vitamin C serum options; Paula’s Choice C15 Booster

TIP: You may not necessarily want or need to use a Vitamin C serum. However, it is an effective treatment and preventative for hyper-pigmentation and sun damage. It’s up to you to decide if it’s something you’d like in your routine.

TIP: Vitamin C can be irritating. Make sure to test it on an inconspicuous patch of skin to ensure that you can tolerate it.

TIP: There are a plethora of forms of vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid has been the gold standard for a long time, against which all other vitamin C derivatives are compared -- but it is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen and goes bad easily if not formulated and stored properly. It can also be irritating because of the very low pH of serums that contain it. Consider some of the newer-generation vitamin C derivatives that are more stable, less irritating, and also effective, such as ethyl ascorbic acid (my favourite) and hexyl glyceryl ascorbate.

TIP: Opt for clear, colourless vitamin C serums so that you can tell when your vitamin C has gone bad. Many brands use dyes to mask this. You will know your vitamin C is beginning to go bad when the serum turns pale yellow. Some people stop using the serum at the first indication that it is changing. However, if the serum is bad enough (i.e., dark yellow, orange or brown) it is not only ineffective, but damaging to your skin.

TIP: It’s not necessary to use a Vitamin C serum twice a day or every day if daily use is too irritating for your skin. Vitamin C stays active in the skin for three days, and only accumulates in the skin up to a certain threshold. You can use it only as often as needed to replenish that threshold and still benefit.

TIP: Vitamin C and sunscreen work synergistically — Vitamin C strengthens the photo-protective power of sunscreen.

MOISTURISE

(5) Hydrating treatment(s). Should be liquid at room temperature, water-based (for hydration's sake), and contain ingredients that target your concerns in addition to moisturizing ingredients. The purpose of this step is to infuse moisture into the skin. Hydrating treatments include moisturizing toners (as opposed to astringent toners), skin toners, skin conditioners, essences, treatment lotions (which are liquid and moisturizing) as opposed to traditional lotions (which are in cream form), and serums. Most of those terms are interchangeable except for serums, which deliver high concentrations of specific ingredients to the skin. These can range from thin and watery to milky to viscous and gel-like. This step will most likely use Asian (generally Japanese or Korean) skincare products, as there isn’t as much variety or choice among American and European products -- although there are a few options (Lancôme’s Tonique Confort and many of Estée Lauder’s Treatment Lotions come to mind). More than one hydrating treatment can be used, especially if their benefits differ.

I RECOMMEND: It is important to figure out what your skin concerns are. This a huge class of products with widely-ranging ingredients and purposes, and it is important to use products that target your concerns as opposed to tacking on unnecessary products for the sake of doing so. However, the main purpose they should serve is moisturization and hydration. Seek out water or water-based ingredients, glycerin, ceramides, sphingosines, and hyaluronic acids in your hydrating treatment. Basic hydrating treatments include Cezanne Skin Conditioner High Moist (contains ceramides, phytosphingosine, hyaluronic acid) and the Hada-Labo Gokujyun Lotions (contain varying amounts and types of hyaluronic acid, among other ingredients). Is your skin easily irritated or sensitive? Licorice root extract and niacinamide are skincare workhorses that reduce inflammation, treat hyper-pigmentation, help the skin to retain moisture, and repair and prevent cell damage.

AVOID: Pore clogging ingredients (see Rule 2).

AVOID: Large amounts of drying alcohol (ethanol, denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, etc.). I generally don’t mind alcohol in treatment or sunscreen steps, but because this is a moisturizing step that is meant to condition and soothe the skin, this is the one place where I do my best to avoid it (see rule 4).

TIP: In general, hydrating treatments (except serums) are much more cost-effective than traditional facial lotions and creams. Moisturizing toners, essences, skin conditioners, treatment lotions, and the like often come in volumes of 150-500mL. Skin conditioners are notoriously cost-effective, often less than $25 for 500mL of product. Look out for Kikumasamune, Cezanne, Hatomugi, and Princess Mother.

TIP: Serums are small-volume (usually 50mL) products that deliver high concentrations of specific ingredients and/or target specific skin concerns. They aren’t necessary or as cost-effective as higher-volume hydrating treatments like toners, essences and lotions. Higher-volume hydrating treatments can also deliver high concentrations of specific ingredients. However, serums can be a good option.

TIP: If using more than one hydrating treatment, apply them from thinnest to thickest. This will ensure that each treatment can penetrate the skin.

(6) A linoleic acid-rich oil. High-linoleic oils are lighter than and sink in more easily in more easily than oils less rich in linoleic acid. They can dissolve pore clogs, dilute sebum to prevent future clogs, balance oil production, seal in moisture, and smooth, soothe, and condition skin. They are also a nourishing group of oils, containing high amounts of omega-3, -6, and -9, antioxidants, and anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory compounds, depending on the oil. Unrefined, cold-pressed oils are your best bet for nutrient retention. Look out for non-GMO and certified organic labels, too.

I RECOMMEND: Hemp seed oil*, rosehip seed oil, marula oil, borage seed oil, meadowfoam oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, watermelon seed oil, and high-linoleic (not high-oleic!) safflower oil are all good options for oily, clog-prone skin. Some people have good results with jojoba oil, a monounsaturated oil, because of its similarity to the oil our skin produces naturally. Squalane oil, a saturated oil usually derived from olives or sugarcane (but is sometimes extracted from shark livers), is another interesting, light and antioxidant-rich option for clog-prone skin.

AVOID: High-oleic oils and oils high in saturated fatty acids. These oils tend to be thicker and more likely to clog pores. Coconut oil is the main one to avoid here — if you are clog-prone, it is almost certain that coconut oil will clog your pores. Even if your skin can tolerate coconut oil, there are much more nourishing and less risky oils out there. Olive oil and avocado oil can also be clogging, but some people find success using them.

TIP: If you’re using a natural linoleic acid-rich oil in step 1 as opposed to a dedicated skincare cleansing, you can use in this step if that’s what works for you.

TIP: Oils alone cannot hydrate the skin -- if you do not use an adequate step 5 or if your skin is not well-hydrated, your skin can become dry, dehydrated, flaky, and sensitive, and may even overproduce its own oil to compensate. Make sure your skin is comfortably hydrated before applying an oil.

TIP: Each oil has a unique profile of pros and cons. For example, hemp seed oil is completely non-clogging and high in antioxidants, but is highly sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen and can go rancid if not stored properly. Do your research to find out which linoleic acid-rich oil is best for you, your needs, and your sensitivities and allergies.

TIP: Many linoleic acid-rich oils are sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. Buy a 1oz amber/dark brown glass dropper bottle — fill it with the oil of your choice, and keep the rest of the oil in its original packaging in the fridge. Use the oil from the dropper bottle only, and refill when necessary to avoid unnecessary exposure. Depending on how sensitive the oil is (e.g., hemp seed oil), keep the glass dropper bottle of oil in the fridge too when not in use. Don’t let your oil sit in a steamy bathroom.

TIP: Consider a blended facial oil from a skincare brand. They’re more expensive, but often contain a combination of beneficial oils, oils that are harder to find for the average person, and are formulated with certain skincare goals in mind.

TIP: Consider making your own blended facial oil! There are many guides on the Internet -- a good place to start is Reddit’s /r/DIYBeauty and /r/skincareaddiction.

TIP: Apply the oil to your brows, eyelashes, and facial hair to condition and nourish the hair, reduce fallout and brittleness, and retain length. You will immediately feel a difference in the softness and flexibility of your lashes and brow hair. Facial hair often suffers from being stripped by cleansers and makeup removers, and is neglected during moisturizing, especially in traditional routines using facial lotions and creams that can’t penetrate into the hair. Make sure the oil is safe to use in the eye area before applying to eyelashes — some oils contain volatile compounds that can be damaging to eyes.

PROTECT

(7) Sunscreen. Prevents sun damage from UVA and UVB rays. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause cell and DNA damage and inflammation, can cause and worsen acne, and can cause and worsen hyper-pigmentation. While UVB rays are most active during the summer, UVA rays are present all year round. A sunscreen should be worn all year round.

I RECOMMEND: Shiseido Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+* (alcohol- and silicone-based); Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Virtu-Oil Body Mist. Both of these sunscreens are completely clear.

TIP: I also recommend having a look at Asian sunscreens — there is so much more variety among them than among American and European sunscreens, and much more choice in terms of ingredients, finishes, and consistencies.

TIP: To avoid the chalky or blue-purple tint that many sunscreens can give deeper skin tones, avoid titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They are physical sunscreen filters that work by reflecting UV rays away from the skin. Instead, opt for chemical sunscreen filters — they are clear, and work by absorbing UV rays before they reach skin cells.

TIP: Those tiny bottles of American and European dedicated “facial” sunscreens are more often than not a capitalist ploy. Opt for spray (NOT aerosol) sunscreens. They come in much bigger bottles (100-250mL) and are often formulated identically to dedicated facial sunscreens.

TIP: Chemical sunscreens take 15-20 minutes to “activate” after application. Be sure to give yourself enough time before going into the sun.

STEPS IN ACTION

AM: A rinse with warm water will suffice -- but if needed, a bit of foaming cleanser is fine, too. > Apply AHA/BHA treatment only on problem areas or if/as needed. Allow it to absorb. > Apply vitamin C serum if needed/desired. Allow it to absorb. > Apply hydrating treatment(s). Allow it to sink in, so as not to interfere with oil application. > 2-3 drops of oil — massage over face. Allow it to absorb so that it doesn’t interfere with sunscreen application. > Apply sunscreen — be sure to spread it as evenly and liberally as possible. Wait 15-20 minutes before going outside.

PM: Massage dry, uncleansed face with oil cleanser, focusing on problem areas. Wipe with hot damp cloth or rinse. > Massage foaming cleanser on damp face. Rinse. > Apply AHA/BHA treatment if needed/desired. Allow it to absorb fully — a few minutes. > Apply vitamin C serum if needed/desired — give it a minute to absorb. > Apply hydrating treatment(s) — let it sink in. > 2-3 drops of oil — massage over face.

GENERAL TIPS

This routine, specifically oil cleansing, AHA/BHA, and sealing with an oil, may cause some bumps and clogged pores to come to a head and turn into whiteheads and pimples. This isn’t a breakout — this is your pores releasing debris. You may even see it happen in real time while massaging your oil cleanser into your problem areas. I sure did. However, watch out for breakouts in places where you weren’t previously breaking out, more severe breakouts, inflammation, and/or oiliness than you previously had, or entirely new skin problems. This indicates that something isn’t working for you, and that your routine needs trouble-shooting and/or simplifying. Listen to your skin.

Be realistic and patient. No skincare routine or product is an overnight cure. In general, it takes six weeks to determine whether or not a product or routine is working for you. However, you should observe some improvement over the course of those six weeks -- and at the end of it, you should be better off than you were when you started.

Do your research. This post is long, but isn’t exhaustive, and there are plenty of possibilities and lots of background information for each of these steps. The Reddit boards /r/skincareaddiction and /r/asianbeauty are wonderful starting points and resources. See my last point in this section for a caveat.

Avoid the ingredient “fragrance/parfum” in products, rinse-off and leave-on, if you can. Fragrance encompasses a vast group of ingredients, many of which are irritating to the skin — but you wouldn’t be able to identify which ingredients are irritating you, because they are blanket-labelled as fragrance/parfum.

Don’t succumb to product/ingredient fetishism. Certainly, it’s good to try new things, especially when you haven’t yet found what works for you -- but remember that the beauty industry (and capitalism in general) thrives on the fabrication of “problems” and on inducing a panic among consumers that only spending money can “solve” or alleviate. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it, don’t think about it -- don’t worry about it! If what you have works for you and something different or more expensive comes along, there’s no need to try it or make the switch — especially since introducing new products into your routine always carries a bit of risk.  If something about your skin that you never noticed or perceived as a flaw or concern before is suddenly framed as a problem by the beauty industry, bloggers, forum members, and the like, take it with a grain of salt.

[shoeshineyboy]

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If I can post this first time it’ll be a miracle (also I’ll answer in a read more)

1 - How are you?Not too bad. Pissed off because I’ve been waiting for someone to fix the radiators, but happy because I have a Bowie night tonight!2 - Post a picture of yourself.I’ll reblog a selfie at the end of this because I can’t figure out how to add a picture lmao3 - Do you ever wish you were someone else?Yeah but no one in particular, just... not me?4 - What is your entire name?Elizabeth Mary R___________5 - How old are you?206 - Age you get mistaken for:Either 15 or 23 there’s no in-between??7 - Your zodiac/horoscope and if you think it fits your personality:My sun sign is Virgo and I think the actual descriptions fit, just not all the bullshit tumblr ones which say all I do is tidy up and study because I literally do neither of those things and I’m the least visibly organised person on earth8 - What did you do on your last birthday?I went shopping with Alex, had a couple of drinks in the pub, chilled out listening to music and went for a meal at Cafe Rouge... I think we went out after but I can’t remember :L9 - What is one thing you would like to accomplish before your next birthday?I’d like to be able to perfect back&chest rolls with my hula hoop!10 - What is your hair color?It’s currently half way between brown and blonde I guess?11 - Have you ever dyed your hair?So many times haha, it’s technically dyed now...12 - What is your eye color?Brown13 - If you could change your eye color, would you?Eh, maybe? Would be nice to have lighter eyes so they stand out, they’re so dark tbh they look tiny14 - Do you wear contacts/glasses?I should do but I don’t15 - Your opinion about your body and how confortable you are with it:I’m not keen on it at all. It sticks out in all the wrong places and my back is too long. Idk I deal with it, but if I could have a different one I totally would16 - Have you ever considered plastic surgery? What would you alter about your body?I have considered it, I’ve like briefly considered lip fillers a couple of times but idk they usually look awful, when I’m older I’ll probably get various tucks but nothing is calling out to me?17 - Say 8 facts about your body:1. I have perfect vision, but my left eye is irregularly shaped, meaning light can’t enter the pupil properly2. I’m a UK 6-8 dress size3. I have long fingers I guess?4. I look a lot taller than I actually am (that counts, right)5. Actually yeah I’m 5′56. I’ve never had surgery or broken a bone7. But I have fractured my skull once (or some kind of head injury)8. I’m fairly flexible18 - Do you have any tattoos?Just one, need to book another one soon19 - Do you have any piercings?4 - lobe piercing in each ear, nose ring, helix piercings20 - Left or right handed?Right handed21 - What’s your sexual orientation???????22 - Do you drink?Yeah23 - Do you smoke?Not anymore!24 - Do you have any pets?Sadly not25 - Where do you work?I don’t at the moment, used to work at Starbucks though26 - Something you are working on right now:Passing my first year of uni :L27 - Do you have any “rules” about food?I’m vegetarian, and I try not to eat much that is preprepared as there’s a lot of salt; also I’m a small portion person, mostly :L28 - Where are you from?Bath, UK29 - What would you say is your best quality?Uhh that I’m funny, I guess?30 - What do you think you’re really good at?Uhhhhh... writing dialogue?31 - What do you think you’re really bad at?Sports32 - What talent do you wish you’d been born with?I wish I could’ve been a really good singer? Like one of those people who naturally have a beautiful voice?33 - Are you a bad person?Probably, depends who you ask34 - Are you nice to everyone?I am at first, but I’ve become a lot less tolerant of people’s shit since I first went to uni?35 - Say 3 facts about your personality:1. I’m one of those people who’s v quiet until I get to know someone2. I’m very insecure3. I’m usually up for doing stuff, and I usually stick to any plans I make36 - Has someone ever spread a nasty rumor about you?Haha yeah37 - What is your ideal bed? Why?Any comfortable bed is good, though I love the raised ones that you get in nice hotels because I feel important :L Must be a soft mattress tbh38 - Do wake up cranky?Apparently!39 - Do you sleep with a stuffed toy?I have them on the bed, yeah c:40 - What do you think about the most?Alex and hoop routines lmao41 - Share 2 habits:Nail biting (ew) and always having a coffee in lectures :L42 - What you want to be when you “get older”?Well-travelled and comfortable43 - What are your career goals?Some kind of Early Years specialist, I guess?44 - What is your ideal career?Idk, really... I’ve never really known what I’ve wanted to do?45 - Is your life anything like it was two years ago?Not really, 2 years ago I was at college, hoping to study Politics at Exeter. I was still with Alex which is pretty much the only thing which hasn’t changed46 - Do you replay things that have happened in your head?Aaaaaaall the time47 - Have you ever had an imaginary friend?Nope

48 - Say 10 facts about your room:1. I share it with Alex2. We sleep on a mattress on the floor3. There’s clothes all over the floor4. It’s where the PS4 lives5. It’s either too hot or too cold, there’s no in between6. There’s two lava lamps7. It’s where I usually hang out8. It’s literally always messy9. We have clothes rails instead of wardrobes10. The posters look great49 - Do you have any phobias?Driving past lorries, heights, distorted-horrific human forms (think Babadook)50 - Have you ever been to a psychiatrist/therapist?Yeah, one was crap and the other was nice but useless51 - Are you allergic to anything? If so, what?Peanuts, shellfish and pollen52 - Ever broken any bones?Nope53 - Ever come close to death?Yeah, I was in a car accident when I was 6. Police were amazed my mum and I survived...54 - Things you like and dislike about yourself:LIKE:My sense of humourMy sense of styleHow I can hula hoopMy music tasteThe fact that I can cook idkHow far I’ve come from secondary schoolDISLIKE:How I overreact to everythingThat I get jealous v easilyThe fact that said jealousy leads to panic/cruel commentsThat I can’t motivate myselfHow nervous I am around people55 - A random fact about yourself:I’ve never been to Amsterdam56 - What are three things most people don’t know about you?1. I actually really enjoy crap club music2. I am terrified of rollercoasters3. I’m not keen on cornflakes57 - An unknown fact about your life:I’ve never met either of my biological grandparents58 - Share something about yourself others might think is weird:I find skin-tight jeans really uncomfortable sorry59 - Five weird things that you like:1. Pineapple on pizza (apparently everyone hates this)2. Hideous jumpers3. Really loud cats4. Weird coloured lipstick5. Vodka mixed with wine60 - Do you have a facebook? If so, would you add the person who sent you this?I do, message me off anon & I’ll decide61 - Do you have any pictures on your Facebook?Loads62 - Describe yourself in one word/sentence:”You’re a bitch, but it’s funny and is the reason why I love you” - Alex63 - A quote you try to live by:”Each one of us is a brain, an athlete, a princess, a basket case and a criminal”64 - A famous person you’ve been compared to:I’ve been told I look like Anna Kendrick?65 - Weird things you do when you’re alone:I dance around the house, that’s about as far as it goes..66 - Something you do without realising:Pick at the skin of my fingers67 - 5 things you want to change:1. Brexit2. Trump3. Literally all the horrible things going on4. My facial features5. How difficult it is to get nice veggie food when on holiday68 - Someone you’d like to be for a day and why:Idk really?69 - Leave me a compliment:U sure are a nice anon

70 - What is your favorite thing to do?Hula hoop!71 - What’s your favorite color?Orange, purple and silver72 - What’s your favorite band/singer?Pink Floyd!73 - What’s your favorite movie?What’s Eating Gilbert Grape74 - What are your favorite books?The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern), the Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath), the Chronicles of Chrestomanci (series; Diana Wynne Jones), the Hogfather (Terry Pratchett), Maskerade (Terry Pratchett)75 - What is your favorite quote and why?”Come sleep on the beach, keep within my reach, I just wanna die with you near, I’m feeling so high with you here” - from ‘Sea and Sand’ by the Who, because I have so many memories associated with this song76 - What is your favorite word?Soufflé; it looks like it should be pronounced “soo -full”, but it isn’t!77 - What is your least favorite word?Moist. Ew.78 - What is your favorite type of food?Roast potatoes?79 - You favorite ice cream?Ben & Jerrys Phish Food80 - What’s your favorite animal?Dogs & cats81 - Dogs or cats?I love them both!82 - Describe your favourite texture:Crushed velvet 83 - What is your favorite flower?Roses (bc I’m cliche)84 - What’s your favourite scent? And on the opposite sex?My favourite is sandalwood incense, but on guys it’s whatever the CK cologne Alex wears is85 - What is your favorite season?Summer!86 - What are the top five places you wish you could go before you die?Cambodia, Australia, Thailand, Peru, Japan87 - What are four things you can’t live without and why?Alex - because he’s my biggest supporterHula hooping - it’s the one thing guaranteed to make me happyMy phone - because it’s how I communicate with all my friends, who live miles awayThe beach - because looking at the sea puts things into perspective

88 - Which mythological creature are you most like? Why?Probably a nymph; I hide away but would be around for people I trust89 - What’s your favorite television show?Call the Midwife... or Big Brother at the moment lmao90 - Favorite place to shop at?All About Aud in Brighton 91 - Say 2 facts about your favorite things:They all improve my life in some wayThere’s no specific type of thing I love, there’s so many that contribute

92 - Say 4 facts about your parents:1. They met at the University of Bath in January 19842. They dated for 8 years before they were married3. My dad is an engineer and my mum is a pharmacist4. They originally wanted 4 children but I somehow put them off :L93 - Are you more like your mom or your dad?I’m a mixture of both, but probably slightly more like my dad?94 - Do you have any siblings?Nope!95 - Say 9 facts about your family:1. Both of my biological grandmothers died before I was born2. I’m not blood-related to any of my cousins3. I’m the oldest cousin by 7 years4. They’re very ‘traditional’ in their views5. I’m the only vegetarian6. My uncle and I are the only ones who are tattooed7. My maternal grandmother was at one point one of the fastest runners in Wales8. My great-grandmother lived until she was 999. One of my aunts lived in India for 10 years96 - What’s your relationship like with your family?Great with my parents, aunts and uncles, not so good with my grandparents lmao97 - Say 7 facts about your childhood:1. I was born in Radstock, Bath, but moved to my parents’ current home in 19992. My favourite school year was Year 13. I was really, really into snakes at one point4. My best friend’s name was Jennie5. My first ‘boyfriend’ in primary school was named Christopher; 15 years on and we still hang out, he drives me into town sometimes6. My favourite toy was a stuffed duck7. I didn’t go on a plane until I was 698 - The best and the worst childhood memories:Best: my 5th? birthday party; we had a piñata shaped like a worm, but my parents hadn’t realised you had to make a weak spot, so it took 20 minutes to open it (aka my dad pulled it down & everyone stood on it)Worst: the car accident99 - Say 6 facts about your home town:1. It was built by the Anglo Saxons and fortified to keep the Romans out2. It used to be a major city lmao (back in the bronze age)3. Its population is about 50004. There’s three churches5. And at least six pubs6. The highwayman William Pier lived & was killed there, but no one knows where his grave is since it’s unmarked100 - Are you going out of town soon?I’m going to London on Saturday!101 - Where would you like to live?Bristol, one day!102 - What would your dream house be like?Preferably like 4/5 bedroom townhouse (because I want 3 kids and a guest room lmao), but it’d be very ‘me’ in terms of decoration, with like fairy lights and wall hangings and super colourful things!103 - Where would you go on your dream vacation?Probably travelling, just to go everywhere!104 - Where you want to be right now?I’m quite happy here at the moment 105 - Top three places to visit:That I’ve been to?1. Vienna2. Amalfi Coast3. Berlin

106 - Would you ever smile at a stranger?Sometimes!107 - Do you prefer to be friends with girls or boys?I really don’t care :L108 - Who is someone you never tire of?Alex, Frankie and Callum109 - Do you have someone you can be your complete self around?See above!110 - Who is your most loyal friend?Callum111 - Is there anyone you can tell EVERYTHING to?Callum, Adam Gabe probably?112 - If your best friend died, what would you do?Be absolutely distraught?!113 - Something you’ve lied about.Uhh idk specifically?114 - Have you ever felt replaced?Dude my boyfriend can talk to someone else at the bar and I’ll worry that I’m useless lmao115 - Say 5 facts about your bestfriend(s):1. I met them all through completely different circumstances; I don’t think they know each other2. We’re close because we enjoy something different, be it fashion, music, whatever3. They’re people I can just carry on with like nothing happened when we meet up4. They all live much too far away5. If I have a party for my 21st I’m having it in Gloucestershire so it’s close for everyone so I can see them all

116 - The last person you hugged?Alex lmao117 - Story of your first kiss?My actual first kiss, I don’t remember because I was drunk lmao, but the first one I remember was nice and sweet and he was so nervous, he actually asked me - thought it was cute at the time, is probably, actually really cringey haha118 - Do you like kissing in public?Don’t mind it but not too much :L119 - Have you ever kissed someone older than you?Haha yeah120 - You have a preference for boys or girls?Eh121 - Is the male or female body closest to perfection?All bodies are perfect!122 - 5 things that irritate you about the same sex/opposite sex.I’m assuming this is based on relationships so I’ll go for cis men:1. Aversion to showering (both guys I dated properly would go a long time without showering lmao)2. Mansplaining (shut up)3. The fact they get praised for cooking/cleaning/whatever while I’m expected to do it4. The fact they get promoted quicker5. Hitting on me123 - Do you believe in love at first sight?Nope. Lust, yes124 - Do you believe in soul mates?Yeah, but I believe you can have multiple soul mates and they can be platonic, too125 - What is your idea of the perfect date?A nice walk, followed by a meal somewhere fun - nothing too fancy!126 - Based on past relationships or crushes, describe your perfect boyfriend/girlfriend:The one I already have! A shy, long-haired guy who loves classic rock and plays an instrument haha :L127 - What is the first thing you noticed in someone?I generally notice hair first because I’m awful and shallow haha128 - Are looks important in a relationship?At the start, yeah, but people get more attractive the more you find them to be a decent person...129 - What’s the most superficial characteristic you look for?Long hair on guys haha130 - What’s your opinion on age differences in relationships?Eugh.... as long as both are over 18 I guess it’s okay? People over like 21 dating people younger than 18 comes off as a bit weird131 - Would you ever date someone off of the Internet?I’d consider it132 - Five guys/girls whom you find attractive:1. Alex2. Syd Barrett3. Stevie Nicks4. Kate Bush5. Noel Fielding133 - Do you have a crush on anyone?Alex haha134 - A description of the girl/boy you like:He’s 5′7, has long brown hair and blue eyes, he’s cute and chubby and plays guitar. He likes talking to people but is really shy to do so, he lacks confidence which is sad but also people really do like him! He’s very sweet and soft and warm and I love him 135 - Say 1 fact about the person your like:His favourite film is the Lord of the Rings trilogy because he sees them all as one story136 - If the person you like says they like someone else, what would you say?”What the actual fuck” and then I’d cry137 - When was the last time you told someone you loved them?Just now!138 - Do you think someone has feelings for you?I hope so :L139 - Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?Ehh, maybe?140 - Have you ever cried over a guy/girl?Whoooooo hasn’t :L141 - Have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have?Yeah, I think a lot of people have142 - Anyone you’re giving up on?Uhh, all the people I liked before I was with Alex haha143 - Have you ever liked someone you didn’t expect to?Yup!144 - Have you ever liked someone who your friends hated?They didn’t hate him but they took a while to warm to him145 - Have you ever liked one of your best friends?Yeah146 - Has anyone told you they don’t want to ever lose you?I think so? Lmao147 - Is there a boy/girl who you would do absolutely everything for?Probably like all of my friends haha148 - Is there someone you will never forget?Probably149 - Say five ways to win your heart:1. Actually listen to what I say2. Take me nice places3. Write me a song or a poem or something4. Be genuine and kind to me5. Help me out when I’m in one of my stupid sad phases150 - What turns you on?Being a musician, nice cologne/perfume, good hair, being a genuinely decent human :L