#US Color Cosmetics Market

[cerastes]

A bit of a bittersweet moment I experienced recently was hearing a few people I know express complete shock at the fact that Armored Core 6 just gives you complete and utter freedom and control to do whatever you want with the appearance, aesthetics and colors of your Armored Core. I asked them to elaborate a bit on that, and a few mentioned that they were fully expecting colors and overall looks to be something you pay for in microtransactions, not something to just... Be there, baseline, in the game.

And that made me so fucking sad when I thought about it a little and, yeah, makes sense that at least a significant amount of people nowadays associate "control over my character's appearance" and "looking good in-game" to "microtransaction", because that's the state of the industry in plenty of its wings. You unlock or sometimes even pay for colors, individually, you pay for looks, on scheduled releases of microtransactions. Fucking hell, I'm used to that being the exception, they are used to it being the rule. That's the bitter part.

The sweet part was seeing them glow with the intensity of a supernova 3 hours into the game when they got a bunch more parts and then spent the next 6 hours just playing with colors, patterns, the incredibly robust emblem maker, and bringing to life their ideal, coolest, sweetest rig of an Armored Core.

And part of me believes, because I can't say I know this for a fact, but god be my witness, I fervently believe, that there was one dude, one very strong dude, in the FromSoft dev team, who didn't code a single line or attend a single meeting in the developmental cycle of Armored Core 6, no, this herculean individual's whole fate-given task was to stand at the door to the studio, stop any Bandai Scamco executives or managers that wanted to drop by the studio or join in on the meetings, and defeat them in spectacular fashion so they don't fucking ruin it for all of us with their greed, because I would bet my first three children if I had any that at least one of those fucking vampires had the idea to market customization and cosmetics as a microtransaction, and it was Very Strong Dude's job to make sure that particular asshole never once set foot in the studio.

[dira333]

If I’m not too late for the most recent game I’m going to say Kisame 24!

The plotbunny game is always ongoing, so there's never a "too late"! Thanks for calling in!

Your prompt: Lonely water, won't you let us wander (how fitting!)

Lonely Water - Kisame x Reader

The ground is slick from recent rain as you run, the mist swallowing all color.

"Wait for me!" You call out with the annoyance only a five-year-old can muster, "Kisame!!"

"You're too slow!" He grinds out only moments later when his arm shoots out from your right, pulling you down a narrow alley.

"I'm not!"

"Are too!"

You huff and try to step on his foot, but he moves out of the way just in time.

“Come on,” he grumbles, clearly annoyed, “We’re going to be late.”

-

It’s not easy growing up in Kirigakure. But it helps to be a child, quick on your feet and small enough to get into all the spaces grown-ups can no longer slip through.

There’s work at the docks for children, but you have to come at the right time and know the right people if you want to keep the money that you earn.

Kisame’s good at that. He’s taller than most of the children your age, so he’s not good for most of the work, but the fishermen are afraid of him and the Shinobi let him get away with almost everything. 

“Here,” he pushes you toward one of the older ships, “I’ll pick you up in an hour.”

-

There used to be a time when your father didn’t want you playing with Kisame. Back then you still had money, a nice house, and people working for you instead of the other way around. But father got into fights with the wrong people. One day he just never came home.

-

“What’s a nice girl like you doing at the docks?” The guy asking has no teeth left. His gums have turned grey and his eyes have turned cold. You press yourself against the walls, well aware of the small sum of money that’s hidden in your pocket. The captain of this ship pays fairly, even though it’s never enough for the amount of work, never enough for the rising prices.

“Hands of my girl!” Kisame snarls from behind you, teeth bared. The threat is effective.

He guides you down the dock and up the streets, through the market where you buy a loaf of discounted bread and a few small fish. It eats up most of your earnings, but Kisame’s hand is warm around yours, his grip strong and self-assured. Everything will be okay.

- - -

The rich women of Kirigakure love their luxuries. Expensive dresses, expensive food, and, most importantly, cosmetics made from the finest ingredients.

It had been Kisame’s idea to get you into a pharmacy family when you didn’t show any signs of talent for the Shinobi traits. 

You’re good at this kind of work, and it pays well. Well, enough to feed Kisame and you. If he keeps rising in the ranks like this, making more and more with each mission, there might be something like a future for the two of you. If he thinks like that of you, that is?

-

You’ve barely turned sixteen when he steals you from your bedroom one night, whisks you out of the village in a heartbeat. He’s gotten taller, broader in the shoulders, wears a proud smirk even when there’s nothing to be proud about - you’ve heard about the Chunin Exams. “Where are we going?” You ask, breathless. He’s too handsome for his own good, his light can’t be dimmed by neither nightfall nor mist.

“To the water.” He urges until you hit the shore, freezing cold water running over your toes.

“What’s going on?” You ask, hand curling around his. You don’t want him to let go. But he does.

“Nothing,” he insists, looking up at the stars, “I just can’t breathe properly in the village. I need to be out of that damned mist.”

You laugh. “You’re lying. Something’s up.”

He grins at that. “Fine, you caught me. I got promoted.”

“Really?!” You press your hands to your lips before they can do foolish things, like take a hold of him.

“Really! I’m working directly under Fuguki! If everything goes well, I might be a member of the Seven Swordsmen too, soon.”

“And then?” You ask, regretting the words the moment they spill from your lips.

“What do you mean?” Confusion draws over his face like clouds over the moon. 

“I-I mean, I… what do you plan to do… when you reach that?”

“Well, be rich and famous, I guess.” He shrugs. “I don’t know how much they’re paid per mission, but I guess if I saved a little, it wouldn’t be too hard to buy a house. You could come by and cook for me then.”

Something cold and uncomfortable wedges itself into your heart. Your lips move on their own again.

“Wouldn’t I live with you then?” 

You’re painfully reminded that Kisame is a Shinobi. He freezes, face completely still, but you know his mind is running a mile a minute just by the way he fixates on you. That’s how he used to look at the fishermen, trying to figure out who to avoid and who to trust.

You know he’s figured you out when he speaks up.

“Listen,” he says, “We’re friends. We grew up side by side, but if you want to have a husband and a little cozy house, I’m not the man for you.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” you rush to say. It’s a lie. Kisame’s always been able to tell when you were lying, but this time he’s not calling you out on it. 

When he takes you back to your room shortly after, he does not look back when he leaves and you wonder if you’ll ever see him again. 

- - -

Kisame Hoshigaki is a name known by all and feared by many. 

They praise his loyalty, ready to slaughter all his comrades to keep the village safe. 

It’s been almost two years since that day at the shore so you’re a little surprised to find him in your bedroom once again.

“Hey,” you’ve learned to go along with his antics long ago, so don’t scream when you find him slumped over your bed late at night, the bandages around his arm an ugly shade of red.

“Hey.” He grinds out. “Long time no see.”

“Whose fault is that?” You ask, unable to keep yourself from being a little petty.

He does not apologize, not that you expected him to. 

“Did you get hurt?” You step up to him, hands reaching for the bandages. He moves away before you can reach him, his eyes boring holes into you.

“Why are you always nice to me?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” You ask back. 

“You don’t owe me anything, okay? I kept you safe, but you kept me fed. We’re even.”

“I know Kisame,” you insist, voice softer than it probably needs to be, “I’m not doing this because I owe you.”

“Then why?”

Your hands clench and unclench next to you, your heart heavy in your chest. You don’t want to say it, but what good does it bring to keep it in when he already knows anyway?

“I love you,” the words hang heavy in the air, “Love cares. Just because.”

Kisame buries his face in your bedding at that, body stiff as a board. You give him a minute to gather himself, to leave or do something else, but he doesn’t. When you reach for the bandages this time, he lets you.

When it’s time for you to sleep, he still hasn’t moved. Gingerly, you slip into bed next to him. He rolls a bit to the side so you can properly get under your blanket, face blank of any emotion. But his good arm comes out to pull you close as soon as you’re under the blanket. 

Kisame doesn’t apologize nor does he address the topic at hand. But you should have known that that’s not something he would do.

- - -

The sky is clear for once, the ever present mist retreating from the shore.

The sand is cold underneath you, but you’re not willing to budge. 

Something’s bothering Kisame, enough to drag you here. His knee is pressed against yours, the only form of touch he allows outside of the walls of your bedroom. His skin is warm and reassuring even though his silence is not.

“Do you ever feel stuck in place?” He asks suddenly, his voice barely above louder than the waves crashing.

“Sometimes,” you admit. “But I guess for different reasons than you.”

“What are yours?”

“There’s this guy I love and I guess he likes me too,” his lips quirk up, just a little, “but he won’t allow it to be official. So we have to hide in my bedroom when all I want is to hold his hand and make him breakfast and lunch and dinner.” You rest your head on your knees and look out onto the water, “What are your reasons?”

“There’s this girl that I love,” he admits, voice barely quivering at the last word. You force yourself not to look at him, but your knee presses harder against his. “And I want to give her a life that she deserves, a life that she had growing up. Where there’s food on the table everyday and she doesn’t have to worry that I won’t come home one day. Where our kids won’t have to fight for their life and people are honest to each other.”

“But?”

He sighs. 

“But I fear we can’t have that life in Kirigakure.”

You swallow against the tears that are threatening to fall.

The waves keep crashing, like they’re stuck too, forced to come in again and again and again.

“Lonely water,” you sigh out the prayer your mother tought you, “Lonely water, won't you let us wander? Let us hold each other.”

Strong arms pull you in until your head is resting against his chest, his heartbeat loud and steady in your ear.

“Will you leave with me?” Kisame whispers into your ear.

You listen to his heartbeat that’s as steadfast as the waves and close your eyes.

“Yes.”

[itsravenbitch]

Hi Raven, since Fleur’s on break and you two are my favorite bloggers, i thought why not send you my success.

with the help of you both, i manifested so many things by simply giving my desires to the inner man! 🥹

“the only reason why you fail, is because you haven’t accepted that imagination is the only reality, everything stems from imagination. the longer you focus on getting it in the physical world, the more stress you’ll have. you only want the feeling such desire brings you, so give it to your inner man.” is what Fleur told me once, and it stuck with me ever since.

You have made such an impact in my life too, and all i can do is thank you both for being amazing bloggers, and two of the best too.

i’ll give you a short list of some of the things i manifested:

my dad being entirely healthy from possible tumors, i revised absolutely everything, how? some people may ask: by accepting the fact that it never happened in the world of imagination.

my mother selling more houses, specially to rich people. she’s a realtor, and wasn’t having the best weeks in the market, now she’s making so much money, and i’m so happy for her. 🫶🏿

physical changes: height, eye color change, bigger lips, bigger body (i had trouble gaining weight), no stretch marks, rosy lips, and natural pigmented blush on my cheeks (i would love if you could suggest some good blushes for dark skinned girls, i would appreciate you twin!! ❤️‍🩹) and more.

clothes, shoes, a new closet in general lol.

a new phone & airpods max!

and there’s more, but these are the most important to me. once again, thank you both! @itsravenbitch and @fleurlx i love you so much.

hi love:)

this is amazing but this was all you! you fed your inner man and made this happen!

as for blush for darker skin i’ll recommend both orange and pink tone blushes cause i use both so

pink

nars cosmetics blush in “exhibit A”

mac powder blush in “raizin”

and rare beauty liquid blush in “lucky”

orange

one size cheek clapper 3d blush trio in “fire starter”

elf’s putty blush in “bahamas”

rare beauty liquid blush in “joy”

[mysteryshoptls]

R Vil Schoenheit Beastly Garb Personal Story

"I completely regret thinking that!"

[Sunset Savanna – Sunset Villa]

Leona: Yaaaawn…

Vil: Good morning, Leona. You've taken your sweet time waking up. I've been waiting.

Leona: You've been waiting?

Vil: Are you still half-asleep? I'll have you do your job as our tour guide once more today.

Leona: Hah? Your guide? I already did enough of that yesterday.

Vil: Wow. You said you'd "provide quality hospitality," but was that it?

Leona: I even brought you to the specially reserved section of the Elephant Legacy hot spring… You saying there's more you want to do?

Vil: Of course. I came all this way to the Sunset Savanna and applied my UV protection perfectly.

Vil: …Well, if you'd like to take it all back, I don't mind.

Vil: However, in that case, I'll no longer be obligated to participate in Catch the Tail.

Leona: …Tch, fine. May I enquire as to what the great Vil Schoenheit-sama would like to see?

Vil: Oh, you would actually consider what I would like to do? If that's the case, then I would like to request a tour focused on beautification.

Leona: Beautification, huh… Then you should go to the beauty salon here at the hotel.

Leona: Their body treatments made from the plants found here in Sunset Savanna are pretty well known.

Vil: I see… I just looked it up, and it seems to have a wonderfully soothing effect on the skin as well.

Vil: Yesterday, I was running around outside all day, so I would love to focus on self-care today. I'll head there now.

Vil: Fufu, how is it? Do you not think my already beautiful self has gotten even more beautiful?

Leona: Yeah, yeah. Good for you.

Vil: I'm curious about the black soap that they used during the treatment. There wasn't much of a lather, and the scent wasn't too terrible.

Vil: The salon at the hotel didn't have any to provide me… Can it be bought anywhere?

Leona: So you want that black soap next. …There's a store I know. Follow me.

[Sunset Savanna – Sunrise City]

Leona: This beauty store here in the heart of Sunrise City deals with orders from the royal household.

Vil: Oho. This seems promising.

Vil: Skin care items made from plants grown in such a sunny region tend to be very invaluable, since they have a greater moisturizing effect.

Vil: In addition, there are many products that help in clearing the skin here… I wonder which one should I get. It's so difficult to decide.

Leona: Isn't this the black soap thing you were talking about earlier?

Leona: It's made of 100% natural plant products that are native to Sunset Savanna.

Leona: The black coloring seems to come from the ash of burned banana peels. Other ingredients include palm oil and cacao pods.

Vil: Bar soap like this usually gives a soft feel after washing. It's nice to use for delicate dry or sensitive skin.

Vil: I'm sure that I'll be exposed to a lot of UV rays during today's match, so… I should definitely purchase this soap.

Vil: These other skin care products are also all natural cosmetics. This country sincerely does put a lot of emphasis on nature.

Leona: ‘Cause they can't think of anything else to use. …There's other stores that have cosmetics you can take a look at. Once you finish paying, I'll take you to the next one.

Vil: …Despite all his protests, he's doing a pretty good job escorting me around to suit my likes.

Vil: Fufufu, it's not too terrible a feeling using Leona like this.

[Sunset Savanna – Market]

Leona: The stuff that's sold in the Raintree Market are mostly lower cost.

Leona: That store over there has merch made from wild plants like rooibos and baobab.

Vil: They have body lotion, oil, shower gel… Ah, and also lip balms.

Leona: In the next store over, they sell solidified resin. That's a natural fragrance that's been used here forever.

Vil: What an unusual shape. It smells smoky and spicy. And yet at the same time, it has a sweet aroma, like fruit.

Leona: If you want fragrances, they also sell a ton of essential oils.

Vil: I see resin perfumes, as well as herbal and citrus fragrances… There really are a plethora of different products.

Vil: There's much more variety here than I expected. I may run out of time if I try to examine them all.

Storekeep A: Hey, isn't that the top model Vil Schoenheit?

Storekeep B: You're right! I hear if he uses your product, sales just go through the roof!

Storekeep C: VIL-SAN! PLEASE TAKE THIS! THERE'S NO NEED TO PAY FOR IT!

Vil: W-Wait! I make it a point to not accept these kinds of things!

Vil: Leona, you say something too.

Leona: Hey, lucky you, you're so popular.

Leona: You should get the storekeepers to show you around now. I'm gonna head back to the hotel. See ya.

Vil: LEONA!!!

Vil: That man… He ran away as soon as it got troublesome! I completely regret thinking that he was even the slightest bit reliable!

[Pomefiore Dorm – Lounge]

Vil: …was something that occurred there.

Epel: Oh wow. I'm... a little surprised that Sunset Savanna had so much make-up for sale?

Rook: Sunset Savanna's beauty brings such joy and grace to everyone, yes.

Rook: Fufu, I'm so pleased that Vil was able to see just how wondrous that country is.

Vil: Ah, that's right. Since the two of you invited yourselves to my room like this, I'll give you a special gift.

Epel: I mean, we all got a souvenir from the Elephant Legacy hot springs earlier with everyone else in the dorm, though…

Vil: This is separate from that. I'll prepare it right away, so wait right there.

Rook: Merci, Vil! I cannot wait!

Epel: What does he mean he's going to prepare it…? Is it some kind of cosmetic he's making? What should I do if he starts a lecture on how to use it…?

Vil: Sorry to keep you waiting. Here you go, a specially-made smoothie from me made from fruits bought in Sunset Savanna.

Epel: …Eh, a smoothie?

Vil: In order to cultivate beauty, it is just as important as taking the right nutrition from the inside as well. That's why I bought an abundance of fresh fruit as well.

Vil: A vitamin-rich smoothie is not only good for a beauty regimen, but also for your health.

Vil: Enjoy.

Epel: Wow! Thank you very much! [gulp, gulp] …It's so good!

Rook: There's mango and papaya in this, I see. C'est bon!

Vil: As for the Catch the Tail match, it was a shame that I wasn't able to perform as I had hoped, but…

Vil: Other than that, I was able to refresh myself and have a bit of fun. From the perspective of a beauty-focused trip, I suppose it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

Requested by Anonymous.

[jacksoldsideblog]

trying to imagine the toxicity of Paper Street Soap Company soap,

points of consideration:

-the pipes at paper street house are almost certainly corroded. hello lead

-do you suppose they're on city water or a private well? with the second, there's definitely potential groundwater contamination with solvents and heavy metals from the paper mill

-the fat of an animal is where most non-polar contaminants are accumulated — all your chlorinated pesticides, your dioxins and furans, all the POPs (persistent organic pollutants). regardless of the bougieness of the visitors of the liposuction clinic, there's probably some accumulated organic contaminants. however, the process of making tallow may completely remove them — i can't find a good answer, and my gut says it would either completely remove them or hyperconcentrate them

-once they get a garden going, they're actually bioextracting any heavy metals in the soil (of which there are certainly many due to the nearby paper mill. cadmium, arsenic... probably some POPs too but they may break down due to the actions of the plant, bioremediation isn't my speciality) and i believe there's a high likelyhood this would get into the soap, especially if they were adding shredded bits for artsy texture... like with tallow, making essential oils may clear or concentrate these things

-microplastics almost certainly

overall i'd give it a pretty strong: maybe don't rub your hands in it several times a day for an indefinite period of time

plus, if the soap is marketed as moisturizing or deodorizing or "making you smell nice" then it's considered a cosmetic, and as the FDA helpfully says:

"Neither the product nor its ingredients need approval by FDA, except for any color additives it contains. It is your responsibility to make sure your product is safe for consumers when it is used as intended, and to make sure it is properly labeled. You don’t need to register your company or file your product formulations with FDA"

this means if you say your soap is moisturizing or nice smelling, you can avoid it being regulated by the CPSC and having to do lead testing if it will be used by children!

cosmetics (which are often applied to very sensitive skin and right near mucosal membranes) have been shown more and more to have heavy metals, microplastics, and organic contaminants in them, and companies are incentivized to ensure their product is classified as such since it reduces regulation (cost).

so yeah — Tyler Durden's soap is probably bad for you. but just remember, the same rules that would allow him to sell soap made from people and filled with pollutants are those that apply to the very large companies we are forced to implicitly trust our safety with :)

[vanillainwater]

A collection of my RGG cyberpunk au concept sketches.

Some extra lore, for fun:

•Each member of the Tojo Clan has an LED neon implant on the side of their head with their respective family’s symbol. Colors vary. This is standard practice for everyone in the Tojo clan, regardless of cyberware usage.

•Kiryu prefers a minimalistic approach to Cyberware. The only implants he has installed are those that allow him to tank hits from others who are outfitted with cyberware, and simple translation implants. Everything aside from that is simple brute strength.

•Kiryu also does not wear his LED Dojima family implant anymore, and lost it in prison. He does have a faint scar from where it used to be, though.

•Nishikiyama did not used to have as much cyberware as he does now. Once Kiryu got sent to prison, he eventually outfitted himself with a nearly body-breaking amount of it in order to prove himself superior. Rumors circulate around the Nishikiyama family that he has gone Cyberpsycho after the long term usage of such body-straining cyberware.

•Nishikiyama’s cyberware is mostly below the neck-line on his body. This is because he is still very prideful in his appearance, and thinks that too many modifications to his ‘already pretty’ face would ruin it.

•Majima has cosmetic implants to make himself look more like a demon. He thinks it’s cool. Most everyone else thinks it’s stupid looking.

•Majima is a born-and raised citizen of Night city’s Japantown- which is in the United States. Despite this; he cannot speak a lick of English, and doesn’t care to learn.

•Due to his streetkid upbringing, Majima also shares the universal sentiment of ‘hating corps’.

•The Tojo Clan is actually a subsidiary under Arasaka. This isn’t very public knowledge, and only the top clan patriarchs are aware of this. When Majima found this out after becoming a direct Tojo clan patriarch (around the time of yakuza 2), he temporarily quit the yakuza and started his construction company.

•The Tojo clan LED implants are very highly valued collectibles on the black market, as to obtain one, you either have to have been in the Tojo clan, or killed someone who was. There are quite a few chrome collectors in night city who make it their mission to collect them all.

•The general rule; the smaller the family, the rarer the implant is. The exception being the Nikkyo Consortium implants, which are rare simply because of how hush-hush the organization was.

•Along with the Tojo Clan, the Omi Alliance also resides in the Japan district of Night city; and the two often have turf battles. Unbeknownst to either of them- they are both subsidiaries under the same corporation- Arasaka, who purposefully puts the two against eachother so that public attention is drawn away from Arasaka.

•While the LED implants of the Tojo clan are on the left side of the head, the Omi Alliance LED implants are on the right side of the head. Both organizations claim that the LED implants were their idea first, and that the other organization is copying.

[theterribletenno]

Saw an ad on my phone that was like "WHAT COLOR LIGHTSABER WOULD YOU HAVE BASED ON YOUR ZODIAC?" And like.... setting aside the fact that lightsaber color is 100% cosmetic, of all the random pieces of bullshit to use as a metric for assigning lightsaber colors, the date of your birth of all things???

Oh-fucking-kay. You really want to look me dead in the eyes and tell me Mace Windu is the only Leo in the entirety of the Jedi order? You want to defend the claim that every single sith is either a Cancer or a Scorpio?

Listen assigning meaning to meaningless things is one of my favorite things to do but for fuck's sake if we're going to pretend lighstaber colors have any meaning beyond "good guy/bad guy" can we at least be consistent with it? I know it doesn't matter because all of this is just fanfiction frosting on the world's most profitable fictional cake but the way people desperately want there to be ocean-deep and biblical lore in the ONE FUCKING DETAIL in which "the curtains are just blue" is the real answer drives me ever so slightly batty.

"HURR DURR BUT IN 2018 DISNEY CANONIZED-" Of course they did. It's fantastic marketing. It's like the school houses in H*rry P*tter. It's free advertising for your toys, collectibles, and memorabilia. We are talking about a corporation that tried to monopolize the rights to Norse gods and Mexican holidays. Did you really think there was something they wouldn't do for a quick buck?

[maryrouille]

Social perception of wearing lipstick

Lipstick as part of women's makeup has had a very turbulent history over the centuries. It wasn't until the beginning of the 20th century that lipstick started to lose its stigma. Advances in technology and more sophisticated marketing and advertising tactics have raised the profile of cosmetics. For the first time since ancient Egypt, makeup became widely accepted, both socially and morally [Read My Lips: A Cultural History of Lipstick, M. Cohen Ragas, K. Kozlowski, 1998]. But do you know how people with lipstick are perceived by others today?

Lips matters

Fuller lips, a feminine feature, are characterized by clearly developed and bigger vermilion zone. And the red color of the lips, as well as the pink color of the cheeks, is the result of blood circulation in the subcutaneous blood vessels. Therefore, maintaining these colors can be a symbol of health and attractiveness [1]. It would seem that if we artificially enhance this natural feature, the perception of attractiveness may increase even more. An experiment was conducted with women wearing red, pink, brown and no lipstick in bars. The results showed that red lipstick status was associated with more male solicitations and a shorter time between women's arrival at the bar and the man's first offer of advances! [2].

Lipstick affects our first impression

Social perception is the process of getting to know other people and assigning them specific characteristics, often based on a very limited amount of information. A type of such perception is the first impression, which is usually most influenced by a person's appearance. Then, specific mental characteristics of a given person are perceived, even based on the way they dress or make up. A study conducted at the University of Michigan showed that a girl with lipstick is rated by students as more self-aware, interested in men, less conscientious, more talkative and sociable than the same girl (behaving identically) assessed without lipstick [Social Perception: the Development of Interpersonal Impressions, H. Toch, H. Clay Smith, 1968].

Later experiments seem to confirm this and show that a woman with lipstick is perceived as sensual and sociable [The Perception of People, K. Skarzynska, 1981]. Interestingly, wearing lipstick also affects our self-perception. The reasons for using this product by women themselves are more related to self-esteem and status in society than to sexual allure. Moreover, lipstick serves as a transition from adolescence to womanhood in society [3].

So, knowing this research, should we wear lipstick more often? It depends on the effect we want to achieve. It is also worth taking into account the intensity and wide range of colors of lipsticks, the impact of which has not yet been tested.

In closing, I would just like to say that this topic was inspired by a recent exchange here on Tumblr about wearing red lips. And this is not the last post about the meaning of lipstick! During these searches, I found another interesting topic that I would like to discuss. Kiss, kiss 💋

[sinfullydivination]

Malachite

The color green was associated with life and vegetation. Which is why malachite represented new life and fertility in Ancient Egypt, due to its rich green color. Malachite white was most predominantly found around the Sinai peninsula and the eastern desert, which associated it with Hathor as the patron of miners.  

This was commonly used to make paint pigments and eyeshadow (Udju).

When it came to makeup, the malachite and galena were crushed and mixed with gum or water to make a paste, it was then applied over the eyelid and underneath the brow bone. Makeup had its own protective qualities to it, as it was thought to help ward off evil, flies, and the harsh rays of the eyes; which is why it was worn by both men and women in Ancient Egypt.

As for paints, Osiris, for example, was almost always depicted as green or black- both colors representing the fertility of the Nile and thoughts about the afterlife. The malachite mixture was used to paint on the walls of the tombs and temples. For the elite, this was used to paint coffins to symbolize the life after death.

Main properties: life, vegetation.

Main usage: pains, makeup.

Associated with: Osiris, Hathor.

Found: Siani peninsula, eastern desert.

Image: https://geology.com/minerals/malachite.shtml

About Malachite. (2021, June 14). Mama’s Minerals. https://www.mamasminerals.com/blogs/mamas-minerals-blog/about-malachite/

Chris, & Chris. (2017, March 3). Missed Connections: Malachite and the Ancient Egyptians | BEYONDBones. BEYONDbones. https://blog.hmns.org/2017/02/missed-connections-malachite-and-the-ancient-egyptians/

Plante, A. (2019, August 5). Malachite: Eternal paradise in shades of green. Market Square Jewelers. https://www.marketsquarejewelers.com/blogs/msj-handbook/malachite-history-properties-symbolism#:~:text=Malachite%20has%20been%20used%20by,the%20%E2%80%9CField%20of%20Malachite%E2%80%9D.

The Global Egyptian Museum | Malachite. (n.d.).

https://www.globalegyptianmuseum.org/glossary.aspx?id=232

Ucl. (2019, March 6). Colours of Ancient Egypt – green | UCL Researchers in Museums. https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/researchers-in-museums/2019/03/06/colours-of-ancient-egypt-green/

Wikipedia contributors. (2023, August 13). Beauty and cosmetics in ancient Egypt. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty_and_cosmetics_in_ancient_Egypt#:~:text=The%20two%20main%20forms%20of,galena%2C%20a%20dark%20grey%20ore

[skeleton-wannabeee]

friends, skincare is everything esp when you are in our situation 💀 my best advice is to join ipsy and set your preferences to skincare. no one asked but heres my fave skincare tips:

retinol is everything! and vegan retinol is just as good ✨ retinol speeds up cell turnover, which minimizes aging and lightens dark spots. if you are a picker or cu tt er retinol should be in your daily arsenal

vitamin c is also great for lightening dark spots

hyaluronic acid is great as well and they put it in a lot of stuff these days. i only use cc cream now instead of foundation and concealer and its life changing. the purlisse cc cream is full of good stuff but also color so you can put it on every day and not feel bad about it. also good if you are bad about taking makeup off every night.

red light! if you can get your hands on a red light mask, DO IT. if not, find another skincare tool that uses red light therapy. you can use the tool to massage your products into your skin.

i cant believe it took me so long to realize this but rubbing products in (most of them) boosts their effectiveness SIGNIFICANTLY. the hero cosmetics lightening stick is great for dark spots and what helps is the roller ball.

skincare in the bathroom or at a vanity 👎🏻 skincare in bed/on couch while watching tv 👍🏻‼️

keep some products in places where you spend a lot of time; bedside, desk, purse, bookbag. you will end up using products more when they are within arms length.

keep your favorite products out and on display. it helps to see what you have and reminds you to use it. plus it’s typically pretty as decor 💕

AHA and BHA for exfoliating instead of scrubs.

avoid picking but if you do pick or (like me) have an actual issue, pimple patches are your best friend! i recommend hero cosmetics.

hero cosmetics is great because is not extremely pricey, you can get it at target and on amazon and it’s marketed as gender neutral (bc basically all skincare is gender neutral)

if you like/can afford “luxury” brands, these are my favorite brands at the moment: BYROE, REN, Intoxicated Cosmetics, Kat Burki.

try to buy on posh or mercari if you can! people sell new stuff all the time because they get it as a gift or forget to return it or just never used it and need to declutter. save your money!!

[sadiahakim]

When I am here gaslighting myself, there are people intimidated by my values, my goals, my courage, the way I carry myself, the way I rise from ashes. I always thought I am not a beautiful girl like others, I don't know how to go to the market and bargain, I don't like shopping and stuff due to my own reasons, I repeat my favorite colors, clothes and designs. I don't know how to wear makeup and I do have a cosmetic allergy, so I can't put even a simple cold cream on my face. I don't compromise on certain things, and all other things that I think were a major flaw in my personality being a female gender, but then someone made me realize flaws aren't defined based on these categories or personality or health choices. I have all basic life skills, I carry my values despite what others label me as, I see through people's toxicity, I am a woman of boundaries and I respect myself and want the same from someone who claims to love me or spend a life with me.

I rejected so many connections in my life because I had low self-esteem and doubted my existence. I thought myself as a burden on others regarding connections, my soul and my heart. I thought I am not suitable for it. I convinced myself that I was not lovable enough or worth any person in my life. I used to hate marriages, I still do, I mean to get married to someone my soul isn't comfortable being with and my heart is not sure about, and my thoughts aren't aligned for. But I guess I am open to anything that life has to offer.

Because, in our old house, we had a lot of paranormal, unbelievable stuff going on, and once I told my mom that there's someone that finger combs and plays with my hair and I can feel it, but there's no one when I turn around, that was something else, long story short, I talked negative about myself, joking that I am not beautiful, why would someone do that to me, and one part of that discussion led me to understand love and life. Now I get it when my mom said to me,

"You can be the most beautiful girl and perfect human out there and people will still find you uninteresting and ugly. You can be the most horrible and toxic person outside, and there will be people cherishing you for your soul and the energy you bring into the room. For love, for genuine love to happen, if you think you aren't beautiful according to the false standards of this society, then let me tell you a secret. Being physically beautiful and attractive is not what matters and attracts genuine people, but appearing beautiful to the person in love is what matters the most. It's about them and what they are looking for in you, and not about you as a person. People choose people for their own reasons that have nothing to do with your truths and lies".

And then she uttererd,

Mohabbat hone k liye apka khuubsurat "hona" zaruri nahi hai, mohabbat k liye apka ksi ko khuubsurat "lagna" zaruri hai or khuubsurti sirf chehron sy nahi hoti, or husn sirf jismo ki malkiyat nahi hai, ap ka kirdar, apka rawwiyya, apka Zindagi ko le kr nazriya teh karta hai k ap kitne bd-suurat ya kitne khuubsurat hain. Khuubsurti ya badsuurti akhlaq me hai beta, agar apka dil murda hai to ap chahy miss universe hi kyu na ban jaen, apka chehra apki badsuurti nahi chupaa payega. >>>>>>>

(For love to happen, your 'being' beautiful is not necessary, for love, your 'appearing' beautiful to someone is necessary and beauty is not only in the face, and beauty is not just the possession of the body, your character, your attitude, your perspective on life determines how beautiful or ugly you are. Beauty or ugliness is in the character, my child, if your heart is dead, then even if you become Miss Universe, your face will not be able to hide your ugliness).

Sadia Hakim ©️

[rexaleph]

if i'm being a cunt in weird ways already today - it is bizarre to me how like half-toy "magically transforming" makeup products that used to be marketed to 12 year olds are now just like embraced by quote-unquote serious cosmetics culture? just saw a video of a girl advertising a lipstick from dior that turns glittery if you rub your lips together. for dior money? or all the ph reactive makeup, where people will even know how it works and not necessarily fall for the "it adapts to your body" gimmick, but still say stuff like, oh ph-reactive stuff is so pretty! just buy a normal pink lipgloss, wtf, you can get that same color, i promise

[astoldbyaja]

The Blossom surrounded by Fire - Ch. 1 (Warrior AU- HBO MAX)

Amaka, is an African American woman with cosmetically altered ears due to her past ownership. Her journey has led her to Chinatown in San Francisco where she is now under the guardianship of Wang Chao. As Amaka tries to remain invisible, helping any ill residents with her healing knowledge, she slowly becomes drawn in to the dangerous world of the tongs. Seeing as she is a black face in a town of yellow, she is powerless to the demands of tong leaders and their lieutenants. They use her for their own gain, however calm and collective Long Zii lieutenant, Li Yong, sees more than just a body, and sees into her heart. But how can he claim his blossom when she is surrounded by nothing but fire?

MDNI, +18 , smut, SA, 1800 period story, racial slurs, etc.

-------------------------------------

I never really thought about my future, because for the negro the future was death if you came across the wrong person. Everyone is the wrong person. I was constantly waiting for death to come either by sickness, hanging, or something more sinister.

I didn’t know where my path was going to take me, but one thing for sure, it was going to be one hell of a crazy ride on my way to hell that was for sure.

My eyes slowly crept open as I could smell fish. I was on my back which brought me some comfort. Because of my ears, I could never stay on my side for too long. I sat up slowly and gently scratched my curly mane. I knew he wouldn’t allow me to sleep in, not while there was work to be done. I removed the blankets from my body and got up. Sliding the door open, I was looking at the nicely dressed back of Wang Chao.

Upon my unexpected arrival to San Francisco, our paths crossed and although we didn’t trust each other then, my ability to speak Cantonese and other languages made me useful to him as a translator for business with others. Also my willingness to help the sick with my knowledge of medicine. I entered the room and moved over to him giving a soft smile as he glanced at me.

“Good morning.” he said with a gentle smile, and I leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

“Good morning.” I said and he immediately raised a bowl of fish and rice. I looked up at him and nodded my thanks and took it.

“How did you sleep last night?” I asked picking up a pair of chop sticks and using it to eat. He sighed now raising his own bowl to eat.

“As good as any with one eye open as usual. How about you?” he asked. I shrugged some.

“I slept okay… I am pretty sure I lied on my side for a bit too long.” I replied. Chao nodded observing the side of my head. Slowly he raised his hand to move the side of my hair off my shoulder. I was still as he exposed my pointed ear.

“They’re still sensitive.” he noted. I nodded.

“They may be like this forever. I don’t know what he was thinking when he did this.” I replied my mind drifting back to that horrible night. I remember a violent storm had hit and it was the perfect time to do what he did. No one could hear my screams of sheer agony. I wanted to die that night. I hadn’t realized I was looking out into the empty space beside my guardian, until his hand gently came to my cheek.

“Hey. Don’t do that to yourself. Don’t put yourself back in that state of pain. You are safe here with me.” he said. I couldn’t help but grin.

“You are a black-market salesman who also sells men that come off the boats to different tongs. How am I safe?” I teased. He gave a mild grimace.

“Well, you know how to ruin a mood.” he said, and I chuckled some before looking down some in thought.

“People are starting to talk. They know we are… associates.” I replied. He nodded.

“Well, what do you expect, a colored woman with pointy ears is walking about Chinatown without a care in the world.” he said. I gave him a stunned look.

“Without a care in the world? Hardly. That’s a duck’s privilege.” I reminded and he nodded bringing a small cup to his lips.

“Very much so.” he said swallowing and then looking down at me. “Since everyone is whispering about you, those whispers have been slipping their way into different tongs.”

I could hear the warning in his voice.

“Which tongs?” I asked.

“All of them. At first no one batted an eye, but now that you’ve been helping the Chinese with their fevers and other sicknesses, it’s only a matter of time before their leaders call on you for services.” he said. Hop Wei, Long Zii, Fung Hai, Suey Sing… violent gangs who are in the opium trade. I had a lot to learn once Chao decided to take me in. He only told me the names of the leaders, but I had never seen them face to face. When I would walk about with him, he shielded me from the eyes of those he knew were dangerous.

I didn’t care about the gangs. I just wanted to help those who needed it. I have seen a lot over the years and one thing I knew: if you are not white, you do not matter to the world. With what I knew, I wanted to help people anyway I could.

Chao with his connections, delivered to me the ingredients and supplies I needed to create my herbs and medicines.

“Then let them call on me. If someone is sick, I will help them.” I replied turning from them. However, his hand caught my forearm firmly and I looked up at him. The seriousness in his eyes made me somewhat worried.

“Amaka… the reason why I am an independent contractor is because being alone keeps me safe. My loyalties are to myself and helps me survive. You, being a good healer, is a good skill. It will help you survive. But sadly, you not being Chinese means you can easily be discarded and forgotten in this town if you catch the attention of the wrong people.” he said. I winced at his words and looked away some.

“It almost saddens me to know I don’t have your loyalty. But I guess after everything you have done for me so far; I will only take what I can get.” I said softly. He shook his head and planned to say something, even going so far as to put his hand on my cheek, but I shook my head. “The day is starting. We both have jobs to do.”

He sighed and nodded.

“You are right. I will open the shop.” he said. I nodded and sat my finished bowl of food down on the counter.

“I will get dressed. I need to check on a few families.” I replied and we both parted. I cleaned my face and pulled the top half of my hair back and pinned it down with a large black clip that Chao had gotten for me. The bottom half remained down and covered my ears. I’ve been called a demon before, and my ears have put me in danger many times before. It was best to keep them covered. I wore a faded white dress with red flowers over the chest hem. It was tight around the bust area, as my bust was big, but I wouldn’t complain. It wasn’t anything too nice, but showed I wasn’t a threat either. Chao had found many dresses for me to wear upon him taking me in. He even gave me a small satchel to carry my medicine and journal in. I wrote down symptoms and medicines to help said symptoms. I slid on a pair of black boots and headed out through the market area where Chao had most of his weapons. When he saw me approach, he looked me over before looking confused.

“You’re going to wear that dress? That’s your nice gown I got you for when we go to meet Ah Toy tonight.” he said. This woman is a brothel owner who Chao had spoken to a lot apparently. He wanted me to meet her as insurance in case anything happened to him, then I could go to her for help. However, this is the first time I am hearing that I was to meet her tonight.

“You tell me this now?” I asked. He scoffed.

“It’s not like you had plans tonight.” he said. Touché. Chao had the luxury of walking about Chinatown without being bothered. I did not have this luxury unless I was with him and that was very rare since he was usually doing business with the tongs. If he had a new customer who spoke a different language then I would help, but other than that and helping those who sought me out for my help, I remained inside, hidden away as to not make anyone uncomfortable.

“Do you really think this dress will help me blend in at a brothel?” I asked. He looked me over.

“In a room full of yellow, you will always stand out.” he said. I couldn’t help but touch my cheek at his words knowing them to be true. “But now that I think about it, you can’t wear that dress either. If you’re going to be at my side, then you’ll need something far better.”

I smiled and nodded.

“You’re the boss.” I replied stepping closer to him and pecking his lips. “I will be quick.” He nodded.

“You got your knife?” he asked, and I reached into my back and pulled out the black handled blade and showed it to him.

“I have my knife.” I replied. He nodded with approval, moving to hand me the brown hooded topcoat. I began to put it on and place the hood over my head. Slowly he took my hands in his and I could see the look of worry in his dark eyes.

“Please be careful.” he said. I smiled and nodded before moving through the front of the store where multiple chickens cawed loudly and out into the town I went.

[l-coleart]

Sketchbook Supply Recs!

Hi y’all, Since I’ve been posting more sketchbook pages recently, I thought I would share some of my favorite supplies. My recommendations are tailored to creating a user-friendly, portable kit mainly focused on ink and markers. I’ve found that having a kit like this makes me more likely to regularly develop my sketchbook, which I view as one of the most important parts of keeping one. None of these recommendations are sponsored or affiliated, I just hope that by sharing what supplies I enjoy, others can find new things to try. Keep reading under the cut!

I often find that products marketed towards the stationary and note-taking/organization niches perform better at lower prices for frequent sketchbook use than products targeted specifically towards the art and illustration community. Don’t shy away from products in office-supply stores just because it doesn’t say ‘for art’ on it. 

I also recommend refillable pens whenever possible. They usually offer more customization in ink color and nib size. Refillable options produce less plastic waste than disposable options. Refillable designs tend to have more ergonomic designs, with larger barrels and better weight balance that minimize hand discomfort. If you draw frequently, this is something worth considering to avoid damaging your hand joints in the long term. In addition, they’re built with durability in mind, allowing them to be thrown in your bag or pencil case without worry. 

Darker ink drawing pens make up the core of my kit, so I’ve tried a variety of options and usually have at least a few of these in my bag. Currently, the Pilot Kakuno Pocket Fountain Pen (around $10-19 depending where you purchase from) is my favorite. I love the line quality this pen can produce– the barrel is a bit larger than most pens and the body and cap give it a good balance in the hand. This pen also takes cartridge refills, allowing you to easily switch colors between refills without the mess. There are a wide range of colors available for this pen, and the thinner water-based ink formula is easy to work with. The ink dries down matte, so it scans accurately without digital manipulation. It also comes in a few different nib sizes with different cosmetic options/color ways for the pen body. Though fountain pens typically have a slight learning curve in learning how to draw with them, I found this one especially easy to work with since the nib has an etched design that shows when you’re holding it properly. 

The Pilot EnerGel Alloy Body Ballpoint Pen (around $8-10) is another of my favorites. The metal body of the pen is a slightly larger barrel size with a nice weight balance which allows smooth lines without hand discomfort. They’re also refilled with cartridges, which come in a few different colors and point sizes; I enjoy the 1.0 mm the most for this pen. The water-based gel ink formula for this pen is one of the best I’ve tried, as it’s very smooth, dries fast which minimizes smudging, and scans well. The V5/V7 Ballpoint Pen from Pilot (available in multi-packs for around $1-2 per pen) has a similar ink formula in varied nib sizes. They aren’t refillable, but they last a long time. I think they’re worthwhile, especially as a beginner friendly, widely available option.

Muji Pens (available online for about $2 per pen) are another great ballpoint gel option. They come in an impressive range of colors, thicknesses, and cap types. They can also be refilled with cartridges. I think the finer 0.38 and 0.5 nib sizes are my favorites from this line. 

If you prefer a brush-tip style pen to ballpoint or fountain pens, I really enjoy the Tombow Fudenosuke or Pentel Pocket Brush. The Fudenosuke (around $3-4) is a felt-tip brush pen. The nib is a perfect firmness to get a variety of line weights with ease. I find that this makes it well-suited to thumbnails and other fast sketching. They come in a smaller range of well-formulated, pigmented colors, which consistently scan well. They aren’t refillable, but last a long time, which I think makes them worth it. 

The Pentel Pocket Brush (around $7 with two refills included) is a bristle brush pen. The fibers are very smooth and can achieve a wide variety of textures and line weights. It has a bit more of a learning curve than some of my other recommendations, but that’s mostly if you haven’t inked with a brush previously– it’s relatively easy to get comfortable with. It’s also refillable with cartridges and has a few different color options. This pen is one of my favorites for figure drawing. 

Though it’s not a pen, I also think the Rotring Mechanical Drafting Pencil (around $20-30) deserves a mention for folks who prefer sketching in pencil. The metal body and textured grip create a good weight balance that makes it write exceptionally smooth. It also takes standard graphite and other colorful options which give an equivalent level of customization to the previously described pens. 

Markers and colorful supplies are another important element of your kit. At the top of the list for me is a couple of different highlighters and felt tip pens. I love Zebra Mildliners, especially the double-ended ones with the super fine/brush tip combo (usually less than $1/pen when purchased in packs of 5 or more). They’re easy to draw with and can be a great choice for adding value or colors. The color range (mostly pastel and creamy colors) is also impressive. Stabilo makes a similar style of pen called the pointMax (M 0.8) (usually about $2 a pen, but also comes in packs) that comes in some darker, more vibrant colors. I prefer the thicker size since they tend to last longer, but they make some thinner liner versions of this pen (called point88) with the same ink formula that are also good. If you like a thicker marker, Chunky highlighters are the way to go. Stabilo Boss (about $1.50 in a multi-pack) and Staedtler Textsurfer (about $1.70) are great options that come in a variety of colors, with Stabilo coming in creamy pastels and Staedtler coming in more bright and neon colors.  

Within this category, novelty supplies can also be a good colorful addition. Mixed color pencils can be really fun for line drawing. Koh-i-Noor makes some of my favorites (about $4 but they last a long time) with earth tones, primaries, and neons. Gelly Roll pens (about $1.50 /pen) also are a nice novelty pen while still being high quality. They have a good color range with metallic, neon, glitter, and other finishes. 

On top of drawing supplies, some washi tape, stickers, double-stick tape, and cool paper also make fun additions. It’s harder to make specific recommendations for specific washi tape and stickers, however, supporting your local stationery/craft/paper good stores and favorite artists and designers who make and sell it is always a good move! I have some from Natalie Andrewson, Alex Tomlinson of Pigeon Post, and Starmint Art that I use all the time. The best ones complement the imagery and colors you use. Be curious, collect, and repurpose things that make you excited!

Hopefully these recommendations help you find something new and exciting. Let me know if there are other topics you’d be interested in! Thanks for reading :^)

[cheemscakecat]

Detroit become Rebooted: PL600

The PL600 line was one of the earliest android models sold to regular civilians. Cyberlife was looking to expand its market past medical assisting androids due to insurance red tape and the higher cost of androids with those care features.

In order save on production, the male and female androids were built with 80s and 90s style matte plastic and minimal internal mechanisms. The androids were ball jointed like art dolls, with tubes of blue blood stringing them together.

They were designed with removable hair cosmetics like Polly pockets or Mr potato head dolls, and themed around retro nostalgia. Inevitably, a rich couple purchased a male PL600 with the designation Daniel to babysit their young daughter.

The couple were casual about replacing older electronics in their home with no regard to repairability, deep cleaning or conservation. It was no surprise that they raised their daughter to have a similar disposable consumption mindset.

She liked Daniel, but other kids had newer models with cooler clothing accessories. And her parents never bothered to deep clean its removable exoskeleton over the years they owned the android. That nostalgic plastic did what it does best; discolor and gather grit and dust. Eventually, they decided to just dump Daniel at a Cyberlife store and pick up a new, fresh model for Emma.

She was in middle school, and had gotten a little tired of the male PL600’s 90s, 4-pack of crayon inspired colors. She had so many more android models and accessories to choose from to match her favorite color; pink. Unbeknownst to the family, the worn and outdated android found the Cyberlife online order they had placed.

TW: Fictional child hostage situation. Android death.

The RK800 police prototype was brought in to assist with a hostage situation in a high class apartment. It was the first time it had ever dealt with a defective android. And the first time a glitch had led to a civilian android killing a human. The father was dead, the mother was hysterical and outraged at the sight of another “metal monster”, and the little girl was precariously balanced on the ledge of the roof at gunpoint.

RK800 had dealt with human hostage situations, but not as the negotiator. Sometimes it was appropriate to shout instructions to criminals, but the prototype did not have experience with pacifying someone like this. The human Swat team was on edge and snapping at this Connor model to hurry up.

It gathered all the evidence it could, and used it to try to calm the android.

————————

Daniel didn’t really want to shoot Emma, or throw her off a building. But he was trapped, and these humans thought so little of androids that he knew he needed her as insurance. Another android came out of the ruined home. It had one strange black eye and was less geometric than him. And the fancy replacement, too. It was customized with something like the police uniforms he saw when he shot the first few.

He hoped this was their last idea before they’d give up and let him leave. He might run out of battery at this rate.

This Conner guy started talking to him with information he shouldn’t have. He didn’t like how much this fancy stranger knew about him. There was something wrong with his voice. It sounded too much like the angry human police that tried to yell instructions at him. Did all new androids sound like this? Did the humans get tired of soft voices and obedience, too? They were sure shallow enough.

But then again, this stranger was another android. Maybe he could help. Daniel was pretty light, and the longer he stood on the ledge, the worse the chances of him falling off. And/or taking Emma with him. He didn’t want to stay there if he could get help. If he could just get this Connor to direct the humans away…

He let go of Emma, who ran a foot or two away and fell on the deck in relief. He looked at Connor and waited for his end of the deal. Funny, the police android didn’t have eyebrows.

And then the humans shot him in the torso, taking off a fat chunk and cracking his brittle shell. Then they shot him in the arm joint, which snapped the blue-blood tether in his arm. It detached with no tether, but he didn’t get the time to watch the gush of blue liquid or his hand falling to the street below. They shot him in the cheek, and the left side of his mouth mechanism broke. His jaw was left hanging on for dear life on his rubber lip.

Even with his outdated sensors, Daniel knew he was dying. He lost too much blue-blood. With the last of his energy, he called to the police’s little toy. Another stupid new plaything to be used and used until his fancy white skin and blue paint job got stained with blood and scratches. Until they found something shiny and new to replace him, until he knew what it felt like.

“You lied to me Connor. You lied to me-“

——————

Alternate ending

Connor’s best effort wasn’t helping. Daniel was highly unstable, and got agitated enough to shoot at it. The bullet hit Connor in the middle of its forehead and the force popped the faceplates off. Guns were the reason why it had a divided upper faceplate, though this was a design flaw that needed to be remedied. A bullet from so far away should dent the faceplate and fall to the ground without hurting police, not send the outer shell flying off.

RK800 paused for a moment due to the unexpected design flaw, took note of it, then looked at PL600 again. The deviant blinked at him in simulated surprise and started rambling about fancy new toys. “How did that not work? They really want a toy that outlives them?” The girl squirmed uncomfortably, which had the unwanted effect of reminding it that it had a hostage.

Daniel laughed, it’s faulty code causing it to simulate human hysteria as Connor was alerted to what was about to happen. It bolted for the ledge as the deviant leaned back. Connor was just in time to grab the human girl, turn mid-fall, and throw her into the swimming pool for minimal injury.

The Swat captain paused after the poor little kid was pulled from the water and getting treated. He looked over the edge of the Skyscraper, thinking about what that police android just did. As much as that creepy thing put him on edge, he had to admit that its reaction time was just enough to save the day. Oh well, it wasn’t human. He had someone more important to focus on.

Cyberlife added a note to the list of goals for the RK900; fix upper faceplate design, pressure point flaw.