#pore tightening face wash

[glowyskins]

Buy Blueberry Facewash Online - Glowy Skin

Refresh your skin with the energizing blue berry face wash from Glowy Skin. Helps in boosting the skin’s glow, fights premature aging, and controls oil secretion.

[blossomkochhararomaaagic]

Unlock Radiant Skin with the Best Toner for Face

Finding the perfect toner for your face can be a game-changer in your skincare routine. Toners help to balance your skin’s pH, tighten pores, and remove any residual impurities after cleansing. One brand that stands out in the realm of skincare is Aroma Magic, offering a wide range of toners specifically designed to meet various skin needs. You can explore our collection of toners here.

Why Use a Toner?

Using a toner is an essential step in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Toners help to:

Balance pH Levels: Cleansing can disrupt your skin’s natural pH, making it more susceptible to irritation and dryness. A good toner restores this balance.

Minimize Pores: Toners help to tighten and minimize the appearance of pores, giving your skin a smoother, more refined look.

Hydrate and Nourish: Modern toners often include hydrating ingredients that nourish the skin, leaving it plump and refreshed.

Aroma Magic Toners

Aroma Magic offers a variety of toners crafted with natural ingredients, ensuring your skin gets the best care. Some popular options include:

Aroma Magic Aromatic Skin Toner: This toner refreshes and revitalizes your skin with the goodness of rose, lavender, and peppermint extracts.

Aroma Magic Anti-Acne Calamine Pack: Ideal for acne-prone skin, this toner helps to control oil and soothe irritated skin.

Aroma Magic Hydrating Seaweed Pack: Perfect for dry skin, this toner deeply hydrates and nourishes with the power of seaweed and aloe vera.

How to Use a Toner

Using a toner is simple and should be done twice daily, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. This will remove any remaining impurities and prepare your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Incorporate a high-quality toner like those from Aroma Magic into your routine and experience the difference it makes in achieving radiant, healthy skin. Visit Aroma Magic’s skin toner collection to find the perfect toner for your face today.

[mayuri1]

Ayurvedic Body & Face Care | Moisturizers & Cleaner | Veda5 Naturals

Ready for a cuddle of moisturization ? Introducing the all new Body lotions enriched with the goodness of Ayurveda. Crafted with pure ingredients, which addresses not only dry skin but dull and uneven skin. The body lotion, with its creamy yet lightweight and fast-absorbing formula, offers up to 18 hours of intense hydration. Thanks to its non-greasy and non-comedogenic texture, it doesn’t make the skin sticky. It helps restore your skin’s natural pH levels and moisture barriers, to make it smooth, soft, bright and nourished.

[dmitriene]

bathing routine with simon riley, he wasn't always the one for a long, drawn out bathes with bubbles and tons of soothing gels, his every shower was about washing off the grime and strong, soaked smell of gunpowder and sweat that clogged in the pores of his skin, not until he started joining you in your evening bathes at home.

settling in the warm, soothing water that was already coated with a bubbly, foamy layer from the special gel you use for this, and while it doesn't has any purpose, except soft texture and kind of cute sight, simon still found himself enjoying the coziness of this, his beefy form dwarfing the place behind you, broad back leaning against the tub, as his head lolls back.

you help him feel floaty, letting his body soak in the water, despite that he's cleaner than after the battlefield, since he's been home this whole week, it's still an enjoyable time spending, letting your delicate hands massage his lax muscles, pressing firm circles against some tense areas, listening to simon's hoarse, throaty groans.

pale, clumped eyelashes feathering over his cheeks, dusted with light stubble that starts to outgrown slowly, tingling under your fingertips when you cup his face in your warm palms, his honeyed eyes barely open, blinking on the edge of rolling back and closing in sleep, as he drapes a heavy hand around your shoulder, pressing you flush against his slick skin.

making you nuzzle closer to him, leaning your head over his sturdy chest, as he brushes his calloused fingers against the wet expanse of your fragile spine, rubbing over the skin up and down, absentmindedly, contented to be in the warmth of your arms and good, relaxing bath, as his mind goes out, dozing off for the short sleep.

you let him rest, gaze gliding over the flushing, pale skin of his body, jagged scars and uneven skin submerged in water that sloshes around you two, making his hand tighten intuitively along your back, gripping onto the supple curve of your waist, fingers sinking in when he feels how you move, cradling you against the beat of his heart with sleepy mumble.

main masterlist. quidelines.

[honeytonedhottie]

micro glow up part one⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🧁

in this post we'll be talking about habits and little ways in which u can improve ur health and appearance without doing anything too drastic. a micro-glow up to stay polished…💬🎀

DRY SHAMPOO ;

dry shampoo helps with smell and reducing oil and all in all just a rly super useful tool that i hope we're all taking advantage of! so to use it simply divide ur hair into sections and shake the canister before application.

make sure that u hold it at least 10-12 inches away from ur roots. and then just brush it out and voila. just get the dry shampoo that matches ur hair color. so for me i have black hair so i'd purchase a dry shampoo that is designed specifically for dark hair.

WRAP UR HAIR AT NIGHT ;

create a protective barrier around ur hair at night to prevent frizz. with things like silk wraps and bonnets etc. treat ur hair LIKE A BABY. be super gentle to it so it can be soft and moisturized. if ur hair is more coarse or thick use the dominican tubi wrap.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHAMPOO ;

so theres a difference between ur everyday shampoo and a CLARIFYING shampoo. a clarifying shampoo is simply more of a deep clean so if ur using a clarifying shampoo EVERY single day you'll find that ur hair is lowkey straw-like and thats not the move.

clarifying shampoo is a super deep cleanse for ur scalp and u shouldn't be using it every single day…💬🎀

furthermore using a scalp scrub once a week or two weeks to stimulate ur scalp is rly rly wonderful. to just kind of do a deep clean of ur scalp and stimulate blood flow which can also help hair growth.

IF YOU HAVE ACNE ;

i used to have bad acne so i think im qualified to talk EXTENSIVELY on this subject but i won't make this section of the post too lengthy but i think these tips are valuable if ur struggling with acne…💬🎀

♡ invest in a pimple popping tool kit

u can literally get these off of amazon and u can learn to use them via youtube but as long as u store them properly and use them properly u can get rid of whiteheads and black heads safely and most effectively.

when doing an extraction wash ur hands and the area that ur about to extract from to make sure u have a super clean base. also make sure to soften the skin with a warm washcloth before starting. i've found that it minimizes pain.

hot tip : warm water opens pores and cold water tightens pores which is why when doing an extraction its important to use warm water and when ur done wash with cold water…💬🎀

♡ use blotting papers if u have oily skin

♡ invest in adorable and effective pimple patches

THE IMPORTANCE OF FACE MASKS ;

make sure to understand ur skin type/skin concerns before committing to a specific face masks. for example if u have more oily skin use a clay mask once or twice a week, if u have dryer skin go for a hydrating face mask. i rly rly LOVE sheet masks.

ALL ABOUT BROWS ;

wash ur brows with a gentle cleanser and make sure to keep them groomed cuz it makes ur eyes look bigger and gives u a more rejuvenated look. plus it makes u look very clean. dont forget to wash ur brows because washing them stimulates growth + prevents ingrown and painful pimples within or around ur brows.

ALL ABOUT EARS ;

DONT OVERLOOK UR EARS. make sure to clean in and around ur ears. like when ur showering just take ur finger with a little bit of gentle cleanser and just clean the shell of ur ear, the lobe, behind ur ears etc. do this on a daily basis. it literally takes 2 seconds.

and to clean ur ears DONT use a cotton swab. ik it feels rly good sometimes but what it does is just push the wax back into ur brain or whatever so instead take a cotton ball and soak it in some warm water, hydrogen peroxide and mineral oil and just tilt ur head to the side <- so that the opening of ur ear is facing up and hold for about a minute and then tilt ur head back and let the fluid drain out.

[dreamgrlarchive]

High Maintenance 101

Prissy Girl Beauty Regimens 🎀

my prissy girl guide to beauty services and building a beauty lifestyle that fits you 💗

Skincare:

Essential Skincare Routine ❤︎︎

twice daily, in the morning and at night

daytime: gentle cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, SPF

prep and protect skin

nighttime: double cleansing with oil and cleanser, exfoliation, treatments, moisturizer

wash away the day and help skin accept treatments and actives during your beauty sleep

products will change depending on skin type and goals, but sequence will more or less stay the same

Face Masks + Treatments ❤︎︎

Face Masks -

typically done at home 1-3x/week

clay, gel, mud, cream, liquid

my fav masks at home:

aha + bha liquid mask by the ordinary: a literal overhaul of my pores. it’s refining and helps reduce texture and hyperpigmentation. 1-2 x/week

korean modeling mask: i use this after doing everything in my routine. it’s super cooling and smooths my skin out. the low temp of the mask reduces flushing of my skin and helps the steps in my routine absorb better. 2-3 x/week

Treatments -

done either 1-3x/week and/or exclusively at night

consumer grade Retinols, AHAs, BHAs at high strength

little extra things i like to use to enhance my routine:

gua sha, ice pack, rose quartz roller, however often i choose

Facials ❤︎︎

done every 1-2 months by licensed estheticians

often includes exfoliation and extraction

Classic Facial: cleanse, extract, massage, moisturize

HydraFacials: extracts pores while infusing serums to boost skin’s vitamin and nutrient content

dry, dehydrated skin

Microdermabrasion: microabrasive tool removes outermost, textured, damaged layer of skin using suction to reveal a smooth and refined new layer of skin

sun damaged, aged, textured skin or skin with hyperpigmentation

Chemical Peel: application of medical grade AHA, BHA, Lactic Acid, Fruit Enzymes, or Retinol to peel away top layers of skin over the course of 1-2 weeks

pore refining, brightening, and anti-aging

after care is crucial. skin will be peeling and sensitivity to sun is increased. SPF MUST be used. it’s heavily advised that clients stay home for the first few days.

HydroJelly Facial: facial made of electrolytes, algae, organic white grain oat flour, rice flour, and white willow bark powder. leaving your skin hydrated, plump, and nourished. forms a vacuum-like seal that compresses facial contours.

there are 25 different hydrojelly pro masks for most skin concerns you may have, check here

More Facials ❤︎︎

Contouring Facial: sculpting, tightening, and lifting of facial muscles

LED Facial: uses LED light to soothe inflammation, aiding in acne healing and prevention

Vampire Facial: plumps skin and improves wrinkles by extracting blood, removing its platelets, then either re-injecting it into the skin or applying it topically

Diamond File Facial: finely ground diamonds resurface skin by filing to improve dark spots

Glass Skin Botox: multiple tiny botox injections just below the surface of the skin. alleviate fine lines, redness, texture, and more achieving glass skin

AquaGold Facial: microinjections that combine vampire facial methods, hyaluronic acid, botox, stem cells, antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, etc. improves fine lines, wrinkles, pores, pigmentation, acne scarring, dryness, tone, texture, skin elasticity, and more

cite

Hair:

Hair Care ❤︎︎

Wash Routines:

curly textured: wash and condition every 2-3 weeks, deep condition every 1-2 weeks

straight: wash and condition every 2-3 days, deep condition every 2-3 weeks

Styling ︎❤︎︎

Hair should have a style everyday! At home hairstyling is limitless and really depends on your taste and lifestyle. The everyday woman does her own her once every 1-4 weeks using natural hair products, heat, or other tools.

Professional Stylists:

hair is styled every 1-3 months: uses heat to straighten or curl, extensions to lengthen and add volume, shears to maintain/attain a shape and length

trim ends: every 6-8 weeks

hair color: touched up roughly every 6-8 weeks (depending on how fast your hair is growing and how fast your color will fade)

Silk Press:

after a clarifying wash and deep conditioning, natural hair is straightened using flat iron and/or pressing comb, then usually curled in feathers or pin curls to preserve the style

lasts 3-4 weeks depending on maintenance

preserved by wrapping hair at night, keep hands out of hair, and using a wide toothed comb only

can be further styled with different kind of rollers, or with pin curls

Braids:

afrocentric hairstyles typically done to protect hair while maintaining beauty

lasts 3-8 weeks

styles include knotless braids, faux locs, stitch braids, french braids, etc

Extensions:

hair added to natural hair to enhance length or volume

can be done at home with patience and proper materials

sew-in extensions: (my personal fav) 1-2 months

your natural hair gets braided down flush to your scalp and the bundles are sewn on by the wefts in a flat pattern typically with a section of hair left out to cover the wefts $100-600

microlinks: up to 4 months

i-tip extension is added to hair using micropliers, clippers and loop tool. takes far longer than most extension methods but looks the absolute most natural $500-1000

tape-in extensions: up to a year, touch ups every 4-6 weeks

medical grade tape is used to attach extensions to small sections of hair $200-400

clip-in extensions: 3-6 months

extensions are clipped on by the wefts. the hair itself can last up to six months, but it’s not recommended to sleep, shower, or swim with the extensions in $50-100

Natural Styles:

all last roughly 1-2 weeks at most. allowing hair to completely DRY is crucial for these styles. your natural hair can be further changed in styles like buns, puffs, etc once dry

natural hair essentials: scalp oil, leave in conditioner, detangling brush, wide tooth comb, curling cream, styling gel, edge control and edge brush

wash n’ go

wash and detangle, then use leave in conditioner to keep hair moist. oil on the scalp and ends is recommended for growth and healthy ends

bantu knots

a traditionally african style where the hair is cleanly sectioned (usually parted in a cute pattern) and twisted into knots. style can be worn just like this or taken down for curls

braid/twist out

a specific pattern of curls is achieved after hair is twisted or braided with curl preserving products. end result depends on how big your twists or braids are

roller set

hair is sprayed with water and curl cream applied before roller of your choice is added. hair is left to dry usually overnight for springy well formed curls

Brows and Lashes:

Brow Shaping ❤︎︎

in salon or at home

Waxing - every 3 weeks

Threading- every 2-3 weeks

Razor Shaping - weekly

Brow Enhancement ❤︎︎

Tinting - monthly

can be done at home or by pro in the salon

Microblading - every 1-3 years + annual touch ups, exclusively professional work

cosmetic tattooing using a manual tool with nearly invisible hair-like needles to inject pigment in brows to create your desired brow look

Lash Enhancements ❤︎︎

*done exclusively by professionals

Lifts - every 6 weeks

basically a perm for your lashes to curl them semi-permanently for lashes to appear longer

Lash Extensions - new set every 6-8 weeks, fill ins every 2-3 weeks depending on quality and style

false individual strands of lashes glued to natural lashes to create semi-permanent length and/or volume

lash baths: wet lashes and apply a small amount of gentle cleanser or a “lash bath” to lashes. cleanse lashes and eyelids for about 10 seconds. hold a towel under your eye and use a nozzle bottle to flush soap and bacteria from lashes then dry with a disposable lint free towel. finish by brushing your lashes with a spoolie. daily.

Lash Styles:

Classic: one lash on each fan, thin lashes

Volume: fluffier lashes with more lashes on each fan

Hybrid: uses classic and volume lashes to make an alternated look

Russian: volume lashes made with very thin individuals, 5-6 extensions per natural lash, fanned out look

DIY Lash Extensions - lasts about a week (sometimes longer)

lash fragments or individual wisps are glued either under the lashes or on the lash line. KISS Falscara is a product that makes this concept simple and easy

Nails:

all these services can be done at home with the proper materials and KNOWLEDGE

Classic Manicure ❤︎︎

every 1-2 weeks

nail service that consists of soaking hands in warm soapy water then drying them. nails are trimmed, filed, and buffed. cuticles are pushed back before applying nail polish (base coat, color, top coat), then finally cuticle oil is applied.

nails can be enhanced with rhinestones, glitter, or charms and attached with uv gel or nail glue

my fav styles are pink, cream, white, black and any french tip using those colors

Pedicure ❤︎︎

every 2-4 weeks

sister to the classic manicure, but can be upgraded depending on materials. steps are similar to manicure, except feet are scrubbed and exfoliated before feet are washed and dried to apply nail color

regular polish, acrylic, or gel can be used on toenails

Gel or Shellac Mani ❤︎︎

every 2-3 weeks

same process as the classic manicure, but traditional nail polish is replaced with uv base coat, gel or CND Shellac polish, then uv top coat that’s cured in a UV or LED lamp

longer lasting and more strong/3d than classic mani and is typically removed by soaking in acetone

Apres Gel-X Nails ❤︎︎

every 2-3 weeks

my personal fav at home nails using the artme yoko matsuda nails. after doing a classic mani sans polish, you apply a dehydrator and primer to prep nail for gel. then you apply builder gel to your natural nail and cure. then you apply that same builder to the nail extension after etching it using an electric drill or acetone. marry the gel to your nail and cure. then just shape to your liking and top with uv top coat. tutorial here

Acrylic Nails ❤︎︎

every 2-3 weeks, nails are fully grown out after 6 weeks

manicure done with liquid monomer and acrylic powder to build and extend natural nail, then polished with color or just a top coat if desired

Russian Mani ❤︎︎

every 4-5 weeks

essentially a gel manicure, but more invasive. the eponychium is snipped away so polish can be applied more closely and flush to the cuticle. this aids in visuals and longevity

service is seen as risky because the skin is more susceptible to fungal or bacterial infection. this is actually how i do my nails at home.

Body:

Bathing ❤︎︎

2x daily

self explanatory, we all know how to bathe. i have other posts that talk about my shower and bath routines.

use a gentle cleanser then a scented body wash to complement perfume and smell fresh all day.

if needed, you can use body soaps with actives like aha, bha or retinol to exfoliate or treat skin at night

exfoliation - 2-3x/week. using scrubs, loofahs, bath brushes, etc.

Hair Removal ❤︎︎

shaving - 2-3x/week

waxing - every 3-5 weeks

sugaring - monthly

ipl device - a device that uses light therapy to slowly destroy hair follicles and unwanted pigment in skin. i use mine after every 5-6 shaves but i could really use it more often.

Vajacial ❤︎︎

1-2x/month

a “facial” for your lady area

the esthetician will first wax, then cleanse and apply an enzyme exfoliant. then they extract any blackheads or ingrown hairs from the area before applying a soothing mask usually in the jelly form.

Moisture and Hydration ❤︎︎

body cream or lotion - daily right after bathing to hydrate skin

body oil - daily to seal in moisture and protect skin from debris and dryness

masks - weekly to address particular skin concerns

ex. when i was having eczema flare ups on my back, i used a dead sea mud mask every 1-2 weeks to help treat it

done at home or at spa

glycolic, clay, mud, salicylic, etc.

Enhancement Procedures:

the goal is to look younger and balance facial features. all these services are exclusively done by professionals usually in a medspa and are widely considered luxury.

Botox ❤︎︎

every 6-8 months; between brows, smile lines, outer corners of eyes, etc

discourages muscle movement to reduce wrinkles

Lifts ❤︎︎

lasts about 10 years; face, neck, brow, eyelids

skin is lifted to desired look, then excess skin is removed

Fillers ︎❤︎︎

every 6-12 months; under-eye, lips, jawline, wrinkle sites, cheekbones

injects acids (usually naturally occurring) like Hyaluronic Acid and Calcium Hydroxylapatite to add volume to your face

Body Contouring ❤︎︎

every 2-4 months until desired results are achieved

non invasive liposuction to achieve desired physique

CoolSculpting - cryolipolysis freezes fat cells for the body to the metabolize and and remove them

SculpSure - essentially the same as CoolSculpting, but uses heat and laser technology to destroy fat cells

Laser Hair Removal ❤︎︎

every 5-6 weeks; bikini, underarms, legs, arms

touch ups done every 1-2 years

hair growth is inhibited by exposing follicles to light at frequencies that kill them

Building the Regimen 🗒️💕:

when making appointments with your “glam squad” you can stagger your services by week depending on what’s being done. for example you can get your mani and pedi done one week. then your facials, brows and lashes another week.

Things to Keep in Mind 💭💞:

these frequencies won’t be the same for everyone depending on personal wants, budgets, etc. but will most likely land somewhere in the ranges i gave. if you need touch ups or redos any sooner than i mapped out, then the service most likely was of poor quality.

anything done at home may or may not be up to the level of detail and longevity as salon or spa work. if you see yourself doing the majority of your beauty maintenance at home, this can save money but may end up taking more time than professional services. so it’s a give and take.

More Resources:

manage your routines, services and products using a beauty binder

a look at my skincare routine

at home beauty treatments for the summer

my hair care routine at home

pretty on purpose by @shefromhouston

monthly beauty routine by @angeljpg

dream girl routines by me

[theambitiouswoman]

Don’t wash your face with water in the morning—

it strips your skin of its natural oils & leaves it feeling dry & unbalanced. Instead use rose water. Cleansing with rose water helps refresh & hydrate your skin without disrupting its natural moisture barrier & gives you a radiant glow✨

Benefits:

• Hydrates & refreshes the skin

• Reduces redness & irritation

• Balances the skin’s natural oils

• Helps tighten pores

• Soothes acne & inflammation

• Contains antioxidants

• Calms & rejuvenates tired skin

• Acts as a natural toner

[bzurk]

sound

It would be too selfish to have all of you - your thoughts, your body, your mind and soul. Simon doesn't deserve it. But he needs it, craves it. So he'll break you down, bit by bit. Because if he can't have you wholly, he'll settle for the pieces instead.

<- part 1 here

<- part 2 here

part 4 here ->

It was easy enough to push it all aside, to hide it in the back of your head. They were just photos. It had been months without escalation. You kept yourself busy, too drained and weary to pay your growing photo collection much heed. You’d solidified your place with your new team, a position that filled you with pride and made you hold your chin a bit higher. You’d made new friends, comfortable within your cocoon of company, finding safety in numbers. You felt… good.

But you had grown complacent.

One night, after a particularly gruelling double shift, you trudge into your room, exhaustion pulling at every muscle. The quiet hum of the ventilation comforts you as you collapse onto your cot, too tired to even change out of your uniform. As you close your eyes and start drifting off to sleep, your hand brushes over paper.

An envelope.

Your heart sinks, a stone plummeting into a black abyss. You know without even opening it that it’s from him. You rip it open anyway, rough and frantic. Your hands tremble as you pull out the contents; more photos, more vile words. And one photo in particular that makes your blood run cold. It’s you, in your private room, asleep in this very bed, sheets tangled around your legs, face serene and vulnerable. "You look so peaceful. Would hate to ruin it."

Your face contorts in pain and disgust as you rush to the bathroom, eyes wide and tears streaming down your cheeks. In your stomach was a roiling storm, a tempestuous mix of fear, anger, and disgust that threatened to swallow you whole. The sound of retching echoes in the small bathroom, followed by gasps for air. Your hands are shaking as you try to keep yourself from collapsing to the ground.

The mirror behind you shows a face you barely recognize—haunted eyes, clenched jaw, skin pale and clammy. The person looking back at you is a shell of their former self.

You turn on the faucet, letting the water run over your hands. You scrub at them vigorously, trying to wash away the feeling of dirt that seems to have seeped into every pore of your skin. But it’s no use. The filth from those photos has tainted you in a way that no amount of soap and water can fix.

With trembling hands, you reach up and splash cold water on your face. It’s like a slap in the face, jolting you out of your thoughts for just a moment. But as soon as the shock wears off, you’re right back where you started - helpless and violated.

You bunked with your fellow sergeants after that, your sleeping bag stolen from your field pack, laid out on their floor and cushioned with spare blankets, completely undignified, pitiable.

You’re caught in a web, strands tightening around you, each day a new knot of fear and loathing. You can’t go to your superiors, can’t risk the fallout. And whoever is doing this knows that, banking on your silence, counting on your fear. They’re unravelling you, bit by bit, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

—

The nightmare hadn't abated. Instead, it had mutated, spreading its tendrils deeper into your life, suffocating every semblance of normalcy.

The photos were replaced by seemingly innocuous gifts. A protein bar you'd mentioned liking, placed on your desk. A book you’d once mentioned wanting to read, found between your medical tomes. Each time, you tried to rationalize it—maybe a well-meaning colleague, someone trying to be kind. You ignored the gnawing feeling that someone was watching, listening, someone who knew more about you than they should.

But the gifts soon turned sinister. A note, stained with something dark and sticky, left in the space your pillow once occupied in your abandoned room. A patch from your uniform that had gone missing weeks ago, now returned, smeared with dirt. Each new item sent shivers down your spine, made you feel violated in a way words couldn't describe. The gifts were a silent message: "I know you."

As the days dragged on, you became hyper-aware of everything. The sounds of the base - the distant hum of machinery, the murmur of voices, the clatter of boots - became a relentless soundtrack to your paranoia. Every face you passed seemed a potential threat, every glance a possible leer, watching, listening. You couldn’t shake the feeling that eyes were always on you, stripping you bare, dissecting your every move. A spotlight shone down on you, glaring and blinding, highlighting every move and action, a camera hidden beneath your clothes to document your every moment.

You tried to push it out of your mind, to focus on your work and the soldiers depending on you. But it was getting harder. Every time you entered your quarters or the med-bay, you couldn't help but scan the room, looking for the next twisted gift. Your heart would race, your hands would tremble, and you’d feel that creeping unease settle deeper into your bones. He was under the beds, hiding in a tall cabinet, hidden behind the doors, a sinister boogeyman lingering in every shadow, haunting every inch of your space, your life. You felt possessed, haunted.

The most chilling gift arrived one night when you returned from the gym, muscles sore and mind foggy. As you opened your gym bag, exhaustion turned into cold dread. There, at the bottom of the bag, was an adult toy, pristine and new, packed neatly among your fresh clothes. You froze, the blood draining from your face as you stared at the object, a grotesque reminder that your stalker did not have harmless intent.

You shoved the toy back into the bag, your hands shaking. The violation was complete. You felt dirty, exposed, and utterly helpless. No longer could you convince yourself it was just photos. This was an invasion, a desecration of your very being, reducing you to a bundle of anxiety. You wanted to scream, to tear the base apart looking for the monster who was doing this to you. But you couldn't.

You had to stay composed, had to keep your fear hidden. You couldn't let him win. You were strong, you were composed, unaffected. You were a soldier through and through - trained to withstand physical and emotional torture. You had seen battles, blood, war. But this felt different. This felt personal and twisted in ways you never thought possible.

The gifts continued, each one more disturbing than the last. The air around you grew thick with tension, with the whispers of your colleagues. They noticed the change in you, the way you jumped at shadows, the way you avoided being alone. Gossip spread like wildfire, and you became the subject of hushed conversations.

Your decision to share a bunk with Johnny and Kyle was the latest topic of gossip among the soldiers. As you walked through the hallways, their knowing looks and hushed whispers followed you. You could hear the snide comments and speculations: "She must be sleeping with both of them," some said. "She's just using them," others whispered.

But the truth was much more complicated and painful. You had opened up to Johnny and confided in him about everything, and he had no complaints when you moved yourself in. Kyle, too, had been a supportive presence during all the chaos. But the rumours still hurt, making you feel dirty and betrayed by the very people you were supposed to trust and protect, the very people you had stitched back together and fought amongst.

You tried to ignore it all and keep your head held high, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. The gifts, photos, and gossip were chipping away at your armour, slowly breaking you down. You felt like you were losing yourself, your tough exterior crumbling away piece by piece.

Every night, as you lay in the dark on the cold floor of Johnny and Kyle’s room, you could feel the weight of the silence pressing down on you. You could hear the steady breathing of your friends, a reminder that you weren't entirely alone. But even their presence couldn't chase away the nightmares that haunted your sleep. You were trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear and paranoia, and you couldn't see a way out. The walls of the base seemed to close in around you, the shadows growing longer and more menacing with each passing day. You were a prisoner in your own mind, tormented by an unseen enemy who took pleasure in your suffering.

Your stalker manifested himself only in your dreams - nightmares - as a shapeless, formless terror that defied comprehension. Its presence was palpable, a malevolent force that permeated the air with dread. It moved with fluid grace, slipping through the darkness behind your eyes like a spectre. It haunted every part of you.

The nightmares were always vague, a cryptic dance of shadows, whispers, and taunts. They flowed into one another like watercolors, vivid and terrifying before bleeding into an indistinguishable blur when you woke. But you knew they were always some variation of your dissection, taking you apart incrementally.

The tearing of an arm, releasing stitching and stuffing and tugging fabric apart as if you were nothing but a doll. A beast tearing apart your skin, flaying back muscle and tissue to peer at your vulnerable insides.

The worst nightmares of them all was when your stalker took the form of something distinctly masculine, breaking you apart from the inside, bludgeoning and forcing your body to accommodate to his - carving out a space inside of you, breaking you, moulding you. Taking apart all your pieces to build you into something else. He played with you, sending pangs of discomfort and pain down to your very core, striking with surgical precision at your most sensitive places. Every inch of you was violated, every boundary crossed.

You couldn't even find refuge in sleep anymore. Fear followed you, taking hold and refusing to let go, festering inside of your soul.

Your world narrowed to survival - surviving the next day, the next hour, the next minute. The descending madness came in waves, crashing over you with each new gift, each new photo. The world became a blur of camouflage uniforms and concrete walls, punctuated by the sound of gunfire and explosions during drills. Your mind was a battleground, and you were losing.

—

You're on edge, constantly looking over your shoulder in the barracks or the mess hall, your thoughts consumed by the horrors that haunt your dreams. You can almost taste the fear in the back of your throat every morning as you wake up, dry and chalky like old concrete. Your eyes dart around swiftly, scanning for any sign of movement or unusual behaviour from your fellow soldiers. But they go about their duties with the same quiet determination you've grown accustomed to; their muscular, trained physiques moving with precision as they run drills and clean their weapons. Some of them give you a nod or a grunt of acknowledgment, but mostly they keep to themselves, lost in their own thoughts or joking around like it's just another day. It feels like a trap sometimes—this forced normalcy when everything feels so twisted and off-kilter underneath.

During downtime, you try to find solace in conversation with Soap, sharing cigarettes and stories from home between drags on your smoke. He listens intently, his brow furrowed in concern as he takes long drags himself, but there's always something distracted about him now, a shadow haunting his usually bright blue eyes. You know he feels it too; something's not right among Task Force 141 these days. The whispers around the base are getting louder, more insistent as night falls and the lights are dimmed—rumours about your work, your prior proclivities, your health.

As you meticulously stitch up a soldier's wound—an accident during drills, he'd claimed—your focus is solely on the task at hand. The sterile scent of antiseptic fills the small med bay, mingling with the coppery tang of blood. Soap stands a few feet behind you, his presence a silent reassurance, but his attention elsewhere.

Without warning, the soldier speaks up, his words cutting through the sterile silence like a jagged knife. "So, all three 141 sergeants," he sneers, mockery dripping from his voice. "Must be cozy, huh? Three's a crowd, if you ask me."

Anger simmers beneath the surface, all of your emotions on a hairpin trigger, but you force yourself to remain calm and focused as you continue your work. "It’s nothing like that," you reply evenly, trying to keep your voice steady.

The soldier smirks, clearly enjoying getting under your skin. "Oh, come on, Stitches," he taunts. "Don't play innocent with me. We all know what's going on. You open your legs for the whole task force?”

Soap's presence behind you is a silent anchor, but you can feel the tension radiating off him. You know he's listening, but you also know he trusts you to handle the situation.

Taking a deep breath, you try to suppress the surge of anger threatening to consume you. “Open your mouth one more time, and I’ll have you written up for insubordination,” you say through gritted teeth, maintaining a facade of calm professionalism. "Need I remind you I outrank you, corporal?"

But the soldier isn't done yet, his words like poison arrows aimed straight at your heart. "There’s no need for that," he purrs with a sneer. Cold fingers trail up your arm, dancing along the sleeves of your coat, sending shivers down your spine. "You can come to my quarters tonight and I'll make sure to properly thank you.”

The words hung in the air like a thick fog, suffocating and heavy. Your mind was a chaotic storm of violence and anger, urging you to take action. Put your scissors into his thigh. Dig the scalpel deeper into his flesh. Pluck at his veins with the tweezers. Force a camera to his face and document every second of his pain.

The snap of your gloves being removed breaks through the tense silence, shattering the eerie atmosphere. With calculated calmness, you discard the nitrile gloves into a nearby bin before turning to wash your hands. Then, with a nonchalant hum, you search through drawers and cupboards until you retrieve a suture kit and gauze, offering it to the soldier.

"You're right," you smile sweetly, ignoring the twitch in your cheek. "I slept my way to the top." You extend the sterile suture pack towards him once again. "So you'll have to find someone else to stitch you up, because the only thing I'm good for is my cunt."

The smirk on the soldier's face falters as he stares at the suture kit in your outstretched hand. Soap chuckles behind you, releasing some of the tension in the room.

"Och, laddie, I dinnae think ye want ta push yer luck with Stitches here," he drawls in his thick Scottish accent. "She's not one to be messin' with.”

"Wrap it up tight before you leave. I don’t want your blood on my floor,” you gestured to the gauze, “Then you have to cut off the lifted skin and stitch it up, corporal. It should only need three or four stitches. Easy, really. Now, if you don't mind," you say coolly, "I have more important things to do.” Like keeping down the bile threatening to erupt from your throat.

The soldier reluctantly takes the suture kit and gauze roll from your hands and begins wrapping up his wound. You purposely ignore his struggle to sit up from the bed and his wince as he presses against the bandage on his thigh.

"Aye, Sergeant," he grumbles. "Sorry for causing any trouble."

You purposely disregarded his struggle to get up from the bed, the pained expression on his face, and how he kept a hand pressed against the wrapping on his thigh. The weight of your emotions were too heavy to bear as you turned your back on the soldier, acutely aware of the pain he was still in. The sound of the doors closing was a final release, allowing you to finally let go and surrender to the tears that had been threatening to consume you the entire time.

You sank down onto the nearest stool, head in your hands, and let the sobs wrack your body. Soap was there in an instant, a hand on your shoulder.

You couldn’t keep doing this. Someone was taking a chisel to your psyche, chipping away piece after piece, uncaring for the spiderwebbing cracks splitting your skin. You’d lost your privacy, your sanity, your friends and colleagues and your morals.

You couldn’t afford to lose any more parts of yourself.                            

[hymnserendipity]

Iwaizumi comforting you

Mention of insecurity, mention of selfshaming, no gender mentioned, Age up

If there was one thing Iwaizumi never checked was the photos after he took them, but at one point while you were looking at a view and he took out his phone to take a selfie he noticed that you immediately put your hair in front of your face. It wasn't something you really wanted to talk about, because nothing could change your opinion of your appearance. Your cheeks simply had too many pores exposed even with makeup, your teeth looked a little crooked, the dark circles under your eyes were heavy, your eyes always looked weird in photos and overall you thought you had a gorge and your face was disgusting, even if after washing your hair you felt beautiful, but taking pictures of yourself had always been a weak moment for you.

He also noticed that whenever you took pictures together, you always covered your face. It started to make him curious and he'd never seen your pictures without your hands obstructing your face. He couldn't help but wonder why you always did that. Then Iwaizumi looked at you, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"Why you always cover your face when we take pictures together?" "Oh... I do it when i take a picture alone too." He raised his eyebrows slightly, more puzzled than before.

"You do it all the time? even when you're alone?" "Yes." He frowned slightly, his curiosity growing and he squeezed your hand gently.

"Why you feel the need to cover your face?" "I... I feel ugly. I'm too ugly to take pictures." His expression softened as soon as you spoke, his heart aching at your words. He gently pulled you closer to him, wrapping his arms around you.

"Love, no. You're not ugly. You're beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, inside and out" "Hmmm thanks love." He gently caressing your hair and could tell that you still didn't believe him.

"I mean it, love. You're beautiful. I don't know how you could ever think otherwise" "I just... Can't even look at my face." His heart broke at your words, his arms tightened around you.

"No, don't say that. You're not ugly. You're perfect. I wouldn't lie to you."

Maybe, maybe, maybe maybe if he keeps saying that and pecking you on the face you might start showing yourself more in pictures.

[eddie-stinks-munson]

Home- Eddie Munson

Prompt: "Accidental Hand Touching" Eddie Munson x Reader Word Count: 759 Tags: Angst, Comfort Reader is not gender specific, no y/n, descriptions of The Upside Down A fic to christen my new laptop

---

A sense of dread permeated every inch of this place, and it built with every step that you took. Seeping into your pores, and gnawing at your heart.

The Upside Down looked familiar, but didn’t feel that way at all. You’d walked these woods in the waking world more times than you could count. They had become a comfort to you over time, the sights, and smells felt like home. But here, nothing felt right. The air was acrid and the space, no matter how full of trees and vines, felt empty, almost liminal. Like you were on the precipice of something, and whatever it was, was worse than you could ever imagine.

Your throat began to tighten, and sweat collected on your brow as you stared down at your feet. They were moving, slowly and carefully avoiding each wretched, gnarled looking vine that stretched over the forest floor. But you didn’t feel like it was you that was moving them. It felt like there was someone else in control of your body, and you were just watching, paralyzed and panicking, from the passenger seat. 

Something brushed against your hand, and you snapped right back into yourself. You looked to your left, heart pounding so hard in your ears it made your head throb. Frantically looking for the next terrible thing this place had in store. 

When you looked down you realized it was the frayed hem of Eddie’s shirt. You were so lost in the horrors around you, you’d forgotten that Eddie was even here. Your terrified eyes met his, and his brows furrowed in concern.

“Are you alright?” He asked, not at all expecting a truthful answer. Of course you weren’t alright, none of you were. You were in Hell. But he had to ask, perhaps he was being a little selfish, but he needed to hear the comforting sound of your voice. 

“Yeah,” You lied, more to yourself than him before setting your eyes back on your feet. You tried to focus on the heat of Eddie’s body next to yours, rather than the cold, emptiness of the world around you. 

As you walked on you tried to think of other things, familiar things, but it was nearly impossible. It felt like you were lost in the plot of a horror movie, with no way out. The darkness of the Upside Down surrounded you, and made you feel small. Dwarfing any other thought or emotion that entered your mind. It was almost as if the entire place was a monster itself, lying in wait to swallow you whole. 

Just as the panic began to consume you again, you felt Eddie's knuckles, warm and calloused, brush against yours. A sense of calm washed over your body at his touch. You felt something familiar again, a piece of home. The relief was visceral, it coursed through your veins and grounded you, making you feel real again. 

His hand brushed against yours once more, this time with more purpose. The feel of your skin against his was more comforting to him than he could ever put into words, and the look of terror on your face made his heart sink. 

You chased the peace that you found in his touch. Lacing your fingers with his so tightly your knuckles turned white, and your fingers tingled. Eddie squeezed your hand back, tight and reassuring. As he squeezed, you felt your heart rate slow down for the first time since you had jumped off that goddamn boat. 

You tried to walk forward but Eddie stopped, and pulled you back into him. He needed to steal a moment with you, he was beyond terrified he may never get the chance to again. So he tilted your chin up and forced you to look at him; and in an instant the world around you disappeared. 

The warmth of his hands made their way to either side of your face. Then his thumbs gently brushed at the plush of your cheeks underneath your eyes, and for a moment you felt serene. 

“I’ve got you,” he whispered confidently, before pressing a firm kiss to your dirty forehead. He took a second to breathe you in. Despite everything, your scent still lingered, giving him succor and solace exactly when he needed it most. 

“I know,” you replied, wrapping your arms tightly around his waist, finally feeling some semblance of reassurance. You may have been a hair's breadth away from certain death but at least you had Eddie. As long as you had Eddie, you were home.

[blossomkochhararomaaagic]

Transform Your Hair with Aroma Magic's Essential Oils

As with your skin, keeping hair in good condition is also a combination of caring for it on the outside and nurturing it from within with a balanced diet and the use of essential oils. If you are on a quest for healthier, more vibrant, and beautiful hair then, Aroma Magic Essential Oils is the solution for it. By integrating essential oils into hair care routine, anyone can address a multitude of hair concerns while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy.

Here’s how you can transform your hair using Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic’s Essential Oils.

Rosemary Essential Oil helps stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, which boosts hair growth. By strengthening the hair follicles, it can help reduce hair fall and prevent thinning. Its antimicrobial properties help combat dandruff and scalp infections.

How to Use:

Scalp Massage: Mix a few drops of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and massage it into the scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo. This routine can be done twice a week for optimal results.

Hair Rinse: Add a few drops of rosemary oil to a cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing to revitalize your scalp and leave your hair smelling fresh.

Lavender Essential Oil can improve blood circulation, promote hair growth, and reduce hair loss. The calming properties of lavender help reduce stress, which is often a factor in hair loss. It helps moisturising and condition the hair, making it soft and manageable.

How to Use:

Overnight Treatment: Mix lavender essential oil with almond oil and apply it to the scalp and hair before bed. Wrap hair in a towel or wear a shower cap to protect the bedding. Wash hair in the morning. This deep conditioning treatment can be done once a week.

Hair Mist: Create a hair mist by adding a few drops of lavender oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray it on the hair to keep it fresh and fragrant throughout the day while also reaping the conditioning benefits.

Cedarwood Essential Oil can balance the oil-producing glands in the scalp, making it beneficial for both dry and oily scalps. It helps increase circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Its antiseptic properties help maintain scalp health by preventing infections.

How to Use:

Scalp Massage: Dilute cedarwood essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing.

Shampoo Enhancement: Add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to the shampoo to enhance its ability to clean and nourish the scalp.

Dry Hair Essential Oil Treatment

Dry hair is sometimes rough to touch and thin or sometimes thick in texture. It is susceptible to tangles, damage, break and split ends. The primary aim is to replenish oil and moisture in the hair. The emphasis is on conditioning.

Protein Conditioner for chemically treated and moisture dry hair

Castor Oil - 1 tbsp

Almond Oil - 1 tbsp

Glycerin - 1 tbsp

Vinegar - 1 tsp

Protein Powder - 1 tsp

Sandalwood Oil - 4 drops

Apply on the hair and leave for half an hour. Then shampoo out. Use a conditioner.

Special Massage Oil

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

1 tbsp Castor Oil

1 tbsp Sesame Oil

1 tsp Lavender Essential Oil

Warm the oil by placing the container in a bowl of hot water. Massage into the scalp. Wrap a hot towel around the hair. Leave it on for half an hour and rinse off.

Oily Hair Essential Oil Treatment

Oily hair looks dull, lacks body and will not hold a style. Avoid using harsh shampoo, cleanse hair and scalp with a mild shampoo often to remove excess greasiness. Patchouli Essential Oil is good for an oily scalp. So before you shampoo your hair, take 1 tablespoon of water with 10 drops of patchouli essential oil. With finger tips apply this all over the scalp and hair. Now shampoo your hair as you normally do.

Normal Hair Essential oil Treatment

Normal hair is healthy and has a lot of bounce and shine. An occasional hot oil treatment will keep this hair in good condition.

Hot Oil Treatment

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp castor oil

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 drops of rosemary essential oil

Mix together and massage into the scalp and hair for a few minutes. Wrap with a hot towel for 20 minutes and then shampoo.

Adding essential oils into hair care routine can bring about remarkable changes. Essential Oils are an excellent choice for promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, and maintaining a healthy scalp. Say goodbye to hair woes and hello to luscious, healthy locks with Aroma Magic's essential oils! Blog Source: https://aromamagic.com/blogs/post/transform-your-hair-with-aroma-magics-essential-oils

[urfavnegronerd]

all right u obscene fucks some of you don't have a skincare-obsessed sister and it shows

alright so anyone who shaves their no no square is going to know what im talking about so just bare with me. some of us are too broke to afford a wax (i have eight dollars in my spending account rn), so here's what ur gonna do. everyone whos shaved that area has most definitely experienced irritation, ingrowns, bumps, and itchiness. this is not good, especially for those of us with a history of sh. that alone has triggered multiple relapses for me, cus why does my body itch? and then my brain spirals from there

if its been a while since u've shaved? no worries stink i didn't use to be regular either. if its been a while and you have a bit more hair, make sure to trim the area carefully, with a sanitized pair of scissors.

dry brush the area, you can get a dry brush at target, i got mine for five dollars

gently exfoliate the area, i use a home made one w sugar, oil, and dr bronners unscented soap. i use unscented because i have keratosis pilaris, eczema, and sensitive skin. use unscented soap, not no Japanese cherry blossom ass shit from bath and body works. do you want a yeast infection? unscented is the way to go.

get clean razor, i switch mine out every month or so. i use harrys because they're marketed towards men so a closer shave w more blades. before u do anything w the razor, run it under warm water, if the pressure in your showerhead changes switch it to the highest pressure and rinse the blade to get any gunk out of there

drop the shaving cream, the conditioner, whatever u use. drop it. switch for coconut oil instead, unscented as to not irritate the area.

at first go with the direction of hair growth, stopping to rinse the razor and the area every few strokes. then go side to side, and up and down.

as soon as ur finished rinse the area with freezing water as to close/tighten the pores!!

when ur out of the shower use either after shave, or witch hazel. i like to use aqua velva after shave, it smells nice, and also marketed towards a male audience so it actually fucking works. pour a little bit on a cotton round, wash rag, or toilet paper and apply it to the area. it'll sting a little bit, but that's the tightening and toning of the area, don't worry. for those of my afab friends do not put it in there. only on the skin outside of it!! no one wants a yeast infection, or a uti, we don't do that here. (however if you do get a uti or yeast infection, boric acid suppositories at target, azo cranberry tablets and apple cider vinegar tablets. do what you will with that. miasaurus on youtube has great videos on these topics, an ex-stripper and also incredibly funny) tend skin is also a great option but really expensive, when my parents were together my mom got my bald-headed ass daddy a big thing of tend skin for his birthday.

moisturize with unscented lotion, i use cetaphil on that area and coco butter everywhere else

in the showers following ur shave down there, use a salicylic acid face wash on that area. i use cerave because i got it cheap with ulta points, i would recommend cerave because it's formulated with ceramides to keep your skin barrier healthy as well as being unscented. salicylic acid is an acne medication that also helps prevent ingrown hair and itchiness.

moisturize moisturize moisturize!

repeat as necessary friends! go fuck that person bald down there. or don't, whatever floats ur boat. if you wanna be smooth down there (cus its fucking comforting), go be smooth if you wanna!

my mom or my older sister did not teach me this, so i had to figure out what works too embarrassed to ask for help.

[diamondherpanacine]

November is National Skincare Month

Here are some healthy tips to support your skincare routine in November, and every month.

Wash up. Use warm water, not hot. Wash gently, don’t scrub. Take shorter showers. Longer showers tend to dry your skin.

Wash your face every morning and night. Always remove makeup before bed. Use skincare products that match your skin's needs. Is your skin oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive? Do you have a skin condition? Use products formulated for you. Avoid scented products, especially if you have sensitive skin or eczema.

Moisturize both night and day. The best times to moisturize are right after you get out of the shower, and right before you go to bed. Toners are a good way to help balance pH levels in your skin. Look for one that is free of irritants like alcohol, fragrance, citrus, menthol, color, and other strong extracts.

Vitamins should go on your skin, too. Serums and creams like Vitamin C are topical antioxidants, and can help nourish the skin. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest, so it shows the first signs of aging. Even in your 20s, preventative care will keep your eyes looking healthy for decades to come.

When applying eye cream, use circular motions to stimulate blood circulation and reduce fluid retention.

Clean makeup brushes thoroughly at least once a week.

Chose water-based hair products as ones made with oils and waxes can clog your pores and create acne.

Be sure to exfoliate once a week. As we age, skin cells turn over at a slower rate than they did in our 20s. Without exfoliating, dead skin cells can build up on your face and body, clogging pores, preventing products from penetrating. This makes your complexion look dull.

Avoid sun damage by wearing sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine. Protect your skin when you’re driving or running errands. UV exposure contributes to signs of aging.

Sun protection doesn't stop at sunscreen - SPF makeup, sunglasses, protective clothing & hats can help prevent damage, which is much better than treating it after the fact.

Don't just watch out for sun, also avoid excessive heat from heaters and fireplaces. It can also wreak havoc on your skin causing inflammation and collagen breakdown.

Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps. They emit the same harmful UV radiation as the sun.

Drink plenty of water. Drinking water can improve your complexion, help prevent wrinkles and tighten your pores. Dehydrated skin will result in dry, tight, flaky aging skin.

Drinking green tea is also good for your skin as it helps reduce inflammation, improve elasticity, and can help protect you from sun damage. It also promotes cellular repair.

Avoid alcohol because alcohol dehydrates the skin. This causes wrinkles and inflames tissue in the skin. Don’t smoke - People who smoke often age prematurely, have uneven skin coloring and deeper wrinkles.

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of maintaining healthy skin. Eat blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, kale, dark chocolate and other foods that are high in antioxidants.

Avoid sugar spikes as they damage collagen that keeps skin youthful. Proteins in your skin also react poorly to excessive sugar and cause your skin to age faster. In addition, avoid processed foods. They can cause inflammation and damage collagen and elastic fibers in your skin.

Eat healthy fats such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil. They contain antioxidants that help keep skin cells healthy. Omega 3-fatty acids that are primarily found in fatty fishes such as salmon, mackerel, and herring can keep the skin supple and moisturized. Omega-3 supplements are important too!

Avoid excess sodium (salt) in your diet. Sodium can suck the moisture out of skin and leave it dull and dry.

Reduce stress. It can take a toll on nearly every part of your body, including your skin. Treat yourself! Whether it's a facial, massage, or even a pedicure, be sure to pamper yourself to help promote stress relief and relaxation.

Exercise to help boost blood flow, which also ensures that your skin is getting the oxygen and the nutrients it needs to be healthy.

Get enough sleep. Experts recommend about 9 hours a night for teens and 7-8 hours for adults. Try sleeping on clean, silk pillowcases and sheets. The material glides easily over the skin and helps prevent creasing and wrinkles. Sleeping in certain positions may result in sleep lines. After a while, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles, so hit the sheets on your back first.

Visit your dermatologist regularly for a full body skin exam to help detect skin cancers. Early detection of skin cancer can save your life.

Sanitize your phone. Pressing it up against your face after touching it with unwashed hands can spread bacteria and clog pores on your face. It can also cause painful pimples.

To kill the bacteria, try cleansing wipes with hydrogen peroxide and wipe down all surfaces of the phone regularly.

Take vitamins because healthy skin starts on the inside! Though you may not associate vitamins with your skincare routine, taking Herpanacine Skin & Immune Support daily is a simple thing you can do for your skin. Vitamin E protects the skin against free radicals and inflammation. Beta Carotene can help brighten your skin tone and increase yourskin's production of collagen and elastin. Herpanacine’s superior formulation of eleven powerful vitamins, herbs and powerful antioxidants do that, immune support and much more for your skin!

[raisareigns]

TIMING: Late January LOCATION: The Mushroom Circle PARTIES: Raisa and Wyatt (and a fussy faun) SUMMARY: Raisa and Wyatt (@loftylockjaw) were both looking for a little entertainment, never mind that Wyatt was already entertained when Raisa arrived. CONTENT WARNINGS: None

Raisa stepped inside, the warmth of the bar soaking in compared to the cold creeping in behind her. She took a deep breath, letting the room and its inhabitants wash over her. She wasn’t hungry, wasn’t looking for anyone in particular to inspire and feed on, but something pulled her toward this main room. Normally she’d slip behind that employee door and let the dance floor pull her along with whatever another fae wanted for their night. 

Instead she wandered over to the bar and slipped onto an empty stool. Raisa ordered herself a drink and sipped on it. The grenadine pool sitting at the top was overly sweet. She focused on it anyway. If she hadn’t wanted something sweet, she’d have ordered gin instead anyway. After allowing herself to bask in that moment, Raisa turned on her stool to observe the room as a whole, taking in faces tucked into corners, trying to hide, clearly letting go, and any number of all too human experiences. Nothing like an evening at a place like this to give a cross section of everything.

Eventually Raisa looked a little closer to home and met the eyes of a man sitting two seats away from her. Raisa tilted her head, observing him back. “Not polite to stare,” she teased, though Raisa herself was staring plenty.

—

He'd seen her walk in, and immediately she'd caught his attention. That wasn't to say that there weren't plenty of beautiful people in this establishment, quite the contrary, but it was something in the way she carried herself that piqued his interest. At any rate, it had Wyatt slipping away from the person he'd only met twenty minutes prior, excusing himself for ‘just a moment’ to instead make his way over to the bar. He sat a couple seats over and ordered himself another Old Fashioned, keeping a quiet eye on her as she received her drink and sipped at it, gaze raking over the room of potential company. 

She must have felt his gaze on her because she eventually turned to him, and the little smirk she wore made his heart flutter in his chest. “Beggin’ your pardon, miss,” he offered, tapping a finger against his glass and returning the knowing smile. “Won't do to forget my manners.” He extended a hand to her hopefully, leaning across the empty space between them. “Wyatt Barlow, at your service. Can I buy your next drink as an apology?”

Before she could answer, the young man he'd abandoned came sidling up beside Wyatt, resting a hand on his shoulder and narrowing his eyes at Raisa. He could tell she was fae, because he himself was a faun, and he'd just warmed the lamia up enough to start making a meal of him. The lamia who, of course, was none the wiser. 

“Who's your friend?” the faun asked silkily, to which Wyatt gave a patient but challenging glance. 

“I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name,” he responded, looking up at the man with a raised brow. It was true, which seemed to annoy the faun. He let out a tense laugh, his grip on Wyatt’s shoulder tightening. The tight, polite smile he flashed Raisa's way was more a warning than anything—this was his dinner. 

“I'm afraid he's spoken for, love,” the faun insisted, and Wyatt looked puzzled. This was a first. 

—

Raisa didn’t consider herself easily swayed, but she did give into charm when it seemed like a prosperous thing to do. And this man had charm oozing from every pore. She flashed him a smile and shifted, starting to put her hand out to shake his. Wyatt. A nice name. In her mind’s eye, Raisa could see the way the rest of the evening would play out, the kind of potential it could have. 

Instead a self-righteous fae came crashing into her vision of the night with that possessive little hand on her new friend’s shoulder. Really Raisa couldn’t imagine the gall. He seemed intent on spinning Wyatt back into his web, but if someone escaped once–and so easily–she would have thought he’d had the sense to realize his cause was a lost one. 

She flashed the faun a much more cutting smile to mirror the one he offered her, leaning forward, mindful of those listening ears at the center of this accidental tift Raisa had found herself in. That hadn’t been in her plan for the night, but then again, neither had rolling over to someone a little too mighty for his own good. “Spoken for?” she repeated. “My, I didn’t realize his time was so precious that it was a competition.” Because she could, Raisa winked in Wyatt’s direction, partially because she thought he’d find it funny and partially to rile up the fae. 

“We’re just having a conversation.” This time Raisa did turn her attention to Wyatt. “You’re welcome to stay and join us, but forgive me for assuming that our friend here can make his own choices on who he’d like to speak with.”

—

Beaming as Raisa winked and then came to his defense, Wyatt decided to lean into the bizarre situation, finding it to be pretty entertaining, if not endlessly flattering. “Well don't I just feel like the Belle of the ball,” he chuckled. His bright blue gaze drifted upward to find the faun’s, half-lidded and just daring the other to make a scene of this. “Look, I told you where I work, didn’t I? If you wanna get uppity about losin’ the bid for my attention tonight, take it up with me at the restaurant, hm?” He gave the fae a smarmy grin, taking his hand and pressing a kiss to his knuckles before giving a lazy, four-fingered wave that sent the other away again with an indignant huff. “Ta-ta!” he called after him, sighing dramatically and shaking his head as he looked back to his newer friend. “So sorry about that, ma cherie, I guess some people just don’t take rejection quite so well as others! Now, I think you were about to tell me your name, and that you’d love to let me buy your next drink…” 

—

Raisa watched the faun’s face carefully. As mysterious a reputation as all fae could have, she knew they couldn’t all keep it together. Here was the proof just now as a delicious string of emotions from outrage to hurt to resignation crossed the poor thing’s face. She suspected he wouldn’t have given up the fight so easily, but with the mood soured, he’d have to start his work over anyway. Besides, whether or not he realized it, Wyatt had offered up an opportunity to become a future meal instead. And what a coincidence that he apparently worked at a restaurant when that was his offered up location.

Something about that tugged at Raisa’s memory, and she mentally sorted to figure out what it was. Something about food and Wyatt’s face. As he turned his attention back on her, those pieces slotted together, and she readily offered him a smile.

“I do believe I was,” she agreed. “Raisa. We never had that dinner, but it would seem that drinks are a welcome substitute.” She angled her head to the side, letting her hair drape down toward the bartop. Perhaps some would have been put off by his easy flirting and with the faun in front of her too to get rid of him, but Raisa had never particularly cared about such semantics. She was here to have a little fun. What a pleasure that she’d managed to reconnect with someone else who seemed to want the same.

—

Realization manifested itself as a widening grin and raising brows, and Wyatt seemed delighted by this development. “Never say never, my dear. This is just a preview. And without a fish burger in sight!” He chose that moment to move from his barstool to the one next to hers, settling in beside her with an air of self-assuredness. “Raisa. Raisa, I’ve never heard that name before. Where’s it from?”

Her body language was promising, at least. She’d not gotten irritated at the arrival of the young man now staring daggers at them from across the club, nor had Wyatt’s dismissal of him sent her away from the bar. She was interested, and she didn’t mind a little competition. That was good. Many things in Wyatt’s life boiled down to competition, and vying for his attention was certainly not the least of them. 

—

“None indeed,” Raisa agreed and took another sip of her drink. She considered him for a moment, taking in his features. They suited him well, and he carried himself like he agreed. A charming man if ever there was one. 

“It’s Russian,” she said. “Of which I’m not especially, but through my mother’s side. She picked it more because she liked it than a strong national connection.” The longer she lived, the more she understood her mother’s instincts to pick something that wouldn’t rise and fall with baby name trends. She tried to imagine spending eternity as an Elizabeth. Far too many of them to share a name with these days or any others.

“How about you?” she asked. “Any story behind the moniker?” 

—

“I like it, it’s fun to say.” Wyatt could think of a few scenarios where he’d like to be doing something more than just saying it, but mentioning that this early in the game would be in poor taste. Anyway, she was asking him a question, and he was obliged to answer. 

“Ah, well, my mother had a love for the old westerns, you see, and Wyatt Earp was a common fixture among ‘em. He was a tough guy, but a fair one. Used his gunslingin’ to keep law n’ order in Dodge City and Tombstone. Guess she thought it sounded like a strong name belongin’ to someone who’d always do the right thing.” And for that, she’d been wrong. “And Barlow, hell, that’s a name you’ll hear in damn near every town south of the Kentucky border. And most of us are related!” It was an exaggeration, sure… to an extent. While he’d been the only one of his siblings to survive, he had what seemed to be hundreds of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmamans and grandpappies, all in varied degrees of removal. The family tree didn’t make much sense to him anyway. Besides that, if he was honest with himself, there was a good chance his mother had had another child after he’d left as a teen. Maybe more than one, maybe a dozen, if they lacked the killer instinct he seemed to have from the moment he’d hatched. 

His glass was empty so he waved down the bartender to get a replacement, and one for Raisa as well. “Hey, after I make good on my word,” Wyatt nodded at her glass, “we could find someplace with fewer angry rejects around to… get to know one another.” He wasn’t fully suggesting that they bail on public spaces fully, because he knew how that might appear, but he wouldn’t mind a change of scenery, even if it was just for a different bar. “What d’you think?”

—

Raisa’s fond smile was genuine. “Thank you,” she said, biting her tongue before letting out any innuendos. They were just having a polite conversation so far. It wouldn’t do to be too forward. Instead she listened to the story of his name, chuckling slightly as she imagined him as some kind of gunslinging cowboy himself. She could see it. “Sounds like your mother wanted you to have a name worth remembering.”

Nodding graciously, Raisa took a sip of the new drink as it landed in front of her. She raised a brow at his suggestion and considered it carefully. She could take care of herself just fine if his vibe changed when they weren’t in such a crowded place, but perhaps that was good. As long as they remained in a fae bar, the odds of someone else trying to snoop in probably weren’t small. Plus, his attention had wandered once in her favor. Even if she had the sensibilities to believe she could keep him from doing so, Raisa would hate to give him the opportunity to wander again. “I could be persuaded,” she said rather than an outright yes, but Raisa still slipped off her stool to stand. She took a longer drink, not quite finishing it but making good progress. “Take me where you want to go, cowboy.”

[madam-mitsume2023]

If MC became a Giant.

You and Solomon were working together on a plant growth potion so plants have a chance. But it looked like your favourite beverage. So you drank it. You felt weird and your clothes tightened more and more, you also were getting taller. It worked but you ran outside so the school isn't destroyed. After what seemed like an eternity. You stopped growing but you were far away and had no clothing on so you went to the forest and used the surrounding trees to cover you. You were upset. The brothers heard and felt thumping. They needed to make sure you were safe as students were locked up in their respective classrooms and you weren't. What if a beast took you?! Oh no... They looked around the school but you were nowhere in sight. Eventually they followed the footprints in demon form and were shocked.

There you were, bigger than all the witches demons angels and Humans in their forms stacked on top of each other. They all came to your aid and got you resided into your personal dorm for the time.

Lucifer

Lucifer came over, he checked on you everyday and had Solomon making the cure. But he flew to your bed since you were asleep, he usually could wake you up easy but now you are larger than your school's population he had to try harder, he tried saying your name into your ear but that didn't work, he tried jumping on your body, no avail, he opened your eye lids and he even tried to tickle you and that didn't work. With one idea left, he used his wing and decided to tickle the nose. With one swipe, your eyes shot opened as you nearly sneezed the oldest into the wall. You sighed and apologized to recieve a chuckle. You and Lucifer are the perfect president and vice president duo in the school, with him on your shoulder as you patrol.

Mammon

The greedy boi checks on you everyday and like Lucifer tried to wake you up. But he fails as you swoop him into your arms for a cuddle. He squirms to try to get out but in reality, he loved being in your arms. He would often use you as a shield to hide from Luci Loohoo. He would secretly sleep on your cheek or nose after he gave you little pecks

Leviathan

This Weeb, loved it. He would role-play with you as a Titan he was climbing which you giggled. He would feel like his giant waifu/husbando was real. He could even watch anime with you as a cushion for him. Not that you mind anyway. You would also secretly cosplay for him as his favourite character and he would grow more excited.

Satan

He was upset at Solomon but he felt intimidated that you were bigger than him. He would read books on your shoulder and would occasionally read out loud. To anyone who picked on you, his temper would become bigger than you. He is tiny but mighty.

Asmodeus

Bigger or not, he loved you. He could easily get those out of reach areas for when you wash your face and brush your teeth, you bath together as well with him on your chest. He made sure every pore of your skin was cleaned. He sleeps with you as well, you often find him sleeping inside your clothing as he rubbed your skin.

Beelzebub

This gentle giant felt small compared to you now. But he definitely didn't mind, he would share with you and personally feed you as well walking to your lips with the snack you were eating. He would also run laps around you laying down and used you as an exercise partner using your hands or fingers. He would keep you company during the time you are like this.

Belphegor

Belphie here would not care much. But there is a benefit, a cushion. He would sleep on your chest as your heart beat lulled him to sleep, the sound of your stomach growling if he rested on your tummy, your warm and fresh breath if it was the mouth which was rare. He loved feeling your soft skin, soft hair and he loved being in crevices he couldn't be in before.

[its-my-whump]

Whumptober 01

“But now this room is spinning while I’m trying just to fill in all the gaps.” | Swooning |

Hummingbird 01

The sensation under his hands was kind of grounding. It felt good, natural, polished wood. It's surface smoothened over years and years of hands touching it, bottles and glasses brushing over it until it was as soft as it felt. Like stones being rubbed round and perfectly smooth through the rough forces of water.

His fingertips were testing the wood, rubbing up and down just a pinch. His pinky and ringfinger felt sticky and wet. The beer to his right was spilled a bit. Fresh foam still running down that cloudy glass on the outside.

Why had he put his hands down on the bar anyway? It still felt grounding. He didn't know, but he felt like, he needed grounding.

Apparently everything started with that energy drink. Sam was so freakingly tired after 2 weeks on the nightshift. Now, he didn't know, why on earth he came to the club at all. No friendly faces and his drink couldn't wash down the sour taste of failure at all. It tasted awkward too. Great finish for a forthnight, that already sucked.

His heart was hammering and his chest hurt. It felt tight, but after the incedent at work that was probably no surprise.*

The smoothened feeling under his fingertips was gone. Now it felt like it actually was. His hands were touching a dirty counter, touched by countless others, spilled and decorated with who-knows-what. He felt disgusted all of a sudden and pulled his hands away. They went to his pants automatically and tried to get rid of the stickyness by rubbing up and down his tights heavily. The movement brought pain to his left arm again*, his right hand went up there for some support instinctively. He felt dizzy. The room seemed to be tilting a bit.

Actually, it wasn't a plain energy drink, he reminded himself. It was a drink with wodka and energy to flush down his miserable day and frustration.

He hadn't touched booze in over a month. Hadn't had the time or energy to spare. Nevertheless, whatever he was experiencing right now, wasn't alone from fatigue, mixed with energy and alcohol. Something felt off.

The room was spinning a hint too much. His legs were a nuance too unsteady, too fast, after just one half of that tiny glass, that had cost him about a fortune.

The music was just a note too loud. The movements of all these people dancing and pushing themselves through the crowds were really just too hectic. The smoke-filled air was actually much too thick. His chest was a bit too small and unmoving.

Sam felt his jaw tightening, a pinch in his stomach, a bitter taste on his tongue and suddenly nausea was creeping up. He left the remains of his unfinshed drink and pushed himself away from the bar. The urge rising constantly.

The room was spinning even more now without any support from the counter or was it just him swaying? He stumbled towards the restroom. Bodies blocking his way, shoulders touching. This space was just too cramped. Foreign skin, just too hot, touching his naked armes. Goosebums were running up and down those arms. A shiver ran down his spin, he almost lost his footing, if not for countless others keeping him pressed upright inside that crowd. The pinch in his intestines developed into a fullblown cramp.

At the same time, someone was probably trying to blow up a ballon inside his head and the ambient noise was cancled out by his own blood rushing through his suddenly pounding skull. Instantly he felt freezingly cold. In addition cold sweat was summoning under his hairline, threaten to run down his forehead, while the external circumstances should have let him sweat raindrops of hot salty liquid out of every pore.

Noise, smoke, bodies were mixing into a blurry colorful mass, he felt stuck in, as if wading through molasse. The static noise inside his ear canals must have been turned up now. Flashing lights were making him even more dizzy and the effects of a screaming boombox, screwed down to the floor, running waves through his whole body were favoring the sickening feeling in his stomach.

Finally he reached the restroom. His shoulder bumped into the wooden door, which gave path way too easy. His hand instantly flipped from the metallic doorhandle and Sam stumbled towards the nearest stall. He had hardly pushed the next door open, when his knees gave way. Clammy hands grabbed for the bowl to find just some kind of stability.

Two little burritos, he had for lunch this evening, resurfaced ungracefully.

He retched and heaved, while holding onto the ceramic for his dear life. Wave after wave of disgust and pain rolled through his shivering body. His head threatened to explode and he could only manage a desperate attemp to get some vital air in between his insides turning out violantly. Everything was so heavy, all of a sudden his extremities felt like being made out of lead. It actually felt like some vicious maniac had strapped addional weight to every part of his body. He wanted to break down on the spot.

When he found himself dry heaving for the fourth time, his knees, keeping him almost upright over the bowl, finally gave way. He slumbed against the partion wall, first with his right shoulder, than his back, completely drained.

Blood was still rushing through his ears and desperate breaths were his last resort to keep his eyes from closing and blackness taking him into a smoothing embrace. Sam felt more than exhausted, his hands were shaking, while he tried to calm his frantic heartbeat. The bitter taste in his mouth and the sourness in the back of his throat almost let him throw up again. He had turned a bit and his left cheek was now pressed against the hard but still kind of comfortable furface of the partionswall and prevented him from falling to the ground completely. It acted as an anchor, keeping him in the present. But he felt his grip on reality slipping with every - by now - halfcalm breath.

Over his bodyfunctions going haywire, he hadn't registered someone entering the restroom and approaching him. He was just too occupied with existing in this cruel moment.

Sam was slumped, his left cheek felt like sinking into that wall to the next stall. The fresh bruise on his arm or the hurt knee from his last shift this morning, were dull and slightly tingling, but they didn't hurt, like they should have.* He was facing away from the toilet and his legs were spread out in an uncomfortable angle, bearing witness of his misery. They were sticking out under the wall on the other side, feet partly in the next stall on his right.

One shaking hand was holding onto the wall and the other grabbing for his head. He was too weak to neither flush down the remains of his already eaten food, nor to even think about the hand mere minutes ago fingerdeep in fecal bacteria from countless people now touching his own face. Just his fingers pressing down on his skull brought an awkward kind of relief to the pounding behind his eyes. But still the room just wouldn't stop moving. At least the static noise in his ears had gone down noticable.

His heavy lids wanted to close on their own, when he registered a movement. The door to his stall was being opened slowly and completely soundless. Alone watching it move, brought his nausea back up again. The bitter taste intensifying mercilessly.

Lifting his head was too exhausting, but still his eyes followed just out of reflex.

A body came into view. He really couldn't make out more than a body. Figure and height made that shape a man, his head slowly puzzled together. But it all was too much and ultimately the events caught up to him. It was like the world had just stopped spinning and finally the room too. Everything was frozing in this awkward blurry still-life. It felt like his frame was brought to an abrupt stop after a rollercoaster ride. Sam felt his body just giving in, all tension leaving his muscles and shaking extremties, like a drain had been opened.

His face slid down the wall. Next thing, he knew, were cool tilts bringing a kind of heavenly stability, when all went black.

A distant voice reached his ears just before, he was lost into oblivian.

"I already feared, I'd lost you, my little hummingbird."

TBC

Hummingbird masterlist

*explained later (05)

@whumptober-archive