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Rose genetics and the law of unintended consequences (or, ten rose bushes, reviewed)

I have a number of longposts in the backlog, including updates on a number of garden improvement projects I undertook over the winter, but I kept putting off posting them because there kept being Horrors. However, spring is here - in California anyway - and plants wait for no one.

Over the winter of 2025, as a coping mechanism for the aforementioned Horrors, I got really into roses. Because of who I am as a person, deciding what roses I wanted to buy also made me feel obliged to reconstruct the history of rose breeding, just to make sense of the teeming confusion of the tens of thousands of named rose varieties. Humans have been raising roses for food, medicine, and beauty for untold centuries, and so they've really grown up with us. The history of the development of roses, it turns out, is the history of the development of humanity in miniature.

This post has it all: history, some light phylogeny discussion, material analysis of English folk ballads, a conceptual framework for understanding how different kinds of roses vary and why, a #haul breakdown of what bare-root roses I got and what I thought of them, and some philosophical musings on what it means for an organism to be subjected to a long-term selective breeding process, to be remade wholly in the image of human desire. All that, and pictures of roses, under the cut.

My general region of California is considered to have a good climate for roses, much good may it do us. It never gets too hot or too cold, so they essentially never go out of season, and even though our winters are wet, the rest of the year is fairly dry. This is absolutely critical, because the main problem that makes garden roses hard to grow is fungal disease. Modern roses are incredibly susceptible to fungal diseases, which are caused, roughly, by Damp. This has typically been combated with toxic sprays (though there are now less-toxic options) and aggressive pruning regimens.

Needless to say, this is a ridiculous fucking problem for a plant to have. California natives, by comparison, hate irrigation - they have a natural life cycle involving being dry in summer and wet in winter, like California itself, so if you grow them in a climate resembling their natural range, without too much added water, they will be mostly OK. Roses, as far as I can tell, actually hate all water, including rain and humidity, which is much worse because gardeners do not control the weather. If it rains too often after, say, noon, the rose's leaves might get wet, fail to dry off, get a fungal disease, and die. If there is too much fog, or it is humid, as it is in most of the country in the summer, the rose's leaves might get wet &c. If you have a sprinkler system - you get the idea.

Fungal disease can also weaken roses and make them more prone to insect infestations. This is bad because modern garden roses are, without any help from The Weather, already incredibly prone to infestations from aphids, mites, beetles, and a mite-borne disease undescriptively called "rose rosette disease", which produces a habitus that I can only describe as "rose bush eldritch horror".

Now, this may all have you asking one question. Probably, that question is "why are you so obsessed with a plant that wants so badly to die?" I will not be answering this question today. Instead, I will be answering a different question, which is "Why do modern garden roses suck so bad?"

Now, if roses are subject to some manner of curse, then it isn't a family curse, phylogenically speaking. Roses - genus Rosa species extremely miscellaneous - are a member of the family Rosaceae, which contains a massive number of useful and delightful plants. It is possibly the most economically important family of plants next to the brassicas. The rose family brings us not just roses, but apples, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, plums, peaches, apricots, and almonds. And the wild rose, untouched by human efforts, is a lot like a raspberry, actually.

Its flowers have only five petals, in pink or white. It’s got thorny stems that form thickets, and oval (or, technically, lanceolate) leaves with lightly serrated edges. Its flowers are fragrant, which is an adaptation to their long and necessary coexistence with pollinators and other insects - fragrance serves as a chemical signal for insects to "come here" or "go away", depending. The wild rose is hardy, like all wild plants, tolerant of various environmental problems that would kill a garden rose: shade, salt, normal levels of ambient insect and fungal disease pressure, drought, being consistently rained on in the afternoon or evening. It may reproduce asexually from suckers - strong shoots from near the base of the plant - and this makes it able to withstand browsing pressure from e.g. deer. (Put a pin in that.) It also can reproduce in the normal way, by having its flowers pollinated and forming seeds, which are borne in prominent reddish-orange fruits called "hips".

This is not a rose I bought, but here’s Rosa gymnocarpa, a California native rose. It’s a wood rose, so it’s shade-tolerant, and it’s often found in redwood forests specifically, so it tolerates relatively dry soil and very acidic soil.

Honorable mention: Rosa gymnocarpa (wood rose)

Source: Calscape

A raspberry plant in flower, for comparison. Source

The wild rose has another trait, which may be surprising to those who have only ever seen garden roses: it blooms once, usually in the summer. This is typical of flowers, which almost always have a season, for the exact same reason fresh fruit has a season. Flowering plants are on a tight schedule: they need to finish up their blooming, so they can set fruit, so they can get their seeds out before winter, in case the frost kills them off. And mostly we’re used to that: tulips are for spring, so you don't expect a tulip to make a second showing in fall, or to flower continuously throughout the summer. But roses have been bred to do this, and have done it for centuries, for so long we barely remember what it was like when "roses blooming" was a time of year, an event.

It's possible that for most of human history, roses were all the more treasured for being fleeting, which simply isn't an aspect of how we moderns understand roses. I am constantly subjected to traditional ballads at home, both in English and German, so I am very aware that multiple Child ballads mention roses as a way of placing the events of the ballad at a particular time of year. In 'Lady Isobel and the Elf-Knight', a song traditionally associated with May Day, one version of the chorus references the events as occurring 'as the rose is blown'. And at the start of 'Tam Lin', the protagonist meets her fairy lover while plucking a double rose, is "laid down among... the roses red" by him, and finishes the ballad on Halloween night heavily pregnant with his child. The course of the ballad is inextricably intertwined with the course of the seasons, and the bloom of roses is synonymous with early summer. (There's so much symbolism in 'Tam Lin', but especially around roses. Can I interest you in tam-lin.org at this time?)

European religious literature even uses "a rose e'er blooming" as a purely figurative phrase, something impossible and magical enough to be a metonym for the Virgin Mary - but in the modern era, most garden roses are ever-blooming. The perpetual-blooming rose is not the natural state of the rose plant, but a kind of technology that had to be developed. And I don't know, I just think that's neat.

So what have we learned? The wild rose is: once-blooming, tough, possibly shade-tolerant depending on species, very thorny, bearing simple pink or white five-petaled flowers, that are fragrant, pollinator-friendly, and produce fruit readily enough. In short, a practical, normal sort of plant.

The garden rose is…not that. There’s no other way to put this: the modern garden rose is the wild rose, but bimboified.

Now, in case today is your first day on the Internet - well, first of all, welcome, it’s bad here - but secondly, bimboification is a niche fetish where someone is transformed into a hypersexualized version of themselves that is also very stupid. Plant domestication is obviously analogous. I didn’t originate this joke; in fact, I reblogged a joke like this just last week.

Roses are like this but even more so. Like, wheat is clearly bimboified. Its sexual parts (seeds) have been remade, swollen to ludicrous proportions, and wheat is probably worse at being a plant than wild grasses. But we created modern wheat from wild grass because it was more useful that way, and wheat could in theory survive and spread without human cultivation. Roses are Like That purely because we wanted to make them a more perfect decorative object. Centuries of intensive selection pressure for appearance have rendered roses useless as an independent plant: they are so disease-prone they need extensive intervention to even survive, and they are often physically incapable of propagating themselves - one of the basic features of plants! - without human aid. That’s plant bimboification.

Source: Heirloom Roses. This one is called 'Oranges 'n' Lemons. Hardly seems like the same plant!

Here are just a few examples, of what we've done to roses. Humans love rose petals - eating them, distilling them into perfume, smelling them, just looking at them - so the garden rose has massive flowers that are so stuffed with petals that pollinators cannot get at their centers, rendering the rose incapable of reproducing except possibly with the help of a human equipped with a paintbrush. Humans love bright colors, so modern roses come in every color their natural pigments allow. Garden roses are often - though not always - less thorny than their wild cousins, because thorns are inconvenient to humans, and so have been somewhat bred out.

And what’s just as important is what was bred out of wild roses in the process of becoming modern roses - by accident. As mentioned above, modern roses are often useless to pollinators, and, not unrelatedly, can’t reproduce without human help. They often lose their fragrance, if not specifically bred for it. They are very susceptible to disease, because gardeners can keep alive, through sheer stubbornness, plants that natural selection would have culled. Likewise, they need full sun where many wild roses can get by even in the shade of big evergreens, and they can't tolerate nearly as much cold, heat, or salt exposure as their wild relatives.

This 'use it or lose it' thing, by the way, is a general principle of selective processes like plant breeding, or like evolution. If you have two independent traits, A and B, and you select hard for A, then B is likely to gradually drop out of the population, simply because the subset of A carriers that also have B is likely to be small. It's pure statistics. (It essentially is a human-created population bottleneck.) The more intense and ruthless the selection pressure, the stronger the effect. Evolution cares a lot about seed production and hardly at all about color, so wild roses are plain but make enormous rose hips; humans like beautiful roses the color of sunsets, and are indifferent to seed production, so modern roses don’t make hips at all. The failure to select for eventually becomes an implicit selection pressure against.

(Highly-bred organisms are thus less, I guess, well-rounded genetically even before you get to issues of inbreeding, and if you assume there is no biological link between your selected-for traits and other ridealong traits, e.g. domestication syndrome. Genetics is complicated!)

One adapted wild-type trait that - I speculate - was not bred out, due to its direct usefulness to humans, was the ability of roses to grow back vigorously from having leaves or branches removed. This is, it seems to me, an adaptation to herbivore browsing - if you are a rose with minimal regrowth ability, and a deer chews on half your canes, it’s curtains for you. But humans also fully remove half of the canes of their garden roses every winter - it’s critical to controlling the fungal disease that so plagues them. Specifically, pruning improves airflow through the plant, which evaporates the water that keeps falling on the leaves from the sky. (You know. The rain, that roses both hate and need to live.) In some sense, we are acting as caretakers here, shaping the plant in inscrutable ways for its own good. But to the plant, we are basically deer: just another in a long line of animals that want to steal its leaves. Unbelievable! It needs those! Fuck you too, buddy: here’s a faceful of thorns.

Truly, a tale as old as time.

This brings me to my first actual rose review, a kind of bridge between wild roses and the world of cultivated roses.

#1: Rosa rugosa, probably "Hansa"

Source: the author's yard.

This is a sucker - a vigorous young ground-level shoot - from an unnamed rosebush from my mother's house. I say "probably 'Hansa'" because we have no idea what this actually is, only that it is a rugosa hybrid, purchased from an unknown nursery in the Midwest sometime during the Bush administration.

'Hybrid rugosas' are crosses between garden-type roses and a wild rose species called Rosa rugosa, which is native to much of Asia. This particular rose bush has many traits carried over from its wild parent: it's violently fragrant, a glorious sweet-spicy combo that smells to me like childhood and home; it has wrinkly leaves (characteristic of Rosa rugosa in particular); its stems are practically coated in prickles; and it's quite tolerant of shade, drought, and salt (Rosa rugosa is a beach rose).

The main virtue evinced by this rose, derived from its wild parent, is the same reason that it is still here in my garden: it is extremely difficult to kill. My mother, after hearing me say I wanted this specific rose bush at my house the same way it had been at my childhood home, dug up a sucker from her instance, put it in a bag with some wet dirt, carried it by hand on a multi-hour cross-country plane flight, and handed it off to me. Once I received it, I stuck it in a pot, because I was ripping up my lawn and had nowhere to plant it, and mostly forgot about it, because I was busy ripping up my entire lawn. It lost its leaves suspiciously early in the fall. ("That's not good," my mother said, over FaceTime, brow furrowed. "Are the rest of your roses doing that?")

But as the saying doesn't go, "where there's green cambium, there's hope", and I continued to take care of it throughout the winter. I eventually even remembered to put it in the ground. It is now March, and in defiance of the mockery of certain judgemental housemates, who said things like "why do you have a stick in a pot?" and "it's giving 'dead', my guy", this "stick" has now decided to become a rosebush, and has a grand total of (approximately) twenty-five leaves.

Like I said: extremely difficult to kill. It is currently planted 10-ish feet from the base of a redwood tree, a tough environment where some hardy garden-style roses have nonetheless been known to thrive. Given that its resurrection has occurred entirely while it was planted under the redwood, it doesn't seem too mad about its environment.

Review: holy shit, it’s alive???

#2: Zéphirine Drouhin, the "old garden rose"

Source: Heirloom Roses

Rosarians have conceived of many groupings of garden roses, based on known ancestry, phenotype, genetic studies, and Vibes, but one major breakpoint is those bred before 1867, the "old garden roses", and after 1867, the "modern garden roses".

The old garden roses were derived mostly from ancient European and Middle Eastern stock, which had themselves been created from wild roses centuries prior. For example, this is Rosa x alba, an ancient European rose strain; it was used as the heraldic badge of the medieval House of York during the English conflict known as the War of the Roses.

Source: not mine

Some of these roses are perpetual-blooming, a trait introduced as late as the eighteenth century, and which is entirely due to trade contact with China: as far as I can tell, the genes for strong reblooming only come from the Chinese rose-breeding tradition, which was itself centuries old by that point. So the modern Western concept of perpetual-blooming roses as the default kind of rose - like so many other aspects of modernity - is a direct result of Europeans cribbing from everybody else.

Interestingly, France was a major center for rose development during the early modern period. You can see it in the way old garden roses are named: overwhelmingly after some eminent madame or monsieur. This is probably connected to the fact that Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte’s empress, was a rose fiend: she had two hundred and fifty new varieties of rose to be brought to her gardens at Château de Malmaison, which was probably pretty much all the named varieties of rose that existed then, and many of which were new to European cultivation at that time. Again, this represented a massive inflow of rose genes that were previously restricted to other countries or continents entirely. Inextricably, these gardens also represent the proceeds of early modern global trade, and of empire: Napoleon, on campaign abroad, himself sent her hundreds of specimens of flowering plants, and the French navy confiscated plants and seeds from ships captured and sea and sent them to her.

Anyway, Zéphirine Drouhin, created at the end of the "old garden rose" period and named for some now-forgotten madame or mademoiselle, is highly fragrant - one of the few roses said to really perfume the air - with a vibrant but old-fashioned color palette. (Apricot and yellow roses were also characteristic of the Chinese rose gene pool, and so were significantly less common in old garden roses.) Zéphirine Drouhin is also thornless, a rare trait that we nonetheless see in some old-fashioned garden roses, and a few modern garden roses as well.

Old garden roses have a variable but generally good level of disease resistance. Zéphirine Drouhin in particular, gets something of a bad rap for poor disease resistance; English rose breeder David Austin Roses says, tactfully, that it "prefers warmer climates" (versus, one must assume, rainy England) and that "controlling disease can be a problem". By this you should understand them to mean that it is a whiny little pissbaby that constantly gets blackspot, a diva that will defoliate at the drop of a hat (or the drop of, uh, water).

However, unlike certain other newer roses I will mention later, I have found Zéphirine Drouhin to be pretty healthy so far. I received this rose, like many in this post, "bare root", basically a stick, dormant in a bag of wood shavings. Upon being planted in a part-sun area, it has leafed out with only a scattering of aphids to show in terms of disease.

Review: So far, so good. Looking forward to the fragrance.

#3 and 4: 'Mister Lincoln' and 'Fragrant Cloud', the hybrid tea brothers

Remember how I mentioned that 1868 is the breakpoint between "old garden roses" and "modern garden roses"? That year marked the invention of a new type of rose, the 'hybrid tea', that is in some sense THE rose, the ARCHETYPE of a rose. If you ask someone who knows nothing about roses to draw 'a rose' - if you look up clipart of a rose - a hybrid tea rose is what you'll get.

Source: Star Nursery

This is Mister Lincoln, and although it was developed as late as the 1960s, it has the classic hybrid tea rose form. Hybrid teas have a very distinctive shape, described as "high-pointed", with a spiral of unfurling petals that curl at the edges, and they're borne singly on long stems, making them great for cutting and putting into vases and bouquets. They are not always strongly fragrant, and they are not generally very disease-resistant. They come in a very wide variety of colors, intense and subtle. They are reblooming.

Hybrid teas were developed by another East-meets-West cross, when the Chinese tea roses, freshly imported from Guangzhou in the early 19th century, were bred with the old garden roses. Tea roses have the same iconic form as the hybrid teas; they have those unique, pastel shades that were previously quite absent from European rose stocks; they smell like a fresh cup of tea. All these traits they impart to hybrid teas. Hybrid teas have been very popular ever since, and have been subject to a great deal of selective breeding for color and form.

Hybrid teas don't generally spark joy, to me. I find the 'cartoon rose' shape kind of twee, honestly. And the reputation for lack of disease tolerance puts me off. But I heard Mister Lincoln was incredibly fragrant, and that drew me in. Likewise Fragrant Cloud (1967), which also has the charming feature of being a violent neon coral that is allegedly very difficult to photograph.

Source: Heirloom Roses

“It'll be fine," I thought. "How much fungal disease can it get? It's not like it's humid here."

Never again. My trust is destroyed; fuck hybrid teas.

please, my son, he is very sick

This is my poor Mister Lincoln, planted from bare-root in mid-December. It has three different fungal diseases, and also an aphid infestation I can't seem to get it to shake. It looks like one of those diagrams of a liver in a medical textbook that has fatty liver and cirrhosis and liver cancer all at once, just so you can see what all the diseases look like. This is a rose that has every problem! No other rose in this flower bed comes close to having every problem! 'Munstead Wood' is also a modern garden rose (though from a very different lineage - see my review below) and it has no fungal diseases and not a single aphid!

Well, maybe the other hybrid tea I bought is doing better... well, nope, it rained last week and Fragrant Cloud has powdery mildew.

Review: Come on, man.

#5 Unidentified ‘sunset’ rose

I didn’t buy these roses; they came with my house. As a consequence, I have no idea what they are, but I am now intimately familiar with their traits, and I think they are very indicative of both the high and low points of modern garden roses.

On the surface level, the fact that these rose bushes are still with us is an impressive proof of their persistence under adversity. When I bought the house, these roses were being choked to death. Lily-of-the-nile had been planted way too close to them, and then permitted to grow unchecked and undivided for many years; their roots were completely infiltrated and surrounded with lily roots. The lily roots had also damaged the irrigation lines, which were dribbling uncontrolled amounts of water into the shared root zone. So when I excavated these roses, the whole area smelled strongly of rot, with visible mold throughout; the roots were fully wet even in the heat of August. The roses were also infested with blackspot, not surprisingly. I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was too little, too late.

But when they finally got some drainage, some direct sunlight, and some relief from the brutal root competition, they did start growing back, and even blooming. Come winter, I pruned hard, defoliated, and applied neem oil consistently. And they’ve made a comeback!

Source: these blooms are actually my roses.

They bloom, and they’re beautiful. They do this ombre thing, where the buds are bright yellow and as they open they go from yellow, to orange, and finally to red.

The growth is fairly vigorous, with no powdery mildew no matter how rainy it gets. But their foliage definitely suffers from blackspot, and occasional rose rust; the spores are probably ambiently present in the soil now, and they can’t quite seem to defend themselves, even with ample help from organic fungicides like neem oil.

They also have no fragrance. They smell like nothing. And that’s the standard modern garden rose in a nutshell, I think: beautiful color and form, shaky disease resistance, little fragrance. It’s a little sad, honestly.

Review: Okay, this one is really pretty, actually.

Interlude: Pesticides and the law of unintended consequences

So, yeah, you can sort of see how roses got a reputation for being picky divas. I can only imagine how bad this sort of thing must get in places that get (gasp!) rain or humidity in the summer.

Now, having created plants that are too disease-ridden to live, rose-lovers came up with practical and effective solutions to the disease problem they created. For the past century or so, the go-to fix for our increasingly disease-prone rose population has been chemicals: regular applications of synthetic insecticide and fungicide sprays, as well as plenty of fertilizer and herbicide to feed the roses and kill any competing weeds.

However, recall the theme of this post: the law of unintended consequences. In agriculture, the development of modern pesticides and fertilizers has been genuinely miraculous; the Green Revolution is estimated to have saved a billion people from starvation in the latter half of the twentieth century. Saving a billion people! Can you even begin to conceive of what it would be like to save a billion people, even grapple with the moral weight of that act? I know I can't; the number is simply too large for our moral intuitions to handle, I think. So I'm hesitant to bad-mouth pesticides and fertilizers too much.

But they do have massive downsides. Chemical fertilizers leach into the groundwater and cause algal blooms that make entire bodies of water go anoxic, rendering them uninhabitable to fish and the rest of the aquatic food chain. Insecticides are probably responsible for colony collapse, which endangers the pollinators that we rely on for our food supply.

And, well, even if you don't give a shit about the natural world - you are a part of the natural world. You are an animal, with all the frailty that implies. Our bodies use many of the same ancient metabolic pathways as insects and plants; the majority of your DNA is shared with a banana. And because you are an animal, it is very difficult indeed to create an insecticide that will poison other animals without poisoning you too, at least a little. Herbicides are somehow still worse, despite the more distant biological relationship between humans and dandelions: Roundup, for instance, is linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which has led to Monsanto paying out massive legal settlements to cancer patients who used their products.

So if we can't grow roses without coating them in poison, maybe we should just… not do that? Go back to growing super-hardy nearly-wild roses like rugosas, forgoing forever the elegance and sublime color of a modern rose?

Give up this? ‘Glowing Peace’, Heirloom Roses

Not so fast! Maybe this technological problem has a technological solution. If we bred roses so that they sucked, maybe we should just not do that! Make different roses! Make roses that don't suck!

#6-#8, ‘Ebb Tide', 'Eden', and 'Lavender Crush': roses that don't suck

Over the last fifty years, people have become increasingly aware of the impacts of modern lifestyles upon our health and the health of the planet and its ecosystems. So maybe this has made the public less willing to buy roses that need to be treated constantly with toxic sprays. Or maybe it's just that growing disease-prone roses is an enormous pain in the ass. Spray, prune, spray, defoliate, fertilize, spray, fertilize, spray, water - but not too much! Oops, powdery mildew. Defoliate and spray some more.

So the genetic health of the newer varieties of garden roses is greatly improved. The two hybrid teas I struggled with above were bred in the 1960s. All the named rose varieties in this section were bred since the 1990s or later: Eden in 1997, Ebb Tide in 2004, and Lavender Crush, the baby of the group, was introduced in 2016. All of them are vibrantly healthy and quite vigorous; Ebb Tide and Eden are shade-tolerant too, and Lavender Crush is allegedly very winter-hardy. After a scant two months in the ground, they've started to put out flower buds. And they keep some of the glorious color and form of older roses. Look at them!

Source: Heirloom Roses.

I don't mean to say all 20th century roses are bad and disease-ridden. I also have purchased 'New Dawn' (introduced 1930), due to it being the fifteen-dollarest rose at the Home Depot. (My toxic trait is that I am an absolute sucker for a good deal. I don't go into TJ Maxx anymore; it's too dangerous.) 'New Dawn' has all the ancestral, throwback traits I laud here: shade-tolerance, fragrance, disease resistance. It even brings in the pollinators! But it seems to me there's been a noticeable uptick in the quality of newer rose introductions, particularly when it comes to disease resistance. I'm not wired into the professional rose world to know what that is; I'm Literally Just Some Guy. But it's a good trend.

Review: I am so excited for the buds to open, you have no idea.

#9: 'Double Knockout': the 'landscape' rose

Wait, no, I take that back. These roses have too much ease of care. Put some back.

The Knockout rose has one virtue: you cannot kill it with an axe. Literally.

This rose was planted right at the foot of a redwood tree in my garden, because the previous owner of my house was an idiot. This is a terrifically bad setup for roses and redwoods: redwoods acidify the soil, and suck up water and nutrients aggressively, leaving little for surrounding plants, and of course they provide dense shade. Roses hate the acid, the dry and low-nutrient soil, and the shade; this plant never bloomed all last summer. For their part, the redwoods hate having anything planted in their inner root zone - their roots are relatively shallow for such a large tree. This is not a good situation for anyone, so I hacked this rose back to the ground, dug out as much of the root ball as I dared, and in my naivete thought that would be the end of it. Well, it has grown back. Now I am faced with the dilemma of whether to risk root injury to my redwood tree, or just let the rose be, bloomless as it is. Probably the latter is better for the redwood tree, on the whole. Maybe it’ll get choked out if I don’t water it? Anyone’s guess, really.

The category of landscape roses is a 2000s invention. The first Knockout rose was introduced in 2000 after years of intensive selective breeding for being easy-care, free-flowering, and disease-resistant; the similar Drift line was the product of an amateur rose breeder in 2006 to much the same ends. Landscape roses are so named because instead of being demanding prima donnas suited only to those who love roses enough to take on the Rose Tasks, they’re just another pretty shrub in the landscape.

And I will say this for them: in that bad, fungal spore–inundated flower bed I mentioned, my landscape roses (plus Munstead Wood, see below) are notably free of fungal disease.

Also, I think that's leaf tissue proliferating at the center of the bottom left bloom?? A rare but harmless growth disorder of flowering plants.

This comes at a cost, of course, at least if you’re a snob like me. I don’t think landscape roses are very interesting-looking - though of course they come in a wide variety of colors, the better to coordinate with the color scheme of your house! - and they are generally, tragically, without fragrance. While I can’t complain about anything that gets US gardeners to use less pesticides, they are barely roses to me. They are, in fact, the closest roses come to being an inanimate object, a decorative thing you can just plonk down in your garden wherever, like a tacky concrete statue. They’re a commodity; the enchantment is gone. I wouldn’t rip them out where they’re well-sited, but I sure wouldn’t plant more.

Now, this is incredibly mean to people who love landscape roses, but here goes. I’m reminded of a thread from r/Ceanothus, the California native gardening subreddit, that is now burned into my brain. OP asks for a native shrub recommendation, but not just any native shrub. OP wants a native shrub that will grow very tall, but also stay very narrow - 1’ wide in places. OP needs a native shrub that will grow thick and vigorous, to block out their view of the neighbors. OP needs this thing to be evergreen; OP presumably wants low water inputs. And OP needs all this, in a shrub that will grow in full shade.

In fairness, OP was polite about it, and this is a common problem for urban gardeners. The dark, untended canyon between buildings is a very common phenomenon in Californian cities. I too have a narrow, shaded side yard containing a tiny strip of crappy, gravelly dirt, that I’d love to grow something in: how do you think I found this post? Dear reader, I am very much at that devil's sacrament.

And the ceanothusheads of r/Ceanothus tried gamely. But one commenter replied with something that fully changed how I think about gardening:

Source: Reddit

Sometimes, what you need is not a living organism, with its own needs, that will change over time in ways you may not endorse, that interacts with the world around it. Sometimes what you really want is a man-made object. Sometimes what you want to grow in your tall, narrow, lightless, bone-dry side yard, for your privacy requirements, is a fence. And that’s what I think about landscape roses. In Mediterranean and desert climates, as long as there's enough sun, you can always fall back on planting a succulent. But not every location can grow succulents outdoors year-round. In temperate climates, landscape roses could probably be successfully replaced with a particularly attractive boulder. Or, if what you want is a smart-looking, easy-care hedge: consider a fence.

Review: I’d maybe rather plant a fence a succulent.

#10: 'Munstead Wood': the old English rose, reloaded

‘Munstead Wood’, my final acquisition, is a credit to another major modern rose breeding program, this time out of England: David Austin Roses. The main idea of the David Austin rose-breeding project seems to be combining the particular charms of traditional English old garden roses - their fragrance, their romantic, sophisticated forms - with the virtues of modern roses - continuous blooming, a wide range of highly Instagrammable colors - plus disease-tolerance that twenty-first century gardeners now expect. And judging by their singular impact on the contemporary rose market, they seem to have been very successful at that goal. The Reddit reviews are glowing, the forums are abuzz for their hottest new releases (Dannahue restock wen?), their most popular roses are often sold out, and other rose sellers have catalog filters for 'English shrub roses' that allegedly share the looks and fragrance of David Austin's best.

From the author's camera roll. 'I can't believe it's not Dave [sic] Austin!'

Their marketing is also very slick. Their website is very informative, with separate filters for various kinds of roses you might want to buy ('Best for fragrance', 'For a shady spot', 'Thornless or nearly so'), all the rose varieties have literary or historical names or else are named after charming British locations, and are all beautifully photographed in their idyllic show garden, and the prose is carefully engineered to incite lust in the winter-weary gardener. They even do periodic drops of new roses, like a sneaker company.

So last November, I allowed myself to buy one David Austin rose, 'Munstead Wood'.

Source: David Austin Roses

'Munstead Wood' is really gorgeous, I think, blooming in a deep burgundy color. The website claims the fragrance is "Old Rose, with fruity notes of blackberry, blueberry and damson".

An interesting fact about 'Munstead Wood' is that it is actually region-locked. David Austin Roses sells roses in both the US and UK (and maybe other places; sorry I am so American), but the climate of the UK has been changing, with more extreme weather events and even more rain. And you know how it is with roses and the rain. 'Munstead Wood' was no longer able to thrive, and has packed up its little rucksack and gone out to explore the world as a lone vagabond - specifically, America.

So how is it doing here? Great, actually. It may have been rained on every day for the past week, but at least it's not in England, I guess.

'Munstead Wood' has no fungal disease. It looks like it's never even heard of fungal disease. I'm pretty impressed! I can't actually tell you whether the roses are good, but this is a pretty good plant, which is a good start.

Review: I'm holding myself back from buying more David Austin roses right now. God help me, I have two more open full- to part-sun spots in my garden right now.

David Austin, "Lady of Shalott". Call me the Lady of Shalott the way I'm languishing in my tower, gazing only at the mere reflections of the real world (stuck inside, looking at my phone, because of the rain) and am about to throw myself in the river with longing (to be out in the garden)

[honeytonedhottie]

girl exorcism⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🎀

i've been seeing this popping up all over my feed and i wanted to make my own and add some things in my own girl exorcism. all credits to @flowerflowerflo ✨

PHYSICAL ;

take an everything shower so that u can feel like a completely new person

do a face mask for lustrous skin

do the more meticulous beauty regimens such as getting ur lashes done, teeth cleaned, or a professional facial/dermatologist appointment.

follow along with a pilates youtube video or go for a run

schedule a massage appointment

floss and use teeth whitening strips (oil pulling too)

sleep for 8+ hours a day

MENTAL ;

start saying ur affirmations again everyday if u fell out of it

write in ur journal/healing journal religiously (weekly)

do some daily meditation for soundness of mind

rewatch videos from the wizard liz’s youtube channel to give urself a wake up call if u feel u need it

let urself cry if u need to (release)

analyze the positive and negative aspects of ur behavior and reevaluate ur mindset to keep urself sharp

PERSONAL ;

do a deep cleaning of ur space because a clean space = a clear mind

clean beneath ur bed

clean things that u use daily but forget to clean (ur electronic devices, door knobs, water bottles and things of that sort)

DIGITAL ;

delete apps that u no longer use and are taking up unnecessary space

change the theme of ur phone

clean out and go through your emails

organize ur pinterest boards

create and delete playlists

[a-d-nox]

how can you glow up: your 6h - daily habits, health, and self-discipline.

seems like everyone started 75 days hard, medium, or soft as soon as the new year hit on my social media feeds... so here's the next hypothesis of how you can glow up using your venus persona. take a close look at your 6h!

paid reading options: astrology menu & cartomancy menu

enjoy my work? help me continue creating by tipping on ko-fi or paypal. your support keeps the magic alive!

6h libra (7°, 19°), 6h venus, and/or venus aspecting 6h ruler

daily habits

curate a routine: use aesthetically pleasing tools like a cute planner, matching workout gear, etc.

prioritize work-life balance: libra thrives on harmony, so create clear boundaries between work and relaxation.

partner up: work with an accountability buddy or engage in social routines like walking with a friend or coworker.

mindful decision-making: your indecisive tendencies may slow you down. use tools like a pros-and-cons list or time limits/blocking to streamline daily choices.

health

gentle fitness: choose workouts that emphasize balance and flow, like yoga, pilates, and/or barre.

balanced diet: focus on a diet that incorporates variety and moderation. think colorful, well-plated meals that appeal to both the eyes and the palate.

skin & body care: libra’s beauty-conscious vibe thrives with self-care rituals. pamper yourself with skincare routines and/or regular relaxing massages.

avoid extremes: libra energy prefers moderation. skip overly intense regimens and opt for sustainable, enjoyable routines instead (HITT and 75 hard would not be for these people).

self-discipline

create beauty in discipline: you need something functional but aesthetically pleasing. for instance, a thoughtful made habit tracker and/or color-coded calendars.

balance hard work with reward: keep yourself motivated by celebrating small wins with little indulgences - a favorite snack or a self-care day.

social accountability: let friends or groups hold you accountable for fitness, projects, and/or self-improvement goals.

glow-up activities

beautify your workspace: add plants, art, or calming colors to create a productive yet serene environment.

join a wellness class: try group pilates and/or yoga for a social and balanced approach to fitness.

revamp your closet: create a capsule wardrobe and/or organize your clothing to reflect the polished libra vibe.

relaxing evening routine: end the day with candlelight, soothing music, and/or a luxurious skincare ritual.

6h sagittarius (9°, 21°), 6h jupiter, and/or jupiter aspecting 6h ruler

daily habits

growth-oriented routines: you thrive when your habits are designed for personal expansion. focus on routines that encourage learning, travel, and/or exploring new perspectives.

positive productivity: you have a sense of optimism where daily tasks are concerned, making it easier to stay motivated. infuse fun into your day - listen to uplifting podcasts and/or explore creative approaches to mundane chores.

consistency through belief: jupiter’s influence inspires faith in your ability to improve. use affirmations or gratitude journaling to reinforce your positive mindset.

health

holistic wellness: approaches to health that integrate body, mind, and spirit. practices like yoga, meditation, and/or exploring global wellness traditions are ideal.

moderation matters: while jupiter brings abundance, it can also lead to overindulgence. focus on balance in diet and exercise to avoid extremes.

fitness with freedom: jupiter encourages movement and exploration - choose outdoor activities, group classes, and/or fitness routines that feel expansive and exciting.

self-discipline

long-term vision: jupiter encourages you to see the big picture. tie your daily routines to a larger goal and/or purpose, like personal growth or job advancement, to stay motivated.

positive reinforcement: this aspect makes self-discipline easier when you focus on what you gain rather than what you restrict. celebrate milestones to maintain enthusiasm.

glow-up activities

expand your knowledge: dedicate time daily to learning, whether through books, podcasts, and/or courses. growth fuels your glow-up.

practice gratitude: a daily gratitude practice strengthens your positive mindset and attracts even more opportunities for success.

travel for wellness: plan a retreat or adventure centered on self-care, like hiking in a new location or joining a wellness retreat.

abundant self-care: invest in inspiring, luxurious self-care practices that make you feel expansive - think spa treatments, aromatherapy, and/or beautifully curated meal prep.

6h pisces (12°, 24°), 6h neptune, and/or neptune aspecting 6h ruler

habits

keep a flexible routine: allow your day to flow rather than sticking to a rigid schedule (challenges like the examples i gave above are unlikely to stick for - if anything 75 soft would be the extent). create loose frameworks that prioritizes how you feel over having a rigid to-do lists.

mindful mornings: begin your day with introspection - try morning journaling, meditation, and/or pulling a tarot card for insight.

artistic productivity: incorporate creative outlets into your day, like doodling, painting, or writing, to keep your imagination active.

acts of service: integrate kindness into your habits, such as volunteering, caring for a pet, and/or small acts of service for others, as they bring you fulfillment.

health

holistic wellness: experiment with yoga, energy healing (like reiki), and/or sound baths.

hydration & water therapy: water signs should prioritize drinking plenty of water and explore water-based activities like swimming, water aerobics, and/or baths with epsom salts.

gentle fitness: opt for activities that connect your body and soul, like tai chi, restorative yoga, and/or even dancing (pin point on ballet) to release pent-up emotions.

boundaries & emotional detox: you can absorb emotions easily. protect your mental health with grounding techniques like breath work or journaling to process feelings.

self-discipline

embrace compassionate self-discipline: treat yourself with kindness when working on new habits. you thrives with gentle, supportive approaches rather than self-criticism.

work with intuition: let your intuition guide your priorities for the day. trust yourself (and your body) to know what needs attention rather than over-planning.

visualize success: use visualization techniques to imagine the outcomes you want to achieve, helping you stay aligned with your dreams.

glow-up activities

spiritual self-care: create rituals that connect you to your higher self, such as lighting candles or practicing gratitude during moon phases.

creative cooking: experiment with nourishing recipes inspired by your mood. incorporate calming herbs like chamomile or lavender.

start a dream journal: keep a journal to explore patterns or creative inspiration.

declutter with intention: you can feel scattered with too much “stuff.” declutter your space; imbue it with meaning - donate items with a small thank-you ritual (kon mari method moment).

6h ruler in 1h and/or aspecting asc

daily habits

habits reflect identity: your routines easily align with your self-image. you’re drawn to habits that make you feel like your best self and naturally express your personality.

ease in routine building: you find it relatively easy to incorporate healthy practices into your life because they naturally support your sense of self and purpose.

public accountability: your habits impact how others perceive you, you might enjoy sharing your journey (documenting fitness progress or sharing meal prep ideas on social media).

health

health as confidence: feeling healthy and balanced boosts your self-esteem and how you show up in the world. prioritizing self-care becomes a natural extension of your personal growth.

fitness for presence: activities like yoga, strength training, and/or posture-focused exercises can improve not just your health but also the way you physically carry yourself.

self-discipline

natural motivation: you’re disciplined when routines reinforce who you want to be. so choose habits that align with your personal goals and values.

self-expression through action: your productivity and organization reflect your identity. for example, creating a workspace or routine that feels uniquely you enhances your efficiency.

authenticity in structure: avoid overly rigid plans - opt for routines that feel natural and authentic to your lifestyle.

glow-up activities

morning rituals: start your day with habits that energize and align you with your desired identity (skincare, affirmations, or a power breakfast).

fitness for confidence: focus on activities that enhance your posture, strength, and presence. pilates or dance could be great options.

style your routine: create a lifestyle that feels polished and reflective of your personality. whether it’s stylish activewear or a bullet journal, let your habits express your unique energy.

public progress: share your self-discipline journey if it feels aligned - whether through social media, conversations, or mentorship of others.

6h ruler in 4h

daily habits

home-centered routines: your most effective habits begin and thrive at home. create structured, calming rituals like morning journaling, home cooked meals, and/or home workouts to build consistency.

comfort and productivity: design a home space that supports both relaxation and focus. dedicated, cozy workspaces and/or exercise corners can encourage discipline. stepisodes might be your thing - invest in a walk pad or stepper!

family-inspired practices: if you can make it happen, routines that involve or are inspired by family, ancestry, and/or tradition (e.g., cooking family recipes or practicing shared wellness habits) will often feel the most fulfilling.

health

emotional health comes first: your physical health is tied to your emotional state. make time for self-reflection and grounding practices like breathwork or gratitude journaling to stabilize your mood.

restorative practices: focus on health routines that feel nurturing, such as gentle stretching, restorative yoga, and/or relaxing baths.

nutritious comfort food: preparing home-cooked meals with fresh, wholesome ingredients ties in both physical and emotional care.

self-discipline

consistency through comfort: you work best when routines feel safe and familiar. create systems that integrate naturally into your environment rather than forcing external structures.

emotional accountability: self-discipline improves when you feel emotionally supported. lean into family, close friends, or personal affirmations to motivate yourself.

balance work & rest: avoid overloading yourself. create rhythms in your day that balances effort and rejuvenation - like rewarding productive periods with cozy downtime.

glow-up activities

declutter your space: a tidy, peaceful home supports clear thinking and productivity.

home fitness: explore at-home workouts that feel grounding and enjoyable.

emotional check-ins: incorporate a nightly reflection routine to release stress and process the day.

6h ruler in 9h

daily habits

incorporate learning: your routines thrive when they involve intellectual or spiritual growth. start your day with reading, journaling, or studying something meaningful to you.

seek variety: break up monotony by incorporating new activities into your routine, like trying different workouts or exploring diverse cuisines in meal prep.

travel-inspired practices: bring elements of travel or culture into your habits, such as practicing yoga from another tradition, using mindfulness techniques, or exploring global wellness trends.

health

holistic health: look into ayurveda, meditation, and/or breathwork.

outdoor activities: you benefit from outdoor workouts, hikes, and/or activities that connect you to nature and broaden your horizons.

mind-body connection: physical health is tied to mental and spiritual alignment. journaling or practicing gratitude can help release stress and keep you grounded.

self-discipline

purpose-driven routines: you’re more disciplined when your habits align with your goals or ideals. anchor your daily tasks to a “why” that feels meaningful.

long-term perspective: focus on how daily consistency contributes to larger aspirations like personal growth and/or job to career development.

educational structure: incorporate study or skill-building into your routine, such as learning a new language, taking online courses, and/or reading topics of interest.

glow-up activities

morning philosophy practice: start your day with a mantra, affirmation, or inspirational reading.

explore wellness abroad: try fitness or health practices inspired by different cultures, like tai chi, capoeira, and/or mediterranean-inspired cooking. watch the show down to earth with zac efron to catch the vibe.

expand through movement: take your fitness outside - hiking, running, or yoga in open spaces align with this placement’s expansive energy.

set vision-oriented goals: create a vision board or journal about how your daily habits bring you closer to your dreams.

have ideas for new content? please use my “suggest a post topic” button! 

return to nox’s guide to metaphysics

return to nox's hypotheses

© a-d-nox 2025 all rights reserved

[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

[laylawatermelon]

Now all we need is a queer club scene a la lone Star.

Buck would absolutely flourish, henren would be flirting, Eddie would be sitting at the bar doing a beer watching Buck like a hawk and sometimes smiling, Tommy would be in the void floating (sorry babe I'm a Buddie 4 lifer), and for a lil pizzazz Maddie and Chimney also go.

(it evolved into a tiny fic 🥺if you wanna read you can🥺)

ao3 link :

Ravi is probably there somewhere with someone in the VIP section looking down at them both happy but also a bit worried to see them.

(he's been working with them for a while now he knows the rumors of that many collective jinx powers they hold)

He sends them drinks periodically and they all wonder if someone is about to get a sugar daddy and then realize they're all couples so who's the couple who's getting a third?

Hen has her hands permanently glued to her wife's side and her head in her neck. She's murmuring sweet nothings and Karen giggles it away as she rubs any part of her that's closest to her and sips her drink.

Chimney and Maddie chat as they become a two-headed, four-limbed creation that smells of tequila, love, and laughter.

Maddie is constantly getting compliments on her shiny outfit and nails and ends up beside Buck periodically through the night, both of them like radiant sunlight to others.

Chimney also magically appears next to her almost instantaneously but vanishes and returns with drinks for his friends eventually chatting up the biggest guys he can on their gym regimen and suggesting they buy a calendar to support the new Asian Sex Symbol.

Of course, they sell a few copies.

Buck is the crown Jewel of the drag queens who are all shapes, sizes, and identities getting off of a show to have a nice night out.

He's marvelous and praises their outfits before quickly getting sucked into impromptu makeup and drag lessons, cards for shows, drunken histories, sexuality stories, and good ole fun lip-syncing.

And of course, since he's a bright star who everyone loves, many people begin their hunt.

A quick wink, a lingering smile, a hand on his lower back that lingers as long as a guy slides past him.

Okay, that's it.

Eddie orders another two beers, checking his phone for the babysitter's update before pocketing it.

He slides up behind Buck sliding a beer in his hand and resting his head on his shoulder his hand coming up to his waist.

The girls immediately gush about the two saying there are Two Hot Firefighters ready to put out their fire and Eddie bursts out in laughter.

They begin to fawn over him next complimenting his jawline and face suggesting he go into modelling or movies.

One of them says it's a waste but they'd be all fired up if they see him covered in soot. Another asks if he's on the same calendar as the sexy Asian guy.

Buck pouts telling them no and he's the focus again.

The drag queens then launch into a spiel about fire safety and if they could do a lecture at a show or help them.

Buck ends up video calling Bobby at the request and he and Athena are laying in bed amused as they watch him stumble through his words before a crowd of colorful queens squeeze into the frame.

He assumes them he'll think about it and the comment on Athena's beauty before the call is cut.

Bobby turns to Athena after the call and she laughs. "Your boy is always getting into trouble." He kisses her forehead softly. "We should go next time." "Let's."

Later that night as Christopher's finally dozing off, his phone slipping out of his hand he jolts at the sound of the front door bursting open.

Harry and Denny freeze on the phone, their faces both lit up by their computer screen, "What was that?"

Chris reaches for his glasses and slips them on staying quiet.

He listens again and relaxes as he hears giggles and shushes.

He rolls his eyes and pulls his covers over his head. "It's my dads."

The shuffling gets louder and he groans softly as his door is knocked on before it's pushed open.

Eddie grins down at his son's lying form and stumbles over as gracefully as he can. Buck is in the kitchen filling two (plastic) cups with water and shakily walking to his room.

Eddie walks to the left of his bed and kneels down resting his head on his arm.

He pats his head suddenly emotional, "I love you so much you know that?"

Chris frowns at his distressed tone but also notices the softness in his touch.

They watch him and Buck tiptoe in to hand Eddie a cup and rest his on a nightstand.

"We should probably let him sleep, okay babe?"

Eddie drinks from his cup smiling and pats Chris' head one last time. "Okay. Night son."

As they're leaving Buck sticks his head back in, "By the way your phone light is still asking through the blanket. Go to bed, Chris."

Harry and Denny burst out laughing and Chris promptly hangs up. He closes his eyes with a smile on his face as his dads fall into bed sloppily in the next room, leaving their problems for themselves tomorrow. 

[sortofshea]

On the 31st day of @hprecfest this fandom gave to me...

Day 31: most recent fic you loved

Title: Love at it's Kore by @sightedkarma

Pairing: Draco x Harry

Teen | 39.2k words

Summary: Draco's half crup - half muggle lab has fallen ill, and none of his spells or potions are working. When Pansy and Ginny suggest he take her to their Magi-vet, he wasn't prepared for it to be Harry Potter.

Anything for Kore.

Why I recommend it:

First of all, I love Karma. It's been such a pleasure meeting her in the book club and getting to talk to her about her fics a bit this year.

This fic tugged at my heartstrings from the jump. It only got progressively more heartwrenching when I found out that Draco's pup, Kore, is based on Karma's own pup, Kenobi.

Kore falls ill suddenly, and Draco is at a loss for what to do. She is quite literally his entire world, so when Pansy and Ginny (bonus ginsy, folks!) suggest he take her to see magi-vet Harry, he swallows his pride and apprehension to do whatever it will take to get his precious girl some help. Harry diagnoses her with cancer, but since Kore is half crup, half lab, she needs to undergo a prolonged regimen of muggle and magical treatment over the course of 3 months.

Draco and Harry slowly begin to bond over the course of the treatments, as Harry insists that Draco bring Kore in after hours so that she can be taken care of in as calm and relaxing an environment as possible. They spend hours together, sitting with miss Kore and just chatting, and their relationship develops so gradually and organically. Apologies are exchanged, forgiveness is bestowed, and it's just so cathartic. My heart was overflowing with affection for the soft and unhurried way that they get used to each other and come to understand and eventually fall in love with each other.

Some things I absolutely adored: Flora and Fauna, the twins who work at Harry's practice! How I love them! Ginny and Pansy being Draco's good time gals! Kore being absolutely as sassy and strong-willed as her dad! Ginny proposing to Pansy is the most gloriously over-the-top fashion, just as Pansy deserves! And an eventual swotty Draco/Hermione friendship, one of my absolute favourite things!

This fic will both hurt and heal your heart all in the span of just under 40k words. It's so hopeful and beautiful, it made me feel such a range of emotions. Pets are more than just animals we allow to live in our homes. They work their way into our hearts and become irreplaceable members of the family and this fic captures that so beautifully.

I wish Kenobi and Karma all of the best and many more healthy and joy-filled years to come. 💜

[theskincarepassport]

African Skincare: Timeless Beauty Secrets from the Motherland

Long before the world raved about organic skincare, Africa had already mastered it. Rooted in rich traditions and passed down through generations, African skincare is more than just beauty—it’s a cultural legacy.

Where It All Began

African skincare traces back to ancient Egypt, where even Cleopatra swore by shea butter and black soap for her radiant skin. Over time, these beauty rituals spread across the continent, adapting to different climates and skin types.

The Ingredients That Stand the Test of Time

African skincare thrives on nature’s bounty. Shea butter, marula oil, baobab oil, black soap, and rooibos tea are just a few of the star ingredients. These aren’t just exotic names; they are powerhouses of hydration, anti-aging, and skin healing. Shea butter deeply moisturizes, marula oil fights wrinkles, and black soap gently exfoliates, making them essentials in African beauty regimens.

Who Uses It?

From the bustling streets of Lagos to the deserts of Morocco, African skincare caters to all skin types. Women, men, and even children embrace these remedies to protect against the harsh sun and dry winds. With the rise of clean beauty, even Western skincare brands are borrowing these age-old ingredients.

Then vs. Now: The Evolution of African Beauty

While traditional practices involved raw, unprocessed ingredients, modern African skincare blends science with heritage. Brands now infuse shea butter into lotions, black soap into face washes, and baobab into serums, making these treasures more accessible worldwide.

Why It Still Matters

With sustainability and natural beauty taking center stage, African skincare is no longer just a tradition—it’s the future. So, the next time you apply that rich shea butter, remember: you’re carrying forward a beauty ritual that has stood the test of time.

Glow like a queen. The African way.

[candylandphotos]

natural beauty model studio photo long blonde haircare organic ❤️

"Ethereal Elegance: A Studio Portrait of Organic Haircare and Natural Beauty ❤️"

[doseofnaturals]

5 Essential Oils You Need for a Stress-Free Day

The importance of looking for organic means of how to relieve the stress of the day in the current society cannot be underestimated. The use of essential oils is an exquisite way that promote relaxation as it leads to mental relaxation and spiritual replenishment. Here are the five Essential oils that you should use day by day so that you can hardly feel stressed at all!

 1. Eucalyptus essential oil

The Eucalyptus essential oil is a many-in-one remedy famed for its uses in opening blocked tracheas and fending off mental fatigue. It gives off a cool, minty scent that reinvigorates the brain, calms the nerves, and minimizes stress. This revitalizing oil blend is great for establishing morning shower energy or any other time of day that may be convenient. You can use a couple of drops in the shower to make it an essential oil stream that will help invigorate your senses or fill your space with it to clean the air and improve your disposition. Because of the natural components added to it, it reduces stress and is used for the general well-being of an individual.

 2. Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine needs no introduction when it comes to uplifting the mood and also acts as an anti-anxiety agent, courtesy of the jasmine essential oil. It also works as an antidepressant and enables the person’s emotions to become stable and release enormous calmness. It can be applied as a natural oil perfume while bringing about a relaxing feeling that is needed in the day. On the other hand, using it as a diffuser makes it create a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, which can work well when used at home to create relaxation. It is relaxing to the senses and thus can be said to have a healing effect on human beings while also being luxuries to the human senses.

 3. Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is one of the best oils that help reduce stress and is suitable for relaxation and providing a good night’s sleep. It is most suitable for making the place calm and serene, which is suitable during the nighttime. To harness its properties, use a few drops in your diffuser mix at night to have your environment smell as calming as the oil. To be more specific, rub diluted cedarwood oil on the soles of your feet to release the tension and make your body relaxed for sleep.

 4. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil is referred to as the ‘King of oils’ or ‘the oil of deep breathing’ because of its benefits in helping you to focus, meditate, and even release anxiety. Due to its highly aromatic, almost sticky consistency, it is perfect for meditation, as it helps to fight off a sense of being overwhelmed. If you want to use frankincense, add it to your practice of yoga or meditation by using it as a diffuser to set a calming and concentrated environment. Or, dilute oil in a carrier oil gently rub it on your chest, and breathe deeply to feel calm and accept the oil's calming properties. It is a miracle worker for health and can be used in a number of ways to improve one’s health.

 5. Lavender Essential Oil

 The Lavender essential oil is considered to be the king of all oils for stress relief and is a basic requirement in the list. It has a mild, flowery fragrance that calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep making it a perfect tool for any treatment regimen. To use, simply place a couple of drops in a diffuser and let the scent change the mood of your room. You can also try adding lavender oil with carrier oil and rubbing the mix on your wrists or temples so that the fragrance can help calm and relax you for the rest of your day.

 6. Ylang-ylang essential oil

 Ylang-ylang oil is best described as sweet and floral and is widely used to treat hypertension and promote relaxation. It is suitable for use after a busy day at work or during moments when one feels stressed, this oil is designed to deal with body and mind stress. Ylang-ylang can be diluted with a carrier oil and massaged onto the skin for relaxation of muscles and to help calm down. However, you can also add several drops to your bath to help you make your bathing experience more relaxing, turning your shower into a relaxing moment.

Conclusion

Using essential oils is an easy approach to fight stress and improve your quality of life. The eucalyptus used to make these remedies invigorate the body while lavender and cedarwood help to soothe the mind and body. Sweet almond and lavender oil not only calm your nerves but also make your surrounding environment friendly to relax after a busy day at work.

For the true miracle working of these oils, check out the natural bounty of pure and authentic selection at Dose of Naturals Our selected oils are to help you create a calm and balanced environment in your life. Start your stress-free journey today—go to the Dose of Naturals and find the power of nature’s best remedies

[thelaborganics]

Top Clean Beauty Brands in Australia

The clean beauty revolution, which emphasizes natural, organic, and non-toxic products, has swept the beauty business off its feet. Numerous clean beauty brands raising the bar for sustainability and purity are based in Australia. With a focus on The Lab Organics, this guide will introduce you to some of Australia's top clean beauty companies.

What is Clean Beauty?

Products that don't include potentially dangerous substances like parabens, sulphates, phthalates, or artificial perfumes are called clean beauty products. The use of natural and organic components that are sourced ethically and sustainably is emphasized in these goods.

Top Clean Beauty Brands in Australia

1. The Lab Organics

   - About: The Lab Organics is a renowned clean beauty brand based in Australia. It offers a curated selection of the finest organic and natural beauty products. Their range includes skincare, haircare, and wellness products, all chosen for their commitment to purity and effectiveness.

   - Philosophy: The Lab Organics focuses on holistic beauty, promoting products that are good for both your body and the planet. They ensure all products are free from harmful chemicals and are sustainably sourced.

   - Products: They feature brands like Grown Alchemist, Aesop, and Kjaer Weis, ensuring that customers have access to high-quality, clean beauty options.

2. Grown Alchemist

   - About: Known for its scientifically innovative formulas, Grown Alchemist offers a wide range of skincare and haircare products free from harmful chemicals.

   - Philosophy: They emphasize a holistic approach to beauty, utilizing bio-compatible ingredients that work in harmony with the body’s natural processes.

   - Products: Popular items include their Age-Repair Moisturizer and Detox Serum.

3. Kora Organics

   - About: Founded by supermodel Miranda Kerr, Kora Organics provides certified organic skincare products that nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

   - Philosophy: Kora Organics focuses on holistic wellness, ensuring all products are free from sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and colors.

   - Products: Standouts include the Noni Glow Face Oil and Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask.

4. Sukin

   - About: Sukin offers affordable, natural skincare products that are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

   - Philosophy: They are committed to creating effective, environmentally friendly products without compromising on quality.

   - Products: Bestsellers include the Foaming Facial Cleanser and Hydrating Day Cream.

Why Choose Clean, Natural & Organic Beauty Products?

Selecting clean beauty products guarantees that the formulas you use are safe for the environment and your skin. In addition to offering superior nutrition, natural and organic components also lower the chance of discomfort and allergies. Furthermore, encouraging clean beauty brands advances eco-friendly procedures in the beauty sector.

The Lab Organics: Your Gateway to Clean Beauty

The Lab Organics stands out as a premier destination for clean beauty enthusiasts in Australia. Here’s why:

- Curated Selection: They provide an exquisite selection of the best natural and organic beauty items from across the globe. - Quality Assurance: Each product undergoes assessments for its efficacy, ingredients, and ethical sourcing methods.

- Educational Approach: The Lab Organics is not just a store but a hub for education on holistic beauty and wellness, helping consumers make informed choices.

You are investing in the earth's health and yourself when you purchase products from The Lab Organics. They are well-known in the clean beauty sector for their dedication to honesty and excellence.

In summary, Australian clean beauty is booming, with companies like The Lab Organics at the forefront. A more ethical and sustainable beauty industry is supported by using clean, natural, and organic beauty products, which also improve your skincare regimen.

[hadjimustapha]

“As HUMSS, how can you uphold dance as physical fitness upon influencing the future?”

As a Humanities and Social Science (humss) student,  I believe that promoting dance as a form of physical fitness can have a significant impact on the future. By actively engaging in dance classes and highlighting its benefits, we can inspire others to embrace dance as a regular exercise routine, thus enhancing overall physical well-being. Organizing dance events and workshops in our community can raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and encourage more individuals to incorporate dance into their fitness regimen. Moreover, conducting research on the positive effects of dance on physical health and sharing these findings with educational institutions and health organizations can lead to the integration of dance programs in school curriculums and healthcare initiatives, fostering a healthier future generation. By advocating for dance as a means of promoting physical fitness, Humanities and Social Science (humss) students have the opportunity to shape a healthier and more active future through the beauty of dance.

[archive-of-artprompts]

🌹👹 Beauty & Beast : Blindly send in two numbers, and I'll draw that beastly beauty or beautiful beast! 👹🌹

Send one from each list and I'll combine them into one character. Numbers are 1 - 40. (Tropes from tv tropes pt1🌹- pt2🌹 - pt3🌹 - pt4👹)

🌹Beauty Traits 🌹

Aloof and Dark-Haired : A tall, dark-haired beautiful person with an aloof demeanor.

Amazonian Beauty: A muscular woman who is attractive.

Angelic Beauty: Their beauty is literally heavenly.

Agent Peacock: They're not going to let this job get in the way of being stylish.

Beautiful Tears: Somehow, tears make this character cuter or more beautiful.

Big and Beautiful: They’re fat and fabulous

The Dandy: This character values looks and fashion.

English Rose: The English archetypical beauty; usually a fair-haired, fair-skinned character with a regal nature, delicate nature, and posh sophistication.

Everyone Loves Blondes: When blondes are seen as more beautiful than other hair colors.

Everything's Better with Sparkles: Sparkles make everything pretty.

Femme Fatale: Her looks could get away with murder (if not already).

Fluffy Fashion Feathers: Plumes and down on stylish clothes just look appealing.

Gold Makes Everything Shiny: Gold adds visual flair.

Hospital Hottie: Attractive medical personnel.

Hot God: Makes you get on your knees for several reasons.

Hot Librarian: Because good literacy is beautifying.

Hot Men at Work: people on the street should be catcalling them.

Hot Witch: A witch who is a bombshell rather than an ugly, old hag.

Hunk: A tall muscular man who is very handsome

Lascivious Beauty Mark: A facial beauty mark is used to characterize someone as flirtatious or seductive

Lovely Lesbian: This hot girl has the hots for other girls.

Long-Haired Pretty Boy: Long hair just makes this Pretty Boy look better.

Innocent Flower : A delicate character is associated with the beautiful and equally-delicate flower.

Love God/dess: Most mythic pantheons have at least one.

Mystical White Hair: White hair indicates magical powers, mysteriousness, and/or otherworldly origins.

Pretty in Mink: A luxury fur garment is meant to look good.

Pretty Prince/ss Powerhouse: Being pretty and of royalty doesn't mean they can't kick ass.

Princess Classic: The beautiful princess as the epitome of grace, poise, delicacy and beauty.

Raven Hair, Ivory Skin: Dark hair makes this pale person pretty/handsome.

Redheads Are Ravishing: Red hair is associated with attractiveness.

Rose-Haired Sweetie: A bright, optimistic, pink-haired character.

Shy Blue-Haired Girl: A Shrinking Violet with blue hair.

Silver Fox: An attractive older person with grey hair.

Southern Belle: The American South archetypical beauty; usually motherly, delicate, kind, and fiercely devoted to family and tradition.

Statuesque Stunner: A character is pretty and tall.

Sultry Bangs: The use of eye-covering bangs to denote sensuality or seductiveness.

Tall, Dark, and Handsome: The quintessential description of a character who is supposed to be attractive—tall, dark-haired and dark-eyed, and good-looking.

True Beauty Is on the Inside: What you find attractive about this person isn't their looks.

Unkempt Beauty: You don't need to have a beauty regimen to look nice.

What Beautiful Eyes!: They never need to say "My eyes are up here."

👹Beast Traits👹

Amphibian at Large: Giant (bigger than average) frogs and other amphibians

Angelic Abomination: Angels which look extremely bizarre

Bat People: Humanoids with bat traits.

Big Creepy-Crawlies: Giant arthropods.

Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and Yeti: Various big, hairy ape-like creatures who live in seclusion.

Big Red Devil: The classic stereotypical demon that resembles a humanoid with red skin, horns, bat-like wings, goat-like legs, and a pointed tail.

Bird People: Avian humanoids.

Blob Monster: A living creature made of amorphous slime.

Body of Bodies: A monster compiled of a mass of bodies.

Botanical Abomination: An eldritch organism which appears to be an extremely bizarre and unnatural plant.

Cactus Person: An anthropomorphic cactus creature.

Cat Folk: Feline humanoids.

Chupacabra: A strange beast that is said to prey on goats and other livestock.

Classical Chimera: A monster made up of a lion, goat and snake.

Cthulhumanoid: A humanoid creature with squid-like features, reminiscent of Cthulhu.

Cyclops: A creature with only one eye.

Dem Bones: Living skeletons.

Digital Abomination: A virtual eldritch being originating from cyberspace.

Draconic Abomination: A dragon-like creature which looks very bizarre and otherworldly. 

Fauns and Satyrs: Humanoid creatures with goat-like legs.

Fish People: Aquatic humanoids with fishlike traits.

Flesh-Eating Zombie: Zombies usually crave the flesh of living humans (especially their brains).

Fox Folk: Humanoids with foxlike anatomy.

Frankenstein's Monster: A being made up of dead body parts sewn together, who has been brought to life through mad science.

Headless Horseman: A ghostly man without a head who rides a horse.

Humanoid Abomination: An eldritch being which superficially resembles or behaves like a human, or is at least vaguely human-shaped.

Living Lava: A creature made out of molten rock.

Lizard Folk: Humanoid reptiles.

Man-Eating Plant: A plant that eats people.

Martians: Space aliens from the planet Mars.

Medusa: Snake-haired women with a petrifying gaze.

Muck Monster: A living, moving mass of filth, poison and refuse.

Mushroom Man: Intelligent, humanoid fungi.

Nuclear Mutant: A monster created from exposure to radiation.

Our Minotaurs Are Different: A half-man half-bull creature.

Poltergeist: Ghosts that haunt inanimate objects and cause them to move on their own.

Rat Men: Humanoid rodents.

Spider People: Chimeric beings with the physical characteristics of both humanoids and spiders.

Swamp Monster: A monstrous creature that resides in a swamp.

Wolf Man: A wolf-like humanoid.

[azspot]

Simplicity is difficult, after all, no less than complexity. Both require taste and skill. Neither is less artificial or more natural than the other. Both are necessary for good writing. And when either becomes a forced regimen, exclusive of the other, the results can be only hideous. Good writing is produced not by forsaking the beautiful for the sublime or the exorbitant for the restrained, but by finding new ways of orchestrating the interplay between them. Now, all the authorities of the age seem to concur, the literary performer should treat the organ’s console as a collection of decadent temptations to be resisted; he or she should confine the performance to a single manual, played with two fingers, with no stops pulled and the pedals never so much as brushed by an errant shoe-tip.

How to Write English Prose

[aussenskin]

Will Sunscreen Cause Acne?

Welcome to Aussenskin, where safe skincare is our utmost priority. We take immense pride in offering you our organic Australian-made Vegan SPF50 sunscreen with added hyaluronic acid—a product designed to provide superior sun protection without compromising your skin's health. Today, we'll tackle a common concern: whether sunscreen can cause acne. Join us as we debunk the myth and shed light on how the right sunscreen can actually benefit acne-prone skin.

The Myth Surrounding Sunscreen and Acne

It's not uncommon to come across claims that sunscreen can cause or worsen acne, leaving many individuals hesitant to use it regularly. However, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and understand how sunscreen works in relation to acne-prone skin.

Understanding the Importance of Sunscreen

Before delving into the connection between sunscreen and acne, let's emphasize the significance of using sunscreen. Sunscreen is an essential component of any skincare routine, regardless of skin type or concerns. It shields your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Safe skincare practices involve incorporating sunscreen into your daily regimen, ensuring your skin stays protected and healthy.

Sunscreen and Acne-Prone Skin

Some individuals with acne-prone skin may be wary of using sunscreen due to concerns that it could clog pores or exacerbate breakouts. The reality is that not all sunscreens are created equal, and some formulations may be more likely to cause issues for acne-prone individuals. However, it's essential to find the right sunscreen that suits your skin's needs.

Non-Comedogenic Formulas

The key to avoiding acne breakouts while using sunscreen lies in choosing non-comedogenic formulas. Non-comedogenic sunscreens are specifically designed not to clog pores, making them ideal for acne-prone skin. Our Aussenskin sunscreen is formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients, ensuring it won't block pores or contribute to acne breakouts.

Look for Oil-Free and Lightweight Formulations

Acne-prone skin tends to be more sensitive to heavy or greasy products. To prevent potential breakouts, opt for oil-free and lightweight sunscreen formulations. These types of sunscreens are less likely to feel heavy on the skin and won't add excess oil that could contribute to acne.

Patch Test New Sunscreens

If you have concerns about trying a new sunscreen, perform a patch test before applying it all over your face. Apply a small amount of sunscreen to a small area on your forearm or jawline and wait 24 to 48 hours. If no negative reactions occur, you can confidently use the sunscreen on your face.

Sunscreen itself does not cause acne. The key to safe skincare for acne-prone individuals lies in choosing the right sunscreen that is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and lightweight. Our organic Australian-made Vegan SPF50 sunscreen with added hyaluronic acid is a perfect choice, as it is designed to provide superior sun protection without clogging pores or contributing to acne breakouts. Embrace the importance of sunscreen in your daily skincare routine, and you can enjoy clear, healthy, and protected skin under the care of Aussenskin. Here's to a lifetime of safe skincare and confident beauty!

[beautyandhealthbd]

Beauty And Health Bd

Beauty and health are integral aspects of a person’s overall well-being. In a country like Bangladesh, where culture and tradition intertwine with modern trends, the pursuit of beauty and health takes on multifaceted dimensions. The vibrant heritage and diverse landscapes of Bangladesh influence the traditional practices and contemporary approaches to beauty and wellness. This article aims to explore the interplay between beauty and health in Bangladesh, encompassing cultural influences, modern trends, and the fusion of traditional remedies with global innovations.

Cultural Influence on Beauty and Health in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh's cultural richness is reflected in various traditional beauty and health practices that have been passed down through generations. Ayurveda and Unani, ancient holistic healing systems, hold significant importance in Bangladesh's approach to well-being. These systems emphasize a balance between mind, body, and spirit, employing natural remedies, herbs, and dietary practices.

The tradition of using natural ingredients for skincare and haircare is deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi culture. Ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, amla, and neem have been staples in beauty regimens for centuries. These natural elements are often incorporated into face packs, hair oils, and body scrubs, promoting not just external beauty but also overall health benefits.

The Cultural Significance of Henna in Bangladesh:

Henna, or "mehendi" in Bengali, holds immense cultural significance in Bangladesh. Beyond its ornamental use in intricate designs during celebrations and ceremonies, henna offers medicinal properties. It's believed to have cooling effects and is often applied to the palms and feet to relieve stress and cool the body, especially during the hot and humid Bangladeshi climate.

Modern Trends in the Beauty and Health Industry:

In recent years, Bangladesh has seen a surge in the beauty and health industry, witnessing a blend of traditional practices with modern innovations. The market is flooded with a wide array of international skincare, haircare, and wellness products. Bangladeshi consumers are becoming more conscious of the ingredients in their beauty products, leading to an increased demand for natural and organic items.

Moreover, the integration of technology in the beauty industry has been notable. Beauty clinics and wellness centers across major cities in Bangladesh offer advanced treatments such as laser therapies, non-invasive cosmetic procedures, and high-tech skincare solutions. These technological advancements are reshaping the beauty and health landscape, catering to the evolving needs of the population.

Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh's Beauty and Health Sector:

Despite the progress, challenges persist in the beauty and health sector of Bangladesh. Accessibility and affordability remain significant hurdles, particularly for the rural population. Limited access to quality healthcare and beauty services in remote areas underscores the need for improved infrastructure and awareness programs.

Nonetheless, these challenges also present opportunities for growth. The rise of social media influencers and online beauty platforms has facilitated the dissemination of information and products. It has also created opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase and market their traditional, homemade beauty remedies to a wider audience, both domestically and internationally.

The Role of Holistic Health in Bangladesh:

The concept of holistic health is gaining traction in Bangladesh. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices are becoming increasingly popular among urban dwellers seeking a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle. These practices not only promote physical well-being but also focus on mental and emotional health.

The Future of Beauty and Health in Bangladesh:

As Bangladesh strides into the future, the convergence of tradition and modernity will continue to shape the beauty and health landscape. A greater emphasis on sustainability, ethical practices, and inclusive approaches to beauty and health is expected. The integration of traditional wisdom with scientific advancements will likely pave the way for a more comprehensive and accessible well-being experience for the people of Bangladesh.

Conclusion:

Beauty and health in Bangladesh are not just about external appearances but also about inner well-being. The country's rich cultural heritage and modern advancements create a unique tapestry where tradition meets innovation. The journey towards a holistic approach to beauty and health involves not only looking good but also feeling good—a harmonious balance that aligns with the ethos of a thriving society. Bangladesh's pursuit of beauty and health encapsulates a journey of self-care, cultural preservation, and adaptation to changing times.