#also a mystery cream i hope helps my dry irritated skin

[radiohimalaya]

I got my antidepressants refilled hooray

[artificialqueens]

Church of the Poison Mind Ch.2 (Trixya) - Dahlia

AN: Writing this was honestly like pulling teeth, I’ve forced it all out of me and it’s been as cathartic as it has been terrifying. I would not have made it through without the l i t e r a l s t e p m o m to my fic Lale!! Also the lovely Matilda, and Bromeoandjooliet!! Thank you everyone for all of the lovely feedback on the last chapter and don’t be afraid to drop a line by my Tumblr DahliasForKatya!!

Even from a young age, Trixie spent a good chunk of her time in the water. She couldn’t wait to get home from school and retreat to the bathroom; a towel draped over her shoulder. She’d draw her golden hair back in a high bun, and sit haphazardly at the bottom of a stalled shower. The water beat hard against her freckled back, until the cold tile settled into warmth beneath her skin. She’d sit until the water ran cold, and the pads of her fingers pruned. When the mere act of breathing became relentless, Trixie would find herself craving the stinging spray of scalding water across the surface of her body. There wasn’t a problem in the world a that hot shower couldn’t solve, or at least postpone. Sanctuary.

Trixie’s mother would often scold, “You’re running up the water bill!”

And of course, as with most things, a terrible guilt would run through her. She’d resign herself from that happy place and apologize, from there, she’d retreat to her small bedroom. Sitting for hours in a towel, contemplating going back in anyway. Things weren’t always like this, her room used to be sanctuary enough, her home, her mother’s touch; but now she felt distanced from herself, vague, like navigating life through a video game. Have you ever looked down at your own hands, and hardly recognized them? Trixie could feel the meaning of every word she spoke hitch on her lips, each consonant skipping on the beat of its own arrival. Words scattered, wandering across time, lost in the hollows of the space between her ears. She’d wander the halls of her school, a ghost in a shell, auto piloting her way from class to class. Mindless. That sour sting was all that could revive her, all that could bring her back down to land.

The sun peered in rich that morning, and Trixie was reminded of how much she hated wearing sunglasses. She hated the feeling of wearing sunglasses because they were too distracting; she didn’t like the weight on her face, on the bridge of her nose. She’d too often find herself staring at the rims, missing what lie right in front of her. She found the distortion of color irritating, like she was dreaming half of the day away. Lately, removing sunglasses felt no different than leaving them on.

Trixie’s mother used to make blueberry pancakes every sunday morning, but always mixed way too many blueberries into the batter. They were especially runny that morning, especially bitter. Trixie choked them down as she always did, with a warm smile to acknowledge her mother’s hard work. From her seat at the table, she peered around the stairway, willing her father to come down. Her eyes landed on her mother’s pursed lips, and she sunk down in her chair, too nauseas to eat. He hadn’t come home last night. Again.

—

Trixie’s stomach was churning quietly in anticipation of the day’s classes. She could hear Jinkx’s words still, flowing in and out of her mind. She carried those words with her throughout the day, to her first class, Acting and Stage Presence with Professor Del Rio. A heart of gold, but definitely not the kind of person you’d want to rub the wrong way. This rang true, mostly. She took comfort in the way Jinkx played a witty banter with their professor, she aspired to that confidence.

And then on to Vocal Studies with Professor Minj, where Jinkx had left her outside the door with a smile of warm wishes; She’s a real tough broad but her class can be a hoot if you play your cards right. Trixie worried then about how she’d find her next class without aid. She turned a small glance in the direction of a pale haired girl seated adjacent her own desk, a first year just like Trixie. She seemed friendly enough, quiet, with a smile of gleaming teeth and thin lips. Trixie thought maybe she’d introduce herself, but discarded the idea. Maybe, she’d come to Trixie a bit later on and they’d hit it off. Maybe she’d never even learn the girl’s name.

Trixie gathered her things at the end of class and began down the narrow hallway, headed toward the staircase. She assumed the two in room 203 meant the second floor, at least that’s what she had hoped. Trixie wasn’t keen on being late, but she had terrible navigation skills. This was part of the reason she frequently bummed rides off of Kim.

Trixie, so consumed with the prospect of getting lost, became lost, quickly. Suddenly, she was looping circles around the second floor, passing the same doors, full of the same people and their watching eyes. She couldn’t seem to leave her headspace; that class is crazy, absolutely bonkers, but arguably one of the best at this school! Quite brilliant, actually!  Trixie wondered how something could be crazy and brilliant all at once, how those two could marry and craft a science class.

As the clock struck lateness and rounded 2:30p.m., her lack of sleep was becoming more apparent. She found herself caught between reality and dreams. She could still feel that girl all around her, her mystery, red lipped beauty; could still picture her through the darkness, the way her lips parted and trembled against her own. There was some kind of magic there, in that space, some kind of beginning. The two of them melding in the night, like soft hands braiding underwater. Trixie ached then, there was also some kind of end.

Trixie wandered further down the corridor, passed doors 213 and 211. It was 2:45 now, and she was grateful to have found her way, but reeling. She pictured what the class would look like, students already seated and settled, having to apologize as she walked in. The feeling followed her like an omniscient pair of eyes, stalking her down the floor of the classroom, calling on her tardiness. 207 now, 205, she was getting close-

Lost in thought, Trixie’s forehead collided with the shoulder of someone rifling through papers outside of room 203. The jolt sent both of them to the linoleum, busied papers floating around them like ashes, sweeping to the ground. Trixie looked up, they locked eyes, and her heart plunged deep into the pit of her stomach. Her. It was her. All red lipped and slender. Mystery girl. Trixie’s face flushed, speechless. She could tell from the girl’s ghostly expression that they were both thinking the same thing. Memory overcame her, swelling in her temples.

—

Her teeth sink into my bottom lip, vicious and stinging. Her moans are like my symphony, beautifully poised as they glide over my lips, their melodies ringing in my mouth. She’s salty with sweat but delicious, and I can’t stop my tongue from trailing up the length of her chest. She pushes my head down where she wants me, needs me, and I tease the daylights out of her, plunging my teeth into the soft flesh of her inner thigh. And then I taste her, and she melts into my mouth, dripping down my chin. She’s stifling her moans now, reaching for my hands and placing them on her breasts. Every part of her is taut and lean, glorious and glowing. She’s too good for me, and she knows it. She feels fleeting, but for right now she’s mine to worship. Her curls are splayed across my pillow, and I’m hoping I can still smell her shampoo come morning. The skin of her thighs is soft against my cheeks, and I feel her legs tighten around me. Her body jerks, and releases, gentle sonatas careening from her lips. I let her music engulf me, consume me, fluid harmonies rising in my ear drums. Turn up the volume, drown out the silence. She pulls me back up to taste herself, and we’re at it again, electric,kinetic. My skin is on fire, her nails scrambling down my back, I’m praying she breaks skin.

—

The scratches down Trixie’s back lit up like a switchboard, fiery paths radiating down the surface of her skin, hot with anxiety. Her throat felt scorchingly dry, where the words hid from her tongue, shaking in a back corner. Their eyes met again as they scrambled to pick up papers, their faces stark, dumbstruck. She watched the other girl’s hands scattering; and in the light, she couldn’t have been much older than her, maybe a few years. Acid crept up her throat, Trixie wondered if her own skin still lay beneath the girl’s fingernails.

“I - uh, I’m so sorry,” Trixie gathered the remaining papers and rose to her feet, her palms slick with sweat and unease. The girl muttered something soft in reply, but Trixie couldn’t hear over the blood pounding in her ears. She felt the strings tighten, constricting around her. She wanted to say more, but didn’t know where to start. She was even more gorgeous in the light, and her clothes clung criminally to each contour of her body. She had to break eye contact, say something, do something. Anything but this. Both stood quietly, minds racing. Trixie’s eyes darted to the ground in self defense, but she was only more flustered by the sight of the girl’s pointed red pumps. Correction, she wasn’t a girl, she was anything but. Especially then, as Trixie couldn’t help but picture what lie beneath her clothes, she wanted desperately for the bruises.

They brought Trixie’s mind back to the color of her lips, bright against the cream of her complexion. And Trixie stood again, thinking about her lips, wondering what it would feel like to reach out and touch them; to stain her fingertips red, and carry a bit of this woman with her to class. Trixie pictured sitting a few rows down from her, stealing glances, borrowing a pen, unable to look away. She could never be so bold. She knew that the minute they stepped through the door, Trixie would never so much as look at her again.

Mystery girl cleared her throat, bringing Trixie back from her thoughts, and flashed a meager smile before turning for the door. Trixie, in reflex, held it out for her, secretly reveling the scent of her perfume as it lingered behind her; the same perfume that undoubtedly still clung to the fabric of her pillow cases.

The classroom was quite larger than the others she’d seen that day, with black industrial tables and stools in the place of desks. Various wires and tubes wound out of them, connecting tanks below to the burners that sat atop the surface. The walls were lined with large glass cabinets, containing beakers and other related paraphernalia; the amount of equipment seemed almost superfluous given the scant headcount of the room. There might’ve been twenty students at most, but no professor at the head of the class. As Trixie scanned the room, she was privily grateful the professor was later than she, but still, an apprehension simmered within her. Her eyes crossed the room in search of her mystery girl.

Much to Trixie’s surprise, mystery girl now stood at the head of the room, facing away to scribble something across the whiteboard. It read in messy, coiled cursive:

Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova

“Okay class! I’m sorry I’m late, I got caught up in the dumpsters out back. Very messy! Anyway, as you can see from the board I’ll be your professor for this term. And look, I know name seems daunting, so you can just call me Katya.”

[pretty-iiish]

Sheet mask 101: What the sheet?

Sleepover. Skincare. Selfies. 

It doesn’t take a genius to know that these lead up to one thing, SHEET MASKS.

We know you have questions, that’s why we’ve simplified things and gathered the nitty gritties (well, based on a mix of information taken from books/web/experience) about this magical and mysterious ritual. 

FAQ -- or at least what we think you would want to know.

What do people use sheet masks for? And when do you use one?

Sheet masks claim to have different skin-affecting functions (depending on the serums they hold), but generally they are the “cherry on top” of your skin care routine. They’re that extra something that spruces up your skin. 

EDIT: For oilier skin types, you might want to make this your last step. But for drier skin types, you might want to add a moisturized to seal it all in after. 

Sheet masks add an extra moisturizing layer/barrier for your skin. Some even have additive ingredients in them that help with brightening the complexion or soothing any skin irritation.

Dermatologists, aestheticians and make-up artists think that sheet masks are a great way to prep your skin for an event or give stressed-out or dull skin an extra boost when you have some time to relax at home.

Are sheet masks necessary?

No, but people love them anyway (and we do too). It’s just extra skincare step that makes your face look and feel 10 times plumper and 10 times more radiant. 

We also treat it as a “small reward” for ourselves at the end of a long, stressful week. (Who doesn’t want to pamper themselves?)

Why are there so many kinds?  

Well, we will go into the details on the factors to consider when you’re buying a sheet mask in the next section. But we know that it can be overwhelming to look through rows and rows of sheet masks. Different colors and brands, with different acids or fruit concentrates, or specialized formulas. It’s quite a doooozy.

We don’t know ourselves if all these different ingredients are really functioning as they claim, but rest assured that it should be doing your skin some good if it’s locking in some extra moisture. Extra moisture is never a bad thing for your skin, no matter what skin type you have!

When will I see the effects?

Almost immediately, you will notice how supple and soft your skin is, and it should stay that way for a few hours(?). 

But the truth is, you’ll only really see visible and lasting effects on your skin if you use sheet masks DAILY.

Which makes sense, because it’s like how your skin should already reaping benefits from your everyday routine. The addition of a sheet mask is basically another layer of essence/serum. And it’s entirely up to you if you’d want to add in that extra step more often (and if you have the budget for it).

Factors to consider when buying a sheet mask:

1. Texture/Material

Most common sheet masks are made of cotton fibers. There are also a handful of jelly type sheet masks in the market that claim to hold more serum and retain more moisture. But it’s not to say that the common cotton sheet masks aren’t as effective or any less moisturizing. 

Not all cotton sheet masks are made equal though. Some sheet masks are a lot thinner than others, and look more transparent when applied. While others use a thicker layer, that is slightly heavier on the face. 

Pros of a thinner mask are that you can easily walk around, sit up and do whatever you want with it on. Pros of a thicker mask are that it can hold more essence that can be squeezed out later on.

So it’s really more asking yourself: Are you multitasking / getting ready for something? or do you want to relax / just settle down for the night?

2. Serum contents

You might want to consider reading up on the serum used for the sheet masks. Those who have allergies or are sensitive to specific ingredients may want to watch out, as serums may contain things like Bee Venom or fruit enzymes. 

Most korean roadshop brands carry masks that have the same standard ingredients and they are labeled accordingly. The most common ingredients being: honey, rose, grapefruit (or some acidic fruit), berries, snail, green tea and aloe.

3. Uses 

If you aren’t looking to get a sheet mask for your face, that’s no problem at all. 

There are all sorts of masks in the market right now that cover other areas of the body or more specific areas of the face. It isn’t uncommon now to find all sorts of foot masks, hand masks, eye masks, lip masks (even as far as boob masks HAHA). 

But their function is generally the same: refresh, tighten or moisturize these areas of skin.

4. Price

Typically sheet masks can go for as low as P55, but as high as P200 for the high-end brands or the “better formulated” products. 

If you’re in korea/taiwan/japan and you’re buying in bulk the prices might be brought down during sales or when there are special deals. And a lot of the time, all the brands are aggressively competing with each other using their sale prices as leverage. (Which is great news for skincare addicts like us.)  

Don’t be surprised to see masks being sold in sets of 10 - 50 pcs. A lot of women use masks more often then you might think. 

5. Brand

Not that we’re the “overly brand conscious” types, but we do usually stick to brands that we have tried and tested, have had a generally positive feedback from the beauty community or were referred to us by friends/family. 

Some brands are known for specific “ingredient focused” skincare lines. Like Too cool for school with its Pumpkin / Egg Cream line (with available masks), Laneige’s Waterbank line, or Leader’s famous brightening amino acid mask.

If a brand carries an item for a long enough time, and not just for a seasonal collection, then it means that they might have been able to create a good, stable formula, and the product might be worth testing.

Additional Tips:  

1. When storing your sheet masks, try not to position them upright. If you lay them flat, they can better absorb all the essence stored in the packaging. 

2. DO NOT fall asleep with the sheet mask on. Let’s make it clear, it DOES NOT function like a sleeping mask. It could actually pull the moisture out of your skin if kept on too long or be a birthing ground for bacteria. 

3. You can opt to store them in the refrigrator, if you want an extra cooling effect or want to calm down a swollen/bloated face. (note: Not the freezer...or you will have to thaw it out).

4, Try to save some sheet masks for extra drying/dehydrating environments like an airplane or vacation spots that have a drier climate. They’re also really good for times when you’re detoxifying with a clay mask, which are notorious for drying your skin out. 

5. Don’t forget to maximize the mask by rubbing all the extra essence on your body. Most especially your neck and chest area.

Our Recommendations

Shy: Like I haven’t mentioned it enough, I love snail masks! It’s the first thing i look for from most any brand. But if they don’t have it, the next thing I look for is anything with Honey. Tony Moly’s snail mask is actually my current go-to and most trusted face mask. I’ve got some trust issues, so when I feel like I can’t afford to have my skin react, this is the first thing I pick up, because I know that it won’t fail me.

Shy’s Current Top 3:

Tony Moly Pureness 100 Snail Mask Sheet

Nature Republic Royal Jelly Real Nature Mask Sheet

Nature Republic Tomato Real Nature Mask Sheet

Dani: I think sheet masks, more then anything should be moisturizing, so I like to stick with the ingredients that I know brands can’t mess up. Aloe Vera is pretty sustainable and easy to extract, so there’s no way they can find a way to ruin it. I also like snail and green tea, but if I’m just “testing the waters” with a brand, I get the aloe vera.

Dani’s Current top 3:

Tony Moly Pureness 100 Snail Mask Sheet

Beauty Diary Bird’s Nest Mask - from Taiwan 

Sur Medic Hydro-Hyaluronic Acid Mask 

Hope you all learned a lot! 

Send us comments or questions if you have any! 

[easyweight101]

Plexaderm Review: Don’t Buy Before You Read This!

What is it?

Plexaderm is a line of skin care products designed to instantly reduce the visible signs of aging.  The line includes a Rapid Reduction Cream for an instant reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer to deeply hydrate and restore elasticity to the skin.

The treatment is formulated to tighten skin immediately upon application to create a firming and lifting effect without invasive injections or surgery.  Light-diffusing ingredients are also included to lend a radiant glow.

Our review experts have researched and tested many different anti-aging skin treatments, and have named Kremotex as the best option.  All-natural and made with apple stem cells, shea butter, and other natural ingredients at the forefront of anti-aging science, users are praising its immediate and dramatic results.

Click here for before and after pictures, and learn how Kremotex can benefit you.

Do You Know the Best Anti-Aging Creams of 2017?

Plexaderm Ingredients and Side Effects

Ingredients in Plexaderm include:

Sodium Silicate Magnesium Aluminum Silicate CI 77489 (Iron Oxide) Hyaluronic Acid Phenoxyethanol Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium Silicate: An inorganic salt used in skin care products to control pH balance and protect from corrosion in metallic packaging. It is generally considered safe, but has been known to cause allergies and skin irritation.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate: A natural mineral refined from clay used as a thickening agent in skin care products.  It is generally considered safe in very small amounts, but the aluminum compounds can be neurotoxic.

CI 77489 (Iron Oxide): Inorganic chemicals used in skin care products as colorants and substances to create reflective effects.  Iron oxides are potentially toxic and can enhance absorption of other harmful ingredients in the formula.

Hyaluronic Acid: A natural glycosaminoglycan with exceptional skin moisturizing and healing abilities.  It fills gaps between collagen and elastin, replaces lost moisture, and hydrates the skin.

Phenoxyethanol: A germicide and preservative used in cosmetics and skin care products.  This aromatic alcohol is sometimes used as a fragrance, and can cause irritation.

Ethylhexylglycerin: A natural preservative, also used as a deodorizing agent and skin conditioner.  It is generally considered safe, but it has been known to cause irritation and contact dermatitis in some individuals.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this product with a proven anti-aging cream such as Kremotex for better results.

Plexaderm Quality of Ingredients

Plexaderm lists all its ingredients on the website, which is helpful for those with allergies or sensitive skin, or simply those who are interested in the ingredients they apply to their skin.

The active ingredients are proven for their ability to reduce the visible signs of aging, as well as vitamins with antioxidative and hydrating properties to replenish moisture and protect skin from sun damage.

There are concerns, however, about some ingredients found in Plexaderm.

The silicates responsible for the light-diffusing optic effects can be harsh and abrasive to some skin types.  Aluminum Silicate is especially worrying, as it also contains aluminum compounds, which can be neurotoxic.  Sodium Silicate can also cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis.

Inactive ingredients include the preservative, Phenoxyethanol, which is also used as a fragrance and has been known to irritate skin.

Ethylhexylglycerin can, like other synthetic silicone-based substance, dry skin over time.  Synthetic humectants are unable to attract moisture like natural humectants do, so they don’t hydrate to the deeper layers.  It will moisturize instantly, but over time it can lead to drier skin.

Plexaderm claims it is ideal for all skin types, but not all skin types react the same way to certain ingredients.  Before using this or any skin care product, one should always check with a specialist to discuss the possible risks associated with your skin care regimen.

Visit link to see which all-natural, age-defying skin cream tops the 10-best list.

The Price and Quality of Plexaderm

Plexaderm is priced at $79.90 for a 1-ounce bottle of Rapid Reduction Cream plus $6.95 shipping when individually purchased outright.  There are several different packages available for bulk savings, and the prices are clearly listed on the website.

The products are fairly expensive compared to similar products, but they could be a decent value if desired results are achieved.

There are, however, no credible clinical trials available, and there is very limited information provided about how the formula works.  The moisturizer contains Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful emollient and humectant, but there are no state-of-the-art anti-aging peptides that might have enhanced the effects and justified the high cost.

There are also some harsh preservatives that are known to irritate skin and cause allergic contact dermatitis.  The main active ingredients in the Rapid Reduction Cream, which are metal compounds, are also highly sensitizing.

With so many harsh ingredients, it is difficult to say customers are getting full value when the ingredients can potentially cause more harm than good.

Check out which products made the list of top-rated anti-aging skin creams for the best value.

Business of Plexaderm

The manufacturer of Plexaderm is True Earth Health Products, headquartered in New York.  Their contact info is:

Phone:  (800) 681-0366

Address: True Earth Health Products

260 Smith Street

Farmingdale, NY 11735

Email: customercare@plexaderm.com

There are no complaints to be found about the company on the Better Business Bureau website and similar consumer protection websites.

Most customer reviews are positive, though both the company and product are relatively new to the skin care industry, so they have not built a name for themselves.  This can be both good and bad.  A lack of positive customer reviews suggests the product is not worthy of comment.

On the other hand, however, a lack of negative reviews means that customers are mostly satisfied, as those with negative experiences are most likely to speak out about them.

Several customers have commented on the frustration of their automatic replenishment services.  While the terms are clearly noted on the order page, it is easy to miss them.  Customers are able to purchase products once, but if they purchase in bulk, they are automatically enrolled into the replenishment service, and many customers do not realize this until they are billed.

The biggest downside to the company and brand website, however, is the lack of information about the science behind their products.  There are clinical trials provided, but the results are somewhat dubious because they were not performed by a third-party lab.

The clinical results were performed by the company. This is not to suggest there is any bias involved, but it should be considered.

Click here for a comprehensive list of the best age-defying creams compiled by review experts.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using anti-aging creams for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of Plexaderm

Not all skin care products perform the same for all skin, so unless you try Plexaderm for yourself, you won’t know how the products work with your individual skin type.

Fortunately, there are some online reviews available, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.  Reviews are generally positive, but there are several neutral reviews that indicated the products did not provide the results they were hoping for.

“I like the instant effects of the Reduction Cream, but they unfortunately go away as soon as I wash my face.  The moisturizer hydrates well, but for the price, not so much.”

“It’s not a great product, but it does come in handy for special occasions.  If they could just make something that performed as well in the long term I would be sold.”

“My skin reacted badly to the ingredients in the cream.  I didn’t think I had any allergies, but I might be allergic to aluminum or iron oxide.”

“It’s snake oil.  I did not see any difference, immediate or long-lasting.  For the price I paid, it should have at least come with SPF protection.”

The effectiveness of any skin care product depends on individual skin type, allergies, proper application, and many other contributing factors. It is important to be aware of this when researching skin care products based on customer reviews.

To find out which anti-aging cream our review experts have identified as the best, click here.

Conclusion – Does Plexaderm Work?

Plexaderm is a two-step anti-wrinkle treatment designed to provide instant anti-aging effects while also treating the underlying causes of premature aging.  It contains silicates to immediately tighten skin and smooth away lines and wrinkles, as well as aluminum and iron compounds for their shimmery, light-diffusing effects.

The instant effects, however, are temporary, and the formula contains several harsh irritants, including some of the active ingredients.  It is also lacking powerful peptides and antioxidants that might have enhanced the effects and justified the high price of the treatment.  The most concerning aspect, however, is that there is so little information provided about the formula.  It is difficult to recommend what is essentially a mystery product.

Our reviewers researched and compared many proven age-defying products and agree: Kremotex is the best overall.

Its fast-acting ingredients boost collagen production and promote cell regeneration, reversing the effects of aging and skin damage.  Many positive testimonials on their website, along with amazing before and after transformation photos show why Kremotex was voted the best anti-aging cream of 2016.

Learn more about the science of Kremotex, and see before and after results by visiting this link.

from Easy Weight Loss 101 http://ift.tt/2kRTvxZ via The Best Weight Loss Diet In The World