#face mask tips

[luminousfaery]

face mask schedule ‎𓈒 ˖ ࣪ 𝜗𝜚

tuesday: hydration boost

face mask: hydrating sheet or gel mask. provides intense moisture and helps keep the skin dewy and plump.

eye mask: hydrating eye patches. reduces puffiness and refreshes the under-eye area.

lip mask: moisturizing lip mask. keeps lips soft and hydrated.

friday: deep cleansing

face mask: clay or charcoal mask. helps to clear out impurities and control excess oil for a fresh complexion.

eye mask: brightening eye mask. helps with dark circles and brightens the under-eye area.

lip mask: exfoliating lip mask. gently exfoliates and smooths lips, removing any dry patches.

sunday: repair and renewal

face mask: overnight repair mask or gentle peel. supports skin repair and rejuvenation while you sleep, addressing any signs of stress or fatigue.

eye mask: revitalizing eye patches. provides a boost of hydration and reduces signs of tiredness.

lip mask: nourishing lip mask. rich in hydrating ingredients to smooth and plump lips.

this face mask routine helps me with hydration, clarity, and repair, but it may not suit everyone. make sure to do your research to tailor your specific skin type for the best results.

[cripplecharacters]

The Mask Trope, and Disfiguremisia in Media

[large text: The Mask Trope, and Disfiguremisia in Media]

If you followed this blog for more than like a week, you're probably familiar with “the mask trope” or at least with me complaining about it over and over in perpetuity. But why is it bad and why can't this dude shut up about it?

Let's start with who this trope applies to: characters with facial differences. There is some overlap with blind characters as well; think of the blindfold that is forced on a blind character for no reason. Here is a great explanation of it in this context by blindbeta. It's an excellent post in general, even if your character isn't blind or low vision you should read at least the last few paragraphs.

Here's a good ol’ tired link to what a facial difference is, but to put it simply:

If you have a character, who is a burn survivor or has scars, who wears a mask, this is exactly this trope.

The concept applies to other facial differences as well, but scars and burns are 99% of the representation and “representation” we get, so I'll be using these somewhat interchangeably here.

The mask can be exactly what you think, but it refers to any facial covering that doesn't have a medical purpose. So for example, a CPAP mask doesn't count for this trope, but a Magic Porcelain Mask absolutely does. Bandages do as well. If it covers the part of the face that is “different”, it can be a mask in the context used here.

Eye patches are on thin ice because while they do serve a medical purpose in real life, in 99.9% of media they are used for the same purpose as a mask. It's purely aesthetic.

With that out of the way, let's get into why this trope sucks and find its roots. Because every trope is just a symptom of something, really.

Roughly in order of the least to most important reasons...

Why It Sucks 

[large text: Why It Sucks]

It's overdone. As in — boring. You made your character visibly different, and now they're no longer that. What is the point? Just don't give them the damn scar if you're going to hide it. 

Zero connection with reality. No one does this. I don't even know how to elaborate on this. This doesn't represent anyone because no one does this.

Disability erasure. For the majority of characters with facial differences, their scars or burns somehow don't disable them physically, so the only thing left is the visible part… aaand the mask takes care of it too. Again, what's the point? If you want to make your disabled character abled, then just have them be abled. What is the point of "curing" them other than to make it completely pointless?

Making your readers with facial differences feel straight up bad. I'm gonna be honest! This hurts to see when it's all you get, over and over. Imagine there's this thing that everyone bullied you about, everyone still stares at, that is with you 24/7. Imagine you wanted to see something where people like you aren't treated like a freakshow. Somewhat unrealistic, but imagine that. That kind of world would only exist in fiction, right? So let's look into fiction- oh, none of the positive (or at least not "child-murderer evil") characters look like me. I mean they do, but they don't. They're forced to hide the one thing that connects us. I don't want to hide myself. I don't want to be told over and over that this is what people like me should do. That this is what other people expect so much that it's basically the default way a person with a facial difference can exist. I don't want this.

Perpetuating disfiguremisia. 

"Quick" Disfiguremisia Talk

[large text: "Quick" Disfiguremisia Talk]

It's quick when compared to my average facial difference discussion post, bear with me please.

Disfiguremisia; portmanteau of disfigure from “disfigurement” and -misia, Greek for hatred. 

Also known as discrimination of those mythical horrifically deformed people.

It shows up in fiction all the time; in-universe and in-narrative. Mask trope is one of the most common* representations of it, and it's also a trope that is gaining traction more and more, both in visual art and writing. This is a trope I particularly hate, because it's a blatant symptom of disfiguremisia. It's not hidden and it doesn't try to be. It's a painful remainder that I do not want nor need.

*most common is easily “evil disfigured villain”, just look at any horror media. But that's for another post, if ever.

When you put your character in a mask, it sends a clear message: in your story, facial differences aren't welcome. The world is hostile. Other characters are hostile. The author is, quite possibly, hostile. Maybe consciously, but almost always not, they just don't think that disfiguremisia means anything because it's the default setting. No one wants to see you because your face makes you gross and unsightly. If you have a burn; good luck, but we think you're too ugly to have a face. Have a scar? Too bad, now you don't. Get hidden.

Everything here is a decision that was made by the author. You are the one who makes the world. You are the person who decides if being disabled is acceptable or not there. The story doesn't have a mind of its own, you chose to make it disfiguremisic. 

It doesn't have to be.

Questions to Ask Yourself

[large text: Questions to Ask Yourself]

Since I started talking about facial differences on this blog, I have noticed a very specific trend in how facial differences are treated when compared to other disabilities. A lot of writers and artists are interested in worldbuilding where accessibility is considered, where disabled people are accepted, where neurodivergence is seen as an important part of the human experience, not something “other”. This is amazing, genuinely.

Yet, absolutely no one seems to be interested in a world that is anything but cruel to facial differences. There's no escapist fantasies for us.

You see this over and over, at some point it feels like the same story with different names attached.

The only way a character with a facial difference can exist is to hide it. Otherwise, they are shamed by society. Seen as something gross. I noticed that it really doesn't matter who the character is, facial difference is this great equalizer. Both ancient deities and talking forest cats get treated as the same brand of disgusting thing as long as they're scarred, as long as they had something explode in their face, as long as they've been cursed. They can be accomplished, they can be a badass, they can be the leader of the world, they can kill a dragon, but they cannot, under any circumstances, be allowed to peacefully exist with a facial difference. They have to hide it in the literal sense, or be made to feel that they should. Constantly ashamed, embarrassed that they dare to have a face.

Question one to ask yourself: why is disfiguremisia a part of your story?

I'm part of a few minority groups. I'm an immigrant, I'm disabled, I'm queer. I get enough shit in real life for this so I like to take a break once in a while. I love stories where transphobia isn't a thing. Where xenophobia doesn't come up. But my whole life, I can't seem to find stories that don't spew out disfiguremisia in one way or the other at the first possible opportunity.

Why is disfiguremisia a default part of your worldbuilding? Why can't it be left out? Why in societies with scarred saviors and warriors is there such intense disgust for them? Why can't anyone even just question why this is the state of the world?

Why is disfiguremisia normal in your story?

Question two: do you know enough about disfiguremisia to write about it?

Ask yourself, really. Do you? Writers sometimes ask if or how to portray ableism when they themselves aren't disabled, but no one bothers to wonder if maybe they aren't knowledgeable enough to make half their story about their POV character experiencing disfiguremisia. How much do you know, and from where? Have you read Mikaela Moody or any other advocates’ work around disfiguremisia? Do you understand the way it intersects; with being a trans woman, with being Black? What is your education on this topic?

And for USAmericans... do you know what "Ugly Laws" are, and when they ended?

Question three: what does your story associate with facial difference — and why?

If I had to guess; “shame”, “embarrassment”, “violence”, "disgust", “intimidation”, “trauma”, “guilt”, “evil”, “curse”, “discomfort”, “fear”, or similar would show up. 

Why doesn't it associate it with positive concepts? Why not “hope” or “love” or “pride” or “community”? Why not “soft” or “delicate”? Dare I say, “beauty” or “innocence”? Why not “blessing”? “Acceptance”?

Why not “normal”?

Question four: why did you make the character the way they are? 

Have you considered that there are other things than “horrifically burned for some moral failing” or “most traumatic scenario put to paper”? Why is it always “a tough character with a history of violence” and never “a Disfigured princess”? Why not “a loving parent” or “a fashionable girl”, instead of “the most unkind person you ever met” and “total badass who doesn’t care about anything - other than how scary their facial difference is to these poor ableds”? Don’t endlessly associate us with brutality and suffering. We aren’t violent or manipulative or physically strong or brash or bloodthirsty by default. We can be soft, and frail and gentle and kind - and we can still be proud and unashamed.

Question five: why is your character just… fine with all this?

Can’t they make a community with other people with facial differences and do something about this? Demand the right to exist as disabled and not have to hide their literal face? Why are they cool with being dehumanized and treated with such hatred? Especially if they fall into the "not so soft and kind" category that I just talked about, it seems obvious to me that they would be incredibly and loudly pissed off about being discriminated against over and over... Why can't your character, who is a subject of disfiguremisia, realize that maybe it's disfiguremisia that's the problem, and try to fix it?

Question six: why is your character wearing a mask? 

Usually, there's no reason. Most of the time the author hasn't considered that there even should be one, the character just wears a mask because that's what people with facial differences do in their mind. Most writers aren't interested in this kind of research or even considering it as a thing they should do. The community is unimportant to them, it's not like we are real people who read books. They think they understand, because to them it's not complex, it's not nuanced. It's ugly = bad. Why would you need a reason?

For cases where the reason is stated, I promise, I have heard of every single one. To quote, "to spare others from looking at them". I have read, "content warning: he has burn scars under the mask, he absolutely hates taking it off!", emphasis not mine. Because "he hates the way his skin looks", because "they care for their appearance a lot" (facial differences make you ugly, remember?). My favorite: "only has scars and the mask when he's a villain, not as a hero", just to subtly drive the point home. This isn't the extreme end of the spectrum. Now, imagine being a reader with a facial difference. This is your representation, sitting next to Freddy Krueger and Voldemort.

How do you feel?

F.A.Q. [frequently asked questions]

[large text: F.A.Q. [frequently asked questions]]

As in, answers and “answers” to common arguments or concerns. 

“Actually they want to hide their facial difference” - your character doesn’t have free will. You want them to hide it. Again; why.

“They are hiding it to be more inconspicuous!” - I get that there are elves in their world, but there’s no universe where wearing a mask with eye cutouts on the street is less noticeable than having a scar. Facial differences aren’t open wounds sprinkling with blood, in case that's not clear.

“It’s for other people's comfort” - why are other characters disfiguremisic to this extent? Are they forcing all minorities to stay hidden and out of sight too? That’s a horrible society to exist in.

“They are wearing it for Actual Practical Reason” - cool! I hope that this means you have other characters with facial differences that don’t wear it for any reason.

"It's the character's artistic expression" - I sure hope that there are abled characters with the same kind of expression then.

“They’re ashamed of their face” - and they never have any character development that would make that go away? That's just bad writing. Why are they ashamed in the first place? Why is shame the default stance to have about your own face in your story? I get that you think we should be ashamed and do these ridiculous things, but in real life we just live with it. 

"Now that you say that it is kinda messed up but I'm too far into the story please help" - here you go.

“[some variation of My Character is evil so it's fine/a killer so it fits/just too disgusting to show their disability” - this is the one of the only cases where I’m fine with disability erasure, actually. Please don’t make them have a facial difference. This is the type of harm that real life activists spend years and decades undoing. Disfiguremisia from horror movies released in the 70s is still relevant. It still affects people today.

"But [in-universe explanation why disfiguremisia is cool and fine actually]" - this changes nothing.

Closing Remarks

[large text: Closing Remarks]

I hope that this post explains my thoughts on facial difference representation better. It's a complicated topic, I get it. I'm also aware that this post might come off as harsh (?) but disfiguremisia shouldn't be treated lightly, it shouldn't be a prop. It's real world discrimination with a big chunk of its origins coming out of popular media.

With the asks that have been sent regarding facial differences, I realized that I probably haven't explained what the actual problems are well enough. It's not about some technical definition, or about weird in-universe explanations. It's about categorizing us as some apparently fundamentally different entity that can't possibly be kind and happy, about disfiguremisia so ingrained into our culture that it's apparently impossible to make a world without it; discrimination so deep that it can't be excised, only worked around. But you can get rid of it. You can just not have it there in the first place. Disfiguremisia isn't a fundamental part of how the world works; getting rid of it won't cause it to collapse. Don't portray discrimination as an integral, unquestionable part of the world that has to stay no matter what; whether it's ableism, transphobia, or Islamophobia or anything else. A world without discrimination can exist. If you can't imagine a world without disfiguremisia in fiction... that's bad. Sad, mostly. To me, at least.

Remember, that your readers aren't going to look at Character with a Scar #14673 and think "now I'm going to research how real life people with facial differences live." They won't, there's no inclination for them to do so. If you don't give them a reason, they won't magically start thinking critically about facial differences and disfiguremisia. People like their biases and they like to think that they understand.

And, even if you're explaining it over and over ;-) (winky face) there will still be people who are going to be actively resistant to giving a shit. To try and get the ones who are capable of caring about us, you, as the author, need to first understand disfiguremisia, study Face Equality, think of me as a human being with human emotions who doesn't want to see people like me treated like garbage in every piece of media I look at. There's a place and time for that media, and if you don't actually understand disfiguremisia, you will only perpetuate it; not "subvert" it, not "comment" on it.

I hope this helps :-) (smile emoji. for good measure)

Mod Sasza

[xoxo-ch3rry]

Hair care tips <3

-silk pillow case, it’s not rough on your hair

-double condition

-always remember heat protectants

-scalp massages

-silk scrunchies

-wash hair with cold water

-spinach, eggs, almonds and sweet potato are good for hair growth plus they’re yummy!

🎀

[fairiedance]

Masks for Protest Safety

I have seen a lot of people out protesting without masks. I want to point out that masks are not just for safety from illness! If you're at a protest that seems at risk of turning violent or being extra controversial in some way (being held in a hostile conservative area, for example) it is a very good idea to have a mask on you to avoid facial recognition software. Even if you don't do anything wrong there is always a chance law enforcement could give you a hard time for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time (particularly if you are a minority).

Other useful tips: Keep your phone turned off or carry a burner, wear long clothes to protect from chemical agents (and cover identifying tattoos), bring water (to wash eyes and drink), don't post photos of people without their consent, avoid contact lenses and eye makeup (due to pepper spray), don't carry anything you wouldn't want to get arrested with (drugs, valuables, etc), avoid loose hair and jewelry that can get caught or grabbed, write down (maybe on your skin) or memorize contact info for people you are with.

This post was prompted because I noticed throughout my fundraising that I have not sold any masks. This is totally fine, I've made plenty of other sales and stickers usually have the highest margins anyway. I do hope this means most of you are using keffiyehs or masks you have left over from Covid though! It's good to be safe (I'm always nagging the friend I'm raising money for to take more safety precautions at his protests, haha).

Here is a small sample of some of the masks I have:

As usual, ALL PROCEEDS from these are for my Palestinian best friend, to help his girlfriend afford to join him safely in America and to help his friends and family in Palestine and around the rest of the Levant who are being hurt directly and/or financially by the attacks on Gaza, the increasing Israeli raids in the West Bank and the collateral damage in surrounding countries. All designs found here (Redbubble will show you a random product, click on each to see more product options such as masks, stickers, shirts, mugs, etc). I'm still adding new ones nearly daily.

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped out so far!

[biophilianutrition]

Wellness & Beauty

[so-very-small]

wish i was small so i could take one of those acne patches and stick it over my whole face

[sketchonista]

Deadwood SS24 shot at Copenhagen Fashionweek

[theartofwomann]

first, you need to drink water, a lot of water. you need water, your skin needs it, your body needs it. so PLEASE drink that water

[aobkorea]

BEAUTY IS ALL ABOUT YOU, KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPES

[xoxo-ch3rry]

How to drink more water

When I tell you the fastest way to glow up is to drink more water, girl, I mean it!!

I personally don’t really like the taste of plain water I usually drink sparkling water which if you drink too fast it gets sickly so my water intake was not the best, I bought a water bottle about a week ago, it’s pink and has a straw which motivates me so much!!

Now, my tip is to make your water colorful, add fruits, I bought mint leaves, strawberries, lime, lemon, oranges and it tastes so good!! Right now I have mint and strawberries I drank it before going to sleep it didn’t have that much flavour yet because I made it minutes before going to sleep but when I woke up in the middle of the night I drank a sip and when the fruits soak in the water for a while it tastes so nice and refreshing

I heavily recommend, my waterbottle is 900ml and I drink about 2 of them a day, soon I’ll try to drink 3! <3 baby steps

🎀stay hydrated girlies🎀

[dreamypumpkins]

[biophilianutrition]

Wellness & Beauty

[usarmytrooper]

Seems like good advice to me…but I wasn’t really even considering it.

[stealing-your-wife]

So so so SO glad my art blog is a side blog and my main is totally separate. Best decision ever.

[anielskaaniela]

Best Japanese Face Sheet Masks for Skincare Routine

In this post, you will discover the best Japanese sheet masks and how to use them to achieve amazing effects. Check out my japanese beauty products [here]. If you’re all about keeping it simple when it comes to taking care of your skin, then you’re going to love this blog post. We’re diving deep into the world of Japanese face masks. These bad boys are like a quick fix for your skin—easy to…

[aobkorea]

DRY SKIN TIPS THAT REALLY WORKS.

Skin can become dry and dehydrated when it loses water too quickly—not unlike our bodies on a scorching summer day or after a grueling cardio workout. When our skin loses that water, it’s called transepidermal weather loss (TEWL). For those of us with dry skin, that means our skin cells have a hard time keeping water in. Add to that environmental aggressors like sun, wind, pollution, polar/cold climates and the skin barrier can also be compromised - making skin drier and more fragile and susceptible to cracking and irritation. A few common characteristics of dry skin include dullness, flakey-ness, tightness, itchiness, redness, and just (sigh) general discomfort. In short, dry skin is no fun. But it is common—and almost everyone will grapple with it at some point.

Some people are genetically predisposed to dryer skin and deal with it even as teenagers, when skin typically overproduces oil. Others battle parched complexions seasonally (particularly in the dry depths of winter) or situationally (e.g. long, hot showers, certain medications and even overly aggressive skincare can all cause excessive moisture loss). And of course, all skin becomes drier as we age, so even if you’ve never considered your skin on the dry side, it will be…eventually.

The good news is dry skin doesn’t have to stay dry. There are lots of simple, easy-to-adopt strategies that will soothe and soften almost instantly. Here are 7 dry skin tips to set you on the path to smoother, more supple skin.

1. Turn On A Humidifier

Dry skin can be caused—or exacerbated—by central heating, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. If you live in a climate that dips below 50 degrees during the winter, you’re likely well aware of this. Turning on a humidifier overnight—or placing a small one near your work space during the day—will consistently mist and hydrate the air, helping to mitigate the moisture-zapping properties of all that exposure to indoor heat.

2. Ease Up On The Steamy Showers

Yes, it does feel so good—especially on a frigid day. But too much time in a long, hot shower or bath can remove natural oils from your skin, as well as disrupt your skin’s protective barrier function (which can cause you to lose moisture even outside the shower). So, as a general rule, try to suds and rinse in less than ten minutes and keep the water temperature closer to warm than hot.

3. Choose A Gentle Cleanser

Using a harsh antibacterial soap, which is designed to remove sweat and oil, will also strip moisture from your skin, leaving it itchy and dry. This result is often worsened in the winter months when skin is most vulnerable. So, try to stick to body and face cleansers that are creamy and moisturizing, like Korean skincare , which effectively removes makeup and impurities, but does it without stripping moisture from the skin or disrupting the skin’s barrier function.

4. Slather On Moisture Asap

Layering on moisturizing serums and creams, immediately after cleansing will help seal water into the skin, as well as support the skin’s barrier function. Same goes for your body: Aim to always apply a hydrating cream right after showering or bathing—and massage in a nourishing hand lotion, Such as Korean skincare every time you wash up. Note: To maximize the hydrating potency of the aforementioned formulas, always blot, rather than rub, with a towel after showering or cleansing. Blotting gets rids of any dripping water but still leaves a light film of moisture for your serums and creams to seal inside the skin.

5. Slough With Care

Slathering on moisturizer is crucial in treating dry skin, but if the buildup of dead skin cells on your face has become nearly impenetrable, those formulas can’t permeate and nourish your skin. So, it’s also imperative that you use a gentle scrub or an exfoliating toner, such as K-Beauty to routinely remove dead surface skin cells. Do this step a few times a week after cleansing, but before moisturizing.

6. Take Cover

In bitter-cold climates, the skin can lose moisture at an accelerated rate—as much as 25 percent more than it does in a moderate climate. So, If your home state’s winter weather can become quite harsh, try to prioritize covering as much skin as possible whenever you head outdoors. Scarves, hats, knee socks and gloves should be considered as essential as shoes.

7. Drink Up

Keeping your skin hydrated starts with quenching your body’s thirst for water. So, try to down the expert-recommended 64 ounces of liquid each day (non-caffeinated beverages like tea or seltzer also count). And feel free to toss back more, if you're still thirsty. Also, try to limit both caffeinated and alcoholic drinks to no more than two per day, as both are diuretics and can accelerate water loss, undoing all the good-skin deeds, above.

Though we commonly discuss dry skin during the colder, drier winter months, it’s actually a year-round problem. The key to curbing your skin’s moisture loss is both making small lifestyle changes, and sticking to a soothing, hydrating skincare regimen.

#womenshealth #lipstick #eyemakeup #vitaminc #hair #shorthair #dermatology #sephora #lashes #makeupinspo #makeuplooks #lipgloss #kbeauty #antiaging #hairstyle #healthyskin #skinhealth #eyeshadow #glowingskin #skintreatment #skin products #koreanskincare #bodycare #curly hair #fashion #beauty #redhair #beautyproducts #beautytips #haircare #beautyproducts #skinfood