#pore cleaning strips

[kristabella1506]

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface

BENEFICIOS

Eficacia en la extracción de puntos negros y espinillas: Los parches están diseñados para absorber el sebo y las bacterias que causan los puntos negros y espinillas. En estudios clínicos, el parche Mighty Surface ha demostrado ser efectivo para reducir el tamaño y la apariencia de las espinillas en tan solo 24 horas.

Diseño discreto: Los parches son pequeños y transparentes, por lo que son fáciles de llevar puestos durante el día.

Fácil de usar: Los parches son fáciles de aplicar y quitar.

DESVENTAJAS

Costo: Los parches pueden ser costosos, especialmente si se usan con frecuencia.

No son efectivos para todos los tipos de espinillas: Los parches no son efectivos para espinillas que están muy inflamadas o que han roto la piel.

Pueden causar irritación: En algunos casos, los parches pueden causar irritación de la piel, como enrojecimiento o picazón.

CONCLUSIÓN

En general, Hero Cosmetics Mighty Surface Patch es un producto eficaz para el tratamiento de puntos negros y espinillas. Los parches son fáciles de usar y discretos, y pueden ayudar a reducir el tamaño y la apariencia de las espinillas en tan solo 24 horas. Sin embargo, los parches pueden ser costosos y no son efectivos para todos los tipos de espinillas.

Recomendaciones:

Para obtener los mejores resultados, use los parches tan pronto como note un punto negro o una espinilla.

Si tiene piel sensible, pruebe el parche en un área pequeña de la piel antes de usarlo en toda la cara.

Si experimenta irritación de la piel, deje de usar los parches.

¿DÓNDE COMPRARLO?

● https://www.target.com/p/hero-cosmetics-mighty-surface-patch-10ct/-/A-82388198#lnk=sametab

● https://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Patch-Surface-Best-Selling-Hydrocolloid/dp/B07KJXFJHF?ref_=ast_sto_dp

[transbeamrooikat]

I have. genuinely never hated a book to movie adaption as much as I hate the movie version of the hunger games

[gojoacedia]

Katsuki is the type of boyfriend to be physically unable to find you unattractive. When you wake up next to him in the morning with your pimple patches and bonnet on he thinks you look like a goddess. When you open your eyes for the first time he’s already looking at you with those lovestruck eyes. He’ll even wipe the eye crusts from your tear ducts or the dead skin that accumulated around your mouth at night with the most adoring face imaginable.

You honestly get it though. You’ll put a pore strip on his nose and peel out all of his blackheads with a look of complete satisfaction. God forbid he has a pimple on his face or better yet his back/shoulders because you are on that shit. You turn into a whole dermatologist. Nitroglycerin sweat does wonders for his skin but he pretty much negates all of them by creating explosions with his quirk. You know how his body works better than any doctor could.

If you went up to Katsuki saying your tampon was stuck he would throw you on the bed and spread your legs like he was delivering a fucking baby. You already know he has sex with you on your period. He could not give any less of a fuck. If anything, he likes the extra lubrication. He’ll clean you up and get hard all over again being close to your messy pussy now leaking his cum. Then after another round, he would carry you to the bathroom to make sure you pee so you don’t get a UTI. He’ll just sit on the bathroom floor watching you get more and more amazed at how much cum leaked from your vagina. Even though Katsuki’s attachment issues make it so you can barely even shit without him in the room, you still get pee-shy every time.

“Stop looking at me! Every time you do my coochie clenches because you’re so hot and the pee won’t come out! Why are you laughing this is serious Katsuki! Do you want me to get a UTI?!”

[glowinggreenfrog]

Achieved that gremlin state of mind where my Vyvanse wore off and I’m not going to fall asleep until the sun comes up

[sketchyfandomgirl]

Simon “Ghost” Riley who gets terrible acne when he goes for days on end without taking his mask off. He gets so sweaty and gross that when it finally come off, Simon has a terrible breakout and it can take days to clean it all up.

That’s why he turns to you, probably the only other member of 141 who has a good skin care other than Gaz, but he won’t let the kid know he’s got acne.

He also trusts you more to find something that agrees with his skin and even goes on a shopping trip with you to pick out something he might like, and a few others to try with your expertise. The man is so confused reading every label as you work through the aisles like it’s the back of your hand. It makes his head dizzy thinking about it too much.

And no Simon, do not pay too much attention to the bunny ears headband, it’s not that important, look at this clay mask instead! It’ll help with pores!

When it’s all over, it’s almost as if you bought half the self care aisle back to base, but it’s for the greater good! Plenty of creams, pore strips, face masks, clay masks, lotions and even a roller with oil to make the face feel fresh!

It’s a whole evening helping Simon find what’s best for him. He complains soooooo much about the steamer, but you hush him and say it’ll be worth it. Maybe give him some snacks to appease him as he roasts his face for his health! And yes, he is wearing the bunny headband to keep his curls out of the way.

Simon takes a backseat as you do your magic applying the creams and clay mask to his face. Yes, there is a difference between the creams and masks Simon!

He definitely asks you to explain what you’re putting on his face and what it does. He wants to learn! Simon isn’t simply there for you to take care of him lies, he’s totally enjoying the attention

Play a movie and the man is comfy in his seat as you pamper and fuss over him, cleaning him up of that icky acne :(

The cherry on top of this delicious sundae is when you bully Simon out of his seat to sit on the floor, stealing his spot and positioning him to sit between your legs. Laying him to lean against your chair, you massage the oil into his face, using the roller to run across his face. He almost moans in appreciation as your fingers work their magic, rubbing his cheeks, jaw and forehead with great care to make his eyes flutter shut. It’s so comforting he falls into a lull of sleep and you don’t even realize it until you hear a gentle snore.

What a wonderful day for self care. Maybe Simon will make sure to dirty his face again for another day like this.

[jjsfavgirl]

Kook girlfriend

Some JJ Maybank x kook!reader headcannons!!

Warnings:

-

-the first time you met it was when your parents ordered groceries the first time you moved to the island and JJ showed up at the door, you immediately flashed him a bright smile and welcomed him in, only earning a grunt back (his hatred for kooks not faltering no matter how you welcomed him) but he warmed up after you helped him unpack the groceries and even made him a sandwich after you heard him stomach grumble.

-sometimes you ordered just a single ice cream pot just to see JJ again.

-you then began to hang out with the other Pogues more and more. You had already known Kiara and Sarah from the kook academy as they were the only Kooks that were actually bearable.

-then you and JJ began having sleepovers at your house every night, both very thankful that your parents ended up warming up to him and always welcomed him with loving arms into your large home.

-you two would cuddle up in your king sized bed as you flicked through Netflix and watched tv shows after tv shows. (JJ getting fake mad at you if you watched an episode without him)

-after JJ slept at yours for three days straight after a run in with his dad and being to afraid to even go home, you decided to take a shopping trip with your weekly allowance and buy you both matching clean white robes.

-the day you showed him the robes, he was so grateful that he finally obliged with doing a self care night with you.

-this included, face masks, pore strips and even watching your favourite vogue beauty secrets.

-yet it wasn’t until you were into the last step of your self care night and you began to pluck JJ’s messy eyebrows that you had managed to get your self situated on his lap as his thumbs caressed your thighs as your tongue stuck out the corner of your mouth while you worked your magic.

-“all done!”your words caused his eyes to flutter open, half asleep his eyes searched your face as you smiled down at him, your hands resting on his chest, running your fingers along the soft fabric of your matching white robes.

-your breathe was immediately sucked from your lungs as JJ hand snuck onto your cheek and pulled you in to place a firm kiss onto your lips.

-within the first week of dating, you had brought you’re new boyfriend three gifts. He refused them every time but couldn’t resist as you sent him a pouty lip and puppy dog eyes.

-

Hope you enjoy!!

Love ivy🎀

[sir-walton-goggins]

Clean Shaven

Just a lil ficlet in appreciation of clean shaven Arthur. (736 words)

Tw suggestive! Just a whole lot of teasing eheh

Pic by me /// Thank you @raevennsge for the inspiration!<3

"Let me do that for you." Arthur paused and turned to you, shaving blade in mid-air. It was early in the morning, most of the camp was still asleep, and your husband was sitting in front of his portable mirror on his cot. Before he could even reply, you straddled him, placing yourself right on his lap, and gently took the blade from his hand. "Wh-hat..." he stuttered, gaze averted and traveling down to your chest, his cheeks and the tips of his ears glowing red. He shifted his weight to accommodate yours, suddenly very aware of the stiffening bulge in his pants. His breath escaped him in a short exhale when you promptly grabbed his jaw to hold it into place, a stern command exiting your pretty lips. "Don't move." Like under a magic spell, Arthur's muscles froze into place, not even daring to breathe too hard, heart racing in his chest and a tingling sensation spreading all over his lower abdomen. He would never admit it, but he was just so starstruck when you took control of him. However, it was written all over his face: eyes widening in a defenseless stupor, mouth slightly open, whole face as red as a bell pepper. He looked as vulnerable as a puppy. A small quiver shook his lower lip when you hovered your mouth just below his earlobe, on the portion of skin not covered by the shaving cream. A shiny mark of saliva glistened in the timid light of the rising sun. The skin on his neck felt tingly. "Be a good boy for me now." You ordered, softening the grip on his jaw and running the blade smoothly on his cream covered cheek. Arthur looked at you with his peripheral vision, the malicious grin pasted on your face making his stomach churn. God, you were so hot. He tried lifting a hand to put it on your thigh, but you quickly smacked it away, giving him a dirty look. "I said, stay still." "Yes ma'am" he whispered, a coy smile on his lips. You were often so sweet, but he enjoyed seeing this part of you emerge from time to time. It awakened something in him he didn't quite understand. All he knew was his pants now felt a bit tighter than before. "What did I do to deserve the deluxe service?" He joked, desperately trying to distract himself from the painful swelling you caused. The blood rushing over felt like thousands of pins and needles prickling at him from the inside. You didn't reply. Instead, you planted your eyes in his, softening your gaze a bit as if to silently say "You're my man. Of course you get special treatment". You continued shaving him, strip by strip, being exceptionally delicate yet firm. Arthur's skin was becoming smoother where the blade had taken away thick hair and dead skin, and you took pleasure in running your free hand on the freshly shaven parts, even leaving a soft kiss on them, making Arthur shudder in delight at the gentle contact on his still raw epidermis. His little grunts and moans as you held him in place made your own lower belly hot. You exhaled, trying to keep your cool. He gingerly tried to put his hands on your waist and this time, guard down, you let him. "There," you finally announced, shaving the last of Arthur's face. You smiled. "All done." You admired his clear features. Every single pore, wrinkle, scar, mole and sunspot that was now exposed made him even more Arthur. And you loved seeing every inch of him. You reached out to caress his clean shaven cheeks once more, but Arthur grabbed your hands and held them into place in one swift motion. "I'll finish up later," he rumbled, his voice suddenly so deep it made your heart skip a beat and every hair on your neck stand on end. He leaned forward, putting his lips on yours, his grip on your waist tightening as he opened his mouth slightly to taste you better. You instinctively obeyed, parting your lips enough to let him in. "Now, let me give you the deluxe treatment..." he purred in your ear, making your breath shaky and your core flutter in anticipation. Your squeezed your thighs around his waist and dove right back on his mouth, tasting every inch of the soft skin you shaved yourself.

[nenelonomh]

how to properly wash your face

this post is a bit of a spinoff from my last post, 'how you can reduce acne'. read it here.

now, properly washing your face has many benefits, such as:

removing buildup washing your face clears away dirt, oil and other unwanted debris, preventing clogged pores and acne breakouts.

boosting hydration regular cleansing can help to maintain proper hydration levels, which keeps the skin smooth.

maintaining clear skin it helps to manage the production of sebum and supports proper pore size, contributing to clearer skin.

enhancing the effectiveness of products clean skin allows for better absorption of skincare products like moisturizers and treatments.

promoting healthy skin by removing impurities and maintaining hydration, face washing contributes to overall skin health.

here's some steps, how to properly wash your face:

start by removing any makeup with a gentle makeup remover or micellar water. it's important to remove makeup because clean skin absorbs skincare products better, making them more effective. never, and i repeat NEVER wear makeup to bed. this will lead to breakouts and acne. your skin needs time to breathe.

2. wet your face with warm water. using hot water can strip your skin of natural oils and cold water isn't as effective at cleaning.

3. use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser suitable for your skin type and apply it to your face in a circular motion. make sure to be gentle. avoid scrubbing your skin harshly as this can cause irritation.

4. rinse off the cleanser completely with warm water.

5. pat your face dry with a clean towel. i use a face washer (which is like a tiny, thin towel) and change it every 2-3 uses. do not rub when you are drying your face, as this can irritate the skin.

6. apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to keep your skin hydrated. personally, i only use moisturizer in the mornings, mixing it with my sunscreen. at nighttime, i prefer to just wash my face and if i have pimples, i will apply a spot treatment.

(images are from pinterest)

[girlypopbops]

The Ultimate Guide To a Monthly Reset ⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩

Each month deserves a fresh start. This made me inspired to start a new monthly tradition where on the first Sunday of the month, I will do a deep clean a reset. With September just starting and kicking off my favorite string on months coming up, starting now was the perfect time. Below I am going to deep dive into all that I did to put myself back on track for a successful month again. I might also mention that I woke up today feeling the most peace I have in ages, so I can confirm this reset is essential.

Home:

𖥔 Laundry : washing usual clothes, towels, bath mats, bedding, bags, (anything that can be washed essentially)

𖥔 Vacuum

𖥔 Mop

𖥔 Clean mirrors

𖥔 Wipe down all surfaces

𖥔 Dust

𖥔 Re-organize all drawers and papers

𖥔 Put everything back in its designated spot

𖥔 Clean makeup & hairbrushes

𖥔 Clean out any junk ( in drawers, bags, wallets)

Digital Space:

𖥔 Clear out any old messages that aren't needed taking up space

𖥔 Clear out search histories

𖥔 Change device wallpapers & re-organize home screen

𖥔 Delete any apps you don't use

𖥔 Clean out camera roll

𖥔 Unfollow social media accounts that aren't good for your mental health

𖥔 Clear out emails

Brain:

𖥔 Journal about the prior month & reflect on what was fun and what didn't work out

𖥔 Set goals for the new month

𖥔 Tarot reading on advice & what to expect in the upcoming month

𖥔 Re-asses routines

Body:

𖥔 Everything shower : full shave, exfoliate, scrubs, dry brush, body oils, tons of moisturizer

𖥔 Face mask

𖥔 Full skin care : shave face, pluck eyebrows, clean out pores, oils, eye cream, toner, moisturizer, use a frozen clear quartz or amethyst face roller and gua sha

𖥔 Teeth whitening strip

𖥔 Paint nails

Finish the evening off with a hot tea and book and a nice candle burning!

☆.。.:*·°☆.。.:*·°☆.。.:*·°☆.。.:*·°☆☆.。.:*·°☆.。.:*·°☆.。.:*·°☆.

Getting into bed all squeaky clean, clean bedding, mind clear, and ready to take on whatever the month has in store is sure to get you the most refreshing nights sleep!

[bloomzone]

can u make me a rlly good skin care routine? except I don't have any toner...

🧾- hi pooks how are uuu I hope u finne

How to build a skincare routine ㅤ۪ㅤ۫ ꪆ୧ㅤ🧁ㅤ۫ ♡

Morning Routine: for All Skin Types

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser that clears away overnight buildup without stripping your skin.

Oily skin? Use a gel-based cleanser.

Dry or sensitive skin? Opt for a hydrating cleanser.

1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Skin Type: Dry, normal, sensitive

2. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone

3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser

Skin Type: All skin types, sensitive

2. Rice Water Boost: Here’s the secret that works for everyone. No toner ? After cleansing, apply rice water using a cotton pad or gently pat it onto your skin. It brightens, soothes, and balances your skin naturally. (Make rice water by soaking rice in water for 20 minutes, then straining and refrigerating it.)

3. Moisturize: Hydration is key! Choose a lightweight moisturizer for oily skin and a richer one for dry skin. Combination or sensitive skin? Stick to non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formulas.

For Dry Skin

1. Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

Deeply hydrating with ceramides and urea.

2. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

Nourishes very dry skin with botanical extracts.

For Oily Skin

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Lightweight, oil-free, and hydrates without clogging pores.

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer

Controls shine and minimizes pores.

For Combination Skin

1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Balances oil and hydration levels.

2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Lightweight but hydrating for dry patches.

For Sensitive Skin

1. Avene Skin Recovery Cream

Calms irritation and strengthens the skin barrier.

2. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

Gentle and non-irritating with hyaluronic acid.

For Acne-Prone Skin

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer

Non-comedogenic and soothes irritated skin.

2. Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

Free from common irritants and ideal for breakout-prone skin.

4. Sunscreen: Finish your routine with SPF 30 or higher, even if you’re staying indoors. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage and prevents premature aging—an absolute must for everyone!

Night Routine: Restore & Repair

1. Double Cleanse: If you wear sunscreen or makeup, start with micellar water or an oil-based cleanser, followed by your regular face wash.

2. Rice Water (Again!): Use rice water as a natural toner to calm your skin and prep it for the night. It’s a multitasking hero that helps reduce redness, minimize pores, and add a glow.

3. Targeted Treatments:

Acne-prone? Apply a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment.

Dull skin? Try a niacinamide serum for even tone and radiance.

Dry skin? Opt for a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture.

4. Moisturize: Seal everything in with your favorite moisturizer. At night, you can go for a slightly heavier one to aid your skin’s repair process.

Weekly Extras for Radiance

Exfoliate: Once or twice a week, use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs) to remove dead skin cells. DIY trick: Mix honey and sugar for a natural exfoliating scrub.

Face Masks: Hydrate with aloe vera . You can also use sheet masks chilled in the fridge for a refreshing treat.

Steam and Detox: Once a week, steam your face for a few minutes to open up pores and deep-clean. Follow with a clay mask if you have oily skin or a soothing mask if your skin is sensitive.

Secret Skincare Habits for All Skin Types

2. Cold Spoon Hack: Struggling with puffy eyes? Chill a spoon and press it gently under your eyes for an instant de-puffing effect.

3. Jade Roller Magic: A jade roller or gua sha tool works for all skin types. Massage your face daily to improve circulation and reduce puffiness.

4. Silk Pillowcase: Sleep on silk pillowcases—they’re gentle on your skin, reduce friction, and keep your hair and face smooth.

5. Hydration Inside Out: Drink plenty of water and eat skin-friendly foods like avocados, nuts, and fruits. Your skin reflects what you put into your body!

and there is a LOT of skincare tips I will try to make other blogs Abt it soon. !!

@bloomzone 🧁

[nayoungs-archive]

𝐢. 𝗇𝖺𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗇𝗀'𝗌 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗇𝖼𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗀𝗎𝗂𝖽𝖾!

disclamer! these tips are all from experience, they've been tried and tested by yours truly. please note that i am not a skin specialist, and if you have any major skin concerns, visit a dermatologist! always remember that you are beautiful just the way you are, and these tips are aiming to help you achieve a healthier overall lifestyle.

i. skin types: everyone's skin is different! so, the first and most important step is to find out what kind of skin you have. is it oily? is it often dry? is it sensitive to certain products? determining your skin type will aid you in finding products that work for you, making it a crucial step.

ii. drink more water: i know, you've heard it a million times! but i cannot emphasise how important it is to drink water! not just for your skin, but it benefits your overall health and well-being. dehydration can cause dryness, and oiliness- which can lead to heat boils and breakouts. drinking 2-3 litres of water every day can clear up your skin significantly!

iii. avoid oily and fried foods: health begins on the inside, so we must nourish our skin the same way! oily foods can clog your pores, and make your skin greasy. in general, processed and fried food is bad for your health as it is full of preservatives and artificial flavouring. although it is important to treat yourself from time to time, avoid eating these on a daily basis.

iv. stop touching your face: i understand how hard this might be for some of you because we end up subconsciously touching our face from time to time, but not touching your face is a crucial habit and you must train yourself to reduce the number of times you touch your face. touching your face with unwashed hands makes your skin oily and dirty. song jia revealed she only touches her face while applying basic skincare or washing her face. it seems impossible, but you can do it!

v. apply sunscreen daily: no matter what, you must include sunscreen in your skincare routine. regardless of the weather, it's important since the uv rays from the sun harm your skin, and pollutants in the air (especially in the city) can damage your skin significantly. i use neutrogena and it's super lightweight and gives your skin a glowy and clean look.

vi. weather matters: weather conditions play a big role in determining which skincare products you should be using. for example- if you live near the sea coast, you might not need to moisturise due to severe humidity, but if you live in a cold and dry country, a heavy moisturiser might be advisable! if you are interested in skincare tips for people living in tropical countries- comment!

vii. facewash usage: again, it depends on where you live. i personally live near the coast, so i end up washing my face thrice a day due to constant sweating. during winter, take a call on whether you need to use a facewash in the mornings. over-cleansing can strip your skin of natural oils, which does more harm than good. if the climate where you live is not too severe, i would recommend washing your face twice a day.

nayoung's note: hope these tips helped you! feel free to let me know how they worked in the comments.

[kristabella1506]

Mario Badescu Drying Patch

BENEFICIOS

Reducción de imperfecciones: Los parches secantes Mario Badescu están formulados con ingredientes como el ácido salicílico y el óxido de zinc, que pueden ayudar a secar y reducir las imperfecciones de la piel, como granos y espinillas.

Fácil de usar: Son fáciles de aplicar. Solo tienes que pegar el parche en la zona afectada y dejarlo actuar durante la noche o durante el tiempo recomendado.

Protección: Los parches secantes crean una barrera física entre la imperfección y el entorno, lo que puede ayudar a prevenir la contaminación y la propagación de bacterias.

Minimiza la manipulación: Al aplicar un parche secante, puedes reducir la tentación de tocar o apretar las imperfecciones, lo que podría empeorar el problema.

DESVENTAJAS

Efectividad variable: La eficacia de los parches secantes puede variar según la persona y el tipo de imperfección. Algunas imperfecciones pueden responder mejor que otras.

Tiempo de uso: Los parches secantes generalmente deben dejarse en la piel durante varias horas o toda la noche para que sean efectivos. Esto puede no ser conveniente si necesitas una solución rápida.

No apto para todos los tipos de imperfecciones: Los parches secantes suelen funcionar mejor en imperfecciones con cabeza blanca o punto blanco. No son tan eficaces para las imperfecciones internas o las espinillas profundas.

Posible irritación: Algunas personas pueden experimentar irritación o sequedad en la piel con el uso prolongado de parches secantes.

Costo: En comparación con otros tratamientos para el acné, los parches secantes pueden ser relativamente costosos a largo plazo, ya que generalmente se venden en paquetes pequeños y se utilizan individualmente.

CONCLUSIÓN

Los parches secantes Mario Badescu son productos diseñados para ayudar a tratar y reducir las imperfecciones de la piel, como los granos y las espinillas.

Los parches secantes Mario Badescu pueden ser una opción efectiva para tratar imperfecciones superficiales de la piel, pero su eficacia puede variar según la persona y el tipo de imperfección. Es importante seguir las instrucciones de uso y considerar las posibles desventajas antes de decidir si son adecuados para tu rutina de cuidado de la piel. Si tienes preocupaciones graves de acné o piel, es aconsejable consultar a un dermatólogo para obtener recomendaciones específicas para tu situación.

¿DÓNDE COMPRARLO?

● https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Badescu-Invisible-Treatment-Absorbing/dp/B0997ZWKPZ

[bia-badoobadee]

s k i n c a r e 1 0 1

this post will go over basic information like skin type and how to determine it as well as more in depth info about types of cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreen, how to choose and apply them. Whether you should incorporate toners, essences, serums, masks, or exfoliants into your skincare routine and what to look for in them. As well as some more general lifestyle tips and what kinds of products you should be using at your current age or consider getting in the future.

To determine skin type

Wash your face and let it air dry .

If it feels tight and itchy you have dry skin . You may also see fine lines or flakes on your skin .

If your skin is oily you’ll have more visible pores and your skin will be shiny . This skin type is usually prone to acne , black heads , and white heads .

If it feels tight in certain places or has large pores in some areas but not others. If you notice aspects of both skin types on different parts of your face. Congratulations you have combination skin .

If none of these apply to you and your face doesn’t feel oily or dry then you've got normal skin .

Some people view sensitive as a skin type , I personally don't. Sensitivity can be developed or be sensitive in combination with another skin type .

As you age your skin tends to become thinner and dryer.

cleanse

The types of cleansers

Micellar water - tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water which attract oil and dirt . Especially recommended for those with sensitive skin .

Foam - start out as gel or cream and lather to foam and removes all excess oil from the skin . Which is good for combination skin

Gel - similar to foam cleanser. Good for acne prone or oily skin

Lotion - because of their consistency they’re less stripping thus suitable for sensitive dry skin

Balm - if you wear a lot of makeup, especially if your makeup is waterproof this is for your . Rub the balm over your face . They also have hydrating benefits which makes them perfect for dry skin .

Oil Based - contrary to popular belief oily skin types can use oil cleansers without fear of side effects. They remove dirt without disturbing your skin barrier or drying out your skin .

Clay - draw out all excess oils and toxins from your skin . Not suitable for dry skin as it may be overly stripping but are perfect for sensitive oily or combination .

Wipes - requires no real explanation . You just wipe your skin with the little disposable cloth .

How to use them

wash your hands so you don’t transfer more germs onto your face , that would defeat the purpose of cleansing

Wet your face

Now rub the cleanser of choice between your hands . You only need a pea to a blueberry amount . Some will foam , others will cream , and then there are those that won’t really do anything.

Rub the cleanser gently in circular motions all over your face . Emphasis on the gentle part . Use your pointer and middle finger and imagine you’re washing someone else’s face .

You should do this for no more than a minute , any longer could be stripping to your skin

If your skin is super dry you can use a cleanser once a day so you don’t over strip your skin . cleanse with product at night to get rid of all the impurities picked up during the day and in the morning all you did was sleep in a clean room in a clean bed . That doesn’t mean don’t wash your face in the morning . You should still be using water to wash your face . Not just rinsing , actually wash your face .

If you don’t have this issue you can try double cleansing . This is when you cleanse first with an oil based cleanser then with a water based cleanser . We double cleanse because not all impurities are water soluble . Double cleansing helps to thoroughly cleanse your skin . This method works well if you wear a lot of thick , heavy makeup . Bear in mind that it would be too stripping to double cleanse every day , twice a day. if you really want to double cleanse every night and you’re hydrating your skin well afterwards there should be no problem .

Protect

After cleansing you need to protect your skin . During the day you protect it with sunscreen and during the night you use a moisturiser . I have really dry skin so I use a moisturiser in the morning as well .

A rule of thumb don’t mix your sunscreen and moisturiser ( or any of your skincare products ) layer them .

Sunscreen

There are two number values on the bottle PA and SPF.

SPF stands for sun protection factor, refers to how long protection lasts and protects you from uv rays that cause sunburn. Generally SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV rays and SPF 30 blocks about 97%. Spf that is too high isn’t good for your skin but ideally you want to use spf50 when going outdoors.

PA protects you from uv rays that accelerates aging. Here you want to focus on the number of plus signs on the bottle as they indicate the effectiveness of the product.

Even with sunscreen it’s still advised you stay out of direct sunlight for long periods of time. So wear a hat if you can’t avoid it .

Types of Sunscreen

Chemical - are absorbed into your skin and turn uv rays into energy before they can hurt your skin . Sensitive skin may want to stay away from this type as it could cause a bad reaction . Don’t rule chemical sunscreen out completely though. It may have been one bad brand or ingredient . Note this sunscreen needs to be applied first as it has to penetrate your skin .

Physical - sits on top of your skin and act like a shield from uv rays which means it needs to be applied last . Because they sit on your skin they’re thicker and tend to leave a cast so people with darker skin may prefer chemical sunscreen .

Powder and spray - is more of a reapplication than a primary sunscreen . The idea is you use your physical or chemical sunscreen and every two hours you reapply a powder or spray sunscreen .

How to use sunscreen

Cleanse

Dot a teaspoon amount of sunscreen all over your face (and body)

Gently massage it into your skin . I’ll say that again : Gently , gently massage

Reapply every two hours

If you wear makeup it’s best to apply physical sunscreen over makeup as you’ll have to do so anyway when you reapply .

Moisturiser

Types of moisturisers

Humectants - attract water and slow down evaporation usually comes in gel formulas . They absorb into the skin quickly making them best for oily skin types .

Emollients - fills the gaps between skin with hydrating oils and lipids . These have a light cream or lotion consistency . This type best for dry or combination skin .

Occlusives - seals in moisture and stops it from evaporating . They come in thick creams and balms . Perfect for dehydrated , dry , mature skin .

How to apply moisturiser

Cleanse face and apply chemical sunscreen if using

Then apply moisturiser , a pea to blueberry sized amount

Dab it all over your face

Soothe each up and across your face in circular motions

Again be very gentle using your middle and forefingers

These are the foundations of skincare. Consider the next sections only after you have these first three covered.

Treat

Between cleansing and protecting comes a treatment step. this can be with a toner , essence , serum , exfoliation, and masks . All of the above if your skin can handle it. Layer them from lightest to thickest consistency and exfoliate after cleansing.

Masks, toners, essences, and serums are infused with nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins chosen to treat specific skin concern . I have a section on ingredients to treat skin concerns at the end. When comparing products look at the similarities and differences between their ingredient lists. The order or products is usually from highest to lowest concentration.

Remember an ingredient or product that someone else swears by may not work well for your skin . this step requires trail and error, time and money . Consistent cleansing, moisturiser and sunscreen should fade most concerns so don’t fret over a treatment if you can’t afford to.

If any product you have doesn’t work for you , don’t waste the product and throw it away . You could give it to a friend with a similar skin concern to see if it works better for them .

Toner

Watery consistency , the lightweight helping it absorb into the skin quickly . Applied with cotton pad after double cleansing to hydrate and restore the PH of skin .

If the toner is exfoliating put a couple drops on a cotton pad, don’t drown it, and pass the pad once across your face.

If the toner is hydrating put a couple dots on your palm and gently pat the toner into your skin. If you need more than one layer feel free to repeat this process no more than 7 times

Essence

As hydrating and fast absorbing but thicker than toners. However they're less concentrated than serums.

Application is the same as a hydrating toner but 7 layers would be excessive, 2 to 3 should be enough.

Serum

Usually comes in a dropper . Even if you’ve double cleansed it’s imperative that the dropper doesn’t touch your face to ensure bacteria won’t contaminate the dropper and by extension the serum . Once you’ve applied the serum gently massage the liquid into your skin .

Masks

Types of masks

Using a mask once or twice a week is beneficial but remember it’s not necessary . As long as you cleanse and protect you'll be fine

sheet

Works for all skin types . There are two variations of sheet masks . The first type is a cotton mask drenched in serum or essence . The second is a jelly-like sheet infused with ingredients . Sheet masks are extremely hydrating but the ingredients infused will determine the benefits .

Clay

If you have oily skin this one is for you . It’s a combination of water , clay , and minerals that determine the properties and absorb all excess oils from your skin . For this reason it’s best to stay away from this mask if your skin is already dry .

Charcoal

These masks are best used as spot treatments for breakouts as they help soothe inflammation . Charcoal helps remove excess oils as well .

Cream

This category is for wash off masks that don’t fit into the above categories . As previously stated the ingredients determine the benefits of a mask .

Overnight

As the name suggests you put it on before bed and it works while you’re asleep . What makes an overnight mask different from a night cream are the active ingredients .

Peel off

People with sensitive skin proceed with caution . This mask will literally peel the dead skin from your face . So sensitive skin types be careful . These have no active ingredients because they’re used for exfoliating than treating .

Exfoliate

This is when you remove dead skin cells. However it is not recommended if you have any kind of skin condition like acne, eczema, etc . The most important thing is that you cleanse and protect but exfoliation can remove dry dull skin and improve circulation

Types of exfoliation

Physical : sugar scrubs , clay masks , gommage peeling , dry brushing , sponges , and cloths rubbed onto the skin in circular motions

Chemicals: like AHAs ( alpha hydroxy acids ) that’ll break the bonds holding the dead skin onto your face or BHAs ( beta hydroxy acids ) . PHAs have larger particles and work best on thinner skin. LHA is a milder BHA perfect for acne prone skin .

Oily and dry skin types would benefit from physical exfoliation but if your skin is sensitive avoid rubbing into it harshly . To avoid irritation stick to a mild chemical exfoliant . AHAs followed by cleanser and moisturiser would be perfect for dry skin . if your skin is normal or combination you'll have to experiment with both chemical and physical exfoliants. A general rule is that chemical exfoliation is gentler and therefore better . You should never be too rough with your skin .

Common skin concerns and ingredients

acne

Benzoyl peroxide, 5% for face and 10% for body

Salicylic acid

Clindamycin (with BP)

Azeliac acid

Retinol/retinoids

pigmentation

SUNSCREEN

hydroquinone

Azelaic acid

Vitamin C

Kojic acid

Retinoid creams

Caffeine creams

Steroid creams

Superficial chemical peels

Laser resurfacing

scarring

High strength retinoid creams

Deep chemical peels

Laser resurfacing

Microneedling

If thick scars, steroid injections

Subcision/ filler for depressed scars

redness

Aloe vera

Niacinamide

Chamomile

Resveratrol

Licorice

Sodium sulfacetamide

Sulfur products

Azeliac acid

Bromelain

flaky dry skin

ceramides

Mineral oil

Petrolatum

Hyaluronic acid

Vitamin E

Selenium sulfide

Zinc pyrithione

Ketoconazole

Ciclopirox

Steroid creams/solutions

ideal skincare routine at based on age

- 15

mild cleanser

spf50 sunscreen

Moisturiser

15 - 18

At this stage there’s no need to worry about premature ageing

but you might consider incorporating an acne treatment

Or a hydrating sheet mask twice a week

19 - 24

You may notice dark circles or eye bags that require an eye cream

And consider an exfoliant or vitamin c to brighten dull skin or prevent fine lines

25 - 30

You want to focus on hydrating your skin to keep it soft and supple

And incorporating anti aging into your skincare through antioxidants and damage preventing treatments

31 +

You may notice your skin begin to notice sagging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation

Thus choose lifting and firming products, anti wrinkle treatments, and ingredients that fade dark spots

Sun protection and hydration are absolutely crucial at this stage

lifestyle habits to incorporate

Correct any vitamin deficiencies and hormonal imbalances

Make sure you do not overeat especially on processed carbs and sugars or under eat to the point of lacking essential nutrients

Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day, the golden rule is 8 glasses a day

You may need to adjust your skincare routine depending on the season eg. Cold dry winter air may leave your skin needing more hydrating products while sweating more in the summer may lead to acne

Keep a regular sleep schedule of 7-9 hours a night on a silk pillowcase as the reduced friction can help prevent fine lines and change your pillowcases once a week to prevent bacteria build up

[mrs-ghost-2]

Heyyyy!! I’m new to asking for requests but how do you think ghost would react to walking in on his gf wearing like a pore strip or a face mask? Feel free ti ignore but thanks!❤️

Awww, my first request!

I honestly love this, and I hope it’s what you were wanting. And even though it says it, I’m a huge fan of face masks and I think you could get him to wear one, too! 💜

Ghost wasn’t due home for another week, but you were lonely and missing him so you decided to do your self-care routine early to help lighten your mood. It was already dark out and you had just finished dinner-and put the leftovers away in the fridge- so you went to your shared bedroom to grab some comfy clothes and throw your hair up into a bun.

“I know they’re in here somewhere, I just cleaned!” You huffed to yourself, having walked into the bathroom attached to your shared bedroom to try and find the face masks you keep for nights like these.

“That’s such a dumb place to put them.” You muttered as you finally find them shoved under the bathroom sink and off to the side. (You put them there three days ago).

As you start the process of the face mask, you turn on some music to play through the Bluetooth speaker that’s set up in a little cubby by the mirror and start humming and dancing along and giggling as you worked. Face masks always looked kinda silly, but they brought you happiness and your skin was always so smooth and felt feather-light afterwards, so it never bothered you.

“Sweetheart?” You hear someone calling for you over the sound of the speaker, the voice sounding scary-close to Simon’s, but there is no way that he’s home yet so you shrug it off and continue your dance session in peace.

It turns out, it was Simon. A whole week early and a disheveled mess, he pops up beyond the doorframe with his balaclava in hand.

“Si!” Rushing to turn the music off, you barrel into his open arms and bury your face in his neck- face mask be damned. Your arms wrap around his neck and you’re on your tip-toes to come even close to his height, but you don’t care. He’s home. He’s home!

“What’ve you got coverin’ your face, love?” His accented voice husked out, tone thick with exhaustion and confusion as his arms carefully wrap around your body to hold you close.

“S’face mask. Long day.” You try to explain, voice muffled against his tactical vest as you refused to pull away from his embrace.

“Long, indeed. I wan’ a shower, some food, ‘nd a nap, so c’mon.” Simon basically carries you back into the bathroom to help clean off your face before you take over to help him clean off the black paint and dirt around his eyes.

You might be the one sitting on the counter with the 6’4” bulky man between your thighs and arms caging in your shoulders, but he is-most definitely-the one at your beck and call. Heart eyes and everything for his best girl.

😍😴😉

[osunism]

07DEC2019 04:00 AM JST

🪧 Summary: Satoru comes home from work and just wants to be in the arms of his goddess for a while. 🔞 Rating: E for Everyone ⚠️ Be Advised: Angst [just a smidge] and fluff. 💋 Pairing[s]: Satoru x Sundari [🧿👹]

⛩️ AO3 𑁍 FFN 𑁍 Fic Masterlist 𑁍 Parallax OCs 𑁍 Sonder OCs 𑁍 HCs & Meta ⛩️

It's late when Satoru drags the entirety of his exhausted frame through his apartment door, kicking off his shoes with none of the characteristic grace he displays in his sorcery. To say that he is exhausted is an understatement. Cleaning up all the messes left in Kenjaku and Sukuna's wake has taken nearly all of his free time. For once, the Strongest just wants to shut his eyes and be actually dead to the world for a few hours. Maybe a few days, fuck.

He leaves his phone on the kitchen counter, not bothering to charge it. It died over an hour ago, and honestly if he never has to take another fucking call it'll be too soon. What a goddamn mess it's all been.

He makes his way to his bedroom, aware that he needs to get ahold of himself before he wakes Sundari up. There's nothing Sundari hates more than being jostled from sleep and Satoru has definitely had to weather her muzzy curses more than a few times after late night missions. He creeps into the bedroom, noting that Sundari is fast asleep as evident from the nest of pink curls spilling out from under the covers. Satoru takes a moment and breathes.

Almost a year ago, Sundari tumbled into his life, and he's never been happier. She's grouchy, has a bottomless pit for a stomach, and throws haymakers that he's pretty sure could crack the world in two, and she swears like a sailor. She's also the most beautiful, terrifying, and powerful sorceress he's ever met.

And why not? Sukuna's her fucking father. Talk about an ironic twist of fate.

Satoru takes his time, reaching down to brush a few of those blushed curls from her face. All four of her eyes are shut, and he can make out the rapid twitches of her eye movements beneath the skin. Sometimes the Six Eyes really does too much, but he's never seen the world any other way. He can't imagine not memorizing every vein, every sinew, every cracked bone, every pore...he can focus his sight and even see the brightness of her soul.

He wouldn't trade his view for anything.

Satoru reluctantly leaves the bedside, stripping off his clothes as he heads to the bathroom. Over the years, he's learned that the quietest place on earth outside of his own innate domain is under a hot shower. He washes away the weeks of aches and pains, the scent of curses and jujutsu, and sighs as he presses his palm against the cold, slick tiles and lets the water stream over his head and down his back. He rolls the tension from his neck and shoulders, groaning in relief.

Thirty.

After the shower, Satoru dries off, and catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror. His own Six Eyes stare back at him. His body feels the same, though he has an immeasurable number of additional scars, courtesy of Sundari's father and his lethal domain. He runs his fingertips over the pink scar tissue left in the wake of his admittedly sloppy RCT job. The scars are badges of honor, but he thinks about how that battle ended and his heart shudders.

Thirty.

Satoru finally crawls into bed, and right on cue, Sundari grumbles. Still, even as she sleepily fusses at having been disturbed, she is reaching for him instinctively. Satoru lets himself be enfolded in all four of her arms and buries his face in her curls, inhaling deeply. She smells earthy and spicy and warm, and he feels his entire body relax in her embrace, boneless and safe.

"Happy birthday," Sundari mumbles into his throat, pressing a lazy kiss on his skin. She smiles when his voice hums in response.

"No song?" He murmurs, just as sleepy. Sundari doesn't even have the energy to nip at him, but her tongue traces a soft and gentle circle over the source of his voice, making his throat bob in a swallow.

What follows is a sleepy, rumbling rendition of the traditional birthday song. Sundari punctuates Satoru's name in the lyrics with a lazy swat to his ass, making him laugh.

"Happy birthday to you~" Sundari concludes in a sleepy murmur struggling to be a melody, having not moved from her position buried in his neck and chest.

Satoru nuzzles her, grinning. It's the best version of the song as far as he's concerned.

"I love you, Bug," he says softly.

"Love you too, old man," Sundari mumbles back, and drifts off to the sound of Satoru's affronted gasp.

© 2024 Hajara Asiri. Do NOT copy, translate, plagiarize, repost anywhere without permission [reblogging posts is okay]. This includes copying my masterlist format or feeding ANY of my writing to the uninspired AI garbage machines. I only upload on Tumblr, AO3, and FFN. Title and footer banners by me. Dividers and support by @cafekitsune.

☕️ Member of the @pixelcafe-network.

[pretzel-box]

[1 of 5 of Sasha's Background Files. Including some heavy topics like human experiments. This series is a work of fiction. Cordelia belongs to @splatting-stampede ]

Sasha Mariya Lazarski was often referred to as an artificial god, someone who had climbed so high that her fingers seemed capable of scratching stars from the sky with pure force. Countless hours of research had fueled her ascent. Miss Lazarski had the audacity to challenge the work of gods by raising the scalpel, taking human beings and transforming them into living dolls. She would disassemble their limbs, twist their joints, and rearrange what should have remained in place. She stripped the human out of humanity, from her subjects, and reshaped them into grotesque forms—masses of flesh, kept alive only by the tubes her workers had threaded through their bodies.

Yet, there were two sides to her.

Mariya, the woman who wore her long hair in a ponytail interwoven with carefully braided strands. Each day, she put effort into creating a new hairstyle, hoping to impress her fiancé, who always insisted that no matter how she styled it, she was as beautiful as the first day he saw her. Mariya preferred her coffee with two sugars, a shot of milk, and hazelnut syrup—a concoction more akin to liquid diabetes than coffee, but like many things, it was just another matter of personal taste. In her free time, she knitted scarves, dyed her hair every two weeks, and harbored a strong addiction to sudoku.

Sasha, on the other hand, wore her hair in a messy bun, with pencils and pens tucked into it when there was no room left behind her ears. She had an awful habit of biting her nails when under pressure, leaving them bleeding or infected. But pain was something that receded to the back of her mind when she was working. Gods don’t feel pain; they feel power. Sasha was one of Urbanshade’s top researchers, leading her own team and forcing countless humans through the trial stages she’d designed—all with the help of a mysterious drug gifted to her by a stranger.

Both were one and the same person.

One Monday afternoon, the coffee machine on the fourth floor broke again, in desperate need of a deep cleaning after someone spilled half a box of coffee creamer over it. Whether it was a wild animal that broke in or a lazy coworker with shaky hands, no one could say. Miss Lazarski glanced at her empty mug, her face twisting in disappointment, and picked up the remaining coffee creamer. She drank it straight from the box, grimacing at the taste but at least temporarily quenching her thirst. She then tossed the box in the trash, followed shortly by her mug—there was no time or energy to return it to the shelf when far more important matters demanded her attention.

One such matter was Cordelia. A simple name in a file filled with far more complex issues than a police report. Miss Lazarski had spent the previous night poring over Cordelia’s data. She knew everything—her family history, where she worked, what her favorite food was, whether she had ever stolen anything. Miss Lazarski even knew all the embarrassing high school stories Cordelia had lived through. And if you asked the blue-haired woman what she thought of her subject, the answer would be clear: Cordelia was, is, and always will be utterly boring. Ordinary at best. Miss Lazarski had wasted hours of her night studying someone who was replaceable and insignificant. She even used Cordelia’s photographs from the file as a coaster, now stained with coffee rings, marking the same forgettable face on every page.

The same forgettable face sat before Miss Lazarski, dressed in the drab, degrading prison uniform that was an affront to human dignity—and to her personal aesthetic. Telling Cordelia to strip out of that pathetic cloth wasn’t exactly an option at the moment, especially with the soldiers standing guard at the entrance, watching the prisoner closely. Not that Miss Lazarski particularly respected human rights, not with her work so deeply entrenched in the shadows of ethics. But she could afford to respect a person’s privacy—sometimes. A single glance was all it took. Cordelia hadn’t been able to shower in a while; her hair was a greasy, tangled mess that hung in front of her face. Bruises mottled her skin in shades of purple and green, some fresh, some fading. The sight made Miss Lazarski smile faintly. Cordelia was clever. She’d clearly been through some altercations but hadn’t fought back. She’d taken the hits. Prison was a psychological battleground, and this woman had chosen survival over pride. Not that it mattered anymore—Miss Lazarski was here for a very specific purpose.

"Welcome." Miss Lazarski began, her tone clipped and professional. "Let’s get a few things straight. I’m Professor Doctor Lazarski. I wasn’t originally scheduled to meet with you today, but my colleague from the legal department is… unavailable, so I’ve been sent in their place to collect your data. I’m a researcher at Urbanshade, a rather prestigious company. Perhaps you’ve heard of us, perhaps not."

Cordelia’s eyes, wide and cautious, tracked Miss Lazarski’s movements, her silence an indication of either confusion or wariness. It was clear she was trying to keep up with the rapid pace of the blue-haired woman’s words.

"Dizziness?" Miss Lazarski’s voice sharpened, her gaze analyzing Cordelia with the precision of a scalpel. "Your movements are sluggish, the way you're sitting suggests something more than just those bruises. No… you’ve suffered trauma. Recent trauma, in fact. It hasn’t had time to heal. If it had been there longer, the doctors would’ve patched you up. Or perhaps they’ve decided that a walking corpse isn’t worth treating."

Cordelia met her gaze, struggling to process the flood of clinical observations.

"Dizziness, a ringing in your ears, loss of hearing, and the pain… someone hit you hard, didn’t they? Did it bleed?" Miss Lazarski’s questions were cold, almost indifferent, as if she were dissecting a subject under a microscope rather than speaking to a human being.

„I will take care of that, when you accept our offer. We invite you to a special program. It is simple enough. We will free you and you assist us with a small task.“

Miss Cordelia was gone—vanished, erased from existence in less than 48 hours after signing her name on Miss Lazarski’s documents. Case closed.

“I don’t notice a difference.” Charles chuckled, seated at the dinner table, turning two plain bottles slowly in his hands, studying their labels. Mariya watched him from the stove, where she was lazily waiting for the leftovers from the fridge to heat up—just a quick dinner after a long day. Both had just returned home.

“I think the difference is that the original actually has sugar, and the new edition uses artificial sweeteners instead." she mumbled, trying to peer over his shoulder to see the labels herself. "Neither is good, but I guess the new one could be labeled as 'better.'"

Charles noticed her curiosity and chuckled, lifting the bottle higher for her to see. "You didn’t tell me how work was.” he added, leaning back and meeting her gaze.

“I made a new friend a while ago.” Mariya replied, her voice casual. “Her name is Cordelia.”

Charles raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming on his lips. “Oh? And how’s she doing?”

Mariya smiled faintly, turning her attention back to the stove. "Well," she said, her tone light, almost playful. "Let’s just say… she's a little hard to reach these days."

The quiet hum of the kitchen filled the air as Mariya stood by the stove, watching the leftovers warm up. The soft glow of the evening light filtered through the window, casting long, golden shadows across the room. The day had been long, draining in ways she couldn’t put into words, but standing here, she felt a stillness she rarely allowed herself. The soft clink of Charles’ glass on the table broke the silence, but it was gentle, like everything else he did.

Without a word, Charles walked over to her, his presence a comforting warmth at her back. He didn’t say anything, didn’t need to. Instead, he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her gently against him. The solid weight of his body was grounding, and for a moment, Mariya closed her eyes, letting herself fall into the moment. She felt his chest rise and fall with each breath, his heartbeat a steady rhythm against her back.

His hand found hers near the stove, his fingers intertwining with hers in a familiar, wordless gesture. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into him, her head resting lightly against his shoulder. The quiet stretched on, not awkward but full—full of the things neither of them had to say.

Charles’ fingers traced slow, absent patterns across the back of her hand, his touch feather-light, as if he were reminding her of something she hadn’t forgotten but needed to feel again. A gentle reminder that in this space, in this moment, she was allowed to just *be*.

Mariya exhaled softly, the weight of the day beginning to lift. He didn’t know everything—didn’t know about the shadows she walked through at work, the things that sat heavy on her chest when the nights stretched long. But here, in their small kitchen, with his arms around her, none of that mattered. His love wasn’t about understanding every corner of her life; it was about being there in the spaces where words fell short.

The soft click of the stove turning off broke the stillness, and Mariya moved slowly, turning around in his arms, her eyes meeting his. She didn’t say anything. She didn’t need to. The way he looked at her—gentle, patient, as if he had all the time in the world to wait for whatever she wasn’t ready to say—was enough. His hand came up to brush a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering at her temple for just a second longer than necessary, as if tracing the path of an unspoken thought.

She reached up, her fingertips grazing the edge of his jaw, her thumb brushing across his skin in a slow, deliberate motion. His eyes softened, and in that silence, they understood each other. Not the details, not the complexities of their separate worlds, but the depth of what it meant to be together.

Charles leaned down, pressing his forehead gently to hers, his breath warm against her skin. His hand found its way to the small of her back, pulling her closer in a quiet, unspoken reassurance. They stood like that for a while, the sound of their breathing the only thing that filled the room.

Eventually, Mariya tilted her head just enough to press her lips softly to his. It wasn’t hurried or intense—just a slow, deliberate kiss that held the weight of everything she couldn’t say. He kissed her back, just as slowly, his hand gently cradling the back of her neck as if he were holding something fragile and precious.

When they pulled apart, Charles’ eyes held hers for a moment longer, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek. Then, without a word, he turned toward the stove, plating the food. The mundane act of preparing dinner felt almost sacred in the quiet, as if the space they shared in that moment had stripped away the noise of the world outside.

Mariya sat at the table, watching him move with the ease of someone who had been a part of her life for so long, his every movement familiar, but never taken for granted. He placed the plate in front of her and sat down across from her, their knees brushing under the table.

In the silence that followed, Mariya reached across the table, her fingers finding his once more. Charles squeezed her hand gently, his eyes never leaving hers.

Time had slipped by, a whole week vanishing into routine, like sand slipping through fingers. Miss Lazarski glanced at the screen in front of her, her eyes briefly lingering on the grainy image of Cordelia. The woman who had once sat across from her, bruised and fragile, was now nothing more than a lump of flesh in a cage, reduced to an experiment among so many others. Humanity twisted by human hands. She should’ve felt something—satisfaction, maybe. But all she felt was the pull of the clock.

It was almost lunchtime.

With a sharp exhale, she turned away from the monitor and began typing hurried notes into the system, her fingers moving with a precision that didn’t reflect the impatience simmering beneath her calm exterior. There was still work to be done, data to gather, but that could wait. Lunch time wasn’t just about food; it was the promise of seeing Charles again. In a world where everything felt measured, controlled, and manipulated, those stolen moments were the closest thing to freedom. It was about the moments they carved out for themselves in a world that was always demanding more.

They both worked at Urbanshade, passing each other like shadows in a world that seldom allowed them the luxury of crossing paths. The cafeteria, though—no matter how sterile, no matter how full of faceless colleagues—it was their sanctuary, the one place where their lives intersected, even if just for a short while.

Miss Lazarski pushed her chair back, the scrape of the legs against the floor a jarring sound in the otherwise quiet lab. She glanced once more at the monitor, at the lifeless scene that had become Cordelia's reality, and then turned away, heading for the door. The hallway outside felt cold and impersonal, the fluorescent lights casting sharp angles on the tiled floor. But as she walked, the thought of seeing Charles, of feeling his quiet warmth in a world that otherwise felt hollow, kept her moving forward.

"Ah, Miss Lazarski, or should I say, soon-to-be wife of mine." Charles greeted her with that familiar, warm smile, his tray already filled with the typical mass-produced cafeteria food—a sad reward for the hours they poured into their work. Mariya's eyes flicked to his tray, catching sight of the small cup of pudding nestled among the bland offerings. A smile crept onto her lips as she stared at it, and for a brief moment, Cordelia’s face flashed in her mind. Something about that pudding, that mundane detail, sparked an unexpected connection—an idea, a new line of research that could push her further.

But now wasn’t the time for that.

"Let me grab some food too. You can save us a seat." The woman beamed at her fiancé, leaning in to press a quick kiss to his cheek before slipping past him. The kiss was light, like a breeze, but enough to feel the warmth between them—a touch that grounded her in a way she didn’t fully understand.

As she moved through the line, grabbing the same mass-produced lunch everyone else had, her mind was already racing, the gears turning. Her fingers tapped idly against the cold metal tray as she thought about Cordelia—her flesh, her transformation, the possibilities. Cordelia was about to reach the next step of evolution, thanks to Miss Lazarskis skilled fingers. Research was always evolving, and so was she. But even in the midst of those cold, clinical thoughts, there was an odd comfort in knowing Charles was there, just a few steps away, waiting with his warm smile and cheap cafeteria pudding.

She reached for a tray of her own, the process automatic, mechanical. But her mind, even with its hunger for answers and new discoveries, found a brief pause—a small, fleeting sense of normalcy in the idea that she’d be sitting across from him soon. It was enough to keep her tethered, just for a moment.