Tiresias: I See Your Wife........ With A Ruthless Man Who Has Killed Hundreds Of People

Xaden: So you sister was casually poisioning everyone

Brennan: *being extremly proud of her*

one of my favorite parts of wicked is watching elphaba's idealism and glinda's realism clash. and before anyone says anything, yes glinda is the realist between them. she sang an entire song about it. it just goes over ppl's heads coz they dress it up in bubblegum pink and a jaunty tune.

elphaba is the idealist. she has dreams of how Oz could be a better place, where everyone is accepted for who they are and aren't opressed or marginalized. she becomes a revolutionary because of those values, because she believes in fighting for the rights of freedom and the future.

and the other side of the coin is glinda, who understands innately how the world works. it's not about how much knowledge you have or how good you are at what you do. you can be the most qualified person for the position but if you're not popular with the masses, you're done for.

and those values they each have are constantly clashing with each other. elphaba believes she can fix the system from the outside. glinda believes she can play the long game and fix it from within. they both believe what they're doing is the best way to protect.

they don't see the other's POV until For Good. it's only then when elphie understands that the way she's been viewed has backed her into a corner and hurt her cause. it's only then does glinda choose to believe that the world could be a better place, that if she told the truth, nothing will happen because there must be goodness in the world. and by then, well, by then there isn't much of the song left. it's been written. all they can do is sing.

I've got into SwordAF recently, and I had to animate this after watching episode 5. 👀 (SPOILERS IN VIDEO!)

Skincare tips: Retinol

If unsure, start with the most gentle sort of retinol (retinol esther, or the 2nd most gentle, pure retinol - read how it works here).

Consistency over intensity. It's better to use a gentle product consistently over weeks, months, years, than it is to use an aggressive/strong product over a brief period.

Less is more.

You can use retinol regardless of your skin color, just start slow and on the low, gentle end of retinols.

What it does: thickens the skin, encourages cell turnover / skin regeneration. Smooths wrinkles and fine lines over long-term consistent use.

How much to apply: a pea-size amount is sufficient for the entire face.

When to apply: in the evening, after doing your skincare routine, on a clean & dry face. Avoid applying in the morning, as retinol makes your skin sensitive to sun damage, and retinol itself also breaks down under the sun, making it less efficient in the mornings.

How often: 2-3 times a week (ie. Monday - Wednesday - Saturday). Keep up this routine to see if your skin tolerates it well, if it does (and this may take even a year to adjust) you can increase the frequency to every night.

What season to use: you can use retinol all-year round, just make sure you are protecting your skin with sunscreen, as it makes your skin photo sensitive.

When using retinol, be careful with these areas (as in the skin there is more sensitive, so apply less product + more gentle retinol): around the mouth, neck, chest.

The only time you need to use retinols specially made for the eye area, is if you have very sensitive skin and standard retinols irritate the delicate skin around your eyes.

Be careful with using any acids* in your routine. Do not use them at the same time (ie. same evening). Alternate the days for each: if you apply retinol one evening, use acids the next evening only.

If you have underlying skin conditions (eczema, rosacea, etc), check with your dermatologist first before testing out retinol.

Retinol is not recommended to be used during pregnancy.

Don't exfoliate on the same nights you use retinol (ie. salicylic acid or other acids*), as it's too aggressive on the skin.

For most retinol products, it is best to apply moisturizer before, to use as a buffer, and then apply the retinol. This includes the chest & neck areas.

(Source: dermatologist S. Idriss)

Some thoughts on Bad Batch Season 3

SPOILERS

First off I want to say this is going to be a very unpopular opinion and if you liked the szn this probably isnt the post for u, but I feel I have to speak my mind.

Overall after watching season 3 I honestly feel let down and unsatisfied with the events and especially the ending.

1. Techs death is probably the biggest thing that frustrated me because when you kill a character off you should either have your other characters morn and grieve them and learn to accept the loss or bring them back.

However they didn't either of those, instead they pretty much forget he existed they barely reference him and only say his name like twice, it would be fine to show characters in denial about someone's death but it's more like the show is in denial. This is why many bad batch fans were expecting tech to come back, if you don't morn a characters death than the story arch feels incomplete a ppl will wait for it to "end".

Not to mention techs story didn't seem over he left on weird unfinished terms with Phee and it seemed like they would touch on it again but nope.

Also they introduced CX-2 and made it seem like he might be tech, such as having the same build and teasing the identity like it's important and like it will mean something and then at the end for CX-2 and all these super soldiers to mean absolutely nothing.

2. So many unfinished questions, I can't believe this is the end of bad batch and apparently the last clone show. Especially when we still don't know where tf Cody is and all we're told is that he's gone AWOL (mentioned like it will mean something in the future) and then we never see or hear anything about him again.

Then there's Wolffe obviously we know he's in Rebels but what happens between then and now?

Then there's Echo same as Wolffe what happens to him as we never see him fighting alongside rex in Rebels.

Then ventress she was introduced back and then she leaves and we never see or hear about her ever again, she didn't rlly add much they revived and went "look ventress is back" for one episode and then that's it she's no longer important all she did was say "yup omega has a high M count" and then left.

3. Omega and the other force sensitive children could have patched up the plot hole of "somehow palatine is back" by saying using omegas clone DNA that can sustain high levels of a M count and a force sensitive child they were able to figure out how to clone palatine or smth but no it all meant nothing and we never rlly knew what the tests where for even when they had a golden opportunity to reveal it when Rampart forces Nala se to tell him everything abt the experiments

Honestly season 1&2 were great and so I went into season 3 expecting the same amount of quality but I didn't get that. They usually tie everything together and I never felt unsatisfied or confused in szn 1&2 but I did in szn 3. I kept waiting for things to start to tie together especially when the had so many moment where it seemed like the scenes where there just to make things make sense but no they were all there for nothing.

I walked away from szn 3 thinking it must have been rushed or gotten a new writers team bc wtf was any of this, it was so out of character for the writers to make such bad decisions.

I understand if other people like the ending bc we don't usually get somewhat happy endings but this was more like a half-assed happy ending to me, I would have preferred a well written devastating bad ending but this is what we got instead and I am so disappointed. All I could think of szn 3 was about how angry, let down and confused I was and that it was a lame and made me feel meh.

hi i was wondering if you had any skincare product reccomendations, i've never done skincare before and i don't really know where to start. i know i have sensitive and relatively dry skin.

i have a suncream that has spf 50+ which i think is good but do i need a specific one for my face? i apologise for all the questions but any advice would be amazing!

thank you!

💛

Hi darling!

Skincare is a tricky thing, because everybody's skin is different and as such has different needs. What works for one person may not work for another.

Firstly, you should start with my top skincare tips post so you understand the basics, function of ingredients, and which products are essential or not. You can also check out my skincare tag if you're interested in additional reading.

That being said, here are the basics from my routine and what currently works for me:

Morning routine:

Vitamin C serum: La Roche Posay - Vit C10 This helps brighten complexion, softens skin and helps to fade any blemishes, scars, etc. Pro tip: keep your Vit C serum in the fridge, Vit C tends to oxidize and turn orange with time, even if i doesn't affect its efficiency.

Sunscreen: La Roche Posay - Anthelios for Face SPF50 This is what I've been using for 2 years now, it's popular for good reason. Although I will say they recently changed the formula from completely dry to a little oily, and I prefer the former.

Night routine:

Cleanser: CeraVe - SA Smoothing Cleanser This is a chemical exfoliant (with Salicylic Acid) which is great for acne or break-out prone skin, to be used 2-3 times a week. For daily use I recommend CeraVe's classic cleanser, the Hydrating Cleanser.

Moisturizer: Bioderma - Hydrabio Riche Gentle, moisturizing, rich but not greasy. I always go back to this. (It's for dry skin, but if other readers have oily skin, try the Hydrabio Legere version instead.)

Skin-barrier repair (optional): La Roche Posay - Cicaplast Baume B5 This is a holy grail if you have damaged skin from using too many products, exfoliants, sunburn, etc. It's very gentle and soothing, and really does improve skin overnight. You can use it for face, body, even lips, but for that I prefer the product below.

Skin-barrier repair for lips (optional): La Roche Posay - Cicaplast Baume for Lips This is my go-to for intense hydration and repair (ie. chapped lips, wore drying lipstick all day, etc). Leave it on overnight and you'll wake up with smooth, plush lips ready for the day.

Retinol: The Ordinary - Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, CeraVe - Resurfacing Retinol Serum, La Roche Posay - Effaclar Adapalene 0.1% Topical Retinoid Retinol essentially regenerates your skin, helps with fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, etc. I'm still looking for the best retinol product, but I would recommend either of the above, all of which are direct recommendations I've found by dermatologists via Youtube or IG.

Conclusions

The only essentials you need are: cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer. Everything else helps, but isn't necessary.

If you choose to add new products to your skincare routine, always add 1 at a time. That way you'll know which one is or isn't working for you.

Create the skincare routine that works for you. Don't go running after trends and trying out a hundred different things. Only test 1 product at a time, and when something works for you, keep it in your routine.

If you can afford it, reach out to a dermatologist to recommend products that are tailored to your needs. Most of the products listed were recommended by my dermatologist for mine.

If that's not an option currently, start following board-certified dermatologists on social media instead of taking advice from random people online as fact. You'll learn so much from their tips, plus it's free! I like watching Dr. Dre and Shereene Idriss, they are both entertaining and educational.

Hope this proves helpful, and let me know how your routine comes together. 💜

-Lumen

Ok so I've found a way to describe what Neurodivergent Can't Do Task Mode™ feels like to neurotypicals

So you know how you can't make yourself put your hand down on a hot stovetop? There's a part of your brain that stops you from doing that? That's what Neurodivergent Can't Do Task Mode™ feels like

Even if we want to do it, there's a barrier stopping us from doing it, and it's really hard to override

And why does our brain see the task as a hot stovetop? Because when neurotypicals finish a task, they get serotonin, but we don't get that satisfaction after completing a task. A neurotypical wouldn't get serotonin from putting their hand on a hot stovetop, it would just hurt. When we can't do a task, it's because our brain knows that the task will hurt (metaphorically) and wants to avoid that.

It's not that we're choosing not to do the task, it's that our brain is physically preventing us from doing it.

Neurotypicals can and should reblog but please don't add anything

(Sorry/not sorry about the random bolding, it makes it easier for us to read)

A Former Funky Bitch Guide for Remaining Fresh

As I do my scrolling, I have seen (and liked) many posts that go in depth about a hygiene routine however they’re all very…minimal. Unrealistic for most, dare I say. I only say that because though they may be useful for the ideal woman, a large percentage of women are beyond a standard hygiene routine and need something a bit more thorough. Myself being one of them.

Many women sweat fast which produce body odor rapidly. As our menstrual cycle approaches, body odor may become more pungent. Pregnancy may also produce pungent body odor temporarily and sometimes permanently. Remember, many women are still dependents (minors or college students) who are unable to change their diet yet your diet is an important factor towards production of your body odor.

This post is for my young ladies who may lack the privilege of having (parental) guidance for hygiene. Many of us like to downplay it as common sense, however I’ve personally experienced, witnessed with friends and worked with teens in poverty ridden neighborhoods who lack the knowledge of what many consider the basics of hygiene. In fact, many mothers are so envious of their daughters they sabotage them in that matter. This is real life.

This post also heals my inner teen because I was that teenager. Depression played a part. Parental negligence played a part. Lack of authority played a part.

Enough chit chat, here’s bullet points that you can screenshot and save for quick access in order to improve your hygiene to feel and smell as feminine as you are. This is a safe space:

African black soap has played a crucial part in stripping all of my body buildup unlike many body wash/bars of soap. It can irritate you, so I suggest purchasing diluted versions if you know you have sensitive skin. Otherwise, many beauty supply stores or African salon/shops sell African Black Soap.

Detoxing my underarms weekly with Aztec Clay, along with the t-zone (nose and center of forehead) of my face to minimize oil production on my face.

Cornstarch as a base before spraying deodorant to slow down the sweat. I use two drops of almond oil and lather my underarms up, apply the cornstarch (with a makeup puff? I forgot what they’re called lol yikes but wedge sponges work too) and seal it with my deodorant. You may want to put your shirt on first. This technique is similar to placing setting powder after your primer to keep your makeup from becoming dewy.

Wash bra and panties in the shower with me at night and when the AM hits I place them in the laundry. Sometimes the shirt I’ve worn if I need to.

Spray perfume on the arms of your shirt (CAUTION: If you have skin easily irritated, you may not find this tip useful.) Do not spray directly onto skin and instead spray within the underarms area of your shirt. Useful if you lift your arms often and are insecure about blowing a whiff regardless of if you have sufficient hygiene or not.

Keep wipes and dog poop bags in your purse: ladies let’s leave behind using solely tissue to freshen up after going to the bathroom. I’ve learned that many bathrooms don’t have garbage bins within the stalls or they’re only attached to the paper towel dispenser, so having dog poop bags that I can place my used wipes in has came in clutch.

Perfume/ Essential oil on dryer sheets in dresser or closet (CAUTION: FIRE HAZARD do NOT place dryer sheet with perfume or essential oils in the dryer. Can cause a fire especially with the old ass dryers y’all got). Also try this same trick if you bring a change of clothes to work/school to enhance the freshness.

A ziplock bag with a rag: If you work at a job that keeps you active and you cannot control your body’s reaction or you simply want to freshen up on your half hour break, this is a quick way to wipe away the sweat + natural buildup and remain smelling fresh. I’ve personally done this; it’s similar to a hoe bath.

You go to the bathroom, get you some hot water, you’ve already put African Black soap on your rag so it lathers up on contact, wash your arms/under boobs/intimate areas if you’re freshen up during your period (don’t use soap let alone the African one! You’re going to be burning jalapeño spicy), pat your clean area dry with a towel and proceed with your routine that may include cornstarch, deodorant and spraying body mist across your body. Ready to roll?

If your quick to sweat from your forehead, keep a scarf that you can use as a bandana/headband. I highly suggest these specific types below because you can easily manipulate it based on your outfit at the moment in need. I’ve worked at fast food, I’ve had to carry groceries, I’ve had to fight and sometimes the LAST thing you need is sweat getting in your eye (especially if you’re a fellow black girl. An edge control and sweat combo in the eye is not fun)

Activated charcoal in two ways: as an absorbant pad that can be placed as a sticker inside your clothing to avoid sweat stains or as a bath soak since charcoal contributes to expelling unwanted bacteria from your body which can be a factor behind your body odor.

I use these tips for my advantage and convenience. When I am going to an event that I know I will be photographed, I make sure I keep those underarm pads on me literally. I change my clothes at the gym often so I place perfumed dryer sheets inside a ziplock bag with my clothes so my perfume is not overwhelming but enhanced. My anxiety I’m not a fan on period cups when I’m out and about and cannot afford an accident, so I absolutely keep baby wipes and poop bags in my purse to dispose of my waste quickly and freshen up as I need to. It set me back $4 at Family Dollar…

Anyone and everyone should try these to make their lives easier. I hope this post was able to come across someone who needed this guidance because Lord knows I did at some point. Cheers to growth! 🕯🧿

Close up shot of somebody's lover

The Types as Meme Man Memes: Enneatypes

Type 1 -

Type 2 -

Type 3 -

Type 4 -

Type 5 -

Type 6 -

Type 7 -

Type 8 -

Type 9 -