Tips - Blog Posts

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How to show expression with the mouth!

This was a request and at first I wasn’t sure if I had anything to provide with, but as it turn out it got a little longer than I expected because there were actually things I had to say!! Wow!! 

Anyway, this is some guidelines I follow when I try to make the face expressfull, more specifically the mouth! It is often neglected, since it’s actually pretty hard, I’ll admit. But I’m here to help (hopefully…)! A mouth expression tutorial as per request. Enjoy and hopefully it will help some a little. ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

Draw the teeth at the right angle. 

This is super important. The upper jaw follows the angle of the head, and the lower jaw will depend on how open it is. Make sure you have a rough estimate of where the teeth are, and how much of them you’re going to see!

The lips will VERY roughly follow the same angle as the teeth. It really depends on the character, but it gives you a sense at least. 

If you DON’T do this, you’re going to lose so much volume and the mouth is going to end up looking unrelatable. I showed this example in this tutorial:

It’s not just the lips! 

The cheeks, chin, and tongue play a role too! 

Try look at your own mouth or references! I have a very pliable and large mouth, so that’s one reason why my characters have it too lmao.

ASYMMETRYYYYY (ง ͠° ͟ل͜ ͡°)ง

I cannot emphasize how important asymmetry is when drawing expressions. It applies not only to the eyebrows to achieve the Dreamwork Face™, but also the mouth. Seriously if you draw a symmetric mouth I will deliver myself to your mailbox and then shout at you until you fix it. 

Look at the difference between these two for example: which one has more “life”? 

I think you get the idea.

Push and squish - give it flow

Here’s an old drawing I have but it illustrates how I think when I squish the mouth, and use folding and wrinkles to my advantage.

Look at your own face and see where skin bundles up, where it creases the most and when bumps appear on your chin. Subtle details makes all the difference! 

One VERY effective detail is illustrated in the first sketch, where I pull upwards on one side, and downwards on the other. That’s a good detail to use when the character is making a skewed expression, or is extremely frustrated. I encourage you to play around with that concept bc it’s ~super effective~!

EXAMPLES:

Happy: Your entire mouth is pushed upwards, not just the corners of your mouth!

I tend to draw a :3 mouth bc I’ve been drawing Lance too much….. You don’t have to but it’s basically imprinted in my motor memory by now. 

Pouting/frowning: corners are pushed down, middle pushed slightly up. Sometimes, there’s a slight dip in the middle too. It can give a sense that the character is biting their lips.

Showing frustration/intimidating/is intimidated: basically showing a lot of teeth. The corners are as open as possible and the middle sorta more squished. An extremely important detail here is showing some of the gums, and open space between the cheeks and teeth. That way it looks like the mouth it open to it’s full potential. Here is also where you basically MUST add folds and bumps, or else it’s not going to look relatable. 

(Here I am again with the pulling upwards on one side and downwards on the other, as illustrated on the last sketch)

And then again, here’s just another doodle showing how important it is to show the gums. It’s the same face twice, but the second one looks slightly more frustrated doesn’t it?

(from my other tutorial on how to draw facial expressions)

As you can see, this last one is very versatile and I draw it a lot. Play around with the basic shape and see how much subtle details makes a lot of difference! 

That’s it! 

I hope that cleared some things up and was somewhat helpful! Enjoy drawing ✨

Injury Type: Water Burns

Everyone gets this at least once in their life. The water’s too hot and it burns the skin. However, I always find it hard to remember the feeling and effect of it, so as I write this with a burned hand let’s go over this.

CAUSES: Really, REALLY hot water. Anything from horribly-temperatured water in high school bathrooms to the kind that’s boiled in a pot for spaghetti. Something that’s good to know is that it sometimes doesn’t register as scalding hot in your brain, and it’s not until the burn sets in that you realize that oh, I fucked up.

THE BURN AT THE START: Depending the source, it can be big, small, severe, miniscule. Overly hot tap water may just create a barely-visible patch of sensitive on the back of your hand. Spilling spaghetti water on your leg may cause the whole thing to go red, maybe even develop blisters, and in the wild scenario that the body part is submerged in scalding water, a hospital visit and extensive skin treatment is definitely in order. Sometimes at first it just feels funny, like Oh Geez What The Hell Did I Bruise My Hand Or Something. But then after a few minutes/hours it’s Oh God I Fucked Up.

THE BURN IN 2 DAYS: For small-scale burns, it takes around 2-3 days to notice anything’s off. All liquid coming in contact with the burn makes it ache, and any water that isn’t freezing hurts, and even then it still stings a little. The skin gets rough and slightly brittle in some spots. Big-time burns, however, form almost immediately, and within a few hours the skin turns red and splatter-like, and hurt a LOT. They resemble rashes, if you could pick up a can of paint that looks like a rash and throw it on someone. After a day (or two?) blisters may begin to form.

THE BURN IN A WEEK: Small-scale burns become more invisible than ever, but skin begins to flake off the burn as dry skin. Scratching it hurts, and the cold brings a strange aching sensation to the area. Large burns are similar, but on a MUCH larger, er, scale. Cold hurts, dry skin is everywhere (and it’s very nasty), it’s somewhat disfiguring with how red it is, and god forbid if anything touches it. Large burns can alternatively take a toll on mental health through making someone afraid to look at the spot because the injury has made it look so… unpleasing.

EXTRA HURTING: All I can think of is popping any blisters that form from large-scale burns. It’s incredibly painful, like a stab, and also very disgusting as well as making it harder to heal, but yet fairly easy to do.

HEALING: Small-scales generally heal on their own. It takes about three weeks to get the skin completely back to normal, maybe even more. Large-scale burns, however, may take anywhere from three weeks to a year, depending on how severe the burn is.

EXTRA: Characters probably won’t reveal smaller-scale burns since they’re invisible, and think nobody will believe that they are aching/in pain. Even if it’s covering their entire body and bringing a world of constant ache, they probably won’t say anything. Large-scale burns are obviously much more obvious and look like a few other injuries/sicknesses- as harmless as poison ivy and as deadly as a number of sicknesses caused by ticks- so a burn could be misdiagnosed, but caretakers will certainly be in shambles trying to patch it up.

I blame:

1. school for my hatred of reading

2. dark academia for my desire to read, and finally…

3. my ADD/ADHD for my lack of motivation to read

Someone please help me /hj

(tips would be very much appreciated)

So true ⭐️💋

Hi Elle,

Did you take any etiquette classes, or red any books about etiquette? If so what did you take away from it? In general what is some basic etiquette everyone should know?

Yes, my mother made my sister and me take etiquette classes when we were growing up, where we learned how to make small talk, use cutlery properly, do the fox trot, and all that. It felt like torture at the time, but now that I'm an adult, I'm incredibly grateful for it. There are countless teachings I believe everyone should know, but I'll keep it simple and list the basics:

Socializing:

Greetings and Introductions:

Initiate Greetings: In formal settings, greeting the host and senior individuals first is polite.

Introduce Yourself with Confidence: When introducing yourself, make eye contact, smile, and offer a firm (but gentle) handshake.

Remember Names: Pay attention to names during introductions, and try to use them in conversation to show attentiveness.

Conversation Etiquette:

Avoid Monopolizing Conversations: Engage in a balanced dialogue exchange; avoid dominating the conversation.

Graceful Interruptions: If you must interrupt, do so politely with a soft “Excuse me” or “May I add…?”

Ending Conversations: Close conversations gracefully, e.g., “It was a pleasure speaking with you,” before moving on to another guest.

Small Talk and Topics:

Safe Topics: Stick to light, neutral topics like travel, the arts, or current (non-controversial) events.

Avoid Over-sharing: Keep personal matters private; maintain an air of mystery and sophistication.

Dining:

Seating Etiquette:

Wait to Be Seated: Wait until the host signals to sit, or until you’re guided to your seat.

Seating Order: If you’re hosting, guide guests to their seats based on seniority or guest of honor status.

Table Manners:

Utensil Use: Start with the outermost utensils and work your way in as the courses progress. After you've cut your food, make sure you move your for to your left hand even if it feels counterintuitive,

Bread and Butter: Tear off a small piece of bread, butter it on your plate, and eat it, rather than buttering the entire slice.

Resting Utensils: When pausing, place utensils on the plate in a “resting” position, such as crossed or angled.

Handling Courses:

Soup Etiquette: Spoon soup away from you and sip from the edge of the spoon without slurping.

Pacing: Match your pace to the host or the most senior individual at the table. Don't rush or lag behind.

Events:

RSVP and Invitations:

Timely Response: Respond to invitations promptly and never bring uninvited guests unless explicitly allowed.

Respect Time: Arrive on time, especially for formal events, but not more than 15 minutes early.

Host and Guest Responsibilities:

Host Etiquette: As a host, introduce guests to each other, especially if they don’t know anyone else.

Guest Behavior: Engage with other guests, but don’t cling to one person for the entire event. Mingle politely.

Handling Alcohol:

Moderation: Drink alcohol in moderation. Know your limits and avoid overindulgence.

Toast Etiquette: Stand if a toast is being made in your honor, and wait to drink until after the toast is given.

Dressing:

Dress Code Adherence:

Understand the Code: Whether it’s black tie, cocktail, or casual, always adhere strictly to the dress code specified on the invitation.

Subtle Elegance: Opt for classic, understated pieces that are elegant but not overly flashy.

Grooming and Accessories:

Impeccable Grooming: Make sure your hair, nails, and makeup are neatly done and appropriate for the occasion.

Minimalist Accessories: Choose simple, elegant accessories that complement but do not overpower your outfit.

hey! so i was wondering: what are some things that you’ll always buy high end/spend more money on vs things that you’ll save on/buy cheap.

love your blog!

Spend on:

Bras: I cannot say it more emphatically; the quality of your bra will determine the quality of your entire look. If you want to look your best you have got to invest in a great quality bra that fits you perfectly. This is non-negotiable.

Nail polish: Because you don't want to spend 30 minutes applying a $1 nail polish that's going to chip after a few hours. It's best to invest in the nail polish brands that are a bit pricier but last longer because it's ultimately going to be a great investment of your time.

Bed sheets: High thread count sheets are ultimately indispensable- they last longer, wash better & they ultimately feel better. Sleep quality is one of the most important things you can invest in and I promise you great quality sheets will contribute to a better night's sleep.

Cookware: Specifically a great set of knives and pots/pans will take you a longggg way. Since I've begun taking my cooking seriously I've invested in better cookware and I swear on everything my food tastes and looks MUCH better.

Stilettos: I can't quantify the number of times I've had to leave an event early because my feet were literally screaming on account of me wearing cheap stilettos. Trust me, it's not worth it. Spend some time researching great quality shoes that are well reviewed and save yourself money and hours of excruciating pain.

Jeans: When jeans are of great quality, it shows. They hug you better, they conceal imperfections, and they can last decades. I have less than 10 pairs of jeans in total and I don't think I'll ever need any more because the ones I have are high quality and will last forever.

Hair extensions: I've had to learn the hard way that high quality human hair costs money. Yes, you can find a synthetic or virgin wig online for under $200 but within a couple of weeks, it's going to start shedding like crazy and falling apart when you put heat on it. I strongly encourage investing in one or two really high quality wigs/weaves/clip-ins, etc. that are made from raw human hair because they will last you years and save you a ton of money in the long run. The wig I'm currently wearing cost me well over $1000 but I never have to take it off, I've colored it several times with no issue, and it's going to last me years.

Save on:

Makeup products: Makeup isn't that complicated and there's no reason why you should be spending $60+ on a foundation that is made from the same ingredients as most other foundations. I'm not saying that all expensive makeup brands aren't worth their price, but I am saying that you can find perfectly great makeup products at your local convenience store. I recently returned one of my favorite Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks because I took a trip to Primark and found that their $2 lipsticks are WAY creamier, longer lasting, and complimentary on dark skin.

Workout clothes: No, you don't need to spend $80 on a pair of lululemon leggings to have a great workout, especially when there are a ton of brands that are much cheaper and provide higher quality options. And honestly, I'm a big fan of the "random-t-shirt-and-leggings-I-found-at-a-thrift-shop" workout look because I'm not trying to impress anyone at the gym and I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

Skincare products: Similar to makeup products, the ingredients that actually matter (retionoids, vitamin c, exfoliants, & SPF) are not that expensive so you don't actually need to spend an astronomical amount to get high quality skincare. When looking for skincare products, focus less on price and more on finding ingredients that work for your skin.

Books: In today's day and age it's really not necessary to be paying $20+ on a book that you can likely access online or second-hand. So before running to Barns and Noble to find your next book, head to a local thrift shop or parous through online stores.

Designer items: Because frankly, no one's gonna know nor care whether or not you're carrying the real Chanel classic flap or the fake one you got on DhGate for $75. Unless you can very comfortably drop thousands on a single piece of clothing or accessory, you should just go ahead and have your cake and eat it too by buying the high quality replica version.

Lovingly,

Elle

Could you please make a post on how to stay fresh and put together through out the day? I always feel and look good for a while after i leave the house but the wind and weather and moving around makes me feel like a mess after a few hours and i come home looking nothing like when i left. What is your routine to maintain the way you look throughout the day?

Thanks so much💗

Hey Anon! I'm just gonna make a big list :)

Smelling amazing is the hallmark of presenting well, so I always moisturize my skin very well, apply a thin layer of perfume oil on my scent points, and douse myself in my perfume of the day. I'll also bring a travel size for touch-ups every few hours.

I keep a tin of sugar-free mints in my purse so my breath is always smelling super fresh.

I always have a small comb and brush in my purse so I can run to the bathroom and fix my hair. I also use hairspray like it's going out of style to make sure my hairstyle is maintained throughout the day.

I keep a tiny compact mirror and take a quick look at myself every hour or so to see what needs tweaking.

I've perfected my priming and setting routine to make sure my makeup stays perfectly in place for at least 12 hours.

I keep a Tide pen on me at all times.

I choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics that travel well and don't require constant ironing.

If it's windy out I'll pin my hair down while commuting to prevent flyaways

I ALWAYS have a fresh layer of lipgloss on, even if I'm not wearing any makeup.

I'm notorious for asking my friends if my hair or makeup needs fixing up.

Hey! Hope you’ve been well. I know you smell incredibly well, so I need your tips. Please, what do I need to smell good all through the day, everyday? How do I know what scent I like and would fit me? What steps do you take and what are your favourite scents? Thank you!

Hi! I love this question

Smelling good starts from the inside : make sure your gut is functioning properly (are you having daily bowel movements?), support lymphatic drainage by moving everyday even if its just walks, drink water and other mineral rich drinks such as herbal infusions or broths, add chlorophyll to your water from time to time, and have a mindfulness practice that you do everyday (stress greatly impacts our body odor!)

Then, when it comes to your daily hygiene, use soaps/gels that don’t interfere too much with your skin’s microbiome, as that can also cause bad body odor, even if the soap/gel smells nice! I recommend the oil cleanser by la roche posay « Lipikar », followed by a neutral shower gel for further cleansing. Use a feminine unscented wash for your intimates and don’t forget your butt too lol, the Rael gel is lovely for that. Exfoliate your body once or twice a week.

Do armpit detoxes : clay + acv and rinse when it dries. You can do this once a week, and then bi-weekly or monthly for maintenance.

Instead of using deodorants, I suggest swiping a very gentle aha/bha toner it neutralizes odor and helps with brightening your underarms. I tend to use pure musk after that as well, just for the scent.

As for knowing which scent suits you, try out different perfumes until you find one that literally merges perfectly with your natural body’s scent. When you find it you will know, because it’ll actually feel like second skin, you won’t be able to get enough of it. Once you find it, look up the notes and start experimenting with other perfumes that have similar notes, then you’ll have found your « niche » :)

Tips for anyone struggling with anxiety/anyone feeling anxious (from a very anxious boi)

Do a crossword or sudoku. I find that focusing on something that stretches my brain distracts me from whatever I’m worrying about.

Don’t go for a walk. Or anything relaxing really. This is going to push you further into those thoughts because you’re giving yourself the space to.

Journaling. Journaling doesn’t work for everyone, but if it does for you, definitely try it! The downside to this is that it can give you the space to go really deep into your thoughts, so I would recommend only doing this once you’re feeling calm/calmer. This can help you figure out your feelings and what made you feel like that.

take. your. meds. That is if you have a prescription and access to them. You have them for a reason, and it will help you.

Breathing exercises. I’m a big fan of breathing in for a count of four, holding for four, and breathing out for four. Then you just repeat that until you’re calmer. I also like this butterfly one, where you cross your hands at the wrist and alternate gently tapping your chest with each hand every time you breathe in or out.

your body and mind need each other. Your body can’t function well off three hours of sleep, and your mind can’t function well without enough water and it won’t do well under constant anxiety, and the two need to work together if you 

Probably the most talked about one, but also the least done one. Remove yourself from the situation. Whatever is giving you anxiety, a person or a place, remove yourself from them/it. This is also sometimes the hardest one to do, because that person may be a safety net, or a friend. But when you have anxiety, it becomes very easy to be manipulated by friends because we often worry about what people think about us, and we become pleasers and do anything to keep our friendships.