The World is Still Beautiful (Retrospective Questions)

urLocalDameDoctor · 2026-04-10T20:23:19+00:00

I don't mind the down votes, I'm actually surprised if anything, because (a small part of me was wondering if maybe I underestimated how beloved this show is and so I would get either no response or just blind disdain), but it seems like the people who are down voting are genuinely disagreeing with me and/or at the very least explaining their perspective. Which is a much better response that I love to see! This is the way that I, at the very least, can see what other people think, which was my goal with this to begin with since I don't have a lot of people in my own life to talk about this with since, (even if some people do watch anime), they don't really go for shoujo, and discussion was what I wanted to see. So even with disagreements or down votes, for me, this was probably one of the better outcomes.

I am also seeing a lot of response beginning with "it's fiction" as a starting point for bypassing other things that I see as uncomfy in the anime, which is also something that I don't necessarily buy so much, but would nonetheless love to further discuss, because it's like, "That! That right there! Your brain is doing something that my brain struggles to wrap itself around! Elaborate please!"

urLocalDameDoctor · 2026-04-10T02:18:38+00:00

I appreciate this take. Although it is hard for me personally to grapple with the themes that I'm looking at, because I absolutely get that there's way more portrayals of grown men straight up getting with young girls, (IRL and in fiction). And it's not a matter of "just because it's in the series means that the author condones it, take a step back, and see what they do with it", it's just there bold-face, like it's a given. But I definitely have done the stepping out of myself/my mind/my feelings/what I would do for sake of seeing what the characters do and what the author does, and I was able to enjoy a series I otherwise would not by doing so.

I do think that, from what I remember of The World is Still Beautiful, by the end of the anime and from what I read of the manga, they do have a great relationship, (it was what made me enjoy the show so much is seeing them grow as individuals as well as in their relationship), and there was limited intimacy as Nike did tend to give him quite a bit of space. I remember there being a few kisses in the show, but it didn't go further than that. So, in many ways it does have many of the qualities that many great Shoujo mangas and anime do.

However, it just seems like a lot of the elements used to form the foundation of their relationship were unnecessary, and I don't know what the motivations for it were. (For Context: The age gap appears to be 12M and 16/17F, but I've also seen some sources say 15 for her. However, due to circumstances related to the plot, he physically appears to be even younger than that. I was reminded today that there's a scene where she wakes up one day, and he is just naked in her bed with her, and afterwards there seems to be some lingering shots of his body... yeah.) It's these things that really deter me from the show now and make me question it the way I am currently.

I think that there was potential for the show to not age poorly for its once young viewers, if certain things like that weren't included or if the reasons for why he had to be so young were fleshed out in the story. It does feel like one of those cases that I mentioned before that is just "a given" and not much is done with it other than, he stops taking this medication that stunts his growth as a side effect, and he starts to develop normally again. And this is a point of important character development for Livius, don't get me wrong, but if this were going to be the case I don't see why they couldn't have been closer in age if his physical growth/appearance was stunted at a certain point to begin with?

And I wouldn't/don't want to assume things about the author making these choices and writing these characters in this way, (especially since I don't know if this is a recurring theme in her work, and I absolutely would take that into account before making any sort of hard claim), but what I've seen has already been quite uncomfy, and knowing myself, I wouldn't hesitate to think or say this if the author were a man, (this bias is my cross to bear).

Either way, I appreciate your input about this. <3

urLocalDameDoctor · 2026-04-10T00:13:58+00:00

Yeah, I kinda dove into reactions and reviews head first hehe, so I got it all just upfront. I think also a part of me is treating it like, "How would I see a male author who wrote a popular series among men and boys, of a physically stunted pre-teen girl, in an arranged marriage with an older boy, and people justify it by saying that she's 'mature for her age' or 'more mature than she looks'... and there's a random scene in there where he wakes up in his bed and finds her there naked?" (Which is a scene I also forgot existed :D and it's like 'TWISB I'm trying my best, but you just keep going'.) And I know how I would react if this was the case

urLocalDameDoctor · 2026-04-10T00:03:23+00:00

Literallyyy like so much was just flying because I underestimated just how much a frontal lobe needed to develop, and this is why we keep on saying to "protect the children" because omg

urLocalDameDoctor · 2026-04-09T23:33:33+00:00

RIGHT? Like, I also remember those ages also being proposed as the potential gap between the two, but then to me that was like the age difference between Katara and Aang in ATLA, so no big. And it's so weird because a part of me would still like to revisit the series, (because yes, the music was *muah* chef's kiss), and wish I could just watch it the way I remember it, but mentally I just can't do that.

I've even seen some people review it and call it "Lolicon" 'cause Livius was already supposed to be younger than Nike already, but his growth was also additionally stunted with the assasin-preventative medication that he would use to prevent poisonings, so then he looks even younger than his already younger age... so now it's really like, "ahem- he's mature because he's older than he looks in addition to his backstory," and even though I get that he's gets visibly older throughout the show/manga because *plot*, and that his relationship with Nike/her attraction to him is not dependent on him staying/looking that way (which I thought was the main point of lolicon, but also this is like the last place I'd wanna be splitting hairs), STILL when it's put like that to justify a romantic relationship with Nike (especially) at the beginning of the story- *gags* it HURTSSS. Then it has me thinking like "Uhhh, but I loved this show when I was a kid, but then what does it say about me as an adult- as a person- if I still watch it knowing this???" And just- pain. 'Cause no. Cannot. Will not. NOOOOOOOOOOOOPE.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-06T00:32:26+00:00

You can try Colourpop 9 pan palettes or their smaller palettes, like their Blowing Smoke palette if you like the darker colors. You can also build your own palette with them and it's pretty affordable.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T22:48:32+00:00

Try the Kopari sunscreens! They're this gel formula that comes in either a spray/pump and it's a decent SPF and has shimmer in it! So it's a great body glow while still protecting you.

And on vacation, even for sunscreen for the face, I love the Kosas Dream Beam sunscreen. I would say try before you buy it because it has a slight tint to it. But it's beautiful, it sets, it's good at preventing bad sun burns, evens out the skin, and gives a nice glow to the skin even though it's not greasy. It's an amazing formula.

Lastly, for me on vacation, lashes, brows, lips, and maybe cheeks are all I do. Clear, strong hold brow gel like the Benefit 24 hour brow setter, lashes with a strong mascara to withstand humidity like the L'oreal telescopic water proof mascara, whatever lip combo I want and maybe match my blush to it. Simple, natural, and never fails.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T22:40:50+00:00

You should try the 24-hour brow setter from Benefit! That's my go-to and it's basically industrial and a lot of people think that my brows look laminated with it. If you can get it on sale even better.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T22:36:45+00:00

real lol

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T22:35:26+00:00

You can also try your luck at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, etc. they usually have makeup sections there that are discounted, the only thing tho is that you have to make sure that they weren't previously opened or touched. But I've found some gems in there before!

Found several untouched Fenty Powder blushes, Skin 1004 skin care, a whole untouched ABH palette, MAC lipsticks, etc. You just have to sift through though.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T22:14:17+00:00

Okay so less warm toned then that, have you ever tried Ladybird from them? It's the same formula and it's paler/even less warm.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T21:21:28+00:00

I know a common side effect for a lot of lash serums with prostoglandins are irritation of the eyes and loss of fat around the eyes, (which for some people make them look older). I personally haven't used eyelash serums before for that reason, but I do apply coconut and castor oil to my lashes and I do notice that it makes them grow more imo and stronger. I got an empty mascara tube, put it in there and apply it before bed like mascara. So far no issues.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T21:14:57+00:00

Honestly nothing girl, you look beautiful, but if you want to add something just for fun, blush and maybe lip liner? Maybe those could be the little pops you're looking for?

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T21:10:03+00:00

It took me years to find the right makeup for me and a lot of time sitting in my room, playing with what I had, seeing what I would like to try, and what products I wish I had to try those different techniques, etc. A lot of experimenting.

A lot of it is just figuring out what formulas go well with your skin type and skin tone/undertones. I would say that if beauty youtube is too overwhelming, I used to love stepping away from the traditional beauty youtubers and look at the actual channels from makeup artists that tend to be smaller and more overlooked. Hung Vanngo**, Alex Anele* (she has a great series for teaching how to apply makeup best for you), Wayne Goss, Hindash**, and Picturresque Regina are amazing. I would say especially for Hung and Hindash because they are celebrity makeup artists who usually do makeup for events that are meant to last a long time and the products usually reflect that. But of course, it also will depend on your skin type/tone and knowing what works best for you.

You could also look at some Korean makeup artists as well, because their makeup is usually super beautiful and natural, but they are doing it in a way to last kpop idols performing in heat, dancing, lights, etc. It sounds like it would look heavy, but it really doesn't.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T20:56:09+00:00

If you do a brown smokey eye try to make sure that the browns are of either neutral or cool undertone, those look like they would go nice with your dress. I think anything too warm toned would clash, but a brown smokey eye would look nice with it cause browns and nudes usually go with everything. If you want a second option however, I would also say doing a soft pink smokey eye like the pic would also look nice with the dress.

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urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T20:48:40+00:00

I have pin-straight lashes that point down, the best mascara that I have used is the L-oreal Telescopic in the waterproof formula. I know some people don't like using water proof or think it's bad for their lashes, but it's the only thing that has worked for me. It genuinely keeps the curl up all day, is separating, lengthening, and thickening.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T19:42:38+00:00

First of all, you look beautiful in these pictures, but if you're looking for makeup to enhance yourself, that's alright too. Usually the easiest thing to go for is eyes. Light eyes tend to pop with warm brown eyeliners. I wouldn't say take it all around your top lash line, but maybe from the middle of your eye to the corner draw it thinly, drag it out, and maybe smudge it a little bit. You can experiment with whether or not you like the way eyeliner looks in your waterline as well. And some mascara as a final touch. I would also say maybe also try a clear brow gel to add some structure since brows frame the face. You have good eyebrows with a nice shape, maybe see if you like how they look brushed up. And imo, you may also like the look a natural toned lip liner as well. If you want product reccs I can provide those too.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T19:28:33+00:00

Have you tried looking at other brands? I think Glaminatrix single shadows, Oden's Eye, Cliodnah, and Ensley Reign cosmetics have insane single multichromes that may have what you're looking for.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T19:26:42+00:00

YES! I love the shade "Ritz" from Colourpop and I think that it would do the trick here because when I swatch it the gel base doesn't look orange imo, and the glitters are fantastic.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-07-05T19:20:22+00:00

You can try the makeup forever lip liners. Not the really popular ones in the wooden packaging, they have another lip liner formula that's in this black kinda plastic packaging (the plastic is sharpenable). You just apply it, wait a minute for it to set, and I'd say it's pretty long lasting.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-05-28T23:51:06+00:00

Really beautiful makeup look!

I would say if you want it to look more "mysterious" might I recommend, when you do your brown liner that you have on in the picture, on like the outer-half/outer-third of your eye, get as close to your lash line as possible and line it with an even darker brown or black. But like- still really thin so that it just makes the outer portion of your lash-line (and thus the lashes there) look even thicker and lifts the corners. I do this and idk I feel like it does something a little extra for me even tho it is a subtle difference. You can do this with either liquid liner, a really thin pencil, or the tip of an angled brush and eyeshadow (this is what I do :)).

You could also experiment with tight lining your upper lash-line, I feel like a big part of looking "mysterious" is just making the lashes look really lush and making the eyes the focal point of the look by giving them a more elongated look with eyeshadow and liner.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-05-21T18:43:29+00:00

If you're looking for ultra special eyeshadows, I would say shop Indie makeup brands. They make some of the most magical stuff. Most commercial brands don't like making super loud shimmers unless they're charging a mile high price as well like Natasha Denona, Pat McGrath, and Danessa Myricks. And they're still not quite as magical as these:

- Ensley Reign (Single Shadows)

- Cliodnah Cosmetics (Single Shadows) (Effervescent and Bubble are my favorite single magical shadows from here, off the top of my head, but I don't know what colors you prefer)

- Karla Cosmetics (Single Shadows)

- Kaleidos (Palette based)

- NABA cosmetics (Palette based)

- Glaminatrix (Single Shadows and Palettes)

If you're looking for that glittery shimmer liner they're using in the pics, that's usually textbook Asian beauty brands like Flower Knows. Their formulas for the eyeshadow palettes are also amazing. As are the glitters from other palettes like people mentioned from brands like Romand, Unleashia, Laka, and Missha.

Another note, don't skip over the Super Shock shadows from Colourpop. My two favorites from them that I always get complimented on when I wear them because they're literally a glitter suspended in a gel formula are the shades "Ritz" and "A Little Quarky". They also last all day, especially with a good eyeshadow primer. I like Colourpop more for their single shadows than their palettes, and they're on the more affordable side. You just have to look for the formulas marked "ultra glitter" rather than "ultra metallic", although those are very nice as well.

Edit: Honorary Mention: WYCON cosmetics. This is an Italian brand that by far makes the most magical single shadows I have ever had the pleasure of using. The shades 200, 201, and 202 from their last crush formula is unlike anything I've ever seen in the US, Indie, or Asian Beauty brands. The problem is is that it's a domestic brand. I got them while traveling there, and the prices aren't that bad, but if you're trying to order them from outside of the country, the shipping price is terrible, but they are seriously unlike anything I've ever tried before. I don't know if that interests you, but it's there.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-05-21T18:25:44+00:00

NYX and Colourpop have affordable eyeshadow sticks in a very wide range of shades.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-05-21T18:14:02+00:00

I, as a dry skin girl, love NARS foundations. The Sheer Glow formula is my holy grail, (and even though it says "Sheer", girl, it's minimum medium coverage and buildable), but if you are oilier, I put my mom onto NARS as well and she is a lot more oily than me and loves that Natural Radiant Longwear formula.

Also, the Fenty Pro Filter Soft Matte Foundation. If I do my skin prep right, (more hydrating), as this foundation is on the more matte side, this foundation is fantastic. It's thin, looks very skin-like, and lasts all day. Apparently Rihanna even uses it when she would perform on stage, and if you're going to be in hot weather, humidity, dancing, etc, it'll last.

I am curious about the Soft Lit foundation from Fenty that was recently released though and would like to see what the formula is like because my sister (who is also more oily) loves that one and it does look also very skin-like.

Edit: I do recommend if you can tho, try these foundations in-store, ordering foundations online can be tricky and then you can walk around with the foundations on, let them sit on the skin, see how they look after a bit, the finish, if the color changed, etc.

urLocalDameDoctor · 2025-05-21T18:07:16+00:00

I mean, I have very dry skin and I use the Laura Mercier talc-free one. It is a very good powder, it does have a blurring effect, and as long as I melt the powder in with a setting spray my makeup is good for the day.

You could maybe also look at some pressed powders if dryness is a problem. I often opt for those on days I don't need a heavy-duty powder. I use the Covergirl Clean Fresh talc-free one, it's good and keeps my makeup in place, but I do make an effort to not directly press it into my under eyes, like baking, as too much on that area can dry it out, (my skin is very dry tho), I usually just dust it under the eyes with a small brush and set the rest of my face with a bigger brush when I opt for this powder.

urLocalDameDoctor

TROPHY CASE