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Jacqueline Fernandez wore a blush sari to a recent event that brought pearls and laces back into the discussion. Manish Malhotra’s pastel piece was inspired by the Edwardian romance of the early 1900s. It is a soft-focus sensuality, both nostalgic and modern, from colour to craft. The sari, constructed in lace, is embellished with pearls, which extend from the scalloped edge across the fabric. The details are concentrated at the edges where pearls in varying sizes adorn the hemline and the pallu. This creates a dense outline against a more sparsely scattered field. Fernandez moves the drape slightly by pulling the pallu over her back, and letting it hang from one arm. This keeps the border visible for longer. The blouse is the true star of the ensemble. It is a departure from the conventional codes. A silk bralette is layered with a matching cropped lace cape. The cape has a high neckline, and pearls are applied in a dense density along the scalloped edge and neckline. This almost gives the illusion of wearing a statement piece. Coco Chanel, a famous designer of the early 20th century, reimagined the pearls as symbols for female independence and not just aristocratic status. This spirit has been repeated on international runways. Dior has embraced pearl accents in clothing and accessories. Simone Rocha, Vivienne Westwood and others have played with subversive styling of pearls. Manish Malhotra’s Fernandez sari gives this long-standing Western obsession a translation for Indian occasion wear.

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The beauty lookbook of this week was heavy in technique, whether it was blush placed slightly higher on the cheeks to lift the face or liner softened on the edges rather than sharply winged, or highlighter concentrated at specific high points. Overall, the looks explored warmth with peach and coral shades (a la Aditi Raio Hydari), balanced by neutrals to keep the mood classic. Kareena’s signature is a combination of soft matte and natural radiance, while her eyes and lips are defined. The placement, texture, and tone of makeup created distinct moods, without the need for anything overpowering. A rosy-peach palette was the dominant look for Janhvi Kapoor this week. Blush was placed high and slightly on the bridge of her nose for a romantic, soft effect. Her lashes were long, feathery, and separated. A warm pink wash was applied to the lids. The skin was kept luminous by a barely-there foundation and pinpoint highlighting of cheekbones. A rosy pink lipstick tied the look together, and a casual, undone updo enhanced the femininity. In Kareena Khan’s latest look a caramel-toned, smoky, eyeshadow was concentrated at the outer corners to create depth without harsh lines. Her signature kohl also intensified the eye make-up. The base was matte, with contouring strategically along the cheeks and jawline. The lips were a neutral beige with a hint gloss to double the glam factor while keeping the eyes in focus. Her brows were filled in naturally and brushed out, giving that signature polished-but-effortless finish.Classic kohl-lined eyes with a slightly winged outer flick defined Sreeleela’s beauty look. A warm apricot-colored blush added brightness to her glowing, even toned base. Lips were a satiny peach-nude with a satin finish. The hair and makeup are traditional, but they look fresh and light. A sleek, pulled-back style with a gold ribbon bow brought out Bhumi Pednekar’s sharp liner and contoured features. Her makeup was dominated by a wing eyeliner with a precise, elongated shape and softly smoked lash definition. The complexion is satin matte with subtle bronzing to add warmth. The muted mauve-nude lips balanced the intensity of her eyes. Jacqueline’s latest look was a highlighter for her glowing, highlighted skin. Light reflected across Jacqueline’s cheekbones and forehead. Her eyes were defined with a dark brown liner, and diffused shadow to keep things classy yet sultry. A terracotta lip with a sheen added softness. Face-framing hair tendrils and half-up hairstyles enhanced the overall romantic and evening-ready look. Aditi Rao-Hydari wore her hair sleek and centre-parted to frame her jewelry and bring the focus to her face. A luminous base with a peach blush applied high gives the skin-like glow. Soft taupe lids with lightly defined lashes, and natural brows created a stunning contrast to the brighter lip and cheek tones. Her terracotta and coral satin lip was the star of the show, tying together the entire look.

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In the last few decades, our cultural landscape changed dramatically. We’re sick of AI slop taking over visual media as we grow tired of doomscrolling short-form content. It seems that podcasts can still provide AI-free audio satisfaction through intricate storytelling. Podcasts have become dominated by humans, in that podcast bros can be found everywhere. Many men feel compelled to share their emotional reckoning with the world at age 40. Starting a podcast is a rite-of-passage. Men with microphones can now make a living by monetizing the art of gossiping, which was once a practice that was deemed inappropriate for women. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, including unfamiliar stories, histories, and discourse. They are great for listening to while you do your chores or reach your daily step count. We have compiled a list of the top podcasts in the fields of culture, fashion, literature, and education. You can listen to them as you begin your next crochet project. Each episode is a treasure chest of stories and experiences that continue to surprise you.

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Growing up, Karen Bigman believed the propaganda. Bigman, a certified sex educator aged 62, says, “But I’ve done this in restaurant bathrooms.” She then goes on to list other examples of her scandalous antics. “I’ve met up spontaneously in hotel rooms while the kids were home. We pulled over near a DuaneReade [convenience shop], under the fluorescent light, to do it on the back seat of the car. She insists that sex at this stage in life is not just happening but getting better. It’s even worse for some–though this is a reality that you don’t hear about very often and wouldn’t want your parents or grandparents to experience. Bodies change. Menopause, which usually begins in the 40s or 50s of a person, can cause a variety of symptoms such as vaginal dryness and painful sex. Hormonal shifts can lower libido across all sexes. Energy levels fluctuate, and acting out desires that were once automatic may now require greater effort, communication, and patience. Here’s their advice on how to maintain the spark, and the small changes they say make a big difference. Consider lube a necessity, not an option.Vaginal drying is one of the most common changes that come with ageing. This is why many people think getting frisky at this stage will be painful or uncomfortable. There are many products that can help. Lube is one of them. It’s also underrated. “Put it before you start, and have it ready during sex,” advises Bigman. She also shares her advice in her Taboo to Truth podcast: Life & Sex After 50. Lubricants reduce friction, reducing the risk of irritation and tearing. They also allow for more pleasure. We recommend that you apply it not only to the object being penetrated (like a vibrator or penis), but also when foreplay is taking place. For example, you might also consider sliding it between the labial folds. Ask for exactly what you want. In some situations, it may not be a physical or logistical issue. It could be that the sex that you’re having isn’t very exciting. Tammy Nelson, an AASECT-certified AASECT sex therapist who is also speaking from personal experience, says that if sex in your relationship or marriage isn’t exciting, you won’t want to do it. “It’s just like, if a party isn’t exciting, why would you attend?” However, getting older can bring out a bluntness that your younger self may have avoided. “At some point, you don’t care anymore,” said a 64-year old woman speaking anonymously. When you realize that life is too short, you don’t worry so much about your body in certain lighting or how you sound when you climax.

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You know exactly what you need, and how to get it. Gemini, you know it all but don’t trust yourself enough. You doubt yourself, your voice, your heart, your purpose. Your guides have a simple advice for you today: instead of letting yourself be held back by unnecessary worry, take a small step, make a tiny choice, and start working on something tiny. Now is the time to celebrate answered prayers. You have been chasing that idea, those plans, and those guidelines for a long time. But you have been waiting to “fine tune” them. Start now. Ask yourself, Cancer, what is the easiest way to begin. You may feel torn between two worlds of your life, such as your professional and personal lives, or even more than one. Your angels and guides are asking you to choose the high road. You can see the rainbow-like iridescence of this situation. You have recently opened your heart to someone who is close to you. This has made you feel lighter, but also more understood. The cosmos reminds us that we shouldn’t expect instant results or changes, but that you should expect an increase in confidence to go for it. This isn’t just a piece from the cosmos, but also something you may have been thinking about. The next few days will probably require patience and teach you how to grow and evolve, yet still be content. This short fuse, these sudden bouts anxiety, this self-doubt, which makes you want 2000 horsepower, are all based on muscle-memory. It keeps you in a loop of letting that happen, then it will change. Each time, it’s a different story. Reduce your stress right now, instead of waiting forever. Take 5 minutes more to lie in bed, 30 seconds longer to stretch, or one second longer to concentrate on the water that you are drinking. Cosmic tip: Slow down a little. You can find a way to do it. Your bold side is often something you learned how to bring out first as a defense mechanism. Taurus, the energies of last night’s New Moon have touched something within you. You may have felt the urge to return to a past passion, a hobby that you enjoyed, a lesser-known quality that you feel ready to showcase, or an idea you had dismissed but now want to give it a try. Taurus, whatever it is that you are trying to achieve, remember that this is something worth trying. Give yourself the chance to feel vulnerable and willing to try something new. This could be the bridge that you’ve been looking for, but instead have been sitting on for years.