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Topically, it might offer barrier support and calming effects, but Dr Agarwal points out that the skin is a selective barrier. “Nutrient penetration is often overstated. Eating it might actually offer more benefits, provided there are no underlying contraindications.”

People with shellfish or seaweed allergies should tread carefully. “Topical application can sometimes lead to contact dermatitis. And when consumed, the high iodine content might trigger breakouts—particularly along the jawline—in those with acne-prone or hormone-sensitive skin.”

Her take? “Sea moss can support a routine and hydrate gently for some skin types, but don’t expect dramatic results.”

A nutritionist’s take

Nutritionally, the enthusiasm is a little more tempered. “We don’t yet have robust research to confirm all the claims,” says Karishmma Chawla, a Mumbai-based functional medicine nutritionist. “But there’s early data pointing to its potential.”

There’s no one right format—gel, capsule or powder. “It depends on how your body processes it. Bio-individuality matters more than packaging,” she explains. Her advice? Always take it under expert supervision, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Dosage, too, is trial and error. “There are no fixed rules,” she says. “Start slow, see how your body responds and go from there.”

Chawla also cautions against jumping in without laying the right groundwork. “Just because it’s rich in minerals doesn’t mean your body can make the most of it. I look at how well a client’s gut and liver are functioning first. If those detox pathways are sluggish, even a good supplement can end up stressing the system instead of supporting it.”

Her bottom line: “No supplement should exist in isolation. I always start with food, and only layer in supplements once the basics are sorted.”

So… is sea moss worth it?

Maybe—but probably not in the way Instagram makes it seem. There’s not enough hard science to crown sea moss a miracle, but with the right guidance and realistic expectations, it might earn a quiet, algae-slicked place in your wellness routine.

Also read:

5 protein-rich nuts to add to your plate this summer

The Danish dinner ritual that helps lower cortisol and ease you into sleep

I started drinking kefir every day (and making it myself), here’s what changed

18. How many times have you been in love, if at all?

19. What’s something you wish you were better at?

20. What are three qualities you truly value in a romantic partner?

21. What does a good date night idea include for you?

22. What’s your worst habit?

23. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve been single?

24. Which would you choose: six nights spent out with friends and one night at home a week, or six nights at home and one night out?

25. Do you see yourself as competitive?

26. How punctual of a person are you?

27. What’s something you’re looking forward to right now?

28. Do you consider yourself flirtatious?

29. What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?

30. Are you someone who loves or hates their birthday?

31. What are you looking to get out of dating right now?

32. Do you see yourself as someone who enjoys taking risks?

33. What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?

34. What do you consider a relationship deal-breaker?

35. Would you describe yourself as ambitious or as more easygoing?

36. How important is having your own space to you?

37. Would you rather text or talk on the phone?

38. How much time do you spend online?

39. What’s a small daily ritual or habit that brings you joy?

40. How do you typically respond to conflict? Do you face it head-on or need space first?

Relationship questions about romance and intimacy

1. Do you think that honesty is always the best policy in a relationship?

2. Who’s your model for a good relationship?

3. How does being around my family make you feel?

4. What was your first kiss like?

5. What’s one thing we do together that helps you feel connected to me?

6. Do you believe in soulmates?

7. How about love at first sight?

8. Where do you like to be touched?

9. Where do you not like to be touched?

10. What helps you feel sexy or attractive?

11. What’s your biggest turn-on?

12. What’s your biggest turn-off?

13. What’s your favourite part of your body?

14. When you’re feeling anxious, how can I be supportive?

15. When you’re feeling stressed, how can I be supportive?

Laser-sharp insights that cut through the noise are yours to claim, Gemini. This is that moment in time where you get to claim and create what you wish to hold in your arms – be it love, relationships, work or anything else. Yes, past resentments can hurt, but really, don’t let yourself spiral down that rabbit hole, sinking into a bottomless pit of self-doubt and worry. Anxieties are here to show you what you fear so that you can get a grip on your present moment and effectively contribute to it. Don’t let your fears of the future stop you from experimenting with all that fire ignited in your heart!

Cosmic tip: Ground your million ideas by figuring out a way to get started with them. Your wishes are being granted.

Also read:

Aries May 30, 2025

Taurus May 30, 2025

Cancer May 30, 2025

Leo May 30, 2025

Virgo May 30, 2025

Libra May 30, 2025

Scorpio May 30, 2025

Sagittarius May 30, 2025

Capricorn May 30, 2025

Aquarius May 30, 2025

Pisces May 30, 2025

Cosmic tip: Your angels are always protecting you. With this in mind, where would you like to go?

Here’s your checklist today, Leo: a) ask for help when needed; b) don’t rush the process; c) remember you are functioning on universal time. Which means, you can never be early or late, and you always have support at your disposal – be it through your loved ones or your angels. Steal tiny moments of peace amidst the noise. Remember that from now on, aligned action is the only kind of action you will be taking and talk your fear out of holding you back, much like smooth-talking a child into trying something new. Your seeming constriction is a mere reflection of all the ways in which you are not looking yet. That’s all.

Cosmic tip: Listen to your intuition. Trust your inner voice. And breathe.

You’re seeing things clearly now, no fluff, just facts. Your mind is sharp, your standards are high, and you’re ready to make decisions that actually align, Virgo. Whether it’s about relationships, work, or life direction, you’re choosing based on truth, not pressure. Old patterns or expectations might be pulling at you, but deep down, you know: this chapter is about you writing the rules. Something major is coming full circle, and the choices you make now are shaping what’s next in a big way. When you feel a pull between your heart and your head, always steer towards where your heart is leading you. For some, this message may apply to your love life as well. Whatever it is, choose an elevated stance and get your juices flowing.

Cosmic tip: Everything you have achieved until now – even the seemingly unseen – is worthy of celebrating.

Between personal dreams and fast-moving plans, balance is the name of the game right now, Libra. You are fuelled with passion, chasing big dreams and even grander joy; however, remember to take one step at a time, okay? Set up a system or a rhythm for yourself and try and act out on a more or less even-paced life. While you chase those sparkly goals, also feel immense gratitude for the tiny luxuries that already surround you. You can be all you want, but not all at once – so when you feel like retreating, do so without guilt; when you feel like stepping on the accelerator, do so without fear; and when you feel like excusing yourself from an unwanted protocol, do so with grace.

“I love how I look,” Sangtani declares unapologetically. From mall photo shoots to impromptu dress trials, from swimming in Goa to riding toy trains, she captures every moment. When shopkeepers complain about her posting photos of clothes she never bought, she tells them that her pictures will boost their sales. “Everyone tells me, ‘Aunty, we travel too, but you truly know how to have fun,’” Sangtani says, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Laxmi Shah. Photographed by Adarsh Jogani

Scherezade recalls a woman who described perimenopause as liberating. “While it is physically uncomfortable, she said that it was mentally freeing. She put it like this: ‘My expiry date has passed, so I can finally sit back, relax and be myself.’”

This is the great paradox of ageing and beauty: after years of being constrained by societal expectations, women find themselves in a moment of unexpected freedom. At the very moment society typically renders them invisible, they find their most expansive selves—unbound, unapologetic and entirely their own.

Vanity, at this stage, becomes more than a mere indulgence. It is the conduit through which women affirm who they are, choose how they want to be seen and make sure they are seen. Frame by frame, post by post, they write themselves back into a culture that erased them.

These are universal questions the show poses throughout the series, providing myriad answers through its four central characters. “They all show such different examples of what it means to be a woman,” says Emily. “And when they’re still figuring out dating into their late 30s, it makes me feel less behind and like I still have time left, which is admittedly such a grim statement but one that I find really comforting.”

Perhaps the most specifically thirtysomething issues that the series addresses are those around motherhood. Like Miranda’s unplanned pregnancy. Carrie’s contemplation over whether to pursue a relationship with Aleksandr Petrosky aged 38, knowing he doesn ’t want to have children. The scene when Samantha is told her cancer diagnosis could be related to her decision not to have children. And then there’s Charlotte’s fertility journey and her decision to pursue IVF.

“When I first watched the show as a teenager, these issues felt like something only ‘real adults’ had to deal with,” says Sarah* 36, who is now married and considering a family. “I’ve had two pregnancy losses and the episode covering Charlotte’s miscarriage really helped me process them at the time, while watching Carrie consider whether to have a baby at 38 has made me think deeply about how I’ll feel when I’m older if we choose not to try again. Whether I’ll regret it, or whether I could have a wonderfully fulfilling life, with friends and work and a relationship and disposable income, without a child.”

There are slightly more bittersweet moments of resonance, too. Like the episode where Carrie winds up celebrating her 35th birthday alone because her friends are separately all running late due to a confluence of unavoidable adult stuff. Later, after the women have managed to convene at their favourite coffee shop, she admits that despite knowing she has her career and her friendships, it felt “really sad” in that moment to be single. “I feel like I’m having the same conversation these days,” says Mia*, 33. “Like the shame of wanting something we’re not meant to want. The struggle is real—and lonely.”

As I’ve written about here before, major celebrations for single women are few and far between, at least where societal norms are concerned. Birthdays are really all we’ve got. And yet, as we get older, life gets in the way of them more and more in ways it somehow never does for weddings or hen dos—spare a thought for the woman running late to a game of Mr and Mrs. “This has come up for me a lot,” says Billie*, 41, whose friend with a toddler recently tried to arrange a small wedding ceremony on the day of their other friend’s 40th birthday party. “She had to properly explain to her that when you’re single, you have no opportunities to be celebrated.”

No matter what your sensory preferences are though, just remember that there is no such thing as the best colognes for men—some simply won’t match your personality, and what you like could also depend on the season, vibe, and mood you’re feeling that day. That’s part of the fun of experimenting with different fragrances—don’t be afraid to try something new.

In your exploration, do not let the note classifications deter you. Generally speaking, top notes refer to smells on first whiff, middle notes are typically the heart of the fragrance, and base notes are the aromas that tend to linger on the skin. Understanding this can, of course, inform your buy. Once you become more comfortable with scent profiles, you’ll be able to distinguish your men’s cologne preferences—whether you gravitate towards rich musks or something light and citrusy. This fall and winter, for example, you might appreciate cosier, spicy elixirs reminiscent of evenings spent by the fire or a warm embrace.

Are colognes and perfume for men the same thing?

Colognes and perfumes for men are both excellent choices for anyone in search of a new fragrance. The difference is, however, that colognes feature a lower amount of fragrance oil in their compositions: colognes are typically formulated with 2-4% fragrance oil, the perfume features around 20%, and an eau de parfum around 15%. That said, while all of these will smell great, of course, a perfume for men or eau de parfum would last longer than a cologne.

What is the difference between eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and cologne?

“The term eau de toilette came from the French term—faire sa toilette—which means getting ready,” says Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. How long they last depends on the composition of the fragrance oil. Eau de parfums contain 15-20% fragrance oil, versus cologne, which uses 2-4%. “Eau de toilettes are much lighter than eau de parfums and have fragrance concentration between 5% and 15%.”

This story first appeared in Vogue.com

Also read:

15 fragrances that are perfect for date night

6 best perfumes you need to try this winter—from spicy and woody to fruity notes for every wardrobe

Vogue’s guide to 11 best lip balms for soft and hydrated lips this season

Your heart’s riding this wave of big, dreamy, magical energy. And now, Taurus, is the time to follow what lights you up, whether it’s a fresh passion, a new connection, or that wild idea you’ve been too nervous to chase. Be bold with your emotions, let vulnerability be your superpower, not your weakness. This isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about showing up with your heart on your sleeve. Trust your intuition, chase those butterflies, and don’t overthink the journey. Sometimes the best stories start with a simple, “Let’s see where this goes.”

Cosmic tip: Trust the cosmos and yourself.

Winning isn’t always what it seems, right? Sometimes you come out on top but feel off. This is your cue to rethink which battles are really worth your energy, Gemini. Not every fight needs to be fought, and safeguarding your mental sanity may be the real flex. If things got messy or words got sharp recently, take a step back, breathe, and tune into what truly matters for you. Sometimes walking away isn’t giving up, it is simply choosing to levitate over chaos. Hold your head high, keep your heart clear, and save your energy for the vibes that actually lift you up. You’re bigger than the noise.

Cosmic tip: Go where it feels like home.

You’re in your grind phase, Cancer, but it’s not just hustle, it’s heart. Every little step, every late night, every skill you’re sharpening? It’s all building your glow-up in real time. The key? Patience and pride in your progress. You’re not here for shortcuts; you’re here for mastery. Celebrate the small wins, because they stack up to big moves. Keep showing up, stay curious, and don’t stress about perfection because growth is messy, and that’s part of the magic. This consistent effort? It’s setting the foundation for something big. Keep grinding, but remember to enjoy the ride too. Your dedication is about to pay off.

Cosmic tip: Accept all parts of you to accept all parts of life, so that you can move through the junk more effortlessly.

Even if you’ve come to anticipate the post-vacation blues, the shift back to reality after taking time off can still hit harder than expected. And while that emotional hangover isn’t a clinical diagnosis, feeling depressed after a rejuvenating weekend or thrilling getaway is often about more than just missing sunny skies or hotel breakfasts.

“Vacation for most of us is kind of a high,” says Monica Johnson, PsyD, owner of Kind Mind Psychology in New York City. “It’s a new, novel experience that can be jarring when you then come home to the mundane.” Suddenly, every ordinary task (clocking into work, sitting in traffic, reheating bland leftovers) feels painfully dull, and you’re not just nostalgic: You’re hit with emptiness and dissatisfaction that leave you wondering, “What now?” It also doesn’t help that most of us don’t get nearly enough days or weeks off from work and/or childcare, making it easy to pin all your hopes for joy, rest and unstructured fun onto a single holiday.

The good news is that the post-vacation blues should pass within a few days or a week as you settle into your regular rhythm, according to Dr. Johnson. Still, that doesn’t make reentering your responsibility-filled routine any less disorienting. Here’s how experts say you can ease that slump and potentially avoid it altogether.

1. Prep your space for a smooth, welcoming reentry

Nothing snaps you out of a vacation high faster than returning to a mess. “A lot of people will come back and see a pile of dishes or laundry on the floor,” says Michael Ceely, LMFT, licensed psychotherapist and owner of Ceely Counseling in San Francisco—which is why it’s worth taking extra time to make your space tidy and cosy before heading out.

That may include changing your sheets, taking out the trash, running the dishwasher, scrubbing your tub or emptying your fridge of perishables that might expire. Instead of being greeted with crumbs, clutter and filth, you’re welcomed into a put-together haven (which Ceely says should help soften the transition from being OOO).

2. Give yourself a buffer day or two

After days of carefree fun and relaxation, it’s hard for anyone to quickly readjust, so Ceely suggests leaving time to ease back in when possible. Going forward, it might help to intentionally plan your return for, say, a Saturday night or Sunday morning instead of getting home with barely enough time to prep for the Monday madness. And if you can, keep that day as wide open as possible—not for errands, appointments, or social outings but just to unpack and decompress.

Padukone paired the gown with a Cartier necklace—a mammoth diamond piece with a sapphire centrepiece. The necklace was from the house’s latest High Jewellery collection, ‘En Équilibre,’ which was unveiled that night at the Swedish Royal Opera House. The actor paired the necklace with a pair of delicate diamond studs.

Instagram.com/@deepikapadukone

Her look was completed with lightly waved hair slicked back to keep it off her face. Padukone’s makeup exuded a natural glow, featuring a bronzed eyeshadow that went well with the red of the gown. Instead of matching the dress with a matching red lip, the Piku actor opted for a lighter shade of rouge.

Instagram.com/@deepikapadukone

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Swap Deepika’s oversized soft woollen coat for a fun mohair block colour sweater. Her look is all about impact, achieved through a sharp colour and playing with different materials across the same hue. Pair the sweater with a full-length satin skirt of the same colour, creating this impact through colour, texture and materials. The focal point of this look is the high jewellery; work with a statement piece of fine jewellery, such as a set of chandelier diamond earrings or a statement neckpiece, adding a satin pump to complete the look. Soft waves and a dewy no-makeup look help you achieve the look of quiet luxury,” says Vogue India’s Associate Fashion Editor, Divya Balakrishnan.