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While a 3-4 planet alignment is pretty common, on January 21, a planetary alignment of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus—six planets!—will take over the sky in a straight line. A planetary alignment significantly impacts the zodiac signs, influencing various aspects of life such as career, relationships and personal growth. When planets form harmonious aspects such as trines and sextiles, they bring opportunities, positive energy and smooth progress. Challenging aspects like squares and oppositions, on the other hand, may present obstacles, prompting growth through challenges.

Aries

Ace those boss moves, slay those career goals and crunch those numbers with your powerful manifestation abilities. This is your cosmic wake-up call imbued with sudden change and radical innovation where you will break free from old patterns and embrace the unexpected.

Taurus

The power switch flips and you are left holding the gears of your life. This is the magical soiree where everything falls into place, bringing in rewards, resources, benefits and long-term goals to life through your networks, relationships and loving support systems. It’s time to clear your slate and open the locks of your dusty old treasure chests waiting to reveal the gold they hold.

Gemini

Life’s a party and you are here to make the most of it so let your inner light shine, own your resilience and turn a deaf ear to those who whine. The years gone by were pivotal in bringing you to this point, but today is a new dawn leading you to new habits, healthier goals and victories.

Cancer

Your love life and finances are booming, Cancer, and you have realised that your mental perseverance and effortless connection with the higher realms have led you here. Make every day special by intentionally choosing awareness and presence in each moment. Your dreams are now your reality.

Leo

Let your mind and body travel into the vast expanse of the earthly and etheric realms, and see how your inner light amplifies and lights up the world around you. An era for you to fulfil your travel goals and experience new horizons—even metaphorically—and your faith in your abilities is here for you to claim.

Virgo

Your life goals, path and purpose become clearer now than ever before as you embark on this journey to make prosperity a byproduct of all you do. Fame and fortune follow your footsteps and find you at your luminous best.

Libra

Clarity, mental peace and calm come in like a breath of fresh air and you no longer find yourself at ransom to circumstances, people and situations that once made you feel captive. Fan that courageous wildfire, Libra, fairy magic is at play in your life and your tiny blessings are about to turn into big luxuries.

Scorpio

All your success definitely hasn’t come overnight, but this fine evening, it all feels worth it, aligned and synergised. As you willingly take ownership of your past actions, course-correcting and even re-setting your path ahead, the magic of the stars propels you forward. Awaken your powers to unleash your magic.

Sagittarius

Chance encounters, lucky streaks and divine protection infuse your day and life ahead with all you need and more. Although your love life may be your focal point currently, you draw your strength from it to keep reaching for the stars despite the odds.

Capricorn

A tarnished self-image must give way to that which is radiant, healthy and ready to see daylight. As your mind, body and soul reverberate as one, you step into your feminine creative energy that simply flows to nurture and bring your dreams to life. Your family and loved ones are blessed, and you are protected from all kinds of harm for generations to come.

Aquarius

The hotline on your career can’t stop ringing, nor can the sound of money in your bank. The more you share who you are, the more you attract perfectly lined-up opportunities, resources and people that fit just right. If you had to get in front of the slot machine, chances are you’d hit the jackpot without even trying.

Pisces

It’s time to let the world see the magical dreamscape you’ve been crafting within your innermost depths. The silver energies of the stars bring you luck while your high vibing energy brings in divine assistance from your angels and guides. Your unique insights bring you noteworthy recognition.

Slighted, I started actively soliciting opinions on the shoes, saying things like, “Yeah, I’m doing well, but these are impossible to walk in,” just to steer attention towards the enormous blocks on my feet. The reactions I registered ranged from “Baby, no” (a social media editor at a competitor magazine) and “You look like you’re going to All Bar One” (a British publicist who has, in fact, been to All Bar One) to “Please, I’m triggered” (a colleague). I get it. Not enough time has passed between the Triple S first being popularised in the late 2010s for them to be reappraised as an ironic, nostalgia-based trend in the 2020s. But I liked what I heard: there was a small thrill in standing outside what others deemed cool. Particularly in an environment like fashion week, where coolness is the measure of a person’s worth. Looking terrible – or in this case, just plain old corny – is really a very liberating thing.

Besides, the critics are wrong. The original Triple S – so named for its stacked sole and first unveiled in Balenciaga’s autumn/winter 2017 collection – is one of the most significant design pieces of the past decade. Considered so controversial that Ralph Rucci once wrote “I have been told to be quiet, and I have turned my eyes away, but I cannot tolerate this any longer” in a blistering Instagram screed, it has since birthed an entire genre of so-wrong-they’re-right shoes, a trend that is still (still) ongoing. There’s a reason every drop sold out within 60 minutes, a reason they were so aggressively bootlegged, and a reason I once took someone much older – and much wealthier – on a trip to Dover Street Market, solely to have him buy them for me, with no intention of returning any of the favours he might have been hoping for. The glee I felt prancing around East London far outweighed any shame at feeling like a con artist. I’m no longer susceptible to the desperate tug of a shoe, but I’m glad I can wear these ones to Prada on the weekend. I think Miuccia – the high priestess of ugly chic—would understand.

Anna Wintour and Miuccia Prada attend the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2012 Costume Institute Gala featuring the debut of “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.” Both wear Prada. Photo by Steve Eichner.

WWD/Getty Images

In a recent look, Alaya F showed off the classic pairing of dramatic kohl-rimmed eyes and nude lips. Dressed in a beige bodysuit paired with a near-sheer white blouse, Alaya F opted for luminous skin with soft contouring and a nude lip. The actor wore her short hair straight and down and accessorised with silver earrings and a matching stack of bracelets.

For her eyes, she went for a smoky black hue, paired with shimmery pink eyeshadow on her eyelids. Thick, mascara-laden lashes, well-defined eyebrows and smudged-out kajal on her lower lash line added depth to her gaze. A sweep of rose pink blush across her cheeks added a pop of colour to the actor’s complexion and the brown contouring around her forehead and cheekbones added definition to her features. The look was completed with lined lips and a satin nude pink lipstick topped with a hint of lipgloss.

To recreate the look, follow these steps:

• Start with a clean face and apply a hydrating moisturiser. Follow with a primer to ensure your makeup stays flawless and lasts longer.
• Apply a luminous foundation that matches your skin tone for a smooth and bronzed base. Blend it evenly with a damp makeup sponge or brush.
• Dab concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes for a flawless finish. Blend well and add a touch of highlighter to the high points of your face, like your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.
• Apply a soft contour along your cheekbones, jawline, and the edges of your forehead to add definition. Sweep a rose-toned blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards for a warm flush.
• Define your brows with a pencil or brow powder. Fill in sparse areas and brush them upward for a natural and groomed appearance.
• Blend a pink shimmery eyeshadow across your eyelids for the base. Smudge black eyeliner along your upper and lower lash lines for a smoky effect. Apply coats of mascara to your lashes for volume and length. Add minimal faux lashes for a subtle lift.
• Line the edges of your lips with a nude brown lip liner. Apply pastel pink lipstick and finish with a layer of clear or nude gloss for a polished look.
• Set your makeup with a fine mist of setting spray to lock everything in place and ensure your makeup lasts throughout the day.

Also read:

Alaya F embraces classic glam with a brown smoky eye and pastel pink lips

Alia Bhatt and Hailey Bieber champion dewy, luminous skin in the best beauty looks of the week

Diana Penty makes a case for ’90s glam with ombré lips and sculpted features

If, like Jennifer Lopez, you’re a fan of broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, you might already have sufficient levels of vitamin K. Often overshadowed by vitamins D, C, or E, this lesser-known nutrient is just as crucial. According to the National Library of Medicine, vitamin K deficiency affects 13% of adults, underscoring its importance. Essential for proper blood clotting, bone health, heart health, and the prevention of osteoporosis, vitamin K also plays a key role in helping the body absorb vitamin D—a nutrient particularly vital during winter when sunlight is scarce. But is consuming vitamin K-rich foods enough, or should it be supplemented? Let’s delve deeper.

What is vitamin K used for?

The term vitamin K refers to a set of fat-soluble vitamins, which we can distinguish into two groups:

• Vitamin K1 or phylloquinone, found mainly in green leafy vegetables
• Vitamin K2 or menaquinone, which is found in animal foods and fermented foods, but can also be produced by gut bacteria

Among the key functions of vitamin K are:

Blood Clotting: Vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting, helping prevent excessive bleeding from injuries or surgeries by enabling the formation of clotting factors.

Bone Health: It plays a crucial role in strengthening bones by promoting the binding of calcium to the bone matrix. This process can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures, especially after menopause when bone density typically decreases.

Cognitive Function: Recent studies suggest that vitamin K may have a protective role in brain health, with evidence pointing to its potential in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and improving cognitive function.

Enhanced Efficacy with Vitamin D: When taken in combination with vitamin D, vitamin K2 works synergistically to maximise the benefits of both vitamins. It enhances vitamin D’s ability to support bone health while ensuring calcium is properly utilised in the body.

Prevents Calcium Buildup: Vitamin K2 helps prevent the over-accumulation of calcium in the arteries and soft tissues, which can lead to heart disease and other complications. By activating specific proteins, it ensures calcium is directed toward the bones, where it’s needed most, minimising the risk of harmful calcium buildup.

Where is vitamin K found?

A rich and varied diet can provide sufficient amounts to cover daily vitamin K requirements. In addition, vitamin K can be produced by the gut flora, and when we consume too much, the excess is stored in the liver, and then released as needed. Foods that contain the most are:

Photographed by Shahzad Bhiwandiwala

I took a deep breath and began dressing for the concert. A colour-blocked shirt, stacks of charm bracelets and my embellished Speedcats were ready for what the day would bring. Among a sea of screaming fans, the show started. The lights glowed giddily as Martin belted out one song after another and rainbow-hued confetti filled the air. All around me, couples snogged their way through “candid” selfies and leaned onto each other till their shoulders got tired. In another universe, I, too, wasn’t attending this alone. R was with me, holding my hand. Blow-up planets the size of houses floated over us, and when Angel Moon, the fictional alien character featured on the tracks ‘Cry Cry Cry’ and ‘Biutyful’, told us to put on our Moongoggles, I suddenly realised how much Coldplay’s music meant to me. I barely recorded the spectacle, lost in a reverie of what-ifs. With every track, I healed from a wound I didn’t know was still open. I made a mental note to call R once the show was over.

Returning for its highly anticipated third and final season, Harlem zeroes in on four ambitious women—Camille (Meagan Good), Tye (Jerrie Johnson), Quinn (Grace Byers) and Angie (Shoniqua Shandai)—navigating the complexities of love, career and friendship in the vibrant Harlem neighbourhood in New York City. In the concluding season, the show deepens its exploration of the characters’ personal and professional lives, tackling themes of motherhood, singlehood and the evolving dynamics of their friendships and families.

Streaming on Prime Video

The Night Agent season 2 (January 23)

“The ingredient of the year appears to be pickles, inspiring everything from pickle de gallo to pickle margaritas,” says Pinterest’s Stanback. She references Good Girl Snacks, which has jumped onto the internet’s pickle obsession with its Hot Girl Pickles (a riff on the internet’s ‘hot girl walk’) to viral success.

“What’s fascinating is how this trend goes beyond the flavour itself. Consumers are embracing the green hue associated with pickles as part of their aesthetic, blending bold, adventurous flavours with visual identity,” continues Stanback. The trend has celebrity backing: Bella Hadid’s pickle-infused cocktail aligns perfectly with the emerging pickle-fix craze, while Dua Lipa’s viral concoction of Diet Coke, jalapeños and pickles underscores this appetite for culinary experimentation.

Cherry-coded aesthetics are also on the rise, with searches up for “cherry vibe” (+325 per cent), “cherry bedroom” (+100 per cent), “cherry car” (+270 per cent), “cherry martini” (+80 per cent) and “dark cherry red” (+235 per cent) on Pinterest since this time last year. “Across categories, we’ve identified about 100 search terms that qualify for this trend,” says Stanback.

With these food trends ruling fashion, there are multiple ways for brands to tap in, from events to campaigns to product design. “Food and fashion collaborations thrive on multisensory storytelling that merges taste, touch and visual appeal,” says Riani Kenyon, anthropologist and behavioural analyst at consumer insights agency Canvas8. “This convergence allows brands to deepen emotional engagement by creating memorable and novel experiences.”

Dunkin’ Donuts-themed makeup by Elf, which sold out swiftly, showcases how humour and cultural aesthetics resonate deeply with younger audiences. “Beyond aesthetic synergy, food-inspired fashion appeals to a sense of nostalgia, humour and whimsy that Gen Z finds particularly engaging,” Kenyon adds, highlighting accessories like Oscar Mayer’s bacon-scented shoelaces or Mociun’s radish-inspired jewellery, which were particularly popular last year.

So whether it’s cherry-themed apparel, pickle-green beauty collections, introducing a health-focused supplement line, or even immersive experiential events with surreal, outlandish tablescaping, food trends offer endless potential for brands from all categories to engage consumers in new, imaginative ways.

Not all experts agree on whether eye creams are any more efficacious than, say, regular creams. But when it comes to the best retinol eye creams, the pros stand by their seemingly magical, age-defying claims. “Most eye creams are glorified moisturizers, but there is some agreement that those containing retinol can help stimulate collagen and limit the appearance and formation of fine lines and crepey skin,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York.

Of course, the best retinol eye creams do more than just firm up the skin. Formulated with additional ingredients ranging from ceramides to caffeine, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, the creams below offer an eye-popping array of benefits for any skin type. Ahead, find dermatologist-approved eye creams to help you stand up to crow’s-feet, undereye bags, dark circles, puffiness, and more.

Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

• Why We Love It: Made to depuff the eyes, brighten dark circles, and smooth out wrinkles, RoC’s drugstore gem has earned accolades from the pros. “It’s at an accessible price point with a formula of actives that are proven to work,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Alabama. “The formula comprises retinol, glycerin, vitamin E, and vitamin B5 to reduce dark circles and deliver an immediate boost to the skin by adding moisture. With continuous use, you should see improvement in fine lines and dark circles around the eye.”
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best for Fine Lines: Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream

Retinol Firming Eye Cream

• Why We Love It: At once brightening, firming, and hydrating, Kate Somerville’s featherweight eye cream comes recommended by Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. With a mix of retinol and bio-retinol (a plant-based gentler alternative to regular retinol), the cream tames the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. It’s also made with hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration. What’s more: It fits neatly into a self-care ritual. Its metal applicator bends to deliver a gentle eye massage each time the product is applied.
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 0.5 oz.

Best for Any Skin Type: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye

• Why We Love It: Available in three concentrations of retinal (a fast-acting version of vitamin A), Medik8’s creamy salve caters to retinol rookies and regulars alike. Daniel Isaacs, the brand’s chief product officer and director of research, previously told Vogue that the cream was formulated with vitamin A sensitivity in mind. Promising more efficient beauty rest, the overnight cream plumps, smooths, and lifts, helping one wake up to firmer, brighter eyes. Its ultraslow retinal release helps stave off any irritation.
• Retinol Concentration: 0.03, 0.06, and 0.1%
• Size: 315 ml

Best Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Triple Correction Eye Serum

Triple Correction Eye Serum

• Why We Love It: Another of Westbay’s top picks, Dr. Dennis Gross’s clinically tested cream can be used morning and night to treat fine lines and wrinkles. The formulation has the feel of a cushiony, lightweight gel, and it instantly hydrates the skin around the eyes. Its retinol is balanced with antioxidant-rich ferulic acid, which helps counter any irritation. It also has the plant-based retinol alternatives rambutan and bakuchiol to amplify its firming properties.
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 1.0 fl oz.

Best Applicator: StriVectin Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream

Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream

• Why We Love It: StriVectin’s peptide-powered eye creams are a Vogue editor’s secret for a tightening fix. This iteration, powered by time-released retinol, adds smoothness, luminosity, and elasticity to its list of benefits. Suitable for sensitive skin types, the formulation also contains the brand’s signature NIA-114, which strengthens the skin barrier and boosts the efficacy of other ingredients in the cream. What’s more: The contouring product moisturizes with hibiscus fruit extract, and its cooling metal applicator lends a soothing touch.
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 0.5 oz.

Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides

Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides

• Why We Love It: First Aid’s Retinol Eye Cream is another pick at the top of Dr Westbay’s list. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, the cream was specifically designed for sensitive skin. It’s infused with moisturizing squalane and ceramides and powered by encapsulated retinol technology, which helps the ingredient release slowly over time. A gentle, smoothing solution for fine lines around the eyes, this cream can be used morning and night.
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best for Dark Circles: AziMD Skincare Eye Glow PM

• Why We Love It: Made with all-trans retinol, AziMD’s night cream is a go-to for Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California. “I love that this eye cream contains retinol along with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C to help brighten any discolouration,” she says. “It also has caffeine to depuff the under eyes.” The eye-awakening formulation also contains green tea polyphenols, which soothe the skin and provide antioxidant protection.
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best Balm: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair

• Why We Love It: Allergy-tested and fragrance-free, Clinique’s creamy balm harnesses retinol and hyaluronic acid to target lines all over the face, including crow’s-feet. “This product contains 1% advanced retinoid and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help visibly reduce wrinkles,” Dr Amin says. “The convenient balm makes it an easy and quick application.” The balm can be used day and night and also targets smile lines, forehead lines, and vertical lines above the lip.
• Retinol Concentration: 1%
• Size: 0.33 oz.

Best for Puffiness: Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

• Why We Love It: Suited for daytime or nighttime use, Drunk Elephant’s creamy serum targets puffiness while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Formulated with vegan retinol and firming caffeine, the cream also has copper tripeptide-1 to boost collagen production, and it’s a top pick for Dr Amin. Pro tip: The cream can be stored in the fridge for a soothing, cooling feel when applied; it can also be mixed with another hydrating eye cream for added moisture.
• Retinol Concentration: 0.1 %
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best Stick: Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick

• Why We Love It: Made with encapsulated retinol, Peace Out’s eye stick improves skin texture while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also infused with a firming peptide complex and moisturizing squalane, the easy-to-apply formulation caught the eye of British Vogue contributor Tracy Achonwa. “It soothes and smoothes the eyes with a comfortable blend of squalane and peptides, and the stick format is one I love for targeting precise areas as someone with weepy, sensitive eyes,” she wrote. “The slow-release retinol is as potent yet gentle as it claims, slowly but steadily lightening my dark circles without any irritation.”
• Retinol Concentration: 3%
• Size: 0.14 oz.

Best Gel: La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol

• Why We Love It: The French pharmacy classic harnesses pure retinol to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It also has caffeine to make undereye bags and dark circles less visible. What’s more: The brand’s signature ingredient—antioxidant-rich thermal spring water—adds a soothing touch to the formulation. Designed for nighttime use, the product can be swept onto the skin under the eyes; its light, creamy-gel texture makes it ideal for a soothing bedtime ritual.
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best for Dryness: Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream

Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream

• Why We Love It: Glow Recipe’s thick and creamy formulation is like an energizing smoothie for tired under eyes. Whipped up with encapsulated retinol, avocado, and coffeeberry, the hydrating cream is one of Dr Hartman’s favourites. “I like how the Glow Recipe product feels on the skin,” he says. “It uses encapsulated retinol, which I like—it enables retinol to penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum results.”
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 15 ml

Best Clean: Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream

Bright Start Activated Eye Cream

• Why We Love It: Ilia’s Bright Start cream offers a plant-based alternative to a more traditional retinol eye cream. Infused with sea fennel extract, which works like retinol to brighten, firm, and smooth the skin, the cream also has avocado extract to treat dark circles and puffiness. Caffeine and peptides depuff the eyes even more, and the cream has a cooling ceramic applicator that doubles as an eye massager.
• Retinol Concentration: The cream does not contain retinol, but uses the plant-based sea fennel extract instead.
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best Brightening: Ranavat Brightening Retinol Eye Creme

Brightening Retinol Eye Crème

• Why We Love It: Ranavat’s brightening cream melds scientific benefits with sensorial appeal. The Ayurveda-inspired salve has an irresistible jasmine scent, and its blood-orange bottle has a jewel-like glow. Designed to target dark circles and fine lines, the formulation combines microencapsulated retinol with bakuchi seed, a natural retinol alternative. It also contains saffron, which provides antioxidant protection for the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best With Niacinamide: Sunday Riley 5 Star Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum

5 Star Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum

• Why We Love It: Designed for nighttime use, Sunday Riley’s vegan eye cream boosts collagen production with a 6% retinol complex fused with bioactive centella asiatica. The latter, a plant-based ingredient, can reduce inflammation and calm irritation—but it’s not the only soothing ingredient in the creamy serum. The brightening potion also contains poppy seed extract and ceramides to nourish the skin, while olive oil and shea butter provide overnight hydration.
• Retinol Concentration: 6%
• Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Exfoliating: SkinBetter EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream

EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream

• Why We Love It: Designed to tackle a multitude of common concerns, ranging from dryness to puffiness and wrinkles, SkinBetter’s clinically tested night cream has a stamp of approval from Dr Hartman. “This is one of my favourite eye creams, as it uses retinol, but it won’t cause irritation,” he says. The formulation is powered by the brand’s signature technology, which Dr Hartman also approves of. “I’m a big fan of SkinBetter’s AlphaRet technology, which combines retinol with alpha hydroxy acids,” he says. “The combination helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture—and it helps even out the skin tone.”
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Do retinol eye creams really work?

According to Dr Westbay, retinol eye creams can work effectively when formulated and used correctly. (Some of her go-to formulations, including Kate Somerville’s +Retinol Firming Eye Cream and Dr. Dennis Gross’s Triple Correction Eye Serum, are described above; for application tips, see below.) “The best retinol eye creams target common concerns around the delicate eye area, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and uneven skin texture,” she explains.

What are the benefits of retinol for the under eyes?

A derivative of vitamin A, retinol boosts collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, Westbay explains. “Retinol also encourages cell turnover, which helps fade pigmentation, including dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation, and smooths out uneven texture,” she says. Westbay adds that the ingredient also has antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress that can accelerate signs of ageing. Finally, using a retinol undereye cream can help strengthen the skin barrier over time. “This can make the thin, delicate skin around the eyes less prone to crepiness and visible veins,” Westbay says.

What concentration of retinol is best for under eyes?

“For retinol eye creams, the ideal concentration ranges from 0.01-0.1%,” Dr Amin says. “The higher concentrations tend to be more effective at addressing fine lines and wrinkles.” Granted, some of the formulations listed above have significantly higher concentrations of retinol, including the Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick, which contains 3%. For those who have used retinol in the past—and seen that their skin tolerates it well—these higher concentrations are less likely to cause irritation. Sandwiching the retinol cream between layers of moisturizer may also help allay irritation.

How to apply retinol eye creams

Since retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, dermatologists generally recommend using retinol eye creams as part of an evening routine. That said, some of the creams listed above—including the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum—are specifically designed for daytime and nighttime use. If you do use a retinol eye cream in the morning, be sure to follow it with SPF. At night, the cream can be applied before or after moisturizer, Hartman says.

In terms of frequency, “you can use retinol eye cream daily if you’ve used retinol in the past,” says Hartman. “If you haven’t used retinol before, start by using the product one to two times per week and build up from there.” To apply the cream, Hartman recommends tapping a small amount under the eye area, then gently rubbing it in using the ring finger. “Using the ring finger is an easy way to ensure you apply your eye cream without pulling on the skin too hard,” he says.

Meet the experts

Bid adieu to the relentless grind of Capricorn season and say hello to the cushioned comfort of Aquarius season (Jan 20 to Feb 18). Gear up to nurture your ideas, dream up best-case scenarios and take inventory of your life in ways that restructure it for maximum impact, both personally and professionally. Embrace this wave of innovative, forward-thinking and out-of-the-box energy that focuses on your individuality and realigns your goals for the greater good. While all zodiacs will feel the shift, the zodiac signs below are more favoured this Capricorn season.

Cancer

Divine intervention and support from the celestial realms turn the mundane into the magical. Expect yourself to feel like you are brimming with joy, enchantment and charisma while you also calmly gaze into the future, carefully measuring your next steps. Your personal relationships thrive as does your need to find peace and liberation in your present. Responsibilities feel manageable and your goals seem attainable. Could you ask for more, Cancer?

Virgo

The utopian vibe of Aquarius season has got you willing to go down on one knee, holding a bunch of roses, ready to propose to life once again. Recognition, wish fulfilment, slowdowns replaced by breakthroughs and switching on the light on your finances fuel you with the fire to overcome past setbacks for a more hopeful future. Don’t think about the route that got you here, instead, gratefully jump into the pool of life with both feet swimming towards the victory line.

Leo

You are journeying from being a pauper to an emperor; not just in what you acquire but within your mindset—the way you perceive and process things, your outlook and the resulting lessons. Emotional connection, fulfilment and even material abundance surround you this season. Looking back, you may yearn for a certain time when security was never a worry, but this season will show you how capable you are of weaving your own safety net with those you love.

Sagittarius

A tug of war between your goals and emotions, your career and purpose, your work life and your personal connections, and your need for speed and the current sloth-like pace of things will help you master several things this season. Find reasons to celebrate the everyday, enjoy bursts of movement without worrying about the blank spaces too much, and balance your life in all its glory. It may feel like a lot to digest, but isn’t your current life all you wished for and more? Let the stress slide so that you can see what the cosmos is unveiling for you.

Scorpio

Allow your life to crumble and consciously take a backseat this season because you shall emerge victorious, safe and supported on the other side. Tough choices may have been on the menu for you, but it does get easier. In order to get rid of the cobwebs, you must be willing to chase the spiders away. This is your time to break free towards the light that shines just for you. Don’t bother about anything or anyone who feels less than supportive; simply stay focussed on building your fort with utmost integrity.

Gemini

The quote “The wound is the place where the light enters you” by Rumi is your theme this season. Your soul chose these exact experiences to expand and evolve, to alchemise gold through thin air. Yet, here you are, aching and grieving in the depths of your being. Whether you are nurturing a dream, a vision or a relationship, this season is about to bear blessed fruit.

Sartorial traditions from South India hold a rich cultural legacy, from wearing Kasavu weaves to draping in Kanjeevaram silks. Celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Rashmika Mandanna have often eschewed modern sensibilities to proudly embrace their roots with their choices. And, Janhvi Kapoor’s recent look is proof. The actor celebrated 2025 in a traditional South Indian half-sari in jewel-harkening tones.

For her festive getaway, instead of defaulting to resort wear, she leaned on a half-sari, commonly known as pattu pavadai. The traditional two-piece outfit typically consists of a blouse and a long skirt, where the word ‘pattu’ translates to silk and ‘pavadai’ means long skirt. Often touted as a symbol of femininity, heritage, and tradition in native communities, a pattu pavadai is worn for special occasions and coming-of-age ceremonies.

Rather than a predictable monotone set, her ensemble, comprising a blue skirt, purple drape and a metallic-purple dual-toned blouse, serves as a masterclass in going the colour-blocked route with Indian wear. The Kanjeevaram skirt’s textile was also mirrored on the blouse and dupatta as a border, tying the entire aesthetic together.