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Aside from these ingredients, there are a few other factors we recommend looking into to inform your choice of multivitamin. First is age or life stage. For example, older women might turn to options labeled 50+, while someone who is looking to conceive may want a prenatal vitamin. The supplement’s supplement type and size, certifications (third-party evaluations, like NSF or USP, of the efficacy of the particular formula), and dosage are also helpful considerations. When selecting the best for you, it’s important to not only heed the advice of your health services provider, but to think about how the supplement will fit into your daily routine—especially if you’re looking to pair it with probiotics or other ingestible.

Should women take multivitamins daily?

According to Shah, it’s not essential to take multivitamins daily if you maintain a balanced, varied diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Supplements can’t fully replicate the spectrum of nutrients available from these sources. She continues that most health organizations recommend focusing on obtaining nutrients from food rather than supplements. “To make an informed decision, always consult a healthcare provider to determine if a daily multivitamin is necessary for your health requirements and dietary patterns,” says Shah.

Do multivitamins really work?

Shah explains that daily multivitamins may not provide significant health benefits for most healthy women with a balanced, varied diet. A comprehensive review by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, analyzing 84 vitamin and mineral supplement trials, concluded that taking a multivitamin provides little to no benefit in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. She explains that if a deficiency in a specific vitamin or mineral, such as vitamin D, B12, or iron, is found, a healthcare provider will likely recommend taking a single supplement rather than a multivitamin.

It’s also important to note that “A one-size-fits-all daily multivitamin may not be the best solution for everyone, as women’s nutritional needs vary significantly based on specific life stages, health conditions, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors,” adds Shah.

What is the best time to take multivitamins?

Shah explains that the best time to take multivitamins depends on several factors, including the types of vitamins and minerals included and potential interactions with medications. Multivitamins often contain both water- and fat-soluble vitamins. She recommends taking multivitamins with food to aid absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset or other side effects, as this approach helps your body utilize the nutrients more effectively.

Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins D, A, E, and K, are best absorbed with a meal containing fats; even small amounts of yogurt or low-fat milk can enhance absorption. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin C, are best taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water, and taking vitamin B12 in the morning can help avoid potential sleep disturbances. Additionally, taking your multivitamins at the same time each day can help establish a routine. “It’s also important to drink plenty of water when taking your multivitamin to help with digestion and absorption,” she adds.

This story first appeared on Vogue.com

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If you were born between 19 February and 20 March, you have undeniable Pisces traits. Ruled by both Jupiter and Neptune, you are very sensitive and your strong emotions are always pushing you to realise different sides of yourself. You find fulfilment through helping people and forming stronger bonds with others, but you may have to remember to protect your own energy from time to time. Some of your best personal growth comes when you take moments to be by yourself.

Below, 10 Pisces traits that will make you go “That’s so me”.

You probably need a lot of alone time

You are more of an introvert, and participating in huge group outings may often feel very draining or overwhelming for you. Even if you like hanging out with friends, there may be a time limit on how long you can stay out. You may need to periodically be alone in order to recharge your batteries and feel refreshed.

You want to marry someone after going on one date with them

When you like someone, you probably build up a romantic fantasy in your head about the relationship. You could often find yourself imagining a future with someone before you really even get to know them. It’s important that you approach dating more realistically and stay aware of any red flags the other person is showing you.

You easily absorb other people’s energy

You tend to pick up on the general mood around you, and you may be able to sense when someone is having an off day or is feeling down. Whatever atmosphere you find yourself in probably affects you a lot more than it does for others. Sometimes you may even find it hard to differentiate between what are someone else’s emotions versus what are your own.

You have a creative side

You appreciate art and beauty, and you probably like to dress well or spend time carefully decorating your home. You might also be full of creative ideas or have some type of artistic hobby which you can turn to in order to blow off steam. You may naturally be able to express your emotions through creative writing, artistic works or music. 

You love to talk about spiritual and mystical subjects

You might be the person in your friend group who knows the most about topics like astrology, psychics or tarot. You’re very interested in understanding how your life is tied in with bigger-picture themes. You also enjoy diving deeper into subjects that help explain your own personality traits in order to have greater self-awareness.

You’re very compassionate and caring, which is sometimes your downfall

You give a lot of your energy away to others, and you might always want to make sure everyone else is doing okay without checking in on yourself. You may give and give to someone, only to realise later that they weren’t worthy of all of your attention. You may have to learn how to set boundaries and say no sometimes.

You’re very sensitive

You are probably the first person to cry during a romantic movie, or you could just tear up randomly about almost anything. You find even the littlest gestures very touching. Keeping your feelings all bottled up might be difficult for you because your emotions can be a little overwhelming.

You have a strong intuition

You may often get an initial gut instinct about certain people or situations, which is hard to ignore. You’re able to just sense things, especially when someone or something feels off. You may make your most important decisions based on what your emotions are telling you, even if you can’t fully explain why you feel that way. 

You love forming deeper connections

You like to have conversations with people, where you’re fully opening up to each other and talking about your emotions or past experiences. Especially when you’re in a relationship, you want to feel completely connected to the other person. You can’t really relate to someone when that emotional depth isn’t there.

Your work may involve helping other people

There may be an element of your job where you’re giving advice to others and helping them through their problems. You’re a natural healer, and it’s easy for you to make people feel comfortable. Even if these factors aren’t a part of your day-to-day work, you may still like to do community service projects on the side.

This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk

Indu Khatri knows that if a woman wishes to enjoy some downtime, it’s a long time before she can kick back and relax. “A man lives his life freely because he does so on his terms. A woman has to listen to her father, brother and husband, never to herself,” she says, as we sip tea from little kulhads at Palak Beauty Parlour, tucked away on the first floor of a three-storey residential building in Varanasi. “As working women, we need to have the freedom to wake up at nine in the morning if we want to and not cook if we don’t want to. Left to our own devices, our husbands and in-laws will never want us to step out.”

She is accompanied by her elder sister-in-law, Rekha Khatri, who is getting her eyebrows threaded two feet away from us. Less than 24 hours ago, Indu lost her other sister-in-law to a sudden cardiac arrest. Before I spoke to her, the owner of Palak Beauty Parlour, Savita Singh, informed me that “Indu-ji is sad behind the smiling face.”

Indu shares what she feels about working women in north India because she is one. After seven years of visiting Palak Beauty Parlour as a customer and bonding with Singh, they recently pooled a lifetime of personal savings to open a second parlour together. “Seven years ago, I started my journey in the guest room of my in-laws’ house in Varanasi with a mirror propped against the wall and a small plastic chair,” Singh says. “Whenever we had guests, we’d request them to adjust in the other bedroom. My husband insisted that my little beauty parlour set-up not be disturbed.

Photographed by Keerthana Kunnath

She adds that many of her followers are also people who knew her many years ago when she was “an ugly duckling, not nearly as cool or smart as I am now.” When she posts pictures, she always wonders how these people perceive her and hopes that her glow-up surprises them. Before speaking with Alia, I had admitted to my friends that my One True Follower was my editor, someone I had admired even before she ended up becoming my mentor, then friend. Despite our present closeness, I still always feel the urge to impress her: to sound as intelligent and funny as I think she is. It was simple: “I feel really happy when she likes one of my stories or thinks something I posted is funny.” Now, however, I realised, there was another group of people I posted for: my former schoolmates.

Although I wasn’t exactly unpopular in school, I wasn’t the popular kid either. It bothered me to no end. Even years after graduating, I wondered how I could become cooler, more aspirational, more desirable. How could I become someone that everyone envied yet wanted to be friends with? My social media became the best way to project a different image of me in public. It was here that I could be more sociable, more nonchalant, more fun. I could casually talk about my accomplishments, my attractive friends and my exciting travels, a reminder that I had evolved. Validation from strangers hardly mattered. Instead, I desperately wanted to prove a point to the ghosts of my past.

I wasn’t the only one who took this path. Stalking the Instagram accounts of peers who were less popular than I was—unpopular, even—I found that they appeared completely different from who they were IRL. Their candid photos were edited, their captions poetic and philosophical. Sometimes, I could hardly even recognise them. I realised that just like me, they were trying to undo what people used to think of them and climb higher up the food chain of popularity.

Through her Instagram account, my friend Parnika also tries to distance herself from who she used to be. “Even though we don’t talk anymore, I always post with this former friend in mind,” she admits. “He was my harshest critic creatively. I don’t even care if he interacts with what I post. I just want him to see that I’m happier now and I’m able to come from a place that’s more independent from him.”

For a recent outing, Preity Zinta showed us how to venture into princess-esque dressing without appearing over-the-top. In an ensemble that is perfect for dark sartorialists who want to dress in elegant silhouettes, Zinta went in for a duchess satin gown, courtesy designer-duo Gauri and Nainika. The abyss-like black gown featured a mermaid silhouette with a soft sweetheart neckline and off-the shoulder cap sleeves.

The pièce de résistance of the look was Preity Zinta’s emerald and diamond neckpiece from Chopard’s high jewellery red-carpet collection, first debuted at the International Cannes film festival in 2022. The necklace complements the side-swept updo and imbues old-Hollywood, bond-girl appeal, with its cluster vine motif replete with pear-cut diamonds and emeralds, held together in a pavé setting with minimal metal visible.

Here is a guide to navigating the curtain bangs look, from getting the right cut to styling them at home.

What are curtain bangs?

Curtain bangs do for your face what a set of artfully draped curtains does for a window. They are a softer, more bespoke interpretation of straight-across bangs meant to flatter one’s bone structure and highlight certain facial features, such as the eyes or cheekbones. “The perfect curtain bangs create softness and balance around the face,” explains Velasquez. “Whether you’re going with a longer version with a centre part to open up your cheekbones or more forward and framing the brow line, their purpose is to bring out all of your positive features.”

Should you get curtain bangs?

While curtain bangs are coveted for good reason, you do have to weigh if they’ll be right for you across the board. “Before taking the plunge, consider if bangs will suit your lifestyle,” says François. For one, there’s the sheer physicality of bangs. “Some people find the feeling of hair on the face uncomfortable or it might be more practical to have hair fully swept back day to day,” he says. In addition to more trips to the salon for bang trims, there’s also the additional maintenance like more cleansing (bangs tend to get greasy because they absorb the oil, sweat, makeup, and SPF from your face) and daily finessing—though many consider the latter to be far and away worth it. “If you can give your bangs 10 minutes, you’re done,” assures Townsend.

Which face shape suits curtain bangs?

Curtain bangs can be seen as one of the most flattering bang cuts out there. Celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Jess Elbaum says that it can generally work for many different face shapes and hair types, listing heart-shaped faces, square faces, oval faces, and round faces as the ones that usually work best with this cut.

For heart-shaped and oval faces, she explains that a curtain bang can help balance proportions and give you an overall more balanced look. With square faces, curtain bags can soften sharper jawlines, and round faces can help elongate features while adding dimension.

What is the difference between face-framing layers and curtain bangs?

The obvious difference between face-framing layers and curtain bangs is that one is a longer cut than the other. Face-framing layers, as Elbaum describes them, are aptly named with layers of hair that taper down each side. They can be different lengths, but they are the longer cut and hit just at the cheekbone or lower. Curtain bangs create a more symmetrical look, she says, and sometimes can be the only layer that is cut around the face.

How to cut curtain bangs?

Simply put: Leave curtain bangs to the pros. “Always have your bangs cut by a professional hairstylist who will give you a consultation first, taking into account your face shape, features, and lifestyle,” says François. Ahead of meeting with a pro, Townsend recommends doing your research to understand what will work best for you.“When people come to see me for a haircut, they often show me pictures of bangs on a different face shape,” explains Townsend. “I’ve learned a lot of people don’t know their face.” To that end, take the time to understand your face shape and from there, he recommends drawing a rough sketch of your face on a piece of paper and shading the corners and/or the top of the head to see what helps give the illusion of an oval shape, which generally tends to be the desired goal for the most flattering results. “It’s a great way to prepare for a conversation with a hairstylist and give yourself more realistic expectations.”

The mid-week transition from Aquarius season to Pisces season (February 19-March 20) will hit real and hard. If you catch yourself swimming in a fishbowl, reminiscing about times gone by and imagining all that your life could be, remember that the power to rewrite the present is also in your hands. Stop planning long-term for the moment and immerse yourself in your current emotions. Wondering how you’ll fare during this time? Only the best in store if you fall among the luckiest zodiac signs this Pisces season.

Pisces

It’s your birth season so it tracks that you’re on here. Labyrinth-like situations end, mystic mazes dissolve into thin air and life comes full circle. Your only job is to climb onto your dragon’s back, focus on the path ahead and keep soaring through it all, knowing what you once dreamed of as impossible will soon become your reality. Finances, love and relationships begin to look up as you hold yourself together more graciously.

Scorpio

Your social life will be on point this season as you land up in just the right places at just the right time. Don’t worry about anything getting jinxed because you, Scorpio, are stepping into your element in the best possible way. When you feel squeamish, that’s your body reminding you to listen to your heart. Not everyone loves as purely as you do and not everyone is meant to be your best friend. Keep that in mind so that you can keep nursing your golden chalice instead of looking at the broken remains keeping you chained. You are as rich as anyone you aspire to be like. Remember, wealth is an inside job, not what your accountant calculates.

Virgo

You kept tending to what needed your focus and attention, and here you are, Virgo, with a crystal clear vision of what everyone brings to the table. You are no longer emotionally attached to a wishful outcome. Instead, you are fully committed to getting back up from the ground to get your act together. Victory may have felt elusive in the past, but it is here for you at last. Stay as deeply in touch with yourself as you possibly can to keep this magical spark alive.

Leo

You’ve been dodging some bullets lately, Leo, but the universe has noticed your goal-oriented focus towards your targets—personal or otherwise. A stalemate may be impending but you must decide which way to move. Here’s the cosmos chiming in with its two bits: whatever you choose will bear fruit. Make moves based on what you truly believe in and desire. Don’t get too absorbed by your task at hand, make time to bask in the sun and choose your battles wisely. You are moving between two worlds. Pick one that feels most fulfilling and enriching.

Taurus

Fears around money may have left you feeling uncertain but this is not the time to stick to your lane or drive slow. Step on that pedal, get out, meet people, dream your dreamiest dreams and seek out mentors and like-minded folks who can help you regain your focus. Teamwork makes the dream work, and the universe is giving you opportunities to bloom into your best version while also releasing an old version of you that doesn’t feel worthy. Try something new.

Aries

Things move and how, Aries. It’s fireworks and you are here, carving lasting impressions, scurrying about in your typical Flash-like manner. Things may have not turned out quite as you liked in the past, but you still remain the last person standing. If that weren’t reason enough to celebrate, the universe is also showering you with peace, abundance and the perfect closure to your persistent hard work.

If you’re in the market for conversation starters, you probably already know that coming up with the best questions to ask a girl can be a real thinker. But here’s the thing: It’s always worth the time and thought. Whether you’re kicking something off with someone you like over text or you and your best friend are looking to get to know each other even better, there are plenty of things to explore. After all, there’s nothing better than a one-on-one session of Never Have I Ever, Would You Rather, or Truth or Dare.

One thing to keep in mind once you’ve gathered questions to ask her is your body language. More often than not—especially if you’re conversing with someone you are romantically interested in—the way you’re positioning yourself will give a lot away. Maintaining eye contact and leaning toward the person shows that you’re engaged. Steer clear of pulling out your phone and scrolling mid-conversation; that’s a quick way to show someone they aren’t the priority. So before you even find yourself asking “what is the best question to ask a girl,” make sure you’re ready to listen during the conversation. And make sure to note her body language, as well—these non-verbal communications are important.

There are a ton of questions girls like to be asked. But don’t get too wrapped up in planning out what you’re going to ask. Like talking with anyone, the topics will flow naturally—and often, the best subject matter will be completely unplanned.

All of that being said, we pulled together enough questions to fuel hundreds of conversations to alleviate some of the initial stress around good things to ask a girl. After all, good, old-fashioned chat is the best way to get to know someone.

Best questions to ask a girl

If you need a short list to start with, here are the best of the best questions to ask a girl that will cover a wide range of topics and help you really get to know each other:

Where did you grow up?
1. Where is your happy place?
2. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
3. What are three things that make you smile?
4. What was the worst date you ever went on?
5. What do you like to do on the weekends?
6. Have you ever been in love?
7. What’s the biggest lesson you learned from your last relationship?
8. How do you define romance?
9. If you had one hour left to live, what would you do?
10. Do you believe in ghosts?
11. Who would narrate an audiobook about your life?

Probiotic-rich foods are key to a healthy gut. The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, plays a crucial role in the well being of the entire body. A healthy gut microbiota is associated with good digestion, a strong immune system and even a good mood. Among the most important allies in supporting gut health are probiotics, microorganisms that help keep the gut’s bacterial flora in balance. To get your fill of them, even before resorting to supplements and milk enzymes, aim for a healthy diet. There are just a few things to note when thinking of probiotic foods and how to include them in your diet.

What are probiotics and what are they good for?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, taken in the right amounts, benefit the health of the host. Specifically, they improve the balance of intestinal flora, promoting digestion and gut health and support the immune system. These microorganisms can help prevent or treat intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and infections with harmful bacteria. In addition, dietary probiotic supplementation has been associated with mental health benefits, with positive effects on mood and anxiety reduction.

What is the best natural probiotic?

The best natural probiotic is characterized by a variety of bacterial strains and a large amount of live microorganisms. If you want to include particularly rich probiotic foods in your diet, opt for a greater amount of different strains.

Where do I find probiotics in foods?

Probiotics are mainly found in fermented foods. Among the various natural probiotics, yogurt is one of the best known and most widely consumed. However, many other fermented foods also contain equally potent natural probiotics. During the fermentation process, good bacteria multiply, enriching the food with live microorganisms. Some of the most probiotic-rich fermented foods, besides yogurt, are kefir, miso and sauerkraut, but drinks such as kombucha are also an important source. It is critical to choose products labeled ‘contains live cultures’ or ‘contains active probiotics’ to ensure that you are consuming a food rich in beneficial microorganisms. Processes such as aging also occur through fermentation and affect the presence of probiotics in foods, as in the case of aged cheeses.

Here are what are the 10 best probiotic foods for the gut

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the most popular and readily available probiotic foods. It is made by fermenting milk, thanks to bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which help balance intestinal flora and promote digestion. For maximum benefits, it is advisable to choose natural yogurt, preferably organic, which contains no added sugars or artificial additives. Which yogurt is the richest in probiotics? Greek yogurt, due to its higher concentration of protein and milk enzymes, is particularly beneficial.

2. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented beverage similar to yogurt, but with a more liquid consistency. Derived from milk (although non-dairy versions exist, such as coconut kefir), it contains a variety of bacterial strains and yeasts, making it one of the richest sources of probiotics. The benefits of kefir go beyond digestion: it can also help strengthen the immune system and improve bone health due to its calcium content.

3. Ripened cheeses

Aged cheeses such as parmesan, gouda, and cheddar contain natural probiotics, thanks to the fermentation process. Although they do not contain the same amount of live microorganisms as yogurt or kefir, aged cheeses are still a good source of beneficial bacteria. They also offer another advantage: they are rich in calcium and fat-soluble vitamins, which contribute to bone health.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Not only is apple cider vinegar a popular condiment, it is also rich in probiotics. Apple cider vinegar is fermented by acid-acetic bacteria, which have beneficial properties for the gut. Consuming unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (preferably the organic kind) helps promote the growth of good bacteria and improve digestion. It can also help balance pH levels in the body, contributing to a healthier microbiota.

5. Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables, seasoned with spices such as chili, garlic and ginger. During the fermentation process, Lactobacillus bacteria develops, enriching kimchi with probiotics. It is a food not only rich in probiotics, but also in vitamins and minerals, making it useful for boosting immunity and improving digestion.

6. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea-based beverage that contains beneficial bacteria and yeasts. Known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, kombucha is also an excellent source of probiotics. Fermenting the tea through a ‘scoby’ (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) enriches the beverage with a variety of bacterial strains beneficial to gut health.

7. Miso

Miso, a fermented paste made from soybeans, is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Through fermentation with the fungus Aspergillus oryzae, miso is rich in probiotics, and can support digestion, improve gut flora and strengthen the immune system. It is especially useful in a vegetarian and vegan diet as a source of protein and probiotics.

8. Tempeh

Tempeh is another fermented soybean food, but unlike miso, it comes in solid form. Fermentation of tempeh promotes the growth of probiotic bacteria, which improves digestion and contributes to a healthy microbiota. It is also a good source of plant protein, iron and calcium, making it an ideal food for those on a plant-based diet.

9. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage that, like kimchi, contains Lactobacillus bacteria. This food is an excellent source of natural probiotics, as well as vitamin C and vitamin K. Consuming sauerkraut regularly can improve digestion and gut health, and may also promote immune system wellness.

10. Natto

Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. It is known for its high vitamin K2 content, but also for being an excellent source of probiotics. Natto aids digestion and can improve bone and cardiovascular health due to its protein content and beneficial enzymes.

This story first appeared on Vogue.it

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9 energy-boosting foods and drinks to try when you’re feeling tired and sluggish

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Khushi Kapoor is proving that work days can be a platform for self-expression through fashion. While promoting her films, Loveyapa and Naandaniyan, she has been showcasing a variety of stylish looks that align with both her personal sensibilities as well as her that of her characters’.

At a recent promotional event for Naandaniyan, Kapoor sported a ribbed knit top. The half-sleeved turtleneck was paired with a beaded satin floral mini skirt from the French brand, Maje Paris.

Kapoor’s understated accessories – delicate stud earrings and a sparkling bracelet – complemented the mood board of her ensemble. She further elevated the look with a bon bon pearl-embellished mini bag from Jimmy Choo and a pair of white pumps with a bow detail. Simple, middle-parted hair and soft-glam makeup completed her outfit.

From Vogue‘s fashion desk:

“To personalise Khushi Kapoor’s look, focus on texture and silhouette. A pair of sleek white boots and a chunky, oversized white sweater over an embroidered white skirt will add a subtle edge. Go for a messy low bun with a pair of diamond or golden oversized studs. Complete it with a classic cat eye and red lip,” says Vogue India’s Associate Fashion Editor, Divya Balakrishnan.

The art of getting dressed is one that Khushi Kapoor has clearly mastered. Her wardrobe is a testament to her versatile style, showcasing a keen understanding of Western fashion. From the effortless elegance of flowing maxi dresses perfect for warm summer days to how she elevates the LBD, adding an almost esoteric vibe to the look, Kapoor confidently explores a range of styles. Scroll down to revisit some of her best looks.