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While the mother-son duo firmly stands by their belief that one must “either be a jeweller or trust a jeweller,” they are happy to share the knowledge on how jewellery enthusiasts can set out building a great gemstone collection. The first thing to remember, they say, is that any iconic collection is not amassed overnight. It’s curated with patience, research and, most importantly, emotion. As the Shekhawats put it, “People who try to save a few rupees often end up paying more.”

Start with intent

Do you want to buy the stone to wear as part of your everyday jewellery? Or are you looking for an investment-grade asset? These are some of the questions that Sunita Shekhawat wants you to ask yourself before you approach your nearest jewellery store. “There are simulants in gemology. For example, a light blue, it can be aquamarine, which is expensive. It can be a blue topaz, which is not even 1/10th of the cost of aquamarine. The same goes for blue sapphire, tanzanite and blue topaz. So for someone whose priority is the colour, not the price, they can pick a gem based on appearance. But for someone who’s heavily into investment, of course, we should always start with the four main stones: ruby, emerald, sapphire and diamonds. These are the anchors of any good collection.”

Learn what makes your gemstones beautiful

Both Sunita and Digvijay place great importance on educating oneself about the science, or at least the basics, of the gems in a collection. Sunita emphasises clarity about hardness, wearability and structure. Knowing how your preferred gemstones perform on the Mohs Hardness Scale, a ranking to determine the stone’s scratch resistance, can make a world of difference when it comes to getting your jewellery designed. “For instance, emerald has limitations because its hardness is 7. Ruby’s hardness is 9 on the scale. You can’t cut an emerald to a custom shape but you can do that with rubies.” These distinctions matter, says Digvijay, as softer stones require more care and influence how they can be cut or set.

Build a balanced collection

Like all good things, your gemstone collection also needs balance. After you’ve acquired the four anchor gemstones, Digvijay suggests moving on to more “fun stones” like kunzite, tourmalines, citrine or amethyst. “Because they’re abundant, you can also experiment in terms of cuts, polish or facets in consultation with a skilled lapidary.” However, Sunita cautions that not all precious stones should be early purchases, instead suggesting restraint with high-stakes gems, such as the much rarer and more expensive Paraiba tourmalines. “I would not recommend purchasing it in the initial phases of building your collection. These acquisitions demand deeper research, higher risk tolerance and strong reason.”

Insist on provenance and sensible substitution

It goes without saying that gemstones are expensive. If you’re planning on splurging, then it’s best to do it with a trusted jeweller with experience. “If you’re looking for, say, a ruby, then you should always, always look for a certificate from a renowned lab,” says Digvijay. “Origin can also multiply value. If a ruby is from Mozambique and a similar quality ruby is from Burma, then that Burmese ruby will be two or three times more expensive than the Mozambique ruby because that origin is coveted. Documentation protects you when the price per carat becomes significant.” Equally, for style-first buyers, an experienced jeweller can offer honest substitutions that deliver identical colour impact at very different price points.

Breathe new life into old favourites

The best part about any jewellery collection is the story attached to the pieces that make them infinitely more valuable. Gemstone heirlooms, says Sunita, are particularly amenable to being redesigned. “A ring can be converted easily into a pendant. A pendant can easily be worn as a pocket pin,” says Sunita, “That’s the flexibility with gemstones. They can be combined with different metals or even enamel for a new look.”

Also read:

When it comes to wedding jewellery, why should women have all the fun?

Why is enamel jewellery having a moment?

I swore by minimalism until maximalist jewellery changed my mind

If you want to maintain a sun-kissed glow on your face year-round, knowing how to use bronzing drops comes in handy. It’s a quick step that fits into your morning skincare routine and can easily transform your whole makeup look.

Part of the allure of bronzing drops is how simple they are to use (in concept, at least.) But if you’ve ever noticed uneven coverage or streaks after applying yours, you’re not alone. And while they might blend in more seamlessly with your summer complexion, bronzing drops can be less forgiving on paler winter skin. But with the right prep and application techniques, you can get the most out of your bronzing drops during any season.

Ahead, we asked pro makeup artists to share their best tips for applying bronzing drops, from prepping your skin to common mistakes to avoid.

What are bronzing drops?

Are bronzing drops technically makeup or skincare? “Bronzing drops are actually a bit of both,” says professional makeup artist Tiesha Williams. “They’re similar to tinted moisturisers, acting as a sheer-to-medium coverage product that also delivers hydration to the skin.”

Bronzing drops are usually more concentrated than liquid bronzer or skin tints, which means you won’t want to slather them directly onto your skin. They’re meant to be mixed with another product; typically, either moisturiser or foundation, depending on your preference. The goal is to add an even layer of warmth (and sometimes a subtle shimmer) to your face, which adds a base glow to the rest of your makeup.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Drops

Makeup Revolution Bright Light Bronzing Drops

How to apply bronzing drops, step by step

Step 1: Prep your skin

“Start with clean and moisturised skin and apply any serums as usual,” says Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of JamieMakeup. If you’re planning to use a foundation or skin tint (or if you have dry skin), apply a layer of moisturiser first and let it soak in before starting your makeup.

Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Step 2: Mix bronzing drops

Start by dropping one to three drops of your bronzing product onto the back of your hand. For a lower-coverage look that adds warmth to your natural skin, add in a pea-size amount of moisturiser or primer. “Take a medium-size duo fibre bronzer brush and mix the products on the back of the hand,” Williams says. If you prefer more coverage in your base, use the same method to mix your drops with your true-match foundation instead.

Step 3: Apply bronzing drops and blend

Use your brush to transfer the product onto your face, starting where the sun would naturally place your tan (forehead, bridge of your nose, cheeks and chin). Use soft, outward sweeping or circular motions to blend until your face is evenly covered. “Next, take a clean blending sponge, free of any product and gently press the bronzer into the skin until it looks melted into the skin,” Williams says.

If you want to build more definition or warmth in certain areas, you can try lightly dotting drops where you’d typically place your bronzer. “Blend with fingers until seamless and build slowly,” Greenberg says. “The more drops, the deeper the colour.”

Step 4: Set the colour

To lock in your bronzer drops (and to avoid product loss if you’ll be applying blush, concealer and other makeup on top), Williams recommends misting a long-lasting, hydrating setting spray over your base before moving on with your routine.

Kylie Cosmetics Setting Spray

FENTY BEAUTY You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray

How to choose a shade of bronzing drops

Well-matched bronzing drops can look super natural, but the wrong shade might remind you of more questionable early-aughts spray tans. “Pick a shade that’s one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone and avoid anything too orange,” Greenberg says. “Neutral or slightly warm tones give the most natural sun-kissed look.”

Gone are the days when passion and color clashes dominated the world of Bollywood. With pastel colors grandly returned, bejeweled Indian bridal lehenghas show sophistication at its peak. Indian design metaphorically goes through various stages, where fashion meets with her ways of interpreting it. From pale lilacs to olive greens, the Bollywood folk are paving the way for stronger messages of vibrant hues for bridal couture.

Well, what’s in the matter? Sit back, relax, and sip some chai… just keep in step with us, Bollywood style.

1. Pastels Photograph Like a Dream (No Flashy Drama Needed)

Let’s face it: Just as some weddings are turning into nothing more than very expensive photoshoots with food intervals, pastel colours seem to be the way forward when it comes to how they look in images. They tend to play pretty with light and its hues in very soft ways, with a brightness that makes brides’ eyes sparkle with contentment without getting all unrefined—nor chaos of high contrast, and overexposed disasters.

With fairy lights, golden-hour evening sky paintings and candle-steeped mandaps, the pastel lehengas look ethereal, romantic and serenely cinematic. Soft-focus Bollywood romance—definitely not ’90s disco lighting.

2. Bollywood Brides Love the “Understated Wow” Factor

Bollywood has understood to make simplicity look luxurious indeed. Unassuming at first glance, a pastel-shaded lehenga can largely become a piece of luxury when matched with minute embroidery, tonal sequins, and handcraft.

The trend running around nowadays is making the technique speak louder than the color. It whispers instead of shouting, “Look at me!” – for the pastels softly spell, “I woke up like this… couture edition.”

3. Reds Are Classic, But Pastels Feel Refreshingly Modern

No doubt that color red will always scream traditional Bollywood weddings! So, the message from today’s Bollywood bride is not one of dissent but a contemporary take on what is already there. The suggestion now is to go for pastel hues in a wedding ensemble, that still achieves that feel of bridal, but with a modern twist.

The blush pinks embody romance, mint greens impart hope and fresh air, lavender carries some dreamy connotations, and champagne gold is a simple touch of old-money elegance. Traditional… but make it contemporary.

4. Day Weddings + Destination Vibes = Pastel Perfection

Fashion Through Beach weddings, palace lawns weddings, sunset pheras weddings—these are the Bollywood wedding settings defying the usual boundaries of in-door halls and heavy drapes. Pastel lehengas rejoice under the unforgiving glare of natural light set in open vast spaces.

Picture this: cascading in your soft peach lehenga toward your mandap as dusk blue sets behind you. That’s more than an entrance—that’s the exact scene captured in slow motion waiting to happen.

5. Pastels Are Surprisingly Versatile (Yes, Even for Drama Lovers)

Do dramatic looks only come in dark colors? As far as Bollywood is concerned, no. Pastels give brides the advantage of mixing pearls, mirror work, zari and threadwork, and 3D floral.

Also, pastels give great freedom to brides in terms of styling. Want that statement emerald necklace? How about that classic ruby lips and a statement matha patti? Pastels say, “Go for it, queen.”

6. Celebrity Influence (Because Of Course)

Bridal fashion listens when Bollywood speaks. Celebrity weddings and designer showcases have given pastel bridal lehengas much needed mainstream visibility.

From quaint ceremonies to fancy affairs, Bollywood has shattered all myths about pastels not being “too simple” or bridal enough. They are an epitome of delicate textures bringing about their own spotlight, after all.

7. Comfort Is the New Couture

Highly dyed fabrics and heavy colors equate to heavier lehengas. However, pastels come with lighter fabrics and airier layers, perfect for the bride who wants to dance the day away and who hadn’t secretly plotted an extra outfit change.

Let’s face it: dancing, hugging relatives, smiling for pictures, and surviving emotional moments require comfort. Pastels understand the assignment.

8. Perfect for Brides Who Want Timeless Over Trendy

Pastel colors age beautifully. Pastels are getting hotter; in many years, a wedding album in pastel colors will be found to be understated and seem classic and not dated or too dramatic.

Some Indian couple would have thoughtfully chosen pastels for their wedding someday for not only today’s Instagram feed but for some nostalgic throwback!

Read more – Stay Warm In Style: Perfect Fabrics For Winter Weddings

Pastel bridal lehengas serve as solid proof for the notion that it is not necessary to go overboard with the color range to make an indelible imprint. Bollywood is all about celebrating quiet dignity and glam through those divine pinks, lavenders, slates, and powder blues.

So those traditional brides who still want their looks infused with something quirky and contemporary—if you will—pastels will be the ultimate ace in your pack. In a world where everything else is so red, to choose to look soft is an incredibly defiant move.

The cosmos needs a delivery address for your goodies to be delivered and if you keep shifting every few days, you will never receive your packages. Stay determined, focussed and keep that will power strong, Aries. The path next to you might seem smoother for now but the path you are on runs longer and flies higher. Whether you are manifesting love or anything else, Gemini, you love a good chase, but do you lose interest once you hold them in your hand? Your guides remind you that you are not here for the chase but for the good stuff. The same thing over and over makes you feel like you’re reliving a heartbreak a million times over, Scorpio. Today is not about action—it is about a deeper, quieter reflection. It is not about fighting, but about accepting and expressing your frustration and dejection with the cosmos and the people concerned. Sagittarius, you have chosen to calm down in your own skin and step off the treadmill at least for now. This has not only made your intuition louder and clearer but also more fitting with the answers you’ve been seeking. Your focus is back on your personal life and relationships and you are ready to nurture them to the best of your possibilities.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Nature is giving you signs and Aries, you need to pay attention. Protection, luck, love and unwavering faith are yours to claim but you must sit still and keep putting in effort for these blessings to find you. The cosmos needs a delivery address for your goodies to be delivered and if you keep shifting every few days, you will never receive your packages. Stay determined, focussed and keep that will power strong. The path next to you might seem smoother for now but the path you are on runs longer and flies higher. Keep going.

Cosmic tip: All that effort is being rewarded. Smile and claim stake to what is yours.

New energy and a new outlook are here for you, Taurus, and wow, you must feel enthused and renewed about it. Your heart can see and smell the brilliant shifts happening in your life—from money to love to everything in between. You are combining forces, collaborating with others and perhaps even letting yourself explore new ways of growth. On the other hand, you are also inundated with ideas and opportunities that push you just enough over the edge to discover a new skill or strength about yourself.

Cosmic tip: Cross over onto the other side. You are on track.

“I’ve always been conscious of what’s happening to our environment,” says Gabriela Hearst. “And I say ‘environment’ because the Earth will be fine without us. Without an environment we can survive in, humanity cannot thrive.” Long synonymous with sustainable luxury, the designer has made her debut in India at Galeries Lafayette, Mumbai.

Born in Uruguay, Hearst grew up on her family’s ranch surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep. To her, luxury has always meant things that were thoughtfully created and built for the future. After more than a decade as a designer in New York, she launched her eponymous label in 2015. “Nobody needs another fashion brand,” she says. “We desire it, yes. When I launched Gabriela Hearst, I had a long-term vision that placed sustainability and ethical sourcing as the priority. But good intentions alone aren’t enough. The design had to be exceptional.”

Lady Gaga carrying the Nina bag

Getty Images

Meghan Markle carrying the Nina bag

Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images

And exceptional design is what the brand delivered. Hearst’s ‘Nina’ bag, first released in 2016, was quick to become a cult favourite. It featured a minimalistic round pouch, almost cinched at the top, with a long structured handle. Crafted from Nappa leather, it has since been released in bold prints, with cotton macrame and a range of colours.

From entirely eliminating plastic packaging to staging fashion’s first carbon-neutral runway show in Spring/Summer 2020, Gabriela Hearst (the brand and the designer) has set benchmarks for sustainable luxury. A member of the board of trustees of Save the Children, Hearst has repeatedly donated proceeds from her stores to the organisation, supporting their relief efforts across the globe. Even during the designer’s tenure at Chloé (December 2020–September 2023), the house became the first European luxury brand to earn B Corp certification.

Below, Vogue India speaks to Gabriela Hearst about her philosophy, her practice and the story behind the Nina bag.

Vogue India: What can Indian shoppers expect from your collection at Galeries Lafayette?

GH: It’s a beautiful space we designed with Antoine Dumas and Benji Gavron [from Brooklyn-based design atelier, Gavron Dumas Studio]. While the ready-to-wear is more limited, there’s a strong selection of our handbags. And you can’t buy a Nina or a Demi just anywhere. They’re available through our website, or in a handful of cities like London, Paris or New York and now at Galeries Lafayette in Mumbai.

VI: Where did the Nina bag come from?

GH: From a friend of mine, Ben, who still works with me. When we launched ready-to-wear and footwear in 2015, he said, “You can’t walk around with your clothes and shoes in someone else’s bag.” So I made a bag for myself. It was like a prototype, with no timeline. I walked around with it, and people reacted to it. Then Jony Ive [the then chief design officer at Apple] saw it in a hotel and asked me for it, for his wife. When one of the greatest designers of our time wants your bag, you make it. We decided not to wholesale it, to really limit it. Even when everyone wanted it, we chose to grow slowly. The bag came from a practical need. I designed it for myself, and we were lucky.

The best Indian OTT shows of 2025 not only made us spend hours in bed, they also made us realise that sacrificing our weekends and pre-planned dinner dates with friends is sometimes worth it. Spanning multiple genres, this year’s most-loved Indian OTT shows proved that viewers enjoyed watching heartfelt family comedies and steamy romance dramas as much as they gave themselves over to an endless stream of crime thrillers, most of which featured morally grey cops at the centre. Year after year, Indian crime thrillers have upped the ante, and the genre once again made a strong comeback in 2025 with the long-awaited returns of Delhi Crime and Paatal Lok. After all, nothing like the systemic issues of political chaos, law enforcement challenges and rising social tensions that plague us in real life to keep us hooked to our screens as well.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood, Aryan Khan’s satirical take on the Bollywood film industry, was a surprise nepo baby hit this year. 2025 was also a big year for horror, with shows like Khauf and Bhog drawing in viewers with their multi-layered plots that went far beyond jump scares. Our rewind of the best Indian OTT shows of 2025 compiles our top 13 picks for the most viral shows of the year that justified the money we spend on those subscriptions.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood

Let’s call this what it is: most of us grew up learning more about self-pleasure from school-bathroom conversations that felt illegal and badly written porn than from anywhere remotely useful. In 2025, you can have a custom AI horoscope and a peptide serum for your earlobes and yet, masturbation still lives in the taboo cabinet for a lot of people.

This is the year that deserves better. So if you’re someone trying not to feel weird about self-pleasuring or you want to explore it but don’t know where to begin or you’re beyond bored of your three-minute, lights-off, feel-guilty-after session, this is your guide to making desire your favourite way to unwind.

Myths about self-pleasure to leave behind in 2025

Myth 1: If I masturbate regularly, something must be wrong with me

For most people, solo pleasure is just another way the body regulates stress, hormones, mood and curiosity. The frequency is wildly individual. Some people go months without it, some people have phases of doing it daily. The red flag isn’t that you do it, it’s when it starts replacing basic functioning (sleep, work, food, relationships). Outside of that, it’s just one more way your nervous system lets off steam.

Myth 2: Once I’m in a relationship, I should stop

Solo and partnered pleasure do different jobs. One is intimacy and connection, the other is regulation and self-knowledge. Keeping your own pleasure alive can actually help partnered sex: you know what works, what doesn’t, what kind of touch you enjoy and what your body is capable of on a good day. That’s valuable information, not betrayal.

If you’re using solo time to escape a relationship that feels stuck, the answer isn’t to cut yourself off from pleasure; it’s to zoom out. Dr Vaishali Joshi, senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, suggests going back to the root: open conversations, relationship counselling, sometimes even taking a short break to reset instead of completely checking out.

Myth 3: Self-pleasure is only valid if it looks like porn

The truth is, some people need fantasy, some prefer audio, some just want to feel their own body without a screen. “Every individual has a unique personality and physical attributes,” says Dr Joshi. Social media and porn are often “performing for an audience and the glory of amazing sex or orgasms is not always true; most of the time, it’s a hyped version,” as she points out. Good solo sex is anything that makes you feel more relaxed, more present in your body and not hollowed out afterwards.

Myth 4: Toys will make me dependent

This myth needs to be retired permanently. Your body doesn’t get “spoiled” by a vibrator or a toy. It just gets used to certain types of stimulation. If you only ever use one setting, one position and one script, of course change will feel harder. That’s not the toy’s fault, it’s the lack of variety. “Toys take the pressure off penetration and help make orgasms more likely and more mutual. They upgrade good sex,” says Leeza Mangaldas, sexuality educator and co-founder of Leezu’s, a sexual wellness brand. Think of toys as tools, not replacements. They can speed things up, slow things down or just be there on the days your brain is fried and your body needs extra help switching on.

Myth 5: “If it doesn’t end in orgasm, it doesn’t count”

The orgasm-obsession can kill a lot of joy. Some days your body will respond quickly; some days it won’t. Medication, stress, hormones, cycle, food, sleep all play a role. Masturbation can just be tension release, exploration, touch, fantasy. If you only ever judge it by the finish, you miss half the point.

Ways to make your alone time actually feel better

1. Upgrade your setting

Let’s be honest, most of us treat solo time like something to get over with quickly. Your nervous system senses that. Instead, try changing one sensory element: a lamp or candle instead of overhead lights, audio that gets you going, clean sheets. If your body does not feel safe, it will not relax and pleasure will always feel like a struggle.

2. Get curious about what you like

If you’ve done the same quick routine for years, you probably don’t know what you really enjoy. Give yourself permission to experiment with different kinds of touch (lighter / slower / more or less pressure), different parts of your body, different types of fantasies. Notice what makes you calmer, what makes you tense up, what makes your mind wander elsewhere.

Ananya Panday turned to the archives for the Filmfare Awards, stepping out in an Elie Saab Spring Summer 2007 gown styled by Priyanka Kapadia. The halter-neck gown is cut close through the bodice before falling into a column shape that follows the body without fuss.

The surface is mapped with gold sequins arranged in directional bands, giving the gown a sense of motion even when still. A thigh-high slit breaks the linearity, while the open back keeps the construction exposed rather than concealed. The effect comes from the cut and surface working together.

Styling mirrors the gown’s lines. A high bun sharpens the neckline, while elongated earrings and a single ring by Irasva Fine Jewellery continue the vertical rhythm set by the halter cut and slit.

Darkened eyes bring depth, paired with softly flushed skin and a warm gloss that holds its own against the intensity of the gold.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“To translate Ananya Panday’s sparkly evening wear into something you can wear to a cafe, why not opt for a similar halter neck top. Choose one with a bit of shimmer, like up-cycled sari style. Or you can creatively drape a chamki/sparkle dupatta into a halter neck top. Pair this with boot leg blue denims and channel that Y2k energy. Don a baguette bag, which also has main character energy in terms of the color. Finish your look with a subtle touch of shimmer on your eyelids on a nude face and you are good to go,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

Also read:

Kareena Kapoor Khan wears an archival Valentino skirt set designed by Valentino Garavani himself

Alia Bhatt’s romantic draped gown and Sonam Kapoor’s embroidered statement sleeves led this week’s best looks

Kareena Kapoor Khan wears an archival Valentino skirt set designed by Valentino Garavani himself

There are some astrology questions (read: most of them) that only an astrologer can answer. Luckily, that’s what I am, which makes me fantastically placed to answer all of your burning questions. And, according to Google’s 2025 year in review, there are plenty. From why Aquariuses are so stubborn, to what makes Capricorns hard to read, below are this year’s most Googled astrology questions, answered to the best of my ability. Now, you can hopefully enter 2026 with all the cosmic knowledge you’ve been yearning for over the past 12 months. You asked the universe, and I’m answering.

Why are Aquariuses so stubborn?

Aquarius is one of the four “fixed” signs (the others include Taurus, Leo and Scorpio), which means they’ve got a certain stick-to-itness. Although they are generally known for their humanitarianism and airy mentality, Aquarians tend to stick to their decisions and ways of thinking, often preaching their sentiments to others, even when their audiences aren’t wholly on board. Aquarians love to grandstand, but never stray from their own ideology; in fact, they want to sway others to their POV. This might make them come across as stubborn.

Why are Aries so difficult?

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the warrior planet Mars. Therefore, they tend to like getting their own way at all times, making them sometimes difficult to deal with because they’re such fiery and insatiable fighters. They can have temper tantrums (like big babies) or come across as argumentative when they don’t get their way. But, ultimately, Aries will often realise that they need to compromise or apologise.

Why are Cancers so moody?

Cancer’s planetary ruler is the moon. Being that the moon shifts into different zodiac signs every two and a half days, and has eight lunar phases in a month, the Cancer’s ruling planet is ever-changing. This celestial entity also rules the waves of the ocean, and considering living beings are composed of more than 60 per cent water, it would stand to reason that we’re affected by such movement, too—Cancers more so than anyone. This constant transformation can lead to the mood swings and emotionality many associate with Cancers.

Why are Capricorns so hard to read?

Austere and responsible Saturn is the planetary ruler of Capricorn, making them appear more reserved and quiet than the other zodiac signs. Capricorns adhere to the civilities of society, so they rarely talk out of turn and will set boundaries often. The walls they build make it hard for people to get in, and might lead to them being perceived as distant when, in fact, they’re very tender.

Why are Geminis scared of relationships?

As the only astrological sign that is paired with a perpetual life partner in the sky (they have their own “twin stars”, Castor and Pollux), Geminis tend to be on the fence about relationships because they already have a built-in bestie or significant other (themselves) to keep them company at all times. Even so, Geminis often long to bring another person into the mix—so long as they can find their niche among the threesome.

Why are Leos so attractive?

The planetary ruler of Leo is the Sun, igniting their aura with confidence. The lion’s swagger and rizz can often enchant others, with a more general positivity that causes them to radiate with beauty. Basically, Leo’s ability to elevate the lives of others enhances the way we perceive them. All of the above causes us to see them through rose-tinted glasses and appreciate their appeal (both inside and out).

Why are Libras so mean?

Libra is the only zodiac whose symbol is an inanimate object without a heart—the “Scales of Justice”—rather than an animal or human. This tracks, seeing as they approach everything with balance and fairness as opposed to emotion, which can cause this sign to come off as a tad detached. They’re also ruled by Venus, which can give them an air of superficiality and coquettishness. That doesn’t mean we love them any less. Get to know a Libra, and you’ll quickly find they’re kind inside.

Why are Pisces so moody?

Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac—a placement that means they can often absorb other people’s sentiments, emotions and feelings. Their mutable disposition and watery vibe carries the verve of the other signs with them. All of these different energies and temperaments drive these delicate fishies to be extra sensitive. When the Pisces gets caught up in their feelings and has no creative release or chance to escape, they can become both capricious and blue.

Why are Sagittariuses mean?

Sagittarius is the only sign of the zodiac that is armed with a powerful weapon, their bow and arrow (their symbol is “the archer”). When debating with others, the archer shoots their best shot to assert themselves (because they have to win the match, even if that means talking over everyone and being their loud selves). Their raw honesty can be perceived as harsh, but they believe they’re doing others a favour by being so forthright.

Why are Scorpios so emotional?

Scorpio has two planetary rulers (intense Mars and evocative Pluto), both of which are passionate and urge the scorpion to descend into their subconscious longings. Scorpios’ emotions can heighten due to their desire to understand and comprehend these sentiments. This water sign isn’t afraid to dive to the deep end of the ocean when it comes to their emotions. They jump in headfirst without fear.

Why are Tauruses so emotionless?

Truth be told, Tauruses aren’t 100 per cent emotionless; they just refuse to let outside drama disturb their peace. Their groundedness, coupled with a desire to live the sweet life, puts any ugliness on ice and focuses on beauty (art, fashion, music, food), which—like the air sign Libra—is due to being ruled by the planet Venus. The sign of the Taurus is the bull, and of course, you’ll get a reaction if you poke the bull—but it won’t always end the way you might assume.

Why are Virgos so private?

As an earth sign ruled by the planet Mercury, Virgos are more methodical and contemplative than their chatty astrological counterpart, Gemini. Unlike Geminis, Virgos don’t tend to share information until they are ready. This zodiac sign’s corresponding tarot card is “The Hermit”, which is often depicted with a solitary person holding a lamp in the darkness. This alludes to Virgo’s introspective nature, constantly keeping their emotions hidden until they’re fully ready to express them.

This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk