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While nice in theory, of course, the idea can be challenging to put into practice—especially when someone is in the depths of breakup despair. “One of the hardest parts about ending a relationship well is that we’re undertaking an extremely sensitive task while our emotional bandwidth is limited,” Burrets says. “Conscious uncoupling allows for the expression of all these feelings, but requires each person to take ownership of their contribution to the relationship dynamics that led to challenges, and resist the urge to blame the other.”

The steps of conscious uncoupling

Acknowledge the end

First, both partners must agree that the relationship isn’t working. If the split isn’t mutual, “the partner who is choosing to end the relationship must take the brave step to be honest with themselves and their partner,” says Burrets. “It can be tempting to avoid the truth, but a failure to be direct results in leading the partner on, wasting their time and prolonging the pain. Conscious uncoupling requires we accept the relationship is over and act with integrity.”

Communicate openly

Acting with integrity means approaching the split with “compassion for yourself, your partner and the relationship that was,” says integrative psychotherapist Jenny Mahlum, who recommends using “I” statements instead of accusatory “you” statements when discussing the relationship. “Focus on mutual respect and shared goals, such as co-parenting if children are involved or preserving a friendship,” Burrets adds.

Set boundaries

To transition out of the romantic relationship and into a new dynamic, fresh boundaries must be drawn. “This could include limiting certain types of communication or establishing ground rules for interactions moving forward,” says Burrets, who emphasises that this step should not be overlooked: “People can sometimes forget that for a relationship to evolve into something else, we must define clear boundaries to create space for healing.”

Reflect, release, redefine

True healing involves taking time to honour the lessons learned in the relationship. “Release resentment or anger through forgiveness,” Mahlum advises. And, as with any breakup, “allow yourself to feel and process the emotions rather than suppressing them, and treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you’d offer a close friend.”

Also, resist the urge to excessively rehash the relationship with your ex. Remember, you can’t expect them to offer the same emotional support they once did, even if the ultimate hope is to remain friends. “Successful conscious uncoupling involves a process of redefining the relationship,” Burrets notes. “Instead of viewing the breakup as a failure, we can reframe it as a transition and an opportunity. Acknowledge the value the relationship brought to your life and explore what a healthier, redefined relationship might look like, such as an amicable co-parenting partnership.”

Seek support

Couples therapy can be helpful even when you’re going your separate ways, especially if you have shared children or assets. A trusted therapist can keep you accountable and help mediate any conflicts that arise. “Consider individual or joint therapy to navigate the emotional complexities,” says Mahlum.

Longevity has officially entered its main character era. It’s in Netflix documentaries (Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever), it’s all over social media (biohackers tracking their sleep cycles with more commitment than their relationships), and it’s reshaping the beauty industry (from topical to barrier to cellular-level ingredient work). But longevity is no longer about just adding candles to your birthday cake—it’s about extending the good years. The ones where you can dance at weddings, not just attend them for the food.

At first glance, it sounds like the same old wellness advice, just repackaged. Eat well, sleep more, exercise, and maintain relationships. So, is longevity just clever marketing? Not quite.

Longevity isn’t about living longer, it’s about living well

In Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To, geneticist Dr David Sinclair controversially claims “ageing is a disease, and that disease is treatable.” He says that practices like intermittent fasting, cold exposure, and targeted exercise don’t just improve health but reverse biological ageing.

Not everyone is convinced. Critics say these methods show promise but remain largely theoretical, with limited long-term human studies. Still, the allure is undeniable. While the longevity industry capitalises on the desire to live longer, it also reframes ageing—shifting the focus from lifespan to healthspan.

If Sinclair’s theories focus on longevity at a lifestyle level, regenerative medicine takes it further—treating ageing at a cellular level rather than just managing decline. This is where experts like Dr Adeel Khan, MD, Founder of Eterna Health and an interventional cell and gene therapy specialist, come in. Dr Khan, who was a speaker at the Peak Longevity Festival hosted in Dubai in February, says, “People want to be healthier both inside and out. They don’t want to just put something in their body to superficially look better—they want their cells to actually function better, too.”

So how does one go about stretching their healthspan? It’s part science, part self-care, and a little bit of trial and error.

The science of longevity: Biohacking or just better habits?

At the core of longevity research is a microscopic player with a big impact: telomeres. These protective caps at the ends of our DNA act like shoelace tips, keeping genetic material from fraying. As they shorten with age, cells break down, leading to fatigue, muscle loss, and collagen depletion.

For most of us, a hair oil massage is more than just a routine. It’s a tradition passed down through generations. But are we doing it the right way? Even if you’ve been oiling your hair for years, it’s worth revisiting the best techniques to make the most of this practice.

We spoke to Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, medical director of ISAAC Luxe and a firm believer in the power of a good hot oil treatment, to break it down.

“A scalp massage helps boost blood circulation, which can lead to hair growth and also help you relax. However, a vigorous champi can break a lot of hair during and after the oil massage,” she warns. “Be gentle—use your fingertips to massage the oil into your scalp and roots.”

If you’ve wondered how to apply oil to hair with the least damage, Dr Gupta suggests using circular motions to improve circulation. Placing your hands in an L-shape and applying gentle pressure works well, but it’s just as important to avoid tangling your hair in the process. Excess friction can lead to breakage or even pull hair from the follicle.

By tweaking your technique, you can ensure your hair oiling ritual is as effective—and damage-free—as possible.

Can you apply oil to damp hair?

“You can oil when your hair is damp or dry, but your hair and scalp have to be clean, or the oil won’t have a chance to be absorbed,” says Dr Gupta. For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well can dry hair. Another way to improve penetration? Use warm oil, as the liquefied formula can sink in better. “Heat in the form of a hot towel or warm hair oil equals increased chances of absorption. You can warm up some oil in a bowl and apply it or use a hot towel on your hair after application,” she confirms.

How much oil is ideal?

When the question of “how to apply oil to hair” arises, one of the first things to take into consideration should be the amount of oil you’re using. The answer lies in the type of oil you are using, the purpose (a few drops as a serum or more as a mask) and the length of your hair. Apply a few pumps or one to three palmfuls of oil onto your scalp gently and use one to two pumps on your strands depending on density and hair texture, says Dr Gupta. Start at the scalp, and then “gently use your hands to apply oil to your mid-lengths and ends to give them much-needed moisture, especially if you colour or chemically treat your hair,” she says.

How long should you leave the oil on?

While some leave the oil in their hair overnight, usually one to two hours should suffice. “If you apply more oil than you need, thinking you need to coat every strand of your hair with oil, you will need the same amount of shampoo to get it off. This may lead to dryness, which is counterproductive. A little goes a long way,” advises the expert. She adds that a lot of women in India oil their hair daily and then plait or braid their hair, but she recommends sticking to it once or twice a week.

I spent my first few days simply absorbing the atmosphere—watching craftsmen, collecting small handmade souvenirs and appreciating the rhythm of creation that wasn’t dictated by algorithms or deadlines. It was refreshing to witness art—and life—unfold at its own pace, to see imperfections embraced rather than erased.

One morning, Airbnb arranged for us to have a sunrise meditation with Khun Sipohn, a former monk, at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple. As golden light bathed the city, I sat in silence, feeling present in a way I hadn’t in a long time. It was a quiet reminder that creativity, much like mindfulness, thrives in slowness.

In Vogue India’s 2023 cover story, cricketer Kl Rahul revealed that actor Athiya Shetty loves her pantsuits and jeans. Two years later, as the married couple are expecting their first child, not much has changed with Athiya Shetty’s style. A quiet luxury-inspired palette dominated her looks in a recent maternity photoshoot.

Shetty embraced all things cosy including a beige knit dress by Sandro Paris. Next, she changed into a timeless white linen shirt from Ituvana and a pair of wide-leg denim jeans from Michael Kors. The star’s third look featured a co-ord set from Ura. It combined a baggy sweater and a skirt, paired with a gold statement cuff, and she used the sun as a highlighter.

Menswear as maternity wear? Yes, please, and Shetty thinks so, too. She paired a light beige cashmere crewneck sweater by Zegna with beige pants from the brand’s Fall 2024 collection, resulting in a stylish yet comfortable outfit. For her last look, she opted for a classic black dress from Deme by Gabriella.

For her hair and makeup, Shetty kept it simple—soft wavy curls and natural makeup with a pink gloss.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“The key to achieving these looks and making them your own? Play with proportions. Cinch the waist with a silk scarf or trade denim for a bias-cut slip skirt, or trade a heavy knit for a second-skin cashmere t-shirt. Gold accents add polish, while earthy tones keep it all grounded. The formula? A nonchalant mix of slouch and structure.” says Vogue India’s Fashion Associate, Manglien Gangte.

After an 11-year run, Jonathan Anderson is leaving Loewe.

The house said on Monday it experienced “exceptional growth” under his direction and, according to chief executive officer Pascale Lepoivre, “has risen to new heights with international recognition”.

“While reflecting on the last 11 years, I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by people with the imagination, the skills, the tenacity and the resourcefulness to find a way to say ‘yes’ to all my wildly ambitious ideas,” Anderson said in a statement. ‘While my chapter draws to a close, Loewe’s story will continue for many years to come, and I will look on with pride, watching it continue to grow, the amazing Spanish brand I once called home.”

Sidney Toledano, adviser to LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault considers Anderson “to be amongst the very best”.

“What he has contributed to Loewe goes beyond creativity. He has built a rich and eclectic world with strong foundations in craft which will enable the house to thrive long after his departure,” Toledano said.

The announcement comes after Loewe’s co-ed presentation took place on 10 March. “If the Loewe show was sorely missed in Paris this season, the lasting impression of walking through this exhibition was of just how much fun Anderson has had,” wrote Vogue Runway’s Sarah Mower. Since the day before his presentation, Anderson has shared a number of retrospective posts on his personal Instagram account that many read as a goodbye to Loewe.

At Loewe’s standout show during Paris Fashion Week last September, Anderson received a standing ovation from many of his peers (Sarah Burton, Pieter Mulier, Adrian Appiolaza, Nicolas Di Felice and Kris Van Assche all attended) as well as Delphine Arnault and actors Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Greta Lee, Ayo Edebiri and Rob Lowe). The set for the show featured a sculpture by Tracey Emin — a pole with a bird perched on top. According to the press release, the bird is “caught in a moment of pause, she encourages us to imagine imminent flight, and ultimately its freedom”.

The Northern Irish designer was appointed creative director of the LVMH-owned Spanish luxury house in September 2013. Anderson created his namesake brand JW Anderson in 2008 and caught the attention of Sophie Brocart, senior vice president of LVMH fashion ventures at the time — notably with his Autumn/Winter 2013 menswear collection. It was the founding collection of his “shared wardrobe” approach, based on the idea that men could pick and choose from women’s wardrobes, just as women have long been able to do from those of men’s.

Endometriosis is a disease that, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, impacts between two and 10 women out of every 100. From Alexa Chung to Lena Dunham, Susan Sarandon to Chrissy Teigen, a number of women in the public eye have opened up about its often crippling effects, an honesty no doubt welcomed by the millions of women who suffer. But despite recent efforts to spotlight the condition, lots of people still don’t really know what it is. During endometriosis awareness month, Vogue spoke to Christopher Barker, an advanced fertility nutritional advisor at The Female Curve, to find out what we should all know about endometriosis, but often don’t.

1. What endometriosis actually is

“It’s a gynaecological disease – and hormonal inflammatory response – where endometrial-like cells appear outside of where they should be, which is in the womb,” says Barker. They can be found anywhere outside of the womb, but are typically found around it – in the pelvis, ovaries and fallopian tubes. “These cells respond in the same way to hormones, like oestrogen, which is why they also bleed when you have your period. Hence the pain that often accompanies it.”

2. What the symptoms are

Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but there are some common signs that may suggest endometriosis. “Painful periods or if they change, getting more intense or heavier; experiencing a lot of old or dark blood spotting before your period; pain during or after sex; feeling sick; fatigue; and experiencing diarrhoea, constipation or blood in your urine or stool during your period, are all symptoms,” says Barker. “You can also experience irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and other bowel issues. Infertility is also another key symptom, but it’s usually only when people run into fertility issues that they end up getting a diagnosis.”

3. It can start at any point during a woman’s reproductive phase

“Women are typically at risk from suffering from endometriosis from their first period, through to the menopause, but unfortunately, we don’t know what causes it,” says Barker. “The terrifying thing is how common it is – as a woman, you’re more at risk of having endometriosis than you are of developing something like lung cancer.” Symptoms can ebb and flow, subsiding through certain times and returning at others.

4. It is difficult to diagnose

As with many women’s health issues, endometriosis is often confused (by the experts) with other illnesses, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), as the symptoms are often similar. Proper diagnosis typically takes the form of exploratory surgery, which is invasive and usually only undergone when symptoms are bad enough. “It takes, on average, seven and a half years to get a diagnosis – not least because a lot of these painful pain symptoms are often lumped in under the umbrella of other women’s health issues,” says Barker.

It’s also quite common for women to be suffering from the disease without realising. “A lot of the time, symptoms can be masked with contraception, so people don’t know they have it until they come off it,” says Barker. “Then, they might experience more painful periods and so on, when their cycle is back to its natural state – that’s when endometriosis can show itself.”

5. There is no cure

It’s a long-term chronic condition that isn’t easily treated. Treatments range from painkillers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, to hormonal medicines and contraceptives (like the combined pill and Mirena coil), and in extreme cases surgery, such as scar tissue removal and even hysterectomy, where the womb is removed to stop the disease spreading further. “Unfortunately, endometrial cells can spread anywhere in the body – they can even attach to your lungs, heart or brain – so sometimes a hysterectomy can be a good route for some people,” says Barker. “However, that’s not to say that if you do get a hysterectomy, that the endometriosis goes away. It can still reappear.”

Barker expects the future of endometriosis treatment will comprise more hormonal treatment, because “it is oestrogen that makes the cells swell and then bleed, so learning how to better control that should be a gentler route than surgery”.

Meanwhile, since it is an inflammatory disease, potential lifestyle changes that could help include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to better learn about how to deal with the pain and stress of the disease, and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet. “These things may not help if you’ve got endometrial cells absolutely everywhere – there’s no amount of salmon and broccoli that will cure that – but they are lifestyle switches that can improve overall health, and in some cases do make a difference.”

This article first appeared in vogue.co.uk

Also read:

6 women reveal their agonising experience of living with endometriosis

8 ways people with endometriosis deal with the pain

All the supplements, diet additions and lifestyle changes that can help manage endometriosis

It’s time for your update of the latest OTT releases and the coming week has the perfect blend of movies and TV shows to satiate all your bingeing needs. Neeraj Pandey expands his Khakee universe with The Bengal Chapter, a gripping crime saga set in Kolkata; Parmish Verma headlines Kanneda, a gritty drama exploring the clash between ambition and survival in ‘90s Toronto’s immigrant underworld; after a triumphant Oscar sweep with five wins, Anora gears up for its much-awaited digital premiere.

Anora (March 17)

Whenever I order clothes off a website, they arrive slightly loose or too tight, made with a material I’ve never seen before, looking different from what I expected. Scrolling through online stores, I’m overwhelmed: Will this dress look as good on me as it does on the model? Will it make me look shorter? Is the colour not right?

Most importantly, though, I relish the experience of shopping more than the purchase itself. Entering a store and awkwardly smiling at the staff. Gliding on smooth tiles towards the section you’re looking for. Combing item after item until you find one that is perfect. Eavesdropping on other customers. Posing in front of a trial room mirror and then asking your friend for their opinion. Shopping offline is as convenient as it is enjoyable: everything a store offers is at your disposal to try, twirl in, then throw into a basket.

The newest outlet of Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, replacing Zara at the iconic Ismail Building in Fort, strives to bring back these exciting moments that accompany offline shopping. Abhishek Agarwal, founder of Purple Style Labs, which acquired Pernia’s in 2018, is keen to not just revive but elevate this experience for luxury shoppers across the city. Pernia’s newest store spans 59,350 sqft. “At one point, even looking at 500 luxury items in the same space was big,” notes Agarwal. “Meanwhile, this store will have almost 5,000 pieces under the same roof for people to browse.”

Agarwal has always preferred large-store formats. “A large store can accommodate more customers and improve the shopping experience,” he elaborates. “For instance, more staff members will attend to shoppers who want to spend a few hours browsing. There will be more trial rooms, so people don’t have to wait in queues. Shoppers will also get more breathing space. All these little things matter.”

As Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop is a multi-brand, Agarwal believes that a larger space is also necessary to plan and set up divisions within the store for a shop-in-shop experience. “Historically, we’ve been a traditional multi-brand that stocked by the rack because our stores weren’t always large enough to make sections,” he admits. The newest outlet, though, will have more categories and designer-curated sections that bring each brand’s aesthetics to the forefront. “We are working on a floor-by-floor model where we try to segregate items by categories to create a smoother shopping experience. So, if you’re there to buy fusion wear between Rs50,000 and Rs1 lakh, you don’t have to move through all five floors. It saves your time.”

“Aquatic fragrances are designed to capture the fresh, breezy essence of water, whether it’s the ocean, a cool lake, or a misty morning,” says Nicole Mancini, principal perfumer at international flavouring and fragrance company dsm-firmenich.

The concept is straightforward, and getting a whiff of an aquatic fragrance would make you believe executing it is simple—these scents are often light and crisp, with an inherent effortlessness that’s not as common in other perfume categories. But nothing could be farther from the truth: After all, water itself is unscented, so what’s being harnessed here is the idea of a smell. “Perfumers recreate its presence through synthetic molecules that mimic its airy, fluid quality, emphasising an invigorating freshness that defines the category,” says Pierre Vouard, fragrance marketing consultant and adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Vogue’s favourite aquatic fragrances

There’s a good chance that the best aquatic perfumes as we know them would not exist today if not for Calone. With an ozonic, crisp, and slightly fruity scent reminiscent of freshly-cut watermelon, this aromachemical became a darling of perfumers around the world in the 1990s, which is when the aquatic fragrance category was born. “Aquatic fragrances offered a refreshing contrast to the rich, opulent perfumes of the decade prior, ushering in a new era of minimalism in scent,” says Vouard.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, you’ll also often find Ambroxan in aquatic fragrances—this aromachemical is a vegan alternative to ambergris, a whale-derived ingredient used in perfume—as well as Aquazone, a note that’s similar to Calone but with a saltier, more iodine-like aroma. You’ll also see more recognisable, plant-derived notes, which can serve as helpful guides as you shop. For example, maybe you’re looking for an aquatic fragrance that’s like a Caribbean vacation in a bottle. “Coconut adds a tropical, creamy warmth,” says Mancini. “Aromatic notes, such as herbs and spices, introduce a fresh, herbal dimension, while lemon and bergamot bring a zesty brightness.” (Great when you’re seeking out aquatic scents that call to mind damp gardens or Mediterranean holidays, respectively.) Woods, like sandalwood, cedar, and oud, can provide warmth and depth.

From the ’90s to the present day, here are some of the best aquatic perfumes on the market.

The summer-inspired: DS & Durga Rose Atlantic Eau de Parfum

Rose Atlantic Eau de Parfum

Bluemercury

₹ 21,000.00

• Why we love it: Inspired by summers spent seaside in New England, this perfume utilizes an unexpected form of rose—rather than the powdery or velvety floral notes you find in many fragrances, this one is sweet, evoking the delicate beach rose (rosa rugosa) that grows along the shoreline during warmer months. To really capture the coastal vibes, the jammy rose is paired with notes of salt and seawater, the salinity of which are tempered by green dune grass and effervescent bergamot. It all comes together to create a scent that’s somehow modern yet nostalgic.
• Key notes: Bergamot, rose, seawater, dune grass
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

The salty option: Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette

Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette Fragrance

• Why we love it: Though this is definitely more of a masculine fragrance, anyone who enjoys a crisp, light aquatic scent will appreciate this eau de toilette from Maison Margiela. “I love Replica Sailing Day—it’s a fresh, invigorating scent that gives me the feeling of gliding on open waters,” says Mancini. The scent opens with aromatic coriander, sea notes, and sparkling aldehydes. As it dries down, “the salty, woody freshness of red seaweed is associated with the mineral notes of ambergris, evoking the depth of the ocean,” says Vouard.
• Key notes: Coriander, seaweed, cedar
• Size: 1 oz.

The airy button-down: Henry Rose Jake’s House Eau de Parfum

Jake’s House Eau de Parfum

• Why we love it: This airy, unisex scent from clean fragrance brand Henry Rose is effortlessly chic and sexy; it’s the perfume equivalent of a white linen button-down left casually open. The artful blend of neroli and jasmine with marine and musk notes is well balanced so as not to skew overly feminine or masculine and is sheer enough to layer with other fragrances, but no need—it’s completely dreamy worn on its own.
• Key notes: Marine notes, neroli, ambroxan
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

The serene scent: The Nue Co. Relax Water Therapy Fragrance

Relax Water Therapy Fragrance

• Why we love it: Reach for this scent on busy mornings when you want your fragrance to act like peaceful background music rather than a dramatic solo. Notes of sandalwood, seaweed, amber, and sea salt get a bit of a masculine edge from fir that’s then softened with feminine rose, all of which sit very close to the skin. This fragrance is actually an aromatherapeutic perfume inspired by the concept of thalassotherapy—the serenity felt when you’re near water—and it definitely lives up to its calming claims.
• Key Notes: Seaweed, marine salt, amber
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

The sunny day: Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

Jo Malone, Bluemercury

₹ 16,800.00

• Why we love it: Perfectly gender neutral, this bestselling Jo Malone scent reminds us of a hot afternoon spent at a rocky beach. It opens with bright, sunny grapefruit, quickly fading to marine notes of seaweed and salt. The heart notes of sage and ambrette combine to create a unique sense of dry warmth, like driftwood and pebbles that have soaked up hours of sun on a still day.
• Key notes: Salt, grapefruit, ambrette
• Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

The classic choice: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gió Eau de Toilette

Acqua di Gió Eau de Toilette

• Why we love it: The odds are very high that you’ve smelled this one before—according to Vouard, it’s one of the most successful aquatic fragrances of all time, earning the title of top men’s fragrance in the US for 11 years in a row. It’s a masterpiece, blending Calone and sea notes with a cornucopia of citrus fruits (including lime and bergamot), a garden’s worth of lush flowers (jasmine, hyacinth, and violet, to name a few), and aromatic herbs to create a scent that’s bright, warm, and soft.
• Key notes: Calone, lime, patchouli
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

The oceanic floral: Skylar Salt Air Eau de Parfum

• Why we love it: The name of this unisex scent is simple yet apt, considering how mineralic and ozonic the fragrance really is. Sand, driftwood, and sandalwood give it a somewhat dry quality, while very subtle white floral notes add a hint of “clean laundry” vibes. The perfume leaves behind a bolder trail than many others in this category, making it a nice choice for misting mid-winter when you’re craving a beachy getaway.
• Key notes: Driftwood, sand, sandalwood
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

The edgy aroma: Tom Ford Oud Minérale Eau de Parfum

Oud Minérale Eau de Parfum

Bluemercury

₹ 16,000.00

• Why we love it: This one’s a real chameleon and best for someone who gravitates towards bolder, edgier scents that lean masculine. The sea notes take some time to reveal themselves—you’ll first notice smoky styrax and rich oud, which give the fragrance an earthy and almost gasoline-like aroma. After a few minutes, the air clears, giving way to a perfume that smells salty and gritty, like a rocky coast.
• Key notes: Sea notes, oud, seagrass
• Size: 1.6 fl. oz.

The light and green: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte

• Why we love it: While most aquatic scents are reminiscent of ocean water, Maison Francis Kurkdjian captures the essence of rainwater, making the notes of verbena, bergamot, and matcha smell even greener and fresher. Grounded by spicy fennel and velvety musks, this unisex cologne boasts impressively long wear yet is refreshing and light enough to wear on a super humid day.
• Key notes: Fennel, bergamot, musk
• Size: 1.2 fl. oz.

The subtle smell: Liis Lucienne Eau de Parfum

• Why we love it: This is a sophisticated aquatic skin scent, only projecting enough for those very close to be able to sniff the blend of rose, magnolia, citrus, and ocean notes. I like spraying this one on bare skin after showering as well as ahead of situations where I want to smell wonderful without overwhelming others—it’s subtle, sophisticated, and clean.
• Key notes: Magnolia, pomelo, sea notes
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

The spring shower: Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Eau de Toilette

L’Eau d’Issey Eau de Toilette

Saks Fifth Avenue

₹ 9,700.00

• Why we love it: This scent came out in the early 1990s and it’s been a bestseller ever since. It’s at once heady yet crisp, thanks to a blend of feminine florals (like freesia, lily of the valley, and tuberose) and watery botanicals (melon and lotus), creating a “serene, zen, rain-like effect,” says Vouard. It’s perfect for spring—imagine April showers in a bottle.
• Key notes: Calone, rose water, lotus
• Size: 1.7 fl. Oz.

The ambery mist: Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino ’97 Eau de Parfum

Portofino ’97 Eau de Parfum

Bluemercury

₹ 20,000.00

• Why we love it: This unisex perfume leans masculine, with warm amber and earthy patchouli anchoring marine notes, vibrant bergamot, and piquant black pepper. Inspired by a clandestine Italian vacation that Posh and Becks took in 1997, it’s perfect for sharing with your significant other if you both appreciate a bolder scent. The flask-like bottle adds a gorgeous pop of colour to any fragrance collection.
• Key notes: Black pepper, sea notes, patchouli
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Everything you need to know

What are the most popular aquatic fragrances?

Aquatic fragrances started as a minimalist genre that spotlighted airy, lightweight scents, but the category has evolved over the years; today’s aquatic perfumes can be rich and complex. Regardless of whether it’s breezy or bold, the key to a great aquatic fragrance is balance, says Vouard. “A standout aquatic scent uses contrast—perhaps pairing its breezy freshness with woods, florals, or musks for depth and evolution,” he explains.