Posts in category: Life Style

Those imperfections—the therapist who pauses awkwardly, the missed cue, the flawed response—can be deeply therapeutic. “For anyone who grew up under pressure to be perfect, the realness of a human therapist can actually be corrective,” says Donahue.

For Gen Z, however, turning to tech is second nature. “They grew up with devices as a fifth limb,” says Alyssa Petersel, a licensed social worker and founder of MyWellbeing. The pandemic, too, trained this generation to rely on screens for connection. In that context, AI therapy doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels intuitive.

But that intuition can be risky. Younger users are developmentally more vulnerable and more likely to trust confident responses, even when those responses come from a machine. In extreme cases, this has had tragic consequences. Two Texas families recently filed a lawsuit against Character.AI after their children’s interactions with AI chatbots led to devastating outcomes.

Even outside those extremes, there are concerns. “You’re losing the muscle to reflect and decide for yourself,” Petersel says. “AI therapy is persuasive, but not always contextual. And young people often don’t yet have the internal scaffolding to filter that.” Older adults, by contrast, often bring more scepticism to their interactions with tech.

That doesn’t mean AI is devoid of value. “We need to honour the benefits while understanding the risks,” says Pharaon. AI can rapidly synthesise documents, process journal entries and offer frameworks for reflection. Petersel offers a real-life example: uploading pages of stream-of-consciousness writing and asking the bot to summarise what she seems to believe.

But even the best AI therapy apps are only as good as the prompts they receive. Advice to “take a walk” or “call your dad” might seem supportive—unless your street is unsafe or your family dynamic is fraught. “The tech can’t always know what’s safe or emotionally appropriate,” says Petersel.

A recent study published in PLOS Mental Health found that people could rarely tell the difference between ChatGPT and human therapists, and often rated the AI responses higher. While that’s significant, it also raises questions about what kind of connection we’re measuring. “It’s not just about sounding smart,” says Donahue. “It’s about being seen.”

Ultimately, AI therapy might offer helpful tools, but it’s not a replacement for the messy, layered work of being in a relationship with another person. “AI shortchanges people from the beauty of growing through human connection,” says Donahue. “We need people. Period.”

Eye makeup might just be the most creative and chaotic part of any routine. It’s a delicate balance of blending, smudging, lining and hoping both wings cooperate (they rarely do). One wrong flick and it’s back to square one, mascara wand in one hand, micellar water in the other. The effort is real, but it’s also what sets the tone for the rest of the look.

This week, the eyes did all the talking. Ananya Panday swapped her usual barely-there glam for a hit of pastel colour, while Sara Ali Khan dialled up the intensity with a full-bodied smoky gaze. Consider it a nudge to move beyond the basics—be it a soft smudge of kohl or a pop of pigment across the lash line.

Ananya Panday paired her turquoise swimsuit with an equally punchy eye moment. Pastel green on the lids met a pop of periwinkle below for a playful two-tone contrast. The rest of her makeup stayed minimal: dewy skin, bronzed cheeks, softly filled brows and a blurred nude lip. Her tousled, honey-highlighted hair, worn loose and windswept, mirrored the easy, beachy energy of the look.

Sara Ali Khan’s all-black look hinged on bold eyes and clean structure. Deep kohl along the waterline and softly diffused liner were framed by full lashes and sharply defined brows. A velvety base let her natural glow show through, while a muted rose lip softened the effect. A braided ponytail and stacked ear cuffs kept the look grounded and graphic.

Rasha Thadani opted for soft glamour in a silver slip dress and makeup to match. Warm brown eyeshadow melted into softly diffused edges, with crisp winged liner and kohl tracing the lower lashes. Her base was dewy and defined, accented by coral blush and a touch of champagne shimmer. A glossy nude lip tied it together.

Rashmika Mandanna kept things classic in an ivory sari and delicate gajra. Her second-skin base set the tone, while deep-lined eyes and fluttery lashes gave definition. A creamy mauve-pink lip echoed the soft tones on her cheeks. A tiny black bindi and bold brows completed the look, with oversized jhumkas offering the only hint of sparkle.

Bhumi Pednekar kept the focus sharp and modern. A glossy brick-toned lip set the mood, complemented by rose-gold shimmer on the lids and softly defined lashes. Her skin looked fresh and radiant, with warmth diffused through the cheeks and just enough contour to frame the face. The slick bun and sculptural earrings added polish without overpowering the look.

Deshmukh accessorised her look with polki pieces by Razwada Jewels. “Her look features our handcrafted Kaan Shear earrings, adorned with vibrant polkis, Colombian emeralds, pink tourmalines, and a centrepiece polki of three carats, all set in exquisite 18k gold. Her look is complemented by our elegant hathphool set with polki, Zambian emeralds, and pearls,” shares Jeetendra Sirohiya, founder, Razwada Jewels. She also wore a stacked selection of bangles and kadas. For her glam, she went with soft smoky eyes, a nude gloss, and a gajra-adorned sleek bun—a perfect beauty look with her traditional anarkali.

Instagram.com/who_wore_what_when

There’s a reason why anarkalis are so popular: lightweight, comfortable, and head-turning at once. The staple can be worn for any festive occasion, be it in summer, monsoon or winter. It can also easily transition from AM to PM, making it a trend- and season-agnostic outfit. But an anarkali is hardly an innovative style. That said, Deshmukh has recently proven, you can style in a unique way to make it look fresh, while retaining its timelessness.

Also read:

Genelia Deshmukh’s Kanjeevaram sari championed hand-painted kalamkari techniques

Genelia Deshmukh’s summer-appropriate sari highlighted bandhani and thread embroidery

4 looks from Genelia Deshmukh’s collection of Kanjeevarams and Benarasis to try for wedding season

Cosmic tip: You are a powerful, magical creature.

What do you truly value, Sag? Stop! Can you, for one moment, stop to absorb the love and share it with the ones who matter most to you? Can you, for one brief moment, put yourself in someone else’s shoes with compassion? Can you, for one tiny second, suspend yourself mid-air to observe instead of swinging by things constantly? Yes, for you, life is amazing when it feels rushed and thrilling. But really, what you must also consider is that fire is most powerful when it learns to tame and sustain itself, because it is then that it gives life.

Cosmic tip: Your task at hand is to help transform.

You’ve been looking at life from a different lens, Capricorn. And what this has been creating for you is a sense of wonderment and a deep understanding of how fleeting life is, how the real moments to be treasured are the ones you share with those who matter, how by just being around, you may be making a difference in someone else’s life and how even though you did not have the ideal inner circle, you still made it through beautifully. You’ve been through many lifetimes seeking meaning, and you are here unwrapping it one moment at a time. Don’t you see, you were exactly meant to be where you are.

Cosmic tip: You are the sum of all the parts of you that have brought you to this point.

The emperor sits on his throne, gazing out into the horizon till his eyes can see. What he sees is what he’s built, worked hard for and earned. What he feels is immense pride in his efforts and a deep sense of responsibility towards all he is here to safeguard. There is work still to be done, but a lot has already been achieved through reflection, peace and tranquillity. Now it is time for him to juggle between preserving and creating, withholding and conceding, sharing and receiving. This Emperor is you, Aquarius.

Cosmic tip: Watch your words – catch them come to life.

The walk between your ideas and your charmed life is one you must take, Pisces. And although things may feel very awry, very chaotic and extremely up in the air presently, allow yourself to fix your gaze beyond the window where the sun shines over grassy pastures and lush trees sway in the cool breeze. Your sense of freedom is right here within reach – and this loop you’ve been trying to exit for so long, it is finally going to end.

Cosmic tip: You will soon meet yourself – brand new and sparkling, once again.

If there’s one skincare ingredient that’s stood the test of time, it’s glycerin. In fact, using glycerin for skin health dates back to the late 18th century, when it was used in hygiene products and general cleaning. As it grew in popularity, it began to be incorporated into skincare products like toners and other topical formulas.

Now, it’s a quiet skincare behemoth, appearing in the INCI lists of cleansers, mists, essences, serums, body washes and moisturisers. Why is glycerin in such demand, though? We asked three leading dermatologists to explain.

What is glycerin?

“Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a naturally occurring compound found in both animal and plant fats,” explains Dr Sophie Momen, consultant dermatologist at The Cadogan Clinic. Though she goes on to say, most cosmetic-grade glycerin is plant-derived. “Glycerin is a colourless, odourless, syrupy liquid that’s been used in skincare for centuries due to its ability to retain moisture.”

Molecularly speaking, glycerin has an innate ability to bind with water, which is what makes it such a powerful hydrator for the skin. Often, it’ll be listed as “glycerin, glycerin or glycerine” on skincare labels, Momen finishes.

Is glycerin a humectant?

Yes, glycerin is a humectant and one of the most effective and efficient ones, at that. “A humectant works by attracting water molecules, either from the deeper layers of your skin or from the environment, and binding them to the skin’s surface. This function is crucial in helping the skin stay hydrated, plump and smooth,” Momen explains.

An easy way to understand the role of a humectant is to think of it as a magnet for water. Glycerin, for example, pulls water towards it, holding it within the skin barrier and preventing it from escaping. “This makes glycerin especially important in maintaining skin elasticity, preventing dryness and supporting the skin’s natural healing processes,” she says.

What are the benefits of using glycerin?

At a glance, glycerin can:

• “Deliver deep hydration by attracting and binding moisture to the skin, keeping it soft and supple,” says Momen.
• Improve elasticity and appear firmer and more resilient.
• Can smooth rough or bumpy textures.
• Alleviate dry patches.
• Promote enhanced healing and support faster repair.

Pride Month isn’t about rainbow-washing your feed with slogans no one means or wearing a glittery plastic pin made in a factory that actively underpays its workers. It’s about taste. Bad taste that circles back to brilliance. And gifts that speak queer in fluency, not marketing decks. Whether you’re shopping for your best friend, your sneaky link or your gorgeously complex self, here are 19 Pride gifts that aren’t tragic.

1. A bumbag (or a version of it)

Prada – Triangular embellished satin and leather mini-pouch, Price on request

Because nothing says “I’m curated, calculating and armoured” louder than an embellished pouch slung across the chest.

2. A cigarette box

Saint Laurent Paris – Cigarette box in vegetable tanned leather, ₹63,551

It looks like it holds cigarettes, but actually holds boundary issues and three unsent drafts of a breakup text.

3. Vivienne Westwood orb necklace

Vivienne Westwood – Mini bas relief pendant necklace, ₹16,675

It is not a phase, it is a queer rite of passage.

4. Paul Mescal’s micro Gucci shorts

Gucci – Striped cotton shorts with embroidery, ₹77,400

Getty Images

Because thighs are a right, not a privilege.

5. Alone Together by Perfumehead

Perfumehead – Alone Together Extrait de Parfum, ₹21,377/30ml

Smells like queer summer heartbreak and moss. Wear it while listening to Sufjan Stevens.

6. Jacob Elordi’s bathwater-scented candle (Saltburn edition)

Etsy – Jacob Elordi’s bathwater candle, ₹2,603

Smells like unresolved tension.

7. A Nan Goldin print

Yvon Lambert – Nan Goldin – Print (2004), ₹4,960

Emotionally wrecked in soft lighting. Just like you.

8. A Diptyque shampoo

Diptyque – Perfumed shampoo, ₹4,900

For the softboi in healing. Smells like hope and longing.

9. A Polaroid camera

Polaroid – I-2 instant camera ₹58,664

Not all memories are meant to be clear.

10. A very good fan that snaps open with force and fury. Even better if it’s vintage.

Farfetch – Pre-owned vintage 1920s feather fan, ₹34,878

Great for club exits, shade and mildly violent flirting.

11. Anything by Jonathan Anderson

JW Anderson – Cafe scene all-over print t-shirt, ₹18,500

It doesn’t matter what. It’s already queer-coded.

12. Gaultier mesh tops

Jean Paul Gaultier – The ‘le classique’ top, ₹8,950

A trompe l’oeil fever dream for the fashion-insecure and fabulous.

13. Laetitia Rouget’s candle holders

Laetitia Rouget – Pink tulip candle holder, ₹16,308

Looks like a candelabra in drag.

14. A silk robe

Versace – Graphic-print silk robe, ₹1,95,289

Clearly not for modest mornings. You don’t wear it, you enter in it.

15. A leather harness

Dsquared2 – Leather harness, ₹41,874

For fashion reasons only, duh.

16. A bottle of hand mist for post-encounter reflection

Aesop – Resurrection rinse-free hand mist, ₹1,369

Clean hands. Dirty thoughts.

17. Margiela Replica fragrances that smell like emotional weather

Maison Margiela – Replica whispers in the library, ₹11,200

Vague, chic and definitely about a boy.

18. A banana-shaped lamp

Seletti – Banana lamp louie, ₹19,575

Unhinged and somehow romantic.

19. Reading glasses

Tom Ford Eyewear – Oversize-frame glasses, ₹48,920

…because reading is what? Fundamental.

Also read:

10 queer romance books that deserve Pride of place on your shelf

How this queer couple’s wedding beside Kerala’s Vembanad lake made Indian traditions their own

18 things to buy if a Labubu isn’t for you

“Greek yoghurt has nearly twice the protein of regular yoghurt, and fewer carbs,” says clinical nutritionist Heather Hodson, RDN, CDCES at NYU Langone Health to Vogue. It’s one of the few post-workout foods that fuel muscle growth and recovery and taste like dessert.

#4 Quinoa

Small but stacked, quinoa packs a serious nutritional punch. As a rare plant-based complete protein, it delivers nine essential amino acids, plus complex carbs that refill glycogen stores and energise recovery. It’s also rich in magnesium and iron, key players in muscle function and repair.

“This grain-like seed is one of the few complete plant protein sources providing about eight grams per cup,” explains Alya Barmmer, MS, RDN, LDN, and founder of FullWell Fertility, to Vogue. It hits all the right notes—protein, power and recovery support.

#5 salmon

Salmon delivers more than just protein. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce post-exercise inflammation and support joint and heart health. B vitamins improve energy metabolism, while high-quality protein assists muscle repair.

“Salmon has many health benefits for both body and brain thanks to its omega-3 content,” adds nutritionist Jessica Shand to Vogue. Grill or bake it with a side of greens, and you’ve got a plate that pulls double duty.

#6 Sweet potatoes

These complex carbohydrates are fuel and function. Sweet potatoes help restock glycogen stores depleted during workouts, while potassium supports nerve and muscle function. Vitamin A aids tissue repair and copper supports enzyme function. If you’re looking for foods that fuel muscle growth and recovery while satisfying your carb cravings, start here.

#7 Spinach

It may not look like gym food, but spinach works behind the scenes to support muscle function. Magnesium plays a role in protein synthesis, iron improves oxygen circulation, and calcium keeps contractions smooth. Add a dose of antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and nitrates to enhance endurance, and spinach proves its worth on any post-workout plate.

#8 Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese offers a steady stream of casein protein that digests slowly, feeding muscles for hours after you eat. It also contains calcium, potassium and sodium—key for hydration and muscle performance. “A one-cup serving delivers a solid hit of 25g protein and muscle-supporting minerals,” Dr Federica Amati, head nutritionist at ZOE, tells Vogue. For evening workouts, it’s one of the best foods that fuel muscle growth and recovery while you sleep.

#9 Whey protein

Quick to digest and rich in BCAAs, whey protein is a reliable option when you need a fast, portable recovery fix. Leucine in particular triggers muscle repair, making it especially effective after high-intensity sessions. “Whey provides an easy way to increase your protein intake if you’re not able to consume adequate amounts through whole foods alone,” says Samantha Dieras, RN, DCN, the director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, to Vogue. Whey may not replace a full meal, but it’s a powerful addition to your arsenal of foods that fuel muscle growth and recovery.

#10 Avocados

Their reputation might be brunch-adjacent, but avocados deliver real recovery benefits. Monounsaturated fats support hormone production, including testosterone and growth hormone. Magnesium and potassium help prevent cramps, while vitamin E protects cells from stress. They’re nutrient-dense, satisfying and endlessly versatile.

#11 Tofu and tempeh

These soy-based staples are among the few plant-based sources of complete protein. Tofu is mild and adaptable, while tempeh’s fermentation supports digestion and nutrient absorption. Both offer iron and calcium, supporting stamina and bone health. Whether stir-fried or grilled, they hold their own among foods that fuel muscle growth and recovery, especially for vegetarians.

#12 Beans

Beans combine protein, complex carbohydrates and fibre, all in one affordable package. Leucine helps stimulate muscle repair, iron aids oxygen delivery, and magnesium and potassium support contraction and recovery. The added fibre promotes gut health, making beans a functional option for recovery and overall well-being.

#13 Brown rice

Brown rice may be basic, but it’s effective. It offers complex carbs to replenish energy, fibre for stable blood sugar, and B vitamins to convert food into fuel. While not a complete protein, it pairs well with lentils or tofu to round out your post-workout plate. If you’re building meals around foods that fuel muscle growth and recovery, brown rice is a smart foundation.

Cosmic tip: Think things through, but remember to act upon them too.

Whether you are branching off on your own or are coming together with someone – professionally or personally, Leo, this is your time to wear your high priestess crown and own it like it has never been owned before. You know you are not part of the herd you are surrounded by, so why not try venturing out to find your herd? The troubled times are coming to a close; however, you must be daring to jump off the rapids into fresh new waters. Take a trip – really or metaphorically – to explore new lands, and you will find your tribe and your vibe.

Cosmic tip: Have patience, hold your vision, jump off, and trust the cosmos.

The cosmos is delivering justice, and you are on the receiving end of all the goodness. Virgo, you know you have a tendency to get wound up in your own head and go off balance, and perhaps you may have found yourself in this plight recently. However, now that the sun is beginning to shine in your backyard once again, you are in a place to intuitively weed out your garden, helping your plants to blossom and bear fruit. Take a moment to care for yourself, take a moment to welcome help in your life, and you will see how weightless you begin to feel.

Cosmic tip: Do what you feel is right, the rest will be handled by the cosmos.

You are not trapped; you think you are trapped, Libra. When you keep playing old memories on loop, you really are not giving your subconscious mind enough space to rewire or rewrite a new perspective. You are simply fortifying the beliefs that you held, which kept you feeling hurt or damaged. We know it feels difficult, but it is not impossible. Fight that urge to react with the same response each time you are triggered – even shutting down is a reaction. Respond in a new way – take a deep breath and rationalise in a few seconds before you dive right in – and you, my darling, would have begun moving in a new direction – welcoming a new way of life, even in your mindspace.

For 27 years, Lakshmi Myneni steered Akshara Books through Hyderabad’s shifting literary landscape. From witnessing the rise of malls to surviving the pandemic, the independent bookstore has seen it all. For years, Akshara and 67-year-old Myneni were waging a lonely battle against dwindling reading habits, bookstore chains and unbelievable discounts from online sellers. Avid reader and chartered accountant Praneet Nagarur recalls, “Compared to bookstores and reading culture in, say, Bengaluru and Chennai, Hyderabad had significantly fewer options. While readers still existed, there wasn’t an ecosystem to sustain them.”

To paraphrase Camus, in the midst of winter, an invincible summer soon made its way. In 2022, Luna Books, located in a lovely bungalow in the upscale Jubilee Hills, was founded by sisters Shilpa and Sapna Sudhkar. Off the Shelf arrived two years later, started by siblings Manasa and Meghna Gummi in the heart of the city’s IT district.

Known for her Gen Z- and Millennial-approved style, Khushi Kapoor has a curated collection of designer bags and Indian looks that are both practical and trend-forward. Her traditional wardrobe features a blend of soft pastels, figure-flattering silhouettes, delicate jewellery and abstract drapes. If you’re prepping for bridesmaid or maid-of-honour duties, take cues from these five style lessons inspired by the actor’s ensembles that are stylish yet comfortable enough to keep up with your best-woman responsibilities.

1. Figure-accentuating silhouettes

It’s no secret that bridesmaids are constantly on the move—whether it’s standing by the bride’s side or dashing around to ensure every detail is perfect. Hence, practicality and comfort are key when it comes to outfit choices. Kapoor’s showstopping look for couturier Gaurav Gupta struck the perfect balance. Instead of a traditional dupatta, she wore a breezy, embellished cape adorned with pearls and crystals. The ivory hue works for both day and night celebrations, while the fishtail lehenga, crafted with minimal can-can, enhances her curves without sacrificing ease of movement.

2. Abstract and concept drapes