Posts in category: Life Style

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the Cannes Film Festival have a long-standing relationship and a laundry list of attention-grabbing looks—remember her yellow sari? For her 22nd appearance today, she went with a custom Manish Malhotra sari. Every year, she sidesteps the predictable classics for bold choices. From conversation-starting lilac lip colours to Gaurav Gupta‘s dramatic silhouettes, nothing is off-limits in her sartorial rulebook.

CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 21: Aishwarya Rai attends the “The History Of Sound” red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

This year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opted for a classic white handwoven kadwa Banarasi sari, reimagined with a couture gown silhouette and a handwoven tissue drape. The ivory and gold look featured a long, sheer train with intricate gold embroidery and sequin detailing that acted like a dupatta, adding a dramatic flair. The sari featured handwoven brocade motifs and hand-embroidered zari detailing in real chandi, extending over the fabric.

She tied it all together with 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds set in 18k gold around her neck from Manish Malhotra Jewellery. For her hair and makeup, she opted for her signature straight sleek hair separated by the sindoor and a red lip to match.

You already know carrots are good for you—the stuff of 90s lunchboxes, juice bar cleanses and your grandmother’s eyesight-enhancing hack. But somewhere between soup season and salad bowls, carrots have sprouted a new identity in beauty. Not as a food, but as an oil. Or rather, two.

Meet carrot seed oil and carrot root oil—golden-hued extracts that are quietly showing up in face oils, sun drops, supplements and even DIY skin elixirs. Both promise skin-deep benefits, from calming acne and eczema to softening fine lines and supporting your summer glow. Some go as far as claiming UV protection and detoxifying magic.

But what’s the difference between the seed and the root? Are these oils truly as multitasking as they sound, or just another ingredient riding the wellness wave? Ahead, we decode what makes them tick—and what to know before adding either to your beauty routine.

Carrot oil vs carrot seed oil

Carrot seed oil, often pale yellow, is derived from wild carrot seeds and prized in skincare for its purported anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits. It’s been used to soothe acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and some even claim it offers natural UV protection (though it’s not a replacement for sunscreen).

Carrot oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the root and has a deeper orange tint. It’s rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins B, C and E—making it a multitasking ingredient that helps boost radiance, support tanning, and combat early signs of ageing. It’s often used topically in massage oils to stimulate circulation, or even taken as a supplement for its detoxifying benefits.

While the science behind some of the bolder claims is still evolving, both versions offer nutrient-rich support for skin and body. If you’re adding it to your routine, look for cold-pressed, organic options—and always patch-test first.

What is carrot oil used for?

Carrot seed oil is used for a lot of things—you may see it used as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes, or even as a flavouring agent in beverages, condiments, and desserts. Carrot seed oil is also used in aromatherapy.

Carrot oil, on the other hand, is primarily used in cosmetics and especially in sunscreen. Due to its high beta-carotene content, it’s also used as a source of beta-carotene and vitamin A in beauty products, food products, and supplements.

The benefits of carrot seed oil

Carrot seed essential oil—or CSEO, for short—is particularly impressive. It contains beneficial plant compounds, especially caratol and terpenes like α-Pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, and bisabolene, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties and signature scent. “The aroma of this essential oil is mildly sweet with the presence of the earthy and herbaceous hints,” one scientific study notes. “In traditional medicine its tonic properties were used for treatment of digestive complaints. What is more, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of CSEO were very efficient in healing the joint conditions. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of CSEO has also been reported.”

Dubai was always known for high-octane glamour, especially for the South Asian diaspora—think sky-high heels at school drop-offs, It bags worn as armour and enough diamonds (and emeralds) to rival an Ambani wedding. But the city’s dress codes have evolved through many cycles.

I’ve witnessed this first-hand. When my parents moved here in the ’90s from London, the city was just opening up to global brands and trends. I once found Fendi Baguettes—the most coveted bag of the time—on sale, something unthinkable elsewhere. But by the early 2000s, international labels recognised Dubai’s immense spending power. Logos became status symbols, and fashion was more about wealth than personal style. Now, a new generation of Dubaians is reshaping its aesthetic.

The post-pandemic influx of fashion-savvy millennials and Gen-Z South Asians from Mumbai, London and Hong Kong is seeing a fusion of maximalism and minimalism in a fresh way: indulgent yet effortlessly cool. And deeply personal. Anoli Shah, a stylist born in Ahmedabad who worked in Mumbai before relocating to Dubai five years ago, says, “Comfort has taken centre stage—something that wasn’t as much of a priority before. Women here have developed an understanding of functional pieces and the role of elevated essentials, but they like to style them with statement pieces. It will always be a city that loves its luxury.”

Bling remains central to Dubai’s fashion DNA, but how women wear it is shifting. “They may own the Alhambra bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels but choose to use it as a bag charm instead of wearing it as a bracelet,” Shah notes. “Women here have a strong arm-stack game, effortlessly mixing metals—brass alongside silver and gold, even paired with a heritage diamond bangle—with ease and confidence.”

Dubai’s thriving South Asian population is also embracing talent from the region. Indian designers, once overlooked in favour of international luxury brands, now hold prime space in wardrobes across the city, with pop-ups acting as the key discovery point. Dubai-born entrepreneur Roshni Shewakramani, who has hosted pop-ups with Payal Singhal, AMPM, Valliyan and Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, says, “I always wear something Indian, whether it’s a potli bag or jewellery.” She adds that Dubai shoppers are buying beyond big brands from India and enjoy discovering new South Asian labels. “Labels started by mompreneurs making something different always do well at pop-ups here.”

When it comes to health, dairy has long played both hero and villain. While it’s a source of calcium and protein, it doesn’t always work harmoniously with everything on your plate. Nutritionists say the food you pair with dairy matters just as much as the dairy itself.

“You are not what you eat but what you digest,” says Nicole Linhares Kedia, sports nutritionist and integrative health coach. “Even nutrient-dense foods can backfire when combined poorly.” So, what are the top foods to avoid having with dairy? Here’s what the experts advise.

#1 Bananas

Your breakfast smoothie might be doing more harm than good. “Bananas and milk can be heavy for some, slowing digestion,” says Kedia. “In Ayurveda, it’s a viruddha (incompatible) combination.” The pairing may lead to mucus formation or gut imbalances.

Try: Nut butters, oats, or non-dairy yoghurt.

#2 Citrus fruits

Acidic fruits like oranges or grapefruits can curdle milk in the stomach, leading to bloating or discomfort. “Fruit and milk digest at different speeds,” says Karishma Shah, integrative nutritionist and health psychologist. Ayurveda warns that this combo can create Ama—undigested residue that leads to skin issues or allergies.

Try: Pair citrus with greens or coconut water. Swap dairy with almond milk when blending berries.

#3 Fish and meat

Fish or meat with dairy is another viruddha pairing, says Shah. “Dairy is cooling, and meat or fish is heaty. This energy conflict causes toxicity, increases tamas (inertia), and weakens agni (digestive fire),” Kedia adds that this can trigger skin flare-ups, sluggishness, or inflammation.

According to Linhares, fish also tops the list of foods to avoid having with dairy as it can lead to skin issues like rashes or flare-ups of eczema, digestive disturbances, and in rare cases, food intolerances and increased inflammation. “It can even result in low immunity, sluggishness, and toxin accumulation in blood,” says Shah.

Try: Combine fish with steamed vegetables, whole grains and olive oil for better digestion and omega-3 absorption.

#4 Sour foods

Vinegar, pickles and tomatoes don’t pair well with milk or paneer. “In Ayurveda, sour foods and dairy clash energetically, causing a disturbance in the doshic balance (mainly Kapha and Pitta),” explains Shah. “This increases mucus production and heat in the body, resulting in possible side effects like excess phlegm, respiratory issues, digestive irritation, and a risk of sinus congestion or cold.”

At this point, sheer blouses have become a veteran on the catwalks. This season, brands like Fendi, Sacai, Genny and Dolce and Gabbana have taken it upon themselves to give them a wide spread, so it’s no surprise that style mavens are sporting them with cuffed jeans and platform sandals.

4. Cuffed jeans with platform sandals and a bodysuit

Ancient Greek Sandals – Platform sandals

For those who want to look spectacular without suffering in the heat waves that come along this time of year, you can opt for Jennifer Aniston’s formula: stick to timeless pieces. Apart from cuffing your jeans, try a bodysuit – a piece that has a privileged place in Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter‘s wardrobes. Platform sandals with wide straps are the perfect finishing touch.

5. Flared jeans with platform sandals and a lingerie dress

Ser. O. Ya. – Cuffed jeans

Stella McCartney – Platform sandals

Mixing different decades has become a great way to distinguish your aesthetic. In the case of cuffed jeans, the best way to embody this is with an asymmetrical lingerie dress, a formula that has proven to be effective since the 2000s. Not to mention that they are ideal to wear with high platform sandals and track soles for a day out.

Tout a Coup – Cuffed jeans.

MMG6 Maison Margiela – Biker jacket

Rejina Pyo – Platform sandals

If you’re looking for a way to say more with less, T-shirts have proven their value time and time again. They’re another piece that have resurfaced from the ’90s, only to be reinvented. Whether printed or plain, the options are endless when you combine them with a folded hem and platform thong sandals. And if you want to twist this classic combination, all you need is a worn-out biker jacket and some silver jewellery.

This story first appeared in Vogue Mexico.

Also read:

How to wear capri pants from the 2000s with long blouses

How to wear jeans with 90s’ plaid shirts that are coming back this summer

6 ways to style your Birkenstocks with jeans

Cosmic tip: You are allowed to move with time; there is no need to move against it.

Something stirring within you is begging to be felt — a truth, a possibility, a tender emotion that has been hidden beneath layers of doubt and hesitation. It’s not that you’ve forgotten how to love, or how to open your heart — it’s just that you’ve learned to guard it, to keep it locked away for fear of it being misused, misunderstood. But now, something is shifting. Taurus, it’s not easy to reconcile the longing in your heart with the quiet distrust in your mind. You stand at a crossroads where there is no perfect choice. But there is one thing you can hold onto: your inner knowing. Even when it feels clouded or confused, there is a part of you that knows what feels right. This moment is about reclaiming your trust in yourself.

Cosmic tip: Sit with the uncertainty. Let it show you the way.

Your heart, after seasons of withholding, is finally ready to open. You can feel it in the way the world seems to glow a little brighter, the way the simplest gestures now feel rich with meaning, Gemini. This is the moment when something beautiful finds its way into your life — unexpected, yes, but deeply familiar. It’s a connection, an experience, a gift that speaks directly to your soul. The kind of moment where everything aligns, where your heart and your hands meet, where you realize that what you’ve been searching for has already started to find you. There’s a sense of continuity here — of generations before you, and those to come, standing in quiet support behind you. The richness you’re cultivating now will endure, growing stronger with each passing day, making every effort feel worthwhile.

Cosmic tip: This is your moment to receive. To give with abandon. To know, deep in your bones, that what you are building is worth every breath.

There’s a sense of conflict in the air, like the sharp sting of words left unsaid or battles fought in silence. You may find yourself caught in a dance with others, a tug-of-war that feels like a tug on your spirit. The need to prove something, to stand your ground, has never been more pressing, but somewhere inside, you wonder: Is it worth the cost? Cancer, what feels like a never-ending cycle of back-and-forth, is beginning to drain you. The choices you make today feel as if they’re riding on a knife’s edge. You’re juggling so much, trying to keep everything afloat, but the weight of it all is starting to press on your heart. But you’re only human, and the act of trying to please everyone, of keeping everything running smoothly, is taking more than it gives. You’re not meant to keep fighting for approval or control at the cost of your peace. Sometimes the most powerful choice is the one where you step back, release the grip, and allow life to unfold on its own terms.

CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 20: Neeraj Ghaywan and Janhvi Kapoor attend the “Vie Privée” (A Private Life) red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images)Gisela Schober/Getty Images

Both the designer and Kapoor embraced experimentation. The soft pink ensemble resembles a modern lehenga, featuring a structured corset and a voluminous, finely pleated skirt with a dramatic train. Sculpted pleats and an integrated dupatta-like drape flow gracefully from her shoulder, sweeping around her hair like a ghoonghat.

Layered pearl necklaces and matching earrings added a vintage touch, while a delicate floral garland served as a romantic accessory. Kapoor completed the look with a sleek bun, dewy pink cheeks and a classic winged liner—striking a balance between tradition and modernity.

CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 20: Janhvi Kapoor attends the “Vie Privée” (A Private Life) red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)Monica Schipper/Getty Images

There’s something undeniably transformative about a fresh manicure. Suddenly, you’re gesturing more, typing with flair, and savouring those ASMR-y clicks and clacks. Before you know it, you’re admiring your nails every few minutes. For many, it’s more than grooming—it’s a creative outlet. A way to reclaim control on days that feel otherwise unruly.

Every few weeks, I fall back into the rhythm: scrolling Pinterest for inspiration, picking a shade to match my mood, walking out with nails that feel like armour and adornment in equal measure.

Like most, I’ve long relied on gels and acrylics for their immaculate finish and staying power. They’re the only way many of us have managed to pull off those dreamy, hyper-detailed designs. But while the payoff is real, the aftermath rarely makes it to the grid.

Because here’s the rub: damage doesn’t always come from the polish, but from the process. Skipping professional removal, delaying fills, or over-filing can lead to thinning, peeling, or in severe cases, onycholysis—where the nail painfully lifts from the bed.

And then there’s the burning or stinging sensation some experience during application, a red flag that your nails need a break. Lifted nails, left untreated, can invite fungal infections that make things worse.

“The removal part is very important, that’s actually the worst thing many people neglect,” says celebrity nail artist Anisha Mulchandani. “When you try to pop off your acrylics or gels at home, you don’t realise you’re also stripping away layers of your natural nail.”

But the tide is turning. With a growing focus on safer formulations and smarter methods, a new generation of nail systems is making it possible to get lasting, artful results without compromising nail health. Below, a look at the nail art techniques leading the charge.

Polygels

A hybrid of acrylics and gels, Polygel offers a sweet spot: lighter and more flexible than acrylics, yet sturdier than traditional gels. Unlike regular gels, it doesn’t cure on its own, giving nail artists time to perfect the shape before setting it under UV light. Removal, however, isn’t a quick soak-off—it requires careful buffing, which may not appeal to those who favour low-effort maintenance.

Build-in-a-Bottle (BIAB)

The BIAB technique, invented by Daisy Kalnina, gained traction in Indian salons as a strengthening overlay. It mimics the look and feel of bare nails, only stronger and glossier. Not meant for dramatic extensions, it’s best applied by a skilled technician to avoid bulkiness. For those prioritising long-term nail health, BIAB is nothing short of revolutionary.

Japanese gels

Beloved for their buttery texture and self-levelling formula, Japanese gels are a go-to for intricate nail art. They offer long wear without the stiffness of acrylics, and thanks to their gentle base, they’re less likely to damage the natural nail. Lightweight and resilient, they balance beauty and care with quiet elegance.

Plexigel

Developed by CND (Creative Nail Design), Plexigel is a versatile, repair-friendly system that sits between a gel and an overlay. Ideal for those who want strength with flexibility, it’s often used to reinforce fragile nails or for minor repairs. The formula is designed to support the natural nail while offering long-lasting wear—think BIAB, but with more adaptability.

Fibreglass nails

Back from the archives, fibreglass nails are making a quiet comeback. Made using ultra-thin strands of fibreglass overlaid with resin, they’re featherlight and ideal for sensitive or damaged nails. The downside is that they’re fragile and time-intensive, better suited to lower-contact lifestyles.

Korean gels

Minimalist and manicure-forward, Korean gels are known for their clean, clear finishes and low-damage formulas. Like BIAB, they’re ideal for nail rehab phases, offering durability and gloss without unnecessary weight or pigment. They’re fast becoming a favourite among those who want strength without fuss.

Nail health and maintenance

“Nails are part of your skin and serve important protective functions—they’re not just cosmetic,” says dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal. In other words: if your skincare gets a 10-step routine, your nails deserve more than a last-minute topcoat.

As Bvlgari’s global brand ambassador, Priyanka Chopra has donned multiple necklaces from the brand this month. Last night, the actor attended the debut of Bvlgari’s Polychroma High Jewellery collection. Her diamond-studded necklace and matching bracelet featured vibrant gems, typical of the colourful aesthetic the brand has mastered.

Getty Images

The event took place in Taormina, Italy, and showcased a 250-piece collection. Chopra attended the gala dinner in a floor-length gown from the Dior archives that featured a high neck, highlighting Bvlgari’s Invisible Violet necklace. The beige, sleeveless dress had a sheer top, embroidered with floral motifs, that parted to show off a satiny layer. Like her gown, she kept her makeup neutral—brown eyeshadow, light blush, and a glossy nude lip. Her hair was styled in an updo, save for a few face-framing strands.