Posts in category: Life Style

When it comes to eye makeup, few styles have the staying power of a winged liner. Whether softly smudged or sharply drawn, that flick at the corner can shift an entire face—adding just enough intent to make everything else feel considered. This week, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonam Kapoor and Tamannaah Bhatia reminded us just how far one clean line can go. Some looks veered romantic, others sculptural, but all carried the same quiet confidence.

Tamannaah Bhatia brought a kind of sacred glamour to the table, wrapped in tradition: a flower-strewn bun, jhumkas, and a red bindi anchoring the look. Her winged liner flicked outward just enough to lift the eye, subtle but intentional. A berry-pink lip, softly edged with brown, added dimension, while the cheeks held the faintest wash of colour. The base stayed light and breathable—letting skin, not structure, take centre stage.

Aditi Rao Hydari took a different route, letting her Raw Mango sari do the heavy lifting. Her makeup leaned minimal and poetic: a barely-there wing, fluttery lashes, and a petal-toned lip. The skin looked like skin—smooth, softly blurred, and quietly luminous. There was no need for strong lines or over-definition here; the overall effect was one of gentle ease, like a deep exhale.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu kept things dialled down too, pairing a Krésha Bajaj with a brown smokey eye that shimmered at the inner corners and framed the eyes just right. Her lipstick sat close to her natural tone—more beige than pink—and the blush was almost imperceptible. The result: a fresh, quietly sculpted look that perfectly complimented her outfit. It was less about making a statement and more about staying in sync with the softness of the silhouette—understated, yes, but all the more striking for it.

Sonam Kapoor, meanwhile, went maximal in the best way. Dressed in a custom Masaba outfit for the House of Masaba’s Mehrauli flagship opening, her look was crisp and deliberate. Hair and makeup by Namrata Soni brought a razor-sharp liner, creamy pink lips, and near-invisible blush into a neat, graphic finish. A bindi sealed the deal; this was contemporary regal done right.

Krithi Shetty glowed from within, with dewy skin, softly lit eyes and a kiss of highlighter that caught the light without competing for it. A warm pink lip pulled the look together, making it feel like golden hour distilled.

Now that the Adidas Samba has loosened its grip on the fashion set, a whole new array of trending sneakers have emerged – from the Onitsuka Tiger to the Puma Speedcat. One thing these sneakers all have in common? They’re available in an array of colours, allowing wearers to match their footwear to their mood, or indeed, their outfit.

It makes sense that brightly coloured sneakers are becoming increasingly popular: in recent seasons, we’ve seen styling tricks like “the pop of red” or the “sandwich method” (which involves wearing a colour-coordinated top and shoes, with a contrasting colour in the middle) take hold among street-stylers. It’s a more subtle take on dopamine dressing, and certainly an antidote to the neutral tones that have come with the craze for quiet luxury.

Want in? Below, see how the street-style set are wearing coloured trainers this spring.

How to wear colourful sneakers in Spring-Summer 2025?

Red sneakers

Red Puma Speedcat sneakers with midi skirt in Spring-Summer 2025 street style

Getty Images.

The “pop of red” styling trick shows no signs of going anywhere – with a pair of red sneakers being one of the easiest ways to buy into the trend. Popular styles at the moment include the slim-line Puma Speedcats, as seen on Emily Ratajkowski, and the Adidas Gazelles.

Dries van Noten – Snakeskin effect leather sneakers

Adidas – Gazelle sneakers

Brown sneakers

Brown sneakers to wear in Spring-Summer 2025

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images.

Summer weddings are no longer confined to tradition—or temperature. With ceremonies now unfolding everywhere from cliffside chapels to coastal villas, the dress code has shifted accordingly. Out go the velvets and heavy silks; in come breathable drapes, mood-lifting palettes, and silhouettes. This week’s best-dressed stars are returning to saris for summer weddings—from Sonam Kapoor to Hania Amir and Aditi Rao Hydari.

With the mercury rising, fashion needs to work harder. Sonam Kapoor offered a masterclass in warm-weather occasionwear at the launch of Masaba Gupta’s new store, dressed in an ivory mul silk sari—breathable, skin-friendly, and rich in cultural cues. Embroidered with Tamil script and foil detailing, the sari was paired with a handwoven cotton blouse and Masaba’s signature gold bajubandh. Her look was equal parts mindful and modern—proof that summer styling doesn’t have to sacrifice storytelling or comfort.

When the look is rooted in tradition but tailored for today, you get something like Hania Aamir’s recent head-turning moment in ivory silk by Itrh. Her short kurta and flared sharara offered a summer-friendly take on wedding guest dressing—breathable, skin-kind, and luminous without excess. She paired it with matching flared sharara pants that featured gold patti borders at the hem, but that was hardly the highlight. Draped over her shoulder, she carried a mirror jaal dupatta—gold-threaded, glinting and grid-like, adding just the right touch of sparkle to the otherwise pared-back look.

The fashion crowd seems to have collectively crowned ivory as the shade of the season—and Banita Sandhu made a strong case for it. Dressed in an ivory Frontier Raas sari, she paired the drape with a forest green blouse that featured a plunging neckline and delicate gold trim. Her look was finished with traditional jewellery and fresh gajra, tying into a classic aesthetic. She didn’t stop at just one ensemble either—she was also seen in a statement sharara set and a sequinned sari, proving her range in festive dressing.

Ananya Panday made a strong case for soft hues this season in a powder blue halter-neck suit—an effortless pick for day weddings and low-key bridesmaid duties. For something more opulent, Aditi Rao Hydari turned to a fusion-toned rani pink Raw Mango silk sari, striking the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. Meanwhile, Samantha Ruth Prabhu wore an ivory Krésha Bajaj sari, complete with a kamarbandh and a scalloped border detailed with thread embroidery, lacework, and mandala-inspired geometric and floral motifs.

In the sprawling world of skincare, lip balms with SPF tend to sit in the shadows—tucked behind towering tubes of facial sunscreen and serums promising eternal youth. But here’s the quiet truth: your lips are some of the most vulnerable real estate on your face.

Unlike the rest of your skin, lips don’t contain melanin, can’t tan, and have zero natural sun protection. “Lips have no ability to produce a protective suntan, unlike other skin areas, so they’re prone to burning,” New York dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross tells Vogue. “Oily balms and glosses can actually attract more sun, increasing UV damage.” Over time, the damage can be deep—discolouration, fine lines, loss of volume and, in more serious cases, even skin cancers. “Skin cancers on the lower lip are particularly dangerous because they can spread internally into the chest via the lymphatics vessels,” Dr Gross warns.

So yes, lip balms with SPF should be essential, not optional. And the best ones go beyond the basics. Today’s formulas are multitaskers: hydrating, repairing, subtly tinting, and sometimes even brightening, all while shielding that delicate skin from the sun’s merciless rays.

Ahead, 11 lip balms with SPF that deliver on both protection and finesse–because sun protection should look as good as it feels.

Hyphen Mango Lip Balm SPF 50 PA++++

A mango-scented balm that does more than smell like a tropical cocktail. With SPF 50 PA++++ and kojic acid, this one works hard to fade discolouration, lighten dark lips, and hydrate with a vitamin-rich formula.

Minimalist SPF 30 Lip Balm

Stripped down but effective, this ceramide and hyaluronic acid-infused balm hydrates from within while protecting with SPF 30. Think barrier repair meets daily sun protection. Sleek, scent-free, and made for minimalists who don’t skip SPF.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm SPF 20

This cult-favorite balm is a hydration powerhouse. This deeply nourishing balm wraps lips in long-lasting moisture while SPF 20 keeps UV rays at bay. Rich, velvety, and endlessly dependable—it’s the one your lips will keep asking for.

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15

Luxury in a little silver tin. Formulated with avocado, olive, and wheat germ oils, this balm softens and soothes while SPF 15 quietly does its job. For lips that look like you drink three litres of water and summer somewhere on the Amalfi Coast.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15

This balm is packed with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, delivering a powerful dose of hydration and sun protection. It melts into your lips, leaving them soft, smooth, and comfortably shielded from the elements with a light, non-greasy finish. In short, it’s the entire lipcare routine in one handy stick.

Coola Liplux Sunscreen Original SPF 30

With 70% certified organic ingredients, this lip balm hydrates and protects your lips with Cupuaçu Butter, Raspberry Seed Oil, and Jojoba Seed Oil. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it the perfect poolside companion.

Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 25

This buttery balm is a true treat for your lips, offering intense hydration with a luxurious, melt-in texture. Infused with coconut oil and lemon butter, it glides on effortlessly, leaving your lips soft, smooth, and protected with SPF 25—your ultimate sun-safe indulgence.

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Add a pop of natural color while keeping your lips nourished with Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm. It delivers a subtle, fruity hue and hydration boost with the goodness of beeswax and fruit oils, while SPF 15 ensures your lips stay protected from the sun’s harsh rays.

Paula’s Choice Lipscreen SPF 50

When it comes to sun protection, Paula’s Choice doesn’t hold back. This high-performance SPF 50 lip screen glides on smoothly, offering powerful UVA/UVB protection without the greasy feel.

Bodywise Pigmentation Repair Lip Balm with SPF 30

Targeting dark spots and uneven tone? This pigmentation repair balm is all about multitasking. It exfoliates, lightens, moisturises and protects your lips with every glide, leaving them soft, smooth, and beautifully even-toned.

82°E Pomegranate Sheen SPF 15 PA++ Illuminating Lip Oil

Packed with the antioxidant power of pomegranate extract and the nourishing goodness of ceramides, this illuminating lip oil is your go-to for a luscious, dewy glow–perfect for a radiant, kissable pout that shines with health and sun protection.

Also read:

10 peptide lip balms that do more than just hydrate

The best lip balms to soothe chapped, dry lips, according to experts

The best lip oils to hydrate, tint and shine

‘Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy’ is an exceptionally interesting piece, not just for underscoring Caravaggio’s mastery of his art, but also because it had been missing for centuries until it resurfaced in 2014 in a European family’s private collection. While this biblical subject has been painted by several artists, Caravaggio’s version stands out for its sensual connotation and naturalism. “The execution of these marvellous passages of mixed colour is proof that they were really in front of the artist and inspired by real life,” Mina Gregori, a historian globally recognised as the most important expert of Caravaggio, claims about the portrayal of Mary Magdalene’s hands in the painting.

The fact that this Caravaggio painting will be showcased on the heels of a significant Salvador Dalí exhibition in February, brought to India by the curator who maintains the most authentic archives of his works, signals India’s emerging status as an attractive draw for the estates of noteworthy international artists. “There is a growing global recognition that Indian institutions are ready—and committed—to engaging with art at an international level,” Nadar agrees. “There is a growing trust in India’s ability to care for, contextualise and present historically significant works from the West that resonate with both local and international audiences.” The KNMA has previously also presented works by other acclaimed global artists such as Marina Abramović, William Kentridge, Rashid Rana, Shazia Sikander and Karen Knorr.

The viewing of ‘Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy’ at the KNMA will be elevated with an immersive VR experience that will bring the painting to life by inviting visitors to step into Caravaggio’s world—his studios and the very streets and places that shaped his art. Simultaneously, the museum will host documentary screenings and conduct educational programmes around the painting to provide further context and foster dialogue among students and audiences alike. “This presentation will allow Indian audiences—especially young people and our future artists—to engage deeply with a masterpiece. It will be seen in a new context, opening doors to reflection, dialogue and interpretation,” Nadar promises.

As this brilliant chiaroscuro is cast upon Indian walls for the first time, it serves to be more than simply admired. It also affirms. By hosting the work of a European art legend, India’s value to the global art landscape and its ability to contribute towards moulding the experiences and interpretations of art are further bolstered.

If you’re looking to add a modern twist to your saris, take a cue from Shilpa Shetty Kundra. The Baazigar actor often gravitates toward fusion saris that marry traditional craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes.

Recently, she stepped out in an ensemble by Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika: a floral crystal and pearl bralette paired with a black draped sari featuring a thigh-high slit. Gold embroidery traced its way from her shoulder, across the front, adding a textural element. Oversized, multicoloured statement earrings complemented her bralette. Her signature blow-dried waves and a pair of black and gold leather heels by Aquazzura added finishing touches.

We know that high cortisol levels aren’t exactly doing us any favours. And you don’t need a PhD in hormones to have picked that up somewhere between a stress headache and your third coffee. We’re all cycling between various de-stressing techniques to lower cortisol—and for good reason.

“Cortisol rises in response to demanding situations or perceived threats. Our body is designed to release it as needed, but problems arise when levels stay chronically elevated—which can impact the immune system, sleep, and mood,” says psychologist Pilar Guerra Escudero.

To get a sense of how damaging excess cortisol can be, consider this explanation from Dr Vicente Mera, an anti-ageing medicine expert at SHA Wellness and author of Young at Any Age (HarperCollins): “Cortisol reduces immunity as severely as treatments given to transplant or autoimmune patients. That’s why latent infections like herpes, or more serious ones like pneumonia in smokers, often appear during times of stress,” he writes.

Just as we aim to lower cortisol, we also benefit from boosting our so-called ‘happy hormones’— serotonin, which helps stabilise mood, and endorphins, which ease pain and increase feelings of euphoria. And while meditation and massages are tried-and-true methods, there are everyday habits that can quietly do the same heavy lifting.

“Physical activities like swimming or tai chi can be even more effective than meditation when it comes to lowering cortisol—especially if meditation feels frustrating or hard to sustain over time,” explains Guerra Escudero. “While meditation has been shown to reduce cortisol, if it causes stress or resistance, the benefits may backfire. Physical activity, on the other hand, offers a more natural release — it distracts without requiring mental effort, encouraging spontaneous disconnection from stressful thoughts.”

Below, five daily rituals that help lower cortisol while boosting feel-good hormones.

Laugh a little (or a lot)

“The best remedy against adversity is always a sense of humour,” explains Dr Mera. “Taking life with a sense of humour is not only fun, but it also reduces cortisol levels and anti-inflammatory substances.” So go ahead, watch that rom-com or, better yet, giggle with your friends. Laughter sometimes really is the best medicine, flooding the body with serotonin and endorphins.

Walk in nature (AKA Shinrin Yoku)

Sitting for hours at a stretch doesn’t just sap energy, it can tank your mood. “According to several studies, people who spend more than 8 hours a day sitting are 65% more likely to experience chronic fatigue and alterations in their mood,” says Dr Ángela Llaneza, gynaecologist and medical director of the Antiaging Medical Institute. Her recommendation? Forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, a Japanese practice of spending time in nature, particularly forests. “Walking in nature for 20 minutes can reduce cortisol by 16%, promoting mental calm.”

Eat dark chocolate

Rich, dark, and ideally over 85% cocoa. “Not only is it a pleasure for the palate, but it helps release endorphins, the hormones of happiness,” says Yaraseth del Castillo, nutritionist at Instituto Medico Antiaging. A square or two can go a long way.

Stretch (strike a power pose)

“Standing up, stretching your arms, or simply shifting your posture can lower stress and boost confidence,” says Beatriz Crespo, PhD in Medicine and High Sports Performance and author of Healthy Microhabits. A Harvard study even links ‘power poses’ with improved self-assurance. Stretching also helps ease muscle tension — and, you guessed it, lower cortisol.

Swim

Swimming is one of the best workouts you can do for your brain, body, and mood. “A Mayo Clinic study revealed that swimming reduces cortisol levels by 30 per cent and improves sleep quality,” notes Dr Llaneza. “Plus, it is a low-impact activity that promotes relaxation and improves blood circulation.”

Some also do it to assimilate into a new society. For Pritesh Bhatia, a humanities student in Florence—crowned the most walkable city in the world—unfamiliar paths unexpectedly led to a sense of belonging. “When I first moved here from Mumbai, loneliness weighed heavily on me. Making friends was never my forte. The language barrier, cultural differences and my introverted personality only made it harder.” Florence’s cobblestone streets were so inviting that it was impossible for him to stay cooped up in his room. “Every day, I’d meander aimlessly. Before I knew it, I was devouring pizzas by Ponte Vecchio, exchanging stories with buskers and soaking in more Renaissance history than I ever did at university.”

Now, whenever I get the chance to pull the brakes on work, I travel to other cities to walk. Not to hike, not to join a walking tour, but for the simple purpose of experiencing the rhythm of a street, the freedom of moving at my own pace and the small moments through the eyes of a pedestrian. I journey not to scale mountains or dive into oceans. Instead, I search for sidewalks to walk on.

Crowds of people on the streets of Vienna.

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