Posts in category: Life Style

Deepika Padukone attended Cartier’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in Dubai in a black gown from JADE by Monica and Karishma paired with the Chryseis 63.76-carat necklace by the Maison. She accessorised with diamond ear studs and pulled her hair back in a sleek, side-parted twisted bun. A silk black bow was added on top for a vintage touch.

Deepika Padukone’s eye makeup featured a shimmering gold eyeshadow that blended into a soft smoky finish. Smudged kohl enhanced the depth of her gaze, while a precise winged eyeliner added definition. Coats of mascara lifted her lashes, paired with fluttery faux lashes for a striking effect. A sweep of warm pink blush was blended across her cheeks for a natural flush. Highlighter was applied to the high points of her face, creating a soft glow. Light contouring was added along her forehead, cheekbones and jawline to create a subtle structure. A glossy mauve lip brought the look together with a polished finish.

To recreate the look, follow the steps below:

1. Start by cleansing your face and applying a hydrating moisturiser to create a smooth, glowing base. Follow up with a primer to ensure the makeup stays in place all day.
2. Choose a lightweight foundation with a buildable formula to even out your complexion. Use a damp makeup sponge or brush for a natural finish.
3. Apply concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes to brighten and even out your complexion. Blend it well for a seamless look.
4. Sweep a shimmering gold eyeshadow across the lids. Blend a soft brown or taupe shade into the crease for depth. Smudge a kohl pencil along the upper and lower lash lines for a smoky effect. Apply coats of volumizing mascara and add fluttery false lashes for extra drama.
5. Use a soft contour powder or cream to sculpt your cheekbones, jawline and forehead. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and create a more defined face shape.
6. Highlight the high points of your face, including your cheekbones, collarbones, down the bridge of your nose and cupid’s bow.
7. Brush up your brows and fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil. Set with a clear or tinted brow gel for a feathered look.
8. Line your lips with a nude or mauve lip liner for definition. Apply a glossy mauve lipstick for a plump and polished finish.
9. Finally, set your makeup with a fine mist of setting spray to lock everything in place and ensure your makeup lasts throughout the day.

Also read:

Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor brought back bold lips in the best beauty looks of the week

Deepika Padukone uses these exact beauty products—from skincare to hair accessories

Deepika Padukone made a debut in classic glam at the 3rd Academy Museum Gala

For those of us in India who count ourselves as fans of The White Lotus, a delicious black comedy that follows the twisted private lives of wealthy Americans on holiday, the show comes home in its third season in more ways than one.

Firstly, it’s set a stone’s throw away from India on the sunny beaches of Thailand (Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, more specifically). Thanks to its visa-free policy, the Southeast Asian country is fast emerging as a top destination for Indian tourists, with 2024 closing out on 2.1 million Indian visitors. To its south stands Sri Lanka, home to the first brown character to be cast on The White Lotus, who I’m fairly certain Indians will be claiming as their own by the time season 3 finishes airing.

Wondering how to style a red dress without looking overdone? The key is balance—letting the bold colour take centrestage while keeping everything else effortless. Whether you’re dressing for a date night, wedding or brunch, here’s how to master it.

Let the dress do the talking

Keep accessories sleek, not competing. A gold cuff, sculptural black pumps, or a silver mini bag adds contrast without overpowering the look. Red-on-red? Risky. Stick to black, nude or metallic accents for a refined, balanced aesthetic.

Women’s pump with crystal chain, GUCCI, ₹1,60,852

Open heart cuff, ELSA PERETTI for Tiffany&Co, ₹16,50,736

Rosantica mini alice silver lume bag, AISPI.CO, ₹88,710

Outerwear that works

A boxy blazer says cool-girl confidence. A structured trench keeps it refined. Want contrast? Throw on an oversized denim jacket for an effortless edge. For a polished winter look, a camel coat or a black leather trench makes the red feel even more elevated.

Nappa leather trench coat,
LOUIS VUITTON, ₹7,30,000

Burgundy Chunky Heeled Platform Shoe, LITTLE BOX, ₹1,699

Sequins Detail Denim Jacket, MO&Co, ₹27,374

The beauty edit

Skip the red lip cliché—go for bronzed skin, nude gloss or a softly smoked eye. If you must go red, make it deep and matte. Keep your hair sleek and straight, or tousled and undone for that effortless contrast to the high-impact colour.

The unexpected styling trick

Still wondering how to style a red dress without looking too formal? Pair it with sneakers, a baseball cap or even chunky boots for a street-style-approved twist. Layer it over a white turtleneck or crisp shirt for a fashion-forward, transitional look.

Sienna leather boots, MIU MIU, ₹2,00,000

Triomphe baseball cap in cotton in Vanilla, CELINE, ₹57,100

Panthere de Cartier Watch, CARTIER, ₹8,00,000

Camilia shirt, VERB, ₹13,500

At the end of the day, if you’re searching for how to style a red dress in a way that feels fresh, keep it simple, mix it up, and wear it with confidence. Because nothing turns heads quite like a perfectly styled red dress.

Also read:

Last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts that still say ‘I thought this through’

How to dress for a first date, according to your zodiac sign

The perfect gifts for the ones who love the finer details

The morning after the first time I had sex with Mike, I noticed a pair of heart-shaped glasses abandoned on a Brooklyn sidewalk on my walk home. They were glittery and pink, a novelty trinket from a birthday or bachelorette party. The arms of the glasses had snapped off, and the lenses popped out, but the heart-shaped frames were still intact. At the time, it felt like foreshadowing—but of love or future heartbreak, I wasn’t sure. I took a photo and posted it to Instagram without context. (It was 2014, and that’s what we did back then.)

Over a decade later now, if I scroll far back enough, I can still see that photo of sunglasses and remember that first night with Mike—the floral Urban Outfitters miniskirt I was wearing, the cigarettes-and-beer taste of his mouth, the summer humidity in the air, the way he slept curled up behind me. We were on and off and on and off for years. He was the first person I really fell hard for and the first person who left me truly heartbroken, crying on the subway at all hours and combing social media late at night searching for hints of what he was doing in his life without me. Mike was a Sagittarius: adventurous, open-minded, playful, spontaneous and reluctant to commit to anything. Turns out I’m not so good with Sagittariuses, but I always fall for them.

Somehow, I always end up falling for the wrong zodiac signs. My dating history is filled with Sagittariuses and Aquariuses, which are both supposed to clash with my Scorpio self. (And although things might feel blissful at first, eventually the fall always comes.) Astrologers have explained why I’m drawn to them: My Moon, Venus and Mercury are in Sagittarius, so it tracks that I would feel a connection with the star sign, even if their noncommittal nature is at odds with my intense Scorpio Sun and stability-craving Virgo Rising. As for the aloof Aquarius: When paired with a Scorpio, the two form a harsh, tense square—the astrological term for a 90-degree angle, associated with conflict and challenge—which equates to both interpersonal tension and sexual tension.

For many years, my dating life followed a similar astrological pattern. After Mike, there was Chris, the sweet Aquarius photographer who introduced me to his friends on our second date and eventually stopped making time for me one-on-one. Stephen, a decade my senior, was next; he read all the same books as me but his hot-and-cold dating style outpaced our intellectual connection. One week he wanted to see me four days in a row, then not at all the next. He was an Aquarius too. My first date with David, a friend of a friend and another Sagittarius, lasted for hours, going from dive bar to dive bar and then to his friend’s picnic to my friend’s birthday party. We didn’t want the day together to end. But as the months went by, I realised I still wasn’t quite over that last Aquarius, and for once it was me who couldn’t commit. When, in my late twenties, I changed my dating app settings from “men” to “everyone,” I thought it would end my unlucky streak of falling for the wrong zodiac signs. But then came along Amanda, a Sagittarius who took me to her favourite spot by the waterfront and ghosted me after we hooked up.

There are certain fashion choices that our future selves will look back on and think: why? Enter the Mary Jane shoe as an unrelenting force to be reckoned with. Will it be a regrettable choice later? We’ll let time decide. As of now, it stays and how. Before we assess this new phenomenon, we must consider the pleather jeggings of the early 2010s. Or when people used to wear oversized T-shirts with big wide belts. Or during the Tumblr era, when everyone started dying their armpit hair. Some fashion choices are so specific to the time from whence they came that they should stay there, never to be revived again, a fashion fossil that must only be unearthed for strictly academic reasons.

This, I personally believe, is how our future selves will look back on the Mary Jane-ification of everything. You know what I’m talking about. All of our favourite shoes inexplicably transforming into Mary Janes: Ugg boots, Salomon trainers, and now… the Adidas Samba? The Mary Jane is like a virus, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. If we’re not careful, we’ll have Mary Jane wellies and Mary Jane crocs and Mary Jane hiking boots. Oh wait, all of those things already exist.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out how we got here. 2020s fashion has thus far been defined by ugly, hybrid-style footwear, and what could be more ugly and hybrid than a cut ’n’ pasted Mary Jane (they’re already a sinister shoe; what’s with the random hole? And why do they look like they’re for adult babies?). As my colleague Daniel Rodgers wrote of smart shoes being melted into sneakers, “the intersection of ugliness and cool has simply become… convention,” adding that this is “what happens when the convergent forces of meme culture and streetwear combine, producing silhouettes that simultaneously repel and draw people in.”

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

It’s true: there’s something very online about the Mary Jane-ification of every shoe possible. I can already see the TikTok menswear heads in Adidas Samba MJs and ankle-grazing jorts come spring (hopefully with socks) and the “come with me to try the new viral blah blah” crowd in those fluffy Ugg Bea Marys. As with any ugly shoe, they’re also sort of designed to drum up discourse. The more “cursed” a shoe appears, the more the extremely online fashion crowd are likely to cop (lest we forget the summer of snoafers). It’s something we’ve all seen before.

Deepika Padukone is a busy woman. From being an actor to the face of many brands through endorsements and now a mother, Padukone has established herself as a global force. In Dubai for Cartier’s 25th anniversary celebrations, she made her first official red-carpet appearance as one of the French luxury brand’s ambassadors. Her choice of attire? An easy-breezy custom black maxi dress from JADE by Monica and Karishma.

Styled by Shaleena Nathani, the gown boasted a plunging sweetheart neckline that accentuated the actor’s décolletage, complemented by an off-the-shoulder design with full-length, voluminous sleeves gathered at the cuffs. The flowing silhouette cascaded to a floor-grazing hem, finished with delicate ruffles. Deepika Padukone accessorized with a striking Cartier necklace featuring a 63.76-carat diamond and matching diamond studs. The necklace‘s red, green and black color scheme is symbolic of the Maison.

Her beauty look featured feathered brows, a wash of shimmering gold eyeshadow, and a touch of drama with smokey eyes and winged eyeliner. The actor’s hair was styled in a sleek, side-parted twisted bun, finished with a chic black silk bow.

From Vogue‘s fashion-desk

“Make Deepika Padukone’s black Jade look your own by refining the silhouette—opt for a corseted bodice with a clean drop-waist or a sculpted column gown to create negative space around your statement neckpiece. Balance the drama with sharp, pointed-toe heels in patent or satin for a seamless extension of the look. Skip earrings and instead, cinch the waist with a slender belt in the same fabric as your dress,” guides Vogue India’s Associate fashion editor, Divya Balakrishnan.

Also read:

Deepika Padukone: “Why do I need to move with bag and baggage to have global impact?”

Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor brought back bold lips in the best beauty looks of the week

Deepika Padukone flaunts her baby bump in a series of ensembles, including a sheer dress and pantsuit

Sulphur (the naturally occurring element known for its distinct scent) is also an age-old skincare ingredient. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, it’s a particularly effective remedy for acne – gently exfoliating skin and unclogging pores, balancing oil production and minimising inflammation.

Globally, searches for sulphur skincare are up 82 per cent over the last 12 months, with people in the UK searching more than ever for sulphur soap, specifically. And it’s not just people with acne looking for the hardworking ingredient. For those with dermatitis or easily irritated skin, sulphur provides soothing relief by reducing itching and promoting healing. If that sounds like a saving grace, it is. Persistent scratching of irritated areas can break the skin further and promote infection. Calming the itch enough to leave the area alone can make a marked difference in the length and severity of flare-ups.

Here, we’ve detailed everything you need to know about the natural element and how to best use sulphur in your skincare routine.

What exactly is sulphur?

“Sulphur is a mineral that exists in nature and can be found in soil, plants, food and water,” says Andrea Craig, Murad UK education and training manager. It’s the fifth most prevalent element on the Earth’s surface, in fact.

However, the sulphur used in most skincare products, colloidal sulphur, is slightly different from its organic counterpart. “Unlike traditional sulphur, it’s engineered to have much smaller particles, boosting its potency and effectiveness as an active ingredient.” Does this mean that colloidal sulphur doesn’t smell quite as pungent as the raw element, then? “It does have a distinctive smell that some say resembles rotten eggs,” admits board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr Idriss Skincare, Shereene Idriss. “However, it works very effectively.”

With this smell in mind, many skincare products that contain sulphur are designed to be used as treatments or masks worn when you’re sleeping or otherwise at home. While sulphur soap is a thing, the wash-on, wash-off quality means you could layer an odour-nixing body lotion over the top. These skincare products might not smell as strong as the mineral found in volcanic rock, but it’s better to err on the side of caution before leaving the house.

Why is it so beneficial when used on acne/acne-prone skin?

“Sulphur is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and has exfoliating properties,” describes Dr Idriss, and has been used for centuries to treat acne and blemishes. It works by helping to dry out excess oil (also known as sebum), unclogging pores and preventing the formation of pimples.” Excess sebum isn’t always the only reason for clogged pores, though. Dead skin cells not being efficiently sloughed off can cause congestion, inflammation and eventual breakouts. “It calms redness and inflammation, too, which is what makes it useful for sensitive or irritated skin.”

Are there any ingredients that sulphur shouldn’t be mixed with?

Avoid layering multiple sulphur-containing products on top of each other, say the experts. This can lead to excessive dryness and aggravate existing conditions. Instead, use the products as instructed and keep an eye out for flaking, irritated or overly tight feeling areas.

What other conditions can sulphur treat?

Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, sulphur is a good option for dermatitis, rosacea and psoriasis. Some studies have shown that topical sulphur application can be as effective as an antibiotic in treating rosacea. As of yet, there is not a scientific consensus on whether sulphur is a solution for eczema but anecdotal reports say that the soothing properties help to alleviate severe itching.

What ingredients does sulphur work best with?

There are three ingredients that Craig advises using alongside sulphur: salicylic acid, kaolin clay and Austrian peat extract. “Salicylic acid helps exfoliate rough and bumpy skin for a smoother texture, kaolin clay helps remove excess oil and shine, while Austrian peat extract – a hydration-replenishing extract ideal for acne-prone skin – helps reduce visible signs of redness and enhance removal of impurities without over-drying skin,” Craig emphasises.

The best sulphur products for acne, clogged pores and breakouts:

Malin + Goetz 10% Sulfur Paste

Murad Rapid Relief Sulfur Mask

Look Fantastic
₹ 4,400.00

Oskia Citylife Cleansing Concentrate

Osika Skincare
₹ 3,800.00

EradiKate™ Daily Foaming Cleanser

Kate Somerville
₹ 3,900.00

Dermalogica Deep Breakout Liquid Patch

Look Fantastic
₹ 3,500.00

Take Care 10% Sulphur Soap

This story first appeared on Vogue.uk.com

Also Read:

Does the skincare in makeup actually do anything?

Everything you need to know about non-comedogenic skincare and makeup

9 skincare ingredients you should absolutely avoid pairing together

My driver, Tshering Dorji

The true spirit of Bhutan reveals itself not just in the Black-Necked Crane Festival, but in the everyday life of its citizens too. I quickly develop an affinity for Suja, the butter tea which will soon become my companion through chilly mornings and long afternoons, and Ema Datshi, the beloved chilli-cheese dish that pairs perfectly with rice. Each meal reinforces the importance of connection to both the local ecology as well as to each other.

As I travel from valley to valley, the seamless blend of adventure and tradition deepens my connection to Bhutan. My guide, who happens to be a trained archer, insists that I try it at least once. Archery, Bhutan’s national sport, is not just a pastime but an expression of community spirit, and almost every village has a practising field. He takes me to a local match and what strikes me most is the sense of friendly competition, the verbal battles that unfold in a chorus of cheers and chants, and the intense focus of the players. It is a beautiful reflection of Bhutan’s communal culture, where every victory or defeat is shared.