And this fall, the proud multi-hyphenate continues to impress all generations as she firmly enters her acting era, coming off her role as Detective Kay Raymond (a cop with a walk and a bob that took TikTok by storm) in Straw and garnering attention for her turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another.

Her willingness to take a risk, to try something new, yet remain a humble student of the entertainment industry is why I was so honored to interview Taylor, 34, for Marie Claire’s “Nice Talk” podcast. It was an interview that managed to do the impossible: reveal yet another side of the intrepid creative and entertainer. Which is why I decided to share an edited and condensed version here.

The conversation includes details on Taylor’s forthcoming projects, the people who have influenced her career, and how the podcast’s key topics—money, power, and style—intersect in her life. Over the course of an hour, she describes herself as a “Glade PlugIn” (“Why make one room smell good when you can make the whole building smell good?”), a “lover girl” (“I am a soldier of love. I am a love warrior”), and a champion of creators (“That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do—protect creatives and pour into them”).

A month after our interview, Taylor posted an unexpected Instagram story, revealing that she’d been quietly dealing with vocal challenges and would need immediate surgery to remove a noncancerous growth on one of her vocal cords. I felt crushed for the singer, knowing just how excited she was to share her album with fans and the greater public. “It’s not lost on me, just as I was getting ready to finally share this with you, life handed me my own unexpected ‘Escape Room’—one I didn’t ask for but now I have to find my way out of with patience, rest, and faith,” she wrote in the post.

I’m further reminded of what Taylor told me during our time together, perhaps foreshadowing what was to come: “Everything’s a gamble. You won’t know until you take that risk. I always say, the wait is not punishment, it’s preparation for what was already written.”

Before we started recording, you were telling me that Beyoncé really taught you about the power of investing yourself.

Yes, everybody knows I don’t play about B. She’s the one who would help me understand, you’re going to have to invest in yourself to get what you want. I remember just being in a space where I was trying to figure it out, and she was just encouraging me to keep going. Never be afraid to invest in yourself. You’re never going to fully get what you want unless you go and do it yourself. That always stuck with me. I wanted everything with a bubblegum-and-shoestring budget, and I would walk away with less money because I was paying more people, but I was okay with that. It hurts in the moment because it’s like, “Oh my God, I could be making so much more money.” But then to go and talk to B, and she reassures me that’s normal; that just means you’re a true creative.

No matter where I’ve ever been, whatever challenges I was going through, wherever I’ve been in my career, feeling stagnant or feeling unseen or unheard, to just hear Beyoncé tell me how proud of me she is, no matter where I am in my life and my career, really inspires me to keep going and just keep following my heart and following my gut.

I want to kick things off by talking to you about being a changemaker. What does that mean to you?

It’s never your intention to say, “I’m going to do this, that, and the third to change the world.” You’re just being you. So I think that that’s what a changemaker is: a person being themselves and really standing up for their views and what they believe in. My goal is to help people. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do: protect creatives and pour into them. And the fact that that plays a part in changing the game, I’m so grateful for that, because like I said, my goal wasn’t to come and try and change anything or anybody. My goal was to come in and show up for people in any way that I can.

I think that a key part of being a changemaker is being willing to take a risk. Are you a risk taker by nature?

Now, that’s one thing you always know I’ve been. That is what I stand on. I think that’s why everybody’s so happy that I’m back. [Retirement] was never any hard feelings, you’ve just gotta move the way you gotta move for your happiness and your mental health. And that was a risk that I was willing to take. I consider myself a Glade PlugIn. You can plug me in anywhere, baby, I’m gonna make the room smell good. But you ain’t about to have me locked in the bathroom, plugged in by the mirror. I’m going to take up every square foot of this building. Why only make one room smell good when you can make the whole building smell good? Don’t lock me in a room. Don’t lock me in a box. I need keys to multiple doors. And I can pick and choose which one I want to unlock in my own divine time.

That’s a risk, saying, “You know what? I’m going to take a break on this right now because this is not serving me. And I’m going to go over here and I’m going to be an actress, and people are going to take me serious one day as an actress, and people will take me serious as a director and a creative director.” It was scary. But everything’s a gamble. You won’t know until you take that risk. You won’t know until you drop that dead weight. I always say, the wait is not punishment, it’s preparation for what was already written.

When you say weight, do you mean W-A-I-T? Or W-E-I-G-H-T?

I mean both. For me, it’s like a double entendre. Because look at us and how far we’ve come. I’m sure from 2014 until now, it’s been a wait. Like, okay, when’s it gonna happen? When’s it gonna be my turn? When’s it gonna be my time?

And then that weight that you’re carrying, that dead weight that you’re carrying, the emotions that you’re carrying, the heart on your sleeves that you’re carrying, it’s heavy. When that’s lifted, you can make moves. You don’t have these heavy weights on you. You also don’t have these long waits.

You went on hiatus in 2020, but you’re back with Escape Room. Why now?

I love that you asked this right after us talking about the weight and the wait. I think that’s what the album shows—from heavy to light, from broken to repair, from heartbreak to healing. It’s an ombré album. The album is showing you how to get to the next space. It’s showing you the in-betweens. A lot of times with records, you hear a person being in a really hurt or dark space, And it’s just like, Damn, what happened? How’d you get there? How did you get out of it? Or you hear people that make completely just lightweighted, pure love music. And it’s like, “Well girl, let us in, sis.” This album takes you from where it started, but there’s also the in-between.

There can be a bit of messiness in the ombré too.

Exactly. I want to walk you through every single step that it takes to get to a better place, every single step it takes to get to the color that you want to get to. Every single step it takes from wet to dry. With this album, it’s like every step of vulnerability.

Where did the name for the album come from?

It’s getting from one place to another. It’s all still a process, escaping anything that doesn’t serve you.

People may automatically just assume this is about a relationship. No, baby. Whether it’s friendships, relationships, business, I’ve had my ups and downs with music. I’ve been married to music. This has been a crazy, wicked game for me. So it’s like escaping the things that just do not serve me—even if that includes myself!

Because we sometimes fall into these dark places ,and you’ve got to hold yourself accountable and say, “Girl, get up. Get out of this space. Get out of this room. Get out of this box.” You know, like I said, I’m a Glade PlugIn. When I retired, it was just me leaving one room and going into another. It’s time to plug in as a creative director. It’s time to plug in as a director. It’s time to plug in as an actress.

It was announced that you’re joining the upcoming Netflix Kevin Hart film, 72 Hours, and this fall you’ve got All’s Fair, created by Ryan Murphy, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. What has this acting journey been like for you?

That’s one thing that I can say I’m really proud of. When I was taking that risk and nobody else believed that I would make these things happen if I took that risk, that’s one thing that I get to sit here today and say, “I’m proud of that.” And did, and did, and did, and did. I said I would do it and not everybody believed that.

A Thousand and One was the first script that I got across my desk, literally a month after I retired. Dealing with postpartum and dealing with the other things that I was dealing with, I had a plan and I had a point to prove. And I noticed, every single time I trust God and I continue to be a prayer warrior and I continue to lift whatever weight is holding me down, He shows His favor. I feel like timing is everything too. What if I was still pregnant with Rue and decided to retire? Being a mom of one, I wasn’t playing. Now being a mom of two, I’m really not playing. I’ve got these two beautiful, pure, loving souls that love me for me that I’ve got to live for. So there were no games. Motherhood was the wake-up.

What have you learned, working with the people you’ve been on set with?

It’s always a joy and a pleasure to work with Regina [Hall]. She’s helped me through a lot, and I appreciate and love her so much. I also want to just give a shout out to Sherry [Shepherd] and Taraji [P. Henson] as well, working with them on Straw. Those are my girls. It’s the sisterhood of it all—how every woman that I’ve worked with has just been there with open arms. That quiet; we’re just speaking with the hug. And the pull back from that hug, and they give you that look. It’s “You’re good. You’re good. And we got you.”

I’m curious—who’s influenced the way you move in your life, in terms of being a changemaker?

My mom, for sure. That’s where it starts. I have been and am very blessed to have so many incredible women in my life that are super hands-on. To have my mom and my incredible aunt and my nana. I am so lucky. These women have kept me levelheaded. My mom being my manager, we really came up in this industry together, conquering this wicked business. She has kept me in shape in every single way. She’s just so amazing, and she’s such a great leader.

That’s so true. You have been in this industry since you were 15 and shot to fame working with Beyoncé on Ring the Alarm, and obviously, everyone knows about My Super Sweet 16.

I want to make sure that I give flowers to all the people who have been a part of my journey. My mom and the women in my life, that’s my roots. That’s my tribe. That’s my everything. Outside of that, having an opportunity to work with Beyoncé and getting signed to Pharrell and getting signed to Kanye, these guys shaped a lot of my creativity. I’m lucky. I come from prayer warriors, and then to get to be in the hands of the most creative people in the world. I’ve had it good.

How has your perspective on what it means to be in the public eye changed over the years?

One thing about me is, I’ve always been very, very, shy and private. People may think, Oh, well, you had a TV show, but that just means you’re going to see what you’re going to see, but it doesn’t take away the private person that I am. I show you what I choose to show you. I take my private life very seriously. My whole life being on Front Street, that’s what comes with the territory. That’s what comes with being in this business, and the most we can do is navigate our privacy as best as we can. I’m fine for you to be in whatever part of the business that I choose to share, but I don’t want you in my business.

I saw an interview where you called yourself a lover girl. Tell me about how you find power in being a lover girl. Some people may say that being a romantic means that you’re weak.

Or call you a simp. But no, that’s not that. And those are people—that’s their guilt, their own issue. That’s a them problem. I’ve noticed that people who will make fun of lovers are people who don’t have the ability to love at the full capacity, and they’re jealous of that. You know the quote “Good girls finish last”? No, good girls finish on their own divine time. Like, I’m going to take my time. And I’m gonna properly love and I’m gonna be a lover girl and I’m gonna be a simp, whatever comes with that. I love to love. People that don’t have emotional intelligence make fun of lovers. I am a soldier of love. I am a love warrior. I am a lover girl and I love everything about it and I’m okay with that. One thing nobody could ever take away from me is the love that I give. Never ever be ashamed of being a lover girl. I think lovers are the most emotionally intelligent.

I think that that will help people reframe a lot of their thoughts on either being a lover or a hater.

That’s why I’m excited about Escape Room—because I feel like even though there are the ones who make fun of it, everybody is low-key lovers. It’s just not the cool thing to do because we’re in a prideful and very egocentric time of music right now. But what I want is to create a safe space for women to be able to love again and to create that safe space for men to be gentle and to be lovers because they want to feel protected too. This album opens up that dialogue.

You’ve done so much in your career. Is there one space where you feel the most powerful?

I feel most in my power when I’m empowering and uplifting others, so being a creative director, showing up for people, pouring into people, pouring into creators, letting them know more is more—and that your ambition will never be too much. Your ambition will never be impossible to execute. I feel the most powerful pouring into others.

What was your relationship to mentorship back when you were just coming up and how has that impacted the way that you’ve mentored others?

See, it may be a little bit different now, because the young’uns coming up are stuck in their own ways. Our generation was really willing to be students. I looked at the Beyoncés, the Kanyes, the Pharrells, and I just wanted to soak up knowledge. I was always ready to learn. Even to this day, I’m always willing to be a student, no matter how much I pour into others. I may be a teacher to others, but I’m always still a student. No one is ever above learning. That was another thing that I took with me from working with Beyoncé and being able to walk into that room and teach her the Chicken Noodle Soup dance when I was just a 15-year-old girl from Harlem. She’s in it. She’s not laughing. She’s like, “Okay, cool. Now show me how I do this.” She’s not like, “Why does a little girl keep doing all these moves?” Even with Kanye and Pharrell, even though I was signed to them, they also valued my opinions.

What’s the best piece of advice that anyone has ever given you about your career or longevity in the entertainment space?

Don’t take none of this shit personally—from my mom, who was very, very clear. I got it a few more times also throughout the business, but at a young age of 15, you’re trying to figure it out and you pour so much into people and when it’s not reciprocated, your feelings are hurt. But it’s like, pick your head up, adjust your crown. Don’t take none of this shit personally. Business is business.

You recently dropped that you’re making another change and going to culinary school!

I’m so excited. Like, literally as soon as we get off this interview, I’m going straight to class. I’m putting on my coat, my uniform, and I’m getting to it. It’s always been a passion of mine. I’ve always loved to cook. It’s been very therapeutic for me. And again, I’m just showing up for myself. You know, I don’t have the time to do it, but I have the time to show up for me. That’s what I want to show people. Even if you don’t have the time, find time to show up for you. It’s “work” in the best way because it’s something that you’re doing for you. It’s a passion that you’re turning into purpose.

To see the comments on Instagram when you posted it. Ayo Edeberi of The Bear said, “Yes, chef!”

Yes! My God, I was so excited about that. I love my girl Ayo. Seeing that comment was really, really, really dope. And to see how many people it inspired—you know, like, I love to show the world that.

Let’s talk about fashion because I know that you are a lover of style. Your Met Gala look was so major. What was it like to work with Ruthie Carter on that look?

Honestly, I am very humble and I’m very modest when it comes to speaking about myself. But like, when you get to work with the Ruth E. Carter, if you thought for one second, I thought that outfit was going to be anything less than amazing. Like, baby, if I wasn’t invited to the Met, I was sneaking on that carpet and I was getting Best Dressed. When you’re working with the Ruth E. Carter, to understand the amount of love and detail that went into that, you already should have known that Ruth was going to come through. Every bit of praise that we’ve received is exactly how it was supposed to be. And now I say that with all cockiness.

And you’re going to have so many red carpet moments coming up. Your fall is stacked.

My God, my fall is amazing. I’m working with some designers, but also I’m working on original pieces that I’m going to design. Let’s just see where that takes me, because maybe that can be the start of my own actual line.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Photographer: Micaiah Carter | Stylist: Sam Woolf | Hairstylist: Brooke Crittendon | Makeup Artist: Yeika Oliva | Manicurist: Sarah Chue

To know me is to understand that my favorite place in the entire world—over Paris, the South of France, or even Greece—is Turks and Caicos. Simply setting foot on the Caribbean island, which is a casual three and a half hour flight from New York, gives me an instant boost of serotonin. It’s my happy place, plain and simple. The weather is near-perfect, even during the off-season—I like to go in June or July. The water is crystal clear, and the food scene gets five stars (Vita is my must-try—they have the best prawn lemon pasta I’ve ever tasted).

If you need some inspiration on where to stay? Allow me to be your guide; I’ve hopped around to quite a few of the best resorts over the years. My number one draft pick for a wellness-centric, luxury stay that gives Private Island energy is Rock House, which features gorgeous, private villas that have been carved directly into the rock of the island. It’s secluded, romantic, and has an oceanfront yoga class that will remain a core memory of mine. If you’re traveling with family? Grace Bay Resorts is the only option—the staff is the nicest on the island, water sports are easily accessible, and you’ll have access to the best lamb tacos of your life. Wymara is my other personal favorite—myself and my extended family love to stay in the five-bedroom villa, experience the sound bath class, and take full advantage of en-suite water slide.

But because I’m a beauty editor, no vacation is complete without a spa treatment (or three). So I’ve spent my past few trips down in Turks and Caicos searching for the best facials, massages, spas, and shops on the island. Whether you’re planning your stay around the beauty perks or plan on taking a day trip for a treatment, read ahead for my personal guide to the Turks and Caicos beauty scene.

Best Facial

Wymara Resort and Villas Spa

There are two main reasons I love this spa. First and foremost, there’s a little private outdoor relaxation space where you can curl up with a book and bask in the sun before or after your treatment. Second, it’s actually incredibly reasonably priced for the time you’ll have on the treatment table. The resort partnered with 111Skin earlier this year, too, so you know you’ll be in for a taste of true luxury with a mix of the brand’s regenerative skincare, iconic sheet masks, and targeted serums. I’m partial to the Depuffing Energy Facial because it includes a cryo treatment that cools my skin after a day in the sun.

Depuffing Energy Facial: 80 minutes

Cost: $295

Como Shambhala Retreat

A wellness resort that’s connected to Parrot Cay, this retreat deserves a whole day. You can experience workout classes, enjoy the jacuzzi, and take in some incredible views. That all being said, don’t leave without experiencing the Sundãri Intensive Healing Facial. The technique is based on Ayurvedic techniques (expect aspects of meditation to be integrated into the facial), and the skincare is ideal for sensitive or easily reactive skin.

Sundãri Intensive Healing Facial: 90 minutes

Cost: $195

Best Massage

Amanyara

Even if you’re not staying at the uber-luxe resort (this is where the Kardashians camp out, FYI), you can still access the property’s spa. Super committed guests can partake in a special three-day detox program crafted by Novak Djokovic himself or opt in for private health assessments (think: White Lotus season 3 vibes), but you can also treat yourself to 90 minutes of pure bliss with a Twilight for Two couple’s massage (set against an idyllic ocean-view backdrop, of course) or a simple signature massage that the well-trained masseuse will craft to your needs and liking.

Signature Massage: 60 or 90 minutes

Cost: available upon request

The Palms

Curious where the locals go to get some R&R on their off time? Per my inside sources, it’s always the Palms. While I haven’t personally tried out the spa there, I have it on good authority from trusted sources that the Four Palms Restorative Massage (aka two massage therapists working at once) is an out-of-body experience.

Four Palms Restorative Massage: 60 Minutes

Cost: $310

Best Spa

The Grace Bay Club Spa by L’Occitane

If you stay at Grace Bay Club, you’ll quickly realize there’s no shortage of L’Occitane, which just so happens to be one of my favorite French pharmacy brands. Not only is there bodycare, shampoo, and conditioner stocked in all the newly renovated (and very spacious) rooms on the property, but the spa is also exclusively partnered with the brand. Whether you’re popping by for a hot stone massage or a relaxing aromachologie massage (my personal favorite), you’ll find that the staff is incredibly well-trained, the space smells soothing, and every treatment is designed to truly help you unplug. I get a lot of massages as a beauty editor (work perk!), but I swear this was one of the most relaxing, perfectly pressured massages of my life—I walked out of my treatment floating. (PSA: if you stay at Rock House, a pro from Grace Bay Club’s spa will come to your villa for a private treatment—all you have to do is ask your concierge to set it up.)

The Spa at Seven Stars

I’d highly recommend getting a manicure and pedicure before flying out, but if you’re in a pinch, The Spa at Seven Stars does a great job. (You’ll find that a lot of the hotel spa menus don’t include mani/pedi services.) In addition to getting your nails in order, though, it’s important to call out that this spa is sponsored by Espa, a resort skincare brand that’s pretty well-known for its top-tier training. The products smell delightful (that traditional spa-like smell) and always leave my skin feeling supple and soft.

Best Blowout

Maxime Le Salon

Let me start this off with a PSA: you’re American Dyson will work with the outlets in Turks and Caicos. That being said, there aren't a ton of places on the island to get a blowout. But if you do want to treat yourself to a good hair day, the locals love Maxime Le Salon, which is situated in the main part of town (and right next to my favorite ice cream shop, Giggles). The salon offers blowouts, highlights, cuts—everything you could need and then some.

Best Culturally Immersive Beauty Experience

Rock House Sunrise Yoga

While I’m not usually a workout-while-on-vacation type (although I’m jealous if you are), I make an exception for yoga set to the prettiest backdrop. Rock House, which does have a state-of-the-art gym, offers sunrise yoga on its dock. The water on this side of the island is devoid of any water sports or boats, so it’s just you, the sunrise, and the soft ripple of the waves. It’s truly the most peaceful experience. If you want to take advantage of a Caribbean sunrise without the sweat, ask your concierge to arrange an outdoor massage for you, which can take place in your private villa overlooking the ocean. Once you’ve wrapped, I highly recommend walking up the steps to Vita, which offers the best breakfast on the island. The omelets, fresh fruit, and the blueberry muffin are some of my personal favorites.

Wymara Sound Bath

I love a sound bath, which is when a guide leads you through meditation to the vibrations of sound bowls. But my family had never experienced one until I booked us a group session at Wymara two summers ago. Let me just say: everyone from my 83-year-old grandmother to my very skeptical father had the best time. My brother even fell asleep on the mat. It’s a great pre-dinner activity for the whole family.

Best Shopping Destination

Coco Boutique

With an outpost at Rock House and Grace Bay Club (both of which have completely different merchandise, the former inspired by the Mediterranean, the latter taking more inspo from France), Coco Boutique is a must-see. Not only do they carry the best-smelling tropical-scented sunscreen of all time, Ocean Potion Suncare, but they also have all the Sun Bum you could dream of. As for clothes? You’ll find an assortment of luxury brands, including Zimmerman, My Beachy Side, Maygel Coronel, Andres Otalora, and so many more.

Ports of Call

If you want to stroll around a shopping center, take a little trip to Ports of Call. Here, you’ll find a handful of ice cream shops, souvenir spots, and little cafés. There’s also a painted picture of the island on one of the walls that makes for a great family photo opp.

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Naturally, Laufey was the first call to front Everlane’s debut celebrity fall campaign. Developed by creative producer Junia Lin and shot by photographer Sam Cannon, Everlane’s Fall 2025 campaign, “Laufey in Everland,” finds the singer wandering into a miniature city through a portal behind her closet. As she explores the dreamscape filled with skyscrapers, farmers' markets, and of course, an Everlane store, Laufey wears a range of the brand's new autumn staples. The soundtrack? “Lover Girl,” from her album A Matter of Time.

From a twill blazer styled with sheer socks and retro flats to a button-down paired with a silk slip skirt and a cashmere handkerchief, Laufey’s outfits strike the perfect balance between minimalism and self-expression. They also let her expand her horizons without veering too far from her style pillars: "Whether it’s high- or low-rise, wide-leg or tapered—I’m open to anything, and Everlane helps me to lean into that freedom," she says.

Beyond the fanciful realm of Everland, Laufey plans to style the brand’s fresh fall essentials for real-world plans. “The silky champagne dress is one I could see myself wearing onstage, perhaps paired with a bow,” she says. Once temperatures begin to drop, she’ll also team one of the snug cardigans with floor-sweeping trousers and heeled boots.

The campaign styling isn't too far off from how Laufey shops at Everlane in real life. Before there were any talks to spin her music into a campaign, she was shopping the its sleek loafers and crewneck sweaters.

"My first experience with Everlane was years ago, right after I moved to Washington D.C.," she says. "I remember walking around and hearing so many girls talking about how the brand had the best knits and jeans."

If the singer wants to restock any of her investment-worthy styles, she might wear her own designs next. On Tuesday, September 30, Everlane will drop an exclusive capsule collection in partnership with Laufey. The lineup—featuring cozy must-haves like fleeces, sweatpants, and T-shirts—will benefit The Laufey Foundation, a nonprofit organization striving to make orchestral programs more accessible to young musicians.

Between Everlane’s Fall 2025 collection and Laufey's co-designed collection, there are endless ways to dream up an everlasting wardrobe—and dress to the rhythm of your own style.

Shop More Styles From Everlane's Fall 2025 Collection

The clearest sign that top fashion designers drew inspiration from fresh gardens was the variety of floral prints and vibrant greens. Chanel, for example, showcased its signature white camellia rosettes, while also adding more colorful, eclectic marigolds and peonies embroidered with sequins. Other designers looked beyond flowers and focused on animals; In Maria Grazia Chiuri's final showing at Dior, the prolific creative director used wispy threads and feathers to mimic the plumage of birds that feed on fallen seeds and sweet nectar.

The couture collections aren't as practical as what you see on a ready-to-wear runway, and a bespoke $10,000 gown covered in silk rosettes isn't as straightforward an investment as, say, a new pair of fall boots. But they celebrate craftsmanship and fashion's ability to inspire, and there's no reason you can't approach your everyday wardrobe with a similar admiration for artistry. Ahead, discover the Fall 2025 Couture's garden-inspired trends, with insights on incorporating botanical, natural touches into your daily style.

Wildflower Beds

Ranging from more subtle statements of colorful floral prints and micro-sized beaded flowers to extreme sculptural orchid motifs and three-dimensional tableaux, maximal depictions of flowers were showcased across the Haute Couture runways. While admittedly not as grand as Rahul Mishra's Gustav Klimt's wildflower landscapes, or even Chanel's fresh-picked embroidery, a floral beaded bag pays homage to the craft-heavy couture ethos.

White Blooms

While some designers created a vibrant, kaleidoscopic garden, others honed in only on a white palette, using rose prints (Robert Wun), camellia appliques (Chanel), and sweet daisy lace (Dior) to craft a more minimal look. A delicate ballet flat with a crisp, front-centered rosette or a white floral slip skirt can achieve a similar romantic, neutral effect.

Chlorophyll

Lush, verdant greens appeared throughout the Fall 2025 Couture season. Glenn Martens' impressive couture debut at Maison Margiela featured a grass-green gown with ruffles resembling leaves on a stem. Meanwhile, the ever-innovative Ronald Van Der Kemp crafted a fringed mini dress with rigid boning that closely resembled palm fronds—J.Crew's ribbed peridot sweater creates a similar natural effect.

Sun Rays

As a more abstract interpretation, yet still closely related to what makes a well-kept, joyful garden flourish, a few designers looked upwards for inspiration: the sun. Schiaparelli and Rahul Mishra's interpretations were literal, showing as sunbursts and rays. Meanwhile, Zuhair Murad opted for sunny color palettes, which you can see as couture's response to the next color trend after muted butter yellow.

Creepy Crawlers

In shimmering textiles resembling iridescent beetles, featuring literal wing motifs, curved inchworm silhouettes, and more, Fall 2025 Couture remembered the creepy crawlers that sustain (and sometimes damage) garden life. If bugs don't bother you, consider a butterfly print or moth motif on a button-down shirt or boxy tee. Otherwise, draw inspiration from insect anatomy with a sharply tailored blazer or bug-eyed trendy sunglasses.

Avian Friends

Feathers fluttered down both the ready-to-wear and couture runways, but the latter shows embraced more fantastical, elaborate, and sometimes avant-garde designs. Ronald Van der Kemp balanced realistic bird figurines on shoulders, while Viktor & Rolf transformed models into feather-trimmed creations you'd see in a fairy tale (or nightmare, depending on your subconscious). A feather-fringed maxi dress or flouncy handbag will add a similar bird-inspired touch to your wardrobe.

Here's the thing: even the best nail polish or gel can't disguise dry, ragged cuticles. Other than the cuticle's function as a protective barrier from germs and bacteria, when properly maintained, it's the secret to your nails look healthy and clean. Ahead, I've shared my my go-to routine for soft, well-maintained cuticles, including the best creams, oils, and overnight treatments.

Slick Stick

The most vital step—right after clean, washed hands—is to make sure my cuticles get a designated treatment. More moisture throughout the day is ideal for my dry, dehydrated nails. My favorite way to do this is with a conveniently bottled stick formulation. This way, I can toss one in my bag and keep one on my bedside table without worrying about a bottle spilling.

Designer Hands

If there's something I often forget to do but would really benefit from, it's regularly using a hand cream. That's where my designer beauty favorites come in—and, trust me, they perform just as well as they look.

Dream Cream

When we go to bed for the night, our body and skin go into repair mode. That's why I like to load up on all my active-packed formulations, including an ultra-moisturizing retinol hand cream that also targets my cuticles.

Treat Yourself

When I have a little extra time at night or need a good Sunday refresh, after my everything shower, I do a full hand care routine. It helps keep my hands in top shape all week.

Strengthen & Lengthen

When I think about caring for my cuticles, I see it as part of the whole picture—my entire nail beds included. That's where a nail strengthener comes into play. But these polishes are not like the old-fashioned, smelly formulas of the past. Instead, they provide a "my-nail-but-better" look.

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Gwyneth Paltrow has long been at the center of the beauty and wellness conversation, and today she's adding another innovation to the mix: Goop Beauty's brand-new Exosome Hydration Therapy Serum. The silky-smooth, quick-absorbing formula is powered by exosomes—the latest buzz ingredient in skincare—for youthful-looking, radiant skin. In true Goop fashion, the formulation is both luxurious and innovative. Paltrow rarely follows the hype (after all, she's made a habit of internet-breaking launches)—but she's confident enough in this one to get behind it. But the real question is: how does the woman whose brand became the blueprint for modern wellness get In The Mood?

During our chat, Paltrow is refreshingly candid, with a grounded ease and demeanor that's unmistakably her. She laughs about how she's not great at makeup—mascara is as sophisticated as she gets—and admits she's given up on lipstick altogether. She walks me through her date night perfume and confesses that the least sexy step in her routine actually makes her feel the sexiest. For her, beauty is about what actually works, not keeping up with trends or trying to impress anyone else. That's why, even in an already hyped category like exosomes, she only brings to the market what she fully supports. Keep reading for the beauty rituals that make Paltrow feel entirely herself.

I guess it’s the idea that I accept my full self—the whole spectrum of myself, all the gradations.

I like to put essential oils in the shower and use our body scrub. I also like to dry brush beforehand to invigorate the skin, exfoliate, and get the lymphatics going. Then I use a double exfoliant in the shower with essential oils. One time during a photoshoot, someone tied a bunch of dried eucalyptus leaves to my shower head, which was such a nice touch—I’ve done it a few times since then.

That’s a hard question. I guess shaving my legs.

Lately, I’ve been using a fragrance from Vrayo called Mamajuju. It smells warm and it’s spicy but not too spicy. It has a very earthy, warm sense to it.

Oh, man. I'm so bad at makeup. I mean, mascara, that's about as sophisticated as it gets. I'm not good at putting on lipstick. And also, my husband is not a fan of a red lip, so I've given up [laughs].

I'm a Chanel Rouge Noir girl. I've been for a long, long time.

If I’m really exhausted and not wearing makeup from an event or anything, I’ll do an abbreviated routine: just a little of our detox formula cleanser, a hot washcloth to scrub my face, then our peptide and face oil before bed. Now that we have the hydration serum, I may have to adjust it a bit.

I’m looking forward to a slower pace, more time just being and reading, and less doing.

I think face oil. I’ve used it for decades, partly because I’ve always been on the dry side. I naturally massaged my face with oil long before gua sha tools were what they are now. I feel like I just naturally always did that with face oil. And I think that combination of oil and keeping the skin really beautifully hydrated with massage is a great beauty tip.

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I’ve stumbled upon a rusted orange duo that feels very Life of a Showgirl, a nude lip liner and clear gloss combo that’s super ‘90s coded, and a berry power team for a little extra oomph on a night out. Not to brag, but my fall lip liner combos are superior—I’ve tried hundreds of formulas and shades, so I know the products that are going to glide on easily, offer easy pigment, and of course, last.

But there’s a catch: I’m not really a lipstick person. My recipe relies on lip liner as the secret ingredient. I take my lip liner and ever so slightly blur my cupid’s bow and shade in my entire lip. It looks like lipstick but lasts a hell of a lot longer. Then it’s lip glosses and lip oils (great for both hydration and shine) from there on out. Get a peek inside my curated makeup bag, ahead.

A Moment for Mauve

This will forever and always be my go-to color combo. It’s a pretty similar shade to my natural lips, goes with every outfit, and functions as a neutral against any eyeshadow or blush shade.

Berry Sweet

Juicy berry and plum hues are one of the biggest fall makeup trends, so I naturally had to get in on it. Because I have cool undertones, I typically gravitate towards blue-toned raspberry glosses, but if you have warmer undertones, I’d highly recommend a blackberry stain.

‘90s Neutrals

Let it be known: this is not to be confused with the concealer lips. Today’s nudes nod to the ‘90s with a creamier, more nuanced shade selection. I personally like to pair a nude lip with a subtle smoky eye to really get in on the tired girl makeup trend.

Rusted Orange

I’m not normally an orange lipstick girl, but as a proud Swiftie I had to get in on the Life of a Showgirl action ahead of the October 3rd album drop. While you won’t find me in a bright orange lip (it looks too harsh against my fair skin), a terracotta hue is actually very flattering.

Teddy Bear Browns

Brown suede isn’t just having a moment in fashion (my shopping cart is filled to the brim with brown suede jackets and bags); it’s also entering the beauty sphere. I’ve been loving a latté eye with a soft brown stain on the lip. I always pair darker hues with a high-shine gloss to soften the impact and make it feel more wearable and less editorial.

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Available today and in nine shades (including my personal favorite, Taupe), it promises the finest, thinnest, and lightest hair-like strokes that don’t go anywhere—for 24 hours. But I often find the best tester for a brow product is the least talented user, so I volunteered my unskilled hands and thinning brows to put this new launch to the test. My honest thoughts, ahead.

The Design

• Micro-fine tip: As far as brow pens are concerned, the design of the tip is key. Sometimes the product comes out too quickly, which results in uneven lines and varying thickness, or the tip is too thick, and it becomes painfully apparent that the brow hairs are, in fact, drawn on. But the shape of this tip is genuinely the perfect length and thickness for a natural finish. It’s tapered, which does provide a bit of artistic liberty to the user (press down super hard and you’ll get a thicker line), but overall, the product comes out so faintly that you won’t really have the chance to go too heavy.
• Spoolie: To me, a spoolie on a brow pen is a no-brainer. Under no circumstances do I want to have to pick up another product to blend my brows. This one is actually pretty chunky, but it’s sturdy, and I can tell it’s going to last a while before it frays.

The Application

Now for the true test: how easy is this really? First things first: I like to brush all my brow hair up first to see which areas need to be filled in before I flip over to the pen. Then, shake the pen and make sure some pigment comes out on your hand. Hold it perpendicular to your brow and do light, little flicks of the wrist to create hair-like strokes where needed. I personally like to start in the middle of my brow and work my way over to the tail—this way I’ve mastered the pressure before I get to my sparsest area. Once I’m done, I spoolie again to blend the product in with my natural hair. I normally top it all off with either a clear brow gel (or just some Vaseline that I’ve warmed between my fingertips) so the look stays put all day.

The Wear

While I have yet to put the full 24 hour claim to the test (you’ll never, ever find me sleeping in makeup—or pulling an all-nighter), I can confirm that the pigment lasts at least 14 hours. I use the taupe shade (a game-changing color if you’re a fake blonde like me), and despite it being on the lighter side, it really grips my skin and never fades as my skin gets oilier throughout the day.

The Takeaway

When I say I’m bad at my eyebrows, I promise you I am not exaggerating. For years, I’ve all but given up hope and just embraced my sad, thinning tails. My routine: just a spoolie (no product) and a clear brow gel, because yes, you can, in fact, look crazy with a tinted one when your skill level is a solid 0. That being said, Anastasia’s Micro Fine Brow Pen genuinely couldn't be more mistake-proof if I tried.

The pigment comes out even (every time) and, paired with the thin, tapered brush, it takes the skill out of creating brow-like strokes. I haphazardly fill in my brows and spoolie in the morning—a routine that takes me all of 20 seconds—and I’m good to go for the rest of the day. Take it from me: this is the ultimate beginner-friendly eyebrow product.

Shop My Favorite Brow Products

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.”

The shades that I gravitate towards come September and throughout fall are warm, earthy, and rich, inspired by the textures I’m wearing in my wardrobe like suede and velvet. The goal? To feel as sensual and luxurious as possible, like I’m constantly on the verge of attending a candlelit cocktail party in a Greenwich Village townhouse. Luckily, this is also the time of year when my favorite beauty brands are debuting their latest and greatest lip colors, so the options for your cool weather makeup routine are pleasantly robust. Unsure of where to start? These are the fall lipstick colors I always reach for after Labor Day.

Orange Crush

All I’m saying is that I’ve been an orange lipstick fan well before Miss Taylor Swift decided to get engaged in the shade and subsequently break the internet. Don’t discount this unexpected color!

Rich Rose

A deep, luxurious rose lip looks absolutely stunning on every skin tone and has been my go-to shade for close to a decade now.

Vampy Wine

Whether it’s my eagerness for the second half of Wednesday season two to premiere or the grunge makeup trend taking over my FYP, I am definitely channeling my inner vamp for fall. A sultry wine-colored lip is my go-to trick for an elevated but still moody cool look.

Brownish-Red Beauty

Any beauty fan can tell you that “red lipstick” is simply an umbrella term for dozens of undertones and slight variations. My favorite option for fall is a brown-meets-red shade that really captures the warmth and cozy energy of the season.

Ruby Red Realness

Listen, every lipstick fan needs a power red in her collection and fall is the perfect moment to bring it back into rotation. My favorite true red shade has a warm undertone since my complexion leans neutral to golden, but if you have a cooler complexion, look for a blueish-red shade to help your lips pop.

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This partnership has been behind some of my personal products in the skincare space: The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator (one of the best highlighters, hands down), The Makeup Concealer Pen (goodbye dark circles), and as of today, September 3, The Foundation Drops. Available in 19 “flexible” shades that morph to your skin tone, the light to medium coverage formula blends Augustinus Bader’s signature TFC8 Complex with VBB’s makeup expertise. The result is a skincare-first formula with luxe pigment payoff and a second-skin finish.

Naturally, the MC Beauty team got a sneak preview and had to put it to the test. Read our honest reviews (and shop the product), below.

The Formula

• TFC8: If you’ve ever picked up an Augustinus Bader bottle, you’re familiar with this ingredient. It was whipped up by Professor Bader himself 30 years ago. The TL:DR is that it’s a mix of vitamins, hydrating ingredients, and compounds that help skin renew itself, minimize signs of aging like fine lines, and give a general youthful glow to the skin.
• Spilanthese Acmella Flower Extract: A flowering herb that is used in eastern medicine (it’s often used to treat toothaches), it also has skincare benefits that help your complexion feel and look smoother and firmer.
• Olive Leaf Extract: This is pretty much a do-it-all ingredient. It helps with skin rejuvenation, hydration, and plumping , so the pigment lies down smoother on the skin.

The Application

The MC beauty team has played around with this foundation quite a bit, and our conclusion: the results depend heavily on the application. For the least streaky, most natural, my-skin-but-better finish, this foundation needs a little bit of warmth. If you want more coverage, start by using a brush to stipple on the pigment. Then, you’ll need to either pat it in with your fingers (a little tap-tap-tap will suffice) or use a damp, warm beauty blender. Personally, I just applied it with my finger right away and was left with a finish that made it impossible to tell where my skin stopped and the foundation started.

The Wear

It’s technically a natural finish foundation, but the end result really depends on the skincare you have on. If you go for glowy moisturizers, a hydrating primer, and mix in a bit of The Rejuvenating Illuminator, you’ll be left with a pretty radiant finish. But if your skin feels drier and your prep is hyper-focused on mattifying, you’ll be left with a more velvet finish.

Marie Claire Editors' Honest Review

Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor

This past year, I’ve been having a bit of a foundation crisis. My usual go-to decided to stop agreeing with my skin and cause breakouts (it happens!), so I’ve been on the hunt for a few new go-tos. I’ve found success with Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation, but it’s admittedly more of a night out/going out to dinner foundation, given the fuller coverage.

All that to say, this Victoria Beckham launch couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s super lightweight, which is perfect for everyday office wear, and the coverage straddles that ideal balance of looking like my skin (but better) and actually having enough pigment to camouflage my breakouts and rosacea. I use around five drops of shade Fair 2 Light for my whole face and then build up coverage where needed with the concealer pen. It can be a little matte-ish for my preference, so I always top it off with The Illuminator on my cheeks.

Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director

I'll admit that I rarely wear foundation on the day-to-day, but at the end of summer, when my hyperpigmentation and melasma are on overdrive, I like to reincorporate it into my beauty routine to even out my skin tone. Like Sam, I'm already a massive fan of the VBB x Augustinus Bader Concealer Pen, so I was eager to get my hands on this new formula. I used about three drops on each cheek, two on my forehead, and one on my chin and started with a dense fluffy foundation brush to blend (I also had on a rich moisturizer and a primer, which I had let dry for five minutes before going in with the drops).

On the drier areas of my face I saw that the formula wasn't sinking into my skin as well, but as soon as I switched to tapping it in with my hands (the heat helps the product melt into the skin), the drops settled smoothly for a more seamless finish. In general, I hate the feeling of a full face of foundation but by the end of the day I had more or less forgotten I was wearing base makeup. My complexion definitely looked more even, my skin could breath, and there wasn't any creasing around my nose or mouth—the spots that require a bit more color correction. It's safe to say, this new launch will remain in my regular makeup rotation from here on out.

Shop Victoria Beckham Beauty by Augustinus Bader

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

We don’t make the rules: Back-to-school season unofficially marks the start of fall, even if your cute new cardigan is to combat the blasting A.C., rather than crisp autumn air. Regardless, there are still plenty of other cozy delights to help you start feeling the school spirit—like sinking your teeth into a dark academia novel.

These creepy books typically feature a school (bonus points if it’s haunted) and students untangling—or covering up—knotty crimes all before the first bell of the day. With the delectable blend of old-world lore, dreary backdrops, and a Shakespeare reference or two, dark academia novels are ideal for getting into the swing of the school year.

Fortunately, this genre has something for everyone. From realistic plots to others that include communing with the uncanny, all of these books will have you wondering what’s scarier: figuring out who to eat lunch with or facing down a poltergeist.

From grad students with a flair for witchcraft and a podcaster solving mysteries at her alma mater, these dark academia novels are heavy on suspense—and don’t skimp on the drama, either. Below, check out some of the top dark academia novels to read now.

So what does that actually translate to? "We get moodier and more intense in our wardrobes and makeup follows suit," Spickard notes. "I love the rich tones we get when fall makeup starts to come into play, such as burgundies and oxblood tones on the eyes and lips." Spickard, along with other top makeup artists I spoke with, points to fresher shifts: timely looks inspired by Wicked: For Good, as well as the revival of ‘90s neutrals, softer spins on the smokey eye, and bold moments like metallic lids and statement shadows.

Keep scrolling for a guide to the nine biggest fall makeup trends destined to take over your social feeds (and your makeup bag), with insight from Spickard; celebrity makeup artists Matin Maulawizada and Nick Barose; Marquis Ward, makeup artist and lead educator at LYS Beauty; and Samantha Sachs, who leads product development at Half Magic—the brand founded by Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Donni Davy of Euphoria fame. Get ready to screenshot your favorites.

'90s-Inspired Makeup

"Late '90s makeup is making its return," says Maulawizada, who came prepared with a history lesson in what that means: "Fashion and beauty were both shifting from the grungy early ’90s into the projected opulence of the 2000s." He notes that the look was glamorous, with neutral tones of taupe, brown, and beige, and featured luxurious, glossy lips and skin. It was the start of glowy skin as well as fully sculpted faces and contoured, well-defined eyes, but without hard lines. "Everything was meticulously placed but looked effortlessly applied," he says.

To channel the look, Maulawizada recommends building a neutral palette with a true contour product, along with easy-to-blend eyeliners in brown, gray, or black. Taupe brow pencils that double as lip liners are another essential. For lips, he recommends beigey-brown lipsticks for that signature late ’90s look.

Metallic Lids

“High frost metallic eyes add a futuristic look to the lids, you can do it in small doses as liner or more dramatic by painting on the whole lids, or as details to add to your regular smokey eyes by dabbing the extra metallic on the center of lids, inner corners, brow bones," says Barose. He particularly adores the new Lisa Eldridge Eyeshadow Palette in Desert Gleam. “The various metallic khaki, olive green, brown metallic tones will accessorize your eyes perfectly without going overboard this season," he says.

Latté Smoky Eyes

"Latté smokey eyes are more of a soft, wearable version of the classic smokey eye that uses creamy browns and warm neutrals for a more cozy and blended look," says Ward. "It’s a very dimensional look and is flattering on all skin tones, making it an easy go-to for both day and night glam. Its versatility and warmth pair beautifully with fall fashion."

To get the look, he suggests beginning with the No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick (in shades like Courage or Strength) swept across the lids as a base. Next, he layers on the Matte Bronzer, blending it into the crease or outer corners for added depth. To finish, he taps the Aim High Multi-Use Highlighter Stick (Brave or Genuine) onto the inner corners and brow bone for a luminous pop.

Glossed Berry Lips

"Juicy berry and plum shades with a high-shine finish are making a bold statement this season," Ward says. "It's ideal for the cooler weather as it offers a fresh, moisturizing twist on the classic matte lip. It’s bold yet wearable, and the glossy finish keeps lips looking hydrated and vibrant."

Bold Eyeshadow

"Eyeshadow is coming back," Spickard declares. "We've been on such a clean girl makeup aesthetic for the last few years, neutral lids, delicate eyeliner, maybe a little shimmer. However, I'm starting to see people returning to more dramatic eyeshadow looks. Creators like Rose Siard have created some gorgeous, cool-toned eyeshadow looks, and I anticipate we'll see more looks like this as we head into fall. I recreated an eyeshadow look like this recently and got so much response on my own socials from people asking for tutorials, how to achieve the look, and loving a full, dramatic eyeshadow."

Blurred Matte Lips

“The dry, cakey matte days are long gone, and velvety soft, matte finishes are back in," says Sachs, whether it be for eye, lip or cheek—everyone’s loving the comfortable feel and the soft, dreamy look of a modern matte. One of the perfect ways to get in on the trend is with "K-beauty-like textures that are velvety, whipped, and ultra-smoothing, like Half Magic’s Mouth Cloud Soft Matte Lip Cream. Not only does it feel like cocoa butter on the lips, but it also smooths out lip lines for that perfect blurred lip effect," she says.

Grunge Eyes

“Grunge eyes will forever be striking and flattering, but I expect them to return full force during the fall as everyone loves a defining eye look," says Sachs. "The best way to achieve the grunge eye is with a smokey shadow crayon and liquid or gel eyeliner. Shadow sticks allow you to deposit creamy color in a cinch without any of the dreaded mess, layering, and fall-out that a traditional powder shadow brings (not to mention no primer needed!)."

Wicked-Inspired Glam

"One thing I always love to look at when it comes to makeup trends is the big theatrical releases," Spickard says. "Obviously, we saw tons of makeup looks inspired by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande last year with the release of Wicked. And I anticipate we'll see this happen again, starting on the press tour and into the movie release. We're getting Glinda's blue dress in For Good, so I anticipate we'll see makeup looks inspired by that costume. We'll see cool-toned blues, and maybe purples, iridescence, being created on socials as we see the costumes and hair and makeup from the press tour and theatrical release!"

Orange Lips

Well before Taylor Swift wore orange lipstick on the New Heights podcast, Barose predicted the somewhat controversial color (along with other bold pops) would trend this fall. “Bright pinks and orange-toned lipsticks with a satin texture and fresh shine are a foolproof way to add color to the lips without being too in-your-face or harsh—a perfect step up from your regular nude tones when they start to feel a little dull and you need some pop.”

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Meet the Experts

Here’s the thing: as she’s gotten older, her eyes don’t necessarily agree with the same formulas. “My skin around there is so much thinner and crepier. I have to wear eye cream before I put on my makeup too, which always ends in my eyeliner fading by midday,” my 56-year-old mom, Mindy, tells me. So when I heard buzz about Sarah Creal’s newest launch—which is specifically formulated to address the concerns of more mature eyes—I had every shade sent over to my mom for testing. Obviously, I had to get my hands on ‘em, too. Our honest reviews, ahead.

The Formula

• Cream-Gel Matrix: Kohl pencils can sometimes tug or skip on thin skin, so it makes sense that Sarah Creal opted for a cream-gel blend. It has a smooth and even glide that floats over fine lines. The TLDR: it’s super creamy.
• Allantoin: As we get older, our eyes become drier. (Even though I’m only in my late 20s, I have chronic dry eye that makes my eyes function much older than they are.) That also means that eyes are more prone to irritation—especially if you tightline, aka put eyeliner on your waterline. But thanks to allantoin, an ingredient you’ll often see in skincare, this eyeliner is soothing and hydrating on the most sensitive of eyes.
• Cross-Linked Polymer: This proprietary ingredient is just a fancy way of saying that this formula isn’t gong anywhere. It ensures that the formula won’t crease or transfer—even on hooded lids.

The Application

There’s six shades to choose from, three matte and three shimmer: jet black, rich cocoa, everyday taupe, copper, bronzy, and golden. Every single one comes dual-ended—a creamy pencil on one end and a tapered brush for smudging purposes on the other. I’m personally not coordinated enough to do a wing, but I love a good tightline and messy liner. I chose shade copper, a rich, reddish, slightly shimmery hue, and dragged it in my lower waterline, diffusing it out with my finger. Then, I went ahead and applied it with very light pressure above my upper lash line. It’s super creamy but dries fast, so I recommend having the smudging brush ready to go.

As for my mom? She loved how creamy the texture was against her thin lids. “There are very, very few formulas that go on as smoothly as this one. Normally, I feel like I have to retrace or really smudge liner out to get a fluid, skip-free line, especially because of my eye cream creating slipperiness, but I was able to achieve that in one go with this guy.”

The Wear

For me, wear is the most important test of an eyeliner’s quality. My main bone to pick with competitors is that they irritate my sensitive eyes, cause them to water, and then end up completely washed away and faded halfway through the day, with my eyes bloodshot red to boot. It happens without fail, every time I wear eyeliner in my waterline, which is why I was equal parts shocked and thrilled when my eyes actually stayed white and tear-free throughout the evening.

My mom, on the other hand, found the texture and lasting power to be the biggest pro. “Don’t get me wrong—you have to work quickly, but once this baby sets, it’s not going anywhere,” she tells me during our morning FaceTime. “The color payoff is so strong and it really doesn’t transfer or smudge, like at all.”

The Takeaway

I had high expectations for this eyeliner. Not only are my mom and I huge fans of the Sarah Creal line (we love the bronzer and the lip gloss the most), but Creal is also the product formulator behind some of the best eyeliners on the market. (She’s held roles at Victoria Beckham Beauty, Bobbi Brown, and Prada for what it’s worth.) To no one’s surprise, it got Mindy’s stamp of approval. The creamy texture is unmatched, and the staying power is genuinely like nothing I’ve experienced—you’ll want an oil cleanser to get it off because it’s going to look just as strong at the end of the day as it does at the start.

My only note: this isn’t for eyeliner novices. You need to work quickly, or really, really take advantage of that smudge brush, because the formula locks in and isn’t going anywhere in just about 20 seconds. Now, I just want more colors.

Shop Sarah Creal

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Before you start chopping away in your kitchen (and inevitably crying off your mascara), I had to ask the experts: Is there any scientific evidence behind using onions for hair growth? Is it safe to use onions directly on the scalp? And is this really the best option when it comes to boosting overall hair health? Read all about it below, plus a few onion-infused products worth trying, per the experts.

What the Science Says About Onions for Your Hair

According to Brendan Camp, MD, double board-certified dermatologist, a 2002 study compared onion juice (not to be confused with onion oil) to tap water in patients with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy bald spots. Unsurprisingly, the tap water did very little. But in the onion group, 86.9 percent of participants experienced some hair regrowth after six weeks, compared to just 13 percent in the tap water group. Lauren Moy, MD, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and dermatologist, notes that not all study participants completed the trial, further underscoring the need for updated research. Current evidence only supports onion juice as a potential treatment for alopecia areata, not for other forms of hair loss.

Jay Small, a trichologist, explains that alopecia areata results from autoimmune activity and is distinct from other types of shedding, such as postpartum hair loss, female pattern baldness, or telogen effluvium (the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle). This distinction is key: while onion juice showed promise in the trial, the findings do not apply to more common causes of hair loss.

Can Onions Help With Hair Growth?

Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, clarifies that onion oil itself does not directly stimulate hair growth. However, she has seen patients report improvements in scalp health, which may support healthier growth over time. Along with Dr. Camp, she points to onion’s natural antioxidant content as one of its potential benefits. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins. By reducing this oxidative stress, onion extract may lower inflammation in the scalp and protect the hair follicles. It may also improve circulation to the scalp, which in turn helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the follicles. This matters because healthier, better-nourished follicles are more likely to stay in their growth phase longer, which can reduce shedding and support thicker, stronger strands.

Onions are also rich in sulfur-containing compounds, which can be beneficial for your hair. Dr. Moy explains that sulfur is essential for the production of keratin and collagen, both of which influence the structure, strength, and resilience of hair. It also has antibacterial properties that may reduce scalp inflammation or fight off minor infections that can compromise follicle health. Small adds that because sulfur is a key building block of keratin, it contributes directly to the integrity of each strand. In other words, a scalp environment rich in sulfur may promote stronger hair growth and help minimize breakage.

Are Onions for Hair Growth Worth a Try?

Onions are rarely the first choice for hair growth treatments. “Most people, or my patients, tend to try rosemary oil, minoxidil, or oral supplements first,” says Dr. Spearman. These options are easier to shop, have more published data behind them, and come in formats that feel more approachable than rubbing onion juice onto the scalp.

Dr. Moy notes that hair loss itself can be caused by a wide range of underlying medical conditions, which is why she recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist first to rule out other factors before experimenting with at-home remedies.

So what do dermatologists actually recommend? For proven results, Dr. Spearman points to topical minoxidil, an over-the-counter treatment (you might know it as Rogaine) with a large body of evidence supporting its use. More natural alternatives like rosemary oil or pumpkin seed oil are popular, though they do not have the same level of clinical research. Dr. Moy also highlights at-home red light therapy as another safe, FDA-cleared option that stimulates follicles through increased cellular activity and blood flow. “People often tolerate it alongside treatments like minoxidil, and while results take time and consistency with low-level laser therapy, it is a safe and effective option,” she explains. For those seeking more dramatic outcomes, in-office procedures such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections may be worth exploring with a dermatologist.

Why Onions and Why Now?

Still, the question remains: why are people reaching for onions at all? For many, it comes down to frustration with over-the-counter options that haven’t delivered. On TikTok, dramatic before-and-after GRWM videos claiming less shedding, thicker hair, and healthier scalps have fueled curiosity and made the ingredient seem worth a try. And recently, there has been a fascination with “strange” beauty ingredients like snail mucin and salmon sperm, so it's no surprise that onions have made their way from the cutting board to the bathroom shelfie.

While it may sound like a fad, akin to rubbing lemon juice on your face to brighten [editor's note: please don't do that], there are plenty of people insisting it works. The studies just aren't there yet, but if enough people continue to experiment, more brands are likely to release onion-based products and that will hopefully fuel additional research. If you're still curious to try it (we've all been there), Dr. Spearman recommends sticking with products formulated with onion extract rather than raw onion juice or oil. “The odor alone can be a dealbreaker, and it is easier and more efficient to use a ready-made formula.” She adds that irritation and allergic reactions are still possible, especially for those with sensitive skin, which makes patch testing essential.

The most promising products, she explains, are those that combine onion extract with other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants to reduce scalp inflammation, natural oils like rosemary or castor to condition, or stimulators like caffeine or biotin to encourage circulation and follicle strength. Since ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration, what appears at the top of the label matters most, both in terms of effectiveness and the potential to irritate.

Still curious to try out onion-based products to promote hair growth and overall health? Keep scrolling for a few recommendations from the experts.

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Meet the Experts

The only problem? Trying to choose just one Elin Hilderbrand book. The author—dubbed "the Queen of the Beach Read"—has written 30 novels over her career that spans over 25 years. However, in a 2021 interview with the Associated Press, she first teased her plans to step back from writing, and, in 2024, she confirmed that she would no longer be crafting books solely set on Nantucket. While 2024's Swan Song was her last title in the beach read genre, her upcoming book, The Academy, which she co-wrote with her daughter Shelby Cunningham and is set to hit shelves on September 16, will mark her next chapter.

As Hilderbrand put it best in an essay for Oprah Daily, "These books will provide a look at Nantucket—and at the notion of an ‘American summer’—in the first quarter of the 21st century."

In honor of the next phase in Hilderbrand's career, and our love for all of her feats thus far, we went ahead and ranked her 10 best books. So, kick back and prepare yourself for plenty of surf, sand, and sunshine—these are the best Elin Hilderbrand books for reveling in the season.

How to read Elin Hilderbrand’s books in order

You can read Elin Hilderbrand’s books in several different ways.

You can go in the order that she published them, which would be as follows: The Beach Club (2000), Nantucket Nights (2002), Summer People (2003), The Blue Bistro (2005), The Love Season (2006), Barefoot (2007), A Summer Affair (2008), The Castaways (2009), The Island (2010), Silver Girl (2011), Summerland (2012), Beautiful Day (2013), The Matchmaker (2014), Winter Street (2014), The Rumor (2015), Winter Stroll (2015), Here’s to Us (2016), Winter Storms (2016), The Identicals (2017), Winter Solstice (2017), The Perfect Couple (2018), Winter in Paradise (2018), Summer of ‘69 (2019), What Happens in Paradise (2019), 28 Summers (2020), Troubles in Paradise (2020), Golden Girl (2021), The Hotel Nantucket (2022), Endless Summer (2022), The Five-Star Weekend (2023), Swan Song (2024), The Blue Book (2025), and The Academy (2025).

You can also read them by topic. Currently, Hilderbrand has four different series available. There’s the Winter Series, which includes Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, and Winter Solstice; the Paradise Series, which consists of Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, and Trouble in Paradise; and the Academy Series, which is so far limited to the author’s upcoming September 2025 novel of the same name. (Hilderbrand revealed in a 2024 essay for Oprah Daily that a second novel will follow.)

Hilderbrand’s remaining 25 books bear no official series name, but are all classified as “Summer books” on her publisher’s website.

What is Elin Hildebrand's best-selling book?

Hildebrand’s team keeps her individual book sales figures relatively close to its chest, which means her best-selling book of all time is not publicly known.

That said, her website cites Summer of ’69 as her first novel to debut at No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list, with USA TODAY reporting 2022’s The Hotel Nantucket as her second No. 1 hit.

According to CBC, she has sold 20 million books overall worldwide.

Why is Elin Hildebrand not writing anymore?

Hilderbrand explained her decision to retire from writing her "summer books" in a 2024 essay for Oprah Daily. “I am retiring for my readers’ sake,” she wrote. “I live in fear of repeating myself, and of the quality of my books slipping. I never want anyone to pick up my latest novel and say, ‘She’s lost it.’…Or even ‘This just wasn’t as good as the last one.’”

She elaborated in a 2024 podcast, saying, "I'm stopping writing these books because, frankly, I am out of ideas. Nantucket is small. I've covered every part of the island, every festival, every time of year...I've gotten to the bottom of the well."

Ultimately, Hilderbrand chose her literary legacy over riches. “I have called my decision to retire the 'purest' decision I have ever made," she wrote. "The standards I keep for my body of work are more important [than money and fame].”

In addition to being creatively challenged, Hilderbrand also said that she wanted to spend more time with her family. “I...find myself with kids in their early 20s and late teens who still (thank goodness) want to hang out with me, and I want nothing more than to be a full-time parent to them in these precious years before they move out and start their own families,” she wrote.

Which of Elin Hilderbrand’s books are being made into movies?

In addition to The Perfect Couple, which premiered on Netflix in September 2024, Hilderbrand told Boston.com that several of her other novels are in the works with different networks, including The Five-Star Weekend, which is currently in development with Peacock. (Jennifer Garner and Chloë Sevigny are set to star.)

The novelist revealed that Swan Song, the entire Winter series, and 28 Summers had all been optioned as of June 2024, with the latter slated for movie development by MRC Film. “I can be as involved or as uninvolved as I want to be on those,” Hilderbrand shared.

Deadline reported in March 2025 that Swan Song would be the basis for the second season of The Perfect Couple, albeit with a new writer at the helm. According to the outlet, leads Leslee and Bill Richardson will be "spiritual successors” to Kidman and Liev Schreiber’s characters of Greer and Tag Winbury.

In 2021, Winter in Paradise was also announced as in development with ABC and Ellen Pompeo, while Warner Bros. TV optioned the rights for The Hotel Nantucket in 2022. However, little news has been shared about either project since then.

Why Trust Us

Marie Claire’s editors and writers are some of the most voracious readers around (present company included). There’s an entire section on MC dedicated to our love of the written word. It's chock-full of book rankings, news on our fave authors (why yes, we have scoured the internet for every possible detail about the upcoming Netflix adaptation of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo), writer Q&As, and reviews on the titles our editors loved best.

In short? We’re not only devouring books at a breakneck pace, we’re dissecting every little detail about them (which is precisely why and how we have our pulse on the literary juggernaut that is #Booktok).

In some cases, we’re even writing them ourselves (shoutout to Marie Claire’s digital director, Jenny Hollander, whose debut novel was published in 2024).

The Dae team knows just how much I love this little hair tool (I’ve gone through at least five already), so they gave me a sneak preview of the newest tweak to the viral formula: a limited-edition Desert Peach scent profile with notes of sweet praline, ripe mango, and, of course, juicy peach. Now, I’m usually a hair perfume person—I have quite an extensive collection and consider these lower alcohol formulas a key component of my olfactory personality. But if I could replace them with a yummy-smelling product that actually hydrate my hair and nourish my scalp, I’d quickly make the swap. So, let’s test it out, shall we?

The Formula

• Dragon Fruit: You’ll find this in the OG formula, too. It’s a super hydrating ingredient packed with antioxidants that give new growth the strength and reinforcement it needs to stay strong—not break off.
  
• Prickly Pear Seed Oil: Chances are prickly pear seed oil is listed on the back of your skincare, but it’s actually beneficial in haircare too, adding shine and softness after just one use.
  
• Desert Peach Scent: Instead of the brand’s signature soft scent, this taming wand features a desert peach profile with notes of praline, peach, and mango. It’s not nearly as strong as the brand’s body mist, but it has a bright, slightly sweet scent that reminds me of end-of-summer, early fall nights, almost like a peach pie in the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Application

I slick back my hair every once in a while, but on a typical day, it’s down, with a center part, and loose curls. I hate the feeling of too much product in my hair (crunchy or greasy textures are enemy number one), so a flyaway taming product has to feel lightweight to earn my approval. That being said, mastering this application was a bit of trial and error.

The wand is chunky, so it holds a ton of product in one swipe. The mask is creamy and white, which is great for infusing TLC and nourishing ingredients into a slicked-down style but requires some tweaks when you want to maintain a bouncy blowout vibe. I try to remove as much product as possible on the side of the bottle by dragging the bristles around the rim (trust me, plenty of product will remain).

Once the big clumps of product are removed, I hover the brush over my part and very gently pat the flyaways down. Minimal pressure, people. As for my unwanted bangs? The pressure of the wand is a bit clumpy for these little guys, so I apply a small amount of the residual product to my fingers and gently pinch the hairs to their respective sides.

The Takeaway

I’m always shocked by how long this formula keeps things in place. I toss it in my bag or pocket for touchups on the go, but one application typically lasts me the whole workday. Plus, I’ve noticed that my baby hairs are growing at a much faster rate with less breakage and split ends since I started using this every day–even my hairstylist commented.

The scent, on the other hand, has gotten me so many compliments. I typically wear a gourmand perfume on my neck and my clothes, so having a fruity scent with a hint of praline in my hair adds an extra dimension to my olfactory personality. It’s not overpowering and the sillage isn’t crazy, but if someone is standing in or close to my personal space bubble, they’ll certainly get a soft whiff. It’s playful, but doesn’t smell juvenile or too sweet.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m actually on board (for once) with a three-in-one beauty product.

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

As a '90s baby, Step Up—and therefore Jenna Dewan—were massive parts of my childhood. I lived for her stint on Witches of East End (if you’re a fantasy fan, please watch this) and am currently binging The Rookie (another One to Watch). When given a face-to-face with Dewan, there’s only one topic that I find more important than talk of witches and procedural dramas: beauty, obviously.

The newest face of Philosophy's new fragrance mists has a pretty chill and laid-back approach to her beauty routine, prioritizing easy makeup, messy hair, and blind faith in her nail artist. From the morning mantra that sets her intention for the day to the not-so-glamorous shower mat that sloughs away dead skin cells and the $28 body mist that gets her husband, daughter, and strangers’ stamp of approval, the actress and dancer clued me in to the products and daily habits that get her In the Mood. Shop her favorites below.

I'm pretty consistent with gratitude. It was something I started years ago. Even if it’s just three things that I’m grateful for, I try to think about them as I’m getting out of bed and getting ready. As cliché and corny as it sounds, it really does work. Sometimes things are cliché for a reason. It helps to put my mind and energy in the right place.

I’ve had to learn how to become an efficient showerer because there are kids that I have to get to school and we have to get going. I’m quick when I have to be, but generally I’m a person who gets in the shower and stays there too long. I like a shower that gives me many options. I was a few different shampoos, and I want a body scrub and a few body washes.

I just got a new shower mat that sloughs away dead skin cells on my feet. It leaves my skin so soft. It’s an ongoing joke in my house about how long I’ll be in the shower. It’s my only time of peace in the day, so I’m like, lock me in there.

I love the Philosophy body mists—I’ve been using Vanilla Hug. I get stopped. I was actually stopped twice while dropping my daughter off at school. People ask, what is that smell? Everywhere I go, people turn their heads and ask what I’m wearing. Steve likes it, too—it’s an all-around hit. It’s also a bit of a throwback, and so cute to see my seventh grader ask me, Have you heard of body mists?

I always do a reddish lip and a black eyeliner with a glowy face and a little blush. It’s a look I know I can’t mess up.

Messy waves with a curling iron. I take about two-inch pieces and curl away from the face, and then I curl towards the face–just alternating as I go around my head. Then, I pull it down towards the ends as I go, so it gives me a more flat wave look. I’ve definitely watched and learned from people who do my hair. It’s taken me some practice, but I've got it down now.

I love Zola, who does my nails. I basically do anything she wants to do. She comes over and will do a glazed donut, or what I call the marble look. I like to play and have fun with it if I’m not filming. I apply a deeper color, such as brown or maroon, and then put the chrome over it.

I’m pretty well trained—I always wash my face. After really long nights of filming or being out with friends, I still know I have to wash my face when I get home. There’s nothing I hate more than having leftover eye makeup on in the morning. If I’m going to cut a corner, I’m going to use a makeup wipe.

As I grow older, I realize that I've gained wisdom with every passing year. There are things that I used to stress about or that took up space in my mind when I was younger, that now, as I’m older, they just don’t. I’m grateful for that. I’m just looking forward to where and what I can create.

I’ve never been someone who looks at every year that goes by as something to dread; I’ve always had the excitement and proof that life gets better as I get older. Maybe because I’m constantly putting my focus there, I’ve noticed that greater opportunities have come my way. I feel more in my body. I know who I am more. And as for the skin? We have our facial, and we’ll bring in the radiofrequency and be good.

Use a heavy-duty moisturizer. My mom taught me very early on not to skimp on face care. Then, when I got a little older, she made sure I used some sort of retinol, too. I swear by those two things.

Shop Jenna's Favorites

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Moving away from the slick back buns and sea salt air-dried hairstyles of summer, fall 2025 haircuts are centered around playful, natural curls reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw, long layers, bangs galore, and a pixie cut or two thrown in for good measure. And if you thought you had "bob fatigue," no, you don't. Every beauty expert knows that the bob never dies; it merely transforms. So expect curly bobs, bobs with bangs, layered bobs, and more to dominate the street style scene.

Speaking of bobs, the "swinging bob" is the newest bombshell to enter the villa for fall 2025. "It’s that perfect in-between haircut," says Jacob Schwartz, hair colorist and OLAPLEX global ambassador. "It’s polished and playful."

Ahead, I spoke to a few expert hairstylists to get their take on all of the haircuts that are worthy of your fall 2025 inspiration boards. Read on for their predictions for the top fall 2025 haircut trends, tips for maintaining each look, and how to make these haircuts work for your texture.

The Soft Pixie

The soft pixie is the perfect confidence boost for anyone looking to change things up with an edgy haircut that doesn't take a lot of effort to style. "Short hair is having a moment, and the soft pixie offers a bold yet feminine look. It’s chic, liberating, and easily styled with minimal effort," says L’Oreal Professionnel ambassador, Min Kim.

Curly Bob With Bangs

Although fall can be a time for smooth, sleek styles to shine, embracing texture is trending big this autumn. "The curly bob with added bangs is a playful, easygoing style that embraces natural texture," says Rogerio Cavalcante, master stylist at The Second Floor Salon and founder of Brazil Edition. "It offers shape and bounce while remaining low-effort." He notes that this style is ideal for those with natural curls or waves, and bob cuts at either the jawline or shoulder expertly accentuate texture and frame the face.

"C" Shaped Layers

Layering up for fall isn't just for your wardrobe. Elegant "C" shaped layers that are reminiscent of the '90s and 2000s are serving major hair inspiration this season. “The layers curve inward like the letter 'C,' usually starting near the chin or shoulders," explains Schwartz. "They soften the edges of the hair, add movement, and create a natural, face-framing silhouette." Schwartz notes that this type of layering is usually used with blowouts to emphasize the curve of the cut. "These layers are created by using a haircutting technique where the ends of the hair are shaped into a soft 'C' curve, rather than being blunt or sharply angled. This technique is used to create a smooth, flowing, and voluminous look that frames the face beautifully."

The Swinging Lob

When it comes to haircuts, the bob can do no wrong, and all iterations of this cut are worth experimenting with. However, this season's version is giving major flirty vibes. “The swinging bob is fall’s flirty reset, sharp enough for a crisp day in the city but soft enough to sway with you into the night," says Schwartz. "It’s the haircut equivalent of your favorite new coat you’re excited to show off.” If you still want your hair on the longer side, try a lob style à la Hailee Steinfeld.

The Long Bob

The bob is an iconic cut for a reason. It will never go out of style, and the same goes for its slightly longer cousin, "the lob" or long bob. "The lob is the ultimate in versatility—long enough to style in multiple ways but short enough to feel fresh and modern," says Kim. "In 2025, we’re seeing textured and layered versions, soft waves, and sleek, polished lobs dominating both celebrity red carpets and everyday street style. It’s a look that blends low-maintenance ease with high-fashion appeal." Kim notes that the lob is universally flattering and works well for her clients who want movement without sacrificing length or those who want to experiment with balayage or highlights "since the cut showcases color beautifully."

Long Hair With Face Framing Bangs

Fall haircuts don't have to be drastic. If you're more into length, long layers coupled with the perfect face-framing bangs might be the fall look for you. "Long layers paired with curtain or wispy bangs give a romantic, effortless feel," explains Cavalcante. "I think there was a cultural shift after the bob fever, and girls are now letting their hair grow out." This haircut is versatile and works well with most face shapes. However, Cavalcante points out that oval faces pair well with curtain bangs, and heart-shaped faces complement side-swept or blunt bangs that emphasize the cheekbones.

The Modern Shag

Just like last year, the modern shag still has a grip on all of us. Kim explains, "The ’70s influence is still strong, but fall’s shag is softer and less choppy, with a focus on texture. It’s low-maintenance, wearable, and perfect for creating volume without heavy styling." According to Kim this is also a great look for anyone who has naturally wavy or curly hair. It's also the perfect style for those who prefer low-maintenance, as the cut makes styling effortless.

The Chopped Pixie

Not all pixie cuts offer the same effect. While the soft pixie is feminine yet still offers a bold feel, the chopped pixie takes that edge to new levels. "The chopped pixie is all about texture, short, shattered layers that keep it light, playful, and never too serious," says Schwartz. "It’s the kind of cut that thrives on movement, where every piece has its own little personality. Low effort, high impact, that’s the magic.”

Curly Layers

For some curly girls, achieving that desired curl definition can be tricky, but adding some layers might do the trick. "Layered cuts for curly hair help remove bulk, enhance curl definition, and create a more dynamic silhouette," says Cavalcante. He mentions that this cut helps to keep the natural curl patterns bouncy with minimal frizz, especially when paired with a hydrating or moisture-locking product.

Updated Curtain Bangs

Fall is the perfect time to have fun with super-versatile curtain bangs. Kim acknowledges that while these bangs continue to dominate, they're going to look a little different this time around. "This season’s curtain bangs are slightly shorter and lighter, making them more transitional for fall styling," she says. "They add softness and instantly modernize any cut." She adds that it's perfect for anyone who is looking for a seasonal update without going all in on a major haircut. "It works especially well on medium-length hair with layers," she says.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

MEET THE EXPERTS

I've been a huge Danielle Brooks fan ever since she played Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. Her career has obviously evolved since those days, and she's managed to nab roles in even more noteworthy projects like 2023's The Color Purple, A Minecraft Movie, and currently, HBO's Peacemaker. Even as an actor and singer with a full plate, she still manages to make time for self-care and engaging in the beauty practices that make her feel her best.

Brooks and I share the same first name, but during the course of one 15-minute conversation with her, I learned that that isn't the only thing we have in common—we also both happen to have the same appreciation for Bath & Body Works fragrances as we do the luxury kind, and we're both guilty of abbreviating our nighttime skincare routines when we feel it's necessary.

To get the lowdown on all the other products, mantras, and habits that help Brooks feel sexy and step into her feminine power, keep reading.

I actually don't have a mantra, it's more of a song. So anytime that I listen to India Arie's "Private Party," it gets me to feeling my most feminine, most powerful, and my most grounded.

I always have my eucalyptus plant and my peppermint soap—those are my go-tos. I'm starting to get more into scrubs as well. Any time I get a gift bag with a body scrub in it, I always throw that into the shower. I keep my Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser in the shower with me for when I need to wash my face, and then—I don't know if people know about these—but I keep an African scrubber. It's basically just like a textured cloth that can really just help to scrub off the dirt.

A girlfriend of mine tried to get me into that red light face thing, but it wasn't working for me. But every now and then I'll put one of those little patches on my face for pimples. It's the Mario Badescu Drying Patch.

I like to use Maison Francis Kurkdijan OUD Satin Mood Eau de Parfum. That just sounds sexy. The real perfume people are going to kill me for this one, but it's such a strong scent, so sometimes I'll throw on the Bath & Body Works Mist in Champagne Toast to kind of lighten it up a little bit. You know how they talk about high-low fashion? It's kind of like high-low fragrance.

I do love when they pull the liner out and give me a little cat eye with a really good lash—that makes me feel sexy. And then if you really want to get into it, you could throw a little mole on my face—it don't matter where you put the mole. Placing a cute mole somewhere on my face makes me feel really sexy and feminine.

I've been calling it the braided bussdown. It's basically boho micro braids that come halfway down my back, and I just love those because even when I go to the gym, I can still feel feminine. I don't want to say beautiful because I'm always beautiful regardless of if my hair is down my back or not, or how tight my curls are. I'm always going to be beautiful, but it makes me feel sexy when I have those braids and I can toss 'em to the side. It's something about it, especially when it's that boho look.

Oh, nothing but that crimson red, honey.

No, ma'am. It's getting shortened. Even last night, I didn't take off my face until six in the morning, and that is not like me. I am an early bird, or at least I go to sleep early. But last night I made sure to wash my face and then I just moisturized with the Mary Kay Age Fighting Moisturizer because my mother still does Mary Kay.

Gaining more wisdom and not giving a damn what people think about me.

Putting lotion on! Putting lotion on my entire body—back, neck, legs, feet—and then also scrubbing my knees and elbows. That's something that I was taught by my mom and my grandmother since I was young. They didn't play about that. No rusty knees!

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Among the groups is Billlie, a seven-member girl group that is split into two teams to perform alongside vocal legend Patti LaBelle and rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who pulls double-duty as an executive producer on the series. In fact, the Grammy-winning rapper hit it off with Billlie so much so that five months after filming wrapped late last year, she took to TikTok to tell her 16 million followers to give them a listen.

They're sure to get even more exposure on KPOPPED, where they kick the series off with a standout first episode. Since their debut in November 2021, the seven-member girl group composed of Moon Sua, Suhyeon, Haram, Tsuki, Sheon, Siyoon, and Haruna has drawn in fans with their viral powerhouse performances and chameleonic range. The group has been widely lauded for taking on and perfectly embodying new genres of music with every comeback—from EDM to rock to bubblegum pop to jazz—according to their concept, bridging dreams and reality.

“To us, a performance isn’t just about the act itself; it’s about sharing a story and emotions,” Haram tells Marie Claire, in an emailed interview with the group. “I felt that [KPOPPED’s] theme of ‘connection beyond borders and generations’ perfectly matched Billlie’s identity. While preparing the stage, we tried to convey how much we love music and how sincerely we want to connect with people.”

Below, the members of Billlie chat with Marie Claire about rehearsing with Western artists, their dream collaborations, and the Billlie songs that new fans need to check out.

Marie Claire: What was your first response when you heard about the opportunity to be part of KPOPPED?

Moon Sua: I felt both excited and honored. It wasn’t just about having the chance to perform on a new stage—it was the significance of participating as a representative artist on a global platform like Apple TV+. Naturally, thoughts like, ‘What kind of performance can we show?’ and ‘How can we tell Billlie’s story?’ kept running through our minds, and the excitement grew day by day. Above all, having a stage with respected artists, exchanging our music with them, brought us so much joy. Just the idea of showing Billlie’s energy to a wide audience made us happy, and I felt that this project would become another important chapter in our journey.

MC: You’re the only group in KPOPPED who got the chance to work with star/executive producer Megan Thee Stallion. What was that process like?

Sheon: Every moment was so enjoyable. Megan wasn’t just energetic on stage—her honesty and vitality throughout the preparation process inspired us tremendously. Especially as we rehearsed together to perfect the performance, her confidence and free-spirited approach reminded us that enjoying the stage is the greatest strength.

We put a lot of effort into bringing out Megan’s energy while staying true to Billlie’s unique style. I feel this stage wasn’t just a collaboration, but a display of teamwork that drew out the best in both sides.

Siyoon: As a rapper, Megan has always been a huge inspiration to me. Her flow, the power in her lyrics, and the way she owns the stage felt even more special in person. During recording and rehearsal, Megan paid close attention to our ideas and tone, which gave us the confidence to really bring the performance to life. It also strengthened my desire to collaborate with her officially in the future.

MC: Siyoon and Moon Sua, was it nerve-wracking at all to perform your new rap verses for “Savage” for Megan?

Siyoon: Rather than feeling nervous, I felt motivated by the overwhelming confidence and energy I’d seen in Megan’s performances. So I practiced tirelessly, paying attention to every detail, from live performance to English pronunciation, and carefully adjusted the tone and breathing for the rap.

Moon Sua: I felt the same way. Of course, there was a pleasant sense of nervousness, but my desire to make the stage with Megan a success was even stronger. From the very beginning of practice, we focused on aligning every little detail together. I was more focused on enjoying the moment, and performing in sync with the members created a memory I’ll always treasure.

MC: One of the sweetest moments on the show is Tsuki tearing up hearing Patti LaBelle’s voice. What was it like rehearsing and performing with a vocal legend?

Tsuki: I’ve danced countless times to Patti LaBelle’s music since I was very young, so hearing we would perform together was unbelievable. Preparing alongside her and hearing her voice in person was overwhelming in the most wonderful way, and I couldn’t help but cry. Her voice carries not only technical perfection but genuine emotion, and each phrase on stage fills the space with resonance.

Suhyeon: It was truly an honor. Patti LaBelle is widely recognized as a legendary artist, but being close to her voice and performance showed me why. It’s not just skill—it’s how her voice can dominate a stage while warmly embracing the audience. Performing alongside her was a moment we felt really proud of as a team, and that feeling will stay with us for a long time. It was an experience that made me think deeply about the music and performances I want to create as an artist.

MC: Haram mentions in the show that “Lady Marmalade” is a song she's wanted to cover since she was a trainee. What are some other songs that have been on your wishlist to cover?

Haram: We even have videos from when we were trainees practicing “Lady Marmalade,” learning the choreography, and singing along. It was always a song we dreamed of performing on stage. Getting the chance to perform it with the legendary Patti LaBelle made the experience even more meaningful for me and the members.

Sheon: Our wishlist also included songs like [Megan’s] “Mamushi,” but the one that drew me the most was “Savage.”

Suhyeon: I’ve long admired Tori Kelly, so as a trainee I spent a lot of time singing her songs. “Confetti” and [her cover of Stevie Wonder’s] “Don’t You Worry ’Bout A Thing” were songs that accompanied me through my growth and training. Performing songs I once sang only in practice in front of fans, as an artist, would feel truly special.

MC: If you were to have another K-pop/Western pop crossover moment, who would you want to collaborate with?

Haram: I really admire Jorja Smith, and if I had the chance, I would love to work with her. Her music has depth while feeling very contemporary.

Sheon: I’d love to collaborate with my musical role model: Daniel Caesar. His soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics have always inspired me. Listening to songs like “LOVE AGAIN” [featuring Brandy] or “Best Part” [featuring H.E.R.] makes me imagine what it could be like with Billlie.

MC: What songs would you recommend to someone who just discovered Billlie and wants to dig in deeper?

Haram: “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world).” Its hard rock-driven energy and powerful band sound showcase the force of our performance and our passion for the stage. It’s also one of the stages that helped shape Billlie’s powerful image, so I definitely recommend it.

Haruna: “trampoline” from our fifth mini album. With a nu-jazz foundation and warm melody, it highlights our vocals delicately and lets listeners naturally feel Billlie’s colors. Inspired by childhood memories of bouncing on a trampoline, it conveys freedom and hope. The song has been well-received on jazz charts both domestically and internationally, so I hope new fans give it a listen.

Suhyeon: “remembrance candy,” the title track from the same album. With lyrics written by IU, it’s a truly precious song that reflects on reclaiming lost memories and moving forward. It is important to understanding Billlie’s story and contains emotions everyone can relate to, so I think it resonates well with fans discovering us for the first time.

Tsuki: “GingaMingaYo (the strange world).” This song is especially meaningful to me, as it’s when I started receiving recognition for my expressive facial performance. Beyond the choreography, it expresses the confusion and questions everyone experiences growing up through bold sounds and unique moves. It showcases Billlie’s experimental and daring style, making it a perfect introduction to our diverse musical charms and stage presence.

MC: As you approach the group’s fourth anniversary on November 10, what goals do you have for the future as Billlie?

Moon Sua: Looking back, every moment wasn’t easy, but I know better than anyone that we’ve come this far because of the love and support from our fans. Looking ahead, we want to return that energy on even bigger stages. We hope to meet fans directly through various domestic and international performances and tours, while continuing to share music that carries our own stories and colors, expanding the world of Billlie. Our team has always aimed to push past our own limits through new challenges, and we want to carry that spirit forward—growing into artists who, five or ten years from now, will still be remembered for deep storytelling and powerful performances.

Suhyun: One of my biggest goals for the future is to expand Billlie’s musical boundaries through collaborations with artists from around the world. We’ve always enjoyed taking on new challenges and experimenting, and working with artists from different cultures and musical backgrounds is itself a huge source of inspiration. If we can use these encounters to express Billlie’s story and colors in new ways, we can share our music in fresh ways with even more people. Continuing Billlie’s story alongside diverse global artists is one of our major goals for the future.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Fall, though, calls for a little twist. The coral-leaning reds I wore all summer suddenly feel too bright as we approach the moodier, cooler seasons. Instead, I reach for shades that are richer, spicier, and a bit more sophisticated. After years of testing every red tone available, I've narrowed down my rotation to five shades that define my fall manicure. Keep reading for the best red nail polishes that take me from summer to fall.

Classic Ferrari Red

If I had to pick one shade to wear for the rest of my life, this would be it. It's vibrant, super glossy, and makes me feel very feminine. Even in fall, I keep at least one fiery, Ferrari red on deck when I want a bold contrast to all my cozy, neutral autumn outfits.

Deep Oxblood

As soon as the weather starts to drop, my Pinterest feed fills up with black manicures, and I expect it will be even more so this year, considering grunge glam is at its peak. I can't commit to an entirely black look, so I choose a deep red alternative instead. Oxblood has undertones of rich brown and purple that create a similar effect to black, just with more depth.

Brick Red

Think of terracotta and fall leaves—that's the vibe brick red gives. It leans warm and earthy, with just enough orange and brown to feel on par with autumn.

Berry Red

Think about all the cranberries at Thanksgiving: They're not red like summertime cherries, but still much brighter than a glass of wine. Cranberry hits that sweet spot right in the middle.

Ruby Red

Then there's the luxurious appeal of jewel-toned shades for fall. My favorite is ruby because of its glamorous, opulent look. Ruby red reminds me of velvet textures, and with a touch of sheen, it transitions well into the holidays.

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I’ll be totally honest, when we heard news that the product was being reformulated, we were less than thrilled. Don’t mess with perfection, you know? In the same vein, I’ve yet to meet a Charlotte Tilbury product I didn’t like, so I tasked myself and my (very judgmental) mother, Mindy, with the arduous task of a candid, honest review. Our thoughts, ahead.

What’s New About Airbrush Flawless Foundation

• New Texture: Hollywood Flawless Foundation 2.0 supposedly feels bouncier and lighter courtesy of “sensory elastomer gels” that boost the stretchy texture—making the foundation move with your skin throughout the day, as opposed to settling into pores.
• New Shades: As someone who found the OG shades a hint too orange for my cool-toned complexion, I appreciate that the shades were given a little TLC. The new crop of 44 are available in cool, neutral, and warm undertones.
• Bumped-Up Blurring: If you’ve tried the original, then I don’t have to tell you how well it blurs over fine lines and pores. Per the brand, this new rendition amps up those powers even more with light diffusing powers.

The Airbrush Flawless Foundation Application

I normally apply my foundation with my fingers (on a regular day, I only wear the Flawless Filter), while my mom primarily uses a Beautyblender. But after consulting with some of my makeup artist friends, my mom and I decided to apply this new formula with a makeup brush.

Personally, I prefer lighter coverage, so given that this is a full coverage formula, I decided to use the tiniest bit. I put a ¾ pump on my hand and proceeded to saturate my brush before applying the foundation in small circles to my skin—starting at the outer edge of my face and working my way inward. It went on smoothly, there was no pilling, and it actually was a lot less matte than I anticipated, which is a big pro in my book.

As for Mindy? “With more mature skin, I’ve found that less is more and also that my makeup is only as good as my skin prep. I always, always, always start with Charlotte’s UV Primer—it’s her most underrated product. It creates the perfect canvas. I used a brush to apply the foundation and was really happy when it didn’t pill with my skincare. But to really get help it sink into my skin, I tapped a damp Beautyblender on top before doing my blush and bronzer.”

The Airbrush Flawless Foundation Wear

I love a dewy finish more than anything. But recently I’ve been looking a little more greasy than glowy, so the thought of an oil-absorbing foundation didn’t scare me. That being said, I’m objectively not a matte foundation girl, so I was pretty thrilled when it ended up having a soft glow. It wasn’t wet in the way that Flawless Filter is, looked more medium than full coverage (although I’m sure you could build it up if you’re heart desired), and genuinely gave my skin a blurring, airbrush finish—almost like I was standing in front of a ring light 24/7. It held up for most of the day, too. By the time I got home at 9:30 pm, a little foundation had rubbed off my nose, but overall it looked pretty solid.

My mom agreed, adding: “I haven't had any Botox or filler, so I have little fine lines around my eyes and mouth. Most foundations are really prone to settling there, so I was shocked to see that it stayed floating on top. I also try not to use too much powder (it can look cakey on mature skin), so the fact that this was self-setting was a huge pro.”

The Takeaway on Airbrush Flawless Foundation

It takes a lot for me to get on board with a new foundation, but this is my favorite complexion product so far this year. It’s not drying or heavy or cakey, but definitely gives my skin a blurred, airbrushed finish. (I know it’s in the name, but I’m serious—it does what it says.) It’s also very much an it-is-what-you-make-it foundation. If I use glowy moisturizers, serums, and primers, the radiance is going to show through, whereas if I kept my skin more matte, I’m sure this would be far less shiny. Sequels are rarely better than the original, but in this case? Most definitely.

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Series enthusiasts have been waiting several long years for the small screen version of Sarah J. Maas’s best-selling romantasy books to come to fruition, with only scraps of information about the project to sustain them in the interim. While the TV show was first announced as in development by Hulu and 20th Television in 2021, it was in limbo for some time, until the streamer ultimately officially dropped it in February 2025.

However, just like when the book's heroine Feyre faced off against the Wyrm in the cavernous pit Under the Mountain, all hope is not lost. Word on the street is that Maas is looking to take the series to a different network once its option expires at Disney’s 20th Television. Below, find everything we know about the fate of the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV series adaptation, from the status of its development to the cast and release date.

Where will the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' adaptation be released?

A Court of Thorns and Roses was originally slated to run on Hulu with Disney’s 20th Television producing until the streaming service dropped it in February 2025.

Many speculated that the show was not moving forward long before it was announced that Hulu had dropped it, considering the original showrunner had left 20th Television. Ronald D. Moore (known for sci-fi and fantasy hits like Battlestar Galactica and Outlander) was to be the showrunner, but departed the project in July 2024 after leaving Disney for Sony, where he signed a multi-year deal. Since he was no longer with the studio, he would no longer be attached to the series—though he opened up about some of the challenges it faced during a 2024 Comic Con interview. He explained at the time, “The thing about it was [going] from COVID to the [SAG-AFTRA actors’s] strikes to a lot of shakeup in terms of [Disney CEO] Bob Iger leaves, Bob Iger comes back, and as a result, that piece of development just never got traction.”

He added, “I spent a lot of time working on it and then it didn’t happen, so okay, I just move on.”

Hulu has yet to release a big, fantasy franchise on par with HBO's Emmy-winning Game of Thrones and its various spinoffs or Prime Video's Lord of the Rings prequel The Rings of Power. So, it made sense that the streamer would go after something of ACOTAR's caliber. Now that Hulu is no longer attached, Variety reported Maas is interested in shopping the project around to another network. It's currently unclear where, but fans can rest easy knowing that the series isn't totally dead.

When will the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' TV show be released?

With no official network attached and the ACOTAR show basically back to square one, it will be a long while before it premieres. It's hard to say when, probably not before 2028 at the earliest.

We can look to another beloved fantasy series, Fourth Wing, getting the series treatment from Prime Video as a comparison. The project was first announced in 2023 and has undergone similar behind-the-scenes changes, with casting still underway. No release date has been confirmed for Fourth Wing either, so these things take a lot of time.

What has Sarah J. Maas said about the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' TV series adaptation?

Maas is heavily involved with the ACOTAR TV show and has expressed her excitement.

When the project was first announced, she shared on Instagram just how thrilled she was that Ronald D. Moore was on board and revealed she was a part of the writing process. Per TVLine, the author wrote in a now-deleted post, “​​It’s official … Ron Moore (creator of Outlander and one of my creative idols) and I will co-adapt ACOTAR as a TV show for Hulu! I’m currently hard at work writing the pilot with Ron (!!!!!).”

She added, “It just feels so great to finally be able to talk about this! Stay tuned for more details!!”

Maas opened up further about how she was "heavily involved" in a 2022 interview with The New York Times. “It just seemed like a new creative mountain for me to climb,” she said. “It’s a whole different way of telling stories, bringing them to life, and a whole different way of seeing my characters.”

She told the outlet that she was spending up to four hours a day on Zoom calls with Moore to help her story come to life.

In November 2023, amid the actors's strike, the writer gave another update. “We’ve written some scripts, and we’re just sort of waiting,” she told TVLine at the time. “I think the whole town is kind of waiting to see if we have actors before things really move forward, but it’s still in development.”

Since the change-ups, Maas has not publicly commented on Hulu's decision to drop the show. It's been said that she's interested in shopping it around, though, so we'll have to wait and see if she weighs in further.

What is the plot of 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'

How to explain the fantastical, faerie-fueled fiction that is A Court of Thorns and Roses? Essentially, it’s a story about a young woman experiencing the splendors of love (and sex—lots of sex) for the very first time when she is forced to journey far from home.

However, in this story, the young woman is a self-made warrior named Feyre who has trained herself to hunt to provide for her family—and the object of her affection is a royal faerie named Tamlin, who has taken her to his lands against her will as penance for unwittingly slaying a member of his court.

In addition to their ongoing battle of wills (which, of course, is never not fraught with sexual tension), dangers lurk around every corner for Feyre, who must learn to coexist in a world full of monsters she never knew existed.

Who has been cast in the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' adaptation?

Casting was never officially announced when the ACOTAR series was at Hulu, and no updates have been made since then. However, that hasn’t stopped fans from taking their best guesses as to who might play their favorite ACOTAR characters.

At the top of their list for Tamlin? Outlander’s own Sam Heughan. The actor’s character in the Starz series, Jamie Fraser, was Maas’s reported inspiration for Lucien, Tamlin’s BFF. Adding fuel to the fan theory fire is the fact that Heughan is also mentioned in the first book’s acknowledgements.

Heughan played coy when our sister site, Marie Claire Australia, asked if he was working on the project. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?” he teased.

The rumor mill also had a heyday with Margot Robbie. The Barbie actress was spotted having coffee with the romantasy novelist in March 2024, sparking buzz that they might be collaborating on something—like the ACTOR adaptation. The Oscar-nominated star notably helms LuckyChap Entertainment and is known for her work as a producer, so she may very well be interested in getting involved behind the scenes.

She's already said to be a major Maas fan: Robbie told Harper’s Bazaar that she’s read all of the books in the novelist’s series “like, a million times over.” When asked if there was anything she could do to help her new friend move the project along, she joked, “We all need that—the world needs that. I’ll see what I can do.”

Other names that have been floated by fans for ACOTAR parts include Henry Cavill, Theo James, Thomas Doherty, Tyler Blackburn, and Katherine Langford, among others.

Stargirl’s Brec Bassinger threw her own hat into the ring while speaking to TVLine in 2023. “Literally, after I finished the first [book], I emailed my team and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,” she said. “I’m not fiery enough for Nesta. I don’t present old enough for Feyre. I feel like I’d make a good Elain, but I’ll be whoever.”

Nothing has been confirmed yet, so, for now, keep the fan casts coming—and continue to check back to this story, as we'll continue to update it when more information becomes available.

The very term "clean grunge makeup" sounds like we're grasping at straws—grunge, by definition, isn't polished. Eyeliner is smudged just so, still smoked out, but never enough to look like you forgot to wash your face. Lips are dark and moody but finished with a high-shine gloss. And everything is balanced by luminous, healthy-looking skin, not the classic '90s I-slept-in-my-makeup-and-am-due-for-a-shower vibe.

It's messy, but strategically polished: a little rough around the edges, yet refined where it counts. And despite the paradox, it has managed to become the most spiked makeup search term (almost 700 percent and climbing) on Pinterest's fall trend report. And it's not just TikTok hype, either. High fashion runways have embraced the trend with gusto.

At Haute Couture week, Schiaparelli paired black lips with luminous, editorial skin, while celebrity makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre points to the Dior S/S '25 show as a prime example of the grunge revival. "Smudged black liner was pressed into the lower lash line and blended out with fingers to give it that perfectly imperfect edge, while the flushed cheeks kept it fresh." The result? Nostalgic, but not costume-y, a nod to rebellion, reimagined for a world obsessed with being perfect.

And while the irony is not lost on me, there’s a reason it works: After spending years chasing poreless skin and investing in high-maintenance routines to achieve low-maintenance results, we’re finally embracing a little laissez-faire beauty. So if you, too, want to get in on the biggest fall makeup trend—and one Ventre believes will only intensify as we get into the holiday months—keep reading for all the must-have products and tips for grunge makeup with a clean girl twist.

What Is "Clean Grunge Makeup"?

"The original grunge look was very raw; it was meant to look like you’d slept in your makeup and just rolled out of bed," says Ventre. "It was rebellious and unpolished." She adds that "clean grunge" still has that edge, just with a bit more intention. "The skin is fresh and glowy, the smudging is strategic, and the overall look has a softness to it that makes it feel elevated."

And as for how to emulate the trend without eering too sloppy, Ventre says it's all about contrast. (Think smokey eyes and cool tones, but with sculpted skin or a brushed-up brow.) "By keeping the textures intentional, like using creams or soft powders that melt into the skin, you can create depth and definition instead of chaos. A great tip is always to use a clean blending brush to soften harsh edges and elevate your look."

How to Do "Clean Girl Grunge" Makeup

Smoked-Out Eyes

If you're new to the trend, Ventre recommends beginning with the eyes and playing with deeper tones. "For eyes, I love the MAC Eye Kohl. It’s perfect for creating that smudged liner look. I also reach for the Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Disco Dust or the Glossier Lidstar in Fawn [editor's note: this shade is currently sold out] when I want a beautiful eye shadow look that blends seamlessly and gives a sheer wash of grungy color," says Ventre.

Luminous Skin

And if you really want to capture the "clean" part of the trend, a luminous complexion is a must. "For the skin, it’s all about prep. I’ll use the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré paired with the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation for the perfect amount of coverage, but keeping the skin looking natural. Then, set the face strategically with the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder only where it’s needed to let the skin retain that natural glow," says Ventre.

Moody Lips

And while beginners might lean toward the eyes for the grunge look, if you truly want to embrace an editorial, runway-inspired version of the trend—à la Schiaparelli—try out a deep lip. While black lips can be totally chic, you can also opt for a deeper oxblood or vampy red.

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Meet the Expert

"Polka dot nails add a fun twist to manicures that transitions beautifully from summer to fall," says manicurist and OPI global ambassador Natalie Minerva. "I especially love white polka dots over a nude or light wash of color for a playful, chic look."

Polka dot nails are actually pretty versatile; you can wear them in a variety of ways, from oversized polka dots to miniature ones, classic black and white to colorful dots. It all just depends on what mood you're in and the look you're hoping to achieve with your seasonal manicure.

"Play with color dots if you want a look that pops and feels a bit bolder," Minerva says. "I love adding chrome over any dot look to give it more dimension and shine." Polka dot nails are also pretty easy to achieve at home, so long as you have a dotting tool on hand, or even something as simple as a bobby pin or toothpick. "Make sure to seal the manicure with a top coat all the way across the nail and down the free edge so your beautiful artwork stays intact without chipping," Minerva notes.

Read ahead to find all the polka dot nail inspiration you need for your next fall manicure.

Inverted Base Colors

For a manicure recently worn by Sydney Sweeney, celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt completed the actress's look by inverting her color combination.

Polka Dot Tips

In lieu of the all-over dotted look, Dua Lipa recently wore a manicure featuring black French tips decorated with white polka dots. Each hand featured an accent nail that was dotted all over.

Red & White

Simone Biles recently wore a pretty classic iteration of the design, with a deep red base color underneath small, white polka dots.

Nude Polka Dots

For the "Manchild" music video, Ganzorigt painted Sabrina Carpenter's nails with a nude base color before adding small, white dots on top. She later wore the same manicure again while celebrating her song's placement on the Billboard Hot 100, only this time she added a twist with a few rhinestones.

Lemon Drop

Over the summer, Hailey Bieber declared butter yellow was "played out," and instead opted to wear a bright yellow manicure with gray polka dots. Ganzorigt called them "lemon drop martini" nails, as they were meant to mimic a lemon drop cocktail and the sugar that typically sits on the rim of the glass.

Disco Polka Dots

Kylie Jenner has been playing with fun ways to wear French manicures all summer. In July, she tried a manicure with white tips and rhinestones, which acted as polka dots. Her nail tech, Michelle Humphrey, called them "disco polka dots."

Ombré Polka Dots

This dotted manicure features a gradient pink design that slowly fades from a hot pink color to a soft baby pink.

Polka Dot French Manicure

This look seamlessly blends the polka dot look with the French manicure, adding tiny dots to each nail as opposed to just the tips. It perfectly spices up the manicure without getting too dramatic.

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

For my naturally dry, not-too-terribly sensitive skin that is prone to the occasional pimple and cursed with melasma that just won’t ever totally fade, I reassess everything from my cleanser and moisturizer to the targeted serums I use both day and night. Not to mention, it’s the ideal moment to call my dermatologist and book a laser treatment to zap away dark spots and rough skin texture (Fraxel is first up in October, a non-ablative laser that helps to resurface the skin on your face, neck, and chest). So, if you’re sitting there wondering “how the hell do I revamp my skincare routine for fall?”, not to worry—I’m sharing all my tried and tested picks for your next beauty shopping excursion.

Cue the Creamy Cleanser

When I wake up sweaty from scorching temperatures, my morning cleanser is usually a gel formula. For fall, I switch it up to a creamy texture to nourish my skin during the cooler days.

Tone It Up

I always love to follow my cleanser with a hydrating essence but in the fall I start to incorporate a pH-balancing toner instead to tighten pores and rejuvenate my skin.

Break Out the Acids

With less sun exposure than you get in the summer months, fall is the ideal time to reach for those potent active ingredients like lactic, mandelic, and glycolic acids to brighten and smooth your skin. Just don’t forget the SPF.

Rich (Girl) Moisturizer

Even if you don’t have Sahara Desert dry skin like me, the arrival of tepid temperatures means you can start to ease away from the oil-control and water cream moisturizers in favor of something a little more substantial. I love a medium-weight, richer moisturizer as soon as September hits.

SPF Is Essential

For as crucial as sunscreen is in the summer with all that extra sunshine, when you’re ramping up your exfoliating acids and toners to minimize hyperpigmentation, your skin is extra sensitive. That means SPF is just as, if not more, important for daily wear to protect you as you work overtime to even out your skin tone.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

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Ahead, you'll find a comprehensive lineup of nine fall nail trends that'll thrill both minimalists and maximalists alike. To the delight of my beauty-writer heart, several celebrity manicurists independently called out the same themes, which all but guarantee they’ll be on repeat requests this season. Think texture (from tactile 3D nail designs to techniques that mimic the effect), an array of neutrals (with chocolate brown emerging as the breakout star), and minimalist patterns like—you guessed it—polka dots galore.

Keep scrolling for the complete list and screenshot your favorites for later. Some of the manicurists even offered up product recs if you’re in your DIY era. However you decide to bring these fall trends to life is entirely up to you. Happy almost-autumn!

Coffee-Inspired Nail Colors

"This fall, expect coffee-inspired shades to be everywhere, with Mocha Mousse—a soft, creamy brown reminiscent of whipped chocolate—leading the trend as Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year," explains De Los Santos. She recommends Mia Secret’s new Gelux Coffee Collection, which perfectly represents the trend with an array of neutrals that’ll have you craving your favorite coffee order. And I’ll humbly admit: we were ahead of this call; Miss Pop had already predicted brown would be one of 2025’s biggest nail trends.

3D Texture

"3D texture on nails is the best new fidget toy,” says Miss Pop. “From subtle 3D polka dots to waves of swirling chrome, 3D texture is so gorgeous and so sensory.” She’s especially loving minimalist takes on the trend, pointing to the “platinum band I created in a pearl manicure” for a bride’s wedding day nails.

De Los Santos seconds the tactical trend. "I think 3D nail art will definitely trend this fall, especially with designs inspired by nature," she adds. "It’s a creative way to bring seasonal elements to life, making nails feel more like wearable art while still staying in tune with fall’s cozy, earthy vibe."

Polka Dot Nails

I probably don’t need to tell you that polka dot nails are trending for fall—they’ve already taken over social media, loved by celebrities and beauty obsessives alike. They also have celebrity manicurist Kawajiri’s seal of approval, which, if you know her influence, is major.

Muted Chrome Nails

For those who prefer the illusion of texture over raised designs, Tokyo has the nail look for you: "Chrome is moving beyond classic silver and gold into colorful metallics like blue and pink," she begins. "What makes this trend fresh for fall is the use of a matte topcoat, which transforms the high-shine finish into something softer—almost like a velvet or velour texture. It creates a cozy yet elevated effect that ties beautifully with the fabrics and moods of fall fashion."

Cat Eye Animal Print Nails

"Cat eye or magnetic nail polish is a huge trend, and I love putting leopard print or snakeskin over a cat eye polish because it makes the print look like the glistening fur or skin of the actual animal," Miss Pop explains. For the look above, she used Salon Perfect Magnetic One-Step Gel in Silver to create the glittering caramel French manicure before adding spots with Salon Perfect One-Step Gel in Oil Slick, if you’re tempted to recreate it.

Jewelry-Inspired Nails

Keeping with the theme of texture, jewelry-inspired nail looks are sticking around, whether you prefer a minimalist take or a full-on maximalist moment like the one shown here by Miss Pop. “If you’re a gel or acrylic mani lover, the key is a top-notch adhesive,” she says, noting that Salon Perfect Gel Adhesive is her favorite product for setting gems. For those who stick to traditional polish, nail stickers are another option. At the Alice + Olivia Fall 2025 show (above right), Miss Pop used celestial nail stickers, which you can purchase online for less than an iced latté.

Short Nails

De Los Santos predicts short nails will take over this fall, especially rounded shapes. She says the shape and length strike the perfect balance of "style and practicality," and—perhaps unsurprisingly—they’re far more low-maintenance than longer lengths.

Y2K Nails

Anything Y2K is fair game this fall, says Miss Pop. Early-aughts standouts that fit the bill include "polka dots and shimmering pearly finishes to butterflies, and florals such as daisies and hibiscus.”

Chocolate Brown Nails

Chocolate brown nails are also making a comeback, according to multiple manicurists interviewed for this piece. (They had quite the moment in the '90s and are back with a vengeance). Conveniently, Essie’s new Boho Rodeo Collection includes the perfect polish to nail the look: Fringes and Saddle, shown in the glossy manicure above.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

If the latest "tired girl makeup" trend—where you intentionally highlight dark circles with red pigment—is a step too far for you in an already chaotic world, grunge eyes are the perfect compromise. They have that same lived-in, effortless vibe but still feel intentional. The result is moody, a little rebellious, and cool—like you didn't spend too long in front of a mirror, but you still look put together. Ahead, my step-by-step guide to nailing the grungy eye look, because the secret is all in the layers.

Prime for a Good Time

The secret behind F/W '25 grunge eyes is staying power—otherwise, you'll just look messy in an unintentional way. An eye primer is my go-to here. It grips onto everything I put on top so the look lasts all day.

Liquid Lids

I start with a liquid eyeshadow as the base color. It gives a super blendable, lived-in sheen while creating depth for everything else I layer on. I swipe it across my lids and blend it upwards with my fingers for a messier application and fade.

Smudge Time

Here's the best part of the look and what really drives it home. I grab the smudgiest eyeliner I own and scribble it as close to my lash line as I can get—a little messy is okay, but don't go crazy or it errs on the side of unintentional. I then take a small makeup brush and blur it outward in the shape of an undone wing. Then, I line my upper and lower waterline for extra depth.

Blend It Out

Powder eyeshadows seal the deal. I use a fluffy blush to blend a dark matte or satin shade over my lid and into the crease, softening any harsh lines or patchy products that weren't properly blended from before.

(Optional) Glam It Up

If I'm in the mood for a little extra drama, I add a touch of glitter or shimmer on top. I use more subtle formulas and press them onto the lid, using my fingers to blend. This trick keeps the look from feeling too flat.

Why Trust Marie Claire?

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Reneé Rapp will be the first to admit that working on her sophomore album Bite Me “was a bitch.”

“The first eight or nine months of writing this album was just me crashing out every day,” Rapp tells Marie Claire ahead of the record’s August 1 release. The 25-year-old singer/actress recalls feeling “slumpy” after a tumultuous period that spans the release of her 2023 debut Snow Angel, her departure from Sex Lives of College Girls, and her press run for Mean Girls. She explains, “When you want it so bad, sometimes those anxieties turn into a desperate need for control, and you are just being your worst critic and not allowing yourself any joy. It’s not the environment you want.”

On the other side, Rapp found an unrepentant bliss that she infused into Bite Me, a messy and masterful confessional filled with rock-tinged anthems, bombastic hooks, and soaring pop ballads. With standout tracks like “Shy” and “You’d Like That Wouldn’t You,” it’s an unrestrained record from someone who’s made it through burnout to discover her coolest self on the other side.

“I remember having so many days of feeling just so proud and impressed by myself—and I’m not typically impressed with myself,” she says. “I wanted to make songs that I thought were amazing, and I did. So whenever I get caught up in the promotion of it all, and the anxious soul sucking parts of it, I have to go back and remember that I made a body of work that I really fuck with.”

Here, Rapp shares the eclectic music that powers her life, from her ‘70s rock inspirations to the shared party playlist she and her girlfriend, singer-songwriter Towa Bird, listen to.

I stayed up until midnight on the East Coast to download and listen to [Chance the Rapper’s] Coloring Book. I was so fucking excited to listen to that album in full, and it did not disappoint.

I really wish I could’ve experienced Hall and Oates’s prime. Also, the early 2000s. The No Doubt era was really inspiring to me, [and] hip hop in the 2000s was so fucking fantastic.

There’s not an era of music I don’t like, except for maybe the majority of music that came out in 2020. There was some really fucking amazing music, still. But you know how that era was like, What seven-second clip is going to make a cute TikTok dance? That’s not really my kind of music personality, even though I can respect it, and there’s definitely a place for it. But I really love every era of music. It’s all so inspiring to me, and I have kind of an eclectic music taste, so I think it all serves a purpose.

I didn’t even watch it, but I just keep seeing clips of it: The 1975’s Glastonbury set. I was just like, damn. When you see “Somebody Else” in the car, I was like, I’m gonna kill myself, this is awesome.

And [when] I saw Beyoncé live for the first time. I saw Cowboy Carter. The fucking “Texas Hold ‘Em” riff actually puts the “Drunk in Love” riff to shame, which I thought could never happen.

It’s always Frank Ocean. That poor man, he’ll never hear the end of it [from] me. Every interview, I’m like, ‘Frank.’ He’s probably like, I need a search warrant on this woman.

Another one would probably be with Kendrick [Lamar]. One of my fucking dreams has always been to work with a rapper that I love so much and do a pretty singing hook on something, kind of like what [he and SZA] did with “luther.” My favorite kind of music is something that has a really gorgeous hook and amazingly written verses.

It’d be all my favorite artists: The Carpenters, Jazmine Sullivan—but an acoustic set—Frank, Beyoncé, Heart, Journey with Steve Perry, Hall and Oates. What I wouldn’t give to see “Sara Smile.” I know they don’t fuck with each other. Such a loss!

I know that everybody fucking loves Dijon all of a sudden. Everybody’s like, ‘Oh my god, Dijon, Mk.gee.’ I’m like, You guys are so late. But what am I, if not a head? I’ve listened to “The Dress” every day for a really long time.

My girlfriend and I have a playlist. This is our before we go out or in the gym kind of thing: It’s a lot of Stormzy, Kendrick, [FKA] twigs, RAYE, oh my god, there’s so much Charli [xcx], Pop Smoke, Megan [thee Stallion], J HUS, Syd, Burna Boy, Bad Bunny.

People wouldn’t want me there. I would play the best of Etta James. It would be bad. I don’t do well with passive listening to music, so I’m not really most trusted with the aux. Also, I get too drunk too fast, and you can’t trust me to be on my phone. Everybody always takes it away from me.

Aggressive people.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Friends, did you know Virgo season is one of the most important—if not the most important —chapters of 2025? Just as we prepare to wrap up summer, get organized, and step into our back-to-school era, the skies ignite with powerful, transformative, and life-shifting astrology that’s here to push us out of our comfort zones and into alignment. So… buckle up?

On August 22, the Sun enters Virgo, ushering in a season of precision, presence, and purposeful recalibration. Virgo energy invites us to take stock: to simplify, clarify, and clean house—emotionally, physically, spiritually. The very next day, the New Moon in Virgo (August 23) offers a subtle but potent reset. This moon phase marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, and likewise, it’s a moment to plant grounded, intentional seeds. Virgo is the master of magic in the mundane, so don’t underestimate how a small shift—like changing a habit, committing to a new routine, or organizing your space—can radically transform your daily reality.

Then eclipse season arrives. And with it, the rules change.

Eclipses activate the North and South Nodes of destiny (which are currently on the Virgo-Pisces axis), shaking loose what’s no longer aligned while fast-tracking what’s meant to be. On September 7, a Lunar Eclipse in Pisces floods the emotional landscape. This isn’t your typical full moon; it’s an awakening. Endings, revelations, and deep intuitive downloads will be overflowing in nearly every aspect of your life. Then, two weeks later, the Solar Eclipse in Virgo on September 21 sets the stage for a massive reset—one that will echo over the next two years. What’s working? What isn’t? It’s giving “let go or be dragged” in a very serious way.

This is a moment for radical honesty. To claim your worth, release what’s holding you back, and stop apologizing for your needs. Choose trust over control. Realign with your truth. And most importantly, remember: if you’re not rooting for yourself… who is?

As always, I’ve paired each zodiac sign with a fragrance to help you navigate the weeks ahead. Let’s dive in.

This month, you’ll be called to the systems that keep your life running: your health, your routine, your responsibilities. I know, Aries, this doesn’t sound like the high-energy, spontaneous, passion-led pursuits you’re usually chasing. But this isn’t just about instant gratification—it’s about setting you up for success for years to come. As eclipse season begins, the choices you make now have lasting implications. Belnu’s Rose Steady mirrors this beautifully: with its rich blend of fig leaf, moss, rose, and sandalwood, it evokes intentional living. Let this scent anchor you as you slow down, tune in, and commit to the rituals that nourish your body and spirit. That’s where your power lives now.

Something is cracking open this Virgo season—a rediscovery of joy, creativity, and desire that’s been waiting for your permission. And with eclipse season underway, the universe isn’t asking politely. It’s demanding that you prioritize your pleasure: saying yes to spontaneous flirtations, barefoot beach walks, to hanging new string lights for no reason at all. Reclaim the parts of yourself that crave beauty and softness and romance without guilt. Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle captures this feeling perfectly: sweet vanilla, beachy romance, and the cascade of first love—the scent you wear when you borrow an oversized hoodie from your summer fling. This isn’t just about channeling nostalgia; it’s an invitation to make new memories that reflect who you’ve become that honor playful celebration. Embrace fun, Taurus; isn’t that what life is all about?

Virgo season invites you to reflect on where you come from; not just your home, but your emotional roots. The next four weeks pull you inward, asking you to get honest about what stability really means, and what you’re ready to release in order to feel safe. Eclipses can be destabilizing, but Liberty’s Zephirine will serve as a truly anchoring force. Steeped in depth and mystery, Zephirine is a sacred blend of fig, cypress, suede, and clove. It reminds me of cozying up in a chic rustic cabin, curling up with a book in a room full of tapestries and wood and candlelight. This is a season to soften your edges, strengthen your foundation, and trust your intuition.

Get ready, Cancer! Virgo season brings a flurry of activity—texts, invites, ideas, plans. Your calendar might fill up fast, but eclipse season ensures this isn’t just about being busy. What you say yes to now lays the groundwork for deeper, lasting connections. Don’t be shy! This is your time to embrace spontaneous happy hours, unexpected road trips, and even striking up random conversations with strangers who feel like fast friends. Jo Malone’s Raspberry Ripple is your signature for this season of openness: bright, tart, and effervescent, this pink lemonade olfactory experience smells like a bike ride with friends, a warm breeze off the ocean, and the sparkling fizz of fresh gossip. Summer isn’t over just yet, Cancer; there’s still time to have some sun-soaked fun.

Your birthday season may be over (sad!), but the glow-up story continues. In fact, Virgo season invites you to build on everything you’ve been claiming: not just attention, but intention. And with eclipse season already stirring, the focus shifts to what truly sustains you—your money, your time, your energy, your worth. It’s time to separate distractions from long-term potential. Rabanne’s Million Gold is your signature scent for this next chapter: opulent, radiant, and grounded in a mossy richness that hints at something deeper. To me, it smells like vintage glamour with a flash of danger—like you know your value and you’re done negotiating against yourself. A few spritzes are all it takes to remember that you are the luxury, Leo. Never, ever undervalue yourself.

Happy solar return, Virgo! (Psst—that’s how astrologers say “happy birthday.”) This is your season—and it’s not just any ol’ Virgo season. With eclipse energy already swirling on your personal axis, you’re at a serious crossroads. Something big is shifting, and it has to do with your identity. You’re tired of seeking external approval, and now, you’re committed to true authenticity. Who are you becoming? What are you done pretending to be? Burberry’s Goddess rises to meet this moment with strength and sophistication: spicy ginger, grounding vanilla, and a lavender finish that lingers long after you’ve left the room. This classic scent is about embracing power. Step forward, Virgo. The spotlight is on you.

The month before your solar return always carries a certain haze—but this year, (no) thanks to the upcoming eclipses, the fog feels especially thick. Virgo season pulls you inward, asking you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding. This isn’t passive rest; it’s active release. You’re being called to confront old narratives, explore what your emotions are really trying to tell you, and perhaps go deeper into your spiritual practice. Fendi’s Eaux D’Artifice captures this energy with elegant precision: aquatic, mineral, and ancient, like the cool mist of Rome’s Trevi Fountain or the shimmer of moonlight on limestone. This aroma (my favorite of the month) is not just a scent; it’s a portal. Libra, let it guide you through the dreamier corners of your psyche—and don’t be afraid to get lost along the way.

Virgo season opens your world—socially, creatively, and energetically. You’re being drawn toward new communities, unexpected connections, and the kinds of relationships that feel like portals. But this isn’t just a networking moment. Eclipse season is shifting the landscape of who you let into your orbit… and why. Who expands your vision? Who drains your energy? Who feels aligned with where you’re headed? Lake & Skye’s 11 11 Lychee is your signal flare: fruity, mysterious, and quietly magnetic, it smells like stepping behind the velvet rope into a glamorous hotel bar full of beautiful strangers. Stay open, stay discerning, and don’t forget to have some fun. The people you meet now may shape your future in surprising ways; after all, eclipses are linked to destiny.

This Virgo season puts your public life, reputation, and long-term goals in focus. And with eclipse season swirling around you, things may shift fast. Like, really, really fast. Expect new job opportunities, unexpected leadership positions, and huge conversations with your supervisors that may shape your future in major ways. It’s game time, Sagittarius, so let Tsu Lange Yor’s TLY 5755 be your signature scent for the climb. Spicy, animalic, woodsy, and completely unforgettable. To me, this gender-neutral fragrance smells like someone in charge; not because they’re loud, but because they know. Don’t be afraid to clarify your ambition, Sagittarius. The stakes are high, but so is your potential. Make the next four weeks count.

For you, Capricorn, the Sun’s movement into a like-minded earth sign expands your perspective and shakes up your beliefs—and eclipse season makes it impossible to go back to the way things were before. You’re being asked to think bigger, feel deeper, and explore further than your comfort zone allows. Whether you’re traveling to a new location or adopting a completely different perspective on an old situation, let Rare Beauty’s signature scent, Rare, guide the way. Luminous and unexpected, with a nutty warmth that grounds even the most uncharted journeys. Rare reminds me of getting lost in a lush new city, where every turn sparks something new. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply changing your mind, this season is the start of a different point of view.

Something’s shifting, Aquarius—and this time, you can’t intellectualize your way out of it. Virgo season pulls you into the shadows; into the tender, tangled parts of your psyche you usually keep zipped up and out of sight. And with eclipse season underway, you're being asked to reckon with buried feelings, past entanglements, and desires you thought you’d outgrown. Natalie McMillan’s Outlaw Radio is the scent of this metamorphosis: warm leather, second-skin musk, and the ghost of a passionate tryst that still lingers on your skin. It’s a little dangerous, a little sweet, and hauntingly unforgettable—just like you. Don’t be afraid to tap into your dark side, Aquarius: the only way to integrate a shadow is to first embrace it.

This is a major month for you, Pisces. The Lunar Eclipse in your sign on September 7 brings your relationships into sharp focus—and with it, a turning point. Whether you’re falling deeper in love, renegotiating boundaries, or finally releasing a dynamic that’s run its course, this is a moment of brave, emotional honesty. But it doesn’t have to feel heavy! Sol de Janeiro’s Sundays in Rio is your reminder to stay light, free, and fully yourself. Flirty, tropical, and a little nostalgic, this scent smells like adventure and self-liberation. You don’t need to stay anywhere you’ve outgrown. Let your authenticity lead, and joy will follow close behind.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Williams has joined Ro—an online program that offers physician consults and GLP-1 prescriptions—as both a current patient and celebrity ambassador, stating that she used GLP-1s to help her lose 30 pounds following the birth of her second daughter Adira River, whom she welcomed with husband Alexis Ohanian in August 2023.

Under normal circumstances, I’m very anti talking about a celebrity’s (or any regular person’s) weight loss or gain. Period. Frankly, someone’s health and wellness journey is no one’s business other than their own, and the peanut gallery should stay seated. But, as someone who has been on a GLP-1 for nearly six years, I’m genuinely thrilled that Williams isn’t just being candid about her experience—but actively working to change the narrative around peptides.

I won’t sit here and say that GLP-1s are never abused or misused. They can be, and they often are. But I will die on the hill that—under the instruction and guidance of a board-certified physician and nutritional care team—they are some of the most powerful tools in the weight loss arsenal. They work to suppress appetite and slow digestion, yes, but they also have positive effects on chronic inflammation, how the body processes sugar, and potentially help regulate cortisol levels (aka, the stress hormone).

Unfortunately, GLP-1s have also been the recipients of a pretty judgmental smear campaign (often led by people who are not medical doctors); one that paints them as an easy way out for people who don’t want to work out or eat healthy. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. These medications only work if you work with them—build your muscle, eat your protein, stay active, and track your bloodwork. People who are lucky enough to have a properly functioning metabolism sometimes struggle (in my experience) to understand that not everybody has a body that works how it should.

For many people (myself included), it doesn’t matter how well you eat, the number of CrossFit or pilates classes you do, or how many high-fiber, high-protein, no-seed oil foods you consume; the weight refuses to budge. Having a normal, effective metabolism that responds properly to food and exercise is a luxury that some people—including those with PCOS, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or those in peri and post-menopause—don’t get to enjoy.

Having a world-renowned athlete—who is objectively a Very Healthy Person—at the forefront of the GLP-1 movement is perhaps the smartest strategy to help people understand that weight loss isn’t always as simple as living a healthy lifestyle. “I trained at the highest level, ate a clean diet, pushed myself, and still, after having kids, my body just wouldn’t respond. I realized it wasn’t about willpower; it was biological. My body needed the GLP-1 and clinical support,“ Williams said in a press release shared with MC. “I’m partnering with Ro because if I needed help as a top athlete doing everything at level 10, I know others are struggling too, and everyone deserves access to the treatment they need. This isn’t a shortcut. It’s healthcare.”

A GLP-1 can help get your body on track. It's like a little assistant for your metabolism, kicking it into gear and making sure everything runs smoothly. While health is always the primary prerogative, it also shouldn’t be a hard pill to swallow that sometimes individuals want to lose weight. Being skinny isn’t the goal; being healthy is. And let me tell you, walking around 60 pounds lighter, with less inflammation, lower cholesterol, and a body that reflects the food I eat and the exercise engage in certainly makes me feel healthier.

Candidly, my doctors' and my opinions are the only ones that should matter. But I've learned that people are quick to comment on how you treat your body, for better or worse. In my experience, those who have tried a GLP-1 (nearly 12 percent of the US, FYI) are on board, as are doctors, and often those who have seen it in action. But skepticism around weight loss culture is so deeply ingrained in society that the loudest voices in the room (or TikTok) feel justified to bash GLP-1s in the name of body positivity or misguided wellness rituals.

So let me abundantly clear: doing the carnivore diet or wearing an Oura ring isn't the solution for people like me, like Serena Williams. We genuinely benefit from a GLP-1. It's not a shortcut and it's certainly not the same as a SkinnyTime Tea or an excuse to not eat. It's a medication prescribed to neutralize a metabolic imbalance or treat obesity.

Getting the world to view GLP-1s as a positive weight loss tool as opposed to another toxic diet fad isn't easy. But I, for one, appreciate that Williams is using her platform to try and change the narrative.

Recently, television shows like Sirens have highlighted Nantucket’s preppy side, while Hill House Home and Dôen have made themselves at home on Main Street, and the lightship basket necklace—once a practical sailor’s craft—has come back as a sought-after status symbol. But fall is when the island reveals its more authentic self. The tourists fade away, and the year-round community—fishermen, artists, preservationists, and shopkeepers—take center stage. The Americana charm remains, but in autumn, it feels more lived-in than curated —a place still rooted in history, salt air, and a quiet appreciation for the destination that has shaped much of the country’s history. Summer is golden, of course—but early fall shows the island at its most captivating, when the pace slows just enough for you to linger, look closer, and see Nantucket in its true light.

Nantucket isn’t an island of mega-resorts or sprawling hotel complexes—that would spoil its charm. Instead, it leans into intimacy: charming bed-and-breakfasts tucked into historic captain’s houses, local rentals that let you play generational islander for a week, and boutique hotels housed in former homes that often come with hundreds of years of character.

But for those seeking a full-amenity stay, the White Elephant is one of the most iconic options in the area. Sitting right on the harbor, it has the feel of a polished resort without overwhelming the island’s understated aesthetic. A sweeping front lawn lined with lounge chairs overlooks the water, while the rooms lean into crisp Nantucket blue-and-whites. Guests can choose from hotel rooms, cottages, or residences, each with easy access to the pool, tennis courts, and a small private beach. Its location might be its greatest perk: just a short walk into downtown for morning coffee runs, boutique shopping, or hopping the local bus to explore farther-flung corners of the island.

The property manages to deliver the ease of a resort while still feeling distinctly Nantucket—thoughtful, unfussy, and built for both relaxation and access. And if you’re booking in the fall, you’ll find the spa even more enticing, the fireplace welcoming, and the best rooms easier to snag with some leaf peeping right outside.

Start in downtown, where the cobblestones wind past homes that once belonged to Nantucket’s earliest families—and still whisper the island’s long history. Today, the streets are just as defined by the women who keep them alive: shopkeepers curating racks of Nantucket reds and airy day dresses, designers like Alice Walk and Erica Wilson anchoring a distinctly ACK aesthetic alongside cult favorites like Dôen and Hill House Home.

For a sense of place that extends beyond shopping, the Whaling Museum is a must. It doesn’t shy from the island’s complicated past but also highlights the role Nantucket’s women played in reshaping its future—a thread that still runs through the island’s creative energy today.

When the sun is out, beach days are nonnegotiable. Children’s Beach—right near town—is a family favorite with calm waters and a playground, while Jetties Beach offers a wider stretch of sand, a breezy beach bar, and a front-row seat to the ferries gliding in. For something more cinematic, the Sconset Bluff Walk delivers a fantasy sequence: private estates worthy of a Nancy Meyers film on one side, the wild Atlantic crashing on the other. Or trade manicured lawns for something less polished—the island’s hiking trails cut through moors and meadows alive with deer and rabbits, proof that Nantucket’s beauty doesn’t need staging.

And of course, the most Nantucket thing you can do is get on the water. A sunset sail or chartered boat trip reframes the whole island, giving you the perspective its earliest seafarers must have had as they approached the bluffs for the first time.

Nantucket’s food scene is built on what the island does best: seafood pulled straight from the surrounding waters and produce grown a few miles away. The result is a mix of beloved institutions and buzzy newcomers.

Start your day with breakfast at Black-Eyed Susan’s, or swing by Born and Bread for a pastry. Lunch calls for a lobster roll at Walter’s Deli—or, better yet, a packed beach picnic with Nantucket Crisps on the side. Out in Madaket, Millie’s is the spot for post-beach tacos, lobster quesadillas, and frozen margaritas, best enjoyed while the sun sets over the west end of the island. For dinner, Brant Point Grill leans into the island’s coastal ease: order the clam chowder, split a dozen oysters, and don’t miss the lobster mac and cheese. Their Sunday brunch is a scene of its own—prime rib, shrimp cocktails, omelets, and boaters docking just to tuck in.

Downtown, American Seasons offers elevated takes on New England classics in a cozy setting, while Topper’s is the move for a special night. Get there early for sunset and a martini delivered on a silver tray, then stay for a menu that moves between local produce (Bartlett’s Farm tomatoes with burrata and peaches) and indulgent mains (strip steak with Old Bay fries for two). And no trip is complete without ice cream from The Juice Bar—yes, the line is long, but their homemade scoops, made fresh each morning, are worth it at any hour.

The beauty of Nantucket is that the food tells the same story as the island itself: rooted in place, elevated in execution, and best enjoyed at your own pace.

The skin on my hands will inevitably be one of the first to age (the skin is thin and sees a lot of sun exposure), so giving the area the TLC it deserves has been top of my priority list for years. Call me extra, but my hands have their very own skincare routine and I’m confident that 80-year-old me is going to be super grateful for it. It takes all of five minutes to accomplish, leaves my hands silky soft, and (not to be weird) gives me the smoothest skin my hands have ever had the pleasure of touching. My full anti-aging hand care routine, ahead.

Luxe Hand Soaps

As a self-proclaimed germaphobe, I wash my hands 20 times a day. Hand sanitizer, despite being convenient, can be incredibly drying due to the alcohol content. Instead, I keep my kitchen and bathroom stocked with hand soaps that have hydrating ingredients like ceramides and peptides.

Stock Up on Serums

Every single time I wash my hands, I make sure to follow up with a hand serum to replenish moisture immediately. (Dry hands make for older-looking skin.) These picks are fast-absorbing and lightweight so they won’t interfere with your day-to-day tasks.

Don't Shortcut Your Cuticles

Crusty fingers are a no-go. While dry cuticles don’t actually contribute to wrinkles or fine lines, they certainly don’t exude a youthful energy. Every night before bed, I take a dropper-full of cuticle oil and rub it into my nail beds. Bonus: my manicures last so much longer when I do this.

Be a Little Extra

Perhaps the most extra part of my hand care routine is a treatment. I try and do one a week—either a collagen-boosting mask that promises to plump up fine lines or use a laser device (because yes, they make those).

Hand Sunscreens

The best possible thing you can do for your hands? Apply SPF to ‘em. Hands see more sun than almost anywhere on the body and are, therefore, going to be the unlucky recipients of UVA rays that contribute to signs of aging. After I use my daily sunscreen on my face, I like to rub the excess onto my hands.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

The secret to perfectly imperfect day-three hair? Refining the shape, hydrating the ends, and sopping up lingering oils, especially in the summer when New York City is basically a concrete oven. But after 36 years—half of which I'm pretty confident I've spent with pretty great hair—I can safely say that no one ever suspects I haven’t washed or fully restyled my waves by day three. Here’s everything I reach for to keep my hair looking fresh and artfully undone.

Boost Your Volume

I generally don’t love a ton of volume in my hair (a ‘90s supermodel I am not) but sleeping on textured locks means you can get some funky shapes by the time you wake up. I swear by a texturizing spray at the roots to refine any lopsided sections.

Refine the Ends

My hair is mermaid, rib-skimming long (and blonde!), so my ends are already super fragile, but they tend to get even more frayed after a night’s sleep. I add a little hair oil to them to smooth and nourish on days two and three.

Then Comb, Don’t Brush

Brushing wavy or curly hair when it’s dry is a recipe for frizz and…general disarray. Instead, I grab a trusty wide-tooth comb to remove any snarls underneath my hair without disturbing my waves too much.

Embrace Dry Shampoo

A healthy scalp is going to have some oils, especially by day three, but that doesn’t mean your hair has to look greasy. Reach for a dry shampoo to disguise and absorb excess oils instantly.

Add a Little Frizz Control

I’m all about embracing flyaways but by day three, the static look can look a little out of control. I add a pea-sized amount of smoothing cream to rein my hair back in for a work-appropriate look.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

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At the beginning of the Prime Video series, created by Jenny Han, Spencer’s Taylor is a popular girl who is ride or die for Belly and one of the few on “Team Jellyfish” from the get-go. Her performance is at first big and posturing—playing the cool girl who wants to be cool about everything. But her longtime crush on Belly’s brother, Steven (Sean Kaufman) begins to break those walls down, showing Taylor’s vulnerability as the two embark in a constant game of will-they-won’t-they that, frankly, rivals Belly’s love triangle.

In the show’s final season, audiences get to see another side to Taylor as she helps her mother, Lucinda (Kristen Conolly) deal with messy financial troubles and as Taylor’s relationship with Steven evolves into something unexpected: just friends. Speaking with Marie Claire over Zoom mid-way through the season, the 25-year-old actress analyzes Taylor parenting her mother, her fierce bond with Tung, and what she’s learned from playing Taylor.

Marie Claire: How are you feeling about Taylor's arc this season?

Rain Spencer: I feel grateful to be here. A lot of Taylor’s story this season is not in the books, so it's been really fun to see what Jenny comes up with. I have to understand where Taylor comes from in order to play the character, and I can't afford to judge her because I have to portray her. It really is a lot about her protecting herself and that manifesting in different ways. Whether she gets weirdly angry or defensive or snarky or sassy, whatever way it's coming out is because she is so sensitive.

MC: This season especially, she's just taking care of everyone around her so deeply at the expense of herself. I'm very curious about if and when that comes to a head, because of everything that's happening with Taylor’s mom, but also everything that’s happening with Steven as well.

RS: It's one big ‘don't leave me, don’t go away.’ She's picky about who she lets into her life. For that reason, she's got this big fear that people are going to leave. I don't think she's conscious of the patterns that are happening. When you're in it, you can't see it. But from an outside perspective and from someone who's studied her, it's a fear of abandonment. She's abandoning herself in order to not be abandoned, but that just means she's not taking care of herself and not doing the things that she loves and wants to do. That in and of itself is very depleting and it's just giving your power away all the time.

MC: We are learning so much about her this season by getting to know her relationship with her mother better. How is it working with Kristen and exploring that dynamic?

RS: Kristen is so funny and easy to work with and just genuinely a joy to be around. So I felt really lucky to have her come on as my mom. As far as the characters, that is a challenging dynamic: to parent your parent. It is interesting to dive into a dynamic that isn't always seen. It's so true for some people and maybe makes someone feel less alone. I've said before, Lucinda is also a human and is trying her best; our parents don't know what they're doing either. I think holding onto resentment is poison and there's room for grace. I'm going to change my perspective and learn how to love you in this other way because I'm an adult now. I think Taylor's learning how to do that.

MC: That seems to be what she’s trying to do with Steven as well. Taylor’s clearly still in love with him, but she’s trying to respect his boundaries.

RS: It's funny about episode six, with the lemon squares scene, Steven says he just wants to be friends. Obviously, she's not super happy about that, but I think Taylor genuinely is willing to give him that. Later, when she's on the couch stalking Denise on Instagram, her mom comes over and her mom instantly goes into ‘What a great tactic to get him back!’ I don't think Taylor was thinking about it like that. Now it becomes this thing of how much do I take from my mom versus learning something different?

MC: There have been so many crazy theories about literally everyone on the show. There’s one about Taylor where fans think she’ll end up with Jeremiah or that the wedding at the end of the season is Taylor and Steven’s. I even saw one where there’s a theory that Taylor is pregnant. Do you follow these theories about your character?

RS: I love watching people come up with theories. I haven't seen all of them, but the ones that I've seen, I think it's just so fun that people are this passionate. We're really lucky to have such an amazing fan base that really cares and is into the details. Also, the memes are hilarious.

MC: The music on the show is so incredible. Do you have a favorite Taylor Swift needle drop throughout the seasons or a general needle drop?

RS: Jenny is so good at these needle drops. Just as a fan watching the show, I'm affected. Some of my favorite songs are not out yet. They're later in the season, so I can't talk about them yet. Jenny is just so talented, I mean, she's the creator of this entire world and she does it so beautifully.

MC: How’s it been bonding and working with Lola for the past three seasons? For me, they are the love story of the show.

RS: Taylor and Belly are the love story. That's right. Print! With Lola, it's been so beautiful because it was my second project, her first project, but my first TV show and her first TV show. It's been really special to grow up with her and experience this crazy wonderful transition of our careers. The show has completely changed both of our lives. And it's special to have someone as kind and beautiful and sweet and funny. I absolutely adore her and she's such a good friend. She'll forever be in my life.

MC: Do you have a favorite Taylor moment throughout the series?

RS: That's a hard question. There are moments that I really love that are out and some that are not yet that I'm really excited for and her arc. The moments that are my favorite are the moments where, like I said earlier, she's breaking down some of her walls. I love that Steven is the catalyst for that. Most of the time, he's the one that's like, ‘It's safe. You can come out. I love you. You can be weird and dance in front of me. You don't have to be this perfect thing.’ The moments where he brings that out of her. It's also really fun with certain moments of Taylor where she's just full of confidence in her walk and her posture, and she's going to tell somebody off or she is about to get loud and mean. It is so opposite of my personality. It's really fun to pretend to be this queen bee.

MC: We're over halfway through the final season. Can you tease a little bit about what we can expect from this back half to the finale or the series finale about Taylor?

RS: I can just say that she is still on this journey herself. Just personally, some of my favorite stuff for everyone from the whole series is coming up.

MC: Since Taylor was such a big role for you, what do you feel like you've learned from playing this character?

RS: Before Taylor, I did not wear a bikini. I didn't wear any form-fitting clothes. I was wearing baggy everything. I didn't brush my hair really. And I didn't know how to wear makeup. So that's Rain before Taylor. When you play a character like Taylor, I knew that she was going to have to exude this confidence and this certain posture. And like I mentioned earlier, this sway in her hips and this just pure confidence, even though that's not how she's feeling on the inside. By learning that feeling in my body, I learned what it felt like to be confident. I now have that stored in my body because of Taylor and I can be confident on the inside and on the outside.

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That being said, I like to think I’ve pretty much perfected the art of creating soft, hydrated, and supple lips. It’s a mini beauty regimen in and of itself, but it’s well worth it if I never have to feel tightness or see a chapped flake ever again. So without further ado: my foolproof routine to achieve the softest lips of your life.

Lip Basting Routine

I originally learned about lip basting from the one and only Dr. Shereene Idriss when I was in high school—and have been a loyal adopter ever since. The basics: you take a rich moisturizer and put a thick layer on top of your lips. (It looks crazy, but it works.) Give it 10 minutes to cook and the moisture will gradually sink into your lips. Rub the remaining off with a washcloth and you’re good to go.

Prep With Lip Balm

My biggest tip: don’t go straight in with lipstick. I don’t care how hydrating the formula or how many different hyaluronic acid chains it claims to have; a nice non-tinted balm is the ultimate lip primer. It also helps seal in the moisture from lip basting. I personally like to go for clear balms with a silky-to-matte finish.

Go in With a Hydrating Lip Liner

A drying lip liner is the worst—it feathers, makes my lips itchy, and honestly fades so much faster than a hydrating one. I like to look for formulas with a creamy base that are infused with ingredients like squalane or hyaluronic acid. Sometimes I’ll just overline my lips, but if I’m feeling wild, I’ll shade in my entire lip to make my lipstick last longer.

Dab on Lipstick

Hear me out: instead of swiping on a thick layer of lipstick, just do a little tap-tap-tap and blot. The finish is definitely lighter, but I find that even satin formulas can have drying tendencies. Plus, it gives a just-pinched finish that’s perfect for everyday makeup.

Top off With Gloss

The finishing touch? A hyper-glossy lip gloss that seals in all the goodness. You can opt for a plumper, but I personally find those drying and prefer thicker glosses that give a filler-like effect. If you love you’re lipstick shade, choose a clear gloss. But for a tinted option? These two are my favorites.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

One of the film’s breakout stars, singer-songwriter Aiyana-Lee, got her start in the industry in the exact same way. “That was me in every label,” the 24-year-old musician says. “I was sitting outside, pretending I had a meeting, waiting for the CEO, literally with a guitar and a karaoke mic. It made the film feel hyper-realistic.”

Now, the British-American artist (whose full name is Aiyana-Lee Anderson) has traded her makeshift impromptu stage for the theatrical spotlight. In Highest 2 Lowest, she plays Sula Janie Zimmie, another aspiring superstar who appears in King’s life as he contemplates the next stage of his career. Sula’s sanctioned audition in the film’s momentous ending scene leaves King—and the audience—moved by the singer’s undeniable talent.

Aiyana-Lee’s collaboration with Spike Lee began when she caught his attention on Instagram. Ahead of the A24/Apple film’s August 15 theatrical release, the singer tells Marie Claire that she was in “complete disbelief” when the auteur filmmaker slid into her DMs. “I had to check it a few times to make sure I wasn't tripping. My jaw dropped to the floor. I got up out of my bed. It was like 6:00 in the morning, and I woke my mom up and said, 'Girl, I think Spike Lee just DMed me.'”

Her title track on the film’s soundtrack is a joyous, gospel-tinged ode to resilience, making for the perfect coda to the genre-bending neo-noir about art versus commerce in a creative industry. While writing the song, the singer connected with the film’s “hyper-realistic” portrayal of the cutthroat music industry as it tries to adapt to the changing times. From moving to the U.S. at the age of 15 with just a karaoke mic and a dream, to building an online platform with over a million followers, Aiyana-Lee hopes her breakout moment can lend to the song’s message: “You can go from being at your lowest to reaching your highest potential.”

With Highest 2 Lowest in select theaters and the soundtrack out now, Aiyana-Lee chats with Marie Claire about sharing her first-ever movie scene with Washington, working closely with Lee, and how her family is integral to her music.

MC: Had you already read the film’s script when you were working on the title track? Did you know that it would be this triumphant final scene as you wrote the lyrics?

AL: For sure. It's funny because we probably wrote 10 songs before we got to this one. We have a folder full of Spike Lee joints on the hard drive, but it was such a great collaboration. Spike was super involved. He would call me every single day, and we would go back and forth on how we can get the best vibe for that moment, because it is such a big moment in the movie. He really knew what he wanted people to feel when they saw it and heard it, so we definitely went through a process of making sure that the energy fit for that moment. Everything that the characters go through and the vibe of the entire movie inspired having that 'crescendo,' as Spike would call it, moment at the end of the film with this song.

MC: What was it like when you got onto set to film the scene with Denzel Washington?

AL: I mean, it's Denzel! You know what I'm saying? I was super nervous beforehand, because you never know what you're going to get, and you're always afraid to meet your idols. But in this case, Denzel surpassed my expectations—firstly as a human being, let alone an actor. He was so welcoming, such a joy to be on set with, so electrifying to watch him in his element. I've never seen anything like it. [He] and Spike really made me feel so comfortable and so seen. They really encouraged me and believed in me, and took a chance.

MC: You share a lot of similarities with your character Sula, both musically and in your career trajectory. What was it like balancing playing someone so similar to you in real life?

AL: Spike has such a great mind and really knows what's going to fit for who and how it's going to work. In this scene, I felt like I had to be as authentic as I possibly could and stay as true to myself as I could, because I'd been through a similar situation, if not the exact same situation that this scene portrays in my own life—to the point where I was like, 'I'm having a bit of déjà vu.' It felt so close to home, and it was a joy to be able to bring myself to this character.

MC: You have a lot of songs like “My idols lied to me” and “Table for Three” that sound like they’re meant to be on a film soundtrack. What draws you to that style of music?

AL: I've always been drawn to things that feel cinematic and theatrical because I'm a very big persona in my own life, and I like to reflect it in my music. I definitely feel a comfort in that raw storytelling element. Storytelling in every form has always been the goal, whether it's acting or writing books or writing music.

MC: Your mother, Daciana-Nicole Anderson, is your creative partner and co-writer on the title track. What's it like working with her and having your family be involved in your singing career?

AL: It's amazing. She taught me everything I know when it comes to writing. We collab so much and so often, and I feel like we're literally the same person in two different fonts, so it's so easy to work together. Even on this song, I really was like, 'I can't play the piano, bro. Can you help me come up with some chords just for writing purposes?' She's been able to co-write so many songs with me on my own projects as well, and protect me from a lot of the crazy stuff that goes down in the industry. [She’s been] a guiding light for me, and she inspires me to push myself, not settle for things that are mediocre, and surpass what's accepted to pursue something that creates legacy. Without her, I don't know who I would've turned out to be.

MC: Who were your musical inspirations growing up?

AL: Because I grew up around my mom—who has always been a songwriter and an incredible one—I got to experience all kinds of music, from The Temptations with my uncle being David Ruffin to Christina Aguilera, who was off the charts, going crazy. I love Whitney [Houston], Mariah [Carey], Céline [Dion]. I've always enjoyed all the classic female vocalists. I love Michael Jackson. To me, he's the best artist in the world, the greatest that will ever be and has ever been. I think growing up around different types of music has helped me craft and pave my own way.

MC: You often discuss your mental health and your come-up as a musician on social media. What makes you want to be so open about your personal life rather than creating a separation?

AL: To me, it's one and the same. I wanted to be almost the quote, 'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' I saw so many different artists blow up, but I never really understood the story or got to see the step-by-step. You can compare yourself to so many different people online, but then you degrade yourself to a degree, thinking that they don't go through the same struggles you do. I never wanted to be that. I wanted people to see the grit of it all and be part of that daily journey and struggle, because if someone can see my journey and be inspired and think, ‘You know what, maybe I can do it as well,’ then that's a job done.

MC: What do you hope that both the general audience and aspiring musicians feel after they watch your final scene?

AL: I hope the takeaway is that you can go from being at your lowest to reaching your highest potential. If you stick through the times when you're broke, the times when you have nothing, and still see that bigger picture and vision despite whoever doubts you and tries to make you feel smaller than what you are. That's really what the song is saying as well: If a person can go through all that and still make it on top, then maybe I can do it as well.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

There are many reasons why fans of K-Beauty love the products that make their way here. Not only are they on the cutting edge of beauty science with textures that feel better on the skin (if you’ve ever used a Korean SPF, you know exactly what I’m talking about), but they are usually much cheaper than products available in the U.S. That’s because K-beauty ingredients and manufacturing tend to be locally sourced and competitive, which is able to keep prices affordable and quality high.

It’s helped fuel a second wave of K-Beauty in the U.S. as American consumers clamor for more. According to statistics compiled by the U.S. International Trade Commission, an independent federal agency, the U.S. imported $1.7 billion worth of cosmetics and personal care from South Korea in 2024, a 54 percent increase from the year prior. It’s no wonder Ulta has made a big bet on K-Beauty, bringing in a host of popular brands this summer as part of their partnership with online retailer K-Beauty World, and Olive Young (basically the Korean version of Sephora) is rumored to be opening a U.S. store sometime next year.

But, just as K-Beauty’s momentum has started to build to a fever pitch, it seems the federal government has decided the party is over. While you’ve probably been inundated with news of the new 15 percent tariff rate for South Korea that locked into place on August 7, you haven’t felt the squeeze yet. That’s because there is currently a policy called a de minimis tariff exemption. It means that any imported goods under the value of $800 coming into the U.S. are exempt from tariff duties. Retailers, who order in bulk to sell in store, are the ones who have been stung the most by tariffs—some are passing the increased prices on to consumers and some still have not made any price hikes. But, if you, like many K-Beauty stans, placed orders from legit Asian beauty e-tailers like YesStyle, Stylevana, or Olive Young to be shipped into the U.S. and you didn’t go absolutely HAM and buy over $800 worth of goods, you weren’t going to be affected by those tariffs that everyone has been freaking out about. Until now.

The Next Phase of Federal Regulations

On July 31, President Trump signed an executive order ending the de minimis exemption. The reasoning, according to the official statement by Homeland Security, was with the de minimis exemption, “countries exploited this system to flood the American market with cheap goods that undercut American manufacturers and cost American jobs.” Ok, show me an American beauty company that can create a PDRN collagen mask of the same quality and efficacy at the same price point as a Korean brand and I will happily give them my money. Unfortunately, in my 20+ years as a beauty reporter, I have yet to see it. Hope springs eternal.

What this means for you, is that starting on August 29, all packages entering the U.S. from Korea, no matter the value of the goods inside, are said to be charged either that 15 percent tariff rate or a flat sum between $80 to $200 per item, according to recent reports. Exact pricing is said to be determined by the contents of the package and after six months everything will shift to that 15 percent tariff rate. This goes for any products coming in from other countries, so if you’re a fan of French pharmacy buys or Japanese denim, the duty rates apply on those imports as well. No item is safe from the de minimis exception ending. The administration has said that products coming in via foreign travel are not subject to this order, so if you travel abroad and bring home some duty-free souvenirs, they apparently will remain duty- and tariff-free. So, there’s that, I guess.

It’s also unclear who exactly will be paying these fees — I reached out to a K-Beauty retailer for comment but they were rightfully hesitant to go on the record about the end of the exemption and how it will affect them and their customers. The big question as August 29 looms is if Korean retailers that ship to the US are going to eat these massive tariff rates, if the customer is going to now be responsible for them, or if prices will rise to offset what retailers will now have to pay. There is a lot of confusion and not a lot of solid answers because no one knows what to expect.

How the FDA Is Impacting Foreign Beauty Imports

If that wasn’t bad enough, the FDA has decided to get in on the fun with the announcement on August 4 of a new Nationalized Entry Review Program (NER). Touted as a new system by which the FDA can “identify and interdict dangerous products more quickly,” the system is meant to “explore automation opportunities” and move the FDA away from a port-by-port system of finding and identifying high-risk products that they deem should not be in the U.S.

This all sounds fine and dandy until you remember that one of those “dangerous” products is sunscreen. Yes, that’s right, any SPF that is not FDA-approved, i.e. those lovely sheer and silky filters from Korea—and Japan, all of the European ones, and even Australia—are not legal to be sold in the U.S. because they do not contain filters that the FDA have approved.

This is because the FDA considers sunscreen a drug, while the rest of the world classifies it as a cosmetic. It’s one of the many reasons why we haven’t approved a new chemical filter since the '90s. I could write you a dissertation on this topic, but suffice to say, that, as someone who recently returned from a fact-finding trip in Seoul and has tried a smorgasbord of internationally accredited sunscreens, there’s no comparison—dermatologists always say the best SPF is the one you will use, and non-U.S. sunscreens are the easiest and most enjoyable to wear on your skin for many.

The FDA doesn’t seem to be as big a fan of Korean SPF. When asked for comment on the NER program and if sunscreen was considered one of the dangerous and high-risk products mentioned in the program’s announcement, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services responded, “Many currently marketed and widely available sunscreen products in the U.S. provide excellent broad-spectrum coverage and are effective in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun, when used as directed with other sun protection measures. The fact that sunscreen ingredients are available in other countries does not mean that the important safety questions about these ingredients are well understood, or that they provide greater efficacy or safety than sunscreens lawfully sold in the U.S. In many other countries, sunscreens are regulated differently and may not be required to have the data that FDA, and other experts, consider necessary to fully evaluate the safety of sunscreen ingredients.”

Well, to borrow a phrase from Stephen Colbert, there’s some truthiness to that. Sunscreens are regulated differently in other countries and don’t require the same data as the FDA does. For one, they don’t require animal testing, which the FDA requires for any new filters that are introduced into the market. While there are no comparative studies that say definitively that international SPFs are more effective than those found in the U.S., there is no clinical evidence saying that those SPFs are unsafe or ineffective. Some dermatologists believe that access to more ingredients allow international brands to provide higher efficacy—because U.S. sunscreens are so limited, they often have to combine or have additional ingredients added to the formula in order to provide the type of broad-spectrum protection that filters like Tinosorb or Mexoryl provide. They also jack up the SPF rating in an effort to make up for the lack of filter variety, which isn’t necessarily providing better protection—just a chalkier, greasier feel.

Is the Age of Buying Korean SPF Over?

Earlier this year, the FDA cracked down on Korean brands that were selling non-FDA compliant SPF in the U.S. (via Amazon, TikTok, and their own U.S. e-commerce sites). Some, like the viral and beloved Beauty of Joseon, chose to reformulate and create FDA-compliant versions with approved filters for the U.S. market. (Hint: If it uses avobenzone, odds are good it’s the U.S. version, as that is an FDA-approved filter. Weirdly enough, there are only two SPF ingredients considered safe and effective by the FDA: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. All of the previously approved chemical filters still need to provide additional data to the FDA to prove their safety and efficacy. So the FDA has approved chemical filters but doesn’t consider them safe and effective under its new monograph. Yeah, it’s confusing.)

You could still get the original Korean versions via the loophole of heading to Korean e-tailers, however the new NER system looks to be the FDA’s way of closing that loophole. While the FDA did not confirm that sunscreens will be on the list of products targeted in the NER program, they also did not deny it, which leads to the assumption that anyone who continues to order from Asian retailers and ship to the U.S. may face the risk of their products being confiscated by CBP.

It does all sound very doom and gloom, but there are some bright spots—the current interest in K-Beauty means that there are now more brands being sold in U.S. stores than ever before, creating access opportunities that didn’t exist mere months ago. While SPF continues to be the proverbial thorn in every beauty lover’s side, it is a unifying issue that many lawmakers agree needs revision. In June, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the House called the Supporting Accessible, Flexible and Effective (SAFE) Sunscreen Standards Act, which seeks to modernize the FDA’s regulation of over-the-counter sunscreen regulations. Now might be a great time to let your representatives know just how you feel about SPF regulations in the U.S. and show your support for the SAFE Act. And, if you have certain K-Beauty (or any international) faves that aren’t yet available Stateside, now is also an excellent time to stock up before the de minimis exceptions expire on the 29th. You might want to spring for the express shipping, though, just in case…

I've been using this hack for a long time. When I was single and dating, I found that applying a man-eater perfume was a small but super powerful way to set the tone for the evening and get into the right headspace—nerves be damed! And the experts agree: Dating professional Tiffany Baria previously explained to Marie Claire, “Having a signature scent makes it so your potential date or partner remembers you everywhere they go—and it’s a Flirting FastPass to getting them hooked.” Here's how I choose my date night fragrance depending on the vibe I'm going for, because it matters a lot more than you may think.

The Romantic

If the night feels extra flirty—like a dimly lit restaurant or if he's cooking for me—I instinctively reach for something floral. You know, rose, peony, gardenia, anything soft and classic. It just makes me feel pretty and romantic in the most effortless way.

The Bold

Not to say that you can't wear these when you're in a relationship (I certainly do), but when I was in my single dating era, these perfumes were the ones that I'd grab when I wanted to make an impression—a little spice, a little smoke, maybe even a hint of pepper. When I put one of these on, my anxiety disappeared. Even blind dates couldn't affect my nervous system.

The Playful

These are my daytime scents, like a picnic in the park, a boozy little brunch, or just a quick coffee when I want to feel awake. To me, playful means citrus. It's light and fresh—think grapefruit, orange, lime—and makes me feel fun.

The Cozy

If my boyfriend and I are staying in or doing something low-key, I go for warm, sweet scents. Vanillas, caramels, and any scent that smells like a dessert fit this category—the gourmands, if you will.

The Effortless

And there are my favorite nights when I don't want him to notice the perfume, at least not right away. That's when I reach for a skin scent. It's subtle, almost like you can't tell if I'm wearing perfume or not, but filled with warmer and muskier notes that mimic the skin's natural smell. It's my secret weapon for when I want him to lean in just a little closer.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Alto Astral is the newest fragrance to launch from the brand, and it's a sweet, gourmand scent that's a tribute to the culture of Brazil. "Alto Astral is that moment when your energy shifts and everything feels light and full of possibility," Byredo's longtime perfumer, Jérôme Epinette, tells Marie Claire. It features top notes of coconut (hence the imagery), which Epinette hopes will convey a sense of optimism and joy.

In need of a new go-to scent, I spent a few days testing out Byredo's new launch. Read ahead to get my unfiltered thoughts it.

The Fragrance

Alto Astral is a gourmand scent that features notes of coconut water, aldehydes, jasmine, sandalwood, cashmere, and salted amber. "Everything about this fragrance was very intentional," Epinette says. "I had a clear vision from the start. I knew that notes like coconut water, milky musks, and cashmere woods would work in harmony to tell this solar story."

Per Epinette, the fragrance is meant to capture the energy of Brazilian culture, and he was inspired to create it after spending time in the country. "Having traveled there and spent time immersed in its vibrant culture, I was truly inspired by the optimism and energy that pulse through everyday life," he says. "I wanted the scent to capture that unique blend of warmth and vitality that’s so deeply rooted in Brazilian culture."

Of all the notes featured in the perfume, the coconut water is probably the one that's most prominent in my opinion, but the scent itself isn't overpowering. It's also really warm and musky without leaning too far on the masculine side, which I can really appreciate.

The Application

On my first day wearing this, I'll admit that I wasn't super generous with the application—trying out new fragrances makes me a little nervous sometimes, so I try to be a little conservative with how much I apply in case I end up not liking it. As you can imagine, that caused the scent to not linger for as long as I would've preferred it to.

The next day, I got a bit more liberal with it, first adding a few spritzes to my neck right after getting dressed, and then working my way down, spraying the insides of my wrists and my legs. Then, I waited for it to dry down on its own, as opposed to rubbing it in and potentially breaking down the fragrance.

The Wear

After spraying the fragrance on at around 8:30 this morning, I noticed that I could smell myself during my entire walk to the train station. That said, by midday, I could still faintly smell it on myself, though I definitely felt like the scent had worn off a bit—a potential sign that I wasn't quite as generous with the application as I could've been.

The scent is great, but it's one that you may have to reapply during the day if you have evening plans.

The Takeaway

I was nervous about this scent being a bit to masculine for me at first, but after trying it, I was impressed by how versatile it is. It's a gourmand scent, but it doesn't lean too far on the sweet side, and while you can immediately get a whiff of the coconut water in as little as one spritz, the notes aren't overpowering.

So would I wear this again? Definitely! I can appreciate that it doesn't fit strictly into the box of being a summer or fall scent and is something you can wear year round. It's one that I'll 100 percent be adding to my collection.

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Needless to say, I was under a tremendous amount of stress and just not feeling well. After ignoring signs from my body for weeks, I had the worst panic attack of my life—during my partner’s graduation party, no less. One moment, my sister and I were sneaking off to go pick up catering, the next I was lying on a stretcher, attached to all sorts of machines. The experience left me with what my psychiatrist labeled as panic disorder, alongside a healthy dose of agoraphobic behaviors.

My primary symptoms included trouble breathing, dizzy spells, and a racing heartbeat every day (and night) for weeks after the initial incident. While this obviously affected my day-to-day life, it also deeply affected my sleep. I would find myself waking up mid-panic attack, terrified to go back to sleep in case it happened again. I couldn’t take it anymore.

I started looking into calming, holistic remedies. There was magnesium oil, which I sprayed on the bottom of my feet before going to sleep, and peppermint oil, to help promote deep breathing. There was even an oral herb spray to promote calm from the inside out. All of them did their intended jobs but left me smelling like a witch’s brew, and it felt like a constant reminder that I was doing this because I feared my mind would revolt otherwise. These conflicting herbal scents just reinforced this feeling of fear that there was something wrong with me.

Enter: my fragrance-before-bed ritual. I was craving the little practices that I, as a beauty editor, would do to boost my mood and morale, all of which were completely sidelined as I navigated my new diagnosis. As the weeks went on, I found the act of topping all these products with a fragrance, scented lotion, or body oil that I actually wanted to use was a way to exercise a bit of control in a time where it felt like life was dragging me by my ponytail.

Yes, I’d take my antidepressants and use all the oils and sprays because I had to, but putting on a bit of perfume became the one thing that felt like me. Plus, as a beauty lover to my core, I loved the whimsy that a fragrance could bring into an otherwise mundane routine. It was that little bit of extra self-love that made me feel kind of normal again, before the idea of stepping out of my front door made me hyperventilate and fall into a puddle of tears.

It’s been over a year since I experienced the Great Panic Attack of 2024, but applying perfume before bed is a ritual that has stuck with me, even as I’ve continued to learn different coping methods for living with panic disorder. The act of sitting on my bed, taking a few deep breaths, and spraying my favorite scents is a practice that takes a minute or less, but leaves me feeling grounded and in my body in a way that I hardly experience otherwise.

It continuously proves to me that my love of beauty and its auxiliaries isn’t just a frivolous hobby—it’s a way for me to continuously learn about myself and my body, which is even more important to me as I grow in my womanhood. It’s a way for me to feel sensual, clear-headed, and calm in a city and society that tries to force me to be the opposite every day. Fragrance has helped me to navigate panic disorder, but it’s ultimately helping me prove to myself that I am my biggest advocate, caretaker, and confidant, and that I have a say in my approach to wellness and mental health care. That sense of autonomy and control? There’s no better way to calm an anxious, panicky mind. And the fragrances that I'm wearing? It's my newfound scent of peace.

Not only are there a load of pink hues to choose from—magenta, hot pink, bubblegum, blush, you name it—there's also an endless amount of ways for you to get creative with wearing pink nail polish if all-over color isn't exactly what you're going for. From minimalist designs and pink chrome overlays to classic pink French tips, there's truly a pink nail design out there for everyone.

To give you some ideas ahead of your next nail appointment, I've rounded up 21 stunning pink manicures to try for the upcoming season.

Barely There Pink

There's nothing wrong with keeping things simple with a solid color. If you're going for a classic nude look, try picking up a sheer or flesh-toned pink.

Pink Micro Tips

French tips are never a bad idea, but if your nails are on the shorter side, micro tips can help them look slightly longer.

Polka Dots

ICYMI, polka dots are so back. It seems like everyone (from Dua Lipa to Kylie Jenner) is wearing polka dots on their nails these days, but the design you choose to incorporate the pattern into doesn't have to be basic. This manicure features several of shades of pink painted in a gradient pattern on each nail before large dots are added on top.

Pink Aura

If you've seen aura nails before, then you know that most times they feature starkly different colors that often reside in different families, but this design proves that there's a way to make aura nails look stunning even if you're going for an all-pink vibe.

Pink Chrome

Nothing adds a bit of oomph to an otherwise neutral manicure quite like a chrome powder. Choose a base color, then use a sponge to rub some of this on top to get that shiny, metallic finish.

Hot Pink

If you want an all-over color in lieu of a complex design, hot pink is about as classic as it gets.

Pink Cat Eye

This look is pretty similar to a chrome finish, except the finish is a lot shinier and more metallic. They're striking enough to make a statement without being overly complicated to achieve.

Baby Pink Tips

When in doubt, just take a classic French manicure and transform it with baby pink tips. Don't want to visit the salon? Try press-ons.