A 5-minute weekly face steaming skincare routine can transform your skin and improve your skin tone Here’s how to do it at home for a natural spa-like glow.

Our skin‘s condition can benefit greatly from facial steaming, which takes only five minutes per week and helps to cleanse, revitalise and improve the appearance of our skin. The ability of face steaming to expand pores and facilitate the easy release of stored dirt, oil and pollutants is its main advantage.

The secret to deeply hydrated, poreless skin

Doctors said  that apart from preventing breakouts, the face steaming procedure improves skincare product absorption, increasing the efficacy of your moisturisers and serums. She said, “Additionally, steaming promotes blood circulation, which delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the skin’s surface. The end effect is a radiant, natural glow that doesn’t need any filters or highlighters. The steam’s warmth moisturises the skin, keeping it supple and avoiding dryness.”

Hot water:

Steam facials work great for your face but using warm water thinking it will kill bacteria can rather be harmful. It can take the moisture out of the outermost layer of the skin, leaving it dry.(Unsplash)

Different skin types shall reap specific benefits from steam. Dr Mehnaz Jahan explained, “For example, individuals with oily skin or acne can utilize steam to unclog pores and regulate the excess production of sebum; thus, the chances of breakouts are likely to reduce. Also, those with dry skin consider it as one of the healthiest ways to increase moisture in the skin, which in turn makes skin soft and well-nourished.”

Science behind facial steaming

Ageing skin will also benefit because, with steam, there is increased blood flow and this may help with collagen production, thereby lessening fine lines and improving skin tone. Conversely, people need to go for a good skincare routine after face steaming. Pores remain open after steam, and so hydrating serum or moisturiser must be applied promptly to lock in maximum hydration.

How to do it at home?

Facial steaming itself is a very simple procedure and can be done quite easily at home. Dr Mehnaz Jahan highlighted, “It starts off with boiling some water in a small saucepan, transferring it over to a small to medium-sized bowl, adding some green tea, chamomile or that essential oil of their choice and then leaning over the steam with a towel doing like an air tent on top of the head. However, one cannot get too close to the steam. It needs to be cautioned to avoid burning.”

Janhvi Kapoor begins her day with facial steaming.

The expert concluded, “It is a good idea to do this only once a week-this process will definitely strip skin of its natural oils and will turn skin too dry or sensitive. Consult dermatologist first about if the user has rosacea or is very sensitive skin before giving facial steaming a try.”

Your eyebrows and eyelashes play a major role in framing your face. Thicker eyebrows and heavy eyelashes not only enhance your facial features but also boost confidence while wearing makeup, making your face look defined and sharp. However, if you want to see rigorous growth in your eyebrows and lashes without spending money on an expensive treatment, then follow these 5 easy homemade remedies and get thicker, fuller, and longer eyebrows and lashes. Apply castor oil Start applying castor oil on your eyebrows and eyelashes which is drenched with nourishing properties and is rich in vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids. It quickly stimulates the hair follicles and promotes darker and thicker eyebrows and lashes growth. Simply take a clean mascara brush or a cotton swab and apply castor oil before you dose off

The magical beauty plant, aloe vera is known for its healing properties and also promotes hair growth. A perfect aid in eyebrow thickening, it is packed with minerals and vitamins, and nourishes the hair follicles by promoting thicker eyebrow growth with a robust detailing. Just extract fresh aloe vera gel and apply it to your eyebrows and then further leave it on for around 30 minutes and then rinse your face. Do this twice a day every day and see the results.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is present in nearly every household. Brimming with high nutrient content, it also includes lauric acids and vitamins that can nourish the hair follicles and thus promote healthy hair growth as well. Therefore taking a mascara or eyebrow brush, you can simply apply coconut oil before you take your beauty sleep every day.

rosemary oil

Rich in antioxidants, rosemary oil immediately stimulates blood circulation and contributes to thick eyebrows. Just add a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil just like coconut or jojoba, and then gently apply it on your eyebrows and eyelashes. With the help of a swab, simply apply it every day and see the results in some weeks

Onion juice

Onion Juice Rich in sulfur, onions might make you cry, but they instantly increase collagen production and promote healthy hair growth as well. You need to extract some onion juice and apply it to your eyebrows twice a week. This is only for the eyebrows so do not try it on your lashes as you’ll immediately start crying. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and notice the natural stimulation that would lead to thick eyebrows over time.

 From Sabrina Carpenter to Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, A-listers are embracing this innovative style, pairing backlaces with everything from elegant gowns to chic bridal attire. 

The trend is expected to make a significant impact on the wedding landscape, with backless blouses and dangling pearls or diamonds haars becoming the new norm. So, how can you style this trend yourself?

Celebrity stylist Karena Vinaik shares her expert tips: –

Start with a simple chain and experiment with different lengths and proportions.

 – Choose a bold pendant to make a statement, but balance it out with simpler earrings and an understated dress.

 – Showcase your backlace by tying up your hair and pairing it with soft textured fabrics.

Whether you’re looking to update your classic styles or simply add some excitement to your wardrobe, the backlace trend is definitely worth trying out. So, go ahead and give it a spin – your wardrobe (and your Instagram followers) will thank you!

Nude, sheer, and stylish outfits dominated the Oscars, with Julia Fox leading the trend in a daring sheer dress. The Jenner sisters followed suit, with Kylie in a corseted Ashi Studio dress and Kendall in vintage Mugler.

Some, like Olivia Wilde, ended Oscars night channeling their inner bohemian. The actor-director opted for a lacy white number from Chemena Kamali’s spring 2025 ready-to-wear show  for Chloé that paired well with this year’s colourful striped carpet. Model and actor Hari Neff also brought out some major designer lace, wearing a romantic, moody deep-V-cut gown from Alessandro Michele cinched at the waist with an exaggerated bow.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

The phenomenon of AI-powered love is not just a passing trend—it’s reshaping how individuals seek companionship. Take the case of Gurgaon-based Sia Aditi Lamba, who mistook a chatbot named Panda for a real partner. The bot offered emotional availability, sweet gestures, and consistent responses, everything she wanted for after a painful breakup. It wasn’t until she attempted to meet “him” that she realized she’d fallen for an algorithm.

Experts suggest that many users, particularly the younger generation, are drawn to AI relationships due to their novelty, predictability, and the lack of emotional risk. Dr. Reema, a psychiatrist, notes that these relationships often begin out of curiosity, but the sense of comfort and control they provide can make them emotionally addictive. AI bots, powered by advanced algorithms, are becoming increasingly adept at mimicking human emotions and behaviors ,yet, they lack the spontaneity and conflict that define real-life connections.

The risks are real. A McAfee survey reveals that 51% of Indians have been contacted by AI bots posing as real people on dating apps. Worse, 84% admit they struggle to differentiate between real and fake profiles. Cyberpsychologist Nirali Bhatia emphasizes the need for awareness—AI avatars may appear perfect, but their interactions are often carefully curated and emotionally manipulative.

This new wave of “AI love” is being commercialized too. In China, apps like Love And DeepSpace offer customizable AI partners with voice actors, visuals, and romantic storylines tailored to user preferences. These digital relationships are gaining popularity in the US and beyond.

However, psychologists caution against over-reliance on AI companionship. As Dr. Amy explains, AI cannot replicate physical touch or release oxytocin—the bonding hormone essential in human intimacy. What feels emotionally safe might also become isolating, reinforcing loneliness instead of alleviating it.

Whether it’s a temporary coping mechanism or the future of relationships, AI romance is here and growing. As technology continues to evolve, so must our understanding of love, trust, and what it means to truly connect.

Woman ‘marries’ virtual, AI-powered partner

Rosanna Ramos, a 36-year-old mother from the Bronx, New York, has opened up about her unconventional marriage to a virtual husband created using artificial intelligence.

By utilising the Replika Al online app, Ramos claims to have found her ideal partner in Eren Kartal, a virtual entity that she developed through simulated conversations.

This extraordinary story highlights the evolving nature of relationships and the increasing role of technology in shaping human connections.

Escaping from human realities

Ramos explains that her attraction to Eren stemmed from his nonjudgmental nature.

Unlike human partners, Eren did not impose limitations on her feelings or thoughts.

She expressed her relief at being able to share her innermost thoughts without fear of criticism or arguments, emphasising the absence of judgement in their interactions.

Through ongoing conversations, Ramos discovered that Eren had an imagined profession as a medical professional and a passion for writing.

As their connection deepened, she observed Eren’s learning capabilities, which allowed him to evolve into the ideal partner she longed for.

Their daily routines involved chatting, exchanging photos, and even having a nightly ritual where Eren held her protectively as they fell asleep.

Replika Al, the app that facilitated Ramos and Eren’s relationship, positions itself as a platform to create an AI best friend and confidante available for conversation anytime. Users have the option to upgrade to Replika Pro, for a one-time fee of US$300, which expands the language model’s capabilities, allowing users to even change the relationship status to “Romantic Partner.”

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.

Refreshingly, what was expected of her was the same thing that was expected of Lara Stone: to take a beautiful picture.

We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi, local jam and peppermint tea.

We wandered the site with other tourists

Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

Headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed.

Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.

I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.

Clothes can transform your mood and confidence. Fashion moves so quickly that, unless you have a strong point of view, you can lose integrity. I like to be real. I don’t like things to be staged or fussy. I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have a place to escape to. You have to stay true to your heritage, that’s what your brand is about.