The Blind Side.

Press play on these tried and true movie classics for Mother’s Day

Whether you are able to share time on the sofa, or synchronise your screens and watch these movies together while on the phone, here’s a selection of films that deliver all of the required Mother’s Day feels. It’s worth noting that Meryl Streep appears on the list three times, perhaps making her cinema’s most loved mum (although we did leave out Kramer vs Kramer). Here are the movies to watch, laugh at and cry along with, this Mother’s Day.

Mamma Mia!
The charms of this interpretation of ABBA’s hit parade, with a nonsensical storyline and Pierce Brosnan’s truly woeful singing, are not immediately apparent. But the leading lady trio of Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters, along with mothers-of-a-certain-age catnip Colin Firth, does make this jukebox musical adaptation seep under your skin. By the end credits you may even shed a tear at The Winner Takes It All (not just because of Brosnan’s singing). Watch on Netflix

The Blind Side
Sandra Bullock picked up an Oscar for her star turn as the ultimate Soccer Mom, Leigh Anne Tuohy, who welcomes a black football player from a disadvantaged background into her privileged family. Bullock delivering the line “You mess with my son, you mess with me,” will kick in the most dormant maternal instincts. Watch on Apple TV

Bad Moms
For those wanting a comedic release this Mother’s Day, Bad Moms is a raunchy comedy about rebelling against the image of the suburban soccer mom. Watch on Amazon Prime

The Parent Trap
The epitome of a family classic, this 1998 romcom follows separated-at-birth twins Annie and Hallie on their mission to make their family whole again. Watch on Disney+

Little Women
The most recent feminist reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, directed by Greta Gerwig, stars Meryl Streep as an eldery aunt along with Oscar-winner Laura Dern as the world’s most saintly mother since Mary. A knockout Florence Pugh as the beautiful Amy and Saoirse Ronan as headstrong Jo round out the girl power casting. See why this enduring story has been a crowd pleaser for 150 years. Watch on Netflix

Serial Mom
Not all mothers are the red roses and Earl Grey tea type, so if yours is fond of a wicked laugh, indulge in the suspicious humour of underground film legend John Waters. Kathleen Turner delivers a delightfully grubby tour de force as happy housewife Beverly Sutphin, who unexpectedly discovers an appetite for murder and potty-mouthed prank calls. For cool mums only (if she has a collection of Josh Groban CDs, maybe skip this one). Watch on Amazon Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7sJD0u7AFE

The Sound of Music
If you’re part of a blended family, bypass Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon in Stepmom and go straight to the OG amazing stepmother, a perky Julie Andrews as Maria Von Trapp in this enduring musical. The chocolate box Austrian scenery, sassy nuns and a ridiculously handsome Christopher Plummer will have you holding mum’s hand by the second round of EdelweissWatch on Disney+

Lion

If you’re in the mood for a big old cry this Mother’s day then Lion would be our top pick. Starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel, this tearjerker follows an adoptive mother whose son travels around the world to find his birth family. Watch on Neon

Postcards From The Edge
You’ve hit the Mother’s Day mothership with Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep in the one movie. In the 1990 adaptation of Carrie Fisher’s acclaimed novel (which drew from Fisher’s life growing up as the daughter of Singing In The Rain star Debbie Reynolds) Streep and MacLaine go head to head over addiction, bad relationships, worse marriages and the nightmare of moving home in your thirties. Hang in there through the sharp dialogue and sarcastic asides because there’s a fantastic feel good ending. Watch on Apple TV

20th Century Women
Prepare for an oestrogen overload with Annette Bening as a free-thinking mother raising her adolescent son alongside punk artist Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and provocative neighbour (Elle Fanning). Set in Santa Barbara in 1979, the movie perfectly captures the clash between cultures and generations. It takes a village people. Watch on Apple TV

Steel Magnolias
Julia Roberts makes one of her earliest screen appearances in this certified weepy set in a salon, operated by Dolly Parton no less, in the American South. Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah round out the cast of wealthy white women sharing stories of love and incredible loss. The camp classic is packed with wonderful one liners, with Parton’s character Truvey aptly declaring that “Laughter through tears is my favourite emotion.” Watch on Apple TV

Boyhood
Richard Linklater’s masterpiece focuses on a boy over a 12 year span of his early life and not surprisingly, his mother, played by Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette, is an important figure. As Olivia, Arquette is left with the bulk of the parenting duties while young Mason’s father, played by a suitably scraggly Ethan Hawke, slides in and out of their lives. Arquette’s performance is raw and will be easily recognisable to many mothers out there. Watch on Netflix

Coda
In this Sundance film festival darling, Ruby (played by Emilia Jones) is the child of deaf parents (known as a CODA) who finds she has a unique talent for singing. Dealing with what it means to ‘find your voice’ while helping those who don’t have one, it’s a heartwarming film that pushes a known coming-of-age narrative to find new meaning. Watch on Apple TV+

Terms of Endearment
If you’re in need of an emotional release, this 1983 tearjerker has been known to get the waterworks flowing from the most constipated of cryers. Shirley MacLaine as the overbearing mother Aurora and Debra Winger as her daughter Emma manage to capture the complicated nature of many family relationships. Keep a handkerchief close by. Watch on Apple TV

Crazy Rich Asians
Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She’s also surprised to learn that Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he’s considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives and something far, far worse – Nick’s disapproving mother. Watch on Neon



Culture

New & Noteworthy: Everything on our radar this week
What’s with the ‘Boom Boom’ Boom? Our Editor finds out…
How to: Secure a Table
Gochu's XO Noodles.

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best noodle dishes in Auckland

Diverse, delicious and comforting noodles are something we really start craving as the weather cools down. From spicy noodle bowls to fulfilling noodle soups and everything in between, we have rounded up a list of the best to keep you satiated as we head into winter.

XO Noodles from Gochu
Described by some as a Korean ‘spaghetti bolognese’ these incredibly tasty noodles are back on Gochu’s menu after a hiatus in which they were sorely missed. Returning to sighs of relief from anyone who loves this innovative Korean restaurant in Commercial Bay, the chewy noodles are served topped with flavoursome Korean pork XO, indulgent cashew cream and perfectly pickled radish.

Seafood Laksa from Selera
It’s hard to beat the laksa from Selera. You don’t even need to be a noodle fanatic to appreciate the greatness of this dish — it really is that good. The soup is like a thick curry, and the egg noodles soak up all of its deliciousness while maintaining their perfectly-chewy texture. Also loaded with fish balls and plump prawns (or even pillowy prawn dumplings if you wish), it never fails to leave us feeling absolutely satiated.

Hello Beasty, Xi’An Food Bar.

Spicy Sichuan Noodles from Hello Beasty
One of our favourite Viaduct Harbour spots to head to for a tasty bite, Hello Beasty serves up a hearty noodle dish that is flavoursome and fulfilling. Soft egg noodles are piled into a bowl and topped with delicious crispy pork mince and a mixture of chilli, black vinegar and mustard greens before being finished with sesame seeds and roasted peanuts, which offer a much-needed crunchiness to balance out the soft textures of the rest of the dish.

Number 37 from Xi’An Food Bar
A dish so iconic that the people behind the counter usually assume it’s what you’re after the moment you walk through the doors (and usually they’re right), the Number 37 is something else. Pulled pork sits atop a bed of noodles surrounded by a pool of spicy chilli sauce in what we can promise will be some of the sauciest noodles you have ever tried.

Kalppong from Kaya
Serving up South Korean noodles, Kaya on Lorne St or in Albany is the place to go. Kalppong is a combination of two noodle dishes that are extremely popular in Korea — kalguksu and jjamppong. Kalguksu means knife-cut noodles, which sees each noodle in this dish carefully hand-cut to achieve a consistent size and texture. Jjamppong is renowned for its spiciness and seafood-rich flavour, and Kaya has married the two ideas for a one-of-a-kind dish.

East.

Dan Dan Noodles from East
With an innovative menu that sees traditional Asian-style dishes given a modern, plant-based twist, East is a delicious vegetarian spot that delivers on flavour every time. Served with sesame, peanut, soft egg and a hint of spice, East’s Dan Dan noodles are not too heavy, not too light and perfect for refuelling on a temperamental autumnal day.

Kitsune Udon from Udon Works
This Japanese udon dish is simple yet delicious and will leave you feeling wholly nourished without feeling overly parched from a lot of salt. A slightly opaque dashi broth is supplemented with thick, satisfying udon noodles, and fried tofu finished with a light sprinkling of spring onion, seaweed, and bonito flakes.

Bibim Guksu from Ockhee
This delicious Korean eatery has cultivated a loyal following for its unique take on ‘Seoul food.’ Promising the perfect antidote to this increasingly chilly weather, Ockchee’s Bibim Guksu noodles offer a delicious yet simple bowl of Somyeon (wheat flour) noodles in a Gochujang based spicy sauce that will warm you up from the inside out.

Wan Dan Hor + Vermicelli from Bunga Raya
Tucked away in New Lynn, this tasty Malaysian restaurant is home to one seriously delicious noodle dish. Wan Dan Hor is often found in Malaysian and Chinese restaurants, but no one does it better than Bunga Raya. There are two versions of this dish on the menu, the original or one with the addition of vermicelli, which is what we recommend. Fried vermicelli noodles offer a perfectly crispy counterbalance to the soft rice noodles, drenched in an egg gravy — a tiny tweak that makes a big difference.

Chop Chop, Tanpopo.

Twelve-hour Organic Beef Brisket Ramen from Chop Chop
While it’s hardly surprising that this Ponsonby Central noodle house serves some of the tastiest noodles in town, Chop Chop’s twelve-hour organic beef brisket ramen is something else. The bowl of rye noodles is served with pieces of slow-cooked beef brisket that work to give the entire dish a rich flavour, alongside strips of bacon, shiitake mushrooms and egg before being topped with spring onion, sesame, and black garlic.

Tonkotsu Shio Tanpopo Chasu Ramen from Tanpopo
When it comes to Japanese ramen, Tanpopo is a great place to start. Its signature dish is the Tonkotsu Shio Chasu ramen, which sees thin noodles drowning in a rich, salty pork broth, topped with tender slices of pork and flavoursome black garlic oil.

Rare Beef Rice Noodle Soup from Try It Out
Finding a solid bowl of Vietnamese phở is not the easiest task in Auckland, but Try It Out leaves us impressed every single time. Its broth has an unbelievable depth in flavour and allows the rare beef to cook slowly underneath the surface while you slurp your way through the thin rice noodles — which surprisingly never go soft or mushy.

Gastronomy

Your first look at Blue — the buzzy new eatery in the heart of Ponsonby that everyone’s talking about
Askal is bringing its modern Filipino fare to Auckland for two nights only — here’s what you need to know
Savour the best of the season at Gather & Toast: SkyCity’s winter celebration

Meet utterly chic home and tableware designer Zoë de Givenchy as she delves into her inspirations

Zoë de Givenchy (niece of the late Hubert de Givenchy) celebrates artisanal craftsmanship, authenticity and heritage through her exquisite tableware and home brand Z.d.G — available exclusively from Faradays in Australasia. Here, the tastemaker gives an insight into her stylish world.

My personal style can be defined as: Classic with a twist.

The last thing I bought and loved was: The Gunther handbag with passementerie detailing from a friend’s wonderful new brand, Destree.

An unforgettable place I visited was: The Monumental Gardens of Valsanzibio, in the Veneto region; specifically, the labyrinth. It is one of four allegorical gardens created by Luigi Bernini in the 17th Century for the Barbarigo family. The four gardens were designed to be a metaphor for the human spiritual journey.

Z.d.G by Zoë de Givenchy available locally at Faradays

An object I would never part with is: My Cartier Baignoire watch. To me, the design is perfect.

When I was younger, I wanted to be: Prime Minister.

I am inspired by: The beauty and mysteries of nature and its seasons.

My favourite cultural or style icon is: The late Debo, Duchess of Devonshire is a favourite for her wit and grit.

The secret to creating a cohesive and impactful table setting is: Start with one idea and build around that. Always use the very best you can afford.

A design characteristic I find myself drawn to is: Restraint and symmetry.

Left: The late Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire. Right: Pierre Yovanovitch’s Château de Fabrègues in Provence.

I’m obsessed with the architecture, furniture, or design work of: Pierre Yovanovitch and Tom Scheerer. Pierre’s Château de Fabrègues in Provence is a dreamy masterpiece; and Tom’s almost puritan American aesthetic is a lesson in restraint.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Dreamscapes by Claire Takacs and Planting the Natural Garden by Piet Oudolf. There is a theme here…

My three dream dinner party guests would be: Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, and Mona von Bismarck.

When I return to my home country, Australia, my must-visit store, restaurant, and natural landmark is: Icebergs on Bondi Beach and the 12 Apostles (by helicopter) in Victoria. And a shop at Belinda in Sydney for its excellent edit of luxury fashion labels.

Works by Annie Morris

My favourite artists are: Right now I am buying Annie Morris and Marco Del Re — clearly I am reconnecting with colour!

My favourite film of all time is: A Room with a View made me want to pack my bags and move to Florence, aged 12.

Something I recently discovered is: The joys of weekends spent in Malibu.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Take time to know yourself. When you know who you are, you can be decisive and wise about your goals, your standards, and your choices.

Something coming up for Z.d.G. I am excited about is: Expanding into some new categories and collaborations, including an Objets Trouvé section of our website.

Coveted

Five chic ways to wear a silk scarf this season
Watch the Gucci’s Cruise 2026 fashion show via livestream, as the House heads back to its roots
Shop the Edit: Dark romance is the sartorial trend of the season, and these are the pieces we’re coveting
Barcita.

From the team behind Candela, K Road’s bar offers an intimate experience, oozing with cool-factor

There are few venues across the city that are held in as high regard as Candela, the Spanish-inspired eatery and wine bar on Karangahape Road. Now, the popular restaurant has added a new, after-dark offering with Barcita — a bar at the back of the existing space that extends the Candela experience and promises to keep us hanging around long after the last course is over.

Taking up residence in an area previously used for private events and exclusive evenings, Barcita is now opening its doors to the public as a walk-in-only bar. From its delicious menu of Spanish-inspired bites to its superb by-the-glass wines and inspired cocktail list (trust us, these are some of the best high balls in the city) Barcita is looking set to offer the perfect after-work aperitif.

What makes Barcita so special is the way that it combines the effortlessly cool K’ Road experience with something more intimate and romantic, extending the moody ambiance of the restaurant to which it is attached. It is modern and sleek, while still offering the quirks of its Barcelona wine-bar heritage. And at the back of Barcita is the most beautiful backspace balcony that feels far removed from the city in the best kind of way.

With events like last month’s pop-up with Hero Sandwiches set to happen with more frequency in the future, the space will also still serve as a private event venue, offering guests an opportunity to take over the area for convivial, cocktail-infused nights. Beyond all of that, Barcita really is the perfect place to pop into for pre-dinner drinks or a late-night haunt (you’ll certainly find us at the bar).

Barcita

155 Karangahape Road,
Auckland Central

www.candelabar.co.nz/barcita

Gastronomy

Your first look at Blue — the buzzy new eatery in the heart of Ponsonby that everyone’s talking about
Askal is bringing its modern Filipino fare to Auckland for two nights only — here’s what you need to know
Savour the best of the season at Gather & Toast: SkyCity’s winter celebration
Gigi Hadid in Versace.

As another Met Gala draws to a close, we round up the best looks from fashion’s biggest night out

The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.

Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.

Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year’s take on American Fashion in the ‘Gilded Age’ promised opulence and drama. This year’s Gala was a continuation of last year’s (which had been delayed by the pandemic) and gave guests a second chance to interpret the theme: In America: An Anthology of American Fashion.

Drawing inspiration from a time when New York socialites had more money than sense and fashions were at their most extravagant, this year’s Met Gala gave fashion designers a creative carte blanche to play with opulence. On the red carpet, we saw a number of corsets, bustles and suiting, alongside gilded details and over-the-top silhouettes. And while there were certainly a few misses, there were a number of attendees who just got it so right. These are the looks that left a lasting impression.

Kendall Jenner in Prada.
Jessica Chastain in Gucci.
Blake Lively in Versace.
Kacey Musgraves in Prada, Dakota Johnson in Gucci.
Winnie Harlow in Iris Van Herpen, Kiki Layne in Prabal Gurung.
Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent.
Jodie Turner-Smith in Gucci, Kaia Gerber in Alexander McQueen.
Cardi B in Versace, Anderson .Paak in Gucci.
Kate Moss in Burberry, Lizzo in Thom Browne.
Alicia Keys in Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co.
Gemma Chan and Phoebe Dynevor in Louis Vuitton.
Shawn Mendes in Tommy HIlfiger, Billie Eilish in Gucci.
Nicola Coughlan in Richard Quinn.
Evan Mock in Head of State, Carey Mulligan in Schiaparelli.
Khloe Kardashian in Moschino, Molly Sims in Monique Lhuillier.
Lily Aldridge in Khaite.
Nicola Peltz-Beckham in Valentino, Anna Wintour in Chanel.
Emma Chamberlain in Louis Vuitton.
Cara Delevingne in Dior, HoYeon Jung in Louis Vuitton.
Sydney Sweeney in Tory Burch, Jacob Elordi in Burberry.
Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren, Alessandro Michele and Jared Leto in Gucci.
Alexa Chung in Alexa Chung.
Eiza Gonzalez in Michael Kors and Bulgari jewellery, Laura Harris in Glemaud.
Katy Perry in Oscar de la Renta, Quannah Chasinghorse in Prabal Gurung.

Coveted

Five chic ways to wear a silk scarf this season
Watch the Gucci’s Cruise 2026 fashion show via livestream, as the House heads back to its roots
Shop the Edit: Dark romance is the sartorial trend of the season, and these are the pieces we’re coveting
Waku Waku's Nigiri.

Remuera welcomes Waku Waku — a delicious Japanese eatery serving classic dishes with an inspired twist

Remuera’s dining scene is burgeoning brilliance. The recent openings we’ve tasted have inspired a new take on dining in the suburb, and the latest addition brings a touch of elegance via expertly executed Japanese cuisine. Waku Waku is a visionary new restaurant from Makoto Tokuyama and Jason Lee, offering an approachable (but inspired) dining experience perfect for the whole family.

Left: Sirloin with Garlic puree and yuzu radish.

The pair have a 20-year-long history of working side-by-side; loosely translated, Waku Waku is already something of a well-oiled machine, reflected in the entire experience. Treating traditional Japanese fare to some delightfully modern twists, the menu is flavoursome and unique and was created by Tokuyama who pulled from his experience at the likes of Cocoro to make some seriously special dishes. In the kitchen, these dishes are perfectly executed by Chef Lucas Lee (ex Clooney, The French Cafe & Cocoro).

Waku Waku’s Sashimi selection.

It is this mix of expertise with innovation that is Waku Waku’s crowning jewel. Offering a curated selection of Japanese specialties, entrees feel both authentic and modern, with exciting twists to be discovered. One of our favourites was the Kara-age chicken with tapioca and smoked yuzu mayonnaise. Mains offer a similar take — market-fresh fish with yuzukosho dashi, choy sum and daikon puree. Waku Waku’s drinks are no less inspired, where cocktails are served with Asian twists, and sake forms an essential part.

Makoto Tokuyama and Lucas Lee.

The hallmark of a perfected dining experience considers all elements, and Japanese dining is often synonymous with refined, moody interiors. In Waku Waku, the authentic experience is elevated by the combination of old and new, and details that speak to a more traditional Japanese aesthetic. The kitchen features an intimate seating area for 12 diners — a space we recommend booking for groups — and the courtyard is set-up with a bar and sashimi station. The finishing touch is harnessed light, setting the perfect ambiance and complementing the whole experience.

Waku Waku truly leaves a lasting impression where, in the heart of Remuera’s growing dining precinct, it sits as a clear stand out for Japanese cuisine in the city.

Opening hours:
Monday — Sunday, 5pm until late

Waku Waku

1D/415 Remuera Road,
Remuera, Auckland

www.instagram.com/waku.waku.modern_japanese/

Gastronomy

Your first look at Blue — the buzzy new eatery in the heart of Ponsonby that everyone’s talking about
Askal is bringing its modern Filipino fare to Auckland for two nights only — here’s what you need to know
Savour the best of the season at Gather & Toast: SkyCity’s winter celebration
Villa Maria Wines Sauvignon Blanc Collection.

Celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day with the perfect pairing — a glass of NZ wine and half-a-dozen oysters

Holding our own alongside the likes of historic winemaking regions like Tuscany and Bordeaux, New Zealand remains one of the most revered producers of wines in the world. And considering how our Marlborough-derived take on the classic ‘Sav’ has put us firmly on the global map, it is with pride that we celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day this Friday with a glass of Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc — one of our favourite drops of the white varietal.

Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Despite only dabbling in Sauvignon Blanc for around 50 years, New Zealand has produced some world-class iterations (mostly out of Marlborough) and it is this style of wine that still dominates the local market today. Now, not only do we have 28,000 hectares of vineyards dedicated to growing the grape, but it makes up nearly three-quarters of the industry here.

In light of our affinity for a delicious ‘Sav’ (particularly when paired with fresh seafood) and the fact that International Sauvignon Blanc day is coming up this Friday, Villa Maria, one of the country’s most established winemakers has taken on the host role in a sav celebration worthy of attention.

La Fuente.

This week, from Wednesday until Saturday, wine bar La Fuente will be serving the ultimate pairing of Te Matuku oysters and a glass of Villa Maria’s most popular, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc so that you can raise a glass to the varietal that put New Zealand wine on the world map.

International Sauvignon Blanc Day celebrations cost $45 per person, with a glass of Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc and half a dozen Te Matuku oysters with tepache pineapple, Sauvignon Blanc and Jalapeno ice.

The pairing runs from 5pm to 10pm this week. Bookings are advised.

Gastronomy

Your first look at Blue — the buzzy new eatery in the heart of Ponsonby that everyone’s talking about
Askal is bringing its modern Filipino fare to Auckland for two nights only — here’s what you need to know
Savour the best of the season at Gather & Toast: SkyCity’s winter celebration

Here’s how to make a powerful interior statement by pairing bold monochrome with softly curved shapes

Be bold in your interior with a combination of black, white and grey tones that, while striking, is surprisingly versatile. Customising your surroundings in contrast is entirely possible thanks to multi-purpose paint formulas from Resene, with a product to suit everything from walls to floors, to furnishings and décor.

A painterly play on a feature wall can bring out your inner artist and, thanks to subtle grey shades, is anything but overpowering. Here, Resene Half Concrete on the upper wall is overlaid with Resene Concrete on the lower wall and via artful squiggle lines. The Resene Triple Concrete top of this ingenious DIY coffee table (pictured above) is offset with rounded legs in Resene Element — in fact, rounded silhouettes are an imperative aspect of this room’s balance, ensuring the overall effect is a joy of juxtaposition.

Design

Discover Matchbox — an alluring new destination for car enthusiasts
Your first look at Kelly Wearstler’s latest collaborative collection
We chat to revered designer Karim Rashid on functionalism, following his intuition, and how design can shape the future

We delve into 5 of the biggest beauty myths so you don’t have to

When it comes to beauty, it can be hard to determine fact from fiction. Here, we break down five commonly held beauty beliefs, and learn whether they are actually rooted in reality.

The skin needs to breathe
Read or watch any ‘beauty habits’ interview with a celebrity, and chances are they’ll swear by letting their skin ‘breathe’ by not wearing makeup on days they’re not on the job. The terminology of ‘breathing’ is also often used when referring to nails and sometimes hair, but according to most experts, this is all quite misleading. The outer skin is formed of non-living cellular layers, so it doesn’t breathe topically. Essentially, it is important to choose products that don’t clog the pores, and wash your face thoroughly at the end of the day (ideally with a double cleanse if you wear makeup regularly), but the skin functions the same even if you are wearing foundation — and according to some experts, wearing makeup can help protect the skin from environmental irritants as it creates a barrier. 

Lips can be addicted to lip balm
While lip balms don’t technically contain a particular addicting ingredient, there’s no doubt that lip balm usage can be habit forming and, for many, it’s a panic-inducing situation if they find themselves without it. Any balm that contains petroleum-based mineral oil is likely to dry your lips out even more, resulting in the need to constantly reapply. Compulsive lip-licking can also contribute, due to certain enzymes in saliva. Choosing products without petroleum that hydrate the lips beyond simply forming a surface barrier and making sure you stay hydrated are two ways you can delay that parched feeling from forming.

Fine hair doesn’t need conditioner
Those of us not overly blessed with thick tresses may have been put off using conditioner at some point due to fears it could make our hair even more limp and greasy. However, this shouldn’t happen if you’re using the right conditioner for your hair type, and in the right way. Conditioner helps prevent knots and tangles, which fine hair is more susceptible to — just be sure to focus on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, and choose a shampoo that doesn’t strip the scalp of moisture. 

Castor oil can help hair growth
This rumour has certainly been doing the rounds for a long time, however most evidence points to it being a myth. While applying castor oil won’t harm the scalp or hair, and can help moisturise the skin and follicle, the suggestion that it actually helps the hair grow has no scientific basis supporting it. Apparently, castor oil has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial or fungal overgrowth, which would contribute to the overall health of hair but, again, probably won’t actually make it grow faster or thicker.

It’s necessary to drink eight glasses of water daily for glowing skin
This is perhaps one of the most debated ‘facts’ in beauty, and signs point to it simply not being true. While it’s important not to let yourself get dehydrated, according to studies by many reputable sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, there is no science behind eight glasses of water bestowing one with plump, hydrated skin — although consuming enough water contributes positively to overall body function. Many of the foods we eat also help with fluid intake, such as fruits and vegetables. The best way to cultivate radiant skin is to incorporate hydrating products into your routine (like hyaluronic acid); to get enough sleep, use gentle cleansers, avoid products that contain alcohol, and try to limit exposure to dry air like air-conditioning. Simple, right?

Wellbeing

Sober curious? We explore the Gen Z-led movement gaining multi-generational ground
Discover the five skin-loving botanicals you should know, and how they care for your skin
We sit down with Lucy Caldwell and Bella Ireland, founders of the new self-tan-meets-skincare brand making waves

Giving casual style a contemporary edge here’s why the bucket bag is the ideal everyday go-to

The classic bucket bag combines contemporary detailing with a casual, laid-back shape that makes it the perfect everyday carry-all. This season, updates on the bucket bag eschew simplicity in favour of origami-like forms and folds. From Saint Laurent’s studded number to Loewe’s relaxed Mini Hammock drawstring bag, embellishments offer added dimension, while varied strap lengths can be shouldered or held with ease.

Clockwise: Alexander McQueen Soft Curve bucket bag from Net-a-porter, Bahia studded bucket bag from Saint Laurent, Cannes Bag from Louis Vuitton, LOEWE Mini Hammock Drawstring bag from faradays, Duet Re-Nylon Bucket bag from Prada
Clockwise: WHEEL XS DRAWSTRING BUCKET BAG from Balenciaga, Bucket bag from Chanel, small bucket bag from Alaïa, Alaïa corset bucket bag from Faradays, Cannes Bag from Louis vuitton

Coveted

Five chic ways to wear a silk scarf this season
Watch the Gucci’s Cruise 2026 fashion show via livestream, as the House heads back to its roots
Shop the Edit: Dark romance is the sartorial trend of the season, and these are the pieces we’re coveting