T LOunge for May 12th 2025

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Pin42 Cocktail Bar – London, UK

It’s MONDAY, darlings. The Met Gala is in our rearview mirror and the Cannes Film Festival is about to kick off in a couple of days, which means the red carpetry never stops. Settle in while we prepare a platter of distractions for you.

Why Scarlett Johansson Made Age an Issue With ‘Eleanor the Great’
Hollywood’s highest-paid actress goes to Cannes with her directorial debut, an uplifting drama — starring 95-year-old June Squibb — about fresh starts and facing your demons.
Scarlett Johansson was behind the camera last year on her feature directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, fixated on the performance of title star June Squibb when she had a vision.
“I said to [one of my producing partners, Jonathan Lia], ‘If I do my job well and do what I’m supposed to do, I can imagine June walking the Croisette at age 95, starring in this incredible dramatic role that she’s so amazing in’ and I thought that would be my dream,” the veteran A-lister, 40, explains of being selected for the Cannes Film Festival. “To have it actually become a reality is amazing. I’m still processing it.” […]
So what kind of director is Johansson? “I rule with an iron fist. I have my own tent and nobody can come in there — ever,” she jokes, getting serious quickly to add that it’s hard for her to have perspective on what others see. Plus, she’s much more comfortable complimenting her ace collaborators.

“It Was Very Liberating for Me and Also, Rather Disturbingly, Very Comfortable”: Helen Mirren on Letting Her Hair Down in MobLand and 1923
Is it fun playing someone so amoral?
I’ve always said that once you play someone who’s mad, you have an incredible freedom. Like, in the mad scene in Hamlet—because I’ve also played Ophelia—you can do anything. It gives you this sort of fabulous freedom. And likewise with Maeve, you know…I don’t drink a lot, but occasionally I have been very, very drunk. And being very, very drunk gives you this freedom. You don’t give a shit about anything or anyone. You just don’t care. And it’s lovely. You do pay the price for it the next morning. But at the moment, it’s great. And that’s sort of Maeve. She absolutely doesn’t give a shit. It was very liberating for me and also, weirdly, rather disturbingly, very comfortable. It was like getting into a warm bath when you’re a bit cold, like, Oh, I love this. This feels great.

The trick to stopping your foundation from pilling is painfully simple
Makeup artist Karol Rodriguez breaks down exactly what to do (and what to stop doing).
You’ve finally found your perfect foundation. The shade, the finish, the longevity, the coverage—it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a complexion product. And then, one day, it starts pilling and clumping as you’re applying it. You feel betrayed! Misled! Hoodwinked! But according to makeup artist Karol Rodriguez, your foundation is not the problem. Look in your magnifying mirror, honey. It’s you. Or, rather, it’s what you’re doing (and not doing).

11 best makeup mirrors with lights — tested & reviewed
Tiny eyebrow hairs, you’ve been warned.
From cute compacts that are great for using on-the-go, to statement additions to your dressing table that can be used when your partner or roommate is always calling dibs on the bathroom mirror, you’ll find a wide range of different types of LED makeup mirrors in this edit. Plus, expect plenty of models with just the right level of magnification needed for tweezing those pesky stray eyebrow hairs.

‘Sneakerinas’ are the latest trainers dividing the fashion set
Love it or hate it, they’re here to stay.
Sneakerinas (aka ballet trainers). How do you feel about them? It’s safe to say that the latest ‘ugly shoe’ to wash over the fashion set is by far one of the most divisive styles to date, sending half our editors into excited squeals and the other half groaning.
‘Ugly trainers’ often refer to bulky, utilitarian trainers in thick soles, bright primary colours, and chunky silhouettes that one would more likely take on a hike than wear out and about as a fashion statement. But as Gorpcore would have it, these not-so-flattering styles have entered the fashion chat—and stayed.

‘I know I can’t live like this forever’: Meet the red-pilled men trying to quit the manosphere
We go inside the online communities where previously ‘red-pilled’ men come together to unlearn misogyny.
Some men who have fallen into these online misogynistic communities have started attempting to break free from the manosphere. There are growing communities where previously ‘red-pilled’ men come together to unlearn the misogyny that has been spoon-fed to them online.
The term ‘red-pilled’ originates from a Reddit community, known as r/TheRedPill, which is itself derived from a scene in the 1999 film The Matrix, in which Keanu Reeves must choose from the blue pill or the red pill, the latter of which will open his eyes to a life-changing reality. For those in the manosphere, the red pill refers to a ‘reality’ in which men are the ones being oppressed by women, not the other way around.

Where to watch Rivals, the show nominated for three TV BAFTAs
It’s the perfect time to catch up.
Few shows in the last year were quite so instantly iconic as Rivals. The hit show based on Jilly Cooper’s famous novel was addictive, giddy fun from start to finish.
It’s hardly a great surprise that the show racked up three TV BAFTA nominations, currently taking place in London. David Tennant is nominated for his role as Tony Baddingham, Katherine Parkinson received a nod for playing Lizzie Vereker and Alex Hassal and Emily Atack are nominated for “Memorable Moment” for Rupert Campbell-Black and Sarah Stratton’s infamous naked game of tennis.

Where to watch Blue Lights, the show that’s just won Best Drama at the TV BAFTAs
The critically acclaimed Northern Irish police drama has been called the UK’s The Wire.
Set in Northern Ireland, the show sees a group of rookie cops tackling an increasingly unstable society all while discovering the deep-rooted corruption in the force. But while the show dives deep into some very real, very timely social issues, all the while, it maintains that juicy, soapy veneer that we can’t help but love.
The show focuses on three new cops in Belfast encountering the challenges of modern policing in the UK for the first time. There’s Grace, a 40-something-year-old who has made a pivot to policing, Annie, a new cop from a Catholic upbringing, and Tommy, a timid new cop on the force. And, yes, the challenges they face include both the crime on the streets and the bosses in charge.

10 best hotels in Sardinia 2025 for a slice of ‘la dolce vita’
The place to see and be seen, holidays to this simultaneously glittering yet rustic Italian island are in vogue.
There are a handful of places in the world where through a magical combination of climate, diet, lifestyle and seeming luck, people seem to live longer. Sardinia – Italy’s most ruggedly picturesque island and the football to its foot – is one of these designated ‘Blue Zones’, in which centenarians abound.
In many ways, it’s easy to see how they’ve got it so good. Breathtakingly beautiful, its Costa Smeralda is renowned for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, while in-land, its craggy landscape is dotted with archeological relics of its long history of habitation. Local cuisine is rustic and hearty, with a hint of Italian but best described as authentically its own, with standout dishes including roast suckling pig, stuffed or fried pasta and honey on everything. Oh and the wine. Chef’s kiss.

23 best teen movies, from 10 Things I Hate About You to The Hate U Give
We’ve rounded up the best high school dramas.
Sometimes you just want to be transported to an escapist life of high school drama. Luckily, we’ve pulled together an extensive list of the best teen movies to watch when you’re hit with this craving.
From Netflix’s To All The Boys I Loved Before to Emma Stone’s Easy A and Saoirse Ronan’s incredible turn in Lady Bird, there’s a story full of coming-of-age teen angst and joy for everyone’s taste

‘As A Plus-Size Woman It’s Amazing For Them To Be Embracing Me’ – For The TV BAFTAS, Jessica Gunning Knew It Had To Be Custom Loewe
‘It’s a pretty glamorous dress,’ says Jessica Gunning of the bespoke Loewe gown she wore to the 2025 TV BAFTAs, where she won her fourth major award for her role as Martha in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer. ‘I’m very lucky. All of the team there are just so fantastic, and so I felt very fortunate indeed that they made me this custom dress.’
The gown itself is a dark green velvet off-the-shoulder style adorned with two gold feathers (a recent signature motif for Loewe) that swoop across her chest. Yet, for all its Loewe abstract detailing, there’s something pure old Hollywood glamour about the gown.

These Are The Top 5 Brunette Hair Colours Trending Right Now
From biscuit bronde to whiskey glaze, meet the brunette hair trends you’ll be obsessing over this spring.
Just like clockwork, as brighter, sunnier days draw near, the urge to breathe new life into our tired, winter-worn strands grows stronger. And while there is a plethora of bob haircuts, fringe hairstyles and blonde hair colours you can buy into this season, it’s actually a rich, glossy series of brown hair colours willing us to book the appointment right now.

A Beginner’s Guide To Reading A Birth Chart
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the world of astrology, you can think of a birth chart as your requisite map. While it’s most well-known for revealing one’s big three—the sun, moon, and rising signs—a full birth chart holds so many more insights, as long as you’re able to read one or have someone do it for you. […]
A birth chart, also known as your natal chart, is a ‘snapshot of where all the planets were in their orbit the moment you were born,’ Edut says. ‘The birth chart tells a story: your life story of what your soul came here to do and learn and become.’
While accurate, scientific diagrams of the sky are heliocentric, meaning the sun is at the center of the universe, Edut explains that on a birth chart, the Earth is at the center. ‘It’s like our view of the sky from Earth, as if all the planets are orbiting us.’
32 Stunning Dip Powder Nail Ideas for a Long-Lasting Manicure You’ll Love
Dip and done.
The nail salon has a nearly paralyzing number of polishes—traditional lacquer, acrylic, gel, and dip powder, to name a few. But if you’re looking for a manicure that lasts up to a month (yes, a month) and allows you to create unique designs, you may want to try dip powder.
The name comes from the process of applying the manicure, where you lay a clear base coat, dip your nails into fine acrylic powder, and repeat to fill and seal. Unlike other types of maniscures, dip powder doesn’t require a lengthy curing process, says Rachel Maloff, Nailboo creator and nail artist. For example, while gel uses a polish that needs to be cured under a special light and acrylics are created with a concoction of liquids and powders, dip nails simply need to be submerged into the colored powder, she explains. Intrigued?
From colorful ombrés and French tips to 3D nail art and more, read on for 33 dip powder nail ideas.

Love Diet Coke? You Have My Dad to Thank for That
Sergio Zyman was the marketing executive who made Diet Coke into a cultural icon. His daughter Jennifer had a front-row seat to history.
Do you remember your first Diet Coke? I don’t, but I know Coke’s leading role in my life by heart. Like billions of people, I love Diet Coke. Unlike everyone else, I had a front-row seat to its inception, since my father, Sergio Zyman, was a Coca-Cola marketing executive instrumental in the drink’s 1982 launch. My dad has since embarked on a career as a consultant and author of numerous marketing bibles. TIME named him as one of the top three pitchmen of the 20th century. Today, his main job is grandpa and dad, but for two major periods in his life, Coke was it. It’s still part of mine and always will be.

The Unfussy Guide to Decorating Any Sheet Cake
You can turn any sheet cake into a showstopper — zero experience necessary.
Big, beautiful, spectacular. These are the kind of words I’d use to describe my ideal summer cake — though, not necessarily one that’s easy to make. But recently, a burgeoning baking trend has changed my mind: Across the country, pastry chefs are showing that cakes can make a big visual impact without involving a lot of fuss.
Inside the Underground Market Making Restaurant Reservations Impossible
The “Ticketmaster-ification” of restaurants is driving diners and staff to a breaking point.
If you’re having a bit more trouble nailing down your date night reservation, you might just have a bot to thank for that. […]
Third-party platforms can seize coveted times before individual diners have the chance to book those spots, only to turn around and charge a fee for the seat. If those reservations end up unsold, restaurants may experience no-shows during peak times, which, as the National Restaurant Association’s Mike Whatley explains, could translate to lost tipping opportunities for servers.

I Cooked Like Jane Austen, and All I Got Was This Vaguely Regency-Era Sense of Smugness (and an Inedible Soup)
Austen is on my mind right now thanks to the recent release of Miss Austen on PBS, and I can attest that scrolling through the all-things-Austen-related site Republic of Pemberley is like taking a delightful little trip back to early 19th-century England. Do I own the various white frilly tablecloths, linen napkins, and tasteful candelabras necessary to make my own table look like Austen’s? No, not at all. (My kitchen table is currently covered in junk mail and dog treats.) But as an intro-level chef with almost a decade of kitchen experience behind me, I resolved to make at least one thing from the site—and at the end of the day, regardless of outcome, I did technically meet that goal!

Who is Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark? Discover her fascinating life on her 83rd birthday
The sister of Queen Sofía of Spain and the late former King Constantine II of Greece, Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark has led a colourful life
She has ties to major royal families in Europe. Yet these days Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark prefers to keep a low profile. The younger sister of Queen Sofía of Spain and the late former King Constantine II of Greece, Princess Irene counts Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece among her nephews and lives in Madrid with her nephew King Felipe VI and his glamorous wife, Queen Letizia. Today, Princess Irene celebrates her 83rd birthday. Here, Tatler reveals her fascinating life story.

George Lee, Trailblazing Chinese Ballet Dancer, Dies at 90
He is believed to have been the first Asian to dance with New York City Ballet when he was cast in George Balanchine’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
George Lee, a Chinese-born ballet dancer who was probably the first Asian to perform at New York City Ballet when he danced in George Balanchine’s original production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” in 1954, died on April 19 in Las Vegas. He was 90.
Jennifer Lin, who directed a short documentary about Mr. Lee called “Ten Times Better” (2024), confirmed his death, in a group home while under hospice care. He left no immediate survivors.

How to Get the Most Juice From Your Lemons (Without a Fancy Gadget)
These expert tips will help you select, store, and squeeze lemons for optimal juiciness.
Whether you are baking, cooking, or mixing up a cocktail, knowing how to juice a lemon properly can make a big difference. The humble yellow fruit might not seem complicated, but factors like temperature, storage, variety, and even the way you cut it can all impact how much juice you get.
We’re sharing how to pick, prep, and juice lemons for maximum yield—plus which tools work best, and which tricks are worth skipping. We spoke with two experts, one has decades of research into lemon varieties and cellular structure, and the other teaches students how to handle citrus in a professional kitchen. Their advice will help you learn how to get the most juice out of every lemon.

32 Sour Cherry Recipes to Help You Make the Most of This Special Fruit
Sour cherries are the hero ingredient in these desserts, drinks, and some savory dishes, too.
Sour cherries are rounder, softer, and smaller than their sweet counterparts. And unlike other cherries, which can be eaten out of hand, sour cherries are best when cooked and sweetened. Using sour cherries is simpler than you might think—they are delicious in drinks, soups, entrées, and desserts for a sweet and tangy surprise.

This Coastal English Area Is Known for Stunning Beaches—but It’s Home to a Community of Artists, Too
Handmade traditions flourish along the salty shores of Cornwall, England.
I suppose there was a moment when someone hiked this cliff, above this opal-colored sea, for the very first time. Humans have occupied Cornwall, in southwestern England, since the Mesolithic period. Back then, however, they wouldn’t have seen the town of St. Ives in the distance, with its tiered cottages and fishing boats. I imagine they might have admired the purple heather on the hills, like I did, or maybe noticed a pair of gannets, like the ones I saw plunging into the water for fish. “This is an ancient area, a Celtic area,” Tom Kay, my hiking companion, told me—a fabled land of mermaids and giants. “There’s old myths everywhere.”

[Photo Credit: 42.london, northend.design]

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