T LOunge for June 4th 2025

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PinTigre Bar and Restaurant – Santiago, Chile

It’s WEDNESDAY, which means it’s time for you to surround yourself with dark wood and velvet while keeping the sunlight at bay. Hunker down in today’s fabulous LOunge and give not one thought to the outside world for as long as you can.

The Better Woman
Jessica Biel on success, sisterhood, and redefining her sense of self
She’s an actress, producer, entrepreneur and mother of two with a hit new thriller – The Better Sister – on her hands. Life may be a “roller coaster” for Jessica Biel right now – but, as she tells Emily Cronin, she’s here for the ride.
In the just-premiered Amazon Prime Video murder-mystery thriller, Biel plays Chloe Taylor, a magazine editor who’s got it all: a palatial Central Park West apartment, a devoted husband, a loving teenage son, pristine highlights, a certain Anna Wintour-esque froideur and a killer wardrobe (cue a white backless Proenza Schouler dress and semi-sheer Norma Kamali gown). “We want you to want her life,” Biel says before unleashing a very non-Chloe grin. “At least, at first.” Because, soon enough, the perfect veneer shatters: Chloe’s husband is murdered, her mask begins to slip, and an estranged sister (played by Elizabeth Banks) reappears, reminding Chloe (with every raised eyebrow) that she’s this close to telling the world the truth.

Wicked: For Good First Look: Toto, We’re Not In Shiz Anymore
In an exclusive conversation, director Jon M. Chu talks adapting the darker second act of Wicked, new songs for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and ending his epic time in Oz.
Ozians, it’s almost time to follow the yellow brick road again. Wicked: For Good—the second film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, once again starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo—soars into theaters on November 21, 2025. And Vanity Fair has your exclusive first look at all things Glinda and Elphaba ahead of the trailer’s release.

‘Outlander’ Star Sam Heughan, Adrian Lester and Ncuti Gatwa Lead Royal Shakespeare Company’s Globe-Spanning Season
The Royal Shakespeare Company is betting big on star power and global reach with its 2025/26 season, headlined by “Outlander” heartthrob Sam Heughan making his RSC debut in “Macbeth” and Olivier winner Adrian Lester taking on “Cyrano de Bergerac.”
RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey unveiled the slate Tuesday, which spans continents from Malawi to Manhattan and marks a significant international expansion for the Stratford-upon-Avon institution.

Struggle With Weak, Splitting Nails? Trust Me, This Restorative Treatment is a Game Changer
And you’ve likely never heard of it…
I am a lover of getting my nails done. It’s the treat I spent money on most regularly; a nice bit of nail art is like a fun semi-permanent accessory. Not only that, my job as a beauty editor means I speak to nail technicians regularly and test all different types of manicures for a living—and one of the most common queries that pops up time and time again around healthy nail tips is how to grow nails and reduce breakage. Enter, the IBX treatment.

From Now, I Will Only Get Japanese Manicures—They Involve No Polish, and Literally Buff Nutrients into Your Nail Beds
For those on their nail health journey
It’s no secret that I’m on a nail health journey this year. After destroying my nails with bi-weekly gel manicures, plus nail art, it was high time to address the mess that was left underneath. This was made more painful by the fact that I once had thick, healthy nails, which were able to grow long, without nary a break or peel. Alas, that has not been the case for the last two years.

‘Sorbet blush’ is the juiciest make-up trend for the summer—here’s how to nail it, according to 3 MUAs
Fresh and bold
It is said that we spend a third of our lives asleep, and not to be dramatic, but there’s a good chance that I spend a third of mine applying blush. It hasn’t left my side (or shall I say my cheeks) for as long as I can remember, be it in the form of a cream blusher, liquid or powder to instantly revive my complexion. By extension, I’ve also developed a knack for unlocking all the most buzz-worthy blusher trends, and the latest one might be my new summer-y obsession.
Enter: sorbet blush—a juicier, fruitier way to add a bolder pop of colour to your holiday-ready make-up look.

Birkenstock’s Iconic Arizona Sandals have had a Boho Upgrade for Summer and We’re Obsessed
Suede, studded, and selling out fast
Once solely reserved for hardcore hippies, outdoorsy types and foot-health fanatics, Birkenstocks have enjoyed a major rebrand in the past few years—and now, they’re the cool girl’s undisputed summer sandal of choice.
All those epic designer collaborations have helped, of course. The German brand has joined forces with everyone from Manolo Blahnik and Proenza Schouler to Dior and Valentino in recent years, all of which were cult must-haves the moment they dropped (and still fetch the big bucks on resale sites). But for practicality, effortless style and price, you still can’t beat the classics.
We’re talking about the lightweight Evas, that dominated the summer of 2023; the Boston clog design, that’s still a fashion insider favourite; and Birkenstock Arizonas, the most recognisable, and versatile, style of all.

JoJo Siwa is proof that society still can’t wrap its head around queerness
“We need to accept that sexuality isn’t a line—it’s a Venn diagram.”: One writer explains what it’s like living in the misunderstood middle.
It’s been an exhausting few weeks for those of us chronically online enough to be following the JoJo Siwa/Chris Hughes drama.
To sum up for those who don’t eat, sleep, and breathe the former Dance Moms star’s life: JoJo went on Celebrity Big Brother and shared that she now identifies as queer, rather than a lesbian as she previously believed. This came alongside a very… intimate friendship with fellow contestant Chris Hughes—cuddling, whispered chats, and the word “soulmate” getting thrown around a lot.
After the show, Siwa ended her relationship with Kath Ebbs, an Australian non-binary content creator. What was initially framed as friendship with Hughes quickly escalated, culminating in a sleepy bedroom selfie that appeared to show them undressed under the covers. Before that, Siwa had already raised eyebrows by cheekily changing the lyrics “Bette Davis eyes” to “Chris Hughes’ eyes” mid-performance, flashing a mischievous grin.

21 Pride-ready nails that reimagine the rainbow
Slay all month long.
It’s June, which means one thing – happy Pride! Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, the month is a time for celebrating the spectrum of queer identities. So, what better way to do that than with colourful Pride nails.
Before you go for the obvious choice of the rainbow – a good start – why not explore some creative reimaginings of it to do something different? If rainbow brights feel out of your comfort zone, merging your favourite nail trends – soap nails, cat-eye nails, chrome nails, you name it – with Pride-friendly colours might be for you.
Or, if you’re repping the trans, bi, non-binary or lesbian communities, why not reimagine the flag as a fabulous manicure? Given the LGBTQ+ community’s connection with celebrating their identity through beauty, it’s a no-brainer. Think outside the box with your Pride nails and slay all month long.

I drank beetroot juice every day for a month and it had the most unexpected effect
Could this be my new flat white?
Disclaimer: I have not always been a beetroot juice drinker. In fact, I am a caffeine fiend. I drink so much coffee that the barista in Pret regularly warns me ‘it’s not good for your heart’ when I order my daily triple-shot flat white at 8am to kickstart my day.
Suffice to say, since becoming pregnant and having to limit my caffeine allowance to 200mg a day (that’s around two single-shot coffees a day with a little extra room for some chocolate), I’ve been struggling. Pre-pregnancy, I also fuelled my day with nootropics, Diet Cokes and anything caffeine-infused to get me through the day. Now, with a toddler and job to contend with as well as self-diagnosed chronic fatigue, I’ve been desperately searching for a natural, caffeine-free energy boost.

Michelle Obama Shares Her Honest Thoughts on Daughter Malia’s Name Change
Obama sat down with Kate Hudson and her brother Oliver on their podcast “Sibling Revelry.”
Michelle Obama just revealed why her eldest daughter Malia’s name change was part of a “push away” from her famous family.
Speaking to actress Kate Hudson and her brother Oliver on their podcast “Sibling Revelry” this week, the former first lady explained how her daughters (she also shares Sasha with her husband, former President Barack Obama) still battle with trying to separate themselves from their parents.

Ever Wondered How Many Hands Touch Your Food at a Restaurant Before It Gets to You?
Dishwashers, bussers, expeditors, and plenty of other people play a role in getting that plate in front of you.
When someone working in a restaurant hears the words “I need hands,” it’s a call to action, akin to the Bat-Signal being flashed into the sky summoning superhero help. Someone needs assistance and they need it now. Very often, that phrase is used because there’s food in the kitchen that needs to go to a table immediately, so someone will drop what they’re doing to rush that hot plate of food to the hungry customer. But have you ever thought about just how many hands are needed to get that plate to the table?

Ring Sandals Are Summer 2025’s Most Elegant (and Easy-to-Wear) Trend
They’re like your most comfortable flats—with a twist.
If you’re in the market for a go-to summer shoe, might we suggest ring sandals? The jewelry-as-footwear trend kicked off with bracelet sandals and their decorative ankle cuffs. Now we’re seeing more elegant flats and heels with a metallic twist in the form of toe rings. (And yes, you read that right: The most sophisticated shoe of summer doesn’t have heels. Give your feet a break.)
Ring sandals offer a timeless look that combines the understated cool of flat, strappy sandals with the instant elegance of gold or silver. The result is basic yet eye-catching pieces that can anchor any summer outfit or flowy dress. They’re especially useful for walking-heavy vacations, but you can also wear them in the office without ignoring your dress code.

The Labubu Doll: What Is It and Why Is the Internet So Obsessed?
The collectable little toy that’s stealing hearts—and making us spend.
You’ve probably seen a variation of the Labubu doll, a grinning Gremlin-like plush collectable toy hanging from the bags of your favorite influencers. Whether you think they’re cute or little creepy, is beside the point, because the Labubu has become a viral sensation, and it’s just a matter of time before you also fall under the spell. Dua Lipa and Rihanna certainly have.
Plush charms as fashion accessories have been taking over, as we’ve seen brands like Coach in New York City to Simone Rocha in London to Bottega Veneta in Milan showcasing the trend on the runways. Seen all over Copenhagen Fashion Week last summer, the bag charm has become the way for the style set to “Jane Birkin-ify” or personalize their handbags, and the trend has shown no signs of slowing. In fact, it seems to be surging with the inclusion of a particular furry friend: the Labubu.

A Cheers to Seema, And Just Like That’s Certifiable Diva
Let’s face it: being a supporting character in the Sex and the City-slash-And Just Like That universe can be challenging. With all eyes on the original holy trinity—Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte (Kristin Davis)—new cast members have to work twice as hard to earn a memorable place in the reboot. That’s not to say that supoorting characters haven’t shined throughout the series. Let’s pour one out for “whatever happened to fun?!” Lexi Featherston and Amalita. But this season, one thing is clear: Seema is cementing her place as a legacy character, thanks to her unbothered energy and downright fabulosity.

Everyone Is Already Using AI (And Hiding It) “We can say, ‘Do it in anime, make it PG-13.’ Three hours later, I’ll have the movie.”
Despite this fear, every major studio is forging ahead (though most are not issuing a press release describing their efforts). Along with the generative models developed by tech giants — Google, OpenAI — a number of artist-run studios created specifically with filmmakers in mind are making headway in the industry. That includes Asteria, which launched its model this year and came with an attractive selling point. Lyonne and Mooser say its model was trained only on licensed material; they were touting it as the first “ethical” studio. Runway, a technology and media start-up, was earlier to the scene, and its models are now among the most widely used in Hollywood; the company was also the first to strike a public partnership with a movie studio. Many of these studios are developing sophisticated methods of working with generative video — the kind that, when given a prompt, can spit out an image or a video and has the potential to fundamentally change how movies are made.

What do you actually owe your in-laws?
Your partner’s parents are not your family. But you should still be nice to them.
The relationship one has with their in-laws can be fraught and perplexing, friendly and intimate, polite and distant. They’re not the people you’ve chosen to bind yourself to, but you’re still inextricably linked as long as you’re with your partner. In-laws enjoy all the trappings and status of family, but aren’t quite. Spending time with them can feel obligatory and not totally enjoyable. At the same time, there are no clearly defined expectations for what in-law relationships should look like, beyond the stereotypes.

The Princess is a Spencer! Meghan Markle shares rare look at Lilibet’s face on her fourth birthday
With her ‘each day is brighter and better,’ the Duchess of Sussex mused in her Instagram tribute
In what has become Meghan Markle and Harry’s version of royal tradition, the Duchess of Sussex marked her daughter Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday with a heart-warming Instagram tribute. Posting two family photographs, the royal mother-of-two shared the clearest look of the Princess’ face since a portrait was released for her first birthday in 2022 – and it must be said, she’s very definitely a Spencer.
In keeping with the couple’s favoured style for personal portraits, the first monochrome image shows Meghan cuddling Lilibet whilst windswept on a boat. The Princess’ face is partially obscured by her mother’s arms but enough is visible to note an unmistakable resemblance to her grandmother, the late Princess Diana, from whom she gets her middle name and almost a surname (it was reported this week that Prince Harry sought his uncle’s advice on acquiring his mother’s maiden name).

Regal Pride: Royals throughout history who were LGBT
From monarchs forced to hide their true selves to the trailblazers of today
Queen Anne of Great Britain, 1665-1714
Friends since childhood, Queen Anne was known for her close relationship and reported romance with Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. Famous for telling the Queen exactly what she thought with zero flattery, the Duchess had the Queen’s ear when it came to matters of politics, influencing her on behalf of her husband, the Duke. They even had pet names for each other: Mrs Morley (Anne) and Mrs Freeman (Sarah). The Duchess’s fall from favour, following the introduction of her cousin Abigail Hill to the Queen’s household, was depicted in Oscar-winning film, The Favourite, starring Olivia Colman as the Queen, Rachel Weisz as the Duchess and Emma Stone as Abigail.

Adrien Brody Feels for the Rats
In his first art exhibition in nearly a decade, the actor and painter draws from the frenetic energy of his youth, and from the empathy of his mother, the photographer Sylvia Plachy.
Adrien Brody, the Oscar-winning actor, is also Adrien Brody, the impassioned painter, is also Adrien Brody, the beats-mixing sound artist. Those mediums converge in a collection of more than 30 works. Accompanied by Brody’s soundscapes, the show features large mixed media art in what he calls an autobiographical display of the gritty New York of his youth, and the culture of violence and intolerance today. It’s an approach that has been met with some derision both in the art press and on social media.

The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City in 2025
We have a brand-new top 10, plus 90 more of the greatest meals in the five boroughs.
Of course, there are more than 100 amazing restaurants in New York. But these best answered the questions: Where would we send our friends? Which places are worth a splurge? Worth an hourlong subway ride?
Here are our answers to those questions, the 100 best dining experiences to be had in New York City, miracles brought to life by thousands of workers every day.

‘Pride and Prejudice’ Gets New Adaptation From Audible Starring Marisa Abela and Harris Dickinson
Audiobook company to release versions of Jane Austen classic in English, Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese
Leading up to the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Audible will release a brand-new adaptation of her beloved classic “Pride and Prejudice” — which, while remaining “faithful to the original text” will also add a “unique interior perspective” from Elizabeth Bennet, the novel’s quick-witted heroine.
The first Audible original audiobook of “Pride and Prejudice” will be released worldwide in English, to be followed by local versions in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese.

Inside Olivia Munn’s Private World with John Mulaney, Healing from Cancer and Why She Almost Quit Acting
Back in action in the Apple TV+ hit ‘Your Friends & Neighbors,’ the actress shares how her family helped her find new strength
After two decades of acting, Olivia Munn finds that her toughest negotiations these days are with her 3-year-old son Malcolm.
On the morning of her PEOPLE cover shoot in Orange County, Calif., in May, she had to tell him mid-tantrum that later in the day he’d come to set and a big party would be waiting for him, complete with his requests for balloons, cotton candy and a birthday cake and candles (his birthday is in November).
“This is a survival technique,” Munn explains prior to Malcolm’s arrival. “I guess we’ll sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. Although he’s 3, so I have no idea what’s going to set him off. Any parent out there doing whatever they have to do to get through the day has my utmost respect.”

White Lotus star Parker Posey reflects on moment she lost her indie cred: ‘You’re not cool anymore’
Industry nicknames aren’t always as helpful as you think.
Parker Posey has officially abdicated her throne.
On a recent visit to the SmartLess podcast, hosted by Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett, Posey — hot off the third season of The White Lotus — talked about her long career, which kicked off in the mid-1990s with a string of celebrated independent films like Dazed and Confused, Flirt, Kicking and Screaming, Basquiat, and, of course, Party Girl, Daisy von Scherler Mayer’s quintessential New York portrait of a club-hopping, loft-dwelling, baba ghanoush-munching librarian.
When asked by Hayes if she took the “indie queen” label that the media had bestowed upon her as a compliment, Posey became reflective.

9 Garments You Should Always Wash Inside Out, According to Laundry Experts
The extra step could be worth it.
You may have heard that washing your clothes inside out can help keep them looking better for longer. But not all garments are created equal, and there is no one-size-fits-all rule for washing your clothes. Luckily, most clothes have their own set of washing instructions, conveniently located on the attached care label. Still, there remains some confusion as to whether clothes should be turned inside out before washing.

9 Party Games for Adults That’ll Liven Up Your Next Gathering
Shop our picks and bring some friendly competition to the (dinner party) table.
If you find yourself frequently hosting—first of all, congrats! Your home is an official gathering place for loved ones, where fun and hospitality likely run supreme. You also probably have a few tricks up your sleeve when it comes to social settings, be it easy-to-make appetizers, handy icebreakers, or a selection of party games for adults that’ll energize any event.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner with close friends or entertaining unexpected house guests, having these games ready to go keeps the mood lively and dispels awkward silences. Each game and activity listed here was carefully chosen for both their fun factor and versatility, with options suitable for both intimate groups and larger celebrations. (Winner hosts the next group gathering!)

This Caribbean Island Is Famous For Beautiful Beaches and All-inclusive Resorts—and It’s the Birthplace of Reggae and Jerk Cooking
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Jamaica.
Amidst a sea of indistinguishable beaches and impersonal all-inclusive resorts, only a lucky few Caribbean-bound travelers dive deeper to explore the profound depths and unbridled richness of what the region has to offer. However, even the casual observer can sense that one island breaks the mold of all the others.
Jamaica conjures captivating images all its own: the rhythms of reggae, jerk chicken best served beachside, and a shoreline punctuated by stretches of sand spanning every shade from white to glimmering gold. Even so, any local or seasoned Jamaica traveler who has gone further than the resort strip of Montego Bay can tell you that the island has still more to explore and experience.

[Photo Credit: grisanticussen.com]

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