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Zoey Deutch is the queen of the rom-com, so when we heard the Set It Up star was in Netflix’s Voicemails for Isabelle, we were already on board. It follows Jill (Deutch), who leaves voicemails for her dead sister Isabelle (Ciara Bravo), without realizing her number has been transferred to Wes (Nick Robinson). After Wes becomes enamored with Jill, he stages a meet-cute with her by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It has hints of You’ve Got Mail, wrapped in a modern rom-com take that includes a deep look at grief. Deutch and Bravo truly shine as a pair of sisters who are also best friends, and are terrified of the moment they’ll be separated. When that day finally comes, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

But with Nick Offerman adding comic relief as a psychotic chef and Lukas Gage as the worst guy you’ve ever met, this film darts between lighthearted moments and the darkest times. And isn’t that what life is really like?

Below, entertainment writers Lauren McNamara and Rachel Choy break down Voicemails for Isabelle, including how it handled grief, why the characters felt relatable, and whether a relationship can be successful when built on deceit. Spoilers ahead.

Rachel Choy: What did you think of Voicemails for Isabelle? It had me sobbing.

Lauren McNamara: I loved it. I think they nailed the way they addressed the grief storyline. I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been losing a sister who is not just a sister, but a best friend. The way they set that up at the start, with the pair growing up together, showed how close they were.

RC: I think that was really important. Sometimes in films they try to establish relationships and do it quickly with a montage. But there were lots of elements in that opening section where you really began to get invested in their relationship and sisterly bond. That foundation was key to the whole film working.

LM: There was about 20 minutes of that before getting into the present day. Some may think it dragged on, but it needed to have that depth to it in order to properly establish that relationship and show exactly why Jill is grieving as much, or in the way she is.

RC: We obviously knew from the trailer that the whole movie hinges on the fact that Jill’s sister Isabelle dies, and she leaves voicemails for it, but I still wasn’t prepared. When Izzy dies, the way Zoey Deutch played it, how she couldn’t accept the news, I was sobbing on the couch. I was almost wailing. It was so sad that she wasn’t able to get home before her sister passed. That resonates with so many people, because it’s like: what if you’d hopped on the plane? What if you changed something? There’s always regrets and what-ifs.

LM: She absolutely nailed the character. I love Zoey in a rom-com, she’s so fantastic. Set It Up is one of my favorite modern rom-coms, and she plays quirky and outgoing so well. And then Nick Robinson, I love him. He was so great in Love, Simon and Maid. It’s really interesting to see him back in the rom-com space but as an adult.

RC: I also liked that his character of Wes wasn’t one-dimensional. In other films, he might have been played just as the annoying generic suit type, but Wes is actually a nerd, and a softie. Layers, like an onion!

LM: It makes the characters feel more like real people. Having him be a Magic The Gathering nerd and also experiencing grief with his own mum, was a really nice touch.

I think they nailed the way they addressed the grief storyline. I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been losing a sister who is not just a sister, but a best friend.
Lauren McNamara

RC: There are some great side characters too. But Toby Sanderman’s character is the WORST. He has a dating podcast and he gives tips on women how to date. I was like, girl, run! These are all the signs.

LM: It was nice to get some comic relief from the heaviness of grief being the central topic of the film, but at the same time, does another man need a podcast?

RC: They absolutely do not. But yeah, it was interesting how the film captures so many elements of life. It shows you don’t suddenly heal from a big traumatic event, there’s always a journey ahead of you. It was surprisingly sad and emotional for something billed as a rom-com.

LM: That’s the thing about grief, right? It’s so linear. It’s not a one-and-done type of thing. I have people in my life who have passed away, and grieving them is something I continue to do, even if it has been years. Memories shoot up, things remind you of that person, like the chicken pot pie for Wes in Voicemails for Isabelle.

RC: I totally agree. It was really touching! Also, there were little mentions of You’ve Got Mail, they were self-aware.

LM: I did love how they referenced it a few times. Comparing him listening to the voicemails to You’ve Got Mail, they were poking fun of it. It’s almost a modern version.

RC: Nobody would do that nowadays with emails because they’re not as trusting, but voicemails makes more sense. I do kind of have the ick for him listening and then trying to meet her, though. I’m sorry, that’s weird.

LM: I do wish he said something sooner. I wish that when he was on the bench during their meet-cute, that’s when he would bring it up. For the rest of the movie, until it did happen, I was on edge, thinking of all the possible scenarios where it could happen. There was that feeling of anticipation, I suppose, which kind of distracted me a little bit.

RC: And then it also happens in the worst possible way. But I don’t know how she could forgive such a big thing when your relationship is based on deceit. Could that work?

LM: I would have liked to see more of an argument or more confrontation about how they move forward together. I suppose that the two weeks that they had together in San Francisco, yeah, it started on the deceit of him knowing exactly where she would be and knowing so much about her, but then they really developed a connection.

The film captures so many elements of life. It shows you don’t suddenly heal from a big traumatic event, there’s always a journey ahead of you. It was surprisingly sad and emotional for something billed as a rom-com.
Rachel Choy

RC: They did bond over their shared grief, so maybe that is more important than the lies.

LM: That sort of outweighed it, yeah. I did like there were some pretty classic rom-com tropes. I suspect this will maybe get a little bit of backlash. There’ll be two schools of thought from people. People who are like, hell yeah, rom-coms are so back because of some of the tropes in this film, and then the other people who are just cynical about romance. We had him running in the rain, making a big grand gesture, the remeeting at the end. Even the take on the meet-cute. And the hopeless romantic in me is loving all of these, but I’m sure there will be some cynics who will hate it.

RC: Well, the cynics can watch the sequel, which will be about them fighting over the lies and deceit. As uncomfortable as I am about the way Jill and Wes got together, I still ate it up. I was still like, give me the romance! I need the happily ever after.

LM: Regardless of the deceit at the start and the way that they met, I do think that they meshed well together. I think their characters were so great. As a hopeless romantic, I can’t get enough of a serious person with a quite unserious person, and I feel like that sort of leaned into it a little bit. Wes is a corporate, serious real estate guy, and she’s this quirky, fun chef. I think the dynamic of that relationship trope worked really well in this movie.

RC: And their chemistry was good as well! I believed they loved each other. I hate when you’re like, you guys don’t even want to kiss. With Jill and Wes, I was like, okay, now kiss!

LM: Even just like the way that he would just look at her. His acting was amazing, because you can see so much in his eyes. During the two weeks that they spent in San Francisco together, the way that he looked at her, oh, it made my heart flutter; it was so sweet.

RC: I love when you get butterflies.

LM: And I really did! Rom-coms are so back. I’m probably gonna watch it again tonight.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Voicemails for Isabelle is streaming now on Netflix.

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Cosmic beings, mark June 21st on your iCal! In the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice occurs when the sun glides into the zodiac sign of Cancer. The longest day of the year brings optimal rays and vigor as the Earth’s poles tilt in the direction of the sun. We give tribute to the return of light and the cycle of life — bliss!

At the same moment as the solstice, the sun in Cancer gently harmonizes with the centaur Chiron in Taurus, setting the tone for the season ahead. We’re focusing on healing our hearts through pleasure. How? By leaning into activities like music, dancing, walking, and spending time in nature will be beneficial for resetting and recharging auras. Delightful times are here!

Read your Summer Solstice horoscope below:

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Aries

Aries, prioritizing home and family is on the agenda, as you’re in the mood to spend time with those you care about instead of being out on the scene. On a personal level, it will be amazing to have downtime with your brood and close friends, so plan a garden party with those in your inner circle to celebrate the season.

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Taurus

Taurus, your strength is surging, pushing you to take on the tasks and endeavors piling up on your to-do list. Even though you want to complete these ventures at top speed to ensure they get done, try to take a few moments to slow down and rest. Balance is vital to guarantee you do not burn the candle at both ends.

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Gemini

Gemini, while you possess an intellectual no-attachment standpoint on matters, you understand that money makes the world go round. Materialism isn’t necessarily important, but you need to keep up with the Joneses. Don’t compare yourself to others; embrace your fabulousness because all that glitters is rarely gold. Contrary to the popular capitalist sentimentality, the best things in life are always free.

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Cancer

Cancer, this is your time to shine! The summer solstice commences the day the sun slides into your sign, sparking the beginning of your yearly solar return. Set intentions and manifest your dreams — no one is more deserving of greatness, so go after your visions with gusto. You are deserving of the goodness that is coming your way.

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Leo

Leo, you don’t have to be “on” 24/7. In fact, being away from the limelight is reinvigorating your vibe. Honor your needs and desires by taking time off from the scene. If you’re in the mood to unwind with a video game and a cool glass of lemonade, use this moment to disconnect and meditate on what matters most — YOU!

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Virgo

Virgo, it’ll be surprising how many people want to support and elevate your career. If you are looking for a new job or yearn to put feelers out there to see who bites, network with the incentive of gaining a better standing in your profession. Even if nothing happens right now, you are expanding your horizons and goals, which is major.

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Libra

Libra, your efforts at the office are being acknowledged by your direct boss, colleagues, and management. For the first time in months, you’re receiving applause and accolades for putting in the extra hours and touches on projects. Although it’ll be hard, don’t let the positive reinforcement get to your head. Remaining humble assures you’re grounded and diligent in the future.

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Scorpio

Scorpio, if you have vacation days from work that haven’t been cashed in, you should consider using them to get out of town for a mini holiday. You don’t have to go big to flaunt your plans. A low-key trip with a friend or two by the beach is preferred for the solstice. Your body, mind, and spirit will be appreciative.

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Sagittarius

Sag, protecting your energy and peace may mean temporarily cutting a few people out of your life, but you will attract others who are worthy of your kindness and don’t ask you to prove your devotion. You might build long-lasting relationships with your new alliances, which can help you become optimistic and enamored with the people you spend time with socially.

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Capricorn

Cap, the hope is to become a power couple with your crush or significant other. Therefore, being picky and choosing who you spend your evenings with is pivotal. Use your discernment to hone in on the person who checks all the boxes. They may be missing a few, but that is not going to stop you from falling head over heels.

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Aquarius

Aquarius, being responsible and reliable means showing up for appointments, being punctual, and not flaking on dinner dates with your squad at the last minute. Before you reschedule your plans without prior notice, make sure you keep your promises to avoid disappointing your besties. Adulting is annoying, but you have to do it at some point, so why not start now?

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Pisces

Pisces, in the past several weeks, you’ve been rationalizing your heartfelt emotions. As the summer solstice begins to heat up your life, it will ignite the romantic nature that you hold near and dear. Expressing yourself through poetry and art adds spice to your partnerships because you are ready to take a chance on love — no matter what the risk entails.

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You can read your June horoscope here.

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A Week In Portland, OR On A $108,000 Salary

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If you’re like us, you’ve talked yourself out of a lot of good decisions, and into a few bad ones, because you couldn’t tell what was actually worth it. VETTED is here to help. Whether it’s a product, a procedure, or a place, we do the digging, ask the real questions, and try it ourselves before we tell you a thing. If it made the cut, it’s because it earned it.

I landed in New York coming in hot for Met Gala weekend: pre-parties, the Met Gala watch party with Instagram on Monday, and a live podcast taping in between. If you know anything about Met Gala week in New York, you know the city’s energy is relentless. I wanted a hotel that felt like a respite from the chaos. The Pendry Manhattan West was exactly that.

The Property

The Pendry is on the west side of the city in Chelsea, right by Hudson Yards. The second I walked in, it was calm. A fireplace in the lobby, beautiful wood paneling, and a gorgeous bar and restaurant up front. Tucked behind that is a smaller, more private bar that’s perfect for an actual conversation. I had one of the best cocktails of my life there. The whole property has the energy of a hotel that knows it isn’t trying to be the scene. It’s trying to be the stay.

The Neighborhood

You’re a short walk from the High Line, which means Hudson views the second you want them. You’re directly across the street from a Sephora, which I’ll admit came in clutch when I needed last-minute makeup before a red carpet. Shopping is right there. And because you’re tucked into the Hudson Yards pocket, the neighborhood itself feels insulated from the noise of the rest of the city. Not a “be seen” block. That was the point.

The Room

Genuinely gorgeous. The detail that sold me was the layout. There’s a separate section with a desk and a view of the city, so when I was working between events or eating in the room, I wasn’t doing it from the bed. The bed itself was incredibly comfortable. Shower pressure was strong and the water actually got hot. Both things I no longer take for granted. The bath products were so well crafted I didn’t reach for the ones I’d packed, which almost never happens.

The Wellness Factor

This is where I’ll be honest. There’s no spa. I didn’t make it to the gym, but it’s there if you need it. What the hotel offers for wellbeing is more ambient: a room quiet enough to actually sleep in, a bed that earns its keep, and a location that puts you a few minutes from the High Line if you want to move your body. If a spa is the priority, they’ll happily point you to the Equinox Hotel nearby. They told me as much.

The Service

The kind that solves the problem instead of announcing itself. I needed my room ready before check-in so I could get into glam and hit a red carpet, and Charli at the front desk made it happen. No production, just done. The follow-up throughout the stay was warm and specific. This is the part that would bring me back.

The Verdict

Worth it if you want a calm, business-friendly base for a chaotic New York weekend, a home-away-from-home that lets you work, sleep, and reset between events.

Skip it if you want a spa on property, or if you’re after the lobby-scene energy of the Edition or the Public. The Pendry is contained. That’s the trade.

Brooke DeVard is Chief Content Officer at Refinery29 and the founder and host of the Naked Beauty podcast. She writes about beauty, travel, and the culture around both.

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Despite having a good phone with a high-quality camera, sometimes a girl needs a flash going off in her face to prove that her outfit is actually matching the vibe of the day.

When I was 12 years old, my grandparents bought me an underwater digital camera. I don’t think they realized that years later, in 2026, it would turn into me carrying an SD card adapter in my bag at all times just to quickly upload blurry flash photos onto my phone. But maybe that’s exactly the point.

Digital cameras were never really about quality. They were about capturing a feeling before it disappeared. Unlike our phones today, where we take hundreds of photos trying to curate the perfect image, digital cameras always felt much more in the moment, capturing people before they had the chance to pose or perfect themselves. From blurry flash photos to colorful digital cameras hanging from wrists at parties again, old technology is slowly becoming part of our personal style. In a time where every iPhone photo looks ultra-polished and ready to post, digital cameras feel imperfect in a way people deeply miss, almost like the Y2K effect returning not only through our clothes, but through the way we document our lives online too.

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As mentioned in Canon’s analysis of why Gen Z love digital cameras, younger generations are slowly moving away from overly polished imagery and gravitating toward photographs that feel more spontaneous and atmosphere-driven instead. That’s exactly why flash-heavy, grainy, and sometimes technically imperfect digital camera photos are gaining value again within fashion and nightlife culture. It’s a constant documentation of the behind-the-scenes moments of your life.

At the same time, this has evolved into a movement running parallel with fashion itself. Digicams small enough to fit into tiny bags, wrist straps wrapped around hands, and forgotten SD cards sitting at the bottom of pockets have all become part of personal style, almost like sunglasses or jewelry. The world of fashion lately has been chasing the exact same feeling these cameras create; less perfection, more instinctive emotion, and a style shaped by fleeting moments rather than trends.

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Juergen Teller’s photographic language has especially become a major reference point within fashion once again. Teller’s long-standing use of harsh flash, natural lighting, moving compositions, and technically “raw” imagery offers a more honest alternative to overly produced fashion photography, almost as if the images themselves were taken on digital cameras. One of the strongest examples of this is Teller’s Vivienne Westwood SS13 campaign. The campaign’s harsh flash photography, movement-driven framing, and spontaneous imagery are still continuously referenced within fashion photography today.

More recently, Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2025 campaign also embraced imagery that feels more immediate, caught in motion, and intentionally less flawless. Because sometimes the blurry flash photo ends up feeling more real than the memory itself.

Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Sabrina Carpenter have also gravitated toward digital cameras. In Dua Lipa’s “In My Bag” Vogue interview, a black Canon IXUS 285 HS casually appears between her everyday essentials, proving how digital cameras have slowly shifted from tech objects into fashion accessories. According to the singer: “It’s, like, the perfect party companion.” More recently, Zara Larsson also shared on Instagram Stories that she used the same camera model to capture her Cannes outfit photos, showing how digicams are becoming just as important to personal style as the outfits themselves.

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Today, a variety of digital cameras can be found for a range of personal tastes and aesthetics, and even for the most amateur photographers. They’ve truly become a handbag staple. Somewhere between the lip gloss, sunglasses, and tangled headphones, the digicam quietly became fashion’s favorite accessory again. And with summer around the corner, they’ll be tucked into beach bags everywhere. Flip flops, bikinis, oversized sunglasses, baby tees, and digicams start shaping the everyday summer uniform.

As silver, black, red, and pink digital cameras become essential accessories again, the responsibility of carrying the SD card adapter and AirDropping everyone’s photos at the end of the night somehow always becomes yours… So this is your reminder to bring your digicam on a girls’ night out.

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If I could bottle the scent of June, it would smell like sunshine on skin, coconutty SPF, and sweet peonies finally in full bloom. It seems the world's perfumers are in agreement: these bright and promising notes have found their way into many of the season's most exciting fragrances. But they're not the only scents shaping what summer smells like.

From D.S. & Durga’s Rose Pacific, which spotlights sunbaked sand and sea spray, to Le Monde Gourmand's Banane Délice Eau de Parfum, an ode to banana, these are the newest perfumes to have on your radar this summer, cherrypicked by a beauty director — whether you want to smell fresh and airy, sun-soaked and joyful, or warm and intimate.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Valentino Born in Roma Vanilla Bliss Hair & Body Mist

All of your favorite luxury fragrance brands are jumping on the hair and body mist bandwagon, most recently Valentino, with five new additions: Salty Pistachio, Golden Coconut, Caramel Crush, and Vanilla Bliss — the latter our top pick. With rich Damascena rose, syrupy vanilla bourbon, and warm amber, it’s an all-encompassing gourmand, but the airy, lightweight mist makes it far more wearable than a traditional eau de parfum, which can feel cloying in warmer weather. Spritzed through hair, it leaves a sweet, soft sillage that’ll have people stopping you in the street asking for the name.

**Valentino** Born in Roma Vanilla Bliss Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Ulta

Next To Me or Nothing Eau de Parfum

Lately, not many fragrances have got beauty editors talking quite like Discotheque’s Next To Me Or Nothing, and now I understand why. Built around Iso E Super — a fragrance molecule that blends with your natural skin chemistry to create a warm, intimate aura — it also layers clean, skin-like white musk, cooling milky notes, and creamy star jasmine. The result is a modern, sexy skin scent. It’s designed to evoke a sweaty, late-night jazz club dancefloor in the best way: warm bodies, heavy beats, and that lingering, clean-skin warmth in the air.

**Discotheque** Next To Me Or Nothing Eau de Parfum, $, available at Discotheque

Valentino Born in Roma Golden Coconut Hair & Body Mist

Even if you have no plans for a far-flung destination this summer, never fear. One spritz of Golden Coconut will transport you there in spirit. A clean air accord evokes a beachfront stroll in close proximity to cooling sea spray, while coconut and solar flowers bring to mind Vacation sunscreen and fragrant orange blossom trees lining a luxury hotel garden. Bliss.

**Valentino** Born in Roma Golden Coconut Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Ulta

Khloé Kardashian XO Blue Eau de Parfum

Khloé Kardashian’s third fragrance perfectly captures the essence of a Euro summer. Think sunbaked frangipani petals cooling off as the sun goes down, the woody coconut of salty shoulders slathered in sunscreen, and a hit of zingy bergamot. The addition of ambrette brings a close, musky undertone — the scent of skin that’s been in the sun all day. It’s equal parts warm and fresh, and, unlike most beachy fragrances, it actually lasts thanks to its eau de parfum concentration.

**Khloé Kardashian** XO Blue Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta

Valentino Born in Roma Caramel Crush Hair & Body Mist

Lovers of all things gourmand — think edible, dessert-like notes — won’t be able to resist Caramel Crush, a mouthwatering blend of vanilla bourbon and velvety caramel accord, lifted with a soft floral scattering of Damascena rose petals. Spritz it through the hair for subtle wafts that catch the breeze every time you move.

**Valentino** Born in Roma Caramel Crush Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Ulta

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Intense Eau de Parfum

If you, too, can’t get enough of the scent of Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Powder, you’ll be pleased to know the brand has infused its delicious notes of tangy wild cherry, warm cinnamon bark, creamy white florals, and rich vanilla bourbon into a fragrance that’s a guaranteed compliment magnet. Whenever I wear it, people tell me how pretty I smell. It’s subtly sweet, yet clean and soapy in equal measure.

**Huda Beauty** Easy Bake Intense Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora

Bottega Veneta Balliamo Eau de Parfum

Bottega Veneta’s Alta fragrance collection features no fewer than 10 scents, but Balliamo stands out from the crowd. Blending smoky American cedarwood with milky white fig — arguably one of the most coveted fragrance notes of the summer — it feels both distinctive and surprisingly versatile. The bottle is a work of art in its own right, worthy of a permanent spot on your vanity.

**Bottega Veneta** Balliamo Eau de Parfum, $, available at Bottega Veneta

Le Monde Gourmand Banane Délice Eau de Parfum

Move over, strawberry! Banana is the fruity note du jour among perfumers lately, and when it’s this sunny and invigorating, who are we to argue otherwise? With whipped banana milk, floral pineapple, zingy orange, and sugared musk, it evokes sipping on an ice-cold smoothie under a striped beach umbrella.

**Le Monde Gourmand** Banane Délice Eau de Parfum, $, available at Le Monde Gourmand

BDK Silver Ceremony Absolu de Parfum

Most citrus scents never stick around long enough to see the sun go down, but this one lingers well into the evening — and on clothes, even into the next few days. The top notes are zippy bergamot, sweet, sun-baked green mandarin, and effervescent lemon essence — from Italy, no less — but it’s the middle notes of fiery ginger and punchy pink pepper, as well as the cocooning base notes of patchouli (never too much) and green, resinous labdanum (a subtle alternative to oud) that give it such impressive staying power. It’s the perfect warm-weather fragrance, with that fresh, just-out-of-the-shower feel.

**BDK Parfums** Silver Ceremony Absolu de Parfum, $, available at Harrods

Viktor&Rolf Bonbon Berry Jelly Eau de Parfum

If you love gourmands — fragrances with edible, dessert-like notes — you’ll fall head over heels for Bonbon Berry Jelly. It’s delectably jammy and syrupy, thanks to raspberry jelly (fruity gummies actually inspired the bow-adorned bottle), but tart blackcurrant and powdery peony (fans of Flowerbomb, take note) keep it from feeling saccharine and make it surprisingly wearable.

**Viktor&Rolf** Bonbon Berry Jelly Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta

BDK Stellar Silk Abolu de Parfum

Oh, you want hot girl summer? This is it. There’s something really sexy and intimate about the smorgasbord of ginger, cinnamon, vanilla-like tonka bean, and buttery sandalwood in this concentrated fragrance — a pure perfume — and while it’s not overpowering once on, the notes have a way of lingering on everyone you come into contact with, whether it’s a kiss on the cheek or a long hug.

**BDK Parfums** Stellar Silk Absolu de Parfum, $, available at Harrods

Mugler Starlicious Pineapple Musk Shimmer Hair & Body Mist

It’s a tropical storm, because beyond banana, sun-ripened pineapple is fast becoming a note to remember this summer, and nowhere does it shine brighter — quite literally — than in Mugler’s Pineapple Musk Shimmer Hair & Body Mist. Coconut and skin-like musks make it as warm as it is sweet. The ultimate summer gourmand.

**Mugler** Starlicious Pineapple Musk Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Mugler

Granado Yes, nós temos Banana! Scented Duo

We meant it when we said bananas are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. If other banana-led fragrances are a little too sweet for you, this one is worth a try. While banana is the focus, the creamy, honey-like notes are expertly balanced by bunches of crushed green leaves, which keep it fresh, light, and airy — great for hotter days.

**Granado** Yes, Nós Temos Banana Scented Duo, $, available at Nordstrom

Olfactive O New Earth Eau de Parfum

New Earth is one of the most interesting fragrances I’ve come across in a while, and that’s because it so realistically captures the crunchy, green headiness of a florist’s shop combined with fistfuls of garden herbs. Pink peppercorn, spearmint, and clary sage make it a breath of fresh air, while myrrh and cardamom turn warm and comforting on the dry-down.

**Olfactive O** New Earth Eau de Parfum, $, available at Olfactive O

Privée Christian Dior Dior Paradise Eau De Parfum

Francis Kurkdjian, the nose behind Baccarat Rouge 540, is also the mastermind of Privée, inspired by Christian Dior’s Provençal home, Château de La Colle Noire. The estate was a garden of Eden of sorts, lined with verdant almond trees and an orchestra of flowers. It makes sense, then, that these notes define the fragrance. Syrup-steeped almond lends a floral frangipane feel alongside vanilla-like tonka bean, but the crunchy, woody notes keep it feeling more sophisticated.

**Dior** Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum, $, available at Dior

DIESEL Only Desire Eau de Parfum

Expect compliments in abundance with this bold fragrance from the House of Diesel, which brings together zesty bergamot oil, spicy cumin, and deep rum with warm amber woods. This eau de parfum is powerful whether you spritz it on clothes or skin. It’s especially captivating on the neck and wrists, where body heat amplifies the close-wearing base of vanilla bourbon and nutty praline.

**Diesel** Only Desire Eau De Parfum, $, available at Diesel

Electimuss Amber Bloom Extrait

Electimuss describes wearing this as akin to weaving through an “ancient Mediterranean grove, where citrus trees unfurl seawards, and branches hang heavy with sun-ripened fruit” — and if that’s not enough to propel you to add to cart, then the warm amber, mineral sea salt, and vanillic tonka bean — redolent of sun-drenched skin fresh from the ocean — might just clinch it. This is an extrait, so the staying power is second to none.

**Electimuss** Amber Bloom Pure Parfum Extrait, $, available at Electimuss

Mugler Starlicious Pistachio Praline Shimmer Hair & Body Mist

Roasted pistachio and velvety caramel make up the sauce of this scent, but it’s the patchouli — all earthy, herbaceous depth — that gives this shimmering hair and body mist its edge and sets it apart from other pistachio-forward fragrances from brands like Kayali and Le Monde Gourmand. If you ask me, it also makes it smell far more expensive than it actually is.

**Mugler** Starlicious Pistachio Praline Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Mugler

D.S. & Durga Rose Pacific Eau de Parfum

I get it — rose is a polarizing note. When it’s not powdery and potpourri-like, it can be too rich and cloying, but although the note’s in the name, I’d argue it’s more of a supporting act here. Instead, sun-ripened apricot and green-floral poppy take center stage, offset by salty sea spray, vanilla musk, and sun-baked sand. It really is special, but I’d expect nothing less from D.S. & Durga.

**D.S. & Durga** Rose Pacific Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom

Bond No.9 Tuxedo Park Eau de Parfum

Look past the glowing green bottle and you might just find your next signature scent in Tuxedo Park, a sparkling combination of white grapefruit, lime, and tangerine alongside warmer jasmine sambac, musks, and oud. On paper, the megamix of notes shouldn’t quite work together, but on the skin, it takes on an invigorating and distinctly sexy quality.

**Bond No. 9** Tuxedo Park 10 Eau de Parfum, $, available at Neiman Marcus

Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Cola Fizz Eau de Parfum

Diet Coke fans, rise up. Bonbon Cola Fizz captures the effervescent freshness of the first sip of cola — from a glass bottle, of course — on a hot day, and transforms it into something perfectly wearable, thanks to sherbet-like lemon and clean, just-bathed white musk.

**Viktor&Rolf** Bonbon Cola Fizz Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta

Mugler Starlicious Berry Licorice Shimmer Hair & Body Mist

Strawberries and raspberries give Mugler’s third and final body mist a mouthwatering sweetness that isn’t too dissimilar to YSL’s Libre Berry Crush (IYKYK), but the licorice note makes it spicy and close-wearing — perfect spritzed on the neck and shoulders where people lean in. The added shimmer is the cherry — or berry — on top.

**Mugler** Starlicious Berry Licorice Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Mugler

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Welcome to Cancer season and the summer, too! The planetary ingress will be extremely messy and dramatic, so from 21st June, grab a box of tissues. The planets aren’t playing, but they are leading us to a place of wisdom and emotional upgrades.

The next few weeks will be extremely intense due to the fluctuating energies at play. On June 21st, the sun gets a healing touch from the centaur Chiron, which is in Taurus. Two days later, the sun and the North Node of Destiny harmonize, offering us the chance to accept our fate. Then June 25th brings the sun and Neptune in Aries together, making us hypersensitive to the world and the people around us. The sun and Saturn in Aries share a fraught moment on July 6th, urging us to be more responsible and authoritative. The sun and Mercury form a conjunction in Cancer on July 12th, creating the “cazimi” effect, which enlightens our minds with knowledge.

Our love lives won’t be any less chaotic, especially since Venus in Virgo contacts the South Node of Destiny until July 10th, encouraging us to feel a kinship to past relationships. We might feel stuck in current partnerships, which could lead us to seek refuge in the arms of an ex, given that Mercury is in retrograde at this time. It may seem reasonable to flirt with “the one who got away,” but the ramifications and consequences may not be worth it. Our sentiments will change when Mercury turns direct on July 23rd. Venus in Virgo squares Uranus in Gemini on July 13th, motivating us to break free of dynamics and structures that are rigid. We are craving autonomy and freedom in matters of the heart. Plan a trip out of town with friends to have independence and fun.

The end of Cancer season brings an astrological aspect known as Barbault Basket, which is similar to a cradle, which is a geometric shape similar to a trapezoid that consists of an opposition (in this case, it’s the 180 degree polarity between Jupiter and Pluto retrograde), three sextiles (the 60 degree distance between Jupiter and Uranus, as well as Neptune and Uranus, and Jupiter and Neptune), and two trines (the 120 degree aspect between Jupiter and Neptune and Uranus and Pluto retrograde). The opposition creates the contour of the foundational shape, the trines connect the inner planets, while the ones that are sextilng each other tie the outer planets together. Four planets — Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto retrograde — connecting from July 15th to 21st, at 4 degrees. The “four 4s” are bringing an existential crisis of sorts that leads us to a transformative state. Let’s break it down. Uranus in Gemini unites with the fixed star Hyadum I, creating an immense desire to rebel against authority. Neptune in Aries linked up with the fixed star Deneb Kaitos, offering us a metaphoric spiritual awakening. Pluto retrograde in Aquarius connects with the fixed star Oculus, making us aware of what others don’t notice. Their missteps, avoidance, and oblivion will give us the upper hand, so use it to your advantage. All the while, Jupiter in Leo urges us to put our needs and desires first. Our knowledge of matters will shift, changing our opinions and mindsets. Four is numerologically aligned with the home and security. Therefore, we can expect powerful shifts in our personal lives, particularly in our foundations.

By the time the sun waltzes into Leo on July 22nd, we will be on an upward swing that allows us to transcend to an evolved mindset. Having the right amount of support and self-determination will catapult our consciousness to an enhanced state of being.

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Important Dates for Cancer Season

June 21st: The sun enters Cancer, setting off the Summer Solstice. The start of a new season brings fresh hopes and aspirations.

June 28th: The action planet Mars moves into Gemini, pushing us to fight with words. The pen is mightier than the sword.

June 29th: Mercury Retrograde in Cancer begins, heightening our sensitivities and yearning for nostalgia.

June 29th: The Full Moon in Capricorn is a moment of contemplation and reflection as we plan for the future.

June 30th: Jupiter jumps into Leo, expanding our hearts and lives with bravado and passion for the next year.

July 7th: Neptune Retrograde in Aries helps us reclaim our dreams and make moves to attain them.

July 9th: Venus glides into Virgo, adding practicality to matters of the heart and financial investments.

July 14th: The New Moon in Cancer is an emotional reset that supports our personal growth.

July 22nd: The sun dances into Leo, elevating our charisma and devotion to others and to ourselves.

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If you’re like us, you’ve talked yourself out of a lot of good decisions and into a few bad ones because you couldn’t tell what was actually worth it. VETTED is here to help. Whether it’s a product, a procedure, or a place, we do the digging, ask the real questions, and try it ourselves before we tell you a thing. If it made the cut, it’s because it earned it.

I was heading to New York for my first business trip as SVP of Brand & Content at Unbothered, and I knew the days would be full. Testing press lines to understand what our reporters experience on the front line, meetings with talent teams, a soirée at Moss for our brand friendlies. I was going to be outside more than I was inside. But when I was inside, I needed to actually decompress. That’s why I chose The Mercer. It’s the rare hotel that gives you both: in the mix when you want it, and a sensorially supportive, minimalist environment to disappear into the second you don’t.

The Property

The Mercer feels designed by someone who actually thought about what it’s like to live in a body. Minimalist, but warm. It’s right smack in the middle of Soho, but the second you walk through the front doors, all of that disappears. The hotel has almost zero sound leak. Soho-quiet inside, Soho-everything outside. It’s been my favorite place to stay in the city for years, and every time I’m back, I remember why.

The Neighborhood

Soho proper. Two minutes from Balthazar, my old-school favorite, and a Sephora when you inevitably need one. McNally Jackson is close. There’s a FedEx within walking distance, which I ended up needing on this trip. You can take your meetings, get your last-minute things done, and still be back in your room in under ten minutes.

The Room

So inviting. Every light in the room is on a dimmer. The big bay windows have electronic shades, so you control how much of the city comes in. The sheets are perfect, and I say that as someone with tactile sensitivity. Bad sheets can ruin a whole trip for me; these are a constant reminder to just go to sleep. There’s a massive tub. There’s an alcove set up for working during the day, which means you don’t have to make the bed your office. The bathroom amenities are great. Whoever designed these rooms has real sensory attunement.

The Wellness Factor

The hotel itself doesn’t have a spa, but the network around it does most of the work. There’s a relationship with Barbara Sturm down the street for a facial. They’re connected to a bathing club nearby. You also get access to Zero Bond as part of your stay. None of it is inside the hotel, but if “inside the hotel” isn’t the priority, you have everything you’d want within a few blocks.

The Service

Impeccable. Everyone I spoke to, every time I called down, had this sweet, warm demeanor and was happy to chat. I never felt like I was bothering anyone. Turn-down every night, with Ladurée cookies waiting in your room that I look forward to more than I should admit. The food is clean American with a touch of Italian. I can get kale and scrambled egg whites most mornings, and the coffee program is strong. A breve latte is a great way to start a day in New York.

The Verdict

Worth it if you’re on a business trip and you need to reset and recharge between meetings without losing the energy of being in the city. It’s my favorite place to stay in New York, and every time I go, it reminds me why.

Skip it if you want a hotel with a spa, a scene, and a pool inside it, so you never have to leave.

Erica Chidi is SVP of Brand & Editorial Content at Unbothered. She writes about wellbeing, culture, and travel.

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Since Father’s Day has a habit of sneaking up on us, we've become quite skilled at the whole last-minute (not to be mistaken with lazy!) gift thing. After all, the internet was built for convenience, and nothing screams “it’s the thought that counts” quite like paying extra to express-ship a grooming kit straight to Dad's doorstep on June 21. To assist, we've corralled 14 of our best last-minute Father's Day ideas that make for quick and easy gifting.

Ahead, find everything from virtual lessons on negotiating lessons from a former FBI agent on MasterClass to a ride in a Ferrari (at less than $100). In the name of Wi-Fi, expedited shipping, and package tracking updates, let us rejoice in these yuzu subscription boxes, wireless headphones, all-purpose summer shorts, and more intriguing last-minute Father's Day gifts that pack a heartfelt punch.

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