The Body Wash & Lotion Combo That Keeps Getting Me Compliments — No Perfume Needed
I’ve been a perfume person my whole life. A spritz before leaving the house felt non-negotiable. Of course, there was always a constant struggle to make the scent last throughout the day, but all of that changed once I finally tried Salt & Stone’s internet-famous products. After falling in love with the deodorants, I decided to put the body wash and lotions to the test, specifically the Black Rose & Oud combo.
The first time I used the combo, I didn’t think much beyond the ritual itself. The body wash lathers gently, nothing aggressive or stripping, just a mild, skin-soft cleanse that feels refreshing. The scent blooms quietly in the shower steam: warm, dark, and deeply feminine in a way that has nothing to do with pink packaging or overly powdery sweetness.
I layered on the lotion after my shower. It’s fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue. Then, I got on with my morning. My husband walked past me in the kitchen and stopped. “You smell really good,” he said after giving me a morning kiss. Those four little words always do it for me, equally as much as the famous three little words.
The real test came at brunch. Mid-hug, one of my girls pulled back and said, “Okay, what are you wearing?” “Just soap and lotion,” is a response I never thought I’d be giving. And from her shocked facial expression, she wasn’t expecting to hear those words either.
That’s the thing about these tiny little luxuries. They’re not loud and don’t announce themselves like a perfume, but they are subtly noticeable. They settle into your skin and become something that smells like you, but better. The oud gives it depth, the rose keeps it feminine without being too precious, and somehow the scent lingers in the air well past shower time.
At $77 for the set, it’s an investment, but when your body wash replaces your perfume and earns you compliments before 11am, the girl math makes sense.
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In Obsession, Man Is The Real Monster – And It’s Terrifyingly Relatable
Spoilers ahead. Horror film Obsession seemed like it would be your typical play on The Monkey Paw story. A man is given the ability to make a wish, but it comes with disastrous (and often fatal) consequences. However, director Curry Barker has expanded on this story to add commentary on who women often fear most in the world — men. While the actual movie is terrifying, creepy, and filled with some of the most effective jump scares in recent history, the unnerving lessons around consent and control are haunting.
Obsession follows your typical Nice Guy Barron ‘Bear’ Bailey (Michael Johnston), who has a crush on Nikki Freeman (Inde Navarrette). In an attempt to win her over, he purchases her a novelty gift called a “One Wish Willow”, which claims to grant one wish after breaking it. After being too cowardly to share his feelings with Nikki, he uses the toy himself, asking for his crush to love him more than anybody else in the world. Nikki soon starts to fawn over Bear, with Mexican-Australian Navarrette stealing the show with a wild performance.
Although we’re supposed to feel scared of Nikki, it’s Bear who is the true villain. While at first he tries to fool himself into believing that Nikki truly loves him, once he figures out it was due to the spell, he does nothing to change it. Instead, there’s a cut straight to him having sex with her while she makes enthusiastic noises, but has a glazed-over look on her face. This is a woman who is now seen as an object, and while Bear knows he doesn’t have her consent, he’s actively taking advantage of her. Bear is supposed to love this woman, yet he is using her as a sex toy.
While everybody is deserving of love, you cannot demand it, and nobody owes you anything.
Rachel Choy
While everybody is deserving of love, you cannot demand it, and nobody owes you anything. Bear represents selfishness, predators and cowards, who will not change a situation as long as it is benefiting them, no matter who it hurts. When Nikki’s destructive behavior begins to wear thin on Bear’s patience, he tries to fix the situation to benefit himself, once again. While calling customer service, his first instinct is to amend his wish, rather than cancelling it.
Possibly the most harrowing moment of Obsession was when the “real Nikki” pushes through and begs Bear to kill her to stop her misery. Instead of viewing her with compassion, his first response is anger. “What’s so wrong with being with me?” he spits, before leaving the house. This cements what Barker was trying to say: it wasn’t a film about a woman’s obsession with a man due to a spell, but a man’s obsession with power, ego, and entitlement.
It wasn’t a film about a woman’s obsession with a man due to a spell, but a man’s obsession with power, ego, and entitlement.
Rachel Choy
In the end, Bear’s obsession causes multiple deaths, trauma and he was too selfish to even sacrifice himself to save Nikki. It’s a warning to groups of men who frequent red-pill and manosphere spaces: you need to take accountability for how you act, or there will be damage to yourself, your life, and the world.
As women, we are so familiar with this type of man. Those who view us only as objects, or a vessel for pleasure or childbirth. We know what it feels like to be reduced to our bodies and to constantly look over our shoulders when walking home. Yes, Obsession is a delightful technical horror, and the use of music and soundscapes proves effective. But the reason why Obsession may be the best horror film of the year is simple: it’s not completely fictional.
Obsession is in theaters now.
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This Pedicure Is Controversial, But I Wear It Every Spring & Summer
I’ve always loved a French pedicure. No matter what’s going on in my life, it always makes me feel polished, like I have my life together — even when I’m not wearing a lick of makeup, or I haven’t washed my hair in days.
With that in mind, I’m thrilled that the design is making a comeback. But it’s not in the Y2K way you might remember from your teenage years (alongside velour tracksuits and frosted lip gloss). If Instagram is anything to go by, the French pedicure is chic and modern.
What is a French pedicure?
If you’re looking for a do-it-all pedicure that goes with everything and works for any occasion, the classic French is versatile. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the office, or your third wedding of the summer, it just works. Whether you love it or hate it, a French pedicure is a classic for a reason: “It’s clean, elegant, and endlessly wearable,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse. “Traditionally, this look features a soft nude or pink base with a crisp white tip.” Adding, “It’s that timeless contrast that makes it so instantly loved and recognizable.”
It’s little wonder, then, that the design is often spotted on some of the world’s biggest celebrities at red carpet events. Think Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, and Lily Allen, who are just a few stars frequently photographed with a fresh French pedicure.
What are the benefits of a French pedicure?
French pedicures aren’t limited to just pink and white; there are endless possibilities to explore with colors and creative designs: “French pedicures are back but in a unique and modern way,” says Fatima Naveed, senior brand manager at Duck & Dry. “We’re enjoying using fresh new shades and details to breathe new life into the traditional design,” like chrome and pastel tips, and jelly base colors.
Huber-Millet loves that the French pedicure complements every skin tone — and grows out beautifully. “It’s understated luxury that never goes out of style,” she says.
Why is the French pedicure considered controversial?
But not everyone is sold on the French pedicure. If social media is anything to go by, it’s even a little controversial at times. Why? Naveed explains that the trend essentially emphasizes the overgrown tips of toenails, making critics question the look’s practicality. “Personally, though, I think that the key lies in the length as well as the choice of tip and base color,” she says. “A milky white or a sheer pink tip will give a more subtle, chic finish than bold white tips.” As for the base shade? “It’s more than just a background color; it sets the entire tone of the design.”
What does the French pedicure look like in 2025?
If you want to avoid the overgrown look, consider one of the biggest French pedicure trends. Enter: micro tips. “The micro French pedicure is gaining huge popularity,” says Naveed. “It consists of a very thin tip along the edge of toenails, which provides a clean and understated look.” The secret to pulling it off is keeping toenails short and well-groomed. This helps enhance the minimalist effect. Naveed’s clients also opt for a ‘Frombré’ effect (French ombré), which blends the nude base and milky white tip shades to lend a subtle, modern take on the look.
Huber-Millet adds that 2025 is seeing a real evolution of the French pedicure: “It’s all about tonal or unexpected color pairings, and playful accents like chrome, shimmer, or deep red shades for a moodier take. It’s fresh, flattering, and very now.”
Keeping that in mind, scroll on for nine French pedicure trends to try now.
Pastel Perfection
When you can’t pick one color, go with all of them. Harriet Westmoreland proves that pastel French tips over a barely-there base are a summer pedicure essential.
Barely Blue
This unexpected color pairing of a dusty blue base shade and milky white tips by @m.comptoir.beaute is perfect for lounging around the pool.
Mix & Match
A classic French meets street style cool with clashing colors, prints, and glitter to boot? Nail and beauty salon @belle_voir proves that French pedicures never have to be dull.
Golden Hour
Chrome is certain to earn compliments — and it can be subtle. Nail quiet luxury with something like this soft nude base and gilt tips by nail artist @mylenails.s.
Ombré All Day
London-based nail artist Milly Mason uses various shades by @the_gelbottle_inc to create this milky blush Fombrè pedicure.
Make It Micro
The square shape, clean lines, and micro tips by Sydney nail and beauty salon @beautyspothq is the freshest take on a ’90s French.
Minimal-Meets-Maximal
With a fusion of colors, patterns, and embellishments, this look by nail artist @mylenails.s is a strong case for more is more, especially if you want a truly unique take on the French pedicure.
Mellow Yellow
Butter yellow is one of the hottest pedicure colors of the summer, and judging by these chic sunshine tips by Natalia Bulat at Bombshell Nails London, it’s not going anywhere.
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Ex Nihilo Is The Perfume Brand Celebs Gatekeep. Here Are 7 Scents, Ranked
There’s an influencer I always run into at beauty events, and I smell her presence in the room before I even see her face. Not in an overpowering way — more like the softest, most addictive scent trail pulling me in her direction. The only way I can describe it is like a tall, iced piña colada sipped in the sun — within reach of cooling sea spray — topped with a wedge of syrupy pineapple: sweet and indulgent, but fresh and invigorating at the same time. There was just one problem: every time I asked what perfume she was wearing, she’d conveniently “forget.” Then one day, Ex Nihilo’s Blue Talisman landed on my desk — and with one spritz, the mystery was solved.
She isn’t the only one with impeccable taste in fragrance. At The Devil Wears Prada premiere in New York, Refinery29 senior fashion writer Victoria Montalti asked celebrities which perfume they were wearing, and the love for Ex Nihilo abounded on the red carpet. Take Olympian Johnny Weir — a devoted collector of niche fragrances — who revealed he’d drenched himself in Emerald Royals, a rich blend of nutmeg, vanilla-like tonka bean, and frankincense. We posted our findings to Instagram, and the comments section quickly filled with praise for Ex Nihilo. The consensus? Johnny knows ball.
As a fragrance fanatic, I’ve tried my fair share of niche perfume brands, but few are as impressive as Ex Nihilo. Still, a couple of newer launches had somehow escaped my radar — until now. Naturally, I made it my mission to smell as many as possible and determine which ones are actually worth the hype. With that in mind, here are some of the most compliment-worthy Ex Nihilo fragrances, ranked in order of how much I love them as a perfume-obsessed beauty director.
Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman Eau de Parfum
Blue Talisman is my favorite fragrance in Ex Nihilo’s perfume dynasty because it encapsulates all the best parts of being on vacation. The vodka tonic and lime on the plane; the warm air that envelops you on landing; salty shoulders slathered in coconut sunscreen; soapy skin as you wash off the day; orange blossom cooling off from the heat on the walk down to dinner. That’s all down to the ripe pear, fizzy bergamot, skin-like musk, and the peppery warmth of ginger, not to mention the aforementioned orange blossom petals.
All of this makes it cozy and comforting, but the cedarwood gives it a slightly salty edge that means it transcends summer. It’s best on skin, where it gets toastier with each minute of wear as it mingles with your natural skin smell. I can’t get enough, and it seems I’m not alone, with countless five-star reviews echoing the same obsession. Especially with the Extrait de Parfum version, which boasts even better staying power than the original.
Ex Nihilo Lust In Paradise Extrait de Parfum
If you like Delina by Parfums de Marly, you’ll absolutely love this new extrait — a stronger, longer-lasting version of the original. Perfumer Louise Turner has bottled the magic of a sunset on the coastline. The jasmine is intense and creamy, as though the petals have been baking in the sun all day, but it’s the Petalia — a synthetic rose molecule — that makes this so delicious and distinctly Middle Eastern. It’s like tucking into a bowl of Turkish delight and lychees, while the blackcurrant and cedarwood notes give it a tangy, green edge. I can’t stop smelling myself when I wear this — and it’s one of my most complimented fragrances.
Ex Nihilo The Hedonist Eau de Parfum
All fragrance is genderless, but I can imagine anyone wearing The Hedonist — and loving it. In fact, my partner and I regularly share this scent, and we agree that it’s a safe “blind” buy. The top notes are peppery ginger and zingy bergamot, but on the dry-down, the milky cedarwood and crunchy vetiver give it a slightly minty edge, like taking in a breath of cool air. Unlike plenty of other perfumes, that freshness doesn’t fade throughout the day. It’s one of those fragrances that can be worn anywhere: the gym, the office, even on a flight if you can’t be without a single spritz on the wrist — just for you. If you want your partner to smell incredible, gift them this — and make sure you get to borrow it, too.
Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum
Think you hate florals? Think again. Most floral scents are either too overpowering (it’s almost always the rose) or fall completely flat (some florals, like lily of the valley, are so delicate they’re hard to capture in perfume), but this lands perfectly in the middle. Creamy jasmine is balanced by airy orange blossom with a fresh linen feel, while peony keeps things soft and light. Wood and moss add a green, earthy edge. Imagine a verdant florist with freshly washed laundry hanging in the back, and you’ve got it down to a T. Hailey Bieber is also said to be a big fan.
Ex Nihilo Santal Calling Eau de Parfum
I’m not usually a fan of santal, but I’ll always make an exception for Santal Calling; it feels incredibly elevated. The only way I can describe it is this: you’re drinking an expensive latte in the softest cashmere turtleneck, reading a brand new book, and catching that faintly nutty, papery smell from the fresh pages. Milky accord, vanilla, and, of course, sandalwood give it a creamy, skin-like warmth with just enough woody depth. I always recommend it as a wedding scent. Soft, comforting, and memorable all at once.
Ex Nihilo Spiky Muse Eau de Parfum
Gourmands — scents with dessert-like notes — are reigning supreme, but if you’re on the hunt for a more grown-up version, look no further than Spiky Muse. It’s strawberry picking in the warm afternoon sun, bottled. Think fragrant leaves, freshly cut grass, and a subtle sweetness from overripe strawberries, lifted with a sprinkling of spicy pink pepper, rich pistachio accord, and cocooning amber. It’s always the most-spritzed Ex Nihilo fragrance in any department store I walk into.
Ex Nihilo Speed Legends Eau de Parfum
Think of the sexiest man you know, and you’re halfway to understanding how special Speed Legends is. It’s somewhere between Davidoff Cool Water and Dior Fahrenheit thanks to smoky clary sage, grassy vetiver, spicy pink pepper, and soft mandarin, but the amber woods and vanilla-esque tonka bean give it a warm depth that’s like pulling on a loved one’s favorite jacket. I’ve found that the eau de parfum is one of the longest-lasting fragrances in Ex Nihilo’s collection.
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Gemini Season Is Here — Is God Is Lets Black Women Feel Their Rage — You’re About To Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
And just like that, the last month of spring is upon us. From May 20th to June 21st, the sun shines upon the twin star Gemini, magnifying communication, information, and travel. We will be hitting the scene hard with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, flapping our wings similarly to the social butterflies we are becoming. The next few weeks encourage us to step out of our comfort zone and enrich our minds with exciting information that enhances our lives — so stock up on the books that pique your interest and suggest them to the book club you are a member of.
Theresa Reed, author of The Book of Astrological Returns: Your Complete Guide to Every Life Cycle from the Sun to Pluto, explains: “The collective is ready to come together, not just to party down, but also to speak up. During this period, we could see new leaders find their voices — and inspire the public to make change.” Reed adds: “Gemini season marks the end of spring, when everything is in full bloom — and we’re ready to get out of the house. From neighborhood block parties, to short road trips, or late nights dancing under the stars, Gemini season is your four-week period to get out there. Communication is another theme — conversations are witty, fast and furious, with a side of juicy gossip.”
Speaking of tea, Gemini season is when the chatter in our group texts becomes more intriguing, allowing us to be in the know about all the hot goss. Mercury, which we rely on for news, technology, voyage, facts, and data, is the planetary ruler of the air sign, which explains why the downloads we’re receiving are constant. The text notifications on our phones are constantly pinging. Mercury will be moving from Gemini to Cancer, offering us the opportunity to assess matters with an unbiased perspective and an emotional depth that offers a tender perspective. Our trickster sensibilities will be in play, but they aren’t going to reap havoc this year. We are in the mood to joke, but not to hurt others. Plus, a heightened sense of intuition allows us to be sensitive and endearing to others.
Neptune and Saturn in Aries galvanize the sun on May 24th and June 2nd, manifesting an intoxicating time in which our dreams will take flight. The caveat is that we’ll have to boss up to make them a reality. The vision we hold dear to our hearts has legs to stand on if we maturely take action and do not let outside noise discourage us.
Now that Uranus is in Gemini, it’ll snake up the sun sign’s aura. For instance, we may find that our determination is extreme, that we want to lean more into our unique and radical beliefs, take on new studies or hobbies, and seek independence. Expressing our truest and unique sentiments is going to push us into a different trajectory on May 22nd, when the sun and Uranus form an astrological connection in Gemini. This meeting of the planets alchemizes in broadening our horizons and spirits. In a room full of people, we’ll be ourselves. Taking risks could bring a big payoff, so roll the dice and wish for the best.
In regards to love and money, one of the most auspicious and prosperous days of the year is June 9th, when Venus and Jupiter link up in Cancer. This is a marvelous time to plan a date, implement a budget, or make an investment. The odds for success in these areas are in our favor — so go for whatever or whomever brings you happiness. Or, use it as motivation to glow-up your life with self-care and self-esteem.
Important Astrological Dates For Your Diary:
May 20th: The sun enters Gemini, inspiring us to embrace the dualistic thoughts we possess and be intentional with our words.
May 31st: The Blue Full Moon in Sagittarius brings a passionate mood and perspective.
June 1st: Mercury swims into Cancer, making our words full of compassion and sentimentality.
June 13th: Venus roars into Leo, urging us to be romantic. Our love language demands attention from those we adore.
June 14th: The New Moon in Gemini offers distinct insights and perspectives to us.
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Your Horoscope This Week: May 17 To 23
Cosmic beings, this week we have Mercury, the planet of communication, also known as the trickster, entering Gemini, the most playful and unpredictable sign of the zodiac. Mercury is at home here, so collectively, our minds speed up. Thoughts move faster, conversations branch off into ten different directions, ideas arrive at 2 a.m. while you’re brushing your teeth or halfway through sending a completely different text. The ideas coming through now are electric, especially because Mercury will quickly connect with Uranus in Gemini, the planet of surprise, innovation, disruption, and plot twists. The danger is getting so excited by every possibility that you end up talking about twenty things and finishing none of them.
Thankfully, we’re fresh off the Taurus New Moon, and Mars enters Taurus on the 18th, giving all of this Gemini electricity somewhere to land. That combination matters: Mercury and Uranus in Gemini want movement, experimentation, instant results, while Mars in Taurus reminds us that sustainable growth takes repetition, patience, consistency, actual follow-through. So this week may feel like constantly negotiating between “I need to do this right now” and “slow down before you burn yourself.” The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle. Brainstorm wildly, but pick one or two things to actually build. This is the kind of week where a random idea could genuinely change your life, but only if you stay grounded long enough to develop it beyond the excitement stage.
Also on the 18th, Venus enters Cancer, one of its favorite signs to move through, and suddenly everyone has feelings again. The Fire and Air signs may initially experience a mild emotional jump scare because vulnerability becomes a lot harder to intellectualize away. Meanwhile, the Water and Earth signs tend to flow more naturally with this transit, especially romantically and creatively.
Then by Wednesday, Gemini Season officially begins, and the collective atmosphere shifts almost immediately. Taurus Season wanted us to slow down enough to enjoy life while building something stable, and now Gemini Season wants movement. This is the first Gemini Season in over 80 years where Uranus is also in Gemini, and now Mercury joins the mix too, creating a Gemini stellium that can feel mentally exhilarating and mentally exhausting at the same time. Meditation, journaling, long walks without your phone, moments of silence… all of that becomes essential now because otherwise the mind can start looping endlessly.
Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.
Aries Sun & Rising:
Aries, Mars leaving your sign and entering Taurus may initially feel like someone lowered the speed from 2x to normal settings… but your nervous system probably needed that. The past six weeks taught you a lot about self-reliance, courage, and making moves without waiting for permission. But it also may have shown you where you were pushing so hard that you stopped fully enjoying your own life in the process. Now Mars is in your security sector for the next six weeks, and the lesson shifts toward consistency, patience, and letting your efforts compound over time. You don’t have to sprint toward every goal to prove you want it badly enough. There’s something deeply powerful about slowing down and still watching yourself grow.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th, and suddenly your phone is buzzing nonstop, your mind has fifteen tabs open at once, and everyone wants to talk to you at the exact same time. With Mercury, Uranus, and the sun all in Gemini activating your communication sector, your ideas are sharp, fast, and genuinely innovative. This is an incredible time for writing, networking, brainstorming, pitching ideas, creating content, or reconnecting with people who inspire you mentally. But overstimulation can sneak up quickly if you don’t create pauses between all the input. Luckily, Venus entering Cancer softens the intensity by pulling some of your focus back toward home, comfort, family, rest, and emotional grounding.
Taurus Sun & Rising:
Taurus, your solar season may technically be winding down, but the plot very much continues. In fact, Mars enters your sign on the 18th, only two days before Gemini Season begins, so there’s this feeling of your story getting an epilogue instead of a clean ending. The past few weeks helped you reconnect with yourself, your body, your values, your pace. Now Mars in Taurus asks what you’re actually going to do with that clarity. You’re entering a six-week period where your presence is stronger, your motivation steadier, and people notice when you walk into a room, even if you’re not trying that hard. And with Venus, your ruling planet, entering Cancer on the very same day, there’s a softness added to all of this. You may find yourself communicating more openly, expressing affection more naturally, or simply feeling more emotionally aware instead of bottling everything up until you randomly snap three months later.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th and activates your confidence and self-worth zone in a way that feels much lighter and more experimental than the past few years. With the sun, Mercury, and Uranus all in Gemini, growth comes through curiosity, flexibility, and being willing to try things that your old self may have immediately dismissed. This isn’t the season to stay hidden in your comfort zone waiting for certainty to magically appear. Let yourself be seen before you feel “fully ready.” All the air energy can feel mentally loud at times, especially after such an intense chapter of Uranus in your sign, so grounding matters. Your nervous system is adjusting to a completely different era now, one that rewards movement, adaptability, and letting life surprise you a little instead of gripping the steering wheel with both hands.
Gemini Sun & Rising:
Gemini, your birthday season starts warming up early this year. Mercury enters your sign at the start of the week, and because it’s your ruling planet, you’ll probably feel the shift almost immediately. Your mind speeds up, your curiosity returns, and your sense of humor is wittier than ever. But Mars moving through Taurus in your solitude and healing sector adds an interesting layer to all of this. It’s giving green light and yellow light at the same time. Yes, opportunities are opening and momentum’s building. But part of you also knows you can’t just sprint into the next chapter carrying unresolved exhaustion, resentment, or emotional clutter from the last one. The next six weeks are about healing in quieter ways while still moving forward. And with Venus entering Cancer, the less you run from your feelings, the easier it becomes to trust yourself.
Then the real shift arrives on the 20th when the sun enters your sign and joins Mercury and Uranus, creating a Gemini stellium that feels electric. Three planets in your sign means attention, movement, invitations, ideas, random plot twists, and people projecting all kinds of things onto you because your energy is impossible to ignore right now. And because Uranus is involved, this birthday season doesn’t feel predictable at all. You may surprise yourself with what you want, who you’re becoming, or how differently you see your future compared to even a year ago. There’s excitement here, but discernment matters. Your mission this season is learning the difference between being available to life and being scattered by it.
Cancer Sun & Rising:
Cancer, this week feels like a transition between who you’ve been socially and who you’re becoming privately. Mercury enters Gemini at the start of the week and activates your solitude and spirituality sector, so even if life around you stays busy, part of your mind is pulling inward. You may find yourself needing more alone time, more sleep, and more moments where you can actually hear your own thoughts without everybody else’s opinions mixed in. Then Mars enters Taurus on the 18th and shifts your energy toward friendships, community, and long-term goals. Suddenly you’re more motivated to connect with people who genuinely inspire you instead of relationships that feel emotionally one-sided or performative. And with Venus entering your sign that same day, you’ll feel more emotionally expressive, attractive, and connected to what you truly want instead of pretending you’re “fine”.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th and brings a much more introspective atmosphere for you over the next four weeks. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in your spirituality sector, your inner world becomes loud in the most interesting way. You may suddenly crave silence after weeks of overstimulation, or realize how much constant scrolling, noise, or social comparison has been draining your nervous system. There’s also a strong creative and psychic quality to this transit… the kind where ideas come through while showering, resting, or halfway asleep. Protect your energy carefully during this season because you’re absorbing more than usual.
Leo Sun & Rising:
Leo, this week starts opening doors socially and mentally in a way that feels refreshing after the heavier emotional processing of the past few months. Mercury enters Gemini and activates your friendship and collaboration sector, so conversations pick up quickly. You may reconnect with people unexpectedly, get invited into new spaces, or suddenly feel inspired by ideas that remind you life is bigger than whatever’s been stressing you out lately. Then Mars enters Taurus on the 18th and shifts your focus toward career and long-term ambition. People notice your work ethic more now, but the interesting thing is you’re less interested in attention for attention’s sake and more interested in building something solid. And with Venus entering Cancer that same day, there’s also a quieter emotional undercurrent running beneath all this visibility. You’ll seek more rest, privacy, and moments where you can unplug.
Then Gemini Season officially begins on the 20th, and your social life gets even louder. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in Gemini, your next four weeks are filled with movement, invitations, networking, brainstorming, and random opportunities appearing out of nowhere. You could meet people who genuinely change the direction of your life right now, especially because Uranus adds that “did not see this coming at all” factor. Pay attention to who energizes your nervous system instead of overstimulating it. That distinction matters more than usual this season.
Virgo Sun & Rising:
Virgo, this week feels like your mind finally remembering there’s a world outside of your to-do list. Mercury enters Gemini and activates your career and visibility sector, so conversations around work, leadership, long-term goals, and public recognition start moving quickly. At the same time, Mars enters fellow Earth sign Taurus on the 18th, bringing a steadier and honestly much-needed energy into your expansion sector. You’re craving experiences that actually make life feel meaningful again: travel, learning, being around people who inspire you intellectually instead of draining you with repetitive conversations. And with Venus entering Cancer that same day, you may notice who genuinely shows up for you emotionally versus who mostly reaches out when they need something.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th, and suddenly the spotlight gets brighter. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus, the next four weeks can bring major shifts around career, visibility, and the direction your life is moving publicly. This brings exciting momentum, but also unpredictability. You could pivot professionally, go viral unexpectedly, receive an opportunity that changes your plans, or realize your ambitions themselves are evolving. Uranus in Gemini isn’t interested in stale versions of success. The more willing you are to update your vision instead of clinging to the five-year plan you made three identities ago, the more alive this chapter starts to feel.
Libra Sun & Rising:
Libra, this week opens your mind back up after a stretch of emotional heaviness and overthinking. Mercury enters fellow Air sign Gemini and activates your expansion sector, so you may suddenly feel curious about everything again… travel, philosophy, spirituality, learning, or random documentaries at 1 a.m. that somehow change your entire perspective on life. Then Mars enters Taurus on the 18th and shifts your energy toward intimacy, shared finances, emotional depth, and all the things you usually sense immediately but don’t always fully articulate. This can intensify attraction, passion, and vulnerability, but it can also bring up trust issues or fears around control if you’re not careful. Thankfully, Venus entering Cancer that same day softens your public image and helps you move through this period with more emotional intelligence and grace, especially professionally.
Then Gemini Season officially begins on the 20th, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in Gemini, the next four weeks carry a sense of movement, possibility, and mental expansion that really suits your energy. You’ll feel more adventurous, spontaneous, and willing to say yes to experiences you would’ve overanalyzed before. Opportunities involving travel, teaching, media, publishing, or international connections can appear quickly now. Some plans may shift at the last minute, but that flexibility is part of the magic of this season for you.
Scorpio Sun & Rising:
Scorpio, this week pulls your attention toward the people you’re building life with and the emotional contracts underneath those connections. Mercury enters Gemini and activates your intimacy, shared resources, and transformation sector, so conversations become deeper, more revealing, sometimes a little uncomfortably honest. You’ll feel much more aware of who drains you, who nourishes you, or who says one thing but emotionally communicates something completely different. Then Mars enters Taurus on the 18th and moves into your relationship sector for the next six weeks, bringing momentum, passion, attraction, but also friction if unresolved tensions have been sitting there quietly collecting dust. Relationships become impossible to ignore now. Fortunately, Venus entering fellow Water sign Cancer that same day helps you communicate with more empathy instead of assuming people should automatically understand your emotional depth as if they were psychics.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th and shifts the atmosphere into even deeper territory. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in your transformation sector, the next four weeks are about confronting what needs to evolve emotionally, financially, sexually, psychologically. It sounds intense because, well, it is a little intense, but it’s also clarifying. Uranus in Gemini is breaking old attachment patterns and helping you realize how much your relationship to trust, vulnerability, and control has already changed over the past few years. Some Scorpios may completely rethink how they merge lives with others, whether emotionally or financially. Others may realize they’ve outgrown versions of themselves they thought would last forever. Either way, this season strips away emotional autopilot and replaces it with self-awareness.
Sagittarius Sun & Rising:
Sag, this week puts relationships front and center, whether you were planning on focusing on them or not. Mercury enters Gemini and activates your partnership sector, so conversations with lovers, friends, collaborators, and even rivals start moving quickly. Then Mars enters Taurus on the 18th and shifts your focus toward your routines, work, health, and daily structure for the next six weeks. Suddenly your body is asking for more consistency, sleep, and actual nourishment instead of surviving off caffeine, adrenaline, and vibes. And with Venus entering Cancer the same day, you may find yourself craving closeness that feels emotionally safe, not just exciting in the moment.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th and turns the volume up even louder in your relationship sector. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in Gemini, the next four weeks can bring major shifts in how you connect with people. Some relationships become more exciting and alive very quickly, while others may reveal they’ve been running on autopilot for too long. Uranus adds unpredictability, so there can be sudden attractions, surprising conversations, or realizing your “type” has changed completely. The key this season is staying open without losing your center. Not every spark needs to become a wildfire… Some connections are here to expand your perspective for a moment, while others are quietly showing you what long-term compatibility actually feels like.
Capricorn Sun & Rising:
Capricorn, this week starts speeding up your daily life in a way that feels both productive and mildly chaotic. Mercury enters Gemini and activates your work, wellness, and routine sector, so your schedule fills quickly, your mind jumps between tasks faster than usual, and suddenly everybody needs something from you at once. Emails, errands, meetings, reorganizing your life at 11 p.m. because you had one singular productive thought… it’s that kind of energy.
Then Mars enters fellow Earth sign Taurus on the 18th and brings some relief. For the next six weeks, your creativity, romance, pleasure, and self-expression sector lights up, reminding you that your entire personality cannot just be “handling responsibilities efficiently.” And with Venus entering Cancer that same day, people may feel more emotionally available around you, and you may notice yourself lowering your guard slightly instead of instinctively trying to manage every interaction from a distance.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th and amplifies everything connected to your routines, work habits, and physical health. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in Gemini, the next four weeks are about experimenting with how you live your life day to day. Uranus in Gemini can disrupt old habits quickly. Suddenly the routine that worked for years feels stale, or your body starts very clearly communicating what it no longer tolerates. The more flexible you are willing to be, the more this season helps you create a life that actually fits who you are now instead of who you were operating as on autopilot.
Aquarius Sun & Rising:
Aquarius, this week starts bringing your spark back in a very noticeable way. Mercury enters fellow Air sign Gemini and activates your creativity, pleasure, and self-expression sector, so your mind feels more playful, flirtatious, experimental, and… harder to contain. You may suddenly want to create more, post more, date more, write more, dress differently, or revisit hobbies you abandoned because life got too serious for a while. Then Mars enters Taurus on the 18th and shifts attention toward home and family for the next six weeks. So while one part of you wants stimulation and movement, another part is craving comfort, grounding, or maybe even disappearing from the world for a night or two to reset your nervous system.
Then Gemini Season officially begins on the 20th, and this is one of the best energies you’ve felt in a while. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in Gemini, the next four weeks feel electric creatively and romantically. This is the first Gemini Season in over 80 years with Uranus also in Gemini, so there’s something wildly fresh and experimental about this chapter of your life. New attractions, new creative ideas, new forms of self-expression, new people who completely shift your perspective… it all moves quickly now. But the real magic comes when you stop trying to intellectualize every feeling before experiencing it. Some things this season are meant to be explored first and fully understood later.
Pisces Sun & Rising:
Pisces, this week feels like your inner world and outer world trying to find a rhythm with each other again. Mercury enters Gemini and activates your home zone, so your thoughts become more reflective and emotionally layered. You may find yourself reorganizing your space or thinking more deeply about where and with whom you actually feel safe. Then Mars enters Taurus on the 18th and suddenly you feel more motivation to reach out, create, write, flirt, network, or finally have conversations you’ve been avoiding. And with Venus entering fellow Water sign Cancer that same day, your softer side becomes even more magnetic. Creativity flows more naturally now, and you’re reminded that vulnerability can actually feel exciting instead of terrifying when it’s shared with the right people.
Then Gemini Season begins on the 20th and shifts a lot of your attention toward home, roots, and family dynamics. With the sun joining Mercury and Uranus in Gemini, the next four weeks may bring unexpected conversations within family, sudden urges to move or redecorate, shifts in living situations, or realizations about the kind of environment your nervous system genuinely thrives in. Uranus adds unpredictability, so things may change quickly, but there’s also liberation in that. Some Pisces are finally breaking away from family patterns they’ve outgrown, while others are redefining what home even means to them in this stage of life. Either way, this season asks you to build emotional stability in ways that actually reflect who you are now, and not who you had to be in the past.
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8 Differences Between Off Campus And The Deal Book
Off Campus has become the latest buzzy TV series to take over our feeds, but there have been some changes from the book that have left fans scratching their heads. This includes missing lines, a completely different breakup (and no campus-wide hands-off law!), and the introduction of [spoiler alert!] Dean-Allie. We’re not complaining about all of it; have you seen their chemistry? So yes, the TV adaptation strayed a little from the source material. But it definitely has a solid fanbase, and Off Campus has been given our seal of approval.
Below, we go through the biggest changes between Off Campus and The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Spoilers ahead!
Hannah kisses Logan instead of Dean
In The Deal book, Hannah Wells kisses Dean Di Laurentis to prove a point to Garrett Graham. In Off Campus, the backstory of how John Logan had secret feelings for Hannah was subtle, so it’s possible writers included this in as a moment to really show how much of a crush he had on her.
Justin is a musician instead of a jock
This was a change we could get behind. Instead of Hannah pining away over another jock, she was drawn to musician Justin Kohl. Seeing as music was a big part of her storyline in the TV show, this makes a lot of sense.
The Breaking Bad scene was removed
In The Deal, Hannah and Garrett bond over Breaking Bad. During this moment, the hockey player realises he can bond with someone of the opposite sex without getting naked, which is a huge turning point for their relationship.
The show seems to have replaced this with Hannah and Garrett bonding over music, which again, tracks with her character change.
Garrett finds out who Hannah’s assailant is on the ice
In the book, Garrett bumps into Hannah’s assailant and beats him up. In Off Campus, the violence happens during a hockey game, so the stakes feel even higher.
Garrett breaks up with Hannah instead of her receiving Phil’s ultimatum
This was one of the biggest changes from the book, which fans felt a certain way about. In The Deal, Garrett’s father says he will cut his son off financially unless Hannah breaks up with him. She gives him the excuse that she wants to date other people.
In Off Campus, Garrett breaks up with Hannah after believing he will end up like his father, violent and out of control. Even though Hannah begs him not to, he makes up his mind.
There’s no campus-wide hands-off law
In The Deal, Garrett forbids anybody at Briar University from talking to Hannah in an effort to stop her from dating others. It’s extremely problematic and misogynistic, so the show rectified this misstep.
In Off Campus, there are rumours that Garrett has invoked a campus-wide hands-off law, so Hannah storms into the locker room to confront him. Instead, it was just a rumour started by his teammates, who could see how upset he was. “I would never tell anyone to stay away from you,” Garrett says in the show. “You should be with whoever you want to be with.”
DeanAllie was introduced early
We all thought that Off Campus would be completely based on The Deal. It made sense to see one book per season. However, Dean and Allie’s relationship was introduced early. Large chunks of The Score were peppered throughout Season 1 of Off Campus, and the finale left us with a big cliffhanger. It’s possible that Season 2 will be all about DeanAllie.
There’s no SexyBack ringtone
In The Deal, Garrett sets SexyBack by Justin Timberlake as his ringtone on Hannah’s phone. It’s one of the most cherished details from the book, so it’s interesting this didn’t translate on TV. Maybe we’ll get this easter egg in a later season?
Off Campus Season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video.
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