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Elle
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
If You're a Taurus, These Unexpected Perfumes Are Your Perfect Match
The best fragrances for Taurus run the gamut from woody and gourmand to floral and romantic—anything that settles the nervous system will fit the bill, too. After all, if there's one thing to know about a Taurus, it's that they love a delicious scent. 'Taurus is deeply tied to the sensorial body, to our connection with pleasure, and to anchoring in presence, which is something scent so often helps us do,' says astrology expert Amanda Barnett, founder of Barney + Flow. 'Taurus also rules the neck—where we instinctively apply fragrance—as well as the nose and our sense of smell itself.' If we may stereotype by star chart, those born between April 20 and May 20 tend to gravitate toward rich, earthy scents that contain woody, smoky, musky, or ambery notes. Flowers are also quite Taurian—the more elegant the bloom, the better. Perfumer Sarah Horowitz-Thran, a Taurus herself, notes the ancient Greek connection. 'Taurus is ruled by the goddess Aphrodite. The flower connected to Aphrodite is the rose, the queen of all flowers, which is associated with love of the self and others.' For a true Taurean scent, Horowitz-Tran recommends going for a fragrance that's grounded in a rich base that reflects the warmth of Earth-ruled signs. To play off the Taurus craving for a slow-burn, an astrologer and intuitive psychic, Solas, recommends adding fragrance oils to any Taurean fragrance wardrobe. 'A fragrance that doesn't 'rush' is best,' she notes, adding that oils sink slowly into the skin. But it's not all earthy scents and grounding oils—there's also plenty of room for dessert. 'Taurus is the zodiac's most indulgent it-girl, aka the zodiac's pleasure queen,' says Tiffany Marie Cohen, astrology expert and founder of Spirit + Soul Studio. 'Taurus energy is about comfort and indulgence. Notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel help tap into the desire for warmth and sensual pleasure.' In short, there's no shortage of options when it comes to picking fragrances that will bring out the inner Taurus in all of us. Ahead, browse the scents that cater to the luxury-loving, elegant, and grounded Taurus. Main notes: Rose, blackcurrant, raspberry, cinnamon, patchouli, amber, sandalwood 'Taurus thrives on natural elegance, so florals like rose, violet, jasmine, and gardenia paired with vetiver or sandalwood create a harmonious blend that resonates with Taurus's grounded yet romantic nature,' Cohen says. She adds that scents with cinnamon and patchouli create the grounding, cozy vibe that we all tend to crave come Taurus season, while bringing out the sign's innate stability and inner strength. Want a fragrance that has it all? This bold French classic melds notes of rose with sandalwood, cinnamon, and patchouli that translate to a spicy, earthy, and refined finish. Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars Our expert says: 'This smells expensive, and it has a megawatt sillage that refuses to be ignored. Quiet luxury it is not, so it makes sense that it comes in a glossy, lipstick-red bottle that stands out as the headline act of any vanity display. Don't get me wrong: While this is bold and luxurious, it's not flashy. It's sophisticated and polished—more Paris Ritz than glitzy hotel on the Vegas strip.' —Jenny Berg, beauty contributor Main notes: Tonka bean, vanilla, cedarwood According to astrologist Julia Topaz, founder of Look Up at the Stars Astrology, there's an archetypally masculine side to the Taurus personality that leans toward scents laced with musk, tobacco, sandalwood, and oud. 'These scents wrap around you slowly, like a blanket, reflecting Tauruses' need for rootedness and warmth,' she says. Victoria Beckham's genderless scent checks all the boxes. Infused with notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and cedarwood, this scent invites you to lean a little closer. The fragrance was inspired by a romantic date night in Java with Victoria and her Taurus husband, David Beckham. Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars A Victoria Beckham reviewer says: 'I would bathe in this delectable fragrance, if possible! It's a deep, smoky, sensual vanilla with tones of warm spice, and more—it lasts many hours on the skin. My signature scent!' Main notes: White rose, pink pepper, adelhyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, musk According to Topaz, the Taurus personality also has a soft, delicate side, a side that takes great pleasure in relaxing. Perfect for such a scenario, this Byredo scent smells like a leisurely day of stopping to smell the roses—literally and metaphorically. Layering notes of white rose, violet, and peony over a cozy, creamy base of sandalwood and musk, the fragrance is a beautiful blend of indulgence and serenity. Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars Our expert says: 'Every time I spritz this on, I feel like I've just stepped out of a lavish soaking tub. It smells like fresh, soapy skin and a deliciously lazy day with nothing on the agenda—besides, perhaps, another spritz.'—Jenny Berg Main notes: Creamy milk accord, frangipani, peony, rose, bourbon vanilla bean, Madagascar vanilla bean, cocoa shell, amyris, sandalwood, musk ELLE's resident astrologers, Tali and Ophira Edut (aka the AstroTwins), have some thoughts on the best scents for Tauruses. 'We would recommend something both woodsy and sweet,' Tali says. 'Taurus is an earth sign, but they also are ruled by enchanting Venus, which brings a more coquettish vibe.' Ellis Brooklyn's musky take on vanilla fits the bill, mixing notes of creamy milk accord with two types of vanilla beans and cocoa shell. The gourmand mix is laced with Taurian-friendly wafts of sandalwood, musk, and rose. Ulta rating: 3.9/5 stars Our expert says: 'Vanilla scents that smell like birthday cake are not my vibe—nor are they an earthy, sophisticated Taurus's cup of tea. However, this vanilla-bean-laced concoction from Brooklyn Ellis is clean, fresh, and cozy, rather than cloyingly sweet. I recommend layering the perfume with the matching body oil. Not only does the body-oil application cater to Tauruses' love of slowing down for a moment of self-care; the product also leaves a subtle shimmer behind that winks at the sign's indulgent nature.' —Jenny Berg Main notes: Clary sage, sandalwood, rose, ylang ylang 'Since it's ruled by Venus, Taurus energy is all about beauty with substance,' says Cohen. 'Think rich textures, cozy routines, and anything that makes your nervous system say ahh.' UMA's Pure Bliss Wellness Oil is just the thing for an olfactory unwind; it's laced with aromatherapeutic notes of clary sage to soothe tension, sandalwood for comfort, and rose and ylang ylang to balance the emotions and bring on the sensual vibes. Revolve rating: 5/5 stars Our expert says: 'I love the ritual that comes with applying this spa-scented oil. Instead of a spritz-and-go type of product, this one requires a pause. I like to rub it into my hands, then pat any excess into my hair. Its sillage lingers for hours—very apropos for the stubborn Taurus spirit—and it reminds me of the way I smell when I'm wrapped in a cozy, plush robe after a splurge-y massage.' —Jenny Berg Taurus season is technically April 20 to May 20, but Taurus-approved scents are always in season. Since they represent a range of fragrance types—from calming oils to indulgent gourmands and bold floral perfumes—the best fragrances for Taurus are perfect for spritzing year-round, and for any astrological sign. 'Earthy, grounded fragrances with a touch of sensuality would be especially suited for Taurus, since these types of fragrances are in harmony with the sensual and earthy profile of Taurus,' says Kalliope Amorphous is the owner of Amorphous Perfume. 'Think patchouli, oak moss, vetiver, and deep greens like galbanum and sage.' She adds that warm notes like amber, warm vanilla, benzoin, and tonka are also great choices to lean into that warm, sensual profile. 'Honey and rich chocolate would also fall into this category, as well as deep, rich florals,' she says. According to Barnett, 'Taurus loves ritual and slowness. Oils slow you down. They ask you to apply with intention. They warm with your body heat—oh-so Taurus.' For any Taurus, she also recommends considering perfume balms or any type of fragrance that calls for a moment of self-care. 'Let scent become part of your morning ritual,' she encourages Tauruses. 'Make it a pause. A presence. A return to your body.' As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, an contributor consulted several astrologers to determine the best perfumes for Tauruses. The Best Floral Perfumes ELLE Editors Love The Best Pheromone Perfumes That Attract and Allure The Best Affordable Perfumes That Smell Incredibly Expensive The Best Lavender Perfumes to Soothe Your Senses The Best Grown-Up Vanilla Perfumes That Don't Smell Like a Bakery
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Kylie Minogue's epic Tension Tour as she kicks off sold out UK shows in skintight blue latex
Kylie reveals whether she ever watches her performances back PADAM FINE Inside Kylie Minogue's epic Tension Tour as she kicks off sold out UK shows in skintight blue latex Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KYLIE MINOGUE is once again on top of the world – even if she can't quite believe it. The pop icon this week kicked off the first of four huge nights at London's 20,000 capacity O2 Arena, and admitted to Bizarre the tour almost didn't happen. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Kylie dazzles in cobalt-coloured costume Credit: Alamy 2 Kylie backstage with Bizarre's Jack Credit: Supplied Speaking backstage after her opening night, Kylie said: 'It's been a lot of work and we almost didn't get there, but it's great.' She's right. It's been just over two years since she released Padam Padam — a track which has revived her career to levels reminiscent of 2001 megahit Can't Get You Out Of My Head. Not that she was struggling, because all her new studio albums since 2010's Aphrodite have hit No1 or No2 in the UK charts. But Padam and its accompanying Tension album allowed Kylie to finally crack America and was playlisted on Radio 1, despite the station's infamous reputation for snubbing women over 30. 'Mystical time' Kicking things off in style at the O2, the On A Night Like This singer descended from the heavens, head to toe in blue latex, to her latest single, aptly titled Lights Camera Action. From then on, it was a non-stop journey though hit after hit, with not a single rest. It's hard to forget just how many top tracks Kylie has had — with 35 UK Top Ten singles and seven No1s to her name. And, as she turns 57 today, she has no plans to slow down. Kylie said of performing: 'My love for doing this only grows and grows. 'Thank you for understanding and being there for me on my journey. For me, it began in a mystical time known as the Eighties.' Tension is Kylie's 16th headline tour and her first global trek since 2018's Golden. She played 33 gigs then, but this time that has more than doubled to 69. Kylie Minogue opens up about life, love and staying grounded as she releases Tension II She is in the middle of a run of 14 UK arena shows, but agreed to meet Bizarre's Jack backstage following one of her four O2 concerts. When she emerges smiling from her dressing room, she is proudly sporting her Tension Tour merch. It's a world away from the latex look she wore to launch her two-hour set. 'Did it look OK? It was the first time I wore that one,' she quickly asks. 'Worth the wait' It goes without saying that she looks amazing, although I remark on how it must be a seriously hot outfit to wear in a packed arena. But is Kylie ever tempted to watch her performances back online? She replied: 'I don't watch it on YouTube, but I do see it on socials and that way, sometimes with a phone, the angle is weird or the colours are off, but it gives you another perspective.' When I flag to her that currently, every one of her UK shows has received five-star reviews, she beams in amazement — clearly pinching herself that she is once again in her prime. She said: 'On tour, it's like you're in a time zone where you lose track of time. 'This time tomorrow, half of the O2 shows will be done.' Reflecting on Monday evening's opener, she said: 'Tonight was amazing, it was huge. 'Sometimes, that can play with my ears if it's so loud, but it was amazing.' Speaking on stage, Kylie told exhilarated fans: 'You know I try to prepare myself, but I never can. This is insane. 'Thank you so much to each and every one of you for coming out tonight.' The star's run of shows at The O2 have made her the first female artist to join the venue's 21 Club, which honours acts who have played the arena 21 times or more. Only a handful have ever achieved the feat. The late pop legend Prince became the very first to celebrate the honour when he played a residency there in 2007. Others featured in a backstage hall of fame — which Kylie will be added to once her London shows end next month — include Take That and Drake. It may be seven years since her last arena tour, but it was certainly worth the wait.
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Kylie Minogue's epic Tension Tour as she kicks off sold out UK shows in skintight blue latex
KYLIE MINOGUE is once again on top of the world – even if she can't quite believe it. The pop icon this week kicked off the first of four huge nights at London's 20,000 capacity O2 Arena, and admitted to Bizarre the tour almost didn't happen. 2 Kylie dazzles in cobalt-coloured costume Credit: Alamy 2 Kylie backstage with Bizarre's Jack Credit: Supplied Speaking backstage after her opening night, Kylie said: 'It's been a lot of work and we almost didn't get there, but it's great.' She's right. It's been just over two years since she released Padam Padam — a track which has revived her career to levels reminiscent of 2001 megahit Can't Get You Out Of My Head. Not that she was struggling, because all her new studio albums since 2010's Aphrodite have hit No1 or No2 in the UK charts. But Padam and its accompanying Tension album allowed READ MORE ON KYLIE MINOGUE 'Mystical time' Kicking things off in style at the O2, the On A Night Like This singer descended from the heavens, head to toe in blue latex, to her latest single, aptly titled Lights Camera Action. From then on, it was a non-stop journey though hit after hit, with not a single rest. It's hard to forget just how many top tracks Kylie has had — with 35 UK Top Ten singles and seven No1s to her name. And, as she turns 57 today, she has no plans to slow down. Kylie said of performing: 'My love for doing this only grows and grows. Most read in Bizarre 'Thank you for understanding and being there for me on my journey. For me, it began in a mystical time known as the Eighties.' Kylie Minogue opens up about life, love and staying grounded as she releases Tension II She is in the middle of a run of 14 UK arena shows, but agreed to meet Bizarre's Jack backstage following one of her four O2 concerts. When she emerges smiling from her dressing room, she is proudly sporting her Tension Tour merch. It's a world away from the latex look she wore to launch her two-hour set. 'Did it look OK? It was the first time I wore that one,' she quickly asks. 'Worth the wait' It goes without saying that she looks amazing, although I remark on how it must be a seriously hot outfit to wear in a packed arena. But is Kylie ever tempted to watch her performances back online? She replied: 'I don't watch it on YouTube, but I do see it on socials and that way, sometimes with a phone, the angle is weird or the colours are off, but it gives you another perspective.' When I flag to her that currently, every one of her UK shows has received five-star reviews, she beams in amazement — clearly pinching herself that she is once again in her prime. She said: 'On 'This time tomorrow, half of the O2 shows will be done.' Reflecting on Monday evening's opener, she said: 'Tonight was amazing, it was huge. 'Sometimes, that can play with my ears if it's so loud, but it was amazing.' Speaking on stage, Kylie told exhilarated fans: 'You know I try to prepare myself, but I never can. This is insane. 'Thank you so much to each and every one of you for coming out tonight.' The star's run of shows at The O2 have made her the first female artist to join the venue's 21 Club, which honours acts who have played the arena 21 times or more. Only a handful have ever achieved the feat. The late pop legend Prince became the very first to celebrate the honour when he played a residency there in 2007. Others featured in a backstage hall of fame — which Kylie will be added to once her London shows end next month — include Take That and It may be seven years since her last arena tour, but it was certainly worth the wait. BIRTHDAY BASH FOR BUBBLY STAR THE Word Is Out – Kylie turns 57 today and plans to celebrate her big day in style. We can reveal the Spinning Around singer will host a VIP bash in West London this evening. It will be a proper, old-fashioned knees-up, with bottles of her own brand of wine on ice. But it won't be no work and all play for the Aussie star, as she has invited some of the biggest names in the booze business to schmooze them with her fancy fizz. This summer, Kylie Minogue Wines celebrates its fifth anniversary, with the star releasing a limited edition floral bottle to mark the occasion. Since she launched her vinos – which include a Prosecco and alcohol-free options – the star has sold more than 20million bottles. And we have to admit that a fair few of those were snapped up by us on Bizarre. Earlier this year, we revealed Kylie had agreed to roll out her plonk across swanky members club chain Soho House. And after tonight's hobnobbing, we've no doubt she will be raising a glass to a few more deals . . .
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Found an Ancient Workshop With Unfinished Statues Inside
Here's what you'll learn in the story: Excavations in Paros, Greece support previous suspicions that the site was once a workshop used for carving marble sculptures. The recent excavation discovered an 'androna'—a social space in Greek houses designated exclusively for men. Researchers also discovered several movable finds, including statues of Aphrodite and clay heads of female figures. Perhaps the most iconic Greek artform today, life-sized marble statues began to appear in Greece around the early 6th century B.C. The practice originated nearly two centuries earlier (8th century B.C.) with small ivory, clay, and bronze statues. Excavations on the island of Paros, Greece uncovered more historic evidence of how these statues were created, and now, archaeologists have an inside look at a sculpture workshop from the Hellenistic period (323 B.C. to 31 B.C.). Research on the site originally began in the 1980s, and marble chips and unfinished statues scattered throughout the area sparked suspicions about the presence of a workshop. The initial excavation uncovered three buildings, which pointed toward artisanal activity. Later excavations—in 2008 and 2013, respectively—also added to researchers' understanding of the site. Eating and drinking vessels associated with the Classic period (5th and 4th centuries B.C.) were uncovered during the investigations, suggesting that the settlement had some sort of residential purpose. And the site just keeps on giving. This year's excavations revealed a major reconfiguration of the space that took place between the late 3rd and early 2nd centuries B.C. The recent project revealed additional areas of the complex, with some structures having walls preserved at an 'impressive height,' according to a translated press release from the Greek Ministry of Culture. One room (with parts of a mural and a pebbled floor) was uncovered and identified as an androna—a social gathering space for men—affirming the residential character suggested by previous investigations. Likewise, the copious amount of marble waste and semi-finished marble statues confirm earlier suspicions about the sculpture workshop. The recent excavations also found several impressive movable finds, including marble sculptures of Aphrodite and clay heads of female figures. Clay molds, metal slags, seals, and pigments all suggest that the site may have also been used for other artisanal activities. Though the press release regarding this discovery didn't specify the ages of the statues, if they were from the same period as the buildings themselves, the artists would've likely been undergoing a major shift in their style. From 800 to 300 B.C., the Greeks took inspiration from Egyptian and Near Eastern Art. The statues were rigid, and often standing up straight with neutral facial expressions—this is a far cry from the soft, airy Greek statues we most associate with the ancient culture. By 500 B.C., Greek sculptors began imitating the world around them, and glorifying the sensual human form. Even now, ancient Greek influence is here to stay, with many artists continuing to prioritize the hyper-realistic art style. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
The Age
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Near-perfect hotel overlooks one of the most remarkable ancient sites
The place The Dolli at Acropolis, Athens Check-in Despite the extravagance of Le Salon (the lobby), the concept is to make guests feel like they're entering a living room, and check-in is informal, albeit deeply curated. I sink into a sofa among expensive art and am soon presented with an iPad, alongside a silver tray containing a glass of sparkling wine and two colour-coordinated mocktails. The look Entering this 1925-era neoclassical mansion-turned-boutique hotel is like stepping inside a jewellery box containing the most prized treasures of a modern Aphrodite. Soft mirrored panels reflect sumptuous salt-and-pepper marbled floors, brass accents, plump furnishings, soaring stucco ceilings and tiered silver trays of Greek sweets such as loukoumi and chocolate almonds. A high-gloss patisserie spread in the lounge is complimentary for guests. Owned by Grecotel, run by second-generation hotelier Mari Sifounakis, the historic property features 46 rooms and suites over five floors and embodies a feminine energy, with curvy details, circular furniture and natural materials. The art collection is astounding: ancient Greek vases date back to the 4th century BC, there are chairs by 20th-century French artist Jean Cocteau, an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus mask from the 6th century BC and a ceramic work by Picasso. But it's the submersible installation on level five that earns this property one-of-a-kind kudos. The rooftop infinity pool all but laps at the Parthenon. It feels so close you could flick it off the Acropolis with your finger.
