In December, Walmart listed a $78-dollar bag imitating the Birkin's top handles, lock detail, and square compartment. It didn't take long for shoppers to clock the resemblance to the real deal—and for some to declare buying one a chance to reassess the definition of luxury. Over the holidays, over one thousand TikTok videos of creators unboxing their Walmart Birkins have amassed millions of views. Satisfied shoppers said that their purchases telegraphed wealth on a tight budget. Some even bought more than one. Meanwhile, fashion historians and critics noted how the materials, production processes, and overall feel weren't similar to a real Birkin at all—and that buying a copy underscores the impact of the original.

Yet, for many shoppers, the debate is part of the fun. "The bags are super cute, and the fact that they are making people so mad is an added bonus," one user commented on a Walmart Birkin reveal with more than 24,000 likes.

@courtneyzanee24

♬ original sound - Frankie Bleau

@lastinglooks

♬ original sound - Lasting Looks with Jules

All the back-and-forth, in part, emphasizes how great of an impact Hermès's tote had on the luxury market to begin with. The Birkin wasn't immediately a status item when it was released in 1984 on Jane Birkin's request for a stylish diaper bag. Over time, it steadily gained a cult following through scarcity marketing tactics (Birkins are produced by hand in extremely limited quantities), celebrity street style, and pointed references in pop culture. One early episode of Sex and the City has an entire plot revolving around Samantha's quest to get on the Birkin list, for example.

The Birkin bag has had many imitators over the years. Just take a walk down New York City's Canal St. or head to DH-Gate or Temu for proof. But few have been as readily available and blatantly similar as the "Wirkin," shoppable for less than $100 with instant shipping. This phenomenon has sparked online discussions about whether a copycat bag can match the appeal of the original, particularly given the strong demand for the Walmart version, which has reportedly sold out in several markets.

One thing's for sure: Unpacking the Walmart Birkin controversy isn't as simple as a "What's in My Bag" tour. But the following is a start.

What Is the Walmart Birkin?

Whether you're carrying one or not, the "Wirkin" isn't going to trick the trained eye. In no way affiliated with the original designer, the bag comes from four third-party sellers listed within Walmart's online store, including Judy, Kamugo, Bestspr, and Ymtq. The under-$100 top-handle style is sold in several colors and purports to be made from genuine leather. Some versions are matched with a coordinating scarf wrapped around the handle. Listing details for the bags don't reference Hermès directly, but the inspiration is evident in the shape, size, and lock clasp.

The Birkin isn't the only bag with a third-party dupe on the retailer. Imitation versions of the Kelly bag and Bottega Veneta woven bags are also available.

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The Birkin, however, has gone viral because of shoppers who've purchased a Walmart Birkin and instructed other shoppers to join the trend. They have a few reasons for touting what fashion critics call a dupe. First, they say it's making luxury more accessible by translating an exclusive status symbol into a mass-produced accessory for a tiny percentage of the original cost. Second, they categorize the move as taking power back from big brands. In their eyes, the Wirkin is indistinguishable from the original—diluting the first bag's storied reputation and eye-watering prices. Third, a few purchasers have joked that the trend is a form of collector's item—their way of remembering 2025 culture decades from now.

Fashion critics, legal scholars, and general TikTok users have all debated these points at length. Wirkin shoppers have hit back that even criticizing the bag is a form of classism.

@jermaingarcia8

♬ La vie en rose (Cover Edith Piaf) - 田东昱

Why Is the Walmart Birkin Controversial?

The great Wirkin debate touches on several bigger questions plaguing the fashion industry right now. First, there is the distance between a brand's perceived power and the prices its products command. Second, and perhaps most tellingly, is the question of who can (and should) have access to luxury goods.

Let's start with prices. Wirkin supporters say their discount find undermines the sky-high prices of the original Birkin. Other fashion voices, like critic and stylist @jesicaelise, disagree. Hermès's products are what economists call Veblen goods: Items that experience an increase in demand as their prices rise. Shoppers are more willing to pursue them explicitly because they're exclusive.

For Hermès, what the bag stands for is as important as the bag itself: Birkin bags are handmade in France and created for a hyper-specific client living at the upper-upper echelons of Hollywood, business, and media. Each bag is crafted by artisans who spend several years in training; they're meant to be cherished. The Wirkin, meanwhile, is mass-produced and not necessarily from traceable materials; it's made for someone who wants to dip into the feeling of carrying a Birkin à la J.Lo without living the actual lifestyle. The Wirkin, in other words, is repackaging a fraction of what the Birkin actually offers—hence the extreme difference in cost. (Or, as one TikTok commenter wrote under an unboxing video: "We all broke but we still deserve to look cute too.")

Further, critics point out that a Wirkin is, actually, quite easy to ID. Shoppers might be telling on themselves for carrying a counterfeit based on the rest of their outfit's styling, the place they're carrying the bag, or how the bag holds up over time.

This point gestures at the bigger issue at play: the complex relationship between luxury and accessibility. Desire for a well-crafted, competent handbag isn't dependent on tax bracket. But the Hermès Birkin (and its sister bag, the Kelly) is purposefully exclusive. This rankles people who believe all fashion should be available to everyone; but luxury, as a business, requires a high barrier to entry. Part of the appeal is that not everyone has it.

As such, TikTok claims that the Wirkin will ultimately make the original bag "irrelevant" are overblown. There might be a run on the Walmart version because it's a conversational point now. Check back on the dupe in a few years: Will the materials last as well as a true leather Birkin, or age as gracefully? Probably not. But the original Birkin, like styles from Louis Vuitton and Chanel, has held its value for decades. Even if there's a dip in pop culture popularity, it's not completely going away—because it was leagues ahead of any knock-offs to begin with.

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@jesicaelise

they’ll say i’m elitist instead of elucidating, but whatever. the rue de sèvres boutique is breathtaking.

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So far, Hermès hasn't acknowledged its superstore counterpart in any official capacity. If it does, it might be through its lawyers. WWD reports that there are substantive grounds for the luxury house to seek legal action against Walmart for infringing on its copyright. “To the extent Walmart is promoting the bag as the equivalent of, or an alternative to, the Birkin bag, it would be hard for them to deny that intentional copying,” fashion lawyer Douglas Hand told the outlet.

Where Are Real Birkin Bags Sold?

Purchasing a genuine, freshly-stitched Birkin bag is not so easy as logging on to a major retailer's website. Nor is it as simple as walking into an Hermès boutique: The bags aren't even displayed in the stores.

Instead, given that Birkin (and Kelly) bags are made in limited quantities, Hermès sales associates often invite long-time clients to purchase new bags. In many situations, clients do not pick the exact shade of leather or hardware finish; the brand offers it to them to purchase. Many lucky shoppers have documented the process on TikTok—a glimpse behind the luxury curtain that's come all the way back to the Walmart Birkin discourse.

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Shopping for a gently used Birkin bag is a different story. Luxury consignors have benefitted from the lore around "beat-up Birkins"—that is, bags whose leather has developed a patina. Sites including eBay, Fashionphile, The RealReal, FWRD, and Vestiaire Collective have authenticators dedicated to sourcing authentic Birkin bags in need of a second home. These listings typically retain their value, selling for just as much as (if not more than) a fresh handbag.

There's another place to track down a previously loved Birkin bag if you're up for it: Walmart itself. The retailer has quietly listed pre-owned luxury items in a special section of its site, just a few clicks away from its controversial Wirkins.

The new show has enlisted a cast of Manhattan real-estate heavyweights, from the rising industry stars under Eleanora's team to a familiar alum from the Million Dollar Listing universe. (No, not Ryan Serhant, that's a different Netflix show.) Read on to learn more about the stars of Selling the City, from their real-estate feats to their star-studded relationship histories.

Abigail Godfrey

Abigail Godfrey hails from Greenville, South Carolina, and attended Clemson University, where she studied psychology and met her husband Pat Godfrey, a former college football player, per her Douglas Elliman profile. She recently became a member of Eleanora's team, and per PEOPLE she closed a 1.7 million dollar deal on a condo in Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood in June 2023.

In addition to real estate, Abigail is a philanthropist who runs the Elite V Football Showcase alongside her husband, where they "provide college recruitment opportunities to under-represented high school athletes from across New York."

Instagram: @theabigodfrey

Eleonora Srugo

Eleonora Srugo, 37, was born in Israel and raised in downtown Manhattan, and she attended Stuyvesant High School before getting her Bachelor's from Boston University. She joined Douglas Elliman in 2009 and rose to "consistently rank among the city's Top 10 Individual Agents," per her bio. She established the Eleanora & CO. team at Douglas Elliman in 2023; that same year, she closed a $75 million+ deal on a Central Park South condo. (Davina, eat your heart out.)

Eleonora is also known for her deep social connections, including NY.C. mayor Eric Adams, and for founding an Alumni Mentoring Program at Stuyvesant.

Instagram: @eleonorasrugo

Gisselle Meneses Nunez

Giselle Meneses-Nunez grew up in New Jersey and attended Montclair State University. She got her start in real estate in her home state and later joined Douglas Elliman in 2022, expanding her sales to include New York properties, per her LinkedIn. (Giselle does not currently have a Douglas Elliman bio.)

As for her personal life, Giselle is a mom to a 16-year-old daughter, and the realtor reveals on Selling the City that she had a "situationship" with Michael B. Jordan seven years ago. (This isn't the first time Jordan has been mentioned in a Selling series, as Sunset's Bre Tiesi also previously revealed her history with the actor.)

Instagram: @gissellemenesesnunez

Jade Chan

Jade Chan was born in N.Y.C. and raised in Atlanta. According to PEOPLE, she started in public relations before joining Douglas Elliman's "administrative side" in 2013. She now lands among the brokerage's top 3 percent of agents, managing a portfolio of over $2 billion of New Development inventory and holding the title of Director of Sales for The Mandarin Oriental Residences Fifth Avenue, per her bio.

Instagram: @nyc_byjade

Jordyn Taylor

Jordyn Taylor Braff, 34, grew up in Southern California and transitioned from the entertainment world to real estate. According to her bio, she currently does business in both L.A. and N.Y.C.

On the philanthropy front, Jordyn is an ambassador for the nonprofit Room to Grow, and she founded Twelve Months of Giving, which is currently on hiatus. Her personal life also comes up in Selling the City, where she opens up about her past relationship with Trevor Noah (and claims she was "the funnier one" in the pairing).

Instagram: @jordyntaylornow

Justin Tuinstra

Justin Tuinstra is a Midwestern native who leads his own team at Douglas Elliman and often works closely with his longtime colleague Eleanora. He started his real estate career in 2008 and joined the brokerage in 2011. Per his bio, Justin "has closed over $500 million in sales and earned himself a reputation as one of New York's most adept market strategists."

Instagram: @justintoddnyc

Steve Gold

Steve Gold is a familiar face to fans of real-estate shows, as he was a cast member on Million Dollar Listing New York from 2017 to 2021. Formerly a vice president at Douglas Elliman, Gold is currently a broker leading his own team at The Corcoran Group. His bio states he has sold over $3 billion in luxury properties.

The 39-year-old has welcomed two daughters with his wife, Luzia.

Instagram: @stevexgold

Taylor Middleton

Taylor Middleton Scavo grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended Vanderbilt University, before moving to N.Y.C. and starting her real estate career in 2013. After stints at Corcoran and Serhant (the brokerage from another Netflix series, Owning Manhattan), Taylor is currently a member of Eleanora's team with over $500 million in career sales, per her bio.

She's married to investment banker Peter Scavo.

Instagram: @taylormiddletonnyc

I've learned that you don't have to do a major overhaul to make a big difference in your wardrobe and that investing in higher-quality pieces does the trick. Think: soft cashmere sweaters, warm wool coats, and luxe black boots. Couple these items with a few trendier finds like leather gloves and a knitted cape, and you've got a winter capsule wardrobe that feels both elevated and fresh for the new year. What's better, I've discovered that all of these pieces can now be found on sale from brands like Reformation, Everlane, and more.

These finds will amp up my winter outfits with little effort. The best part is that they all ring in at $300 (or less!), with the majority coming in at under $200—what an amazing way to kick off the new year.

The five-episode mystery thriller show boasts a talented cast of U.K.-based actors, from familiar faces Eleazar and Richard Armitage to rising stars Jessica Plummer and Mary Malone. The drama also begins with an appearance from influencer GK Barry, in a bit role. Though U.S. viewers may not have noticed the cameo, U.K.-based fans of Missing You are buzzing over the reality star's surprise turn. Read on to learn more about GK Barry and how she came to appear on Missing You.

GK Barry is a social media star and podcast host.

GK Barry, real name Grace Keeling, is a 25-year-old internet and media personality. She currently boasts 1.3 million Instagram followers and 4 million TikTok followers. She first rose to fame when her TikToks went viral during lockdown in 2020, and since 2022, she has hosted the popular talk podcast Saving Grace, which recently had a Christmas live show at OVO Arena Wembley.

Keeling was born in England and lived in the British Virgin Islands for six years before moving back to Cambridge, according to Capital FM.

She became a reality TV star on 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'

In the world of television, Keeling first made a splash in 2024 when she became a guest panelist on the British daytime talk show Loose Women. She and Love Island alum Olivia Attwood, who joined the series in 2023, are the youngest panelists in the show's history.

However, Keeling's biggest claim to fame is part of the cast of the 2024 season of the British survival show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! She lasted 18 days and came in fifth place on the show, which sees singers, actors, and media personalities undergo Survivor-like challenges in an Australian jungle.

She's interested in acting more after her Netflix debut.

Keeling spoke with Cosmopolitan UK about her acting debut in Missing You, which came about after the show reached out to her manager about her role. Avoiding spoilers, the podcaster described her character as a "foot cam girl."

"We got on a call, and they were explaining who my character was, and it made me laugh so much because it's very on brand," she said, adding that filming took place over one day in September 2024. "They gave me a brief outline of what it was about and read me the line up of people [involved] and I thought, 'I absolutely will do that.'"

The reality star also revealed that she's open to doing more scripted, comedic work in the future.

"I just wanted to do it because I thought it was kind of iconic," she said. "I want to build the CV up so my parents cannot moan about anything! I would do [more acting], like The Office vibes, or something that doesn't involve tense acting. I couldn't do Game of Thrones."

GK Barry is dating athlete Ella Rutherford.

Keeling is currently in a serious relationship with Ella Rutherford, a 24-year-old footballer (or soccer player for us Americans) who plays as a striker for Ipswich Town. Rutherford has occasionally appeared on Saving Grace, and Keeling has publicly opened up about dating a woman and coming out as a lesbian earlier this year.

"I look at men now, and I cannot believe that I wasted so much time," she said in a December 2024 interview with MTV UK. "Obviously, to each their own, whatever, but it's just so different with a woman. You get each other emotionally. I feel like they know where parts of you are that men may not. Everything's just better."

The duchess, 43, has been wearing Princess Diana's gold Cartier Tank Française watch—a sentimental piece gifted by Prince Harry—on repeat since 2020, and she's seen sporting it throughout the trailer for her upcoming lifestyle show With Love, Meghan.

The video gives us a glimpse into her post-royal transformation, featuring the former Suits actress baking bread with celeb pals, throwing tea parties and casually making the most perfect floral arrangements. And while her outfits range from cozy cashmere shells to a surprisingly chic beekeeping suit (yes, really), Diana's elegant timepiece remains a constant companion.

The $26,000 Tank Française design features a classic 18K gold bracelet and serves as an elevated staple for the duchess that she pairs with another Cartier piece, the designer's iconic gold Love bracelet.

“The Cartier Tank is the French maison’s most iconic watch, famed for its timeless design and elegant silhouette,” British Vogue's jewelry and watch director, Rachel Garrahan, said in a 2023 story for the outlet. “Princess Diana frequently wore the classic design with a black leather strap. For more formal occasions she opted for a jewel-like gold Tank Française—it was based on the original Tank but has a more angular design and an integrated metal bracelet.”

The late princess wore her watch regularly after her divorce from Prince Charles, and according to British Vogue, the Cartier design "was named after the British military tanks that helped defeat the German forces at the Battle of the Somme in 1916." Ironically, Markle owns a two-toned version of the same watch, a piece she bought herself during her Suits days.

The gold watch appears to be ideal for everything from baking cakes to tending bees (hopefully no honey got on it!), and the idea that Markle treats every day as special is something that should be noted. Rather than saving the heirloom timepiece for nights out or dress-up occasions, she's embraced it as part of her everyday uniform.

As for With Love, Meghan, the eight-episode series, which launches on Netflix Jan. 15, suggests the duchess is ready to write her next chapter on her own terms. And if her farm-to-table chic outfits are any indication, she's mastered the art of mixing meaningful royal touches with her own California cool aesthetic.

On Jan. 2, the footwear-trend whisperer went out for dinner at the West Hollywood restaurant Zinqué with a close group of friends. She strolled into the restaurant wearing a few of the off-duty essentials photographed throughout her second pregnancy style era: a white T-shirt, roomy black trousers, and a leather shoulder bag. She also added a baby pink jacket with vintage round buttons, plus Celine Triomphe sunglasses.

The real pièce de résistance arrived on her feet, a black leather boat-shoe-moccasin hybrid that nearly blended in with her pants. A quick search revealed it's The Row's Lucca style, retailing for $1,190.

These handcrafted Italian leather boat shoes have spent nearly a year in Lawrence's closet. She first wore them in Los Angeles last March, with a leather trench coat and a chic Old Hollywood scarf tied around her hair. Weeks later, she packed them for the East Coast with a cropped blazer and jeans—and aside from a brief cameo on a May walk through New York City, they haven't been seen since.

While the style isn't new, its reappearance in Jennifer Lawrence's wardrobe at the top of a new year should set off fashion people's internal It-shoe radars. A boat shoe trend is setting sail in Spring 2025, after early adopters like Miu Miu and Bally sent reimagined docksiders down their runways for 2024. By the following season, several more brands jumped on board the ship—including by way of Sperry collaborations. All those pairs are bound to arrive in stores over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lawrence is something of an It-shoe savant. She began wearing Alaïa's fishnet ballerinas and mesh flats while they were still a controversial shoe trend. When the jelly sandal trend revival became normalized, it was in large part thanks to Jennifer Lawrence wearing The Row's bright red Mara jellies first.

Trust that if she's choosing The Row's Lucca boat shoes for her very first appearance of 2025, she's going to wear them a lot more often. And so, apparently, are we.

Shop 2025's It-Shoe Inspired by Jennifer Lawrence

The duchess cooks up a storm and tackles flower arranging with aplomb in the trailer, released on her brand-new Instagram account on Jan. 2, but she also shows off her love of one royal-approved hobby: beekeeping. In fact, Markle sports a massive white bee suit and hood as she walks out to an apiary in a clip from the trailer.

"Look at how much honey we have!" she whispers in excitement as she scrapes honey from a tray as a fellow bee enthusiast looks on.

We know jam will be part of her upcoming American Riviera Orchard homewares brand, but according to the brand's official trademark filing, honey is also in the list of items that could be sold in its yet-to-be-announced product lineup.

Beekeeping is a hobby also enjoyed by many other royals through the years, and the Princess of Wales keeps a hive at her country home, Anmer Hall. She even brought a jar of her own honey to a 2021 event at the Natural History Museum.

In 2023, Princess Kate shared a photo of herself in a full beekeeping suit on Instagram to honor World Bee Day, writing, "Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem and today is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy.”

Queen Camilla and King Charles love a good garden-themed hobby, so it's no surprise they're also avid apiarists. The King keeps beehives at various royal properties such as Windsor Castle and also at his country retreat, Highgrove House, and The Queen once sold honey from her Wiltshire home, Ray Mill, at iconic London department store Fortnum & Mason.

Camilla is such a bee enthusiast that she recently awarded a royal warrant to bee venom facialist Deborah Mitchell.

Buzzy hobbies aside, the Duchess of Sussex will share gardening, cooking and entertaining tips in the eight-episode series, which releases on Netflix Wednesday, Jan. 15.

"I have been so excited to share this with you!" she wrote on Instagram. "I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun!"

As for her bees, we'll be anxiously awaiting to hear how Meghan got in

Right alongside her Thursday date night fur coat (likely vintage), Bottega Veneta bag, Ugg slippers, and dark-wash baggy jeans, Rihanna also wore a thick-rimmed pair of square readers. It was a down-to-earth touch in an otherwise opulent outfit; a look that says she was reading Emily Henry's best books on her Kindle during the car ride to the bar. By her side, A$AP wore an equally cozy hoodie, bomber, knit cap, and jeans.

Rihanna's fur coat and limited-edition shoes aren't all that common. (If anything, the Fenty Beauty billionaire is known for her extensive statement fur coat and hat wardrobe.) Still, her combination of low-key eyewear and date night outfit that's both relatable and aspirational. I know I've been rushed out the door before I've gotten to a good stopping point in my latest book, pushing my reading glasses up into my hair or tucking them into the collar of my shirt. In one scenario, Ri could have done the same. Alternatively, she's painting a picture of the ideal winter evening for a bookworm: wrapping in a cozy coat, sipping on a Tequila Mockingbird, discussing her favorite new releases.

This is all conjecture, but here's a fact: her $5,900 Bottega Veneta bucket bag is perfectly proportioned for a small paperback book or an e-reader. And, it pairs just as easily with other looks she's worn around the city this holiday season, including with thigh-high boots and a bomber jacket on New Year's Eve.

After staring at her outfit's unexpected accessory, I have to know: What was Rihanna reading before she went out? The Empyrean series? A new Kristin Hannah tear-jerker? Whatever's on Rihanna's TBR, Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner should watch out—even without carrying a book, fashion has a new literary outfit icon.

The IT Cosmetics co-founder shared a sweet selfie with the duchess on Instagram Thursday, writing, "Congrats @meghan on the announcement of your new show With Love, Meghan on @netflix it was so much fun to celebrate with you today! "

In the pic, Lima wore a relaxed denim shirt and bright pink lipstick as she held the phone, while the duchess is seen smiling behind her in a black coat with a green top underneath. The friends appear to be sitting at a picnic table under a tree in the photo, and Markle—who rocked long curls for her girl's day out—wore her signature stack of gold bracelets and Princess Diana's Cartier watch.

"I’m so excited for the world to experience even more of your joy, your heart, your kindness, your humor, your humility, your compassion, your many talents and your LOVE!" Lima continued her caption, calling Markle "an incredible friend to so many, including me."

While the Shark Tank season 16 guest shark didn't elaborate on what they did during their outing, Lima did express her enthusiasm for With Love, Meghan's impending release, writing, "I can’t wait for it to come out on Netflix in a week and a half!!🎉🙌🚀."

The Duchess of Sussex shared her own thoughts on the show—which will feature cooking, gardening and entertaining content—in her Instagram post Thursday. "I have been so excited to share this with you!" she captioned the trailer. "I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun! As ever, Meghan."

In the video, the duchess wears an array of her signature neutrals and laid-back California styles as she cooks with friends, hosts parties and searches for the perfect flowers. She even wears a beekeeper suit as she heads to the garden in search of honey—a hobby she happens to share with Queen Camilla and Princess Kate.

Tune in when all eight episodes of With Love, Meghan drop on Netflix Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Jennifer Lopez shared a glimpse at her apres-ski bikini styling in a round-up of her Christmas trip to Aspen, Colorado, on Jan. 2. Her compilation video included a shot of the "Can't Get Enough" singer in nothing but a black string bikini, a black cowboy hat, and furry snow boots. Her hat was a custom creation from the Aspen hot-spot Kemo Sabe; her fox-fur boots came from Brunello Cucinelli.

J.Lo probably snapped her bikini pic en route to a jacuzzi overlooking Aspen valley. Still, styling a Cabo-appropriate bikini with heavy-duty snow boots and a Western hat is the sort of high-contrast moment only a celebrity in their snowy chateau tends to pull off. Hailey Bieber welcomed 2025 in nothing but a cheetah-print coat and bikini. A day later, Bella Hadid wished her followers a happy New Year in a stringy red bikini and cowgirl boots—while laying in a pile of snow. Rewind back to 2022, and you'll find Kendall Jenner doing the exact same thing: frolicking in the Aspen snowfall with only a black string bikini, sunglasses, and Miu Miu fur boots to keep her warm.

For the most part, celebs tend to limit glimpses at their vacation to their seasonally-inappropriate swimwear. Not J.Lo. She was photographed several times out and about in Aspen over the Christmas holiday, wearing everything from custom cowboy hats and Chanel earrings to the barrel leg jeans trend and oversize sunglasses. (Alas, she didn't appear to tote a winterized Birkin bag on her trip.)

Now that Jennifer Lopez's Aspen getaway has officially ended, she's probably packing up her bikini trends and fur boots with it. The 2025 Golden Globes are up next on Jan. 5. Since J.Lo is in the thick of promoting her awards-bait drama Unstoppable, she could stop by in the red-carpet equivalent of a swimsuit: Her beloved naked dress.

The social media platform has flipped the script on how I shop for fragrance. One rave review from my favorite perfume influencers, and I'm hitting the "add to cart" button within seconds. Niche and mainstream brands have been the subjects of a viral moment, with the vast majority falling into the gourmand or broader vanilla category.

According to Demi Rawling, a content creator and founder of the fragrance discovery app Snif, this isn't a coincidence. She previously told Marie Claire, "I believe it’s because many people on 'PerfumeTok' are relatively new to the fragrance world. And where do most newcomers start their fragrance journey? Gourmand scents." She adds that because brands are aware of the viral potential of sweet-smelling fragrances, they often launch their own in the hopes of replicating that same success.

While gourmands may be the most talked about perfumes on TikTok, a few others (think: unisex fragrances, musky scents, and some bold florals) have also found success on my For You Page. But are they all worthy of the hype?

To find out, I tested the 12 best viral perfumes from TikTok. Whether you're curious about what's drawing creators' attention or simply in the market for a new winter fragrance, keep scrolling for my detailed, first-person review.

Shop the 12 Best Viral Perfumes on TikTok

Meet the Expert

From the latest projects from award-winning and cult-loved directors to the next entry into the Universal Dark Universe to highly anticipated sequels, there are a lot of scary movies and thrillers to look forward to (including some that even scaredy cats can tolerate). Below, find the best horror movies of 2025 that are coming to cinemas soon and later this year. (For recommendations of what to watch right now, check out our list of the best horror movies of 2024.)

'Presence'

Release date: January 24

Starring: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Lucas Papaelias, West Mulholland, and Eddy Maday

Why it’s worth seeing: There are countless haunted house movies, but Steven Soderbergh is set to flip the genre on its head for his latest. The Oscar-winner, known for his innovative filmmaking tactics like shooting on an iPhone, frames Presence entirely through the POV of a ghost haunting a family who moves into a new house.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Wolf Man'

Release date: January 17

Starring: Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Matilda Firth, Sam Jaeger, and Ben Prendergast

Why it’s worth seeing: Leigh Whannell has penned several hit horror movies, many of which were directed by blockbuster genre filmmaker James Wan, from the Saw movies to the Insidious series. He became a filmmaker to watch in his own right by directing 2020’s feminist horror movie The Invisible Man, and he’s back helming this film inspired by Universal Pictures’ iconic monster movie The Wolf Man. In the updated version, Christopher Abbott plays a family man who relocates with his wife (Julia Garner) and daughter (Matilda Firth) to his late father’s remote home in Oregon after his death. When a werewolf attacks him, he transforms himself, much to the horror of his family.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Companion'

Release date: January 31

Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, and Harvey Guillén

Why it’s worth seeing: If you liked the 2022 hit Barbarian, add Companion to your must-see list: It comes from the same production team and twists abound. The thriller, written and directed by up-and-comer Drew Hancock, centers around a twisted love story and a weekend away gone very wrong. The plot has been kept under wraps, but, trust us, don’t look up any spoilers before going into this one.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Heart Eyes'

Release date: February 7

Starring: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster

Why it’s worth watching: This horror-comedy comes just in time for Valentine’s Day. The genre-bending serial killer movie is about a pair of coworkers who work late on February 14 and are mistaken for a couple by the sadistic, romance-hating Heart Eyes Killer.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'The Monkey'

Release date: February 21

Starring: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy

Why it’s worth seeing: Did Longlegs give you nightmares but absolutely wow you in 2024? Well, its writer/director Osgood Perkins is already back with another film. An adaptation of genre master Stephen King’s 1980 short story of the same name, Theo James pulls double duty, playing a pair of twins who uncover a creepy toy monkey in their family attic. When deaths start unfolding around them, they have reason to believe the monkey is the cause of it, leading them to hide the toy—and set out to destroy it years later when similar deaths start to occur.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'The Woman in the Yard'

Release date: March 28

Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Russell Hornsby, Peyton Jackson, and Estella Kahiha

Why it’s worth seeing: Little is known about this upcoming film, but with Danielle Deadwyler (Till, The Piano Lesson) leading the cast and Jaume Collet-Serra (The Orphan, Carry-On) directing, it’s bound to be good. Plus, it’s a Blumhouse release and their hits have been among some of our favorite horror movies over the past decade, from Get Out to M3GAN.

'Drop'

Release date: April 11

Starring: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Jeffery Self, Gabrielle Ryan Spring, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Ed Weeks, Travis Nelson, and Reed Diamond

Why it’s worth seeing: We’ve all had our fair share of bad dates, but few may compare to what happens to Meghann Fahy’s character Violet in this thriller. She stars as a widowed mother who goes on a pleasantly surprising date with a charming man (Brandon Skienar), which quickly turns into a nightmare as she starts to receive texts with a series of commands. Among the requests is an order to kill her date, and if she doesn't, whoever is on the other end of her texts threatens to harm her and her loved ones. Major yikes!

'Sinners'

Release date: April 18

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo

Why it’s worth seeing: Whenever frequent collaborators Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler team up, it’s a must-see. The Black Panther and Creed filmmaker’s latest is an original horror movie about twin brothers (both played by Jordan) who return to their hometown, “only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back,” per the synopsis.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Death of a Unicorn'

Release date: Spring 2025 TBA

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant

Why it's worth seeing: The title of this A24 horror-comedy is quite literal—which sounds like the makings of a wonderfully weird feature debut from Alex Scharfman. Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega (a pairing we're obsessed with!) play a father and daughter who hit a real-life unicorn with their car, much to their surprise. When they bring the creature to the dad's company retreat, his boss tries to harness its magical properties to dangerous results.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'M3GAN 2.0'

Release date: June 27

Starring: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Ivanna Sakhno, Timm Sharp, Aristotle Athari, and Jemaine Clement

Why it’s worth seeing: Consider this our most anticipated horror movie of the year! After the Blumhouse's horror-comedy movie about a killer AI doll slayed at the box-office in early 2022, a sequel was green lit. Though her tech was deactivated at the end of the original, we know she's set to make a comeback in the follow-up. Thank goodness.

'I Know What You Did Last Summer' sequel

Release date: July 18

Starring: Freddie Prinze Jr., Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Haur-King, Lola Tung, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Austin Nichols, and Gabbriette

Why it’s worth watching: Could this cast be any more stacked? I Know What You Did Last Summer is the latest ‘90s movie to get rebooted. For the unfamiliar, the original franchise followed a group of teens being stalked by a killer with a hook for a hand after a tragic accident. The new version is said to have a similar premise, but details remain hush-hush. One thing is for certain though: Freddie Prinze Jr., who appeared in the first movies, is coming back.

'The Conjuring: Last Rites'

Release date: September 5

Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ben Hardy, and Mia Tomlinson

Why it’s worth seeing: The Conjuring universe has produced spinoff series like the Annabelle and The Nun movies, making this sequel the franchise’s whopping ninth installment overall The new film focuses on the paranormal investigators who started it all, the Warrens (Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson), and acts as a direct sequel to 2021’s The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. The plot has been kept under wraps, though many of the films in the series have been inspired by the Warrens’ real case files.

'Saw XI'

Release date: September 26

Starring: Tobin Bell and TBA

Why it’s worth seeing: Jigsaw isn’t done yet. The eleventh Saw movie is finally coming in 2025, though very few details are known about it. In fact, it was about a year into the film’s development that it was confirmed that Tobin Bell, who has played John Kramer (a.k.a. Jigsaw) since the first movie, will reprise his role. Nevertheless, the 82-year-old actor will be back and probably freak us out just the same.

'The Black Phone 2'

Release date: October 17

Starring: Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Ethan Hawke, Jeremy Davies, Miguel Cazarez Mora, Demián Bichir, and Arianna Rivas

Why it’s worth seeing: While the 2021 hit horror movie The Black Phone was based on Joe Hill’s stand-alone novella of the same name, it’s getting the sequel treatment, thanks to the movie’s blockbuster success. The first film was a coming-of-age story about a 13-year-old boy (Mason Thames) abducted by a child predator known as The Grabber (Ethan Hawke), who tries to escape with the help of his past victims’ spirits. It’s yet to be announced what part two will be about, but much of the cast from the first film is reprising their roles—including Ethan Hawke as the masked villain.

'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2'

Release date: December 5

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Elizabeth Lail, and Piper Rubio

Why it’s worth seeing: Get ready to return to the Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. A sequel was ordered for the video-game-movie-adaptation Five Nights at Freddy’s as soon as it became a surprise box-office smash in 2023. Though no major details have been confirmed, we’d bet security guard Mike (Josh Hutcherson) will try to stop the killer animatronic mascots once and for all.

'Dead Lover'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance Film Festival

Starring: Grace Glowicki, Ben Petrie, Leah Doz, and Lowen Morrow

Why it’s worth seeing: Some of the most exciting horror movies of the year premiere in Sundance’s Midnight slate, and Dead Lover is among them. For actress/filmmaker Grace Glowicki’s sophomore feature, she stars as a gravedigger who meets her dream man—only for him to die unexpectedly shortly after. Doing anything for love, you can bet she’ll channel Dr. Frankenstein in her attempts to bring him back.

'Didn't Die'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance Film Festival

Starring: Kiran Deol, George Basil, Samrat Chakrabarti, Katie McCuen, and Vishal Vijayakumar

Why it’s worth seeing: Meera Menon’s latest combines two unlikely topics: podcasting and a zombie apocalypse. In a fun, gory turn, the film focuses on a podcaster who “desperately clings to an ever-shrinking audience in the zombie apocalypse.”

'Opus'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance Film Festival in January

Starring: Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, and Amber Midthunder

Why it’s worth seeing: We may know Ayo Edebiri for her comedic performances, but we’d bet she’ll wow us in this eerie A24 movie. The Emmy winner plays a writer invited under mysterious circumstances to the compound belonging to a legendary pop star who disappeared decades ago. Of course, nothing is as it seems.

'Rabbit Trap'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance Film Festival

Starring: Dev Patel, Rosy McEwen, and Jade Croot

Why it’s worth seeing: This one’s for fans of folk horror—and creepy kid movies. In Bryn Chainey’s debut feature, a couple (Dev Patel and Rosy McEwen) moves to a home in a desolate, wooded area of Wales. While the musician wife works on her new album, her music “disturbs local ancient folk magic,” inviting a mysterious child (Jade Croot) to their front door. May our crushes on Dev Patel help us brave through the inevitable terrors to come.

'Together'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance Film Festival

Starring: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Damon Herriman

Why it’s worth seeing: Married couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco have worked together before, but we can’t wait to see the funny pair flexing their horror muscles. They’ll star opposite one another as a couple whose relationship is on the rocks after moving to the countryside and then find themselves undergoing “an extreme transformation of their love, their lives, and their flesh” after experiencing a “supernatural encounter." We’re hooked already.

'Touch Me'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance Film Festival

Starring: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jordan Gavaris, Marlene Forte, and Paget Brewster

Why it’s worth seeing: Filmmaker Addison Heimann has described his latest feature Touch Me as “a bisexual alien sex horror comedy.” If that doesn’t already have you intrigued, the synopsis should: “Two codependent best friends become addicted to the heroin-like touch of an alien narcissist who may or may not be trying to take over the world.”

'Vicious'

Release date: TBA

Starring: Dakota Fanning, Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, and Devyn Nekoda

Why it’s worth seeing: We’re here for the Dakota Fanning-assiance. She leads this spooky, paranormal movie about “a young woman who, after being left with a strange present from a late-night visitor, must spend the night fighting for her existence as she slips down a disturbing rabbit hole contained inside the gift,” per the synopsis.

On December 31, the actor, who co-starred in and directed It Ends With Us, filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for its reporting on what he says are Lively's "false" allegations—and his legal filings for the lawsuit include new allegations against Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds.

In court documents, Baldoni describes a confrontation with Reynolds in which he says the Deadpool star was "aggressive" while defending Lively.

"Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, had aggressively berated Baldoni during a meeting at their penthouse in New York, accusing him of 'fat shaming' Lively," the lawsuit reads (per E! Online). "Baldoni, in an effort to avoid further confrontation with Lively and Reynolds and rebuild rapport with his co-star, continued to bend to her will."

While Baldoni admits he did ask a trainer "how much Lively weighed," the actor insists that he didn't intend the question as "fat-shaming" and that he had asked because of concern about his own "back issues" ahead of a scene in which his character was going to lift hers.

Baldoni's lawyers said that the trainer "relayed this information to Lively, who then informed Reynolds," which led to the "confrontation, according to People, which also reported that the actor's legal team described the incident as an "inappropriate and humiliating berating of Baldoni — delivered, perhaps intentionally, as other celebrity friends were coming in and out of their penthouse."

Lively described the incident (which she noted occurred four months after she gave birth to her fourth child), differently in her complaint, which stated that she "humiliated to learn" that Baldoni "secretly called her fitness trainer, without her knowledge or permission, and implied that he wanted her to lose weight in two weeks. Mr. Baldoni told the trainer that he had asked because he was concerned about having to pick Ms. Lively up in a scene for the movie, but there was no such scene."

For its part, the New York Times is standing behind its reporting on the piece and plans to "vigorously" defend against Baldoni's lawsuit.

"Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported," a spokesperson for the Times said in a statement to People. "It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article."

In spite of its massive success, however, Carpenter says she wasn't sure if "Espresso" would be a hit when she decided to release it as a summer single because, well, espressos are more of a fall vibe.

"I remember deciding to put this song out in the beginning of summer and thinking espresso, coffee is kind of more of a fall beverage," Carpenter told The Hollywood Reporter. "I really didn’t know if it would connect, but the sentiment and the sound of the song and the confidence that it kind of just carries along with it was something that I really believed in. So I had literally no idea that anyone would like it, but I liked it, and that was kind of all that mattered to me in that moment, and something I try to remember over and over again."

Spoiler alert: It connected. In fact, it connected so well that the song crossed into cultural phenomenon territory, inspiring a popular Saturday Night Live sketch starring Ariana Grande and leading directly to Carpenter's new partnership with Dunkin' and the creation the chain's Sabrina's Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso.

Carpenter called the Dunkin' collab a "no-brainer" and said the company's take on an "Espresso" inspired drink felt aligned with the mood of the song.

"I have this song called 'Espresso,' and when they approached me about it, I kind of realized that my window is closing for my coffee collab, and I didn’t really do it," she said when asked to share the origin story of the Dunkin' partnership. "We kind of had some moments when the song first came out, but nothing that felt really, really signature. This is just a drink I love so much, and they’ve been so supportive in kind of bringing the vision to life and keeping it really in the vein of 'Espresso,' which has been really fun."

So where do you go after having one of the verifiably most-listened-to songs of the year?

"Well, that is up to you guys, I would assume, or fate," Carpenter said when asked about what's next for her career. "But for me, I’m always sort of thinking one year ahead consistently. So, I sort of started the thought process of what would happen after Short n’ Sweet as I was making it, and that’s all I’ll say for now. But I’m very excited for the new year, because I think, again, I just allow myself the space to grow and have fun with it, not take it too seriously, and that’s what I’m going to try to do."

While promoting his new line of non-alcoholic beers, Bero, in a new interview with Men's Health, the Spider-Man actor opened up about his own decision to ditch alcohol back in January 2022.

Initially, Holland had only planned to take a one-month break from drinking, but once he stopped, he saw what a big part of his life social drinking had become.

“Every Friday after work was a write-off: Let’s get drunk and have a good time. I didn’t have bad experiences, but I would drink enough so that I would ruin my next day,” he explained, apparently adding that the aftereffects of his weekend drinking were intense enough that he talked to his doctor about his liver health.

According to the Men's Health profile, Holland "found his first month of sobriety unsettlingly difficult," and shared that one particular night out with his brother made him decide to commit to a longer stretch of sobriety than he'd initially planned. Although Holland had driven himself and his brother for the poker night they were attending, he felt like he needed a drink to enjoy himself and found himself asking his brother if he would be willing to drive them home so that he could drink—a move that surprised his brother and served as something of a wakeup call for Holland.

“It was a bit of an eye-opening moment for me and for him,” he explained. “It’s really helpful when the people closest to you start going, ‘Are you sure?’”

After that, Holland added a second month to his personal sobriety pledge—and kept adding a month at a time until he reached the six-month mark, when he considered ending his sober streak at his 26th-birthday party, but realized that he wasn't actually interested in drinking again and decided to maintain sober living as a lifestyle.

“I’m quite strong-willed. When I decide to do something, I’m really gonna do it,” he said of his process for going sober. “I leaned on close ones a lot: family, friends, old colleagues, new colleagues, people that reached out that I didn’t know who also were sober.”

The actor recalled one moment when leaning on outside support was particularly helpful. It came early on in his sobriety and he was craving a drink after a difficult week when his lawyer visited him in his hotel with some sober wisdom that really clicked.

“He gave me a really poignant piece of advice that helped me get through everything, which was: You’ll never wake up the morning after a night out and wish you had a drink," Holland said. "That piece of advice really rang true to me, because my problem was that I would have one drink and be fine, and then I would just go too far.”

The new series features a talented cast of familiar faces, including Eleazar, Jessica Plummer, Richard Armitage, and Ashley Walters. In the days since Missing You's premiere, viewers have been particularly raving about rising actress Mary Malone for her heartbreaking performance as Aqua, one of Kat's best friends with a devastating secret. Read on to learn more about the breakout star.

Mary Malone is a trans actress who hails from Suffolk, England.

Mary Malone is a television and theater actress in her mid-20s, who has mostly appeared in plays and musicals in the U.K. Per her Spotlight profile, she graduated from the University of Essex in 2020 and began acting in short films that year, making her TV debut in an episode of STARZ's The Girlfriend Experience. Some of her standout theater productions include a 2022 West End production of As You Like It, the award-winning play The Prince, and the cult-favorite musical Fangirls.

Before Missing You, Malone appeared in Doctor Who's 2023 Christmas special as Trudy, a friend and bandmate of Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). Missing You is Malone's first major TV role.

Her artistic background includes singing, dancing, piano, and painting.

In addition to acting, Malone mentions several performing arts among her skills, from singing and dancing (per her musical theater background) to piano and puppetry. She has also shared her affinity for fine art on Instagram, including some images of her previous work.

She describes her character Aqua as an integral part of the mystery of 'Missing You.'

Speaking to PinkNews, Malone described her Missing You character Aqua as a "Gemini witchy queen" who has always been there for her best friend Kat, and vice versa. She added that Aqua is an integral part of the season's mystery.

"She is intertwined in the complex spider web that is Missing You," Malone said of Aqua. "She’s woven in. She’s not this trans side character. She’s an essential part of the narrative. I got to do some stunts, which is really exciting, really fun, something I’ve not done before, and I really enjoyed it."

Malone also told PinkNews that she was able to flesh out her character for the show and add a "rich complexity," after Aqua received less nuanced treatment in the source novel.

"I think I’ve added myself to it, and been able to really ground her in a real-life trans human," she said.
"[Aqua's] not all good, and she’s not all bad, and I think she’s a real human with a lot going on, which is really a joy to play...The narrative really does not surround her gender identity, so I think that’s great representation, and accurate representation that we actually are just living our lives."

Her dream role is a bit surprising.

In an interview with Country & Town House, Malone opened up about the roles she's wishing for most in the future. She revealed that she'd most love to work with her idol, filmmaker/author Miranda July, and that her ultimate dream role is surprisingly aquatic.

"I know it’s mad but I always dreamed of playing a mermaid," she told the outlet. "I love films like Splash, Lady in the Water, The Lure. I’ve been drawn to mermaids and the ocean since I was little. So I’m waiting to be AV-checked for a badass queer mermaid film…anytime now."

First, Justin gave fans a look at the couple's New Year's Eve celebration with a picture of Hailey ringing in 2025 wearing a pink bikini under an open, cheetah-print fur coat, showing off her abs just four months after giving birth to their son, Jack Blues, in August.

Hailey accessorized her NYE look with a festive "Happy New Year" headband, Ugg boots, and two meaningful necklaces—one with a large, blingy "B" pendant and another with the initials "JBB," in honor of her son.

Justin made it clear that he was a big fan of the sexy look, captioning the pic, “Um. Goin anywhere with u bb," and adding "Happy new year" at the bottom of the image.

Hailey got 2025 started by sharing an intimate family photo of her own—a rare picture of her infant son.

In the black and white picture, Hailey's face can be seen in closeup, partially obscured by Jack's tiny little foot. She captioned the Instagram Story photo, “HNY 🐾😊."

Both posts come amid a recent round of rumors about the couple's marriage, which seem to trace back, at least in part, to a December 29 video shared by TikToker Sloan Hooks speculating about possible trouble in Justin and Hailey's relationship.

"I just received a tip about Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey, and it doesn't look like things are going too well," Hooks says in the video, citing Instagram Story posts the couple shared that some interpreted as veiled messages about each other.

Specifically Hooks highlights a post Justin shared featured Jacquees' song "B.E.D.," which Hooks points out features lyrics about a man wanting sex and not love, and then post Hailey reportedly shared "20 minutes later," featuring SZA's song "30 for 30," including the lyrics, "But if it's f--k me, then f--k you."

@sloanhooks

♬ original sound - SLOAN

Hailey seemed to respond to speculation the next day with a post on her Instagram Story captioned, "Me to all of you on the Internet," over a TikTok video of eyegotthyme saying, "You're not well and it's OK. You've done made a lot of choices. The choices that you made done put you in situations that you hate. You don't want to be in those situations. You recognize every day when you wake up, 'F--k, this is the reality that I made for myself.'"

In November, a source close to the couple, who celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in September 2024, said Hailey and Justin don't let rumors about their relationship get to them.

“They laugh at the constant divorce rumors,” the insider told People. “It’s annoying but just noise.”

George, Louis and Charlotte delighted fans with their appearances (and hijinks) at Princess Kate's carol concert and the traditional Royal Family Christmas Day church walk in December, both signs that the Wales family was returning to routine after the princess finished chemotherapy in September.

Now that the Princess of Wales is easing back into royal duties, it seems that the kids might expect some "treats" this year. Royal author Ingrid Seward recently told Hello! that the Prince and Princess of Wales will likely want to take their kids on a few vacations after a difficult 2024.

"I think William and Kate might take the children skiing during the Easter holidays and will probably be planning a big summer holiday, because as far as we know they didn't go anywhere last year," she told the outlet.

"Kate will be wanting to spoil them a bit, because it's very frightening for children when their parents are that ill, so I think they will be up for a few treats this year," she added.

However, royal fans shouldn't expect to see the kids increase their public appearances in 2025, per Seward. "Like many famous parents, they are cautious about exposing the children to too much scrutiny in this digital age. They know they must produce the children at certain times, but I think they very much keep them under wraps the rest of the time."

Speaking to Marie Claire, royal biographer Robert Hardman agrees. "I don't think we're going to see them in any way being shunted into the public eye more than is reasonably expected," he says.

"We might see them at Easter at church, we'd expect to see them at The King's birthday parade in June, and after that really, if there's one of those sort of big charity events like Kate's carol concert," he tells Marie Claire. "I think there's definitely a view that they're not—we the public should not expect to see them any more than sort of official royal family gatherings."

However, the Making of a King author notes that the Wales children could potentially make an appearance during the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May, even if a full-family balcony appearance might not be in the cards. "That's a sort of moment where you do get street parties and big international events, so we might see them," he shares.

Per the Daily Mail, court documents revealed that Countess Spencer was informed by the earl that their marriage was over "by text message."

Earl Spencer, who married Karen in 2011 and shares 11-year-old daughter Lady Charlotte Diana with the countess, has also been accused of cheating on his wife with now-girlfriend Dr. Cat Jarman. Jarman, 42, is suing Countess Spencer, 52, for allegedly revealing her medical diagnosis of MS without consent.

According to the media outlet, Countess Spencer "compared notes with Dr. Jarman's husband, Tom Jarman" and per her High Court defense in the privacy suit, "discovered that their affair had been going on since at least November/December 2022 when the two of them were together in Norfolk (although more likely since 2021)."

The now-couple met when Dr. Jarman, who is an archaeologist, visited Spencer's home, Althorp House, for "an archaeological investigation" in 2021.

However, Earl Spencer—who shared a photo from his late sister's memorial at Althorp on Christmas Eve—denied the text message claims. Per the Daily Mail, he said, "The notion that I would end my marriage by text is an absurd attempt to blacken my name. Karen ended the marriage, after endless threats to do so over the years, in early March."

“She asked me to confirm the end of the marriage in a text on 18 March and my reply that day was a simple acceptance of her decision," he continued. "I have those texts still, and will share them in court when I clear my name.”

However, Countess Spencer's court papers claim that Earl Spencer "completely refused" to explain the divorce to his wife—a situation she felt was "both cruel and inexplicable."

An email Countess Spencer sent to Jarman was also included in her High Court defense. "First of all as a woman, I just have to tell you that I am so disappointed in you. Turning all of the children's lives upside down like this is so unbelievably immoral," the countess wrote.

"Good luck Cat, you're in for a hell of a ride," she ended the email. "I think that you'll find having him to deal with full-time will be much trickier than the odd five-day escape to Norfolk and a night or two in London here and there."

This year's set of nominees includes some of the internet's favorite celebrities and impressive wins for diversity in filmmaking. Women make up one-third of the nominations in the Best Director category, and Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón is the first transgender woman to be nominated for a film in the lead actress category. Meanwhile, in perhaps the buzziest match-up of the evening, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande will face off in the supporting actress category for their performances in Emilia Pérez and Wicked. (Selenators and Arianators, let's keep things civil!)

Read on for everything you need to know about the 2025 Golden Globes, including how to watch the ceremony live.

When are the 2025 Golden Globes?

The 82nd Annual Golden Globes will air live on CBS on Sunday, January 5 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This year, the event will be held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in L.A.

How to watch the 2025 Golden Globes:

Viewers with cable can tune into their local CBS channel, or use their cable login to watch from a computer, phone, or tablet via CBS's website or app.

The Golden Globes will also stream on the Paramount+ app in the U.S. only. However, the awards ceremony will only air live for subscribers on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME tier, which starts at $13/month and offers a seven-day free trial. The full ceremony will be available on-demand for all subscribers, including those at the Paramount+ Essential tier (at $8/month), the following day.

If you don't have cable or a Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription, there are a few other ways to watch the Globes online. Live streaming TV services like Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and YouTube Live provide access to CBS (and offer free trials).

How to watch the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet:

The official pre-show for the Golden Globes, hosted in partnership with Variety and Entertainment Tonight, starts at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The red-carpet special will stream on Paramount+ and across Penske Media's digital and social platforms, including Variety, ET, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and WWD.

Who is hosting the 2025 Golden Globes?

Unfiltered comedian Nikki Glaser will host the Globes ceremony, making history as the first woman to host the awards solo. (Amy Poehler and Tina Fey previously co-hosted, as did Sandra Oh, alongside Andy Samberg.)

The multi-hyphenate is also a nominee this year for her HBO stand-up special Someday You'll Die, which premiered last May following her viral appearance at Netflix's The Roast of Tom Brady.

Who is presenting at the 2025 Golden Globes?

The Globes has announced that the star-studded lineup of presenters will include: Andrew Garfield, Anthony Mackie, Anthony Ramos, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ariana DeBose, Aubrey Plaza, Auliʻi Cravalho, Awkwafina, Brandi Carlile, Catherine O’Hara, Colin Farrell, Colman Domingo, Demi Moore, Dwayne Johnson, Édgar Ramírez, Elton John, Gal Gadot, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Coolidge, Kaley Cuoco, Kate Hudson, Kathy Bates, Ke Huy Quan, Kerry Washington, Margaret Qualley, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Keaton, Michelle Yeoh, Miles Teller, Mindy Kaling, Morris Chestnut, Nate Bargatze, Nicolas Cage, Rachel Brosnahan, Rob McElhenney, Salma Hayek Pinault, Sarah Paulson, Seth Rogen, Sharon Stone, Vin Diesel, Viola Davis, and Zoë Kravitz.

Who is nominated at the 2025 Golden Globes?

As for this year's nominees, Emilia Pérez leads the films with 10 nods, followed by The Brutalist with seven and Conclave with six. Other awards darlings who received nominations include A Complete Unknown, Anora, Babygirl, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II, The Substance, and Wicked.

On the TV side, The Bear is unsurprisingly leading the pack, after its third season broke the Emmys record for most wins by a comedy series in a single year in September. Coming close after the FX series' five noms are Only Murders in the Building and Shōgun with four each. Other nominated shows include Baby Reindeer, The Diplomat, Hacks, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Nobody Wants This, The Penguin, and Squid Game.

Where to watch movies nominated at the 2025 Golden Globes:

If you're trying to cover any blindspots before filling out your voting ballot on Sunday's award show, you may need to head to the cinema to see a few of the major movies nominated.

A Complete Unknown, Babygirl, Nickel Boys, and Queer are all in theaters. However, some nominated films are only available in select theaters: The Last Showgirl lands in more theaters on January 10, September 5 and The Room Next Door will expand wide on January 17, and The Brutalist is expected to hit more screens later this month. Sing Sing, meanwhile, first opened in summer 2024 and will return to theaters on January 17.

If you won't have time to make it to the cinema by the end of the weekend, you're in luck, because a handful of the titles are streaming or available to rent. Conclave is now on Peacock, Dune: Part Two is on Max, Emilia Pérez is on Netflix, Hit Man is on Netflix, Kinds of Kindness is on Hulu, Lee is on Hulu, Maria is on Netflix, Nightbitch is on Hulu, The Substance is on Mubi,

Anora is both in theaters and available for rent on Prime Video, as is A Real Pain, and Wicked, and The Apprentice, Challengers, Heretic, and Saturday Night can be rented on Prime Video.

The Duchess of Sussex shared the trailer on her new Instagram account, @meghan, on Thursday, Jan. 2, writing, "I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun!"

Markle wears a gorgeous slate blue gown by Ulla Johnson in the promotional poster for her lifestyle show, and while the pleated silk dress definitely delivers some glamour, we wouldn't be surprised if she was barefoot underneath. Markle—who is arranging a bouquet of peonies in the photo—looks breezy and relaxed as she stands in front of a table covered in flowers (and what appears to be jars of her signature jam).

Moving on to the sun-drenched kitchen, the duchess gives viewers the full coastal grandmother aesthetic in relaxed button-up shirts and neutral separates. In one scene, she wears a loose white shirt with a pair of striped Zimmermann shorts, and in other clips, the Duchess of Sussex sports a beige knit tank from J.Crew along with an ivory knit shell from the brand. And while heading to a flower shop, she looks polished yet laid-back in a chambray shirt under a chic camel coat.

Throughout the trailer, Markle's neutral-toned wardrobe—think oatmeal-hued sweaters and crisp linen aprons—offers a masterclass in California casual.

However, it's not all button-ups and tees; the Duchess of Sussex brings back a blue ship-print Emilia Wickstead dress as she joins Mindy Kaling for a garden-themed tea party in a photo shared by British Vogue. It's a piece the duchess was first seen wearing in a photo on close friend Delfina Blaquier's Instagram Story during a 2022 barbecue.

It's a familiar aesthetic for the Duchess of Sussex, who sported a sleeveless cashmere turtleneck and linen trousers for an event with the Archewell Foundation's Welcome Project ahead of the holiday season. And of course, she's worn a number of similar looks in both her pre- and post-U.K. life, relying on favorites like skinny jeans, Hermès sandals and minimalist gold jewelry.

As for her new show, expect plenty of "tips and tricks" to create the perfect gatherings (and everyday moments) this year. "In With Love, Meghan, we join Meghan in the kitchen, garden—and even at the beehive—as she prepares to host friends both old and new," Netflix wrote in a press release. "Sharing some of her favorite tips and tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting, and more, Meghan reveals how even the most minute details can help add beauty to our lives and, most importantly, help bring people together."

All eight episodes of With Love, Meghan will stream on Netflix Jan. 15—and we're surely in for more fashionable moments once the show drops.

Former prisoner Francesca Fattore, 44, met the Princess of Wales at HMP Send in Surrey, England in 2020. At the time, Fattore had just completed a 12-week rehab program, and she was shocked at the way the royal treated her.

Discussing her meeting with Princess Kate, Fattore told the Express, "Do you know what? The one thing that surprised me about Kate was how she didn't judge—she just didn't care that I was a prisoner." Fattore continued, "The way she was with me, it was just like I was a normal person."

Unfortunately, Fattore hasn't always found people to be as accepting, so Kate's attitude had a lasting impact on the former prisoner. "You have so many people out there judging prisoners and ex-prisoners yet she supports rehabilitation there and I was just shocked that someone like her sat next to me and saw me as equal," Fattore told the outlet.

A former drug dealer whose life was negatively impacted by drugs, Fattore suggested that Princess Kate helped her make positive changes after prison. "I think the main thing that will stay with me...I said to her I was really nervous and I was shaking, literally," Fattore told the outlet. "But she just sat down next to me and I said, 'I am so nervous,' and she said, 'Don’t be silly it is fine.' She just made me feel so relaxed then as well."

Fattore continued, "I said to her that prison was the best thing that happened to me and she said, 'Why do all prisoners say that to me?' She was really shocked that going to prison was the best thing that happened to me."

The former prisoner also referenced Princess Kate's cancer journey, noting that her own mother has been diagnosed with the condition. "If I could give a message to her, it would be to say she is amazing," Fattore said. "I would love to tell her again that I feel so blessed to have met her and it is one of the biggest things that has ever happened to me."

Fattore continued, "She is an inspiration to so many women—she is amazing, genuine, and I think she is an absolutely amazing woman."

While watching BBC2 documentary Princess Margaret: The Royal Rebel in 2020, British TV presenter Fern Britton took to X to write (via the Daily Mail), "Watching the documentary about Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon on @BBC2. I interviewed Lord Snowdon about 12 years ago and I can tell you he was the most spectacularly rude and uncooperative interviewee I have ever met. And I've met a few so, Bravo!"

As reported by the Daily Mail, Britton wasn't the only person to experience Snowdon's alleged rudeness. During an appearance on BBC series Great Lives, Armstrong-Jones was meant to discuss his admiration of Mini designer Alec Issigonis. However, "he reportedly demanded a glass of wine and seemed to have little interest in or knowledge of Issigonis," the Daily Mail explained. "His behavior made the presenter feel as though Snowdon regretted even agreeing to feature on the show."

It would seem that Princess Margaret had just as many detractors as her former husband. Sir Roy Strong, who had been an attendee at Princess Margaret's dinner parties, reportedly didn't have much affection for the royal. Per the Daily Mail, Strong called Margaret "so inconsiderate" in a diary entry, and revealed that he "really couldn't stand any more of it."

Strong explained, "This was a Princess who never seemed to think of anything other than everyone's role to fulfill her slightest whim."

I’m not alone in my newfound love for a chocolate mani—it's made it's way onto countless celebrity manicures this winter. Blake Lively, Selena Gomez, and even Hailey Bieber, the great predictor of popular nail colors, co-signed the trend with her soft brown manicure tied to the launch of the Cinnamon Roll Peptide Lip Treatment last month.

The cozy, warm shade is quickly cementing itself as the it-neutral for 2025. “What I love about brown is it can read as a rich neutral on dark skin, but then act like such a statement on paler skin,” says celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein. “That's what I've always loved, and why it's always been in my kit.”

While a single-polish nail set always hits, trying out new color combinations and creative designs using trending shades of coffee can be incredibly chic. From tortoiseshell tips to chocolate-glazed donut chrome, there are endless possibilities for fun yet fashionable brown nail designs.

To help you find some inspo for your next nail appointment, I’ve scoured the depths of Instagram and tapped four celebrity nail artists to share their favorite takes on the brown nail design trend.

Tortoise Shell Nails

Tortoise shell manicures took fall nail trends by storm—and rest assured, there will be plenty more this winter. "I was the pattern creator in 2013,” Gerstein shares, adding that she recently did the look on Blake Lively (as seen above). The chic look combines a variety of brown polish shades—from light amber to dark chocolate.

Brown Marble Mani

For gorgeous, latté nails (yum), a brown marble manicure is the perfect look. To create the "stone-like" design, nail artist Priscilla Nguyen says to "swirl multiple shades of brown against white, green, or any base your heart desires."

Chocolate Glazed Donut

Hailey Bieber created waves with her chocolate glazed donut nails, which are essentially brown nail polish topped with chrome powder. To emulate her look, Vicki Ornellas, a nail technician and Global Educator at Ardell, suggests applying two coats of brown polish and a layer of white chome powder on top. "Clients that never wear the same color have worn this two to three times!" she says.

Blooming (Gel) Flowers

I've always loved the look of blooming gel, and these brown flowers are perfect for carrying the winter color trend into the spring. "Blooming gel is a must-have to create that beautiful flowery effect that looks almost like coffee and milk mixed together," says nail artist Sharon Ladokun. She recommends using the French Manicure Gel Cairo Ombrés Set from Aprés Nail.

Blue to Brown Gradient

"Blue and brown was one of the biggest color palettes for nail art this year,” says Gerstein. While there are endless ways to combine these stunning shades, @macokwsk's light blue to dark brown gradient is a personal favorite.

Soft Sweater Nails

"Sweater nails can be done with any color, but using brown is the best way to bring out the classic design," explains Nguyen. The 3D look adds a fun pop (literally) to an otherwise neutral nail look. Finish the design with a matte top coat for the most realistic approach.

Swirling Shades of Brown

Brown nails definitely don't have to be basic. As seen on Jenna Ortega at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, neutral nails topped with structured swirls of polish are an elegant take on the trend. For easy application, use a small detail brush to swipe on swirls of several brown shades.

Classic Dark Chocolate

You can't go wrong with a classic, clean mani. Gerstein says that solid dark chocolate nails are Lupita Nyong'o's absolute favorite. "It's her neutral," she says. "The first time I ever put a dark chocolate on her, she was like, 'Whoa.'"

Polka Dot Party

This stylish manicure combines two 2025 trends: brown nails and polka dots. And it couldn't be easier to create. Lay down your favorite shade of brown, and top with tiny dots of white polish using a dotting tool.

Brown Base with Translucent Tips

Nguyen recently stepped out of the box with this see-through set. "I polished the brown gel color on two-thirds of the tips, leaving the ends clear. I then added three small caviar nail beads on top of the clear for an extra oomph and texture," she explains. "I called it boujee minimalist."

Sultry Pops of Red Wine

"One of the biggest, unexpected color trends that I saw was brown paired with wine red,” Gerstein says. In this fun take, she combined her iconic tortoise shell design with a bright magenta polish.

Tiger's Eye Glimmer

This light-catching brown mani inspired by a tiger's eye stone is mesmerizing. "You can mimic a tiger's eye stone by using brown cat eye gel polishes," says Nguyen. She notes that you can also use layers of brown and orange polish, but I think a few coats of CND's "Purplexity" will do the trick.

Inside Out Ombre

There's no reason to settle for one shade of brown when your next nail set can host multiple. For this stunning design, apply the lightest shade on the center of the nail and the darkest by the outer edges. Dabbing on the polish with a sponge makes it super easy to create.

Burberry-Inspired Brown Plaid

This complex manicure is deceivingly easy to do. "It's a simple and fun design made by lining different shades of brown on top of each other," says Nguyen. The finished product is so luxe it looks straight out of a Burberry catalog.

All Shades of Brown

For a more colorful brown manicure, sweep any and all shades of brown across your nails just as Gerstein did in her design—and you don't even need a large polish collection to do it. "The way to get all those shades is to add white and black so you can make it darker or lighter," she shares.

Brown French Tips

French tips are classic and well-known designs, which makes it extra fun to change them up and swap out colors depending on the current trends and seasons. Simply swipe your preferred shade of brown across the very tops of your nails, and you're all set.

Blinged Out Browns

If you're as obsessed with jewelry as I am, you'll love adding a little bling to your mani. Whether placing a few brown rhinestones on neutral nails or embellishing tortoise shell tips with gold beads, the options are endless. "Rhinestones and crystals are fun to add to any nail design, says Nguyen. "You don’t even need to paint any nail art—let the rhinestones and crystals do the work for you!"

Mocha Zebra Nails

Animal print had a major comeback this year, and I love this trendy take on zebra print. Stack a rich chocolate like Artistic's "From AM to PM" on top of a creamy brown like Chaun Legend's "Bite Me" for the perfect mocha color combo.

Teddy Bear Love

Even the girly girls can rock brown nails. Throw on your favorite shade of pink and top the look with a sweet brown heart for a teddy bear-esque nail set.

Monochromatic Squiggles

"Whether it's abstract line work or French nails, different shades of brown can make each color pop against each other," says Nguyen. Try out this squiggly line design for a fun way to show off all your favorite shades of brown.

Savanna Stones

You can create a pebble-like design by painting on a few thick strokes of white paint with rounded edges. With an amber brown like Chanel's recent nail lacquer release in shade "Faun," your nails will look straight out of the Savanna Desert.

Sparkly Coffee

A rich coffee bean color can shine on its own, but adding brown glitter gives it that extra oomph. Even Victoria Monet rocked a gorgeous dark brown glittery manicure during the Grammys.

Feisty Cheetah with Gold Flecks

Cheetah print is having a serious resurgence in 2025, doubling as a maximalist pattern and an everyday neutral for true cheetah lovers. Bring the trend to your nails by layering caramel, chocolate, and nearly black shades of brown polish with a dotting tool.

Subtle Sandy Mani

Winnie Harlow recently showed off her caramel brown ombre nails on Instagram, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. The neutral color combo creates a stunningly subtle nod to the brown nail trend.

Gradient Autumn Tones

From an extra-creamy latte to a shot of espresso, you can rock every shade of coffee all in one mani. Apply a different shade of brown on each nail, so you never have to choose a favorite.

Best Brown Nail Products

Meet the Experts

While everyone else was dressed up in New Year's Eve shimmer, style stars across the nation were abiding by a different holiday dress code. To celebrate the beginning of 2025, celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid wore teeny-tiny bikinis instead of full-on 'fits.

Bieber eschewed tradition completely in a baby pink style topped with a cheetah print coat. Meanwhile, Hadid's swimwear selection paid tribute to a historic New Year's custom. While promoting her fragrance brand Ôrebella, the supermodel donned a string bikini with golden ring details at each hip.

Her two-piece came in a festive crimson red—the customary color of the Chinese New Year. The vivid hue symbolizes good fortune and prosperity and is believed to ward off of evil spirits.

In addition to its lucky associations, Hadid's NYE look was also reminiscent of another cultural moment—albeit, pop culture. Her lipstick red suit was immediately familiar to anyone who watched last year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The model returned to the infamous runway in October, wearing a lingerie set that looked incredibly similar.

It, too, featured a string-y bottom accented with yellow gold hoops and a cherry-colored bra to match. The similarities end there, however. On the runway, Hadid's look was styled dramatically with a feathered statement cape and beaded high heeled sandals. Meanwhile, on Jan. 1, she merchandised with Western-inspired accessories that felt authentically Bella (read: cowboy boots, mixed metal bracelets, and a silken scarf).

That's certainly one way to start off the new year...

Royal expert and biographer Ingrid Seward spoke to OK! magazine about the late Queen's special relationship with Duchess Sophie. "With the exception of her daughter Anne, the Queen was closer to Sophie than any of the other royal women," Seward told the outlet. "It really was a genuine closeness, and Elizabeth was always Sophie's biggest confidante."

As for why Sophie was deemed so special by the late monarch, Seward told the publication, "The Queen found her very down to earth, because she refused to have expensive security and things like that, and she loved her lack of airs and graces. I think she saw Sophie as a bit of a surrogate daughter, too."

Royal expert Katie Nicholl also opened up about Duchess Sophie's connection to the late Queen, saying (via OK!), "Sophie had a wonderful relationship with the Queen, and she never saw it as a chore." Nicholl continued, "She was very willing to step up and provide support when needed, and she did it with quiet enthusiasm, and always with a cheerful smile. I think in return, Elizabeth learned not just to rely on Sophie, but to trust her implicitly."

Duchess Sophie also had a lot in common with her mother-in-law, according to Seward. "They had a real love of military history in common," the expert explained. "Sophie apparently once went to the First World War battlefields and museums of northern France, which obviously the Queen wasn't able to do. So Sophie rang her from there to tell her about it."

Per OK!, courtiers previously shared that it was Duchess Sophie who managed to convince Queen Elizabeth to watch The Crown. The Queen's decision to watch the Netflix hit, and point out discrepancies, was evidence of the implicit trust she had in her daughter-in-law.

"I think she saw in Sophie a very sensible young woman, and she was quick to welcome her into the inner circle," Nicholl explained. "Sophie knew her place in the hierarchy of The Firm, and never caused any problems. Even in the early days, when there was a bit of drama surrounding her, the Queen stood by her."

Fans were previously in the dark as to what the show—which features cooking, gardening, and other home and lifestyle content—was called, but in her new post, the duchess revealed the eight-part series is titled With Love, Meghan and will stream on Netflix Jan. 15.

"I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it," she captioned the Instagram video. "Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun!"

She signed the post, "As ever, Meghan."

In the clip, which is set to the 1960s hit "Do You Believe in Magic," Markle channels a mix of Martha Stewart and fellow Montecito, California resident Gwyneth Paltrow as she whips up some recipes, selects flowers at a shop, toasts with friends and even dons a beekeeper suit.

"I've always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it," she says in a voiceover," adding that she enjoys "surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them."

Mindy Kaling also stars in the clip, exclaiming, "What?! This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life" as Meghan covers her face and laughs.

Regarding her show's content, the Duchess of Sussex says she's "going to share some little tips and tricks" for viewers that she's learned over the years. "This is about connecting with friends, making new friends and just learning" she shares as footage of the duchess wearing an apron next to longtime makeup artist Daniel Martin plays.

Per Netflix, all eight episodes, which were filmed in Montecito, will drop on Jan. 15.

"In each episode, Meghan invites friends old and new to roll up their sleeves and join her in the kitchen, garden, and beyond," the streamer wrote in a press release. "Whether Meghan is sharing personal tips and tricks, or taking the opportunity to learn something new, it’s a time for connection. Guests include Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, Alice Waters, with additional acclaimed chefs and special friends."

This marks Markle's second Instagram Reel on her new @meghan account, with her first post featuring a video of herself running through across a beach in a white outfit and writing "2025" in the sand.

As for what each episode holds, tune into Netflix on Jan. 15.

Unstoppable tells the inspirational true story of athlete Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg and defied expectations by becoming a champion wrestler in college. In the movie, Lopez plays Judy Robles, who overcame obstacles of her own (including financial hardships and domestic violence) while raising Anthony as a single mother.

The real Judy Robles has been joining Lopez in promoting the film and, according to Variety, has earned standing ovations at screenings of the movie.

“I tell her all the time, ‘You need to own who you are and what you’ve done,’” Lopez told Variety of the inspiring woman she plays in Unstoppable. “You’re inspiring every mother who has ever struggled. You really have triumphed. You’ve raised a son who has become a leader, and you deserve credit.’ But she’s very humble.”

Lopez also touched on the similarities between Judy's story and her own during the interview.

“We both grew up Latina in this country," Lopez said. "We both had children and have hopes and dreams for them. We both had challenging relationships, which left us holding our families together.”

While Lopez didn't elaborate on the "challenging relationships" she's dealt with in her own life, the comment came amid the actress and singer's divorce from Ben Affleck. Instead of lingering on the specific challenges she and Judy Robles have faced, Lopez turned the conversation toward the ways those challenges made them both stronger in the long-run.

“From the minute women are born, we’re always having to prove ourselves, to show we’re good enough,” she explained. “That creates a type of strength. And then a lot of us give birth—and there’s nothing that makes you stronger than doing that.”

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, the brother of Princess Diana, had four children with his first wife, Victoria Aitken, formerly known as Victoria, Countess Spencer. The couple, who divorced in 1997, welcomed daughter Lady Kitty Spencer, twin girls Lady Eliza Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer, and son Louis Frederick John Spencer, Viscount Althorp during their marriage.

According to The Sun, Charles and Victoria's children "grew up abroad and away from the limelight," with the outlet noting that Princess Diana's nieces subsequently earned a "wild child" label.

In 2016, Lady Kitty opened up about her royal aunt in an interview with Vanity Fair. "I was so young [when Diana was alive]," Kitty explained to the outlet. "There are only a few memories, but special memories and happy memories, and I'm so lucky to have those."

Just last year, twins Amelia and Eliza reflected on their own memories of Princess Diana. As the family grew up in South Africa, they were somewhat removed from the incessant press attention surrounding their aunt in the United Kingdom. Recalling a photographer approaching them once when they were with Diana, Eliza explained to Tatler in 2024, "Obviously it could have been quite terrifying for us, being so young and not understanding what was happening. But she turned it into a game of who could get back to the car first." Eliza continued, "It was amazing how she protected us in a way that made us feel safe and not frightened. We had no idea what she was doing at the time."

When Charles Spencer told the twins that Diana had died, Eliza replied, "But not in real life, Daddy," per Tatler. "She thought it was such a terrible story that it must be a fairytale," the outlet reported.

Eliza told Tatler that Diana was "incredibly warm, maternal and loving. She always made an effort to connect with us as children and had a talent for reading children's hearts." Understandably, Diana's death was life-changing for the entire family. "As a child, I realized the enormity of the loss for my father and family," Eliza explained. "It was only later that I came to understand the significance of the loss of her as a figure in the world."

The three women have since followed in Diana's footsteps in several ways, from displaying their fashion prowess to supporting multiple charitable endeavors. It would seem as though Princess Diana's influence will continue to impact Kitty, Eliza, and Amelia throughout their lives.

Her NYE celebrations were extravagant from beginning to end. There were top-shelf martinis and In-N-Out burgers covered in caviar. And, of course, Bieber's outfit was just as over-the-top. To ring in 2025, she eschewed the traditional holiday glimmer, choosing animal print over sequins. Even so, her outfit was a total show-stopper in more ways than one.

The model dressed scantily, wearing a $148 baby-pink bikini from fashion label With Jéan. It featured ruched, milkmaid-inspired detailing on the cups and a matching string bikini bottom. Going for luxury over flash, Bieber topped her swimwear with an expensive-looking fur coat covered in cheetah spots.

Bieber chose drama over the typical NYE uniform once again in the footwear department. She left her high heels at home, instead slipping on a pair of chunky Moon Boots (a current celebrity favorite) for the celebratory occasion. The $295 style boasted the brand's signature exaggerated shape, but with an Ugg-inspired suede outer.

Bieber was one of many stylish stars who chose to go sparkle-free on New Year's Eve. Rihanna, for example, wore only black leather—slouchy over-the-knee boots and a bomber jacket—for her Dec. 31 outing. Selena Gomez, meanwhile, went for a simple LBD (her signature move) and let her massive engagement ring act as her outfit's only glitz.

Though Bieber's look was certainly more audacious than an all-black 'fit, it was still notably different from the holiday norm—different in a really good way.

Speaking to Marie Claire, royal biographer Robert Hardman says a balcony appearance to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—which is coming up in May—probably isn't happening, and there's a good reason why.

"I think The King has a view—he certainly felt they were very overexposed in 2022 and 2023 given you had the Platinum Jubilee, then The Queen's death, then the coronation," Hardman shares. "There was an awful lot of royal air time. He gets the fact that you don't want to overdo it."

Referencing the close timeline between the VE Day celebrations in early May and Trooping the Colour in June, the Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy author continues, "I think if you had all the family on the balcony in May for VE Day, then had them all back on the balcony again a month later for his birthday, it might fill a bit like overkill."

"People have an appetite to see the family, but it's a limited appetite, so you don't want to push it," the royal expert adds.

Hardman says that as for the Royal Family, the public should "expect to see them at events, but not necessarily a balcony," pointing out that during the 50th anniversary of VE Day in 1995, "there was a balcony appearance, but it was only The Queen, Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother because they were on the balcony in 1945 and they were part of that wartime generation."

"Given there are no [senior] royals left who were part of that wartime generation, this is a day for the veterans, not a day for the monarchy," he adds.

However, Hardman does think fans could potentially see Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for the "big commemorations" in May. "That's a sort of moment where you do get street parties and big international events, so we might see them."

He continues that Prince William and Prince Harry made an appearance with their parents during the 1995 commemorations, even though the then-Prince and Princess of Wales were separated at the time.

"It was deemed appropriate for Charles, Diana, and both boys to appear in public together for the 50th anniversary of VE Day, so maybe the 80th will be an opportunity to see the [Wales] kids out and about," Hardman notes.

Speaking to the Mirror, royal historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop agreed that a full family photo op doesn't seem to be in the cards. "All the royals, Harry included, do remembrance well and May 2025 sees the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two," Dunlop said.

However, she added that "a balcony shot with the whole Windsor clan is probably too much to ask for."

In past years, such as the 60th and 70th anniversaries of VE Day, members of the Royal Family attended a service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, making it likely that there will be another service planned for May.

And while specific plans for the VE Day celebrations haven't yet been announced, there will certainly be plenty of royal commemorations for this historic event—even if there's not a balcony moment.

"To avoid any misunderstandings in the press: Unfortunately, we cannot attend church today," she wrote on Instagram. "Durek is in the hospital receiving dialysis, which he has to have 3 times a week, and today is one of those days. I am very ill, and cannot come because of that."

Princess Märtha Louise further noted that she had no pleasure in feeling the need to dispel any potential rumors about her husband and family. "Sad that we have to justify why we are not at church, so as not to create speculation that there is discord in the family, which there is not," she wrote. "We still love each other. Fortunately. We would have attended if we could. But it didn’t work out this year. Merry Christmas!"

Speculation about the couple's relationship with the Norwegian Royal Family springs from the fact that Verrett is a self-styled shaman and alternative therapist. Verrett is known for his work in Los Angeles with celebrity clientele, which reportedly includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Nina Dobrev.

Prior to their wedding, Princess Märtha Louise defended Verrett against what she called "lies" attempting to discredit him, his upbringing, and his career.

"[Nordic publication] Se og Hør just repeats the lies until everybody believes them," she wrote on Instagram. "This time they are repeating the lie that Durek was not from a wealthy family as a child (because his mom says so who got money from spreading whatever lies she could), when the truth is that he grew up in a good neighborhood, his mom left him at an early age and it was in reality his mom not having money, not him. She wasn’t even around."

She continued, "Durek's father’s bankruptcy came after Durek moved out, so he was not affected by his father’s bankruptcy.”

On Dec. 31, Rihanna was photographed outside an NYC bar celebrating the start of 2025 alongside her partner, A$AP Rocky. As stated, the woman was completely devoid of festive glitz, instead wearing an outfit comprised totally of noir leather.

As one of Hollywood's most exciting dressers, she, of course, still found ways to make the all-black look feel interesting—namely through exaggerated silhouettes and varying textures. Tapping into fashion's leather bomber jacket trend, she sported an oversized version in lieu of a traditional cocktail dress. Her footwear was likewise voluminous: a pair of slouchy $1,995 Amina Muaddi boots that hit mid-thigh.

Though she didn't abide by the rules and regulations of the day, Rihanna did stay true to the dressing standards that matter: her own. When it came time to choose accessories, she employed her favorite designer, toting Bottega Veneta's glossy Kalimero Mini Bucket Bag.

The $5,900 design is a new favorite of Rihanna's, with the star breaking it out multiple times in recent weeks. The Saturday before, for example, she used the same patent leather bucket bag to elevate a casual-cool 'fit, styling it with gray jeans and a matching hoodie.

New year, same bag.

Shop Edgy Separates Inspired By Rihanna

That’s where INNBEAUTY Project’s newest launch, Calm the Red Down Serum, comes into play.

I’m generally not one to buy into over-the-counter products claiming to treat complex skin conditions (I’ll stick to my prescriptions, thank you very much), but after learning that the brand invested nearly $200,000 on clinical trials to prove Calm the Red Down Serum’s efficacy, I felt comfortable enough to give it a fair try.

Launching today and retailing for $54, the dual-chamber product offers two formulas: one to treat flares long-term and another to disguise them immediately.

On the left-hand side is a white, creamy, soothing serum that’s formulated with azelaic acid—a dermatologist-loved ingredient that's clinically proven to reduce redness—hydrating peptides, and cooling mushroom extract. Its goal: target the root cause of redness and soothe hot-to-the-touch skin (if you know, you know).

On the right side is a green-tinted barrel packed with centella asiatica, a very calming plant extract, and ceramides, which are intended to correct redness and blotchiness on impact.

One full pump put a decent amount of product in my hand; roughly a peanut-sized dollop came from each side. It's best to apply them separately, so I start off with the green side, which is watery and oily, and top it off with the white serum, which has a thicker, milkier texture, while the green side is a bit watery and oily.

I’m not in a terrible flare at the moment, but I still have some underlying rosiness on my cheeks. It took a little while to rub in fully—and candidly, there’s a bit of a pencil-shaving smell to contend with—but seeing the results in action is well worth the exercise in patience.

Within roughly one minute, every little spec of pink was neutralized, giving me an always-elusive, even skin tone. It didn’t sting or burn (a big pro for my incredibly sensitive skin) and even gave my complexion a hydrated glow.

While I still need to see if this product actually reduces my rosacea flares over time, I can confidently say that it has calmed the bit of redness I had within just a week—and I haven’t worn foundation in days, thanks to the product's redness-canceling powers. If you, too, have rosacea, you know that’s a huge win.

Why Trust Marie Claire

Marie Claire is an expert in skincare, covering topics ranging from how to find the best cleanser for your skin type and the best sunscreens to what serum is right for you. Samantha Holender is a Senior Beauty Editor with nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She is uniquely qualified to review this particular product because she has rosacea and sensitive skin. She has previously written stories about the best skincare products for rosacea, the best foundations for rosacea, and what ingredients to avoid if you have sensitive skin.

Below, we're rounding up the best thrillers of 2025, including what's headed to theaters soon and later in the year. (For movies to watch right now, check out our round-up of the best thrillers of 2024.)

'Both Eyes Open'

Release date: January 17

Starring: Gail Bean, Taye Diggs, Joy Brunson, Tristan Mack Wilds, Michael Olyede, Christie Leverette, and Carla Fisher

Why it’s worth seeing: Rising filmmaker Ariel Julia Hairston’s upcoming indie psychological thriller centers on Ally (Gail Bean), a woman experiencing hallucinations of her abuser after exiting a domestic violence shelter. As it turns out that her concern may not be paranoia, you can bet Both Eyes Open will become a compelling look at how trauma manifests. (All the more reason to see this one: An astounding number of the crew and production heads were Black women, which we love to see.)

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Flight Risk'

Release date: January 24

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace

Why it’s worth seeing: Buckle up: This one’s sure to be a wild ride (and probably not for those with claustrophobia). Mel Gibson’s latest is almost entirely set aboard a tight, frigid flight in which a pilot is tasked with transporting a U.S. marshal and fugitive to trial. But is everyone who they claim to be?

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Inheritance'

Release date: January 24

Starring: Phoebe Dynevor, Rhys Ifans, Ciara Baxendale, and Kersti Bryan

Why it’s worth seeing: After seeing Phoebe Dynevor lead the erotic/workplace thriller Fair Play, we’re looking forward to seeing the Bridgerton alum in an espionage movie. She leads this thriller as a young woman drawn into an international conspiracy when she learns that her father used to be a spy.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Presence'

Release date: January 24

Starring: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Lucas Papaelias, West Mulholland, and Eddy Maday

Why it’s worth seeing: You’ve never seen a haunted house movie like this. Steven Soderbergh, known for his innovative filmmaking tactics like shooting on an iPhone, is toying with the genre by making this movie told entirely through the ghost’s (or presence’s) perspective. Through their POV, we’ll see a family become frightened upon moving into a new house.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Companion'

Release date: January 31

Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, and Harvey Guillén

Why it’s worth seeing: If you liked the 2022 hit horror movie Barbarian, check out Companion: It comes from the same production team and twists abound. The wickedly funny and surprising thriller, written and directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Drew Hancock, centers around a twisted love story and a weekend away gone very wrong. The plot has been kept under wraps, but, trust us, don’t look up any spoilers before going into this one.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Like Father Like Son'

Release date: January 31

Starring: Dylan Flashner, Ariel Winter, Vivica A. Fox, Mayim Bialik and Dermot Mulroney

Why it’s worth seeing: Many of us start to notice similarities between ourselves and our parents as we get older, but what if you began to pick up similar…murderous tendencies? As is the case with the young man Eli (Dylan Flashner) in this movie, who becomes increasingly violent and hopes to break a vicious cycle within his family, as his father (Dermot Mulroney) is awaiting execution for being guilty of murder in the first degree.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Valiant One'

Release date: January 31

Starring: Chase Stokes, Lana Condor, Desmin Borges, Callan Mulvey, Jonathan Whitesell, and Daniel Jun

Why it’s worth seeing: Lana Condor is showing her range and we’re here for it. The To All the Boys alum and Outer Banks star Chase Stokes lead this war film that follows U.S. soldiers and a civilian tech specialist whose helicopter crashes in dangerous North Korean territory, setting out on a mission to get to safety.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Armand'

Release date: February 7

Starring: Renate Reinsve, Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Endre Hellestveit, Thea Lambrechts Vaulen, Øystein Røger, and Vera Veljovic

Why it’s worth seeing: If you loved Renate Reinsve’s breakout performance in The Worst Person in the World, check out Armand, in which she’s showing a completely different role. In the Norweigan thriller (officially Norway’s submission for Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars), she plays the mother of a boy named Armand who gets in trouble for an incident involving himself and another boy at school. Amid public scrutiny and concern that the incident might mean something more, she begins to unravel.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Bring Them Down'

Release date: February 7

Starring: Barry Keoghan, Christopher Abbott, Nora-Jane Noone, Paul Ready, Aaron Heffernan, Conor McNeill, Susan Lynch, and Colm Meaney

Why it’s worth seeing: With Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott leading this indie thriller and Toronto Film Festival favorite, you can bet there will be incredible performances here. They go toe-to-toe in this Ireland-set drama about two farming families with a dark, melodramatic history, which all comes to a head when the son of one farmer (Keoghan) claims the other family’s prize rams were found dead on their property.

WATCH THE TEASER

'The Gorge'

Release date: February 14 on Apple TV+

Starring: Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sigourney Weaver, Sope Dirisu, and William Houston

Why it’s worth seeing: After her incredible turn as a bonafide action star in Furiosa, we’ll watch Anya Taylor-Joy lead any action-thriller movie. She and Miles Teller play guards holding posts on the opposite sides of a mysterious gorge, which houses a secret evil. Though they don’t know what they’re protecting, they work together when it comes under threat. The screenplay for The Gorge ended up on the 2020 Black List, or the list of the best-unproduced scripts, so you can bet it’ll be gripping.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Last Breath'

Release date: February 28

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis, and Djimon Hounsou

Why it’s worth seeing: Filmmaker Alex Parkinson adapts his 2019 documentary of the same name into a feature. A survivalist thriller, it tells the harrowing yet inspiring true story of a group of deepsea divers’ race against the clock to rescue one of their teammates stuck without heat or light hundreds of feet under the sea.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Black Bag'

Release date: March 14

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Burke

Why it’s worth seeing: Steven Soderbergh has not one but two highly anticipated thrillers coming in 2025. He’ll release the espionage movie Black Bag just two months after Presence hits theaters. The cast is just as stacked, with Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender playing a loving married couple and spy duo who start to face off when she’s suspected of treason.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'The Amateur'

Release Date: April 11

Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, Danny Sapani, and Laurence Fishburne

Why it’s worth seeing: Is 2025 the year of spy movies? It might be! This adaptation of Robert Littell’s novel of the same name stars Rami Malek as a CIA cryptographer on a one-man vengeance mission. He sets out to get to the bottom of a terrorist attack in London, which resulted in his wife’s death, when his bosses won’t act.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Drop'

Release date: April 11

Starring: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Jeffery Self, Gabrielle Ryan Spring, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Ed Weeks, Travis Nelson, and Reed Diamond

Why it’s worth seeing: We’ve all had our fair share of bad dates, but few may compare to what happens to Meghann Fahy’s character Violet in this thriller. The latest from Christopher Landon (known for helming horror hits like the Paranormal Activity and Happy Death Day movies) follows a young widowed mother trying to get back in the dating game whose night with a pleasantly sweet charmer named Henry (Brandon Skienar) turns into a nightmare. Throughout the evening, she receives concerning texts with a series of commands, threatening to hurt her and her family if she doesn’t listen.

'Hurry Up Tomorrow'

Release date: May 16

Starring: The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan

Why it’s worth seeing: The Weeknd may have had a cameo playing himself in Uncut Gems and led HBO’s series The Idol, but he’ll make his major acting feature film debut in Hurry Up Tomorrow. The details are scarce, but the thriller from acclaimed indie filmmaker Trey Edward Shults (Waves, It Comes at Night) is said to be inspired by the R&B hitmaker’s forthcoming new music.

'M3GAN 2.0'

Release date: June 27

Starring: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Ivanna Sakhno, Timm Sharp, Aristotle Athari, and Jemaine Clement

Why it’s worth seeing: Everyone’s favorite, killer robot queen is returning to the big screen, which means this is already the best movie of 2025. After the Blumhouse tech horror film became a surprise box-office smash in 2022, a sequel was greenlit, and all we know is it’s set to follow the doll’s comeback, after being deactivated. Thank goodness: May more deranged dance moves be in store.

Untitled 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' sequel

Release date: July 18

Starring: Freddie Prinze Jr., Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Haur-King, Lola Tung, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Austin Nichols, and Gabbriette

Why it’s worth seeing: It looks like what ‘90s movie classic I Know What You Did Last Summer was for Gen X stars, the reboot will be for Gen Z/millennial cusp favorites. The franchise about a group of friends being stalked by a killer after a tragic accident is the latest horror series to come back. It has the same premise, though details are being kept hush-hush. You can get excited in the meantime, though, knowing the original series’ heartthrob Freddie Prinze Jr. is returning.

Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson movie

Release date: August 8

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Alana Haim, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, and Benicio del Toro

Why it’s worth seeing: A new PTA movie on the way is simply another reason worth living! As always, the iconic filmmaker (Phantom Thread, Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) has garnered an incredible cast—featuring some of his past collaborators like Licorice Pizza star Alana Haim and some names we’re thrilled to see him working with, from Leonardo DiCaprio to Regina Hall. All we know is that it’s a crime drama and, by the looks of the pap shots that surfaced throughout production, it looks bonkers.

'The Housemaid'

Release date: December 25

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar

Why it’s worth seeing: Sydney Sweeney’s become a bit of a scream queen over her career, and we can’t wait to see her lead this adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel of the same name. In it, she becomes the housemaid to a seemingly sweet, affluent couple (Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar), only to find out they have some dark secrets behind closed doors.

'Opus'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance Film Festival in January

Starring: Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, and Amber Midthunder

Why it’s worth seeing: We may know Ayo Edebiri for her comedic chops, but we’d bet she’ll wow us in this genre-defying A24 thriller. The Emmy winner will play a writer who finds herself shocked to be invited to the compound of a former pop star who disappeared under mysterious circumstances three decades ago. As you might’ve suspected, everything is not as it seems upon arrival and as she’s drawn into the singer’s web and world. (Here’s to hoping there’s a sick original soundtrack too!)

On New Year's Eve, the 44-year-old Grammy winner decided to close out 2024 by sharing a video with a montage of highlights from her year. While the video included plenty of good memories from Aguilera's best moments of 2024, it opened with a slew of screenshots of comments she's been bombarded with from people weighing in on her appearance.

The screenshots Aguilera used to open the video included critical comments calling her "fake" and unrecognizable, declaring that she no longer looks like herself, as well as praise for her appearance with comments suggesting she looks like her 2002 self and that a "time machine" or "witchcraft" must be involved in her youthful look. The point is clear: Positive or negative, everyone seems to have an opinion about the "Beautiful" singer's looks.

In voiceover included in the video's audio track, Aguilera talks about being "shamed," "labeled," and "judged" and striving for confidence.

"This year, doing something a little different," she wrote in the post's caption. "This is a reminder to everyone that you are your OWN STORYTELLER in your OWN LIFE. No one else can dictate who you are. No one deserves an explanation."

The declaration that "no one deserves an explanation" calls back to comments Aguilera made earlier this year about her decision not to engage with rumors that recent changes in her appearance are a result of Ozempic use.

“I have a maturity now where I just don’t give a fuck about your opinion. I’m not going to take it on,” Aguilera said in her August cover story interview with Glamour. “It must be your responsibility to take up your space. Other people’s opinions of me are not my business.”

In her end-of-2024 Instagram post caption, Aguilera reflected the ubiquity of judgement from others and the importance of self-acceptance in dealing with that judgement.

"I am evolved enough to know that nothing comes easy and no one is perfect," she continued. "Everyone will judge you. No matter WHAT you do. And/or what you don’t do. Acceptance comes with accepting yourself first. And the difficult journey it takes sometimes to get there. I celebrate everyone taking the time to put one step in front of the next everyday in order to build the next version of themselves for the better. Allowing yourself grace, patience and respect..."

So to recap, the Aguilera-approved approach to a better life in 2025 includes accepting yourself, owning your own story, and not letting outside judgements live rent free in your mind, which honestly sounds like a pretty good plan for, well, literally everyone.

While legal experts say a number of factors contributed to the former couple's drawn-out divorce process, a source close to Pitt says one factor topped the list when it came to his decision to finally settle: His girlfriend, Ines de Ramon.

The jewelry designed reportedly pushed Pitt to put an end to the legal battle—which began the better part of a decade ago, when Jolie filed for divorce in 2016—so that their life together could move forward.

“He was influenced by Ines to finally settle,” an insider close to Pitt and de Ramon told Page Six. “Ines wants to have a life together—with possibly children in the future—without the albatross that was the eight-year War of the Roses.”

Pitt and de Ramon were first linked in November 2022, when they were spotted backstage at a Los Angeles Bono concert together and, in February 2024, a source confirmed to People that the couple had moved in together. That source described the decision as the "natural" next step for the couple and said the actor "couldn't be happier" and has "found his spark again" since he started seeing de Ramon.

And it sounds like things can get even better for the couple now that he and Jolie have reached their divorce settlement.

“She has made [it known that] her opinion is that life would be much more enjoyable with this settled,” the Page Six source added of de Ramon encouraging Pitt to settle.

A second source told the outlet that de Ramon is a "positive influence" on Pitt in general, adding that she "has a really good perspective on things"—including the need for Pitt to end the contentious divorce.

"It’s sad how this whole thing has played out, but at least this is progress in the right direction," the source said of the lengthy legal battle. “Both sides realized it was time to move on. It was mutually beneficial to get it done with.”

For her part, Jolie is reportedly happy to have the divorce settled, too. A source close to the actress told People that the 8-year-long process was "horrendous" for Jolie and her lawyer confirmed in a statement that she's "exhausted," but "relieved this one part is over" (Pitt and Jolie's legal battle over their French winery, Chateau Miraval, remains ongoing—possibly forever).

Just days after the actress filed suit again Baldoni detailing the sexual harassment she says she experienced on the film's set and his alleged campaign to publicly "destroy" her reputation and undermine her credibility, a source told People Lively hasn't been letting the legal battle dominate her private life.

"She enjoyed the holidays and very much tries to live in the moment right now," the insider revealed.

Still, Lively isn't in denial about what lies ahead as her complaint moves forward and the source says that, even as she's been spending time with loved ones over the holidays, the actress has stayed "in contact with her team" and "knows she'll have an explosive start to the new year."

Lively is prepared for the long battle ahead of her. As People notes, her initial December 20 complaint with the California Civil Rights Department is a prerequisite to bringing a workplace harassment lawsuit in California—and could be the first step for what the outlet's report says "has the potential to be an ugly legal battle."

The insider says Lively is prepared for whatever ugliness pursuing the suit might bring though.

"She still believes she's doing the right thing," the source added. "She's ready to tackle whatever comes her way."

Since news of Lively's lawsuit broke, several of her friends, former co-stars, and others in the industry who say they've endured similar treatment over the years have spoken out in support of the actress.

And, at home, she has the constant support of her husband, Ryan Reynolds, another source recently told People.

"Ryan is always her rock," the source explained just two days after news of the lawsuit broke. "They have such a special relationship. He's very proud of her in so many ways."

As for how Charles and Camilla managed to save so much money, their decision to fly commercial for most of the trip definitely helped, via People. As reported by the outlet (and The Telegraph), King Charles and Queen Camilla's royal tour of Australia and Samoa cost a total of $372,797, or approximately $62,000 per day. This figure included everything necessary for the royal tour, from travel costs and accommodation, to the couple's meals, events they attended, and general hospitality.

Conversely, both of Queen Elizabeth's most recent trips to Australia cost considerably more than her son's visit. As reported by The Telegraph and People, the late Queen's 2006 visit, which lasted a total of five days, cost a whopping $899,701. When the former monarch returned to Australia in 2011, for an 11-day visit incorporating stops in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth, the trip cost a jaw-dropping $1.6 million.

Despite costing a lot less money, Charles and Camilla's royal tour was definitely eventful. The Australian public went wild during The King and Queen's visit, in spite of republican sentiments putting a stop to some meetings with the royals.

During a visit to the Australian Parliament in Canberra on October 21, 2024, Aboriginal Australian senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted King Charles and shared her dismay at his presence. "You are not our king," she told him, via The New York Times. "Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us."

Thorpe referenced past abuses and colonial genocide, and then requested that the United Kingdom enter into a treaty with Australia’s Indigenous population. "Our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people," Thorpe shouted at Charles. "You destroyed our land."

As Australia is a constitutional monarchy, Charles is technically King, but has very limited powers within the country.

Eagle-eyed royal fans noticed a terse exchange between Kate and Camilla when they attended Queen Elizabeth's funeral and committal service on September 19, 2022.

According to OK! magazine, lip reader Jeremy Freeman noted that, at one point during the event, Prince George seemed to be trying to pinch his sister, Princess Charlotte. Visibly upset, Princess Charlotte apparently shouted, "Ow!" and turned to look at George. Per Freeman, Queen Camilla reacted to the exchange, and allegedly told Kate, "Take her!"

As reported by the Express, viewers apparently noticed the altercation, with one individual writing on social media, "Looks like Prince George and Princess Charlotte have a small disagreement. Look at The Queen Consort, Camilla!"

While lip reader Freeman didn't recount Princess Kate's response, it would seem as though she didn't take too kindly to the strict instruction. However, it's unclear whether Kate responded to Camilla's alleged comments or not.

Royal biographer Tom Quinn previously spoke to The Daily Beast about Princess Kate's parenting methods. "I have heard that Kate has been very good at both accepting the way the system works, but also slightly subversively modifying it," Quinn told the outlet. "[Kate] insisted that William was involved in bedtime, reading to the kids and bathing them, and they split the school run."

Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Kate reportedly declined to have servants to permanently care for their children. "I think it would surprise people to see how ordinary things are at home," a source told the Daily Mail. "The children help with laying the table, clearing their plates when they've finished eating and helping with tidying up. There's no preferential treatment."

Amid reports that Swift plans to make Nashville her home base as she settles into her post-Eras Tour era based in large part on its proximity to Kelce's home in Kansas City, a source close to the couple told the outlet that the NFL tight end is putting the relationship front and center when it comes to shaping his future plans, too.

"Taylor and Travis are all in with each other, that is a simple fact everyone can agree with but as it pertains to where they will live in the foreseeable future, especially together will be judged by a few factors," the Daily Mail source said, adding that Swift would love for Kelce to join her in Nashville—and he plans to do just that.

The insider added that, while the couple's goal is to spend as much time together as possible, the next few months—and, particularly, how the rest of the Chiefs' season plays out—will be pivotal in shaping Kelce's upcoming decisions about his career and, by extension, what the next few years will look like for the pair.

"He's not ready to retire, but if the Chiefs win a third consecutive Super Bowl, Travis will be more prone to retire after his current contract that expires in 2027 and ride off into the sunset and look to start a family with Taylor anywhere she wants, which is leaning towards Nashville," the source said, having previously told the outlet that several factors have made Nashville Swift's top pick for where she and Kelce should start the next phase of their life together.

"New York City is exciting, and Taylor will always consider this home. But she is growing, as is their relationship, and she feels that it is time for her to establish roots in the ground for her future," the source explained. "Nashville is the place where she started her career, and this is all coming full circle. They both love the city....It is beautiful and it offers them the peace and tranquility with the assurance of safety that they both require."

Wherever Swift and Kelce land as they build their life together and whatever steps they take in their respective careers as they do so, the source stresses the decisions will be made together.

"It's been a discussion on what is next," the source said, adding that Swift and Kelce's discussions about their future have "all been productive and they are so on the same page."

As much as this news might sound like a hoax or strange, collective internet fever dream, it's neither. On Sunday, December 29, the Fenty Beauty founder made a surprise appearance at the Girls Love Karaoke event in New York City, where she performed two songs from her 2016 album, Anti (and low-key trolled fans in the process).

In videos of the performance that fans shared online, Rihanna sings her tracks "Needed Me" and "Sex With Me" after warning the audience that she could only spare five minutes because her “battery” was “about to burn out," according to People.

@fentysflo

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The reaction from fans who heard Rihanna's impromptu karaoke performance was mixed. Some focused on the excitement of the moment happening at all with comments like "Imagine going to [karaoke] night and you get a free Rihanna performance," others went in on the performance, criticizing her vocals as "horrible," and roasting the singer with jokes like "the mic was bleeding" and "My cat can sing better.”

@musicnewsz

♬ som original - Music News

Others took a much more playful view of Rihanna's performance as the singer purposefully embracing the bad singing stereotype of karaoke and/or just having a great time without caring how her vocals sounded.

"Say what you about Rihanna’s singing at a drunken karaoke event, however she will always be THAT GIRL," one fan said while defending the performance on X. "The MIC is always ON and that TONE is unmatched. 😘."

Another chimed in on the sheer relatability of the moment, writing on X, "that karaoke video of Rihanna? can’t really hate on her because I sound just like that when I am drunk and out having fun with friends 😭."

And, of course, there were some who took the moment as an opportunity to call for new music from the singer, adding to what she described in a 2023 interview with British Vogue as "toxic pressure" she feels to top Anti with her next album.

"There’s this pressure that I put on myself. That if it’s not better than that then it is not even worth it," she said at the time, adding that it's not a healthy way to approach creating music, which should be "an outlet and a space to create, and you can create whatever."

FWIW, the "Born Again" singer added during that interview that she doesn't plan to let the toxic pressure stop her from releasing more music in the future.

“I realized that if I keep waiting until this feels right and perfect and better, maybe it’s going to keep taking forever and maybe it’ll never come out and no, I’m not down to that," she said. "So I want to play. And by play, I mean I have my ideas in my head, but I can’t say them out loud yet.”

Prior to becoming a member of the Royal Family, Meghan Markle ran a now-defunct lifestyle blog called The Tig. Back in 2016, Meghan wrote, "These make my New Year's resolution list nearly (AKA actually every) single year. The swearing comes in lulls, triggered by being overworked or feeling mighty cheeky after a couple drinks."

Meghan continued, "And when it comes to the biting of the nails—well, it still happens with a turbulent flight or a stressful day. It's unladylike. But then again, so is the swearing. Dammit."

However, Meghan clearly wanted to make changes in 2016, and dropped some seriously inspirational words after her nail-biting and swearing suggestions. "This year, I resolve not to have a resolution," she wrote. "For this new year, the only thing I aim to do is to approach life playfully." She continued, "To laugh and enjoy, to keep my standards high but my level of self-acceptance higher."

Almost as if she knew something extraordinary was in store for her, the Duchess of Sussex wrote, "My New Year's resolution is to leave room for magic. To make my plans, and be okay if they sometimes break. To set my goals, but to be open to change."

If you've been struggling to make your own list of resolutions, it certainly wouldn't hurt to borrow some of Meghan's ideas for 2024.

As reported by The Sun, royal fans waiting outside of the church in Sandringham listened to the festive service via loud speakers. During the sermon, Rev. Canon Paul Williams reportedly showed the crowd a Terry's Chocolate Orange, a traditional festive U.K. treat, which is formed in segments, just like the fruit. After asking the congregation if they knew how to separate the segments, he said, "You have to tap it and unwrap it." And that's when Prince Louis stepped in to make everyone laugh.

According to royal fans listening outside, Williams instructed Prince Louis to "just drop" the chocolate item on the floor. The instruction was "followed by a loud bang as the treat slammed into the floor," per The Sun. It would seem that Louis was perhaps a little over enthusiastic in "dropping" the Chocolate Orange, which reportedly caused a lot of laughter.

Prince Louis' comedy routine wasn't the only unforgettable thing to occur at Sandringham on Christmas Day. Princess Kate and Queen Camilla twinned in matching green outfits. King Charles' "hot equerry" was on hand to help Kate carry gifts from royal fans. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were showered in gifts by well-wishers. And Princess Kate's decision to interact with everyone in the crowd drew comparisons to her mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Meanwhile, royal author Ingrid Seward spoke to Hello! magazine about the difficulties Prince Louis and his siblings have overcome following their mom Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis in 2024. "Kate will be wanting to spoil them a bit, because it's very frightening for children when their parents are that ill, so I think they will be up for a few treats this year," Seward said. "I think William and Kate might take the children skiing during the Easter holidays and will probably be planning a big summer holiday, because as far as we know they didn't go anywhere last year," the royal expert explained.

"Kate will be wanting to spoil them a bit, because it's very frightening for children when their parents are that ill, so I think they will be up for a few treats this year," royal author Ingrid Seward told Hello! magazine.

According to Seward, Prince William and Princess Kate will likely take their children on vacation in 2025, to make up for what must have been an awful 2024. "I think William and Kate might take the children skiing during the Easter holidays and will probably be planning a big summer holiday, because as far as we know they didn't go anywhere last year," the royal expert explained.

Seward also noted that Princess Kate and Prince William continue to exercise caution when it comes to including their children in public events. "Like many famous parents, they are cautious about exposing the children to too much scrutiny in this digital age," the expert told the outlet. "They know they must produce the children at certain times, but I think they very much keep them under wraps the rest of the time."

Despite having seriously famous parents, George, Charlotte, and Louis' lives are relatively calm when compared to previous generations of royal children. "These kids have a much more ordinary and informal life than their predecessors, because they're not surrounded by nannies and staff; they're very much with their parents," Seward noted. "The three of them seem to get on incredibly well; they're close in age, they all enjoy sports, they're bound by the situation they're in and they're all in it together. And I think that makes them all closer."

The duchess previously shared plenty of moments from her life under @meghanmarkle, but the account was deactivated in January 2018, shortly after her engagement to Prince Harry. The Sussexes also had their own official royal Instagram account, @sussexroyal, which the duke and duchess stopped using once they stepped down as senior royals. But with the impending launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, it seems she's ready to share personal moments once again.

Her first post is a Reel that Marie Claire understands was captured by Prince Harry at a local beach near their home in Montecito, California. In the video, Meghan, dressed in all white, runs across the sand and bends down to write "2025" before giggling and heading out of the frame.

In August 2023, Marie Claire reported that the duchess was rumored to be returning to Instagram after securing the @meghan handle. However, it was unclear if the account was definitely hers, and a full year after it went up, there were no posts...until now.

The Duchess of Sussex's return to Instagram is not under the umbrella of royal titles or official duties, but rather as a private individual looking to connect with her audience in a more personal, authentic manner. The move is especially significant because of the duchess's work with the Archewell Foundation's Parents Network, which helps families who have been negatively impacted by social media.

It's understood that Meghan will be sharing personal moments in a hope to demonstrate that social media can be used as a positive tool to spread joy and connection.

As for her next Instagram post, watch this space.

In a new interview, royal commentator Katie Nicholl opened up about Duchess Sophie's alleged role within the Royal Family and its key relationships. She told OK! magazine, "Sophie is a very popular member of the family because she's easy-going, there's never any drama, and she just gets on with the job, quietly and diligently." Nicholl also called Sophie a "bridge between generations," who has allegedly been a support to Prince William, Prince Harry, and their respective families.

"She was very supportive in those years when William and Prince Harry fell out," Nicholl claimed. According to the royal expert, the Duchess of Edinburgh "was among the few people who understood how difficult it was behind-the-scenes, and rumor has it she played a bit of a peacekeeper."

Nicholl claimed that "Sophie and Catherine are very close... much more so than people realize." In fact, the Duchess of Edinburgh appears to be friendly with most people within the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla.

"Sometimes you get a glimpse of Sophie and Camilla at official engagements, and you can see the smiles aren't just for the cameras," Nicholl told the outlet. "They genuinely get along, and if you look at their interests, particularly around women empowerment, there's a lot of common ground."

Nicholl also suggested that Sophie, who was once called the "Royal Family's secret weapon," has become so prominent in royal circles precisely "because she never got overly involved in all the internal politics."

Throughout 2024, during which Princess Kate underwent treatment for cancer, "Sophie and Prince Edward have been there emotionally for William and Catherine," Nicholl explained. As a result, the close friendship between the two couples was reportedly "cemented." "They live close to each other in Windsor, and the Edinburghs have visited them at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, too," according to the royal expert.

Ultimately, it seems that Duchess Sophie could be a key figure within the Royal Family for years to come.

Below, discover the best Korean movies coming to U.S. theaters and streaming platforms in 2025. (And if you're still immersing yourself in Korean cinema, check out our recommendations for the best Korean movies on Netflix and the best Korean films of 2024.)

'Mickey 17'

Release date: March 7 in theaters

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo

Why it's worth watching: Though Bong Joon-ho's follow-up to Parasite is an English-language film produced in the U.S., the Oscar-winning director likely has an international hit on his hands. Based on Edward Ashton's sci-fi novel Mickey7, the movie stars Robert Pattinson as a man who volunteered to become a "disposable" employee sent on impossible missions and cloned whenever he dies.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Good News' (working title)

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Starring: Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, and Ryoo Seung-bum

Why it's worth watching: This historical film from director Byun Sung-hyun is set in the 1970s, and chronicles "a suspicious operation carried out by a group determined to land a hijacked airplane by any means necessary."

'The Great Flood'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Starring: Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo

Why it's worth watching: This disaster flick is set during the last day on Earth, as a catastrophic flood threatens the entire planet. Kim Da-mi stars as An-na, an AI researcher struggling to survive as she rescues a child from a flooding apartment. Meanwhile, a security team member named Hee-jo (Park Hae-soo) tries to save Anna from "the flood that threatens the entire world."

'Hope'

Release date: TBA in theaters

Starring: Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender

Why it's worth watching: The Wailing director Na Hong-jin helms this long-awaited sci-fi movie, which will be primarily Korean-language with an international cast. As reported by Deadline, "Hope follows the residents of Hopo Port, where a mysterious discovery is made on the outskirts of the remote harbor town. Before long, the residents find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against something they have never encountered before."

'Lost in Starlight'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Starring: Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung

Why it's worth watching: Netflix will debut its first-ever Korean-language animated film, a love story between scientist Nan-young (Kim Tae-ri) and musician Jay (Hong Kyung). Nan-young dreams of traveling to Mars and searching for traces of her mom, an astronaut who never returned after a mission. Right before her space voyage, she meets Jay, who repairs retro instruments. Per the streamer, the adorable film will see the pair "embark on the longest-ever long-distance relationship—one that bridges Earth and Mars."

'Love Untangled'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Starring: Gong Myoung, Shin Eun-soo, Cha Woo-min, Youn Sang-hyun, and Kang Mi-na

Why it's worth watching: For rom-com fans, this romance film set in a high school in 1988 sounds like a must-watch. Per the description, it "follows 19-year-old Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo) as she plans to straighten her perpetually frizzy hair before making a life-changing confession, all while getting entangled with transfer student Han Yun-seok (Gong Myoung)."

'Mantis' (working title)

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Starring: Yim Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, and Jo Woo-jin.

Why it's worth watching: Two years after the thriller Kill Boksoon debuted on Netflix, writer Byun Sung-hyun returns to the world of contract-killing agencies, in this spinoff film co-written and directed by Lee Tae-sung. Per the description, the Korean action movie "follows Mantis (Yim Si-wan), an ace assassin returning to a collapsed-order hired killer industry after his vacation. Upon reentering this anarchic world, Mantis encounters Jae-yi (Park Gyu-young), his fellow trainee and rival, and Dok-go (Jo Woo-jin), a retired legendary killer, and realizes they are all vying for the top spot among the killers."

'Revelations'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Starring: Ryu Jun-yeol and Shin Hyun-been

Why it's worth watching: This thriller boasts an all-star creative team, including Train to Busan helmer (and Netflix favorite) Yeon Sang-ho as director and Oscar winner Alfonso Cuarón as an executive producer. According to the description, the film "follows a pastor (Ryu Jun-yeol) and a detective (Shin Hyun-been), each driven by their own beliefs. The pastor believes it’s his divine calling to punish the culprit behind a missing-person case, while the detective assigned to the case continues to be haunted by visions of her dead sister."

'Wall to Wall'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Starring: Kang Ha-neul, Yeom Hye-ran, and Seo Hyun-woo

Why it's worth watching: For this thriller, Unlocked writer/director Kim Tae-joon promises another stomach-churning thriller that hits a bit too close to home with its realistic premise. After exhausting all his financial resources, Woo-seong (Kang Ha-neul) "finally saves up enough to buy an apartment, only to have it turn into a nightmare with financial ruin and mysterious noises from neighboring floors."

Being in beauty, you hear rumblings of products when there is hype or when they go viral, and if you get to try them (and they work), great! I’ve seen the BiotySpa suction cup on Tikok but had only experienced a suction cup like this at Kontura Lymphatic Drainage when I went for an in-person massage. I was impressed with the how Hana, the founder there, magically moved it all over my body during my treatment, but was unsure if I could repeat the same technique at home. That's why I never sought out to try the BiotySpa method—until now.

That said, I do know the suction cups work well for body treatments. They move fluid , they break up and loosen fascia (aka the fibers that push against your fat cells and can cause the look of dimpling), they bring blood to areas that might have been otherwise blocked. I’m a believer. I just didn’t think I’d get the same results in my own shower.

What's Inside the BiotySpa Body Sculpt Kit?

The body sculpting suction cup comes with a luxurious Hydrating Shower Gel (which provides slip for the cup to run over your skin), and The Firming Body Oil, which offers a blend of organic oils and coffee extract to help facilitate drainage and tighten skin post-shower. The firm yet malleable body sculpting cup has little nubs on it that let you know where to put your fingers on it to create the safe suction against your skin (it shouldn’t be too intense, as the goal is not to bruise you). There's also a little QR code on the box to help guide you along the way so you can mimic the ‘palate and roll’ French massage technique created by Parisian founder, Deborah Levy.

This three-minute-a day ritual in a box was created as an extension of a treatment that was offered by Levy, who suffered from psoriasis at an early age and whose mother stepped in with homeopathic remedies and regular lymphatic drainage massages. From there, Levy’s love of holistic beauty was born. She designed and honed her lymphatic drainage technique in Paris, and ultimately created this at-home kit using French actives and Australian native ingredients that work with the body rather than against it to help drain stagnant fluid, invigorate internally, and tone the skin.

What is the Palpate Roll Technique?

The suction from the Body Sculpt Cup mimics the “palper rouler,” a French technique that uses the gentle pull from the suction to lift and manipulate the tissue underneath the skin’s surface, which promotes lymphatic drainage, helps to loosen tight fibers of fascia that can press against fat cells (like fishnet stockings against the skin).

“The Palpate Roll technique is a renowned French massage method performed in France that involves 'pinching' the skin and 'rolling' it toward the lymph nodes of the body, followed by lymphatic strokes and pumping motions to activate the lymphatic system and assist the body in the detoxification process,” Levy explains. “This pinching and rolling motion squeezes the skin tissues, allowing excess fluids (including toxins and waste) to be released, while also helping break down fat cells, which are then naturally drained by the body, leaving your body less congested, more sculpted, and with brighter skin.”

The gentle rolling of your skin as you move the suction cup in circular motions (in the way it’s directed), as well as the back and forth motion you use the cup, also helps minimize water retention by moving fluid and toxins out of your body through your lymph nodes, where it would then be removed via your urine.

Does the BiotySpa Body Sculpt Kit Really Work?

Obviously I had to try it—if you follow me then you know that I am a huge fan and believer in dry brushing and wanted to see what the difference would be on my skin and body, as someone who has been dry brushing for almost five years now.

When I asked Levy what the main difference was between using the palpate and roll method with the suction cup and dry brushing, she said, “The Body Sculpt Cup I designed with the team has unique features and design and an ideal suction intensity to target the lymphatic system, as well as mimicking the Palpate Roll technique. [This] is, by far, the best method to target multiple concerns at once, delivering visible results from the first session.”

In her opinion, compared to dry brushing, “these are very different tools that target distinct functions. The Body Sculpt Cup is deeper, similar to a remedial massage, while the dry brush is gentler, primarily focusing on circulation and flow (much like a Swedish massage). However, if you want to break down fat cells and achieve the results of the French technique, you need to go deeper. That’s why I designed the Body Sculpt Cup—it does it all.”

The time had finally come to try out the body sculpting kit for myself.

Testing the Biotyspa Body Sculpt Kit

My first thoughts upon opening the packaging were that I have seen this type of sculpt cup before, but I didn’t really know how to use it. Still, I was excited to see how it all worked on me and what results I’d see immediately afterward. So I got in the shower with my bathing suit on (for videoing purposes), wet my skin, lathered up with the shower gel (it’s very viscous so a little goes a long way), used the nubs on the side of the suction cup to gently affix the cup to my skin and starting using circular motions up my leg from my knee to my hip, as per the instructions, five times. I repeated that three times, then I went back to the starting point and did a back and forth motion, per the directions. I could feel my IT Band wincing at the motions, which made me realize how tight my muscles were from working out and that this, in fact, was already doing what Levy said it would: loosening the fascia and manipulating the tissue beneath the skin.

At first, it was hard to keep the suction on my skin, but once you get the hang of it, without making the suction too hard (the goal is NOT to bruise yourself), it was on a roll. I did my thighs, butt, stomach, and tried my arms, but I think I need a little more practice there. I could tell the more I used the cup, the less tense my muscles and skin felt, it was actually, dare I say, relaxing in a way? I also immediately noticed how red my skin was in some areas, which I know (from dry brushing) means that more blood flow has been brought to those areas. It’s working, I thought. I’m into this.

Levy spoke to what I was seeing and feeling while I was wielding the suction cup adding, "The lymphatic system is often referred to as our body’s ‘sewerage system’. Lymphatic drainage promotes lymph flow by removing toxins from the body, improving blood circulation, and strengthening the immune system. It helps unload oxidative stress and toxins, leaving the body feeling refreshed, uplifted, and reset, and by enhancing lymphatic flow, the body is released from toxins that could otherwise lead to inflammation and more complex health issues if they remain in the system for too long.” This actually made me think about dry brushing and how I love it, but the added benefit of gently pulling your tissue away and rolling it, really does manipulate your muscles in a way that it’s hard to do with a dry brush. It’s definitely something I’ll continue to incorporate in my daily routine.

Levy also added that the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the optimal functioning of both our general and specific immune responses. “A healthy lymphatic system means the body is ‘cleaner’ and more oxygenated, which supports better renewal and overall vitality.”

My Review of the BiotySpa Body Sculpt Kit

With all of the treatments I’ve tried, in my nearly 20 years in this business, this one is simple yet packs an impressive punch that offers results right away. During the treatment, my skin and muscles went from tense to feeling more pliable and giving. I noticed the redness in my skin, which dissipated in 10 minutes, and which signaled to me more blood flow was present. And immediately after using the kit, I could see my ab muscles more clearly, which is definitely a win.

Regardless of who you are, you will feel the benefits of increased blood circulation and getting any stagnant fluid moving. The suction cup also feels oddly satisfying and easy to use one you get the hang of it. The kit as a whole is thought to also improve the softness and texture of your skin—the brand conducted clinical testing to prove effectiveness.

I'll admit, I did feel a lot of soreness after the treatment and onto the next day, but that went away as I used the cup daily. When I asked the founder about the soreness, she explained that “It's akin to a remedial massage, where you may feel sore afterward because the fascia and tissue are being 'stimulated' in a beneficial way. It's normal to feel sore, especially if you've never had this type of treatment before (or haven’t had it in a while), as fluids that have 'stagnated' in the body—known as congestion—that can be quite painful when massaged deeply (similar to the discomfort of a stiff muscle)." Movement is key, as it promotes circulation and lymphatic flow.

Honestly, there wasn’t a real downside to this kit. It’s not going to be the fix that everyone turns to, but everyone can benefit from using the tool and products designed by Levy, since her goal is to to help people stimulate their lymphatic system at home and support the body, not overload it.

In full transparency, I’ve only used the kit a handful of times, but I can confirm that you see results immediately after—in fluid drainage. For me, after two weeks of use, I noticed less soreness in my muscles as I used the kit, my skin looks tighter, and I have less fluid retention overall. And after a month of us, my cellulite is definitely less pronounced on the back of my legs. Basically, if you have been suction cup-curious and want to give this viral kit a try, I think you’ll find great benefits from it, and I also think you’ll enjoy it as a meditative practice—I know I have!

Why Trust Marie Claire

Carly Cardellino is a beauty expert and writer known for her work in the fashion and beauty industry. She has held prominent positions, such as the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan, where she oversaw beauty content and contributed extensively to the magazine. Cardellino has also been involved in creating beauty-related content, offering tips, trends, and advice through various platforms, including magazines, online articles, and social media for over a decade. Her expertise and influence have made her a well-respected voice in the beauty community and beyond.

Meet the Expert

In 2015, founder Deborah Levy was trained in France by the renowned Dr. Emil Vodder's Manual Lymphatic Drainage technique, a gentle and rhythmic method developed in France in the 1930s to promote the natural movement of lymphatic fluid towards the lymph nodes. Inspired by this training, Levy created a unique hybrid variation by integrating the fluid-enhancing principles of lymphatic drainage with the popular French “Palper Rouler” (pinch and roll) massage technique. This innovative approach became the foundation of Biotyspa’s signature sculpting massage, offering a powerful blend of health benefits and body contouring results. Since opening Biotyspa in 2016, Levy has personally performed and refined this hybrid Lymphatic Sculpting Massage technique, ensuring it delivers instant and visible results. Over the years, Levy has also trained selective spa partners with their Biotyspa signature method, pairing it with Biotyspa’s exclusive tools and skincare for a transformative experience. Her Body Sculpting Lymphatic Massage is the hallmark of Biotyspa’s expertise, combining French Palper Rouler techniques with lymphatic strokes to contour the body, encourage the elimination of toxins and water retention, and improve overall circulation. Performed with Biotyspa’s stimulating Firming Body Oil, Body Sculpt Cup, and Body Gua Sha, this unique treatment supports lymph flow, enhances blood circulation, and strengthens the immune system, all while smoothing and firming the skin.Biotyspa’s signature sculpting massage isn’t just a treatment—it’s a fusion of French heritage, innovative techniques, and carefully crafted tools to reshape, smooth, and empower your body.

Whether you prefer to learn about scammers or historical murders, true crime has something for everyone in the new year, whether they be star-studded Netflix shows or incisive new documentaries slated to play at prestigious film festivals. To prepare you for a new year of the genre, here are the best true crime documentaries and scripted series of 2025, including what’s coming soon and on the horizon. (If you’re looking for something to binge now, check out our round-up of the best true-crime docs and shows of 2024.)

'Lockerbie: A Search for Truth'

Release date: January 2 on Peacock

Jim Swire’s 2021 true crime book and memoir, The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father's Search for Justice, is getting adapted for the screen (and it's sure to be a tearjerker). Colin Firth will play Swire as he sets out to discover the truth behind a bombing aboard a transatlantic flight, just over 30 minutes after takeoff, that killed his daughter and 242 other passengers, as well as 16 crew members. The December 1988 incident that took place over Lockerbie, Scotland remains the largest terrorist in U.K. history.

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Sons of Ecstasy'

Release date: January 9 on Max

If mob stories are your thing, you'll want to check out Sons of Ecstasy. The documentary marks the first time members of the notorious New York crime family the Gravanos are telling their side of the story about their involvement in the ecstasy drug trade, at the peak of its popularity in the '90s. They'll share inside accounts of what went on and how the trade culminated into a dangerous rivalry between them and Shaun Attwood, an English stockbroker, another major ecstasy kingpin.

'An Update on Our Family'

Release date: January 15 on Max

Family vloggers Myka and James Stauffer's shocking, controversial story, in which they re-homed their adopted son on the autism spectrum, was one that many of us couldn't look away from in 2014. The incident then became the catalyst to question the ethics behind YouTubers/TikTokers who make (often monetized) content featuring their children. All of that and more, including just how unregulated this booming online industry is, will be the focus of this three-part HBO doc, which premieres on January 15 and then will air weekly.

'Apple Cider Vinegar'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

In 2022, there was an era where streamers really wanted you to care about scammer stories, whether they be “SoHo grifter” Anna Delvey or Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Netflix is betting you’re still riveted enough by pesky con artists to tune into Apple Cider Vinegar, their latest entry into the scammer subgenre. Before she breaks hearts as Abby in The Last of Us season 2, Kaitlyn Dever stars here as Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson, who falsely claimed to have cured herself of cancer using alternative medicine.

WATCH THE TEASER

'Death By Lightning'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

Contrary to how it might feel these days, deranged political intrigue is nothing new in America. Case in point: Mike Makowsky’s upcoming Netflix historical drama Death By Lightning, which follows lesser-known U.S. president James A. Garfield (Michael Shannon) and his eventual assassin, his admirer-turned-adversary Charles Guiteau (Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen). Here’s hoping Macfadyen brings peak “Tom Wambsgans throwing water bottles” energy to his performance!

'The Perfect Neighbor'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance and available to stream online January 30-February 2

Under Florida’s “stand your ground” law, residents can use deadly force in self-defense without initially trying to retreat from the situation. That law played a role in an unexpected criminal case in which a local “Karen’s” dispute with her neighbor unexpectedly turned deadly. In The Perfect Neighbor, director Geeta Gandbhir uses police body cam footage to question how lax state gun laws can turn neighbors into life-threatening forces, and whether justice will be served.

'Predators'

Release date: TBA; Premiering at Sundance and available to stream online between January 30-February 2

True crime is enticing, but at what point does our fascination with headline-making perpetrators and their victims’ stories cross the line into exploitation? In an attempt to answer that question, David Osit’s documentary Predators casts an eye back to one of the genre’s earlier entries: NBC’s early aughts reality TV hit To Catch A Predator. In each episode, child predators were lured to a film set, interviewed, and eventually arrested. By examining the series’ legacy, Osit asks viewers to consider their relationship to the contemporary true crime boom, and how we can avoid being complicit in the pain that lesser entries into the genre can bring upon real people.

'Toxic Town'

Release date: TBA on Netflix

There’s plenty of true crime across the pond, too. Doctor Who alum Jodie Whittaker leads the cast of Netflix’s Toxic Town. The forthcoming series dramatizes the Corby toxic waste case, in which the Corby Borough Council was found guilty of allowing toxic atmospheric waste from a nearby steel manufacturer to impact local townspeople, leading to more than 30 cases of birth defects. The show’s star-studded British cast also includes Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood and Bridgerton’s Claudia Jessie.