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If it feels like life is moving faster lately, you’re feeling more passionate and motivated, or you’re experiencing an uptick in independence and restlessness, you’re likely feeling the energy of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which will usher in the Year of the Fire Horse on February 17, 2026. But before we can welcome the new year, it can be productive to take steps to fully close out the Year of the Wood Snake.

“Wood years are all about growth, learning, and collecting information,” explains Donna Stellhorn, astrologer, feng shui expert, and author of Chinese Astrology: Life, Love, and Luck in Twelve Animal Signs. By comparison, 2026 is a Fire year, during which everything is going to move at lightning speed, says Stellhorn. So before you get swept up into this passionate, social, fast-paced, go-getter 12-month period, you might want to release what you’ve been carrying throughout the last year. Here’s what experts recommend releasing and finishing, based on your Chinese zodiac sign.

MUST READ: 4 Luckiest Chinese Zodiac Signs in 2026, the Year of the Horse

Photo by Wong Yu Liang on Getty Images

How to Find Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

The Chinese new year follows a lunisolar calendar, so if you were born in January or February, you’ll need to check the exact date of the Lunar New Year to pinpoint your Chinese zodiac sign. (For example, babies born in January 2026 are Snakes as opposed to Horses, because the Lunar New Year isn’t until February 17.) That said, you can check CafeAstrology, Travel China Guide, and China Highlights for tables that will help you find your Chinese zodiac sign by birth year.

READ – Bedroom Feng Shui: Expert Tips for Better Sleep, Balance, and Harmony

What to Let Go Of Before the Year of the Wood Snake Ends

Read on to learn what you’ll do well to release, based on your Chinese zodiac sign. 

Rat

You tend to be so quick to take action that sometimes you forget to share the task with people who would gladly support you, explains Stellhorn. As the Year of the Wood Snake comes to a close, she recommends trying to let go of doing everything for yourself. “Allow yourself to ask for help,” she advises.

Janine Lowe, a Chinese astrology expert and author of Feng Shui Your Way to Abundance, adds, “Let go of overthinking every decision and trying to control the outcome.” This will set the stage for trusting your instincts, a skill that will benefit you in the Year of the Horse. 

RELATE?: Your European Soul City, According to Birth Date

Ox

As someone born during the Year of the Ox, you’ve been carrying everything alone and pushing through no matter what. It’s time to release this approach to life, says Lowe. “You’re allowed to soften,” she says, pointing out that even when you let others help you, you’ll “stay strong.”

Along the same lines, Stellhorn recommends letting go of to-dos that aren’t bringing you joy. “You are very hardworking and always doing the tasks set in front of you, but you often forget to schedule in some fun,” she notes.

Tiger

As a Tiger, you can take on a lot. “You are capable, courageous, and creative,” acknowledges Stellhorn. “But sometimes your expectations exceed what is possible.” For that reason, you’ll do best to release unrealistic expectations, she advises. This can help you laser-focus on more practical visions that you can make a reality in 2026. 

And even though we’re moving into a faster-paced year, impatience and the need to prove yourself can get in your way, especially when moving into a period that requires even more intention, explains Lowe. “When you slow down slightly and choose your battles wisely, you’ll win in a different way,” she says.

FUN!: Your Dream Mansion Style, Based on Birth Month

Rabbit

You care deeply about others, and people may not realize just how sensitive you are, says Stellhorn. “But you don’t have to carry these hurts into a new year,” she points out. That said, you might be primed to release something from the past that’s not worth toting around any longer.

Lowe adds that it’s time to steer clear of people-pleasing and staying quiet to keep the peace. Instead, “this is your time to put your needs first,” she notes. 

Dragon

As a Dragon, you’re a visionary who’s constantly moving forward, explains Stellhorn. But you can benefit from acknowledging that sometimes the loftiest goals are achieved over the course of a lengthy journey. “This is a good time to look back and see how far you have come,” she says.

Along the same lines, if you’ve been wanting to accomplish a particular goal, it’s OK to throw arbitrary timelines out the window, says Lowe. “[And] listen to others; they have great ideas,” she advises. 

Snake

With your critical eye and methodical nature, you have a knack for pinpointing how to improve just about anything, says Stellhorn. “But wanting everything to be perfect can get in the way of progress,” she points out. “This is a good time to let go of perfectionism.”

You might also find that self-acceptance is particularly useful as you move out of your year and into the Year of the Fire Horse. “Let go of doubting yourself,” advises Lowe. “This is your year to shed old skins and step fully into what you really want.” 

EXPLORE: Which '80s Rock Band Matches You, According to Your Birth Date

Horse

Your year is nearly here, and it’s going to move forward at a gasp-worthy pace. But given that you’re already prone to speeding through life, Lowe recommends letting go of rushing ahead without checking in with your heart. “When you pause and choose direction over speed, you’ll be surprised at the results,” she says.

Stellhorn adds that this is a good time to avoid self-comparison, noting, “Remember that everyone is on their own journey.” 

Goat

Stellhorn points out that you’re often trying to “keep things together through sheer force of will,” and, to be fair, “your will is strong.” 

Yet, it’s possible you’ve been moving through life with a lot of emotional clutter that’s been draining your energy, acknowledges Lowe. Now’s your chance to let this go. The coming year is an opportunity to “make yourself number one,” she says. 

Monkey

You're often pulled in multiple directions at once — in part, because your potential is limitless, points out Stellhorn. “But with so many options, distractions are everywhere,” she says. “This is a good time to stop procrastinating on what is truly important.” 

Lowe recommends letting go of distractions and taking on too much all at once. Instead, “commit to what makes you happy,” she notes. “The results may surprise you.” 

MORE: These 3 Birth Months Carry Rare Social Intelligence

Rooster

Known for being responsible and motivated, you can also suffer from perfectionism and self-criticism — both of which you’re welcome to let go of in these final days of the Year of the Wood Snake. “Be gentle to yourself, and follow those dreams,” urges Lowe.

You might also be spread a bit too thin lately, adds Stellhorn, who recommends prioritizing your to-dos and removing a few things from your calendar. 

Dog

You’re attentive to your loved ones and a conscientious friend, acknowledges Stellhorn. You might also tend to put others before yourself. But before moving out of the Year of the Snake, let go of pouring your energy into situations that no longer feel right, advises Lowe. “If something costs you your peace, let it go,” she says.

This is also a wonderful moment to remember that “worry is not a helpful habit” and to release negative thinking, says Stellhorn. 

Pig

When it comes to giving and loving, your loved ones and friends can count on you to show up and offer comfort. “But you serve soup from an empty pot,” points out Stellhorn. “If you are always doing for someone else, you can become depleted.” For that reason, she recommends stepping away from your instinct to people-please.

From there, you can let go of waiting for other people’s permission to go for what you want, says Lowe, who concludes, “Just do it!”

Pop star Tate McRae ruffled a few feathers on her home turf of Canada after her 2026 Winter Olympics ad was released. It created an online debate among fans over which team she should be rooting for, leaving McRae to settle things once and for all.

The ad, including Team USA athletes, was met with mixed responses from fans and an onslaught of comments. Many believe that, as a native Canadian, McRae's ad should have included Canadian athletes competing in the Winter Olympics.

McRae took fans' reactions in stride and posted her response on an Instagram story. She posted a throwback photo of her as a child holding up a small Canadian flag with the caption, "Y'all know I'm Canada down."

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In the ad for NBC, McRae is seen sliding down the slope in a red snowsuit before getting lost. She enlists the help of an owl who only coos "Who?" at her every question, all the while promoting her hit single "Nobody's Girl."

Part of the ad included video footage of Team USA athletes with McRae saying, "I'm trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony and meet Team U.S.A. Then it's the weekend with America's best skating for gold, and Lindsey Vonn's epic comeback. Then come back to the States for the big game, Super Bowl LX."

"The absolute ick every Canadian just felt. In 2026… what were you and your team thinking?" said one fan.

"Ur Canadian but promoting America for the Olympics??? …. This is so disappointing lmao," said another.

One fan added, "Girl I love you but you’re Canadian though? What about us lol"

A fan commented that the ad caught the attention of a local Canadian radio station that tagged the pop star as "'Traitre McRae,'" which translates to 'Traitor McRae.'"

The professional dancer-turned-pop star grew up in Calgary, Canada's third-largest city, and happens to also share a birthday with Canada Day on July 1st.

Britney Spears was released from her conservatorship in 2021, which was 13 years after it was placed. Her family had full control over what she did during that time. The singer revealed how she feels about her family and surviving in a new Instagram post.

Britney Spears Says She's Scared of Her Family

Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images

Spears, 44, posted a picture of a baby's hand wrapped around the finger of a bigger hand on February 4. "As people, all we really want is to feel connected to each other and never feel alone … for those of you in your family that have said to help you is to isolate you and make you feel unbelievably left out … they were wrong," read the caption. "We can forgive as people but [you] don’t ever forget. Yearning and longing for contact is always crucial !!!"

The Grammy winner once called the conservatorship "abusive" in court. "I’m incredibly lucky to even be alive with how my family treated me once in my life and now I’m scared of them," the caption continued. "It’s weird how God works in mysterious ways. My friends, what do you think he is saying today ??? Because to be totally honest with you, no matter what he says, they will never take responsibility for what they did."

The singer revealed what she's doing to take her mind off of everything. "So I’ve made cheesecake today and I must say it’s pretty damn good … my neighbor joined me with milk !!! PS I haven't danced in a month because I broke my toe twice!" Spears explained.

The dancer posted a video of herself dancing an hour before that. Spears made headlines the same day because the IRS argued she pay a $721,000 penalty and a disallowance of specific deductions in 2021. This is after the singer made a flow-through income adjustment on her business, Shiloh Standing Inc.

Many women don't realize that heart disease impacts men and women at similar rates. There are a few reasons for this, and a big one is that men develop heart disease roughly a decade earlier than women and have higher rates of heart disease overall. But it's a complete myth to believe that cardiovascular disease is a “man’s problem.” It’s important to know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.

When it comes to being proactive about your heart health, much of the advice applies to both men and women. This includes knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, considering your genetic risks, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, getting enough sleep, healthily managing stress and taking blood pressure- or cholesterol-lowering medications, if needed. 

That said, there are ways that heart health is different for women than it is for men. As women, it’s important to know how life stages like pregnancy and menopause impact heart health long-term.

Didn’t know they did? You're not alone—according to the results of the Cleveland Clinic's 2026 survey, 71% are unaware that a woman’s risk of heart disease increases after menopause. Here, Dr. Leslie Cho, MD, a cardiologist and the director of Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Cardiovascular Center, shares everything you need to know.   

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How Pregnancy Can Impact Heart Health

Dr. Cho says that many women don’t know that having preeclampsia or gestational diabetes during pregnancy has a lifelong impact on heart health. She explains that having either of these conditions is a very high risk factor for getting high blood pressure, developing diabetes, developing heart disease or dying of heart failure later in life.

A 2020 scientific article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which was authored by Dr. Cho, backs this up. The article states that having high blood pressure during pregnancy doubles the chances of getting cardiovascular disease later in life—that’s significant. 

Related: What's More Important for Heart Health: Lowering Dietary Cholesterol or Saturated Fat?

“Pregnancy is like a stress test. It’s a peek into what’s going to happen as you get older. The placenta ages very quickly during the nine months of pregnancy and it’s like a crystal ball into your cardiovascular health as you get older,” Dr. Cho explains.

If you had preeclampsia or gestational diabetes during pregnancy, learning about this lifelong connection can be disheartening (no pun intended). But knowledge is power. Dr. Cho emphasizes that what’s most important is being aware of the connections so you can stay vigilant about your heart health, regularly monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. That way, you can take action if your numbers are in an unhealthy range, which could include taking prescription medication.

Related: The Heart-Healthy Habit Cardiologists Say Most People Quit Way Too Soon

How Menopause Impacts Heart Health

Menopause also impacts heart health in ways that men don’t experience. Dr. Cho explains that estrogen is protective for heart health, so before menopause, women’s risk of cardiovascular disease is actually lower than men’s. But during menopause, estrogen levels decrease, and women lose that extra protection. 

Because of this, she says that many women experience an increase in cholesterol and blood pressure after menopause. “It may actually be more related to age than to menopause,” Dr. Cho says. Either way, it’s important to know that it can happen because high cholesterol and high blood pressure are both major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Many women also gain weight during and after menopause. This too can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.  

Related: The Heart Health Issue Nearly 1 in 5 People Don't Know They Have, According to Cardiologists

Ready for the good news? High blood pressure, high cholesterol and weight gain are all modifiable risk factors. That means they are controllable and can be reversed. Perhaps you are already familiar with the diet and lifestyle habits that support heart health: Eating a primarily plant-based diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep and having healthy habits in place for managing stress. 

While these habits are all certainly important for heart health, Dr. Cho says that often they are not enough. For many people, prescription blood pressure-lowering or cholesterol-lowering medications are a crucial way of protecting their hearts. 

“Women are less likely to take prescription medication than men, even if they need it,” Dr. Cho says. There are several reasons for this. Dr. Cho says that the side effects of medications may hit women harder because women tend to have a smaller body mass than men and are also underrepresented in clinical trials for medications.

But Dr. Cho says that many women see taking prescription medication as a moral failure, something that it absolutely isn’t. “Aging alone increases the risk for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. That’s just aging. Even if you eat perfectly, you can still have high blood pressure or high cholesterol,” she explains.

As if lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease wasn’t enough of a reason to take any needed blood pressure medications, Dr. Cho says that these medications also lower the risk of dementia. This, she explains, is because they allow for better blood flow to the brain, and better blood flow to the brain lowers the risk of dementia. 

It’s important for everyone, regardless of sex, to be proactive about their heart health. For women, this means knowing how the life stages we go through specifically impact us. That way, you can be proactive about your health. It just might add years to your life.

Up Next:

Related: This Is the Worst Frozen Food for Heart Health, According To Registered Dietitians

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic Survey Finds Americans Optimistic about Aging Well, But Many Overlook Heart Disease Risks. Cleveland Clinic.
• Maas, A. and Appelman, Y. (2010). Gender differences in coronary heart disease. Netherlands Heart Journal. 18(12):598-602
• Dr. Leslie Cho, MD, cardiologist and the director of Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Cardiovascular Center
• Cho, L., Davism M., Elgendy, I., et al. (2020). Summary of Updated Recommendations for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 75;20
• Xiang, D., Liu, Y., Zhou, S., et al. (2021). Protective Effects of Estrogen on Cardiovascular Disease Mediated by Oxidative Stress.Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2021:5523516. doi: 10.1155/2021/5523516
• Zhang, Y., Vittinghoff, E., Pletcher, M.J., et al. (2019). Associations of Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels During Young Adulthood With Later Cardiovascular Events. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 74(3):330-341
• Kodoth, V., Scaccia, S. and Aggarwal, B. (2022). Adverse Changes in Body Composition During the Menopausal Transition and Relation to Cardiovascular Risk: A Contemporary Review. Women’s Health Reports. 3(1):573-781
• Westphal Filho, F., Moss Lopes, P. R., de Almeida, A.M., et al. (2025). Statin use and dementia risk: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 11(1):e70039 

Wendy's is catering to the single life this month with a deal that anyone can take advantage of (so long as they know about it).

As we approach the final countdown to Valentine's Day and brands like Sweethearts and Zales, McDonald's and Baskin-Robbins cater to couples and Galentine's celebrations, Wendy's is flipping the script—and the burgers—offering a special for "Singles Awareness."

Early this morning, Wendy's announced it's serving up the "ultimate singles celebration" and offering its iconic Dave's Single cheeseburger for just $1 for one day only.

Wendy's Singles Awareness Day Promotion Makes Dave's Singles Just $1—Everything You Need to Know About the Deal

Wendy's especially cheesy Singles Awareness Day promotion deeply discounts the sandwich to just $1, which typically costs between $5.99 and $8.19 (depending on location). But in order to get the deal, there are a few rules that must be followed.

First and foremost, you don't have to be single to take advantage of the $1 deal. However, you must be a Wendy's Rewards member and app user. If you're not, no biggie, just download and sign up ahead of time (it really is that easy).

Related: Wendy’s Releases Revamped Version of Previously Discontinued Menu Item

The last bit is probably the most important, so pay attention—the $1 Dave's Single deal will only be valid with purchase at participating locations on Singles Awareness Day, which immediately follows Valentine's Day.

TLDR? Customers must place an order in the Wendy's app on Sunday, Feb. 15, that includes at least one item outside of the Dave's Single Cheeseburger. The offer is valid only at participating locations (to make it easy, mark your calendar or set a reminder to visit Wendy's on Sunday, Feb. 15).

Single Life Just Got Better: Wendy’s Celebrates Singles Awareness Day with a $1 Dave's Single

W

Can't make it on Sunday? Wendy's is currently offering three other "Biggie Deals," and while they won't score you a Dave's Single Cheeseburger for cheap, they will keep you (and your wallet) full.

Wendy's recently released Biggie Meal Deals, which amp up the burger joint's value menu with deal-focused combos that let customers tailor a meal to their preferences and hunger levels for $4, $6, or $8.

• $4 Biggie Bites: Includes choice of Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, a 4-piece Nuggets, or Jr. Fry. Customers can also choose a second 4-piece Nuggets, Jr. Fry, or a small soft drink.
• $6 Biggie Bag: Includes choice of Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or Double Stack. Customers also receive a 4-piece Nuggets, Jr. Fry, and a small soft drink.
• $8 Biggie Bundle: Includes choice of two: Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or Double Stack. Also comes with a Jr. Fry and a small soft drink.

Deals aside, Wendy's also promised to bring back its fan-favorite Sweet and Sour Sauce at some point this year, and given that it's only February, we can only presume there's a whole lot more exciting Wendy's news to come throughout 2026.

Next: Starbucks Is Giving Away Free Coffee After the Super Bowl

Like their foremost rivals at Hostess or Drake's, Little Debbie has more than managed to appeal to a broad audience through any one of its rich, creamy, unforgettably delicious snack cake desserts.

While we're always partial to the classic flavors of an Oatmeal Creme Pie or a pack of Cosmic Brownies, Little Debbie's three upcoming dessert cakes might very well be our go-to items when it comes to after-dinner snacking.

According to the food news blog SnackWire, the iconic snack food company is officially releasing three new products that fans can't wait to try.

As per the blog's recent post on Instagram, the three new products specifically take the form of Little's Debbie's Boston Creme Pies, the Spring Strawberry Delights and the Cinnamon Sticky Buns.

While there's no current details on when exactly the new lineup will debut on store shelves, SnackWire points out that the new flavors will arrive "soon," with some users in the comment section even mentioning that they had seen a few of the snack cakes in their own grocery aisles.

As the name might suggest, Little Debbie's Boston Creme Pies act as a conveniently packaged take on the classic dessert dish. Filled with a smooth cream filling and coated in a layer of chocolate, it's the ultimate snack cake combination.

The Cinnamon Sticky Buns, meanwhile, offer a fittingly cinnamon-centric twist on the iconic Little Debbie Sticky Buns, likening itself as much to a traditional cinnamon roll. In contrast, the Spring Strawberry Delights act as a strawberry filling-stuffed soft cookie that delivers a healthy taste of spring.

Judging from users' reactions across social media, the new snack cakes are giving shoppers plenty to be excited for as we look ahead to the imminent arrival of spring.

"Cinnamon Sticky Buns are so amazing❤️," one user enthusiastically commented. "I neeeeeed to try that Boston Cream!" added another prospective shopper.

In 1971, Davy Jones was fresh on the heels of his fame as one of the members of The Monkees. The pop-rock band, which included Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, shot to fame in the late 1960s with the hits “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer and “Daydream Believer,” all fueled by their popular NBC TV show.

But months after the group disbanded, Jones recorded the song “Girl” as a solo artist. The single was released in November 1971 but never charted on the Billboard Hot 100.  Jones’ song was actually a flop twice: as a solo single and as part of a box office bomb.

“Girl” was the theme song for the Sandy Duncan movie The Star-Spangled Girl, which was based on a Neil Simon play about a political love triangle. The film, released on Dec. 22, 1971, was a failure in a year that featured top-grossing blockbusters such as Billy Jack, Fiddler on the Roof and Diamonds Are Forever.

In an interview with Goldmine, songwriter Charles Fox revealed that he always wanted Jones for the movie song.

“Davy Jones was our choice to sing the song,” Fox recalled. “He had a very positive, upbeat, and youthful sound; we wanted to get the youthful quality, and he delivered that… Davy did a little faster and brighter version, adding a more positive kind of quality to it.”

Boost from 'The Brady Bunch'

While “Girl” wasn’t a radio hit for Jones, the song got a major boost when it was featured in a Brady Bunch episode that year. The episode, titled “Getting Davy Jones” aired on ABC on Dec. 10, 1971, with a storyline about Marcia Brady’s (Maureen McCormick) desperate attempt to get the Monkees' heartthrob to perform at her school’s junior prom. The episode features a full scene of Jones in the studio recording "Girl.”

In an interview posted on Pop Goes the Culture TV, Jones explained his guest spot on the hit sitcom. “The reason I did a Brady Bunch was I recorded this song for Arista Records, and it was for a movie called Star-Spangled Girl with Sandy Duncan,” he shared. “And so it was a way of sort of getting on the program, and they laugh about it, I think the name Davy Jones is mentioned about 48 times [in the episode]. I thought that was kind of funny.”

“But TV Land nominated me for a most memorable episode, and I think I won the award,” he added.

Jones added that he never “thought about” if McCormick and the other Bradys were fans of his when he made the guest appearance. “I just tried to be natural when I talked to them as if I was just Davy Jones, this guy who was visiting,” he said. “And I knew the premise of the TV episode, and I'd seen The Brady Bunch. I just couldn't understand if this guy [patriarch Mike Brady, played by Robert Reed] was an architect, why you know, they were living in two rooms, you know? Hello?”

RELATED: The Monkees ‘Best Song of All Time’ Became a No. 1 Hit  Twice

Davy Jones was a fan favorite guest

More than 50 years later, “Getting Davy Jones” remains one of the most memorable Brady Bunch episodes of all time. The episode airs regularly in syndication and is available on streaming platforms, so new generations have come to know and love Jones’ song, “Girl.”

In her 2008 memoir Here’s the Story, McCormick wrote that her heart “fluttered” when she was told Jones would appear The Brady Bunch. “Davy’s arrival on the set created a buzz greater than any other guest star we had on the show,” she shared. “Davy was a lovely guy, and it was a big deal to have a pop star of his caliber on set. I noticed Barry [Williams] watch him the way one might if looking for pointers.”

Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson said she was “thrilled” when she found out that Jones was coming to do the show.

“He said that of all the things he's done in his career, that Brady Bunch is what people know him for, they just love it. He said it's absolutely astounding,” Henderson shared in an interview with the Television Academy Foundation.

A ‘90s revival

Jone had the opportunity to revive 'Girl” in the 1995 film The Brady Bunch Movie. The singer performed a “grunge” version of the song for a school prom scene in the spoof movie.

Jones, who died suddenly in 2012 at age 66, fully embraced his Brady Bunch past by also appearing in the "Real Live Brady Bunch" tour in the 1990s.

"A few times, I said, 'You have a choice, you can be an actor or you can be a star.' And for the past few weeks, I've been a celebrity on the road with 'Brady Bunch,' being Davy Jones from The Monkees," he said in a 1994 interview, per MeTV. “I've probably got more lines on my face than Union Station, but I'm still found attractive by Monkees fans and Brady Bunch fans.  …Yeah, I'm still the dream, the guy with stars in his eyes." 

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What better mother-daughter night out than a movie premiere red carpet? Resident Evil starMilla Jovovich stepped out for a rare outing with her teen daughter, Ever Anderson, at the Dracula premiere.

Jovovich, 50, and Anderson, 18, were spotted on the red carpet for the U.S. debut of director Luc Besson's Dracula in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Feb. 3. There's no denying that Anderson is a spitting image of her action-star mother, with the same charming smile and facial features.

The two kept their outfits low-key for the premiere, with Jovovich opting for a black jean skirt paired with black stockings and silver pumps. She finished the look with an oversized jean jacket, pale yellow shirt, silver jewelry, and a red shoulder bag.

While posing with her mother, Anderson also kept her look for Dracula simple with a mid-length black and white striped dress. Instead of heels, the teen paired her dress with slouchy taupe suede boots.

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Related: ‘Pluribus’ Season 2 Update Comes With a Warning From Its Creator: It ‘Ain’t Gonna Be The Pitt’ 

Jovovich's daughter is her firstborn with director and husband Paul W.S. Anderson, with whom she also has two other children. Anderson is the oldest by 8 years, with her siblings being 10 and 6 years old. The director was also in attendance at the premiere, alongside his wife and daughter, wearing an all-black with red top sneakers.

Like her mother, Anderson is following in TheFifth Elementstar's footsteps, also pursuing acting and modeling. She made her debut as a young Alicia Marcus/Red Queen in the 2016 film Resident Evil: The Final Chapter and as a young Natasha Romanoff in the 2021 film Black Widow. Her acting credits also include playing Wendy Darling in the 2023 movie adaptation Peter Pan & Wendy.

When it comes to modeling, Anderson has appeared on the cover of Vogue Bambini and has worked with designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Mikael Jansson, and Peter Lindbergh.

Anderson and her mother attended the Dracula premiere, which gained popularity during its European run before hitting the U.S. It stars Caleb Landry Jones as a new rendition of Count Dracula, with Zoë Bleu as his love interest Mina/Elisabeta, Matilda De Angelis, and Christoph Waltz.

Jasmine Guy skyrocketed to fame in the '80s and '90s on A Different World. But at 63, the beloved actress is just as stunning as in her early days on television.

Guy rose to stardom on the series, a popular Cosby Show spinoff that chronicled the lives of students at Hillman College, a fictional historically black college in Virginia. Originally, the character of Denise Huxtable attended college at Hillman, but she later dropped out and returned to The Cosby Show. However, A Different World thrived, and the long-running TV series is set to return on Netflix in a fun reboot with several of the original characters appearing, including Guy, who is known for her trademark character of Whitley, a spoiled Southern belle.

In a new series of snaps shared on her Instagram account, Guy revealed herself getting dolled up for the first day on set of the reboot. Looking naturally stunning, the classic beauty shared that the series is being filmed in Atlanta. At 63, she hasn't changed all that much from her time on the original show back in the '90s.

"First day on set waiting on @derekjhair to come get this hair together 💇‍♀️ geishaboii already beat my face 💄and my nails laid by @imnails 💅 let's create some magic!! #adifferentworld#netflix#setlife🎥#jasmineguy#atlanta," she captioned the shots, which showed her wearing a bathrobe and mugging for the camera.

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The Upcoming Different World Spinoff

One of the masterminds behind A Different World, Debbie Allen, recently opened up about some of the details of the upcoming reboot, including some of the original faces from the beloved series who will be returning alongside Guy.

“We have some very new freshman students that are wonderful — that I think that the world is going to fall in love with. We have our OGs coming back in waves, and not all at once. It’s going to be amazing. We have Kadeem [Hardison], Jasmine [Guy], Cree [Summer], and Darryl [Bell] returning. You’ll eventually see Colonel Taylor (Glynn Turman), Jaleesa Vinson (played by Dawnn Lewis), Kim Reese (Charnele Brown), and other people,” Allen told Revolt. “I think what will be true of the show will be a truthful portrayal of young Black students. Felicia [Pride] is our showrunner, and she is wonderful. I met her on Grey’s Anatomy and welcomed her to come in. She’s tearing it up.”

If you need a refresher on A Different World, here's the opening credits!

Related: An Iconic ’80s Sitcom Gets a Sequel With Familiar Faces and a Fresh Focus

Nearly four decades ago, a group of fans filmed a student project in a California forest with George Takei. The footage then disappeared, seemingly gone forever. Now, that project has been rediscovered and is featured in the new documentary Beam Me Up, Sulu, set for digital release on February 17, 2026 via Tribeca Films. The film offers a rare glimpse into early fan filmmaking and show how passionate communities preserved Star Trek’s ideals long before online fandom became widespread.

Directed by Timour Gregory and Sasha Schneider, the documentary goes far beyond a lost fan movie. It highlights Star Trek’s longstanding commitment to inclusion and representation.

'This documentary is about so much more than a student film I appeared in,' says Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original show . 'It’s about the importance of diversity and inclusion — something Star Trek pioneered on television and has excelled at for nearly 60 years.' The documentary emphasizes how storytelling and fandom can shape cultural awareness and social progress.

The documentary premiered at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival and will have a U.S. premiere on February 12 for Tribeca Members. Alongside Takei, it features Alexander Siddig (Deep Space Nine's Julian Bashir), Christina Chong (Strange New Worlds' La'An Noonien-Singh), Garrett Wang (Voyager's Harry Kim, and Ian Alexander (Discovery's Gray Tal). Executive producer Eugene Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, also appears, connecting the project to the franchise’s legacy. The film includes archival footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments that reveal the dedication and creativity of the original student filmmakers.

Related: 'Star Trek: Voyager' Comeback Puts Fans at the Helm

Gregory and Schneider explain that their interest was in understanding what drives Star Trek fandom, what inspired decades-long dedication to a fan film, and why Takei participated. They conclude that it comes back to the the Vulcan guiding principle of “infinite diversity in infinite combinations,” a concept that continues in Star Trek philosophy today.

Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises, describes Beam Me Up, Sulu as 'a powerful reminder of the impact of fandom, storytelling, and representation.' She goes on to say that 'what began as a student film has become a moving reflection on identity, resilience, and Star Trek’s lasting cultural influence.'

The documentary captures both the dedication of fans and generosity of Takei himself. Beam Me Up, Sulu's features footage that was lost for decades but now provides a meaningful look at Star Trek’s cultural legacy and its enduring relevance. It shows that even small acts of fan devotion can leave a lasting mark.

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When you're Buddy Guy, a pioneer of Chicago blues who influenced everyone from Jimmy Pageto Stevie Ray Vaughan to Jimi Hendrix, you can do whatever you want—even pausing mid-solo to have a drink.

When wrapping up his January residency at his Chicago club, Buddy Guy's Legends, the 89-year-old blues icon strolled among the audience, playing his Fender Stratocaster with unbelievable skill and experience. His fingers were so nimble and precise while blazing through his solo—until they stopped. Apparently, Buddy Guy's drink order was ready.

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One of the Legends' servers stood ready with a glass of cognac. Guy, having paused his playing, took the shot and threw it back, whetting his whistle while taking in the crowd gathered to see him play. One fan seemed to ask if he could have Guy's guitar pick, but Guy said he was still using it. Cue the blues icon to resume playing, as if he hadn't stopped at all.

Choose Chicago shared a video of the incident. Fans just fawned over Guy's performance in the comments section: "God, he is cool af," "Some walk above us on a different plane of existence," "LEGENDARY," "Buddy fkn Guy. The best living entertainer. Phenomenal guitarist. National treasure!!!" and "And y'all think yall rock n roll.. bow down to the Mr GUY."

What makes this Jan. 31 performance even more astounding is that the next day, Guy won his 9 th Grammy Award. His 20 th studio album, Ain't Done with the Blues, won the award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Guy was also a part of the movie Sinners, and the soundtrack also took home two Grammys—Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, and Best Score Soundtrack Album for Visual Media.

Buddy Guy was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. He was one of the first guitarists to use electronic feedback and distortion, influencing Hendrix and countless other players after him.

In 1993, Guy told NPR's Terry Gross that he "accidentally" invented the technique.

"In Chicago, then, we didn't have stages. We'd always go in a corner and play. And they had jukeboxes during their breaks, and they would play tunes," he said. "And I forgot to turn my guitar off one day, and a lady passed by, and her dress tail hit the G string. And it just stayed there with distortion for about 20 minutes. And I said, I'll never forget that. And I went up, and it worked with me, and I've been doing it ever since."

Related: '60s Motown Legend Voted 'Greatest Bassist of All Time' by Fellow Musicians

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If the cluttered bedroom corner is starting to look more like a lost-and-found bin, it might be time for a storage glow-up. Whether you're corralling socks or miscellaneous cords, having a designated spot for it all is surprisingly satisfying. Especially when there are nine perfectly-sized drawers ready to take on the mess.

Enter the Zunmos Fabric 9-Drawer Dresser, a tall, fabric storage solution currently marked down from $60 to just $46 at Walmart. The deep drawers arranged in three two-across columns and one three-across row offer plenty of space for everything from clothes and blankets to kids toys and everyday essentials. Up top, a smooth water-resistant MDF surface gives you extra room to set down a lamp, alarm clock, diffuser, or anything else you reach for on the regular.

Zunmos Fabric 9-Drawer Dresser, From $46 (was $60) at Walmart

Made from durable cationic materials, a sturdy steel frame, and breathable synthetic fibers, this dresser is lightweight but built to last. Anti-tipping accessories add extra stability, so you can feel confident using it in high-traffic areas like your entryway or around kids. 

Setup is simple too, with all hardware and a step-by-step manual included (plus a quick video if that’s more your learning style). All you have to do is choose between the three colorways — black, gray, or white. 

Zunmos Fabric 9-Drawer Dresser, From $46 (was $60) at Walmart

Reviewers couldn’t stop raving about this dresser. “I love this little chest of drawers,” one customer shared. “It was very easy to assemble. It’s very compact and sturdy.” Other shoppers were pleasantly surprised by its unexpected capacity.

Related: Walmart Has a 'Stylish' Farmhouse Buffet Cabinet with 'Loads of Storage' on Sale for $175

And for those keeping an eye on their wallet, the praise is just as strong: “If you’re looking for a sturdy dresser and you’re working on a budget, this is the best one!”

Now that it's under $50, there’s never been a better time to try the Zunmos 9-Drawer Fabric Storage Dresser. Tidy up your space and save big today by taking advantage of this Walmart deal.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Gov’t Mule announced an update on its upcoming U.S. tour this week after the band shared new details online. 

Led by longtime Allman Brothers guitarist and vocalist Warren Haynes, the Southern rock jam band is adding multiple spring 2026 dates across the country.

According to the post, Gov’t Mule has added 11 new U.S. dates scheduled across March, April and May. Select shows will feature special guests Larkin Poe, with one date including singer Maggie Rose. The announcement encouraged fans to catch the band live, linking directly to Gov’t Mule’s official website for tickets and details.

Gov’t Mule Confirms New Spring 2026 Tour Dates

Gov’t Mule’s newly announced dates expand the band’s already busy 2026 touring schedule. The spring run begins March 27 in Denver, Colorado, and concludes May 1 in New Orleans, Louisiana, hitting cities across the Midwest, South and East Coast.

Several performances will feature Larkin Poe as special guests, while one date includes Maggie Rose. Presale tickets open February 4, with public ticket sales beginning February 6.

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Newly announced Gov’t Mule Spring 2026 tour stops include:

• March 27 – Denver, CO
• April 7 – Shipshewana, IN
• April 8 – Nashville, IN
• April 10 – Charleston, SC
• April 11 – Miramar Beach, FL (sold out)
• April 12 – Tampa, FL
• April 14 – Kansas City, MO (with Larkin Poe)
• April 15 – West Des Moines, IA (with Larkin Poe)
• April 17 – Farmington, PA (with Larkin Poe)
• April 18 – Charlotte, NC (with Larkin Poe)
• April 19 – Athens, GA (with Larkin Poe)
• April 20 – Chesterfield, MO (with Larkin Poe)
• April 22 – Nashville, TN
• April 23 – Chattanooga, TN
• April 24 – Albertville, AL
• April 25 – Little Rock, AR
• April 28 – Fayetteville, AR
• May 1 – New Orleans, LA

The spring dates will be followed by additional summer festival and amphitheater appearances later in 2026.

Gov’t Mule was formed in 1994 by Warren Haynes, bassist Allen Woody and drummer Matt Abts while Haynes and Woody were members of the Allman Brothers Band. Originally conceived as a side project during breaks from Allman Brothers touring, Gov’t Mule eventually became a full-time band in 1997.

Haynes’ deep connection to the Allman Brothers Band explains why the tour update appeared on the group’s official Instagram account. Haynes joined the Allman Brothers Band during its late-1980s reunion and remained a key member through multiple eras, performing with the band until its final shows in 2014.

Though the Allman Brothers Band officially ended following the deaths of Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks, its music continues through former members, tribute projects, and related acts like Gov’t Mule. 

Gov’t Mule has released numerous studio albums since their 1995 debut and has built a reputation for extended live performances rooted in blues, Southern rock, and improvisation. Despite lineup changes over the years, Haynes has remained the band’s creative anchor.In 2026, Haynes is also balancing Gov’t Mule’s touring schedule with his solo acoustic run, Winter of Warren 2026.

Related: 2000s Music Star Announces East Coast Tour With Special Guest

Christy Carlson Romano may just get a Disney Channel Original Movie sequel off the ground. After Hilary Duff's recent comments about the "lesbian love story" in Cadet Kelly, the Disney Channel stars had a playful discourse that could become something.

"I don’t know if I should say this or not, but I know that the internet had this big thing that went on about… that this is really, like, a lesbian love story," Duff, 38, told Vanity Fair. She still wonders why Disney didn't follow up with a sequel film. "...it seems like it would’ve gone in a great direction for the sequel."

Shortly after Duff's interview went viral, Romano, 41, posted a video on Instagram, asking Duff: "when we filming?"

"I've always been down for THAT Cadet Kelly sequel," Romano wrote over the video. Duff, who starred opposite Romano in the 2002 Disney Channel Original Movie Cadet Kelly, actually responded in the comments with a camera and female couple emojis (🎥👩‍❤️‍👩), fueling fresh speculation about a possible sequel.

Cadet Kelly has always held a special place in the Disney Channel canon. The movie followed Kelly Collins (Duff), a rebellious teen forced into military school, where she clashes—and eventually bonds—with Romano's by-the-book cadet, Jennifer Stone. Over the years, the film has developed a cult following, with many fans rewatching it through a queer-coded lens that feels especially resonant today.

A guest on the "Magical Rewind" podcast, Romano spoken openly about the LGBTQ+ audience celebrating Disney and embracing films like Cadet Kelly over the years. She reiterated that she’d be "down" to do the project, framing it as a "fun little thing" rather than a formal pitch.

Romano also acknowledged how deeply connected Duff is to her queer fanbase, noting that her current music is intentionally created with that audience in mind. She described Duff as a “gay icon,” a title many fans would argue she’s earned through both nostalgia and advocacy.

While neither star has confirmed any official plans—and Disney has made no announcements—the interaction alone has fans wondering whether the idea has more life than previously assumed.

"This is my Heated Rivalry," one fan commented on Romano's post, referencing the HBO series that went viral and quickly confirmed another season.

"The fact that @hilaryduff commented on this..." another fan said. "YAAAAASSSS! Let's gooo! We neeeeeed it!!!"

Of course, a sequel—especially one with an explicitly queer storyline—would represent a significant shift from Disney Channel’s early-2000s era. But in recent years, the entertainment industry has increasingly revisited nostalgic properties with more inclusive storytelling, making Romano’s suggestion feel less far-fetched than it once might have.

Whether anything comes of it or not, fans are more than ready to return to George Washington Military Academy, especially if it means seeing Kelly Collins' story continue in a way that reflects the audience that’s loved her all along.

Five seasons ago, Emily Flippen underwent one of the most profound Survivor metamorphoses in recent memory, going from a blunt and direct outsider to a "softer," more interpersonal power player. And following her star turn, the 30-year-old was adamant she would never come back to the show again. It was only a matter of time, however, that she asked herself, in true Emily-style, "Can I push back on that?"

That's because, despite how much her transformation resonated with Survivor fans, it most importantly didn't resonate with herself. And so she's decided to start the next chapter, as the blonde is eager to show there's a "Goldilocks method" between being aggressive and passive. Financial analyst Emilly Flippen is eager to rewrite her Survivor balance sheet by seeking out the most "authentic" weirdos in the cast, remembering, in the end, not to underestimate her Season 45 castmate Dee Valladares.

Read on for my interview with Emily, and check in with Parade daily for interviews with this season's contestants and other tidbits. Survivor 50 premieres on Feb. 25 with a three-hour episode on CBS.

🔥Don’t miss our weekly Survivor newsletter! Sign up to get Mike Bloom’s exclusive interviews with the players and the latest news about the show right to your inbox.🔥

Survivor 50 interview with Emily Flippen

I have to start by asking, Emily, with love, what the hell are you doing here?! When we spoke two years ago, you were adamant you would never do this again. Last year, I spoke with some of your castmates, who affirmed you would never play again. So what led to you sitting in front of me today?
Well, in my defense, I wasn't just lying to you and everyone else. I was also lying to myself. And I don't know if I actually have a real answer for you. I've been trying to figure it out myself. I got the call initially, and they were kind of like, "You don't have to make your mind up right now. Just let's go through the process." And enough months went by that I just didn't back out. And then at some point, I thought to myself, "Well, if I haven't backed out yet, really, there's some part of me that is interested in doing this again." 

And I think part of it is I don't love the note that I left 45 on. Which is odd, because when I finished the game, and I finished my season on 45, I was really happy with, obviously, how things turned out for me, which I still am really thankful for. But one of my last confessionals, I said I learned to be a softer person. I literally use that word "softer." And I hate the idea that my story ended with the idea that you have to change who you are in order to do well.

At no point in my life do I think I'm a soft person. To this day, nobody would describe me as soft. And that's not to say that you can't adjust. I learned to be a little bit more open-minded and flexible, not to see the world so black and white. I think those are important values. But do I think you need to be passive and indecisive and insecure and soft and all of these things I think I was by the time I was actually voted out? Also, no. So, I honestly, I'm not sure if that's all of the story. But in my mind, that's kind of how I'm rationalizing my decision to be here. Because I don't love the lesson.

That is so interesting. Because I do think a big reason why so many people positively associated with your story is because of your metamorphosis. Things started off rough, and maybe they did get "softer" by the time the game ended for you. So what is your headspace coming into your second season, having undergone that journey your first time around? Because it seems like you're here to prove you don't need to dull your shine to be able to glow as a Survivor winner.
Yeah, actually, I love that way of putting it. Coming into 50, I'm a little bit afraid that I could make some of the same mistakes. I'm hoping not to, but I think there is a nice middle ground between being genuine, direct, aggressive, and speaking your mind, while also being tactful and thoughtful and flexible and open minded. 

And I feel like, unfortunately, Season 45 is only this metamorphosis from being way too much in one extreme to way too much in the other. I think there's a Goldilocks zone. And that's not to say that I don't think I took away lessons from 45. I think I did, and I learned a lot. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to have as much time there as I did, and that change, and the self-reflection that I did was very genuine. I think it's a very true story. But I know I can do better, and I want to do better.

Let's also talk about the changes you've undergone in your life between seasons. In 45, we saw you go to the Sanctuary, where you talked about getting a new perspective on your relationship. And now you're newly married! So what has it been like to go through so many life events in between seasons?
That's such a good question. And when I came into 45, I think I said, "If I'm not going to win the game, I'd rather be the first person voted off." Because in my mind, you're here to play, you're here to win. And if you're not here to do that, there's very little value to get otherwise. And I am now acutely aware, as per my recent marriage, there's value and experience. And what I'm going to take away from Season 50, I don't yet know. I think coming in, right now, I hope it is a million dollars. Plus all these wonderful lessons that I'm sure I'll learn; don't get me wrong! But at the same time, I think I've learned there's a lot of value and experience within itself. And I need to be, again, open-minded to that possibility.

Are you changing your strategic approach to the game as well? Because when you and I spoke in the 45 preseason, you said, "I suck at lying." But by the end of the game, you had successfully convinced Bruce not to play his idol to allow his blindside to happen. So do you think you're walking in here with more capabilities compared to last time?
I feel like part of the reason my Season 45 game ended the way it did was because I was really insecure. I was insecure coming into the game; I think I just masked it with aggression. I was insecure leaving the game; I think I just masked it with passivity and indecision. I'm afraid that I still have a lot of those same insecurities. And one of my insecurities is I suck at lying, or I'm not able to do a lot of these things. I think if I trust in myself and believe in myself a little bit more, maybe I'd find that, no, you can. 

And I feel like that's part of it. I feel like I just set the bar so low because I don't want people to be disappointed in me, and I don't want people to get their hopes up. I don't want to be disappointed in myself. But you're just kind of manifesting disappointment in that regard, right? If you don't believe yourself capable of anything, if you set expectations too low, then you'll probably achieve nothing. 

I don't know what the middle ground is there. I don't want to come into this thing, "I'm gonna win Season 50, and that's gonna be the end of my story." And obviously, I'm up against so many incredible competitors that I think having the mindset that I am going to win would literally just be deluding myself and ignoring reality. But at the same time, I have to believe that there is a possibility for me to win. Otherwise, what am I doing here?

When you and I spoke following your boot, you had talked about how you hadn't expected how voluminous the Survivor fanbase was. Now that you've discovered that, as well as your massive popularity, does that affect your headspace at all as you approach the game?
I don't know if this is what you're expecting or not what you're expecting. But to be honest, I am trying to do my best to completely ignore it. I don't think it's providing any value to think about what other people's perceptions of me are. And if somebody reflects on my time here and reflects on my story and learn something from it and grows from it the way that I did, that's great. And if it resonates with someone, that's wonderful. 

But I learned really the hard way going through Season 45 that you can't make everybody happy with you. And I think if you think everybody loves you and is happy with you, then you're either lying to yourself, or you're lying to them. And I'm a really bad liar, like I said! [Laughs.] So I want to come in. I'm doing this for me. I'm going to do my best to tune out everything else. And I think that means that, yeah, I'll probably make some mistakes, and I'll probably do some stuff that fans are probably going to hate. And hopefully I'm blissfully unaware of it, but it still leaves something for somebody.

It's "In the Hands of the Fans," but now the game is in your hands!
[Laughs.] Exactly. They had their say. Now it's my say.

Considering you were only out here a couple of weeks ago, has your prep changed at all between seasons?
Yeah, that's a good question. Season 45 came up on me really quickly. I think it was only a matter of a few months between when I submitted my application video to when I was in the island in Fiji. And I didn't have a lot of time, I think, to wrap my head around what exactly my strategy was. So you would think now, with 2+ years of prep for Season 50, with the expectation that this was a possibility, that I'd be better prepared. 

But I'm an incredibly anxious person. And I know this is not what other people do. They'd be like, "I'd be doing everything I power to learning how to make shelters and working out every day and opening coconuts." I was just trying to keep my head on straight. I was anxious about the experience. I was nervous about the journey. I wasn't sure if I was going to do it again, if I should do it again, if I did do it again, this type of person that I would be. I spent a lot of time, I think, just internalizing. 

So my prep for Season 50, I think, was a lot less external and a lot more internal. And I just wanted to be in the right headspace to do it again and actually enjoy myself. And I can fully say I'm sitting out here right now, and I'm actually in a good mood. I am happy to be here. I was so anxious and uptight during Season 45; I was in a really bad headspace. And I actually feel positive this time around. And for me, that's a minor victory, but a big victory. 

Said before you're on another Lulu tribe.
Yeah, exactly. But inevitably, what's gonna happen is I'm gonna go out there and this means I'm gonna be the first boot! [Laughs.]

Related: Meet the Full Cast of Survivor 50

[Laughs.] Well, let's talk a bit about your competition. We're gonna play a game called "Friend or Foe." I'm going to give you a name of someone on the cast, and you have to tell me if they're someone you want to work with, or someone you see as an enemy or threat.
And to be clear, everybody is Foe. I'll play the gam. But to be clear, the Foe baseline is there. I'm not losing to any of them.

[Laughs.] Exactly. Let's start with Jenna.
Who?

From Borneo.
Is there an option that's not Friend or Foe?

Yeah, you can pick a third one.
Irrelevant.

Ooh! Tell me why.
I genuinely can't remember a single thing about not only Jenna but Borneo in general. Sure, it was a great season. I watched it maybe when I was seven years old. I mean, the vibes out here, from what I can tell, are also very neutral. I got nothing from her. She's on my tribe, that is a complete blank slate.

How about Colby?
Foe. I just don't think he's gonna vibe with me at all, purely based off of what I can take. Again, not somebody I've ever met or interacted with. But the physicality, the kind of like almost "American hero" of it all, that is not me. Now, I hope that we have something in common; maybe we do. But baseline Foe.

Stephenie.
Foe, for the same reasons as Colby.

Cirie.
[Pause.] Foe. And the reason I'm giving Cirie Foe — and I thought about it. In my defense, I did think about it. Because I think there's an opportunity there for us to work together as two of the less physical people on a season of what is turning out to be a lot of really strong people. I'm very insecure right now. Because the vibes that I'm getting at so far at Ponderosa pregame, we can't talk, but we can look at each other. I'm not even sure if she wants to be here. I mean, it's like heads down, headphones and uninterested in what's going on around. And maybe that's just Cirie, and maybe I'll see a different side of her on the island. But right now, I'm almost wondering, "Can I even work with you? Because do you want to play this game?"

What about Ozzy? Is he in that Colby/Stephenie mold?
Ozzy might be more Friend, actually, and that's only because he's such a weirdo. And I kind of feel like, if you're a weirdo, then that gives me a crack, you know what I mean?  know he'll probably be more attracted to the Dees of the world, who have a little element of quirk, but are a little bit more conventional. But if there's a crack, I can work with a crack. So maybe more Friend, but it's borderline.

Well you talk about the weirdos — and I say this with love. What about Coach?
Friend, Friend, Friend.

You just lit up!
I know! I have my fingers crossed that I'm on the same tribe as Coach. And I cannot tell you why, because I have never met the guy until three days ago, when we're on a plane going to Fiji together. And we have so many things that are very different. So it should be Foe, thinking of going back to all these other things. But at the same time, I feel like, when it comes down to his baseline, like you're kind of a weirdo who is really direct and will always speak his mind. And I love that. I love people who are just truly authentic to themselves. And so I don't know, I feel like I'm gonna vibe with Coach. 

Aubry.
Friend. Purely because I think the archetype. Aubry doesn't have much choices out here, and I feel like I'm gonna be one of her limited opportunities.

Emily Flippen on 'Survivor 50'

Robert Voets/CBS

How about Chrissy, a fellow financial analyst?
Friend. And I don't have any reason to say that, other than she's very adorable — which, oh my god, is judging someone based off their look. And I hope nobody else is doing that for me. Even though I actually think maybe my look is pretty fair to judge me off of. [Laughs.] But she just seems really friendly.

Angelina.
I really want to say Friend. But for some reason, I'm leaning Foe, and I really can't provide a logical explanation for it. But maybe it's the makeup, maybe it's thebeauty of it all. And maybe I'm making a judgment based off of that. But I just don't know if she's gonna like my "out thereness." I don't know. Gosh, I loved her on her season, and that's so confusing about it. But the vibe that she's bringing to the island now, in my opinion, it feels different than when I watched her on TV. So I don't know if she's changed in that time.

Well let's get into someone you definitely know off the island in Christian. What are your thoughts on him?
Christian's definitely Friend, only because that is a known quantity. I think I understand how Christian's brain works, and I think he understands logical, strategic gameplay. It's logical and strategic, I think, for him to want to work with me. That being said, he's such a big threat. If he's not targeted for his lack of physicality on his tribe, which I don't think he will be, because he's such a strategic puzzle mastermind, then that's somebody that I would not want to be sitting next to in the Final Three.

Mike.
Foe. What are you even doing here? I want somebody to answer that question for me.

You can ask him on Day 1 on the beach!
[Laughs.] You know what? What I want to get him to do is publicly promise to everyone that he will not put a single contestant from Season 50 on any of his TV shows or movies moving forward. Because I feel like otherwise, the entire narrative around his time here is going to be, "Oh, well, are they trying to buddy up to Mike White" — not to say they won't vote him out. But, "Are they just trying to be friendly with him and work with him because they want something from him?" Let's shut it down right now. All you to do is say, "Hey, it's not happening, guys. So if you work with me, you're working with me. You're not working with my TV persona." That stuff irritates me.

Rick.
[Pause.] Foe. And that surprises me. Because I think coming into the season, if you had told me Rick Devens is going to be on it, I'd say, "Oh, that's a friend." Similar kind of archetype, almost. But he's probably a really pleasant guy. I only judging him based off the lack of interaction you've had at Ponderosa. But what I've seen him doing, there's something about him that comes off a little smart, like a little inauthentic. Lots of buddying up and cozying up to like the producers and other people, like, "We're friends, bro, come on! Give me a hand slap or something."

We were sitting Day 1. We just got to Ponderosa. We're just coming down; we're sitting at our tables. Nobody's saying anything. He pulls out photos of his family. And he's holding them up, flipping through photos of his family. And I'm like, "Man, you saw them 48 hours ago. You didn't miss 'em that much!" And also, we know you have a family. You have private place to go and look at photos. What is that? It just strikes me as like, okay, he's already playing the game, and that just annoys me.

Let's get into your fellow new era castmates. Starting with Jonathan.
This one's hard. I lean Foe. I really hoping that we can work together, because I think there's a very good chance that we end up on the same tribe. Just because my lack of physicality and his presence of physicality, maybe that would be a balancing. But from what I can understand, I never met him in person, but what I know about him is, ideologically, I don't know if we exactly get along and see eye to eye in that regard. Which is fine, I think you can work with people of lots of different backgrounds. I just don't know if he'll be interested in working with me. So I might try to make an in with him, but I come on kind of strong. And I don't think Jonathan is the type of person who's like, "Yeah, I really vibe with that. That's really working for me."

Let's talk about the Dee of it all. Because 45 has been an incredibly close cast since you all filmed your season. But also, last time you were here, she masterminded the Julie idol play that sent you out of the game. So what are your feelings about playing again with her?
I have a lot of respect for Dee, and I do think that it's accurate people describe her as one of the most dominant players of the new era. She has it all. When you meet Dee, you love her. It's really, really hard not to. And that is electric. And that can almost be an asset, because I do think that she is aware that she's a big target. And if, in her mind, she can view us as working together, then that keeps a big target around.  And I think when it comes down to the season 45ers, who's like, "Oh, Emily is so threatening"? Not when there's Dee sitting right there! 

That being said, I am not going to lose to the same person twice. It's embarrassing to lose once. Imagine losing to the same person twice. So I have no intention of going to the end with Dee or doing anything that is going to further her game at the expense of mine. But I do think we can work together to some extent.

Related: The 50 Best ‘Survivor’ Challenges Ever — According to the People Who Made Them (Exclusive)

Moving on to 46, Charlie.
I like Charlie. Seems like a nice guy. I don't know if he'll like me very much. He seems very conventional. I'm a Friend purely because the new era 45, 46, we're all out there together. I feel like he'll want to work with me, and I feel like he knows what he's getting when he gets me, so I'm not like an unknown quantity to him.

Well, let's get into the exact opposite of conventional: Q.
Ooh, this is so difficult. I'm leaning Friend for Q, and let me explain why it's difficult. I have met Q once or twice in person, and I cannot get a read on the guy. If you think the Q you see out here is different from the Q in real life, it's not, and that's concerning. So I can't tell if the guy hates me, because every interaction we've had has been weird. And so I'm a little bit afraid he low-key just despises me. I have no idea. But I think the only way I'm sitting at Final Three is if something weird has happened. This would be a crazy season if I'm sitting at Final Three with this group of people. So I need the chaos. I need the Q chaos. So for that reason alone, he's Friend.

Tiffany.
Maybe more Foe for Tiffany. I know Q and Tiffany are close. I know post-game, they're likely to be working together. So I don't know how I work with one and not with the other, not that they won't eventually turn on each other. But Tiffany is just very strategic and thoughtful, and I find that very threatening. 

Genevieve.
I think Friend for Genevieve, purely because Genevieve is on an island right now. Similar to me, she is coming into the game, I think, with some of the less pre-existing relationships. She was also perceived as a big threat, so, like Dee, probably gets targeted before me. I think she needs allies. She's coming in with probably not very many, and I think I can be an ally for her. I'm, again, a known quantity. So Friend.

Speaking of known quantities, let's get into the trio from 48. Starting with Joe.
I genuinely forget that Joe is here. Not to be mean to the guy; I love him. But sometimes I look around and I see him and I'm like, "Oh my god, you're here too!" So Joe is almost kind of like, going back to — who is it on Season 1?

Jenna.
Jenna. Joe and Jenna, it's the Js. I'll go with Foe because I think his alliance in 48, if I'm not mistaken, was one of the buff guy alliances. And honestly, I don't fit.

Kamilla.
Friend. Again, similarly to Q, I've interacted with Kamilla a couple of times, and I can't tell if she hates me or not. And for that alone, it makes me a little bit nervous. Because she has had plenty of opportunities. We've talked, we've played some games together. She could have been like, "Hey, Emily, I'm on Season 50." Not that I think they should do that. I hate pregaming. If somebody does that to me, it irritates the heck out of me. But nobody did that, including Kamilla. And that to me says, "Okay, she either has the same mindset I do, or she's just really not interested in me." Both are fair. [Laughs.]

Kyle.
Similar thing to Kamilla. I will say Kyle lands a little bit more on the Foe side. Only because with this cast of people, I can always figure out a reason why somebody was put in the cast. "Something's wrong with you. Something's going on. That's why you're here. With Kyle, he's way too well-adjusted and way too normal. And that is so threatening to me, because I'm like, "What's wrong with you?" The answer is nothing.

Finally, let's talk about the 49 players. Any thoughts about them?
So right now I'm not getting great reads on either of them. I will say, not trying to meta the producers here, I would probably be casting two people that hated each other, or two people who worked really closely together on 49. And right now, the two 49ers — I believe the names are Savannah and Rizo — they are sitting very far away from each other at Ponderosa. They're not interacting with each other at all. Which is exactly what I would do if we were actually very close and we wanted to pretend like we weren't. So that makes me think that they probably worked together.

Savannah seems nice enough, not getting great read on her. Rizo seems jaded as hell. And my reads are usually totally wrong, by the way. But he has an intensity to him, just sitting in a tent, just almost seems like he has something to prove. So I kind of like that if he actually is coming into this game with an element of intensity. I could work with that.

Sometimes, when players return, they take lessons from the winner of their original season. Obviously, this is a weird situation given that Dee is here as well. But is there anything from her game you plan to incorporate into your own?
I think if I try to be Dee, I'm going to fail at it really, really spectacularly. I'm not sure there's much that Dee and I have in common. But there is one thing that Dee did that I have a lot of respect for, that I hope I can do, which is keep my mouth shut. It's hard for me to keep secrets and to only share information that needs to be shared, and know when the information should be shared. Dee was really, really good about only giving tidbits when it was necessary. So I hope I can take that away.

Finally, what celebrity or fictional character would you bring out for a Loved Ones visit? Last time we did this, you said Ron Weasley. 
I'm sure I did, because that's the only fictional character I can think of! [Laughs.]

[Laughs.] Do you have a different answer this time?
Immediately the first thing I thought of was Ron Weasley! [Laughs.] To be honest, right now I'm actually reading Mistborn. It's so good. I finished the first one, and I put it in the discarded books at Ponderosa, hoping that somebody else would pick it up. And nobody else has picked it up. So I read through Mistborn. I'm happy that the second one in that trilogy, and I'm gonna go with one of the main characters in Mistborn, which is Vin. I feel like that would just be very, very helpful skill set to have. So yeah, if you haven't read Mistborn, you wanna know what I'm talking about, do it!

Less than four years after the highly publicized reveal that he was genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's, Marvel star Chris Hemsworth is opening up about how his relationship to the disease has changed in a candid new interview.

Sitting down with The Guardian, the 42-year-old actor spoke at length about his hesitancy to share the news about his genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's with the general public, fearing the revelation might negatively impact his acting career and audiences' perception of him on-screen.

"I wondered if I was letting people too far in," Hemsworth said. "Are they no longer going to believe in the action star or the Marvel character? And do I want people to know my fears and insecurities to this level?”

Through a passionate documentary project he made with his father, however, Hemsworth came to accept a deeper level of nuance exploring a sensitive topic most people might be too uncomfortable to discuss.

For those who haven't seen the film, Hemsworth's documentary, A Road Trip to Remember, followed Hemsworth and his father Craig as they grapple with the reality of the latter's Alzheimer's diagnosis.

“It was so deeply personal," Hemsworth said of the documentary. "It was a love letter to my father. It empowered him for a period, and stimulated memories that were being taken away from him.”

“People like to pretend it’s not happening, because it’s so uncomfortable for them, so you suffer in silence," the Thor actor continued. "People talk to you about the footy, and the weather and stuff, and no one actually says, ‘How are you doing? Are you scared? Are you afraid?’"

As he reaches his middle ages, Hemsworth said that both his current age and his father's health struggle led to the actor personally beginning to slow down in his various dramatic performances, allowing him to enjoy his family life rather than continuously focusing on acting alone.

"My appetite for racing forward has really been reined in,” he said. “I’ve become more aware of the fragility of things. You start thinking, ‘My dad won’t be here for ever.’ And my kids are now 11 and 13. Those nights where they’d fight over sleeping in our bed – suddenly they’re not happening any more.”

Ernie Hudson has spent decades as a reliable and recognizable Hollywood’s presence, but during a recent appearance on The Sackhoff Show, the actor shared a personal story that changed how he views his career and his life. Hudson spoke openly about a cancer diagnosis in 2011 and a medical emergency that followed, describing it as a moment that forced him to confront long-held ideas about success, ambition, and self-worth.

At the time, Hudson told Katie Sackhoff, he felt physically strong and professionally steady. He was preparing for a demanding role as an ex-boxer, maintaining a rigorous workout routine. A routine checkup revealed a tumor, which was later confirmed to be malignant. What followed was surgery and then a severe health scare.

After the operation, Hudson says he was given a temporary ileostomy bag while his body healed. He continued working throughout that period. When the bag was removed too soon, severe complications followed. While preparing to travel for an event, Hudson experienced intense pain and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a rupture that allowed toxins to spread through his body.

'I could feel my body shutting down,' Hudson says. 'I got somebody's phone. I called my sons and I said, 'just know I love you.' But I knew that this could be it. Yeah. That I could die,' he says.

'I mean, if it is, then everything that I've done, maybe that has to be enough,' he says. 'so we went into surgery and I kind of made peace with it in a weird way.' In that moment, he says, he accepted that his life might be ending. That acceptance, he said, stayed with him long after he survived.

Related: ‘Ghostbusters’ Original Cast Member Revisits Iconic Set

The experience caused Hudson to reflect on his career with unusual clarity. He is best known to generations of fans as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters, a role that helped define one of the most successful and enduring franchises of the 1980s. He reprised the character in sequels decades later, including Ghostbusters: Afterlife, reinforcing his place in a series that remains deeply embedded in pop culture. Hudson has also appeared in films like The Crow, Leviathan, and Congo, along with extensive television work that spans drama, comedy, and genre storytelling.

Yet Hudson admitted that even with that résumé, he often measured himself against other actors and questioned why certain opportunities never came. Facing death stopped that. He realized that constantly chasing someone else’s version of success only led to dissatisfaction.

Hudson said he remains open to future creative challenges, but no longer defines himself by what he hasn’t achieved. Surviving the ordeal taught him that his life and his family is already enough to be satisfied.

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If you still haven't been able to "catch 'em all," there's still time.

The Pokémon Company International just announced that the beloved entertainment franchise will commemorate 30 years with a yearlong campaign that will debut with a new Super Bowl LX commercial.

Airing Sunday, Feb. 8, the spot is said to illustrate the brand’s mission of bringing people together through a shared love of Pokémon while honoring its growing audience of diverse, global and multigenerational fans across three decades.

In the meantime, Pokémon fans — aka "Trainers" — can watch a teaser video of the Super Bowl spot below. More details about the yearlong campaign will be unveiled following Super Bowl LX, including fan-focused activations.

“The Pokémon community has been the foundation and inspiration for the brand since the very beginning, and the passion of our fans is what has allowed Pokémon to have a lasting impact on pop culture around the world and across generations,” said Kenji Okubo, president at The Pokémon Company International, in a statement. “As we look to the next 30 years and beyond, we invite Trainers to join in celebrating this landmark milestone, starting with Super Bowl LX, where they’ll see themselves and their fandom reflected in unexpected ways.”

Outside of the campaign, fans can celebrate with a variety of 30th-inspired offerings across the Pokémon franchise. Themed Pokémon Trading Card Game Collections are available now at participating retailers, for example.

The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection celebrates Pokémon Day, an annual pop culture holiday taking place on Feb. 27 to commemorate the launch of the first Pokémon video games — Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green — in Japan in 1996.

Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan confirmed a newly expanded partnership last month with The Pokémon Company — and while details are still tightly under wraps, the headline takeaway is hard to miss: Pokémon experiences are coming to Universal theme parks, and they won’t be staying in Japan forever.

Universal isn’t saying exactly what the first project will be, but the language around the announcement makes one thing clear: this is bigger than a parade or a seasonal overlay.

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If you've noticed your jawline isn't as defined as it used to be, or your neck skin has started looking crepey and loose, you're experiencing one of the most frustrating aspects of aging: sagging skin. No matter how much moisturizer you slather on, that loss of firmness doesn't seem to budge. The reality is that sagging isn't just about dryness—it's a structural issue involving collagen breakdown, elastin degradation and hormonal changes that fundamentally alter how your skin behaves.

What makes sagging particularly challenging is that it's happening at multiple levels beneath the surface. Your skin is producing less collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep it firm and resilient), fat pads that once cushioned and supported your skin are shifting downward, and if you're perimenopausal or postmenopausal, hormonal changes are accelerating the entire process. Research shows women lose approximately 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years after menopause, which explains why your previously reliable skincare routine suddenly feels ineffective against new sagging along your jawline, neck and cheeks.

The good news? While drugstore serums can't replace the dramatic results of professional procedures like radiofrequency or lasers, they absolutely can improve skin quality, firmness and texture when formulated with the right active ingredients. The key is understanding which ingredients actually work—retinoids that stimulate collagen production, peptides that signal your skin to behave younger, vitamin C that protects existing collagen and hyaluronic acid that plumps and hydrates. When used consistently, these powerhouse ingredients can meaningfully improve how sagging skin looks and feels.

We consulted board-certified dermatologists who specialize in aging skin to find out which affordable drugstore serums actually deliver visible firming results. Here are their top picks without the luxury price tag.

Related: The 11 Best Crepey Skin Treatments That Dermatologists Recommend

Top Drugstore Serums

• Best Hyaluronic Acid:La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5
• Best Vitamin C:L'Oréal Revitalift 12% Vitamin C
• Best Retinol:CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
• Best Firming:Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
• Best Under $20:The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
• Best for Neck & Jawline:RoC Multi Correxion Lift Serum
• Best for Dull Skin:Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
• Best for Glowing Skin:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Best Adapalene:Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

What Causes Sagging Skin?

Sagging skin isn't just about gravity—it's a complex biological process happening beneath the surface.

Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, explains, "Sagging skin is the result of several structural changes that occur over time, not just at the surface of the skin but deeper beneath it. As we age, there is a gradual decline in collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, resilient and able to 'snap back.' This breakdown weakens the skin's support system and leads to laxity."

But it goes deeper than just skin proteins. Dr. Palm notes that facial fat compartments act as natural cushions supporting the skin. "Over time, these fat pads—particularly the superficial fat layer—diminish and shift, which can create the appearance of drooping or sagging, especially along the cheeks, jawline and lower face." Even muscle tone plays a role, as naturally losing muscle mass means skin no longer has the same structural foundation to rest upon.

Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC, board-certified menopause practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetic Medspa, emphasizes the hormonal component that many women don't realize. "During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen loss slows collagen production and weakens the scaffolding that keeps skin firm," she explains. "Research shows that women lose approximately 30% of skin collagen in the first five years after menopause, with continued decline thereafter. This hormonal shift explains why many women notice sudden sagging of the jawline, neck and cheeks despite unchanged skincare routines."

Dr. Whitney Hovenic, double board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of SPOOGE sunscreen, adds that external factors accelerate the process. "Things like genetics, environmental stressors and habits such as smoking can also play a role," she shares.

The bottom line? Sagging is multifactorial—combining internal aging processes with hormonal changes and external damage.

Related:The 15 Best Retinol Body Lotions, According to Celebrity Dermatologists

How To Prevent Sagging Skin

Prevention is significantly more effective than trying to reverse sagging once it's already happened.

"One of the biggest factors we can control when it comes to sagging skin is sun exposure," Dr. Hovenic tells Parade. "UV damage speeds up the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing sagging to appear earlier and become more noticeable. Daily sun protection is one of the most effective ways to slow this process."

Lifestyle factors matter, as well. Dr. Palm recommends avoiding smoking (one of the top accelerators of skin aging), eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, protein, fiber and healthy fats, and practicing good sleep habits. Coppola adds that "adequate protein intake and hormonal health also matter."

When it comes to topical prevention, the experts agree on specific ingredients. Dr. Hovenic suggests "supporting your skin with targeted ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants and peptides." Coppola emphasizes that "daily photoprotection, topical retinoids, vitamin C and peptide signaling are essential."

But Coppola offers an important mindset shift.

"You can't prevent sagging by chasing wrinkles. You prevent it by protecting collagen and supporting it daily," she says. The key is being proactive rather than reactive.

Can a Serum Help Sagging Skin?

The dermatologists agree: yes, but with realistic expectations about what serums can and can't do.

Dr. Palm tells Parade, "Serums can be powerful because they deliver high concentrations of active ingredients that support collagen production, boost hydration, improve texture and smooth fine lines, making skin appear firmer over time." However, she's clear about what they can't do: "Topical products do not penetrate deeply enough to lift sagging skin the way in-clinic procedures do."

Coppola uses a helpful framework for understanding serum benefits. "I tell patients to think of serums as signalers, not fillers," she explains. "Peptides, retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid send messages to the skin to behave younger, but consistency is key." She adds that "topical serums cannot replace lost volume or reposition tissue, but they can meaningfully improve skin quality, firmness and surface elasticity."

The verdict? Serums improve skin quality and firmness but won't replace professional tightening procedures. Use them consistently for best results.

Related: 15 Creams for Sensitive Skin That Won’t Cause Breakouts, According to Dermatologists

9 Best Drugstore Serums That Target Sagging Skin, According to DermatologistsBest Hyaluronic Acid: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5, $40

Amazon

Coppola chose this as one of the very best hyaluronic acid serums available at drugstore prices. "Its combination of multi-weight hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 improves water retention while supporting barrier repair, a critical factor for menopausal skin, which loses moisture more quickly and recovers more slowly," she explains.

The multi-weight formula means it hydrates at different depths of the skin, creating a plumping effect that temporarily improves the appearance of sagging. The vitamin B5 helps repair and maintain the moisture barrier, which becomes increasingly important as skin ages.

Best Vitamin C: L'Oréal Revitalift 12% Vitamin C, $36

Amazon

Coppola specifically recommends this for addressing "dullness and early laxity." It's "one of the best vitamin C serums for improving brightness while supporting collagen synthesis and protecting existing collagen from oxidative damage," she says.

The 12% concentration is high enough to be effective but still gentle enough for daily use. Vitamin C works on multiple fronts—it helps your skin produce new collagen while protecting the collagen you already have from environmental damage. The brightening effect also helps sagging skin look fresher and more youthful.

Related: 10 Best Under-Eye Concealers for Mature Skin, According to Skincare Experts

Best Retinol: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $19

Amazon

Both Coppola and Dr. Palm recommend this drugstore retinol option. Coppola notes it's "among the best retinol options for drugstore shoppers, particularly for midlife skin, because it pairs encapsulated retinol with ceramides and niacinamide, helping stimulate collagen while preserving barrier integrity."

Dr. Palm agrees it's "a well-balanced retinol serum that supports collagen renewal while incorporating ceramides and niacinamide to maintain the skin barrier, which is essential when treating laxity and fine lines."

The encapsulated retinol means it's released slowly, reducing irritation while still delivering collagen-stimulating benefits. Coppola adds that "retinol is especially effective for improving texture, firmness and fine lines along the lower face, jawline and upper neck, where collagen loss accelerates during menopause."

Best Firming: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum, $27

Amazon

Multiple experts love this peptide-rich formula. Coppola calls it "widely considered one of the best firming and best peptide serums at the drugstore, using signal peptides to support collagen pathways and improve skin elasticity over time." Dr. Hovenic agrees it's "a well-rounded formula that targets fine lines while improving skin firmness."

The peptides in this formula signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which are the structural proteins that keep skin firm. With consistent use, it can create visible improvements in skin tone and texture.

Best Under $20: The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA, $11

Amazon

Coppola specifically chose this as proof that effective anti-aging doesn't require luxury pricing. It delivers "clinically studied peptides that help soften fine lines and improve skin laxity, including along the jawline," she explains.

Matrixyl is one of the most well-researched peptide complexes available, with clinical studies showing it can improve the appearance of wrinkles and firmness. Combined with hyaluronic acid for hydration, this serum offers serious anti-aging benefits at an incredibly accessible price point.

Best for Neck & Jawline: RoC Multi Correxion Lift Serum, $37

Amazon

Coppola specifically recommends this for the delicate neck and jawline areas where sagging is most visible.

"When treating the neck and jawline specifically, where skin is thinner, more vulnerable to estrogen loss and slower to repair, RoC Multi Correxion Lift Serum is one of the best targeted drugstore options," she says. "It is formulated to improve firmness, texture and elasticity in areas prone to crepey skin and sagging, making it especially appropriate for menopausal and postmenopausal skin."

The neck is often the first place sagging becomes obvious, and this formula is designed specifically for that thinner, more delicate skin.

Best for Dull Skin: Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum, $6

Target

Dr. Hovenic chose this specifically for addressing dullness that often accompanies sagging. "This lightweight serum improves uneven tone and texture without heaviness, helping dull skin look clearer and more refined," she explains.

Niacinamide is a multitasking ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation and improves overall skin tone. While it doesn't directly lift sagging skin, it creates a brighter, more even complexion that makes aging skin look healthier and more vibrant. The lightweight formula layers well under other serums or moisturizers.

Best for Glowing Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $20

Amazon

Dr. Hovenic loves this for creating that plump, radiant look. "Its high-concentration hyaluronic acid delivers immediate hydration, which helps skin appear smoother and naturally more radiant," she says. When skin is deeply hydrated, it reflects light better and looks plumper, which temporarily minimizes the appearance of sagging.

The gel formula absorbs quickly without any sticky residue, making it perfect for layering under makeup or other skincare products. The immediate plumping effect makes this ideal for special occasions when you want skin to look its absolute best.

Related:A Celebrity Makeup Artist Reveals if You Should Use Concealer or Foundation First (You Might Be Surprised!)

Best Adapalene: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%, $13.50

Amazon

Dr. Palm specifically recommends this prescription-strength retinoid that's now available over the counter. "Adapalene is a prescription-strength retinoid available over the counter that helps stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture over time, making it one of the most effective drugstore options for long-term skin aging support," she explains.

Adapalene is technically a retinoid (not just retinol), which means it's more potent and works faster. It's particularly effective for improving skin texture and stimulating collagen production, both of which help combat sagging. Start slowly to build tolerance, as it can be irritating initially.

Up Next:

Related: 13 Facial Toners That Actually Work, According to Dermatologists

Sources:

• Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC, MSCP, licensed nurse practitioner, board-certified menopause practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetic Medspa and Bare Soul Wellness
• Dr. Whitney Hovenic, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, co-founder of SPOOGE sunscreen
• Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD

Traveling on a cruise ship is a great way to disconnect and relax, but let’s be real. In this day and age, it’s harder and harder to allow ourselves to be disconnected from the outside world. Whether you want to keep people updated on your vacation on Instagram or Facebook, you want to FaceTime your loved ones back home, or you need to stay connected to your e-mail–that can actually be quite costly on a cruise ship.

I worked and lived on cruise ships for over five years, so I’m no stranger to the woes of trying to stay connected while on a ship. In the past, I’ve bought eSIMs (which are electronic SIM cards) that have allowed me to buy certain amounts of internet in the various countries I was visiting. This way, I wasn’t using my phone plan from the US, and instead was saving a bit of money by buying an eSIM for the particular part of the world that I was in. However, once I got back on the cruise ship and we were sailing at sea, I had to purchase ship Wi-Fi to stay connected.

While I’m no longer a crew member on board cruise ships, I’m an avid cruise ship vacationer. I particularly love to go on ships solo, and for safety reasons, I always buy Wi-Fi onboard so that I can keep my friends and family updated. Now, there is a new eSIM company that offers packages that work both on land and at sea–and it’s a complete game changer.

Related: The Worst Time To Go On a Cruise, According to Cruise Experts

Get An eSIM That Is Specifically For Cruises @here_there_david_clare

How we get WiFi at Sea when traveling. Why don’t you try it to? @GigSky | Your Travel eSIM @Princess Cruises #wifi #cruise #internet

♬ original sound - here_there_david_clare

In a TikTok video created by @here_there_david_clare, a couple from the UK that travels the world, they share how they stay connected while at sea. They use the company Gigsky, which is an eSIM company that offers various types of internet packages for cruise vacations. David and Clare explain that they find it very important to be able to share photos while on their vacations, and they have found that being at sea has been their greatest challenge in doing that in an affordable way.

In this video, they share that Gigsky services can cover over 200 cruise ships, and just about any area of the world that you can think of. For a cruise that they recently traveled on, they bought a one gigabyte SIM card for 29.99 pounds, and this allowed them to have internet both on land and at sea while on their cruise for seven days.

As I went ahead and looked at Gigsky’s site myself, I was shocked. If I was still a crew member on ships, I would definitely be using these eSIMS on a weekly basis. You can buy the amount of gigabytes you think you’d need, top off with more if you run out, and it ensures that you’ll have service no matter where you go. For reference, one gigabyte of data for me would work for about two days of medium usage–hours of Instagram scrolling, checking and sending e-mails, and web browsing. With Gigsky, that would cost around $25. If I were to buy the cruise ship Wi-Fi instead (which does vary per cruise line, type of packages you’ve bought, etc.) I would have only received a few hours worth of internet for that $25.

Related: The One Cabin Cruise Experts Say You Should Never Book—No Matter the Deal

There Are Other Options Out There, Too

Now that accessing the internet on cruise ships is becoming more and more common, other companies are jumping at the idea as well. Verizon, for example, offers a Cruise Daily Pass. This allows Verizon customers to pay $20 per day while on a cruise, and it gives them unlimited data. This data is high speed for a half of a gigabyte of data, and then after that it is run at 3G speeds. Other carriers, like T-Mobile and AT&T, also offer various ways to connect while at sea–so be sure to check with your specific carrier to see if you can get a better deal that way.

If you are buying internet directly from the cruise line itself, I have found that to be the least cost-effective way to go. Take Norwegian Cruise Lineas an example. They offer a Voyage Wi-Fi pass for $29.99 per day, and this includes social media, email and web browsing. If you are looking to stream videos, you’ll want to opt for the Steaming Voyage Wi-Fi, which costs $39.99 per day. I, personally, don’t think that either of these are worth it, and would rather go through one of the options via my phone plan or through Gigsky.

Norwegian Cruise Line does offer a package called Free At Sea Plus, and that is a package I do indeed think is worth the money. This package includes things like an unlimited open bar that includes top shelf spirits, Starbucks coffee, bottled water, specialty dining meals and unlimited Wi-Fi onboard.

The price of this varies depending on your ship and voyage length. I did take a solo trip on NCL, a 10-day Mediterranean cruise, and I opted for the Free At Sea Plus. It was offered at a major discount when I booked, and I decided to give myself a full "treat yourself" moment. With all of the perks that were included in the package plus the Wi-Fi, I thought that this was a great option and definitely worth the money.

Overall, there are a lot of ways that you can stay connected onboard cruise ships these days. Whether you want to choose a plan with your cell phone carrier, get an eSIM with a company like Gigsky, or splurge on an all-inclusive pass with your cruise line, the options are now there for you.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Newest 2027 Ship—And It’s Built Around How Families Actually Cruise

Sources:
https://www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/free-at-sea
https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/cruise-and-inflight/