Remember when Rihanna he said that her reign just won’t let up? Well, neither will Parfums de Marly — especially with their recent purple reign.

I had been anticipating the release for weeks (like many of us), and after I finally got to smell it, I used to be absolutely blown away—in the very best way. You’d think I’d expect nothing less from one of my favorite area of interest perfume houses, but this scent was truly something special.

You know that feeling when a perfume is only for you? It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s magical. It’s shiny, floral, and absolutely charming — housed in a classy mauve bottle that is as stunning as the scent itself (but let’s be honest, all Parfums de Marly perfumes are masterpieces).

What stands out is the balance of fruit, florals, and a touch of powdery softness. It opens with mandarin and pear (two of my favorite notes) which are immediately uplifting. But once that violet petal shows up? Game over. It’s fresh without being too sweet, and I really like the way it dries all the way down to a smooth, creamy sandalwood finish. It’s a scent that feels each fun and complicated—perfect for a daytime brunch or an evening out.

There is something about Parfums de Marly that keeps them at the top of the area of interest fragrance game they usually prove it once more. Their scents aren’t just well-made; they evoke a mood, a sense, a vibration. They know the best way to create luxury without being over the top, and every of their scents looks like a piece of art. Whether it’s sensual, flirty or opulent, you realize you’re in for something special.

Why I find it irresistible: is a robust fragrance centered around a contemporary floral bouquet with fresh fruity and powdery notes. I really like the way it revolves around the violet petal, enhanced by the unique masculine-turned-feminine lavender. This lightness gives it an unsettling twist unlike the rest in my collection. In addition, the base notes of musk, patchouli and vanilla give a warm, velvety hug that lasts all day. At $375, it’s an investment, but well value it for its luxurious composition and longevity.

It’s not only me who can’t get enough of this scent — beauty lovers and scent connoisseurs all over the place are raving about it . In fact, #FragranceTok OGs like Zoe, Princess of PerfumeAND Karolina Stern have singled it out as a standout addition to Parfums de Marly’s already excellent offering, with some loving how the violet and sandalwood give it an unconventional twist. The purple bottle can be successful, attracting fans who appreciate the combination of elegance and playfulness.

But what really sets them apart is their ability to mix beautifully with other scents. , with a creamy sandalwood base, it begs to be mixed and matched. Which brings me to…

Perfect mixtures: If you like experimenting with scents like I do, you’ll have plenty of room to play with . For extra warmth, try layering it on yourself so as to add a comfortable, woodsy vibe. It enhances the sandalwood and adds extra depth. It’s also an awesome layering partner for floral days. Peony adds a soft, romantic touch to violets.

It’s a flexible fragrance that will be worn day or night. It has presence without being overpowering, and leaves a mark that’s each sophisticated and playful. As at all times, Parfums de Marly offers something special and is solely the latest example of their mastery of fragrance. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?

The Pacific Islands may conjure up images of vast coastlines and picturesque landscapes. But while this a part of the world may seem like paradise, many locals face a serious public health problem.

By Pacific Nationsalmost half one million people they live in informal urban settlements that lack adequate sanitation, which can result in limited access to functioning toilets.

This has an impact on health, well-being, education and livelihoods, especially for girlschildren, elderly people and disabled people.

Our recent study published in the journal Nature Pure water NPJWe examined the state of sanitation in several informal urban settlements in two Pacific countries – Fiji and Vanuatu. Our findings show that this is an issue that requires urgent attention.

Field research

We worked with researchers from the University of the South Pacific to survey households and examine sanitation infrastructure. Our team surveyed 393 households in nine informal urban settlements in the capitals of Fiji (Suva) and Vanuatu (Port Vila).

These housing estates are developing when people decide on uninhabited land that has not been planned for development, often due to a scarcity of reasonably priced housing options. Informal urban settlements often lack access to basic services and infrastructure, corresponding to sewage systems, electricity, paved roads and waste collection.

We found that although piped water is available, the majority of households (between 56% and 100% of households in each settlement) still depend on unsafe sanitation to manage human waste. Many use poorly constructed dry pits – for instance, a plinth over a hole in the ground – or cesspools. These toilets have no plumbing and do not use running water for flushing. All are positioned on-site (in or near the home), meaning that waste, treated or untreated, stays in the settlement.

In addition to on a regular basis challenges, we found that one in three households loses access to functioning toilets during heavy rains, cyclones or floods. Dry well systems are 4 to eight times more likely to be damaged during climate events than water systems in the same settlements.

We also found that secure waste management, particularly from septic tanks and pits, poses significant challenges for residents. Even when toilets can be found and functioning properly, there is often no secure and sustainable way to manage waste that accumulates in pits and tanks.

In many cases, sediment is dumped into open areas in the settlement, into local rivers, or seeps into the ground. This can contaminate water sources and create serious environmental and public health hazards.

In addition, we found that cyclones and heavy rains destroy sanitation systems, causing sewage to overflow and contaminating water resources.

Communities in danger

Melanesian countries, including Vanuatu and Fiji, are particularly vulnerable to serious climatic hazardswhich makes it crucial that the sanitation infrastructure in informal urban settlements is able to withstand these environmental hazards.

Poor sanitary conditions in these areas leads to the spread diseases corresponding to diarrheaintestinal worms and trachoma. Studies show that improving water and sanitation systems significantly reduce the risk child deaths and deaths attributable to diarrhea.

Estimates from the World Health Organization and UNICEF indicate that lower than 3% urban population in Fiji and Vanuatu use unimproved or unsafe sanitation facilities – that is, facilities that do not allow for the secure collection, treatment and disposal of human waste.

This figure contrasts sharply with our finding that the majority of households in informal urban settlements depend on unsafe sanitation conditions. It highlights the need for improved monitoring strategies that distinguish informal settlements from formally planned areas.

How can we solve this problem?

Toilets alone won’t solve the problem. Communities need a comprehensive approach that addresses sanitation management at every stage. This will include creating a whole service chain that ensures reliable waste removal, treatment and disposal, and is resilient to disasters.

This means constructing local expertise, supporting local service providers, ensuring systems are well maintained and promoting community ownership of those systems to ensure long-term sustainability.

In informal settlements, the provision of those services is rather more difficult than in formal urban areas, mainly due to the uncertain land tenure situation and limited access to adequate infrastructure, which makes the work of service providers difficult.

However, a significant slice of the urban population of the Pacific living in informal settlementsfinding effective ways to safely manage sanitation conditions in these communities is essential.

This sixth sustainable development goal goals to provide clean water and sanitation for all. Addressing the sanitation crisis in the Pacific Islands is about protecting health, restoring dignity, supporting livelihoods and constructing resilience at the household and community level, that are at the frontline of an increasingly uncertain future.

What does visibility seem like? Growing up in Ethiopia, SheaMoisture Grant– Filmmaker and artist Herrana Addisu’s work is devoted to shedding light on women in conflict and wonder standards in her home country. This can also be the case in her latest film, supported by Tina Knowles. “[River is] “It’s a story that I’ve been writing in my head my whole life because it’s the foundation of my life and my livelihood as a child,” Addisu tells ESSENCE.

After winning the Blueprint Grant last August, SheaMoisture has taken on the role of a creative agency Chucha Studio to produce a movie that might bring to life a narrative that the black community could relate to. Focusing on culturally and politically sensitive topics—from access to water and education to ancestral lessons, forced marriages, and wonder standards—Adisu took the funds back to Ethiopia (to work with an area production house Dog Movies) tell her story.

“I wanted the film to have these complicated conversations that we don’t always have in this day and age,” she says. For example, Ethiopian stick-and-poke tattooing (often known as “Niksat”) is a typical tradition that runs through each of her pieces. “Growing up, I always thought it was beautiful,” she says. “But there’s a certain reluctance to do it, because a lot of women don’t feel like they’re consenting to have a permanent tattoo.”

Referencing cultural and traditional views of beauty, she cites spiritual icons of black hair within the church as a central theme. “Our old Bibles and paintings that I grew up seeing are of black angels and they have mini afros,” says Addisu, who placed them on the actors alongside cornrows, scarves and hairdos. “My blackness was so obvious to me that I wanted to show that in the film as well.”

But as an artist, she also embodies the sweetness she captures. After shooting in Ethiopia, Adisu returned to New York to take part in the series alongside .[Photographer] Kendall Bessant I had the concept to test my limits in doing this cone on my head,” she says. “It’s very easy to push those limits to a certain extent once you’re behind the lens after which in front of it.”

In one photo, she props her chin on a jewellery stand, her hair bouffant, and in one other, her curls are in front of a riverscape, alluding to the source of life within the film. “Water flows in the global South, especially in the rivers of Utopia, are very important not only in rural communities but also in urban ones,” she says.

But the river can also be a source of vulnerability for ladies, who’re exposed to violence, kidnapping and trafficking as they carry water. “I thought that was a powerful catalyst that brought the whole aspect of the film together.”