“At this moment in time, it is hard to find joy and beauty in things, and I really think that is important,” Emmy-winning actress Zendaya explains in an exclusive convo with her friend and Dune co-star, Timothée Chalamet.  “Right now, we as Black people need to embrace joy and not let it be taken away from us.”

The issue also has us thinking about the best ways to get through a socially distanced Canadian winter, from our relationships to our wardrobes.

In a feature on pandemic dating, journalist Randi Bergman examines how singles – herself included – are still managing to find love these days (hint: it’s not online!); and puffers and trenches meet sweatbands and sneakers in our photo essay on sportswear style.

Self-care and a little winter indulgence are also front and centre as we unveil the winners of the 2021 ELLE International Beauty Awards. Our international editors’ top picks range from luxury fragrances to eco-friendly skincare.

Plus, modern sex toys and the democratization of pleasure just in time for V-Day; Penelope Cruz on her beauty secrets; and a Montreal- and Toronto-based startup asks, “Is the wellness industry too white?”

The February/March issue of ELLE Canada hits stands across the country and Apple News+ on February 1, 2021.