Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2018 i Cosmopolitan India

‘New Year, New You’ becomes my favourite mantra this time of the year. Januaries tend to do that, bringing with them a kick-in-the-ribs for transformation. Most years, the ‘new me’ resolved to adopt a ‘more’ life. You know, saving more, travelling more, meeting more friends... This time round, though, I’m leaning towards a less is more ideology. A minimalist lifestyle, where you simplify your existence by reducing possessions to the ones you truly need. The idea is that things are just... things, and the fewer you own, the lighter you’ll feel. As a hoarder of clothes, shoes, bags, and sea shells from every beach holiday I’ve ever taken, my decision was surprising, even to myself. But I knew it had to be done the day I wept atop a mountain of…

The manager at a cafe I regularly dine at asks me a question, and I write him a hand-written note in response. We’ve chatted before, so he is surprised by my voiceless answer. As are friends and family. But last year, on my birthday—November 6, 2017—I took a vow of silence for 365 days. Why? For the non-humans amongst us. The silent sufferers. Animals are abused every second— on the streets, in cages, in slaughterhouses, in breeding homes. They are mistreated in ways that will break your heart. If only you knew. But we often choose to ignore their suffering, pain and desperate cries for help. And because they don’t have the power—or voice—to be heard, these horrors, of ghastly proportions, continue to take place. This is why I will…

1. BENCHING When someone keeps you on their ‘bench’ while they play out their other options. What to Do If you’re fine with a casual relationship and they’re also on your ‘bench’, stick with it. Just know this: you have to be okay with it never becoming a committed relationship—no matter how long you’ve been each other’s bench for. 2. CUFFING SEASON If you only opt for a relationship in the colder months, you’re into cuffing season. What to Do Make your intentions clear, so you and short-term bae have the same expectations. Which leads to... 3. UNCUFFING SEASON When someone ditches their ‘cuff’ as soon as the weather heats up. What to Do Forget about them. If they’re dumb enough not to want to be involved with your incredible…

1 THE OVER-THE-KNEE BOOT Don’t underestimate the power of a classic pair of knee-high boots. On a super-chilly day, these boots will keep you warm and on-trend with total ease. A celeb favourite (there’s a long list of admirers for this one), OTK boots are perfect for both day and night. Style one with an oversized jumper, an itty-bitty mini skirt or casual shorts—a li’l flash of skin at the thighs is how you need to work these babies this season. STYLE TIP Make sure your boots sit snug till just under your knees, then become looser—too tight a fit will restrict your movement. 2 THE SOCK BOOT Get inspired by Kanye’s ubiquitous Yeezy boots, and try a mid-calf sock boot this season. Right now, it’s all about pairing sock…

CUT A diamond’s cut grade is determined by how well its facets interact with light to create visual effects in both the diamond’s interior and its exterior (aka sparkle!). Of all the four Cs, cut is the most important factor in how the stone appears to the naked eye. If the cut is too shallow, light will leak out the bottom; too deep, and light will escape from the side. An ideal cut diamond directs light to the bottom of the stone and back up through its top (or what gemologists call the table). It will cost you more, but is arguably what makes diamonds so special. CLARITY Nearly all diamonds have some imperfections. But often, these flaws—called inclusions and blemishes—are microscopic. Diamonds with the fewest and smallest imperfections get…

CHEYYRIAN BARK, 24 “I love neutrals, no matter the season. I’ve tried to play up the muted hues by pairing striped pants with a blush jumper and shoes, and added statement earrings for some understated glamour.” SIMRAN HANDA, 21 “Come winter, black is my goto colour. But while I love a head-to-toe black look (I play with different textures like leather, suede, etc to keep it interesting), I always add another colour through a jacket or shoes to break the monotony.” SHARDA PANWAR, 22 “I only look forward to winter so I can wear boots. Currently, I’m in love with these lace-up thigh-high ones—they add a grunge vibe to both jeans and dresses.” DIMPY MUNPARIA, 18 “I’m really diggin‘ the whole blazer dress movement—it’s sexy without trying too hard. Plus,…

THE BASICS 1. One size doesn’t fit all, so be sure to trim any excess from the outside end, says Ardell Global Brand Ambassador, Jadene Munson. 2. Prep your natural lashes with a curler and coat of mascara first. This will help the curve of the faux lash blend in. 3. Paint a thin coat of glue on the band, then wait for it to get tacky. 4. Holding the lash with your fingers or tweezers, set the inner corner in place. Work your way to the outer end, and press. GENIUS TRICK! If you’re still having trouble, try cutting a strip into two or three sections, then gluing them on one at a time, says Jadene Munson.…

a ACIDS According to the experts, AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) are essential for the skin issues like pigmentation, ageing, dryness and breakouts. “Both AHAs and BHAs dissolve the glue that holds onto old, dead skin cells,” says Skinstitut Skin Expert Zoe Devine. Try Kaya Brightening Beads Cleanser, ₹390, or Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, ₹2,895. b VITAMIN B Vitamin B, especially Vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) is a super antioxidant that gets to work on a long list of skin gripes. “Vitamin B3 is a top pick if you suffer from rosacea, acne, eczema, dermatitis, sun damage, ageing, dry skin or hyperpigmentation,” says Zoe. Try Lakmé Absolute Youth Infinity Skin Sculpting Day Crème SPF 15, ₹775. c VITAMIN C Great for boosting collagen reserves and regulating pigmentation, this…

1. My new year’s resolution is to stay away from my phone as much as possible. 2. When it comes to my dream role, I’d like to be surprised versus going for something that’s already been done. 3. One woman who’s deeply influenced me is my mother. 4. I absolutely refuse to eat fish eye. 5. Never have I ever jumped off a cliff. 6. One thing that people don’t know about me is that I’d really like to learn how to fly a plane one day. 7. The perfect day according to me is when I’m happy throughout. 8. One thing I’m looking forward to in 2018 is peace of mind. 9. One thing people get wrong about me is that I’m snobbish. 10. One thing that scares me…

Your partner keeps telling you, ‘I can never do anything right by you.’ □ True □ False Even a convo about who should set the table ends in a blowout about how dysfunctional your relationship is. □ True □ False Two minutes into a fight, one of you ends up saying, ‘We should just breakup!’ □ True □ False IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY TRUE, your duels are turning volatile. When every spat escalates into a debate about the value of your relationship or the other person, it’s time to reconsider whether you two are truly compatible. IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY FALSE, your fights aren’t too troublesome— yet. Strive for constructive communication with your partner, and make sure you’re working together to find solutions to your issues.…

Q. It’s getting on my BF’s nerves that I can’t see my own beauty and worth. Will he leave me if I don’t get over my insecurities? A: Everybody gets insecure—guys too—but there’s a difference between handling it and letting it consume you. Nobody wants to be pressured by a needy partner who craves reassurance 69:652. But this isn’t about your guy, it’s about you. Work on realising how amazing you are, and all your relationships will improve. Q: My boyfriend of three years says he doesn’t want to move in together until I give him complete access to my phone. There’s nothing for me to hide, but I want my privacy. Why does this matter so much to him? A: First, a guy should never use the possibility of…

9pm This is the ‘evening phase’, where your skin gets ready for sleep. Melatonin increases, boosting our skin’s ability to repair itself, so make sure you have your night-time products on by now. 10-11pm You’re in light sleep now. Your heart rates slows and blood flow increases, which oxygenates the skin to deliver nutrients and rid it of toxic build-up. 11pm-12am Your body is now in deep sleep phase, a key time for your complexion as it’s when the body suppresses the release of cortisol and encourages the release of HGH to repair and rebuild the skin. 12am-4am Cell turnover is at its peak, increasing by up to three times its usual rate. Skin also becomes more permeable around about now, allowing active ingredients to penetrate more effectively. 4am-6am Repair…

ON THE COVER H&M— Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Essé— www.essedesignstudio.com. Marks & Spencer— DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Amrapali— 39/39A, Khan Market, New Delhi. FASHION 431-88 by Shweta Kapur— www.perniaspopupshop.com. Accessorize— Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Adidas Originals— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Aldo— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Archana Rao— www.archanaraolabel.com Armani Jeans at The Collective— Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Asos— www.asos.com. BCBG Max Azria— DLF Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Charles & Keith— DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Christian Dior— DLF Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Christian Louboutin— DLF Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Clarks— DLF Mall of India, Noida, UP. Coccinelle— www.luxury.tatacliq.com. Cover Story— DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. DKNY— DLF Mall of India, Noida, UP. Doodlage— F-323 A, 2nd Floor, Kumharo…

#GIRLSINC “I loved the December cover! It wasn’t just nice to see two very strong women next to each other, but reading the interview made me feel like they genuinely like and respect each other.” —Arshita Nambiar HOW TO FIND LOVE 101 “Mirroring May Be the Fastest Way to Find Love was such a great story. I totally relate to the concept: in order to find true love, you need to make an effort. Also, it gave me a chance to say ‘I told you so’ to a lot of friends of mine. On a different note, 4 Ways to Fight Hangover Face was just what I needed to save face at work during the party season!” —Shivani Mehta STYLE INSPO “I really enjoyed going through The Outfit Makers—you guys…

A picture is worth a thousand words—but on Instagram, images are also shaping how we define activism and resistance. At a glance, Instagram may seem like it’s all shots of artisan cappuccinos, but look closely and you’ll see images embodying powerful messages: a curvy woman showing off her tummy rolls; yoga instructor @casa_colibri in white leggings, her period blood soaking through visibly at her crotch; illustrator @recipesforselflove flooding her followers’ feeds with messages such as ‘Don’t compliment a woman’s weight loss’. This is Instavism: the phenomenon of people using Instagram as a platform for activism. Instagram offers one of the world’s most powerful audiences. According to Brandwatch, since Facebook bought Insta in 2012, the platform has grown to more than 600 million active users. More than 60 percent of those…

Hey, Aunt Rina, it’s cool. And you too, Mom and Dad. You guys can’t be blamed for asking me if I’m dating someone. It’s just what you do. But, heyyy, friend-of-a-friend at the bar who dropped a major shame bomb on me the other night. Not. Cool. We were chatting in a group when I revealed I was a Tinder-less single person. “What?” she squeed. “But how do you meet guys? You’re just not dating?” Bartender, pour me another! Usually, singles are left to defend themselves while standing alone at a family event, but my bar encounter was more biting: I was single-shamed by a peer. “Even today, there’s truth to the idea that women get validation by being in a relationship,” says Rachel Hills, author of The Sex Myth.…

Comfortable, sensual and chic, loungewear has never been quite so fashionable! Layer up (or not?) with the below textures, from fluid slips to chunky knits or soft (faux) fur, to provide you with a cosy wardrobe all winter long.…

Pro tip: an open neckline and one sleeve shrugged off is the opposite of stuffy! Pro tip: reverse your shirt to look even better from behind!…

THE 5-MINUTE MAKEOVER 0:00– 0:29 1 HIT REFRESH A hydrating face mist counteracts hours of dry cabin air in seconds. Smell stale? Tap pulse points with a sexy fragrance. 0:30 –1:29 2 BRUSH UP Comb roots to ends with a brush made of boar and plastic bristles—together, they detangle and redistribute oils, boosting shine. Then blast roots with dry shampoo, and toss hair into an effortless topknot. 1:30 –2:29 3 GLOW AHEAD A light-reflecting cushion foundation nixes redness and adds a second layer of moisture to parched skin. Still need more coverage? Just add concealer 2:30–3:59 4 DEFY RED EYE Run an illuminating pencil along inner rims, then coat lashes in eye-brightening blue mascara. 4:00–5:00 5 CUE THE COLOUR Finishing touch: a pop of pink on cheeks and lips. Sweep…

Ultra Violet REIGNS SUPREME Pantone might have just named ultra violet as 2018’s Colour of the Year, but the world of beauty’s been embracing it for a while now. We dug out some celeb inspo for you to sport this hue on your eyes, lip, hair...heck, even cheeks! Take cues from Aishwarya’s purple mouth at Cannes, to Katy’s violet hair, ScarJo’s smokey eyes and Riri’s purple highlighter—this colour is hot, hot, hot! STICKS WE’RE LOVIN‘ ATM If you don’t like lugging around your entire beauty bag everywhere you go, we’ve got some prett-ay powerful wands that can take you from drab to fab in a matter of minutes. These just-launched products won’t just keep your look #OnFleek, but also fit the tiniest of bags. IN FULL BLOOM If you’ve loved…

If you don’t feel like you’re crushing it from day one, you’re more likely to give up altogether, says Anna Kress, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in Princeton, New Jersey. Plus, when given a large but vague target (think: be happier this year, get in shape), your prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain responsible for goal-directed behaviour—can’t tell which steps to prioritise and ends up being less effective in helping you achieve your goal. Your solve: micro goals. Setting super-small, stupidly achievable objectives is the key to rocking your 2018 resolutions. Quickly making progress, even if it’s in baby steps, is more motivating than achieving something major, according to a recent study in the Journal Of Applied Psychology. Fun-size ambitions allow your brain to more effectively manage your mental resources. In…

1. SHADOW PLAY You can turn any regular eyeshadow into a sparkly one, thanks to the powers vested in a highlighter. To cop Kriti’s look, start by applying foundation to even out the skin tone. Prep eyes with a matte nude eyeshadow, then swipe on a black shade over it to create the smokey effect. Use a blending blush to apply a powder highlighter to the centre of lids for a hint of shine. Finish up with mascara and a nude lipstick. 2. TOUCH ’N‘ GLOW Seeking a lit-from-within glow? We learnt this clever little trick from the backstage pros! For a flawless finish, simply mix liquid highlighter with foundation in a ratio of 1:3—it’ll help blend the product seamlessly. Also, remember, the right shade of highlighter leaves only a…

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, ₹3,200 This cleanser will get your skin prepped and ready for night-time replenishment. SK-II Mid-Night Miracle Essence,strawberrynet.com, ₹4,600 Dosed with high levels of yeast derivative Pitera, this cooling formula gives skin a major moisture hit. SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E, strawberrynet.com, ₹10,900 A powerful cocktail of resveratrol, baicalin and pure Vitamin E, this gel neutralises free radicals. The Body Shops Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil, ₹3,095 A concoction of 10 oils, this one works on reviving and revitalising damaged skin. Manuka Doctor Replenishing Facial Oil,lookfantastic.co. in, ₹1,758 A layer of this oil under your night cream will have your skin looking luminous by morning.…

Who doesn’t love personalised goodies? Answer: everyone! That’s why when we collaborated with jabong.com to showcase their range of Lavie bags, we decided to take the DIY route. The luncheon saw some of our favourite bloggers in attendance, putting their DIY skills to good use. Each guest picked up a Lavie bag of their choice from the brand’s latest collection, available at jabong.com, to personalise with a kit curated by Cosmo. From their initials to cool patches, fabric paint and glitter, this DIY sesh allowed them to explore their creativity, and turn the bag into something unique. That along with a scrumptious Italian spread, complete with spaghetti, lasagna and tiramusu, the afternoon was one art-and-crafts class worthy of several gorgeous flatlays on the ’Gram.…

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“I took my dad’s brand new car out for a drive one night without asking him. And then banged it up pretty bad into a tree while reversing. I panicked and snuck up to my room. The next morning, my dad was fuming and couldn’t figure out how it happened. I didn’t have the nerve to tell him it was me. I eventually did tell him, a few weeks later, and was grounded for two months.” —SHAILY SRIVASTAVA., 26 “I was having drinks with a guy I was dating at his apartment. I’d had period panic so had worn a pad just in case. Later, I went to the bathroom, but there was no bin, so I flushed it down the toilet. It blocked the entire system and the guy…

2014 1. Inspired by the 2014 film Free The Nipple, Scout Willis posted a topless photo of herself. Her account was suspended; so began the Instavism leg of #FreeTheNipple. 2. The ALS #IceBucketChallenge blew up, with celebs around the world posting their ice-bucket videos and challenging friends to do the same. The Indian version called the Rice Bucket Challenge (where one had to donate a bowl of rice to needy people) did pretty well as well. 2015 3. Amber Amour live-posted after her rape in Cape Town, using #StopRapeEducate. 4. Katie Meyler used Instagram to spread awareness of Ebola-stricken communities in Liberia, helping to show the world what was happening on the continent. 2016 5. After two black men were killed by police in the US, social media erupted with…

BHAKTI MEHTA AND NIKKI GUPTA Co-Founders, Two Aprons “Two Aprons, a pop-up kitchen that curates authentic meals from across the globe, was born out of a desire to create extraordinary food experiences,” says Nikki. Bhakti is a self-taught chef and also owns a catering company. “Nikki and I launched Two Aprons in November 2017, with the intent of adding to Mumbai’s food culture,” says Bhakti. “The two of us went on a food trip to Hong Kong, where we dined at 22 restaurants within six days. Armed with local ingredients and food knowledge from that trip, we curated the city’s first Cantonese dinner,” she says. “The great thing about our pop-up service is that every meal is unique. A typical day for us includes mapping food trends, menu development, exhaustive…

PRO TIP A metallic handle wristlet can double up as a chic bracelet.…

THE EXTRAS Head-to-toe commitment to a single shade is impactful enough; opt for accessories in textured suede or leather for a streamlined effect. THE TREND Sitting somewhere between versatile neutral and statement colour, burgundy was seen on the runway at Issey Miyake, Delpozo, Ellery among many others.…

Housed in gorge marble cases, designed by Olivier Rousteing, the man himself, this limited-edition couture collection is just what your beauty bag’s been craving for. The 12-shade range is separated into three colour families: Safari, Rock and Couture, and boasts of a matte formula infused with pure pigments and camellia oils. The result: rich colour and a moisturising, matte finish. And may we add, each colour is more edgy and chic than the next, begging to be Instagrammed!…

Q There have been pretty out-there coloured makeup looks (we spied super-neon eyelashes at various shows). What is a real-life way to get in on the colour trend? A We wouldn’t go for a full rainbow eye ourselves, but mascara is a great way to add a pop of colour this winter. To try this trend, wear a monochromatic outfit and apply a bright mascara in a shade that offsets it. Then, balance out the bold eyes by keeping the rest of your face neutral. Stick to soft flesh tones on cheeks and lips so your eyes get all the attention. Q Bold blue eyes were another strong look on the runways. How can we get the look without stepping back to the '80s? A The eyes at Leonard AW/17…

Tiny, recurring jabs—for, say, not tidying up the room—or mini arguments about things like your work hours can create a tear in your bond that, if you keep at it, will only grow over time. Couples who engage in this kind of destructive communication are at a much higher risk of having a stressful connection. Unlike a cheating scandal or a blowout fight—acute problems that you immediately know need fixing—bickering is chronic, constant, low-impact warfare (most often about daily hassles) that doesn’t sound a loud alarm. Because of this, couples prone to verbal sparring can stay together a long time, although both people often feel underappreciated or like they can’t do anything right. Follow these steps to ensure you and your partner don’t go down that road. BEWARE THE BIAS…

1 You’re out for drinks with friends. Your first words are, ‘It’s impossible to meet someone in this town!’ □ True □ False 2 Your old college roommate wants to meet-up either on Friday night or Saturday morning. You’ll obviously pick Saturday. Friday is perma-reserved for dates, just in case. □ True □ False 3 You can’t remember the last time a romantic prospect lasted beyond two dates...or the last time you were really psyched about one. □ True □ False IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY TRUE Pause! Take a breath, step back, and give yourself time to reconnect with a world where your weekends are yours and yours alone. IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY FALSE Overall, the process of finding someone is still enjoyable for you. Keep having fun, as long as you’re still…

“ I got my first designer job by going to my mom’s birthday party, thrown by her work friends. One of them hired me for freelance work, which I parlayed into my first full-time position.” —Esha G., 31, New Delhi “ I’m doing my post-grad currently and interning with a research firm. Once, I was waiting for a friend from work in the office cafeteria and happen to chat with a couple (also waiting for someone there). During our brief conversation, they told me that they have a start-up and have positions for social media managers at their company, and offered me an interview.” —Harshita H., 24, Mumbai “ I was at a happy hour with colleagues, and a former co-worker of ours walked in. She’d been laid off, and…

MOSTLY As HAIR-TRIGGER HOPPER If someone wrongs you, you’re done. It’s good to protect yourself, but reconsider your definition of friendship before kicking peeps to the curb. Everyone makes mistakes (even you!). Give some second chances—plenty of people will prove worth sticking with. MOSTLY Bs CONDITIONAL COMPANY You’re willing to let things slide, but you have a hard time forgetting slights entirely. Sort out major stuff that’s still bugging you. But with minor gripes, lose the eye-for-an-eye mentality—and turn your relationships from burdens into #Blessings. MOSTLY Cs LOYAL-AF FRIEND You stand by buds through anything, even at your own risk. That devotion is a superstrength, but know when to let go of a toxic friendship—or one that’s simply lost its spark. Moving on will allow you to channel more energy…

RETINOL A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol works on all skin types, and is one of the only ingredients proven to reverse the signs of ageing. Use it two or three nights a week when you start out to let your skin adjust a bit more slowly. Try Dr. Brandt 2% Retinol Complex Serum,amazon.com, ₹4,500. AHAS & BHAS Both AHAs (think glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid), and BHAs (hello, salicylic acid) are the perfect actives to apply at night. AHAs ‘unglue’ dead skin cells, while BHAs ‘de-gunk’ pores to leave skin smoother and clearer by morning. Try Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, amazon.com, ₹8,500. ENZYMES Able to boost the skin’s natural skin renewal cycle, enzymes are good for eating up dead skin cells during the night, that is…

Timing is really important, and when Lacoste decided to launch its new range of watches exclusively on jabong.com, (one of our favourite online shopping destinations), we wanted to be the first to break the news. So we invited a select smattering of city’s style-conscious lot to preview the sporty-chic range. Our guests styled their outfits around their watches, adding their own unique brand of cool to the look. Keeping in mind the sporty range, we created personalised visors for each guests—and you can imagine the Boomerangs that went down (our #InstaFeed was on!). With flutes of bubbly and hors d’oeuvres in tow, this ’do was one for the books.…