Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2020 i Cosmopolitan India

WHILE THERE IS LITTLE GOOD THAT CAN COME OUT OF A DARK PANDEMIC, there is the faint silver lining of self-discovery. Over the last few months, amidst anxious prophesying, millions of people have discovered that they can cook, that a good book brings them great joy, and that they should probably never attempt to cut their own hair again. I have discovered that I might just be a ‘secret introvert’. Those who know me would likely be surprised at this admission. In my pre-COVID-19 existence, it would certainly seem that I enjoy going out, meeting new people, and doing all the things you’d expect a gold-star extrovert to do. So when COVID-19 hit us, forcing social distance, I wasn’t sure how I would react. And I certainly wasn’t expecting the…

(Lawyer, and Author, Besharam: Of Love And Other Bad Behaviours) I can’t remember loving my body. I don’t think I ever have. I have spent a lifetime at war with my body. I have been hammering away at it since I was a teenager, trying to beat it into a more pleasing shape. I wanted sinewy arms, more boyish hips, a flatter belly… I wanted my body to submit to my will. And when it didn’t, I hated it with enough passion to kick-start an engine. When I discovered the body positivity movement, I should have been exhilarated. Here, finally, was an alternative. I was being given the permission to reject the steady stream of messages that I had received all this while…messages to be thin. We were told to…

Heels Few things say dressy as ‘em; and even fewer can take you from business through brunch all the way to a bash this easy! Take your pick to lend a towering (a little or a lot, your wish) edge to the plainest outfit. Loafers Shedding their stiff, chunky workwear status, they are the new cool-girl wear. From classic (but modern) slip-ons to bejewelled, chunky heels, or logo-ed slingbacks, the versions this season are fun-casual, with a side of sexed-up glam. Ballet Flats The oh-so-comfy dance slippers of the 18th century continue their resurgence, and this time, they’re doubling as fancyschmancy, hero-pieces of your ensemble (and able alternatives, must we add, for the heelsaverse among us). Sneakers Not only are they strongly (and stylishly) holding their own in the fleeting…

THE STYLE SAFARI Think, Marion Ravenwood from Indiana Jones. Or Joanna Kramer from Out Of Africa. But, fashion! Yep, utilitywear this season has gotten a luxe-makeover, to become not just extremely wearable, but also very feminine. Expanding the palette beyond khakis and browns, it boasts the usual exaggerated pockets with a modern interplay of dramatic lapels, oversized tailoring, delicate add-ons, et al. All you need to do is ditch 'em stuffy boots for fancy heels, throw on statement accessories, and prep to embark on a stylish adventure! VUITTON GETS CRAFTY Inspired by the movements of Graffiti Art and Neo-Expressionism, the latest Louis Vuitton Crafty Collection features some of the luxury brand's favourite shapes—including the Neverfull, Speedy, and Onthego—all boasting magnified, ultra-graphic prints, in vivid hues. CAUSE IT'S WORTH IT! Pandemos,…

BURNT ORANGE Dislike bright orange? Meet its earthy version that promises to look flattering on every tone. We have seen a host of celebrities work the burnt orange smokey eye in the past, making #SunsetEyes viral on social media. And backstage pros further lifted the celeb status of this hue by using earthy-orange lipsticks. The good thing about this colour is that it instantly adds warmth to the face, making you look sun-kissed. BURNT RED If you thought red couldn’t get any hotter, you were wrong. While we spotted this hue in shades both bright and deep, burnt red stood out the most because it is so versatile. This colour doesn’t just make your pucker look good, it looks ah-mazing on eyes and cheeks, too. Work it to get smokey…

Beauty Hack HOW TO KEEP THEM NAILS STRONG! Everyday chores can take a toll not just on your hands, but also your nails, leaving them cracked or chipped. But you can easily fix your fragile nails with this hack: all you need is a Vitamin E capsule. Known for its nourishing properties, just pop open a Vitamin E capsule (easily available over the counter) and massage your nails, cuticles and the skin around your nails with it. Doing this before bedtime will hydrate your talons and make them stronger. GILDED GLORY There was a time when the colour gold was reserved for super-glamorous outings. But this shade has powered through the decades, and transformed into one of the most versatile hues, especially in your eyeshadow palette. This season, too, the…

Admit it: break-ups suck. And putting your life back together after a sh*tty heartbreak is a difficult feat. But, speaking from experience, the road to recovery is a beautiful place. It is a long, tedious journey, but there are a few things that play your BFFs through it, like ice cream, and wine, and BOOKS! Here are some of the best post-break-up reads for you (recommended by women who, yes, have also had their heart broken) to start reading daily… All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks amazon.in, ₹1,231 “I was in a phase where I felt I was never going to find someone again. There is a chapter where Hooks talks about how love only happens when you truly open yourself up to it. It’s not new advice,…

Model: Inez Lopez at Muse Management; Hair and Make-Up: Fee Steinvorth at Nina Klein; Photographer’s Assistant: Vincent Perini; Production Support: Team Halprin…

Q I am not visiting salon for now, and I hate the nicks and cuts razors leave me with. Is there any hope for me? A: There is one thing that might help: the just-launched Gillette Venus Snap. The reason this razor is different from its counterparts is because it comprises soap gel bars (with avocado oil and body butters), which allows it to glide smoothly along your curves—so no nicks there! It also removes dead skin cells as you shave, while the nourishing soap bars keep skin soft and smooth. Plus, it comes in a cute pink case, which makes it easy to store and travel with. Q I have a sensitive scalp and my hair is dry and unmanageable. Help! A: Start by changing your shampoo to suit…

Millennials Made Astrology Cool Again. And yeah, there are astrological reasons for our obsession. A big one: Uranus. The planet of revolution and innovation was moving through Sagittarius from 1981 to 1988. So anyone (read: millennials) born during these years was pushed early on by the stars to rethink traditional models of, well, everything. Oh, and ppl (read: more millennials) born from 1988 to 1995 challenge tradition instinctively, thanks to our friend Uranus lurking in Capricorn then. Like ol‘ Uranus, Neptune and Pluto spend many years in a single sign, defining entire generations (they’re actually called ‘generational planets’), including ours. This trio is responsible for the traits that have given millennials a bit of a rep. You know: we’re selfie-taking, cereal-killing monsters guzzling kombucha and refusing to apply for ‘a…

ALL TIED UP Get started by channelling your inner style gladiatoress, overtly! The pros are all for some strings attached on the footwear front this season—with dainty lace-ups that brush against the ankles, or serpentine straps that go as far up as you want, in flats, sandals, stilettos, et al. And while they are perfect partners for dresses, across hemlines, do try the other look-enlivening side of the style, too: wrapped over the ends your pooled pants, jeans, and jumpsuits. BERMUDA ANGLE! What’s shorter than pants, but longer than daisy dukes? These delightful sartorial hybrids. Featuring a length that hovers just above the knee, they come in tailored ‘mean business’ co-ords; in playful, relaxed fits, made of linen, cottons, khaki, etc; and in sexier versions, in shiny leathers, silks, and…

1 DIVYA CHUGH “This pendant, to me, signifies hope. It feels like the enamelled bird is soaring towards a brighter future, while the golden drop anchors one. The perfect talisman to have on a golden string.” 2 CHOLA BY SOHAYA MISRA “Anything handpainted holds a special place in my heart, because it makes for an item that is truly unique! This jacket-and-skirt combo in organic cotton is an example of that—hand-painting meets a layered style, meets a gorgeous belt detail…for a fabulous finish.” 3 ABRAHAM & THAKORE “Beautifully embroidered creepy crawlies come together to make a home on this pure-linen jacket, paired with dhoti pants. Like many of us, I own a lot of black in my wardrobe, and this jacket is the perfect layering piece to add instant interest…

START Last night, your Tinder date dared you to do a day-long digital detox, and you took the bait. Now, you’re in bed on a Sunday morning feeling fresh as a damn daisy. You reach for your phone to check the weather because the world is burning and nothing is predictable and—oh, sh*t! What’s next? A. You put down the phone, lick your finger, and hold it out the window like back in, um, yore. GO TO 1 B. You head outside and start the day without looking at your phone? In this economy? Fine. GO TO 1 C. Yeah, yeah, you know you lost this one already. GOODBYE! PLS TRY AGAIN TOMORROW 1 Cool, you made it outside (with your phone… because, stranger danger). But then you remember those…

You might remember Regina Cassandra as Kuhu, Sonam Kapoor’s love interest in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, but here’s what else you should know about this 29-year-old: Regina has over two dozen movies to her credit, is passionate about animals (she became a vegetarian after reading a PETA article), and earlier this year, she turned ‘drag queen’ (Bio Queen, to be precise) to support drag artists. Currently self-isolating at her home in Chennai, Regina pulled off this full-blown, ‘fantasy-themed’ shoot with a tight crew (“and ample precautions”). Enjoying her “forced break” at the moment, Regina admits she is grateful that she doesn’t have to wake up to an alarm. “This is the only time you can do nothing and not feel guilty about it,” she laughs. A leisurely,…

ANUSHKA SHARMA At home and on holidays, you’ll mostly find Anushka in laid-back, low-key outfits (think a pair of jeans and ubiquitous T-shirts; or, perhaps, a casual athleisure piece from her own fashion label, Nush). But put the actor on a red carpet, and Anushka transforms into a master of standout style. With a penchant for structured and tailored garments, Anushka has made more than a few formal appearances in a powersuit. Not one for excess, it is clear that she has the pivotal rule of styling pat down: *fit* is everything. KIRAN MAZUMDAR-SHAW The Indian billionaire is undeniably one of the most recognisable faces of India Inc. This power dresser prefers well-tailored jackets and pantsuits, often with a touch of Indian embroidery and fabrics. An advocate of sustainability, she…

Li’l zodiac symbols, miniscule pet pics, delicate cursive— been there, Pinned that, got the targeted ads to prove it. But while we normies spend months on end debating whether a subtle so-hot-RN finger tattoo could make us unemployable and/or our mothers disown us, famous people are still out there inking up their literal entire bods! These masterpieces are the biggest ‘They’re most-definitely not like us’ flex since ‘I clearly don’t have to carry any of my own sh*t’ micro purses. Here’s a fun little ranking for ya, from almost normal size to absolutely huuge.…

SONAM BABANI LUXURY FASHION INFLUENCER “My favourite pick by an Indian label is this clutch from Vipul Shah Bags. I received it as a present from my sister a few months ago. She has one, and I told her I loved it, so she got it for me as well. I enjoy the boho-luxe vibe Vipul’s bags emanate, but what really attracts me to these pieces is that each one is unique. Made with antique fabrics such as old cholis, wall-hangings, tribal costumes, etc, they are truly one of a kind. Plus, they help preserve Indian handicrafts so beautifully—and are the perfect amalgamation of extravagance and sustainability. I’ve carried this clutch a couple of times now, the most recent being on a weekend getaway, where I teamed it with a…

ANAMIKA PRIYADARSHINI, 30 “I love playing with different colours; it’s such a great way to stand out without trying too hard. Like these cheery yellow pants that lend a burst of colour to the look. The white tee and sneakers balance things out, but with a fun touch of red in the mix. I’ve also added a hint of gold through the accessories.” ARPITA GUPTA, 22 “I am tending towards checks an awful lot this season. Here, I’ve picked my favourite piece—these yellow-and-black checkered pants—and added a white, crop top. I’ve topped the look with a ripped, studded denim jacket, and ankle-length boots, to add a bit of grunge-edge.” GARIMA BIYANI 22 “I am a minimalist, and like to use just one piece as the hero of the entire look.…

“Clinique’s Take The Day Off Clean sing Balm, because a full face of make - up doesn’t clean it self…” AANAM CHASHMAWALA @AANAMC “To be absolutely honest, my favourites keep changing. But my top five products at the moment include Huda Beauty’s Demi Matte Liquid Lipsticks—the formula is amazing! Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, because a full face of make-up doesn’t clean itself…and this balm makes it supereasy to remove all traces of stubborn products. The super-matte Flormar eyeliner, which glides on beautifully; Tati Beauty’s Eye Shadow Palette—the colours are fab, pigment pay-off is excellent, and it blends easy-peasy. Lastly, the M.A.C Lip Scrub to keep my lips smooth and plump.” SHEREEN SIKKA BHARWANI @SHEREENLOVEBUG “I am big on skincare and that’s why my list features just that!…

IT’S TIME TO RIDE THE PONY Just like your standards, your ponytail should be hiiiiighh! One of the easiest styles to recreate, it does take a little bit of pro technique to get that celebrity-level finesse. Here’s how you can cop the look. Start by detangling hair with a large paddle brush. Brushing through will help evenly distribute natural scalp oils from the roots to the ends. While we are going for a sleek look, a little volume at the crown never hurts. Massage a dollop of volumising mousse on your scalp, and blowdry. Next, align the ponytail high up at the centre of your head and secure hair with a hair tie. Then brush through the ponytail, and spritz some shine spray for a polished finish. Hair accessories are…

Hot take alert: kissing is the most intimate thing you and your partner can do. (Like, sorry, but there’s a reason why Julia Roberts refused to kiss the dude in Pretty Woman, mmk?!). And yet, somehow, it’s often what couples neglect the most when sex gets introduced into the relationship. But FWIW, this is a g’damn travesty considering the power of kissing your partner. Not only does it release all those feel-good endorphins (similarly to sex), but in our opinion, no 10 minutes of humping can equate to the amount of love that just one kiss holds. There’s also just so much variety in the type of kiss you and your partner share—and for the most part, they all have different meanings. It’s like a spectrum: one kiss could indicate,…

TICKLE PINK This utra-feminine colour can look surprisingly bold on the lids. Start by prepping skin with a light layer of foundation, simply conceal any problem areas. Given that there is a perfect pink for everyone out there, you just need to zero-in on the shade (ranging from nude pinks to deep magentas) and swipe it on your lips and eyelids. The best part about this look is that you can use a single product to create an entire face. Pro tip: creamy products tend to bleed, so it’s best to use liquid-to-matte or cream-to-powder formulas. BLUE BLOODED This shade is as royal as they come. And while it is acceptable to wear it on one’s lashes and lids, blue lipstick is reserved for ones with goth or sci-fi affiliations.…

FORMULATIONS NERD Your priorities: Ingredients that do right by your skin, created in a lab or otherwise. Avoid: Sulphates (SLS or ALS), parabens, alcohol, perfume. Check out: Drunk Elephant, Milk, Briogeo and Incidecoder.com, which explains ingredients simply. QUEEN OF GREEN Your priorities: Sustainability. Avoid: Greenwashing, and brands prioritising sustainable packaging over safe products. Check out: UpCircle, Ren, Paradox and Lush. ALL- NATURAL NEUROTIC Your priorities: Keeping Mother Earth happy. Avoid: Products promising all-natural ingredients that swap out gentler synthetics for potential irritants like alcohol, essential oils or exfoliants. Check out: RMS Beauty, Codex, Evolve, Kloris. ANIMALS LOVER Your priorities: Furry friends. Avoid: ‘Vegan-friendly’ products tested on animals, or ‘cruelty-free’ ones containing animal-derived ingredients. Look for the Leaping Bunny and a vegan certification. Check out: E.L.F, Inika, The Body Shop, Maria…

IDEAS 101 Playing with colour is an easy way to give your home a ‘revamped’ vibe. While elements of yellow add a cheery pop of colour, combinations involving rusts, oranges, and browns inject warmth into the dullest interiors. Go ahead and create a bold contrast, or add piquancy to a neutral set-up, by way of some edgy pieces. Want to further up the decor-ante? Throw in some gold (it looks amazing against white!).…

It’s time to turn to the heavens and indulge in some star gazing! Aquarius 20.01–18.02 Bae and you may struggle with contradicting viewpoints this month, and reaching a compromise will need some effort. But romance picks up pace after the 23rd. Singles have a good chance of finding love in close proximity. Professionally, you will be focused on progress and development, but be wary of negativity at the workplace. Sharpened financial intelligence will help you make sound decisions—do be mindful of disrupting planetary influences, though. A healthy lifestyle will keep you in good health, too. Pisces 19.02–20.03 Your preoccupation with your career can adversely impact your love life. It will be wise to discuss it with your SO and work out a consensus. Passion in relationships will soar, while singles…