Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2018 i Cosmopolitan India

Beauty products and I. We are in a serious relationship. We have discussed marriage. In our first few years together, I was consumed by the desire to test and annihilate every make-up product, lotion, potion, and technique out. And as it happens in every LTR, we have now arrived at a comfortable routine: cleanser-essence-moisturiser-SPF-foundation-liner-mascara-lipstick. It’s been this way for half a decade. A few months ago, though, something strange happened. Suddenly, out of the blue, I began raking in the compliments. A colleague commented on my ‘glow’, then a friend remarked that my face looked ‘more alive’. People asked what foundation I was wearing (none!) and whether I was doing something different (nope). I hadn’t changed a thing in my diet, skincare, or make-up routine. The one thing that had…

“During the annual festival at college, I finally decided to walk up to my crush and tell him I liked him. I was wearing a light and breezy summer dress, and as I was approaching him, the wind blew up my dress and everyone saw my underwear—including him! While I managed to get the dress under control, I was so embarrassed that I ran in the other direction…far, far away from him, and never looked his way again.”—-ARPITA P., 22 “When I was younger, I always hung out with the neighbourhood boys. One day, I finally had the courage to stand in line for their pickup basketball game, and I was picked for one of the teams. Like all the other boys taking off their shirts, I took off mine,…

“When I was younger, I bought into the stigma that pubic hair was gross—that if I didn’t remove it, guys would perceive me as unclean, smelly, even lazy. So I did. As I embraced feminism, I started thinking about all the ways we feel pressured to please men—like waxing or shaving our pubic hair, despite the expense and high-maintenance labour of it all. Sometimes doing so causes bumps and cuts, which, ironically, can turn guys off… and make us feel less confident. All for something that is naturally occurring! So I decided to bring back the bush. ABOUT THAT PIC… Last June, I posted this photo (without the concealing emoji) on Instagram and Twitter to promote the Amber Rose SlutWalk: a nonprofit event in LA, USA, that takes a stand…

ULTHERAPY WHAT IS IT? A non-invasive, micro-focused ultrasound treatment. “Ultherapy helps in skin tightening and contouring areas like the jawline, neck, and décolleté,” says Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, Director and Consultant Dermatologist at Skin Alive. “It also helps lift the eyebrow area and improve fines lines and wrinkles on the chest. It’s one of the best anti-ageing procedures from the latest crop, which treats the inner layers of the skin without disturbing the surface. It also remodels collagen and stimulates new collagen production.” This treatment is not painful in most cases—the machine delivers heat into the muscles that tighten up coils of collagen; it feels like a sparkler hitting your skin, but it’s bearable. THE DOWNTIME: There is no downtime for Ultherapy, “nor is there any post-care involved. The patient can…

MARK THIS MANI The new-season manicure is as easy to nail as scribbling with a marker. Literally. We all know how difficult intricate nail art can be to cop—and no-one has the time to spend hours to at a nail bar. Instagram gets us, which is why ‘sharpie nails’ (American for markers) are trending all over social media. All you gotta do is pick up a black nail polish and scribble (or squiggle) any shape. In a mood for something pop? Either layer ’em scribbled over a pop colour, or opt for rainbow swirls. TRÈS(S) CHIC, NATURALLY The new Wella Professionals Elements range has been inspired by nature to provide upto 10 times more strength against breakage. Created with NuTREE complex (featuring natural tree extracts), this range—consisting of a shampoo,…

A GRAND AFFAIR Looking for Indianwear with a modern touch (and sexy silhouettes?). Meet designer Pallavi Puri’s AW/18 collection, which features standout outfits in rich colours and with intricate embroidery. We're loving the generous doses of dazzle on the pieces—from the embroidered jumpsuit to the sequinned pantsuit. XXXL IS THE NEW CHIC This AW/18, oversized coats have gone really oversized! Multi-layered and bulky coats, took over the runways and made a lot of heads turn. From pop colours to busy patterns (at Balenciaga) and unexpected textures (seen at Rick Owens and Miu Miu), this trend made a big case for itself. TREND ALERT The trend of power pantsuits is showing no signs of slowing down. Apart from being a regular feature on runways around the world, it’s turned into a…

THE LOOK! Confused about what products to carry in your everyday make-up bag that can give you a flawless face—be it at work or play? Lucky for you, Polish beauty brand Paese Cosmetics has drop-dead gorgeous products that are easy to use, and offer long-lasting finish and colour pay-off. Here’s a step-by-step on how you can ace two of the most trending looks on the AW18 runways. Bonus: it’ll take you from desk to dinner in a jiffy. STEP 1: For the clean day look (top), start by applying the HydroBase Under Make-Up. It’s rich in vitamins and active ingredients, which moisturise and strengthen skin, and prep it for foundation application. Next up, take a few drops of the Long Cover Fluid Foundation and dab it on face, blending it…

1 When he’s explaining something you obviously know more about than he does… He’s mansplaining: If you’re the social-media manager and he’s ignorantly critiquing your hashtags. He’s just talking: If he mentions another expert, like a researcher he read about or his friend who runs a social-media firm. 2 When he’s commenting on a project you just completed… He’s mansplaining: If he tells you what he thinks without asking for your thoughts on the matter. He’s just talking: If he gives you a chance to respond. Someone who is genuinely trying to help you improve will care what you think. 3 When he’s telling you things you don’t want to hear… He’s mansplaining: If he’s not saying anything remotely helpful or useful—he simply likes to hear the sound of his…

1. A new guy in your office restates an idea your co-worker Neha had last week, and now everyone thinks he’s brilliant. You: A Mention to your boss that Neha should take the lead, since she had the original idea. B Vent about his bad behaviour in private to a peer. You don’t want to seem catty. 2. You overhear three dudes from sales mocking your female boss’s supposed plastic surgery. You: A Shut it down. Who cares what she looks like? She’s a baller who just gave you all holiday bonuses. b Join in. Her face is so tight, it’s tragic. 3. At your weekly team meeting, guys speak roughly 96 percent of the time. You: A Point this out to your work husband, and suggest he silence the…

Q: I’m meeting my boyfriend’s family soon. Any tips to make sure my first visit goes smoothly? A: Trust your boyfriend to help you make a great first impression. Ask him for some pointers, like ‘What house gift should I bring for your mom?’ or ‘What dessert should I pick up for your dad?’ Then once you’re there, be respectful, kind…and yourself. If there are any awkward moments, give his parents the benefit of the doubt. Weird vibes may not be about you. Q: So many dudes on dating apps say they’re entrepreneurs or self-employed. Is this just code for ‘jobless’? A: You’re right to be skeptical. Just as many guys claim to be six feet tall when they’re really 5 feet 8, there are a lot of ‘self-employed’ men…

Model: Marina Ontanaya at Anti-Agency; Hair: Jason Crozier at Stella Creative Artists, using Sachajuan and Windle & Moodie; Make-up: Nancy Sumner at Eighteen Management using Bobbi Brown; Photographer’s Assistant: Jess Ellis; Fashion Assistant: Maddy Alford; Digital Assistant: Alaric Macdonald…

Q I love make-up, and usually wash it off with a face wash. But I’ve heard that can damage skin… A: Gentle cleansers are usually okay, but you might be left with some make-up residue that can damage skin. Try an oil-based make-up remover that takes off grime easily, and then use a cleanser after if you like. This one by Decléor—a blend of botanical oils and floral water—doesn’t just remove make-up in a jiffy, but also refreshes, soothes, and plumps up skin. Q I hate liquid foundations, they feel too heavy on skin. Is there an alternative product that can give me good coverage? A: We hear you, and here’s the solution. Bring home this powder compact—it’s created with micronised pigments, mineral extracts, argan oil and Vitamin E, and…

ON THE COVER On Kalki: Avama Jewellers— Shop No 208, Vatdaan Market, 25A, Camac St, Park Street Area, Kolkata. Versace— DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. FASHION 77ss Atelier— Instagram: @77ss_atelier. Aekatri by Charu Vij— 434, Patparganj Industrial Area, Patparganj, ND. Athvlya by Pramiti Goenka— www.athvlya.com. Amit Aggarwal— F-301, Lado Sarai, ND. Armani Exchange— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Amaris Jewels by Prerna Rajpal— 209, The Gallery on MG Road, MG Road, ND. Armaan Randhawa— www.armaanrandhawa.com. Alok & Harsh— www.carmaonlineshop.com. Abraham & Thakore— Moonriver, D16, Defence Colony, ND. Atelier Mon— 27/4, Deodar Marg, DLF Phase 1, Sector 26A, Gurugram, Haryana. Bloni— 284/2, Lane 3, Said-ul-ajaib, Saket, ND. Burberry—DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Charles & Keith— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Carrera— www.carreraworld.com. Calvin Klein— Select CITYWALK, Saket, ND. Duet Luxury— www.duetluxury.com. DeWar— Instagram:dewarworld. Dune—Ambience Mall,…

These single-use wipes are perfect for swiping sweat and bacteria from your bikini line post-gym. Ingrowns can be a thing even if you don’t shave or wax. Try this glycolic-acid serum to treat and prevent them. If you feel like grooming: one side’s a razor; the other’s an electric trimmer. Grapeseed and jojoba oils soften hairs. (Use this on pubic area—the not your vulva!)…

Healthy, glowing skin starts in the gut, says US-based dermatologist Whitney Bowe, who’s known in the skincare world for her integrated approach to beauty and in-depth research on the connection between the gut and skin microbiomes (aka ecosystems of living bacteria). “Patients dealing with acne, rosacea, eczema, or premature ageing can benefit from my three-week plan, which introduces diet, lifestyle, and skincare habits to reset the gut flora and improve skin,” she says. You can get all the details in her new book The Beauty Of Dirty Skin (amazon.com, ₹1,343), which includes recipes, workout ideas, and skincare tips. 1 WEEK BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT Skip Processed Food It slows digestion, says Whitney, and the resulting stagnation causes an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria, potentially leading to a ‘leaky gut’. This condition…

Shama Sikander Actor “I just love this night cream—it’s quite dense, but feels weightless on skin. Plus, it instantly brightens and hydrates my eye area, making me look more #Woke. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin after using this cream, and how cute is this tiny little bottle? I love it.” Soundarya Sharma Actor “I’m in love with this Bobbi Brown lip balm…actually, I’m obsessed with it. I literally apply it every few minutes (yep, that’s my level of addiction). It really hydrates lips, isn’t sticky but leaves me with a glossy finish.” Mandana Karimi Actor “I hate it when make-up feels heavy on skin. But this powder is literally out of this world. The texture is fine and weightless, and like the name suggests, it leaves me…

LUSH LIFE Velvet is one fabric that’s been trending for many seasons now, turning into a year-round favourite among celebrities and street-style stars. Moving away from its ‘red carpet worthy’ personality, it’s now available in many forms. Bring home a pair of baroque boots or a micro bag, or a bralet, to add a luxe touch to any look. PRINTS CHARMING The humble scarf print has evolved into a full-fledged trend this season. For AW/18, designers played with the more-is-more aesthetic, reworking the paisley pattern and equestrian print to create dresses, skirts, bodysuits, and more. Pro tip: layer up and clash prints and patterns to embrace a heady dose of irony. WINTER WONDERLAND Moody florals set against a dark colour palette or embroidered on luxe jacquard fabrics are perfect for…

50% OF WOMEN EXPERIENCE BREAST PAIN WHILE EXERCISING. Avantika Bakshi Producer/DJ “Working out is very important for me. And sports bras that cut into my skin, make me feel stuffy, and leave my skin itchy—hence, they’re a big no-no. However, I loved hitting the gym in Reebok’s PureMove Bra because it’s a fluid workout gear that not just offers support and comfort, but it also aligns with the shape of the wearer. I tried out the upper-body high-intensity workout, battle rope, and even did push-ups, and it all went quite seamlessly. I’d say that every woman should give it a try and experience the comfort of a genuinely good sports bra that doesn’t hurt your breasts as you up your game.” 70% OF WOMEN ARE ROCKING THE WRONG BRA SIZE.…

Hair and Make-Up: Tenzin Kyizom at Inega Models; Fashion Assistant: Simran Handa, Fashion Intern: Sanjana Singh; Location Courtesy: Hilton, Mumbai Kalki Koechlin has been on the cover of Cosmopolitan several times in the past, but this time ’round, there’s something different about her. This is probably not the first time you’ve heard the term ‘different’ being used in Kalki’s context. When she made her debut in Dev D, many—from sections of media to critics, to Bollywood colleagues and movie watchers—had an opinion about how she looked. Those bee-stung lips received their fair share of love and hate. The term ‘unconventional beauty’ was tossed about frequently, all amidst barely veiled suggestions that she had only been cast because she’s ‘white’. But what’s ‘different’—and utterly fabulous—about her today, is a delightfully elfin…

Do you or your partner keep track of how many times you get it on? □ Yes □ No When you evaluate your sex life, does it feel like a judgment of your overall compatibility? □ Yes □ No If one of you wants to do the deed and the other says no, does the initiator get mad or upset? □ Yes □ No IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY YES, you two may be putting too much pressure on physical action. Pull back from thinking that only sex counts as intimacy, and spend more quality time together outside the bedroom. IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY NO, you and your partner have a healthy amount of space reserved for sex while realising it’s just one part of your dynamic. Continue talking about your…

From smog hanging over cities to smoke inside our homes, the air we breathe today is gravely toxic. Yet, we continue to live as though nothing is wrong. Take in these scary facts: according to reports, three of the world’s largest nitrogen oxide air pollution hotspots are in India. 24% of all stroke and heart disease deaths here are attributed to air pollution, and 43% of all lung disease and lung cancer deaths are because of lethal air quality. More than 80% of people living in urban areas are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO guideline limits, which means we are dealing with an invisible killer that lurks around all of us. We spoke to six people, who are doing their bit in making this world a more…

Radhika Vaz COMEDIAN “In one of my previous jobs, men were paid more than women. When we found out and questioned it, the higher-ups said the men ‘negotiated harder’. As a comedian, I’ve been offered the opportunity to start a women’s comedy collective with a group of men as the bosses. Women would create comedy content for women to enjoy but men would have the final say in what was produced. This has happened not once but twice. I declined both times. They wanted to hire women and take the credit for our work and we have to start calling such sexism out. I didn’t at the time because I didn’t feel strong enough and I understand why sometimes, we have to let things go. But if we can, we…

WOKE MEN WE LOVE Justin Trudeau Canada’s prime minister is a self-described feminist—on and off the job—who has called for men to shut down the sexist conversations that can happen in bro culture. Justin Baldoni The Jane The Virgin actor is working on a new show that will help men talk out their feelings. As he wrote on Instagram, ‘The old toxic masculinity isn’t working’. The Fallopian Dudes Started in order to support the Women’s March, the group educates men to take a stand on female health issues. “I don’t want to be one more man who thinks the story is about him,” says Co-Founder Russell Brown. When to Call for Backup Groping should always be brought to HR. But while things like chronic manterrupting are not illegal, you can…

1. Your one-time lover is listed in your contacts as: □ a. TOTGA aka The One That Got Away. □ b. Horrible Human or Don’t Answer This Call… It tends to alternate between periods of blocking. □ c. Standard firstie lastie, like pretty much everyone from your old boss to your favourite derm. 2. A dating-app match suggests drinks at your former BF’s haunt. You: □ a. Are totally in. You’ll take any opportunity to run into him ‘accidentally’. □ b. Already go there nightly. You claimed this spot immediately after the breakup, #SorryNotSorry. □ c. Take the reins and steer your date elsewhere. You only do throwbacks without emotional baggage. 3. LinkedIn says your old flame got a promotion. You: □ a. Check out his company’s available positions. How…

Model: Mansi at Ninja Models; Hair and Make-Up: Riviera Vaz at Anima Creative Managment; Fashion Assistant: Simran Handa; Intern: Sweekriti Aggarwal; Location Courtesy: Fairmont, Jaipur…

Versace Dylan Blue Femme, ₹8,875/100ml The latest addition to the Versace fragrance family comes in a bottle resembling a Greek amphora. Nothing subtle there…and nothing subtle about the scent, which is a unique floral-fruity-woody composition with notes of blackcurrant, patchouli, and Granny Smith apples. The result is strong, feminine, and surprisingly ‘clean’. Innisfree Super Volcanic Stick Mask 2X, ₹1,150 A face mask in a stick? Well, why not? Innisfree’s hugely popular Super Volcanic Mask now comes in something that resembles a deo stick, but is packed with twice more powerful adherence to sebum for shine-free skin with fewer pores and blackheads. The Body Shop Mandarin Energising Face Mist, ₹795 Wake up, wake up…The Body Shop’s new face mist is an energy kick in a bottle! This concoction of mandarin, camu-camu…

JENNIFER LAWRENCE When J-Law realised that she’s been paid less than all her male co-stars in American Hustle, she was forced to take stock. “There was an element of wanting to be liked that influenced my decision to close the deal without a real fight. I didn’t want to seem ‘difficult’ or ‘spoiled’. That seemed like a fine idea, until I saw the payroll…and realised every man I was working with didn’t worry about being difficult or spoiled.” PRIYANKA CHOPRA Priyanka has been pretty vocal about the gender pay gap. During an interview at the Penguin Annual Lecture in 2017, where she was a guest speaker, Priyanka was asked about whether the zeroes on her cheque matter, to which she replied: “Yes, because I work really hard for them. I’m…

ALL ABOUT THE BASE The right foundation can make or break a look. The good thing about liquid foundations is that they’re really easy to apply. Plus, the new-age formulas are available in water-, cream-and oil-based formulations that offer buildable coverage and long-lasting finish. #MANIGOALS Undecided about what colour to pick for your next manicure? This season, everything—total blackout, purple haze, popping pinks, and pale nudes—is a go. Feeling adventurous? Why not mix and match for nails with personality. CRÈME CONTROL If you’re not big on either matte lipsticks (too drying?) or glosses (too sticky?), pick a product with a creamy finish, for the best of both worlds. Cream formulas glide on effortlessly, most with colour pay-off that lasts hours, with a hint of shine. Pair these bright hues with…

CLEANSER Thanks to a mix of gentle clays and a probiotic complex, this wash removes surface oil and impurities without over-stripping skin. MOISTURISER This super-gentle, oil-free moisturising cream with Microbiome technology Instantly calms skins with visible redness—even skins with rosacea. CREAM OIL This one comes with a unique balancing complex that strengthens, hydrates and rebuilds skin, while leaving you with an illuminating, healthy glow—thanks to the blend of light reflecting minerals. BODY WASH The rest of your body is as important as your face—and this soothing daily body wash will help replenish moisture and nourish skin. NIGHT CREAM Strengthen skin’s barrier by using an overnight mask or a night cream formulated with probiotics that repaired skin and keep it glowing.…

ENVY-INDUCING LIDS Green is one shade that has made a smooth transition from SS18 to AW18 by crossing over to the dark side. While every shade in the green colour wheel—from verdant to seafoam—made its way to the runways, when it comes to make-up only the deep one could stick. The reason: it brings out the eyes beautifully. Work a green ensemble with an exaggerated flick, or go OTT with jewel-toned smokey eyes. Looking at keeping things simple? Just line your upper and lower lids with a creamy kohl—your eyes will sit beautifully in contrast with pop clothes. ‘I DREAM IN VIOLET’ With ultraviolet being elected as Pantone’s Colour of the Year, it was only a matter of time that it cropped up everywhere. Fashion jumped on the prismatic bandwagon,…

AAKRITI CHAUDHARY, 21 “My style is all about comfort, and I love easy-breezy clothes. Exhibit A: this monochrome look that I’ve paired with statement accessories like XXL hoops, tiny sunnies, and a bag with a palette that vibes well with my outfit.” AISHWARYA KAUR, 23 “I like to keep it casual, and it has inevitably become my go-to style. Here, I’ve thrown on a slouchy colour-blocked top over a classic denim mini, and finished the look with a statement bag to keep things interesting.” LIRMINTA RONGPIPI, 27 “I love leather pants, and I’m always looking for new ways to style it. While this pair is interesting in itself, I’ve added suspenders for some extra edge. And since I keep changing my hair colour, it just adds to the look.” AISHWARYA…

NOW THAT’S A STORY CLIMAX! 37 percent of women have experienced a wet dream or nocturnal orgasm, according to a study in The Journal Of Sex Research. Racy thoughts in your sleep can trigger a rush of blood flow to your lady parts, and that can be enough to unleash a climax (one so powerful, it wakes you up!). While research shows that dudes tend to erupt spontaneously like this less frequently as they age, women are the opposite: more prone to midnight delights as they grow older. It’s not a fictional bedtime story—you can experience seriously hot sex while snoozing. Once you’ve drifted off, your mind is still active, explains US-based clinical psychologist Michael Breus, known as The Sleep Doctor. And you can train it to up your odds…

Ask a man to explain his success and he’ll point to his skill and talent. Ask a woman and you’ll hear, ‘I couldn’t have done it without my team’ or the phrase I am hereby banning from your vocabulary: ‘I got lucky’. Women’s wins are hardly ever about luck—we work twice as hard to be perceived as just as good—yet this phrase rolls off the female tongue. One reason is that women who self-promote can come off as braggy. Allow me to introduce the boast b*tch. She’s like a female hype man but for your professional achievements. She boasts to the boss about your genius idea; you gush about her amazing skill with clients. Neither of you ever has to crow about yourself…and you both come out looking like team…

TREND # 1 Pair bold lips with a sexy sleeveless blouse/bustier in gold or muted shades for maximum impact. TREND # 2 Fusion saris are all the rage at the moment. If you’re going for a look as hot as this, you know what’ll come in handy? The Veet Cold Wax Strips or Hair Removal Creams to show off your smooth arms, back, and midriff. TREND # 3 Colour-block your way into the festive season with an embroidered set like this—and show off those toned abs in a cropped number. TREND # 4 There is no colour as chic as black. Flaunt your smooth arms in an opulent gown like this one. TREND # 5 Earthy colours have a unique appeal. If you’re a minimalist, opt for a sari or…

MOSTLY As STILL PINING Let’s be real—the love is still there, at least on your end. Try keeping the focus on just yourself (versus getting back together with him) and you’ll end up not only surviving, but thriving. MOSTLY Bs RULED BY RESENTMENT You might not want him back, but you want him to suffer. All that aggression could prevent you from letting go. It’s time to sit down with your squad, or maybe a therapist to sort this out! MOSTLY Cs EASY ACCEPTER Congrats, girl. You’ve moved on and given yourself the all clear to enjoy the single life or find new love. If the split was amicable, it’s okay to still cheer him on, if only from the comments section. FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN…

Saket Sharma Model “I’ve been playing with make-up ever since I was a little boy. I used to force my cousin to be my muse and doll her up whenever I got a chance… But I started wearing make-up when I began modelling four years ago. Most days, I wear base and concealer, and always have a BB cream on me for a quick touch up. It makes a world of difference; once I cover up my little imperfections, I feel so confident. I think we’re living in a world where gender binaries don’t exist, at least in the world of beauty—one can (and should) do whatever they feel is right, and makeup is one of them.” Khup S Hangsing Artist and Designer “My love affair with makeup started when…

Scorpio 23.10–21.11 Smooth sailing ahead! Your long-term projects will stabilise on the 8th, when lucky Jupiter moves into Sagittarius after a year in your sign. Keep an eye on the money and calm seas will prevail. YOUR YEAR: You’ve been heading towards cloud-nine happiness (thanks to Jupiter in your sign), and that ascent doesn’t need to end as long as you stay balanced. Counting on only one area of your life to keep you aloft won’t fly. Open up, and good news may come in December. An adventure worth taking will arrive in February, and in April, new love. By September, things will fall into place. Sagittarius 22.11–21.12 PSA: your swagger is back. Work that magic when your ruler, lucky Jupiter, moves into your sign on the 8th. You’ll get…