Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2019 i Cosmopolitan

usually I don’t do battle for many “causes”…just the one of getting you, my beloved Cosmo girl, and me through the night (calming our worries and helping us achieve what we want), but one cause I do feel strongly about is protecting the right to abortion for every woman in America whose religious beliefs do not forbid it. I never had an abortion—never was pregnant—but I saw many a close friend through the expensive, guilt-making ordeal before abortion was legal. Then, blessedly, in January 1973, in a 7-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court declared abortion legal in all states and a new breath of sanity swept the country. Well now, would you believe (it’s too monstrous!) some people are trying to overturn this Supreme Court ruling and once again make…

ONE How often do you fill up your gas tank? a I wait until my empty light turns on because I’m busy, K?b I’m filling up any time I see those prices drop.c As soon as I drop to half a tank. I’m not about to get stranded while stalking my ex. TWO What’s chilling in your backseat? a A cold, soggy McD fry that missed my mouth two weeks ago.b Some deodorant and a toothbrush. Gotta be ready for unexpected overnights.c An old bra. I change in my car all the time. THREE Be honest, are you a good driver? a Never not lurking in your blind spot. Sorry!b My friends trust me to drive their cars more than they trust themselves.c Honestly, I’m scared of my own road…

NEW BACK-GROUND, NEW YOU So you change your desktop pic (or your screen saver) all the damn time. Let me guess: You also get bored easily and need variety in every part of your life? Hey, you do you—and those four Tinder dates you have scheduled for next week. BIG ICON ENERGY Hi, busiest person ever! You’re slammed hustling for that bread and picking fights with people who still use plastic straws. No time to waste on hunting for stuff. NEVER NOT ON THE GRID Truly, is there anything better than seeing all those icons snap into place? You low-key know structure is not your strength, so you rely on outside help to get shit done. Work smarter, not harder, betches. ERRRYTHING SCATTERED Based on the random assortment of photos…

If you thought a last-minute dumping on After the Final Rose was intense, wait until you hear what goes down across the pond. British dating shows like Love Island, First Dates, and Naked Attraction (on which people pick partners based on…looking at their naked bodies) (not a joke) are wildly popular—and wildly fun. But before you run to your laptop to start binge-streaming, you’re gonna need an intro to a whole new language of dating terms. PARDON ME? Chuffed (adjective) IN (AMERICAN) ENGLISH, PLS Beyond happy but in like a stoic, super-British way, like Kate Middleton announcing a pregnancy. You may also hear “chuffed to bits” or “dead chuffed.” AND IN CONTEXT “She was chuffed by the massive turnout at the party last night.” Crack on (verb) IN (AMERICAN) ENGLISH, PLS To…

Your last T.J.Maxx run feel a little less therapeutic than usual? It’s probably because it’s almost back-to-school season and that enormous display of backpacks was subconsciously TBT’ing you to the dark days of sophomore year. No matter how long ago you graduated high school, the fear of fitting in—and sitting at the right table—never really goes away. (Even Regina George had her insecure moments.) The new way to find your crew as a grown-ass person: bonding over your very specific, very revealing taste in YA fiction. WITCHY BITCHES Sorry, Hogwarts who? The Babysitters Coven by Kate M. Williams The Baby-Sitters Club…but spooky and with an Instagram-model-hot character for good measure. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling NBD, just some LGBTQ+ teen witches tryna save Salem, Massachusetts, from a supernatural…

A ~clear~ winner Life in plastic; it’s (rainproof and) fantastic. No dings or dents here Crochet has extra padding to keep your computer safe. That old leather, but better Amp up your everyday with cool color blocking or a satchel flap. YOUR OLD LAPTOP SLEEVE COULD NEVER…

For acne-prone skin Noncomedo-genic and oil-free, this lightweight sunscreen won’t cause breakouts. Plus, its antioxidants will shield you from pollution. For dry skin This is super light but also incredibly hydrating. The magical source of moisture: a blend of vitamin E, moringa, and flower extracts. For sensitive skin Go with a physical SPF made with anti-inflammatory zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. It’s typically less irritating than chemical sunscreens. For hyper-pigmentation The moisturizing SPF 30 is infused with vitamin B3 (aka niacina-mide), which can help brighten uneven dark patches like melasma, sun spots, or stubborn acne scars. For oily skin Thanks to oil-absorbing starches, this serum-like SPF disappears into your skin immediately and keeps it from getting overly greasy during the day.…

10 A.M. Koni gives me a blowout and moisturizes my hair so it’s easier to braid. 2 P.M. Still braiding…. Because I wanted smaller-size box braids, this process is taking A While. 4 P.M. We’ve finally gotten to the middle part of my head, and the braids are starting to hurt a little—especially near my crown. 6 P.M. Almost there! To seal the ends of my braids and give them a sleek texture, Koni dips them in boiling water. 7 P.M. Done! I barely recognize myself in the mirror, but I love my new look.…

First: Why do you even have them? ”Everything from aggressive brushing to heat damage can cause your hair to splinter at its tips, and that can lead to fraying and major breakage,” says celebrity hairstylist Cash Lawless. So use these six tricks for preventing, hiding, and fixing them for good. PREVENT SPLITS Brush smarter, not harder If you hear a scraping or ripping noise as you detangle, it’s a sign you’re being too forceful, says Lawless. “The goal is to do it silently with zero tugging.” Grab a brush with gentle, flexible bristles (Tangle Teezer’s is legit). Chill with the hot tools High heat = high damage. Always use a heat protectant (like Garnier’s, below), and turn the temp of your tools down to 285 degrees, says Lawless. If that…

Saturn is the most hyped-up, blinged-out planet in the solar system, and it finds its way back to the exact degree it was in when you were born approximately every 29 years. When it comes for you, you *feel* it. This, my friends, is Saturn Return. A short list of some of the stuff Saturn rules over: • Time, wisdom, and aging• Restrictions, responsibility, and obligation• Obstacles, adversity, karma• Stability, sustainability, and commitment• Tradition, structure, and discipline• Adulting in almost all its forms Casual. Okay, so you can’t escape Saturn, but its transits (the cycles that affect you directly) are predictable. Think of the planet as an astrological life coach; its Return is here to help you define your relationships to yourself and others. The first full Return you’ll experience…

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES For more ideas and recipes, snag a copy of Aliza’s book The Mixology of Astrology: Cosmic Cocktail Recipes for Every Sign.…

geminiguy Liked your post geminiguy Liked your post geminiguy commented on your post: geminiguy watched your Story geminiguy Liked your post geminiguy Liked your post geminiguy commented on your post: geminiguy Liked your post Hi Aliza, I’ve had a crush on a Gemini guy for what feels like forever. He always watches my Instagram Stories and Likes and comments on my posts, but every time I try to make a plan to hang out with him, he ends up canceling. Should I give up or keep trying to make it happen? Thank you, Confused Capricorn Dear Confused Capricorn, We’ve got ourselves a bit of a ~situation~ here—a real astrology conundrum. An “astronundrum,” if you will. First of all, as a Capricorn, you’re ruled by Saturn, the taskmaster planet that governs…

Before you try to convince boo to run away with you to a tropical island with zero Wi-Fi or sex robots (although…maybe?), remember: The sheer access we have to tech doesn’t make faithful, doting partners suddenly want to cheat, explains James McNulty, PhD, a professor of psychology at Florida State University (who coauthored a 2018 study on the psychological predictors of infidelity). Tech simply gives people with wandering eyes (who are already predisposed to cheat) the means to do it faster and more conveniently. For some, sure, that ease of entry may be the difference between straying and not. But if your partner isn’t likely to step out on you anyway—and vice versa—new apps and holographics won’t change that. Most people in happy, healthy relationships aren’t going to be using…

What are some things that will make her first time more enjoyable? Foreplay—then some more foreplay—and then, once you’ve spent plenty of time exploring her body with your hands and mouth, pay special attention to her clitoris. Next step: Lube up. Oh, and don’t forget to cuddle afterward. You’re welcome. Why have I not been able to stay hard the first few times I’ve tried hooking up? It’s likely that you’re stressing out, which is causing your other head to freak out too. Try to relax, and if you’re still going soft, bring it up with your doc. What can I say if a blow job is hurting? Anything that might bruise your partner’s ego is a no-go. So try saying, “Can we slow down a little?” or “I like…

ME: Hey, doc, is there a medical explanation for why men like to wear socks during sex? DR. G: Uh, no. No. Socks during sex shouldn’t affect anything. ME: Oh. But I thought maybe it would be like wearing those orthopedic socks designed to prevent blood clots on airplanes. Like, maybe it would increase blood flow to my nether regions or something? DR. G: Ah. No, it doesn’t really work that way. I mean, I would say it’s just a matter of preference. But I don’t think you could make the argument that wearing socks would somehow drive more blood to your penis. ME: Wait, so no real benefits? DR. G: Maybe if you think it’s kinky? Or if it’s a cold night and the socks keep your feet warm,…

“The other day, a pic came up of a trip I went on nine years ago with the ex who shattered my heart. I still felt a twinge of pain.” —MEGAN, 32 “After my engagement ended, I saw a memory of me and my ex-fiancé at an annual event that I know I will never attend again. I was trying to be positive, but seeing that photo was like pouring salt in a wound.” —ALISON, 42 “There’s nothing worse than opening Facebook and seeing a memory from my divorce. The outfit I was wearing, the bar I was standing in front of with a group of girlfriends…it brings back insta-sadness and a flashback to how scared I felt at that time in my life.” —SHELBY, 28…

so you’re a nurse during the week and a travel influencer on the weekends. Or a marketing assistant 9-to-5 but a concert promoter at night. Rocking secondary gigs is the norm these days—37 percent of Americans do it, according to a Bankrate.com survey, and millennials are more likely than any other generation to get in on the trend. Thing is, though, when you already have a demanding full-time job, you’ve gotta be savvy about getting all your shit done on time and keeping your boss on your side. Here’s how. ACTUALLY READ YOUR CONTRACT Repeat after us: Now is not the time to screw around and ask for forgiveness later. “Scan your paperwork and read the fine print to see if your company has restrictions around side projects,” says Alyse…

FULL NAME: THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT I’VE EVER GOTTEN WAS: MY FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN I’M ALONE IS: MY FAVORITE RED-CARPET OUTFIT I’VE EVER WORN IS: THE WORST THING ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA IS: MY BEST ADVICE FOR TAKING A GOOD SELFIE IS:…

You had a shit semester (or three). Addiction can take control in sneaky ways: “You may gradually start losing interest in your old routine and stop going to class,” says Thiele. Sure, plenty of people party in college—but they also show up for finals. You’re always bailing on your friends. If you’re replacing group Bachelor binges with solo [insert vice] binges, that’s a hint. As addiction gets worse, “the brain’s reward system changes so that only drugs and alcohol are enough to produce pleasure,” says Thiele. Your relationship combusts. Because TBH, you’re more obsessed with getting high. You’re also more likely to do something impulsive, like cheat. Drugs weaken the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which keeps you from doing what you know you shouldn’t. You start lying or stealing. Drugs aren’t…

“I ended up at a women’s facility and couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. There’s sexual trauma for a lot of women dealing with addiction, including myself, and I felt I could be more vulnerable there.”—CAROLINE, 30, EIGHT MONTHS SOBER SHOULD YOU take out a loan or go for the cheap program? Expensive isn’t always better (maybe you don’t need a five-star chef), but some spots are worth the splurge. If the pricey place is the only one you can get into that’s actually certified, take out the loan, says Stephen Taylor, MD, chief medical officer of the behavioral health division at Pathway Healthcare in Birmingham, Alabama. (For more on how to pay, see page 130.) SHOULD YOU travel cross-country or stay close? Be honest about whether the people around you…

1 Consider a state-funded center. Visit FindTreatment.SAMHSA.gov. Truth: These are not fancy. But they’re vetted by the government. 2 Look for scholarships. The nonprofit 10,000 Beds (10000Beds.org) connects eligible applicants to empty rehab beds around the country for free. But beware: There can be a waiting list. 3 Get your employer to pitch in. Some companies offer employee assistance programs that will connect you for free to a drug counselor who can refer you to legit programs within your budget. 4 Ask the facility to work with you. Some private treatment centers will take your finances into consideration. Many also have payment plans.…

DON’T Go out with people who are using Or hang in the same old places. “Can you meet up at a coffee shop instead of a bar?” suggests Ford. When everyone’s posting drunk Instas on weekends, call your sober buddy and see if she wants to start a new Hulu show with you. DO Assess your friendships. No need to ghost your BFF just because she likes the occasional marg, but you should limit contact with anyone who has their own addiction issues or can’t actively support your journey. DON’T Skip your meds. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioids can help you be more successful in your recovery. Talk to your doc about how long you should stay on them. DO Line up non-pharmaceutical help too. Most rehabs can help you…

1 RESEARCH LIKE CRAZY Now is not the time to be looking for deals. Stalk feeds on Instagram to see whose style you like best. “I always tell people to check out the tagged pics—you’ll see how their work heals and how many clients are happy with their tats,” says Ghinko. 2 MAKE SURE THE STUDIO/SHOP IS LEGI You should be asked to sign a release form, the artists should have disposable gloves and single-use needles, and surfaces around the area where you’re getting tattooed should be covered with plastic for sanitary purposes, says Joanna Roman, a tattoo artist in Toronto. If you don’t see this stuff… run. 3 BE OBSESSIVE ABOUT THE DESIGN If you’re not totally into what the artist draws up, speak now or forever hold your…

Gentle cleanser You’ll want to keep the area clean, so wash it twice daily with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Let your skin air-dry, then use a towel to softly pat it down. Healing balm Hydration is the key to making sure your work of art heals properly. Grab this balm after you wash—it has moisturizing coconut oil and allantoin, an ingredient that helps with wound healing. SPF UV rays can cause your new ink to fade (they break down the chemical structure of the pigments). Because of that, you’ll want to apply a mineral sunscreen, which creates a physical shield against the sun whenever you go outside.…

1 For abstract designs… Mira Mariah (@GirlKnewYork) She’s the woman behind some of Ariana Grande’s most iconic tattoos. Check out her Insta for big, artsy tat ideas. 2 For fine-line tattoos… Jonathan “Jon-Boy” Valena (@JonBoyTat too) He’s tat ted everyone from Just in Bieber to Kylie, and he’s famous for his so-tiny-you-might-miss-them art. 3 For word art… Ghinko (@Ghinkos) The NYC-based artist is known for her thin, pretty script and delicate drawings. Also, if you’re into roses, you’ll really dig her designs. 4 For actual (body) art… Eva Karabudak (@EvaKrbdk) This woman has duplicated paintings by Vincent van Gogh…on people’s backs. She’s your go-to follow if you love detailed looks.…

What, like it’s hard?! FOR A GROUP SHOT • Catch us on the steps of The Met, xoxo.• Yes, I chose the picture I look the best in.• Warning: citywide frosé shortages expected this weekend.• Kendall and Gigi are shaking. FOR A SELFIE • Feelin’ cute. Can someone buy me nuggets?• Behold, my reaction to a mirror or extra-shiny window.• Thank you, thank you. I’d like to credit the eight hours of sleep I got last night.• This is my “waiter is coming with the free chips and salsa” face. FOR A COUPLES PIC • Snacks only. ✔• A part of me hates you for beating me in Scrabble, but okay.• Subplot comic-relief couple for hire.• One of us kills plants; the other does not.• WE’RE! CUTE! AS! SHIT! Credit…

COSMO SUNGLASSES YOUR GO-TO SUNNIES Shop the Cosmopolitan Sunglasses Collection on Amazon to get wallet-friendly, on-trend shades — perfect for every sunny occasion! Available in multiple colors and styles. amazon.com GEICO SAVE BIG! See how much you could save by switching to GEICO, the second-largest auto insurer in America, with a 97% customer satisfaction rating. Get your free quote today! geico.com Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO KAYU TOTE YOUR STYLE THIS SUMMER The St Tropez tote, available in a range of colors, is made from natural seagrass and features festive raffia pom-poms.…

OH HEY! Wanna weigh in? Follow us on Twitter for our next poll. Hypothetical Q: Your friend is cheating on her boyf. Do you tell your own S.O.? 37% Absolutely not. 20% I’d try my hardest not to. But my hardest is, like, not that hard. 43% Come on, everyone knows the “don’t tell anyone” rule doesn’t apply to bae. First things first: Do you consider yourself a pro secret-keeper? 66% Some things are just too good to stay private. 30% I’m still keeping kindergarten crayon-stealing intel to myself. 4% Wait, this is something you can be good at? IYO, what makes a secret fair game? 53% Literally nothing. Who do you think I am? 47% If there’s drama, then it’s a must-share. Can I live? Have you ever been accused…

There’s no question who we girls are supposed to root for. ariel may be the star of The Little Mermaid, but Ursula is a hundred percent that bitch. While the redhead with the Barbie waist is singing into her silverware, dreaming of legs and love, Ursula’s launching her plan to rule everything under the sea. (She’s already been banished from King Triton’s kingdom for being too “nasty.” An “unlikable” female leader? Why does that ring a bell?) But seriously, now that Disney is launching its own streaming service later this year, I’ve been revisiting the classic characters I grew up with. Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White—they’re all pretty princess types pitted against vengeful, aging antagonists (see Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent and Snow White’s Evil Queen). There’s no question who little girls…

my ridiculous BFF refuses to see scary movies with me. Like, she won’t even watch Dead to Me on Netflix, which is basically a comedy, just because of the title. That episode of Friends where Monica wears a turkey on her head? Too gruesome for this chick. I, on the other hand, will watch it all. Give me pools of blood, vaginas with teeth, and human centipedes all the livelong day. Except for just one teensy, hyper-specific little thing: needles. I’ve heard that somewhere in the Saw movies, there’s a scene with a pit full of syringes and, TBH, even writing this sentence has me deceased. K, I’m back. So now that Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark—which is super democratic in that it has every possible trigger packed…

TRY THEM ON AGAIN! SERIOUSLY Don’t let them languish in your closet. Slip them on a few months later. I’ve done this with items I thought I didn’t like and ended up loving a dress I initially hated. Time heals all wounds? SAY IT WITH ME: D-O-N-A-T-E Clean out your closet every once in a while and give those duds to a good cause. Lots of local charities and organizations take clothing, and many of them especially like when the tags are still attached. YOU COULD STILL SELL OR TRADE ’EM Even if you bought them a while ago, apps like Poshmark and Trench take new and gently used items from your favorite stores, like Zara, Urban Outfitters, and Madewell. JUST DEF DON’T… …throw them away. Your discarded pieces release…

you love shopping but you also love the environment—and yes, you can have both. Here, designer Mara Hoffman and Amour Vert CEO Aaron Hoey, who use nice-to-the-earth practices in their businesses, define all the words you need in your vocab. Your friends will be *so* impressed next time you go post-brunch shopping. “Eco-friendly” This stuff is made with minimal damage to the planet—aka without polluting all over the place. “Fair trade” If your v cute retro denim minidress is fair trade, it was made by workers in an underdeveloped country who earn a fair living wage. “Biode-gradable” Silk, linen, wool, and hemp fabrics easily decompose into natural elements (as in, not landfill filler) after being trashed. “Organic” You might buy strawberries with this label, and the same idea applies here.…

FIRST-TIMER i’ve always had a complicated relationship with my hair. I grew up in a mostly white community in Georgia, where my natural curls stood out among a sea of stick-straight strands. And like most teens, I was obsessed with fitting in, so I relaxed my hair and added extensions until I looked like(ish) the other girls. Now that I’m in my 20s and living in NYC, I feel way more comfortable wearing my hair natural—but let me tell you, it is not as simple as those YouTubers make it look. Trying to reverse years of chemical damage takes a lot of work: Twice a week, I use a deep conditioner, twist up my hair, and make sure it’s tied down properly. The whole process probably takes more than an…

A high-priced product top derms swear by 1 VITAMIN C $112 “I recommend this l-ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C) for people who want to brighten hyperpigmentation, like melasma or acne scars. It also has proteoglycans, proteins that aid in the production of hyaluronic acid, to keep your skin hydrated and dewy. And the single-use packing ensures the formula stays fresh.”—Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampoules, isdin.com/us HOW TO KNOW WHAT TO SPEND YOUR $ ON Follow these six rules and you’ll be golden RULE 1 Go with good packaging. Certain ingredients (like antioxidants) start to break down when they’re exposed to light and air, explains Dr. Levin. So you’ve just wasted your money because they no longer work. “Choose formulas housed in opaque and airless, pump-style…

LILAH B. “I love the stone packaging! It made me feel like a fancy rich lady—which, lol, I am not—and I’m all about the fact that it’s plastic-free and fully reusable. As for the actual products, the multipurpose ones were my heroes. The concealer-meets-eye-primer hybrid gave me sheer coverage and went on without caking or creasing. It also made the shadows in the eye palette last twice as long as other kinds I’ve used. But while I’m typically all about the ‘no-makeup makeup’ look, the neutral lip and cheek colors were too light—nonexistent?—even for me. I tried a hot pink instead, and I’m now obsessed with its bright rosy tint.” —EMILY CONFORTO, 28 CLOVE + HALLOW “Okay, so to completely cover my dark circles and breakouts, I had to use…

hollywood is stacked with them: Jennifer Lawrence, Shawn Mendes, Mila Kunis, Chris Hemsworth, Amy Adams, Charlize Theron…the list could fill this entire page. And sure, Leos have always been known as fiery centers of attention, but still… why are they so destined for fame? and explains why Leos think the world revolves around them. Kidding (sort of)—Leos aren’t that self-centered… they’re just really confident and hyper-focused on themselves, for better or worse. Usually it’s for the better, because their ability to play up their innate artistic talents makes them amazing entertainers. But because they need to know that everyone notices and accepts them at all times, Leos can struggle to view things from others’ perspectives. TBH, it takes a lot of work to reach A-list-level fame, but if any sign…

Kylie turns 22 on the 10th—aka your Insta feed is about to be taken over by party pics from Every. Single. Kardashian-Jenner sister. Because even after the insane year they’ve had (why, Tristan, why?), you can’t touch this fam. Here’s why their connections are stronger than North West’s dance moves. KYLIE AND KHLOÉ’S TIGHT TIE Kylie’s Moon is in Scorpio, which links up directly with a handful of Khloé’s planets in fellow water sign Cancer, making it easy for Kylie to sincerely empathize with Khloé. Plus, Kylie is a Capricorn Rising, which connects with Khloé’s Jupiter in Capricorn, fostering instant friendship and a similar spirit. KIM AND KOURT’S FOR-EVER BOND It doesn’t always look like it (ahem, all the yelling), but they’re super close, with a deep understanding of each…

although they weren’t invented for this reason, the internet, social media, and apps have ended up making it insanely easy for people in committed relationships to cheat. Constant tech advances have also introduced so many new ways to stray that it’s almost impossible to have any sort of standard code for what is and isn’t infidelity anymore. “There are all sorts of definitions now,” says Bryony Cole, founder and host of the Future of Sex podcast. “This is the first time in history that you can be lying in bed next to your partner and cheating.” (The numbers add up. According to a recent survey, 55 percent of Americans ages 18 to 45 spend more time with their phones than with their S.O.s…not sketch at all!) Also, coming soon: “sexy”…

Eh, okay 11% Looking at or Liking a particular hot model’s Instagram posts 13% DM’ing a celebrity crush 17% Watching an ex’s or a crush’s Insta Story 18% Posting thirst traps/lots of sexy selfies 73% Liking or commenting on an ex’s posts (if the ex isn’t a platonic friend) 84% Snap-chatting cute pics to a hot coworker 86% Complaining about your current relationship to a potential romantic prospect via text HELL NO…

Sure, SATC’s Samantha lit-er-al-ly started sleeping with a pro actor to bring her fave sexual fantasies to life…but she was always a little extra. If you’re nervous to play pretend for hotter sex (or your acting skills are more “I was in my fifth-grade play, I think?” than “My Oscars speech is ready to go”), we’re on it. Here’s how to get it right on your first take. PLAY WHAT YOU KNOW Actual actors do full character studies, but you can just think of roles you’re already familiar with, from real life (masseuse + client) or pop culture (superhero + whoever’s lucky enough to hook up with superhero). Starting with a known scenario cuts down on prep so you can get right down to bizness, says sex therapist Vanessa Marin.…

is there anything better than a great vacay with all your BFFs? Obvious answer: No, there is not. Especially when it includes wine. And gorgeous scenery. And all that bonding time you miss out on during real life. Also: group pics. Alllll the group pics. Still, let’s be real—shit’s gonna go down. It always does. But making sure your friends don’t kill each other might be easier than it seems. SITCH 1 Your friends are all fighting like assholes When you throw together long flights, different time zones, and weird sleeping arrangements, it’s hardly surprising that your crew can go from as tight as Betty and Veronica to… as tight as Betty and Veronica. “Confront drama early—just not in front of everyone else,” says Kelly Lewis, founder of Go! Girl…

Ever crunch up some chips in your fist, then drop the crispy bits on top of whatever you’re eating? No? Just me? Bummer, because it’ll change your life—or at least your lunch. COOL RANCH BUFFALO SALAD Romaine + Shredded buffalo chicken + Blue cheese dressing + Cool Ranch Doritos TRY THESE NEXT 1 Taco salad + Mesquite BBQ chips 2 Caesar salad + Cape Cod potato chips…

She sorted her apps into color-coded perfection. I had never seen anything more beautiful. if you’re looking for a trick to help you “unplug,” I am sorry to report that this is not it. This, friend, is actually a foolproof way to take your phone obsession from “I’ll wait to see if he follows me first” to “Oops! I found his social security number before the first date.” I made the discovery while lurking in a mommy blogger’s Instagram Story. (She had some A+ zoodle recipes, okay?) I saw a screenshot she posted of her phone’s home screen, where she’d sorted her apps into color-coded perfection. I spotted a similar sitch on a few other random feeds—I had never seen anything more beautiful. I copied the move ASAP, turning my…

When I was in my 20s, just starting my career, my brother was descending into what would become a years-long heroin addiction. I watched helplessly as he lost weight, lost jobs, lost friends. As he stole and lied and sold my iPad to a pawn shop. Once, he showed up at my door, homeless and high, his arms still tender from plunging needles into them too many times. I’d already written his funeral speech in my mind. I’d cry on the subway, mourning him while he was still alive. It’s not news that drugs are killing us. Among women, the number of drug overdose deaths spiked 260 percent between 1999 and 2017, according to the CDC. For the first time ever, you, a woman living in America, are more likely…

Elizabeth Warren “Last April, I introduced the CARE Act with Representative Elijah Cummings. Our proposal would send billions of dollars to the hardest-hit communities. We’d invest in early intervention for those at risk and long-term support for those in recovery, including stable housing and employment. We’d also expand access to medication-assisted treatment and ensure treatment programs meet high standards.” Bernie Sanders “We must give people struggling with addiction the care they need through Medicare-for-all, which will guarantee health care, including inpatient and outpatient substance-abuse and mental-health services, with no co-payments or deductibles. Health care is a right, not a privilege.” Kamala Harris “We need to tackle the lack of public health resources in communities, specifically communities of color and rural communities. As president, I will make sure that every American…

They bribe you. Some “rehabs” promise airfare or other perks. Reputable places don’t do this. They flaunt high success rates. There’s no real way for rehabs to track who relapses. “Any facility that says they have a 90 percent success rate probably isn’t telling the truth or gathering accurate follow-up data,” says Dr. Taylor. There is no accreditation on their website. A rehab should have either JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) or CARF. They promise to “improve your character.” Uh, hard pass. “This approach isn’t even close to being evidence-based and it reinforces stereotypes about addiction instead of treating it like the disease that it is,” says Dr. Taylor.…

Wait, did everyone get a tattoo without me? Just like leopard-print midi skirts, suddenly tats—especially the teensy ones—are legit everywhere. Why? Improvements in technology (shout-out to more precise needles and high-tech machines) have made it easier for body art to get ultra small, leaving behind very fine, meaningful lines. Another reason: Tiny tattoos are less painful to get and easier to hide, adds Ghinko, a tattoo artist in New York City. Plus, ink is now more customized than ever—it’s basically just an old pop-culture trope to pick from a book of dated premade designs, says Lars Krutak, a tattoo anthropologist and research associate at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you’re one of the 53 percent of our readers who don’t have a tat…

Outer Arm LEVEL OF PAIN: Low Like getting scratched by a house cat. Because there’s more fat and muscle in this area, it won’t be as bad as other parts of your body. IS IT WORTH IT? Yes! Go for it! Ribs LEVEL OF PAIN: Very High Like get ting a deep paper cut over and over. The skin on the ribs is super thin and sensit ive, so if you decide on this spot, prepare for it to h-u-r-t. IS IT WORTH IT? It’s painful, but how cute are rib tat toos? Wrist or Ankle LEVEL OF PAIN: High Joint areas are un-fun places to get tat ted since they’re most ly bone. Grab something to squeeze (hi, stress ball or BFF’s hand) while it’s happening. IS IT WORTH…

CONCEAL IT You know how you color-correct and conceal your dark circles? If your tattoo is black or blue, the same technique will work for that. Use an orange corrector (like L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Orange, $9) to neutralize the pigments. Then tap on a body foundation (try MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation, $39) to hide it. GET TATTED… AGAIN You can hide your ex’s initials with another design (#Blessed). Generally, your cover-up art will be three times the size of the original tat, says Roman. So if your tattoo is too large or dark already, this may not be an option you’re into. LASER IT OFF This is your best choice if you want your ink totally gone for good. Basically, light energy from…

COVER Mariah Carey Store, mariahcarey.com. Lent by Neil Lane Couture, contact Neil Lane Couture for inquiries, 310-275-5015. L’Oréal Paris, drugstores. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 4: Whist les, bloomingdales.com. Mariah Carey Store, mariahcarey.com. Mother, motherdenim.com. FIRST-TIMER: BOX BRAIDS PAGE 58: Kobi Halperin, neiman marcus.com. Jennifer Fisher, jennifer fisherjewelry.com. THE SMARTEST DIVA IN THE ROOM PAGE 117: Munnu/The Gem Palace, contact studio@munnustudio.com for details. PAGE 118: Nour Hammour, bergdor fgoodman.com. Mariah Carey Store, mariahcarey.com. Mother, motherdenim.com. Lent by Neil Lane Couture, contact Neil Lane Couture for inqui - ries, 310-275-5015. Yeprem, Neiman Marcus Beverly Hil ls. PAGE 119: Burberry, neimanmarcus.com. Intimissimi, us.intimissimi.com. Laurence Dacade, neimanmarcus.com. PAGE 120: Olivia von Halle, oliviavonhal le.com. Fleur du Mal, fleurdumal.com. Munnu/The Gem Palace, contact studio@munnustudio.com for details. Yeprem, Neiman Marcus Beverly Hil ls. PAGE 121: Nour…

CHEESE PULL • I run a cheese stan account now.• This is what dreams are made of.• Cheese, but make it fashun.• If you listen closely, you can hear the whimper of my Lactaid pills. PASTA • The three most important food groups: pasta, Parmesan, focaccia. • Name a thing pasta can’t cure. I’ll wait.• Keto who?• It’s a lifestyle. AVO TOAST • Bought this avo toast instead of a house because #Priorities. • This expensive bread is worth all my bread.• Still eating brunch like it’s 2014. DESSERT • THIS IS LITERALLY ALL I WANT IN LIFE, OKAY??• She is beauty, she is grace. • BRB, need a nap.• Sorry, I missed everything after “Wanna get food?”…

JUSTIN BIEBER “I am the Biggest Fan—and I take that title seriously. I’ve spent thousands on his concerts. One Wednesday, I went to services at a church he attends hoping to spot him. Guess who walked in and sat next to me? Justin. Drew. Bieber! I wanted to tell him we were destined to be together, but instead, I just said I admired his relationship with God. We talked for 15 minutes. He was so nice and normal! After, I walked to my car and immediately threw up.”—ROBYN, 25 THE WEEKND “I love The Weeknd, aka Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. A few years ago, I went to one of his concerts, and it was the best one I have ever seen. Still on a high, I met another stan at the…

you know those old-fashioned country ballads that cater to guys who love beer and women who *always* stand by them, no matter what? Yeah, that look is kinda worn-out. What’s fresh right now: For the first time since Taylor Swift graduated from crying all over her guitar to writing songs about her famous exes, there’s a new group of twangy, tenacious singers making country cool again. They’re calling BS as they see it and pretty much crooning about whatever the hell they want to—to the palpable joy of their equally fired-up fans. By now, you are (or, hi, you really should be) familiar with powerhouses like Maren Morris, who broke through with a song about how her version of church is joyriding in her car. She then climbed the charts…

1 Seems weird, but stay covered Direct sunlight on your skin raises your body temp, which makes you sweat more. Also, keeping cool is less about exposing your limbs and more about air flowing around your body. Think breezy thoughts! 2 Small bags are your besties Leave the big totes at home. Lots of leather against your skin = a slippery back or side. 3 Go for the (real) gold You know that weird dark-green stain jewelry can leave on your skin? That’s a reaction many non-precious metals have with sweat. Chemistry is crazy! 4 Lightweight fabrics actually make it worse Avoid super-flimsy materials, like chiffon and silk, which stick to your body as soon as you perspire. Again, it’s all about air circulation, people.…

VISOR Accessorize like it’s 1985 with this tinted pink visor and high-waisted ’kini. Your mom will be like, “OMG, I have an old pic in this exact outfit!” (But in a good way.) FLOPPY Okay, first things first: For everyone’s safety, don’t wear this bb in a super-crowded place. Also v important: If your hat is literally larger than life, stick to neutral colors and simple jewelry for the rest of your ‘fit. BUCKET Gigi, Kendall, and Jordyn are wearing them—and you should be too, TBH. Chambray is guaranteed to go with any outfit… even one as dressy as this. BASEBALL Ah, yes, the hat of America’s pastime. Embrace the casual vibe with a simple T-shirt and cutoffs, or if you’re really ˜feeling yourself˜, try a hot-pink version and a…

You’ll never use enough Crazy but true: “You may need to use up to seven (you read that right, s-e-v-e-n) times the amount of foundation that you typically put on to get the full SPF value marked on the label,” says derm Whitney Bowe, MD. And let me guess, you’re probably using *just* enough to get the cosmetic coverage you want and then blending it in with a brush or sponge, which… soaks up more of that precious SPF. Basically, Dr. Bowe says, “If you’re not being extra generous with your application, you can’t expect the sunscreen in your makeup to protect your skin effectively.” The math doesn’t add up in your favor Okay, but let’s say you use an SPF 15 moisturizer underneath an SPF 15 foundation—that equals SPF…

1. QUICKIE CLEANSER I pump this a couple times and work it through my braids every day. The jojoba oil and ucuuba butter refresh them between washes—and I don’t even need to rinse after. 2. EDGE CONTROL This is my end-all for keeping my edges from frizzing up. It has flexible hold, doesn’t flake, and lasts all day. 3. MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO I always use this on my weekly wash day. Thanks to argan oil, it cleanses gently but leaves my hair soft and hydrated too. 4. HAIR OIL Made with shea butter, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil, it conditions and moisturizes my scalp. I warm up the oil in my hands and apply it with my fingers.…

2 GROWTH FACTOR SERUM $295 “This is one of the best serums I’ve seen for smoothing deep lines, firming skin, and reducing sagging. More impressive, though, is that people start to see results within the first two weeks. It helps cells behave optimally for healthier skin.”—Anne Chapas, MD 3 SUNSCREEN $68 “You need to invest in a good daily sunscreen—it’s hands down the best way to prevent skin cancer and signs of aging. This one from Elizabeth Arden has SPF 50 and antioxidants like green tea and ferulic acid to protect you from pollution.”—Shari Marchbein, MD 4 PEPTIDE SERUM $195 “This is the ultimate multitasker. It clears away damaged skin cells and also supports healthy collagen and elastin—two proteins in skin that keep it plump and firm. And the silky…

ARIES (03.21–04.19) Lucky Jupiter in fellow fire sign Sagittarius has you feeling as confident as Beyoncé (so, VERY!!!). Hold on to this energy until August 23rd, when Virgo season hits and you become busier than ever with work and side hustles. TAURUS (04.20–05.20) August is about recharging to prep for when the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars have a hang sesh in Virgo at the end of the month, which will be like an extra shot (or four) in your a.m. Starbs—esp. when it comes to your love life. GEMINI (05.21–06.20) Your cal is stacked with pool parties and cuties sliding into your DMs. Just remember: You’re not a hundred percent energy. Virgo season on August 23rd will push you to ignore those 57 group chats. Time to Seamless and…

1 Incogni to sexting Forget deleting sexty iMessage threads. Any sneaky Pete with a smartphone can now download a free app like Viber to cover their tracks. Largely used to help people reach friends and family overseas, Viber’s newer features like Secret Chat (which lets you schedule text convos to self-destruct after a certain amount of time) and Hidden Chats (it requires a special PIN to access specific threads) make covering suspicious tracks all too easy. Signal and Telegram offer similar features. 2 Hookup hotels Walking into a hotel lobby in a hat and sunglasses, asking for a room from the hours of 1 to 3 p.m.? Intimidating! (And maybe not gonna fly with the front desk.) But even the most timid cheaters won’t be too shy to pull up…

the day I learned how the sausage gets made (literally, I was in a cooking class with my then-partner) should have been a great memory for a Wisconsin girl like me who spends birthdays washing down bratwurst with beer. But that night also marked the end of my longest relationship. (Turns out, the meat and spices mixed better than he and I ever did.) More than three years later, Facebook still serves me an “on this day” flashback of the occasion—as if I need a reminder of the night my sexual sausage count went from one to zero. Why does the same social network that suggests I Friend a future colleague before I even change jobs not understand that I’d rather smash my iPhone screen than see that picture? Finding…

Huge news for women sick of endless drugstore lines and gyno waiting lists that rival those of Fenty Beauty: A bunch of new apps and websites now offer a way to get birth control (the pill and often the shot, ring, patch, and emergency contraception) without spending any time in a doctor’s office or pharmacy. Let me explain…. The tea on BC delivery Until now, even mail-order birth control has required the annoying first step of visiting a physician IRL. That’s not the case with these new services, says Nate DeNicola, MD, chair of telehealth at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Users start by answering questions docs would ask—Do you smoke cigs? Ever get migraines?—to help determine which type of BC is best. Next, they choose a…

“Hang on, I have to text my robot therapist back” is a sentence I never thought I’d use. Until I did. A lot. Apps like Woebot, Youper, and Wysa made this happen—they help people like me manage anxiety or other issues like relationship problems, depression, grief, addiction, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Via artificial intelligence, they chat with users and offer wellness tips, activities like meditation, and therapeutic strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. Just like you, my first thought was Uh, okay….I pay about $100 every two weeks to see a human therapist, so the idea of texting my innermost thoughts to a robot seemed weird (would my feels be saved for blackmail?) and unhelpful (could a robo really understand me?). Then I read the reviews. People claim their…

I lost my dream job. “I was a food editor living in New York and alcohol was a big part of my life. I’d start drinking on Friday night, continue into Monday, then call in sick. I was often hungover during the week. My boss told me I needed to get my shit together, and when I didn’t, I was let go. I knew something needed to change.” —IRINA, 33, FOUR YEARS SOBER I tried to kill myself. “I had driven to see a guy I was in a bad relationship with and it was clear he didn’t want me there. On the way home, I bought extra-strength Tylenol and swallowed a bunch of the pills. I woke up in the hospital and wondered how I could make a life-ending…

SURPRISING BUT TRUE Stop Googling “rehab” You’ll be overwhelmed by sketchy, unaccredited centers in, like, six seconds. Instead of scrolling, head to CARF.org (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) to filter for legit programs in your area. If you want to chat with an actual human, steer clear of random hotlines and instead call 800-662 — HELP to reach someone at SAMHSA, a government agency.…

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