Innehållsförteckning för August 2018 från Cosmopolitan India

AN OPEN LETTER TO SMART WOMEN Recently, I came across a wonderful finding: men who marry smart women live longer, happier lives. Having an intelligent, ‘mentally challenging’ wife can help protect dudes against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Nice…pop open a bottle of rosé, honey, let’s discuss the symbolism in The Unbearable Lightness of Being. Then, an ironical twist: multiple studies say that men are intimidated by women who they believe to be smarter than them. Sure, they may like the idea of an intelligent woman, but only in theory. When given a chance to actually date them, they rated brainy babes as less desirable, and saw women with high intelligence as ‘problematic’. Same story for more successful, financially independent women, in case you were wondering. And then comes…

“My best friend and I had a crush on the same guy. But she told me that she was going to ask him out first, and there was nothing I could do because, you know, girl code! I sneakily started creating rifts between them, so they would stop talking to each other. Luckily for me, the plan worked out and after waiting for a fair amount of time (three months!), I asked him out. I feel really bad for what I did, but the heart wants what it wants.” —JAPNEET K., 21 “I was at a house party and had on a stick-on bra. The intense humidity plus my sweat made it less sticky, and the thing started to fall off. I ran into the bathroom to ditch it, but…

THE FIRST THING YOU READ IN THE MORNING? “A good morning message from my husband.” THE LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE BED? “I text him goodnight. This has become a routine because we are in different time zones usually.” WHAT BOOK IS ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE WAITING TO BE READ? “I take my time with books as I read two to three books simultaneously. The one that I’m really enjoying at the moment is called Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel SF Heller. An all time favourite that I always have on me is called What Makes You Not A Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse.” THE SHOW YOU’RE BINGE-WATCHING RN? “The third season of Fargo.” FAVOURITE EMOJI? “A friend and I were chatting and he used the lighting emoji and…

MANDEEP KAUR, 26 “I’m really digging the fusion look these days. I’ve paired this ethnic-print dress with sneakers and added a bright headband for a pop of colour—it also works as an unexpected but interesting element in the look.” C LALNUPUII, 23 “I feel like you can never go wrong with a co-ord set. This basic look needed something extra, and the bum bag does it really well, without taking attention away from the outfit.” PRATIBHA SHARMA, 24 “Colour blocking, for me, is one of the most versatile fashion trends. It lets you experiment with shades and combinations to create truly unique outfits. This look has a very ‘concert vibe’ to it—and the colours are perfect for ‘transition weather’.” SHRIYA SURI, 23 “I have a thing for cool jackets, and…

HAIR HACK FOR COLOURED LOCKS With so much celeb inspo at our disposal, it’s hard not to give in to cray-cray shades. But, maintaining that dye job can be a B! We have an easy trick to save the day—half a cup of apple cider vinegar is all it will take to brighten up your dull hair. Just add the vinegar to a spritz bottle, spray all over, and leave in for 10 minutes before rinsing out. It’ll bring back your mane glory. THE NEW BUZZ ’Shrooms have just come vrooming into beauty town, and have piqued the interest of the skincare obsessed. Well-known for its health benefits, mushroom as a skincare ingredient promises clearer complexion, improved moisture, and smaller pores (depending on the product you pick). We’ve got five…

1. Turn on the flashlight feature in your dark bedroom to illuminate different parts of your clothed body. Instruct your mate to follow your lead and remove each piece of clothing you focus the light on. 2. Video-chat bae, then tell them to keep their hands where you can see ’em while you pleasure yourself. Once you’ve finished, it’s their turn to climax while you watch. 3. Text your SO your favourite sex memory. Start with ‘Remember when…’, then ask them to keep the hot-retelling going (in detail). Later, use your vivid back-and-forth as erotic inspo for a solo sex session. 4. Send audio files of questions like, ‘Would you rather kiss my neck or my nipples?’ to your partner. “Hearing someone’s voice brings fantasies to life,” says US-based sex and relationship therapist Megan…

Miranda Kerr. Ciara. Nicki Minaj. Ashley Graham. Mariah Carey. These celebs have all, at one time or another, admitted to RSVP’ing ‘No’ to sex—even if they’ve said ‘Oh, yes’ in the past. They’re among a growing group of women who are (re)saving themselves for marriage or (re)choosing celibacy, says sex therapist Chantelle Otten, who sees more clients—women and men—taking this path. So-called born-again virgins may have religious motivations, or they could be trying to replace negative sexual experiences with more positive ones, says sex therapist Ian Kerner, PhD, author of She Comes First. Others are trying out a new tactic in the search for lasting love. “We live in a culture where sex is often recreational as opposed to relational,” says Ian. “Many people are trying to instill it with…

DR SAMIR PARIKH Director, Department of Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare What are the different kinds of mental disorders? “Some of the most common disorders include depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and its spectrum, trauma, substance disorders, personality disorders, neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders, as well as sleeping and eating disorders.” How can people be encouraged to pay attention to their mental health? “There has been major development in the field over the last few decades, and in the recent past. However, it’s necessary to identify the existing gaps and work on them. It is essential to ensure widespread awareness and sensitivity about mental health concerns in order to overcome the stigma.” DR HARSHEN K ARORA Psychologist Statistics claim that when it comes to mental illnesses, women are…

Q. I can tell my boyfriend is worried that I may cheat on him at an upcoming bachelorette party. How can I get him to trust me more? A: When you say ‘I can tell’, that signals to us that you haven’t told each other how you’re feeling. Men need clear lines to be established just as much as women do—especially when it comes to awkward or emotionally charged subjects. Start a clarifying convo with: ‘It seems like you’ve been a little anxious about this party, and I might feel the same way if the roles were flipped. I want you to know that I’m committed to you and I’d never fool around.’ It should put his mind to ease. Q: Am I missing red flags on first dates? I…

You’ll rarely find a girl who doesn’t love playing with make-up. And Kriti Sanon, our gorgeous covergirl, is just like us. We had a great time creating this girly-yet-edgy cover look with her. Here’s a step-by-step on how you can ace the look. STEP 1: Start by applying the Utime Pro Perfecting Primer to build your base. A texture so velvety, it glides on like a dream, giving a smooth finish instantly and minimises pores. Next, apply the Ultime Pro Second Skin Foundation. True to its name, the serum-based liquid-to-powder formula melts with your skin, and forms a weightless second layer. STEP 2: To create Kriti’s bold, expressive eyes, apply the beige shade from the Ultime Pro Eye Shadow Palette in Rose to prep lids. Using the fluffy part of…

Fun fact: men love skincare just as much as we do. How do we know this? Well, at the recent Cosmo x L’Occitane dinner, we invited our favourite bunch of people to sneak a peek into the brand’s men’s range…and they just couldn’t get enough of it! From bath products (like L’Homme Cologne Cedrat Shower Gel for its ah-mazing scent) to shaving oils (like Cade Shaving Oil) and fragrances (L’Homme Cologne Cedrat EDT had quite a fan following), the boys in the house tried and tested ’em all. As our guests indulged in a fabulous three-course meal, the men weighed in on the importance of skincare, and why it’s not just a ‘woman’s thing’ anymore. With a hand-massage booth, fun props and curated Cosmo x L’Occitane cocktails in tow, this…

ON THE COVER Main Cover: Kanika Goyal— A-288, Defence Colony, ND. Flip Covers: Abhi Singh— 421-A, Shahpur Jat, ND. Dhruv Kapoor— www.dhruvkapoor.com. Gauri & Nainika— 560, Lado Sarai, ND. Outhouse— 144, Lodhi Road, Meherchand Market, ND. Payal Khandwala— www.payalkhandwala.in. Rara Avis by Sonal Verma—F-574, B2, Lado Sarai, ND. Ridhi Mehra— www.ridhimehra.com. Shivan & Narresh— DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Sunaina Khera— www.sunainakhera.com. Swarovski— www.swarovski.com. FASHION 431-88 by Shweta Kapur—Shwetambara Enterprises, No. 53, Sector 27-A, Faridabad, Haryana. Accessorize— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Adidas Originals—DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Aldo— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Archana Rao— 1721, Road No.12, Sri Ram Nagar, Hyderabad. Autre by Gautam Gupta— www.gautamgupta.in. Bata— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Birdwalk— D-1/37, Vasant Vihar, ND. Burberry— DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Charles & Keith— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Christan Louboutin— DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND.…

Despite today’s technological boom, practices that tap into ancient and mystical rituals are generating a tonne of buzz among 20-somethings. The search term crystals currently has 6.8 million tags on Instagram. And saves for meditation went up 229 percent on Pinterest in the last year. Given the popularity surge, it’s not surprising that beauty brands are out to prove that deeper inner awareness can sync up to outer radiance. Fresh’s Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask launched with four guided meditations by Jackie Stewart, an instructor at MNDFL meditation studio in NYC. Every product in Miranda Kerr’s line, KORA Organics, touches rose quartz—which is said to promote love and acceptance—during production. And each batch of the Chinese medicineinspired brand de Mamiel is meditated over and blended in the presence of sound…

Accordion Headbands Paired with a messy bun and pushed almost to the crown of your head, it’s way edgier the second time around. Snap Clips Rock two right next to each other or one above each ear—just stick to metallics or black to keep the vibe chic, not cheesy. Hair Claws This old-school claw is back in a big way. Just slick damp or dry strands into a twist, and clip. Scrunchies Years ago, Cosmo printed a sex tip using a scrunchie. For now, you can stick to wrapping one around a low pony or a high bun. Logo Bands Into athleisure? Slip on a sporty, branded sweatband just above your hairline.…

Carry-On Cleanser Make suitcase spills a thing of the past. Rub this dirt-and-oil busting apricot and honey stick onto wet skin, massage, and rinse away. St. Ives Apricot & Manuka Honey Cleansing Stick, amazon.com, ₹ 480 approx Mess-Free Mask Sexy skin is just a swipe away with this Vitamin C-loaded treatment. Apply to a wet or dry face, chill for five, and wash off. Yes To Grapefruit Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Snapmask Stick, lookfantastic.co.in, ₹ 1,116 Shine Stopper This mattifier blurs away oil and sweat—and it works on top of make-up too. Givenchy Matte And Blur Primer Stick, strawberrynet.com, ₹ 2,897 Dew-It-All Serum Inside this twist-up: a mix of hydrating watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid that thirsty skin will drink up. Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum, sephora.com, ₹ 2,471 approx Bag…

IF YOU’RE HAVING A RELAXED WEEKEND Why use a heady scent if you plan on a picnic in the sun followed by a Netflix binge sesh? Instead, choose a fragrance that’s soft and fresh like Clinique Happy, ₹ 4,550/50ml—a bouquet of freesia, lily, rose and morning orchid, mixed with juicy notes of apple, plum and bergamot. Lightly spray over your clothes so you’ll get whiffs all day. IF YOU’RE TRAVELLING Picking a fragrance to travel with is a lot of pressure! It will be the scent that will forever remind you of the destination and the fun you had there. Go with a well-balanced mix that will suit anything from beach days to wandering through eclectic markets and everything in between. Try Bvlgari Splendida BVLGARI Magnolia Sensuel, ₹ 5,400/50ml, for…

Following the success of Sephora’s charcoal-infused anti-microbial make-up brushes, we’re getting an influx of innovative bristles. The new It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin One-Sweep Wonder Brush (`3,295 approx on amazon.com) is packed with hydrolysed collagen for hydration and cell-repairing niacin for anti-ageing. Using a similar technology, LAB2 has launched free-radical-busting green tea and purifying charcoal brushes (`1,090 approx on lab2beauty.com) that, much like Look Good Feel Better’s anti-bacterial brushes (`2,530 approx on amazon.co.uk), also combat breeders lurking between your bristles. Useful, although we wouldn’t recommend you dump your skin regime for them. Plus, LAB2 and It Cosmetics claim these infused benefits will last as long the brush does. It’s a big promise but, still, every little helps……

#UNPOSE An amazing journey that began on 14th May, 2018, and went on for five weeks, culminated with four superhappy and stylish faces on the cover of Cosmo’s August issue. Thanks to the Veet #Unpose campaign, in collaboration with Cosmo, these girls got to live the ultimate dream. A campaign that was born with the thought that you look the most beautiful when you’re spontaneous and comfortable in your skin, helped thousands of women around the country to show off their carefree side. Don’t believe us? Just check up on #Unpose on Instagram to see the proof. Here are the exact products giving women across the country the courage to seize the moment and show off their smooth skin. Just veet it ADVERTORIAL YOUR BEAUTY QUICK FIX ON-THE-GO There’s nothing…

The Bumbag? Thumbs up for a hands-free style statement. WHY IT WORKS Whether they’re on the Gucci catwalk or papped around the waist of a Kardashian/Jenner, bumbags have been slowly creeping back into fashion consciousness over the past year. Designers such as Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu have reclaimed this bag as a new staple that can be styled as streetwear, classic, or feminine, depending on your mood. WHICH BAG? The selection of styles—from designer to highstreet—is dizzying, so what’s a girl to choose? Canvas, nylon, and logoed leather throwbacks all lend a nostalgic streetwear feel to the trend—great for a nod to the ’90s, or giving a twist to otherwise classic looks. Streamlined plain leather versions lend edge to more feminine outfits. Just avoid bags that don’t sit with…

HOT FASHION, HOT BEAUTY, IT’S ALL HERE ANIMAL PRINTS Yes, they’re back. Yes, it’s happened before. But hear us out before you dismiss this year’s wild patterns as just another rerun of the seasons gone by. Because what the runways threw up this Autumn were several unexpected versions—and ways to wear them. Think vinyl finishes, vivid colours, texture mash-ups, and top-to-toe mega prints. The silhouettes are leaner; the prints, louder. Earlier, you were advised to keep things ‘subtle’. Now, we’d like to hear a big roar! “A LEOPARD-PRINT DRESS—IN A SERIOUSLY GIRLY SILHOUETTE—MAKES FOR THE ULTIMATE ‘FEMME FATALE’ LOOK.” —Zunaili Malik, Fashion Stylist “THIS SEASON, THE CHECK HAS LOST ITS ‘BORING’ REPUTATION. KEEP THINGS COLOURED FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT!” —Meghna Sharma, Asst. Editor PLAID PERFECT How do like your checks? Micro,…

Remember the rule: a bold, red mouth works best with minimal eyes. Matte formulas can be drying, so prep your pout with balm first, to avoid a chapped-lip look. A lip liner helps add definition to an otherwise tonal lip hue. For a truly black effect, smudge matte kohl on lids, then follow up with shadow. Versatile colour-palettes come in handy for both for matte and shiny looks. An oily T-zone messing with your look? It ’ s setting powder to the rescue. A matte lipstick smudged-on using a finger creates a more natural finish, and a plumper effect. PRO-TIP Matte-finish foundations last longer, and usually offer better coverage. Same for matte blushes. A velvet-y colour corrector uniforms the skin for a flawless base. If you can’t get your hands…

Thanks to social media, you know more about other people’s love lives than ever before. You see photos of couples kissing, going on romantic dates and epic trips, and celebrating what appears to be the perfect union. Often, these posts are their own kind of fake news. You’re seeing only the good moments that someone has chosen to show. What you don’t see: the bickering, the blow-out arguments, or the boring nights spent at home. The same can be true IRL. Couples may show only a specific side of their life in public—usually, the happy one. That’s why, even though making comparisons to twosomes you admire is perfectly natural, it can take a toll on your love life. Those curated images may leave you plagued by thoughts like, Why don’t…

“SELF DOUBT EXISTS IN EVERYONE’S MIND, BUT I DO FEEL ACTORS HAVE IT A LOT WORSE.” According to a 2015 WHO study, titled Depression And Other Common Mental Disorders, over 5 crore Indians suffer from depression and over 3 crore have anxiety disorders. Another research by National Mental Health Survey, states that over 15 crore people across India are in need of mental health care interventions—a staggering figure! Statistics speak louder than words. Mental disorders are a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. And even more so in India, given the stigma surrounding it. As a nation, we are under-equipped to handle mental health issues on such a large scale. “Currently, we have only 3,500 psychiatrists for millions of Indians suffering from mental illness. India specifically has…

You know stress (who doesn’t!)? Well, it turns out that big emotions can disguise a host of more nuanced feels, stuff like stress is just the tip of an emotional iceberg. There’s often a lot more going on down below. For example, perhaps it wasn’t that deadline frazzling you. It was the fact that your boss always subtly undermines you. Addressing these buried feelings can lead to “better psychological health, career success, and meaning in life”, says US-based psychologist Susan David. Ready to dig deep? Welcome to Cosmo’s crash course on tapping into your feels. 1 EXPAND YOUR VOCAB “If you don’t know what emotion you’re dealing with, you can’t constructively express it,” says Tony Ferretti, a US-based licensed psychologist. To that end, write down five positive feelings (like excitement,…

1. While getting dressed for a date, your style MO is: a. Whatever is free of wine stains. Playing the field has your closet in ruins. b. A dress and killer heels. They say to dress for the date you want, and you’re shooting for a grand tour of a penthouse. c. The tee your mom wore when she met dad. It’s sure to also summon The One for you. 2. After a fun time with someone new, you: a. Trade flirty emojis, then set up your next big night-out. b. Send friendly reminders of your awesomeness, like your crazy-soft linen sheets and great Uber passenger rating. c. Take no action. If it’s truly meant to be, you’ll surely bump into each other again. 3. You’re at a wedding… Who…

DO SETTING SPRAYS REALLY WORK? “Yes. Polymers create an invisible film that latches on to make-up and holds it in place,” explains US-based cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. THERE’S A WATERPROOF PRODUCT FOR THAT! FIND YOUR PERFECT PRIMER The same way primer on a wall offers a smooth surface and gives paint something to cling to, face primer creates the perfect canvas for make-up. Find the right formula for your skin sitch and make-up goals. THE MOISTURE PARADOX Moisture causes frizz…and prevents it. Huh? Here’s the deal: “Hair is hygroscopic, meaning it easily absorbs water,” says Stephen Thevenot, a US-based stylist. But it can only absorb so much. If it’s hydrated from within (with oils or conditioners), it won’t seek moisture from the air, which lifts the cuticle and causes it to…

Glamglow Instamud 60-Second Pore-Refining Treatment, ₹3,050/50ml From the creators of #GlitterMask comes another Insta-licious gem. As the name suggests, this formula works its magic in all of one minute. The micro-bubbling mud (a blend of bentonite and kaolin clays, witch hazel, aloe vera and licorice root) activates on contact with the skin, creating a lavender bubble cushion, which tightens skin and refines texture. Sebastian Professional Twisted Curl Elastic Treatment Mask, ₹1,750 The all-new Twisted range from Sebastian, featuring six products, is created specifically for curly-haired girls. What this mask does is nourish and strengthen the hair fibre, while shielding it against humidity to transform an untameable mane into bouncy curls. OPI Infinite Shine 2 Long-Wear Lacquer in Miami Beet, ₹1,100 If you’re a fan of at-home manis, meet the new…

Delhi is a foodie’s paradise, everyone knows that. And Piso 16 is the new ‘It’ spot in the city’s restaurant circuit. Located on the 16th floor of the Eros International Tower, Nehru Place, this kitchenbar, serving up delectable European cuisine, promises a food high. And naturally, we wanted the city’s crème de la crème to get a taste of it. So Cosmo turned Friday the 13th into Fri-yay, and got our favourite bunch of people under one roof to take in the food, drinks—and amazing view! And did we mention there was a special Piso 16 x Cosmo cocktail that quickly turned into the most-wanted drink of the night?! Yep, it was something else!…

1 PLAITS PLEASE DIFFICULTY 2/3 Game Of Thrones-inspired hair just got chic and (shock) wearable with this half-braid/half-pony combo. “If you have a lot of natural texture, you might want to straighten your hair for this one,” says Suzanne Alphonse, Wella Professionals’ educator extraordinaire. After heat-protecting and straightening, grab a section of hair from each side of your head, at the front, then “secure the rest of the hair into a ponytail that sits snugly at the nape of the neck”. French-braid each side section all the way down and wrap the ends around the base of the ponytail, securing with grips. Finish with high-shine spray for a super-luxe Queen Of The Seven Kingdoms finish. 2 KNOT SO PERFECT DIFFICULTY 1/3 Pretty, practical and easy-peasy, the #lWokeUpLike This knots at Rochas…

1 BOLD MOVE DIFFICULTY 1/3 At L’Oréal Paris’ first catwalk show, models wore dramatic contrasting lip shades. Estée Lauder’s UK Pro Make-Up Artist, Emma Tillman, says prep lips first to soften dry skin—use balm, then blot. Next, apply colour—matte liquid lipsticks are best as they bleed less—to the top lip. “Let that set before you move on to the bottom lip, so the two shades don’t transfer,” she says. Purple and blue not quite your bag? Try pink or red against orange. And if one of your lips is thinner than the other, just use the lighter shade on it to make them look more even. Who needs filters? 2 BLANK SPACE DIFFICULTY3/3 Not only do negative space lips resemble sideways hearts (cute!), but Emma says this’ll also help fake…

1. Wet and Wild The Risk: “Water weakens hair strands and makes them susceptible to stretching and potentially breaking,” says NYC hairstylist Stephen Thevenot. Combing a wet style stretches them even more. The Fix: Dodge H2O altogether, and fake the look with gel. Spread a quartersize amount into your palms, then slick hair back from your hairline, ideally with your fingers. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel, amazon.com, ₹ 450 2. Bad*ss Bends The Risk: These waves only look chill. “When hair is heated with a curling iron, its protein [key to strong, healthy strands] is depleted, causing loss of moisture,” says Damien Carney, Creative Director of Schwarzkopf Professional. The Fix: Defend hair before you start styling by spritzing on a heatprotectant spray. Already feeling the burn? Use a weekly…

On Lids YSL Full Metal Shadow in Steamy Coral, amazon.co.uk, ₹1,980 On Lips Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Fighter, ₹ 650 Monochromatic make-up gets a fearless makeover with a one-two pop of paprika. Play with opposite textures—lustrous lids, a mouth that’s matte—for an ultra-modern take.…

1 INNER BEAUTY DIFFICULTY 1.5/3 If you’re not ready for a single shock of shadow, jazz up a classic metallic eye with a hint of neon, as seen at Chromat. Using a cream shadow and your fingers, “dab a small amount on the inner corners of the eyes,” says make-up artist and Real Techniques Co-Founder Nicola Chapman. “Then grab another metallic paint pot a couple of shades darker than your skin tone and run that all over the top of the eyelid.” Finish with a swish of mascara and black liner inside the top and bottom waterline. You’re ready for your close-up. 2 PUT A LID ON IT DIFFICULTY 1/3 It’s time to own your overboard feline flicks. You know the ones where you’re trying to even out your eyeliner…

Instagram trends come in thick and fast. But they don’t always go down well with the world. Case in point: the #MigrainePose. Created by celebrity make-up artist Nam Vo, it involves placing your hand on the temples to create the illusion of a tighter, lifted face. The pose quickly caught up with the likes of Kendall Jenner, the Hadid sisters, and Priyanka Chopra, among others, posting ‘headache selfies’. As Nam said, “I love it because the beauty of your hands frame the face and give it more structure. I always make my models pose this way.” However, this viral trend has hugely offended migraine sufferers, leading to massive Twitter backlash. Their bone of contention: it trivialises their painful condition. Migraineurs have been sharing their version of the ‘Migraine Pose’ on…

STYLE TIP The reason this humble vacation staple has taken the fashion world by storm is because of its ability to turn any outfit into a kitschy one—thanks to the cool texture and fun shapes it has been spotted in. The devil is in the details—refined leather trimmings, pom-poms, embroidery, and multi-hued straps are the fun accoutrements that will totes up your accessory game.…

PRO TIP Beware the nude-pink. While it is believed to be a flattering shade, most tend to lean towards a ‘caramel’ side, which can make skin look dull. Instead, pick a version that’s more ‘rosy’ and pinker than you were expecting. As the anonymous saying goes, ‘never wear a pink paler than your gums’. PRO TIP: The pink lipstick family isn’t all girly. Once you step out of the gloss zone, colours get brighter, bolder, and more pigmented. A deep berry pink, for instance, can look totally fierce, especially when teamed with a goth-black outfit. PRO TIP Use a good concealer or a primer to draw the shape of your lips as you like. Then, choose a bright pink for a night outing to apply over it. You’ll be suprised…

Do they reject activities you do together as not fun or fulfilling enough? Yes No Do they often blame you for a lack of excitement in your one-on-one time? Yes No Do you always feel the need to entertain them when they’re around? Yes No IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY YES, your mate may be unfairly judging your connection. Use humour (Guess that date last week was kind of boring!) to call out their distorted view, and remind them of the real connection you share. IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY NO, your SO seems to be evaluating your relationship based on its own merits. Continue celebrating what you love about each other by expressing your feelings and gratitude.…

“I had really bad postpartum depression after I had my son, and it frightened me. I didn’t talk to anyone about it. I was very reluctant…”—ADELE “I have anxiety. And I’m treating my anxiety. I’m on medication for my anxiety. Why am I saying this? Because it’s a completely normal thing.”—ANUSHKA SHARMA “It was beginning to get fuzzy. I couldn’t even tell which day or which city I was at. And my mother kept saying that I had to take care of my mental health.”—BEYONCÉ “Due to the (shoulder) injury and the suffering, I had got into a depression…but now I am out of it.”—SHAH RUKH KHAN “OCD is weird. I laugh about it now. Everybody has different ways of handling stress. And if I get really stressed thinking about…

Q No matter what I do, my make-up slides off by lunch time. And I hate having to redo it. Any tips? A: You need to make long-wear formulas your BFF, stat. It’s annoying to keep reapplying your make-up, especially when you’re on the go. If you wear foundation every day, opt for one that offers a matte finish and buildable coverage—matte formulas tend to stay on longer. Multi-tasking products like a lip and cheek tint can also help you with a quick touch-up. Plus, keeping a powder compact will come in handy to keep shine at bay. Q I have fine hair and the sticky weather is making it super-limp. Is there a way I can boost volume? A: The new Schwarzkopf Professional shampoo has come just at the…

This is big: Diageo Reserve has been hosting the World Class Bartender of the Year competition since 2008, with over 60 countries participating! This year, bartenders from India’s favourite bars came together to shake, stir, and vie for the winning title. Winner Gaurav Dhyani, from The Whisky Bar, will now represent India in Berlin, and compete with the world’s finest bartenders at the 10th annual Global Diageo World Class Competition! Of course, Cosmo was there to celebrate, cocktails in tow.…

LEO 23.07–22.08 Your love needs are in flux, so if your current flame isn’t blazing anymore, it might be time to move on. With the Sun in your sign until the 21st, the wind is at your back, so tap into that energy to find the next person or idea to light your fire. Virgo 23.08–22.09 Focus on: waiting it out, your patience will pay off! While you hold tight for Mercury to come out of retrograde on the 18th and for the Sun to slide into your sign on the 21st, use your intuition to reappraise your relationships. Trust your gut and go for what you want. Sagittarius 22.11–21.12 Focus on: planning a vacay. It’s time to see the world IRL. The New Moon solar eclipse on the 11th…

Let’s face it, when it comes to our lips, we all like to err on the side of juicy plumpness. But few could have predicted the lengths some of us would one day go to get it. “I’ve seen a 46 percent increase in demand for lip fillers over the past three years,” says London-based cosmetic doctor Tijion Esho. And here’s the shocking bit: “Most filler enthusiasts are between 26 and 29 years old.” Now, we care about your lips and would never want you to leave the house with a pair of innertyre tubes on your face. So we’ve collected the best ways to plump your pout that don’t involve a brush with a needle. THE POWER LACQUER This is a gloss, but not as you know it. Industrial…

1 SLING, BLING DIFFICULTY 1/3 Recreating this glitter-dusted look is easy as pie. Pavan Dhanjal, Founder and CEO of Pavan Henna Bar in London, says glimmering hands may have become cool, but it’s always been flattering. To get the look, use a bright lacquer for nail and loose glitter in a contrasting shade for your fingers. Once you’re done painting your talons, mix glitter with mixing medium, and apply in select areas. Pop any leftovers on your nails for maximum impact. “You can even use pigmented long-wear eyeshadows on your fingers,” Pavan says. 2 ALL HANDS ON DECK DIFFICULTY 3/3 These modern henna designs trump any accessory says Pavan, who created the look for Antonio Berardi. “When applying henna on yourself, start from the fingers and work towards the wrist,…

Lakmé Absolute White Intense Concealer Stick SPF 20, ₹ 550 A flat-edged stick that hugs the lash line for easy application, this stick will cover up your panda eyes in no time. The Vitamin B3 keeps the skin nourished and the SPF20 will make sure you’re protected from the harmful UV rays at all times. Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer, ₹ 650 Want to look woke-AF even though you parties all night? This tiny bottle is all you need. Infused with goji berry and haloxyl, it not just brightens up your undereyes, but also conceals fine lines. Plus, the cushion tip makes blending a breeze. NYX Professional Dark Circle Concealer, ₹ 550 Created specifically for your peepers, this creamy concealer glides on easily. Subtle hint of orange in…