Innehållsförteckning för January 2021 från Cosmopolitan India

Welcome to 2021! What is it about the turn of a year that fills our hearts with so much joy and excitement? There’s the sweet promise of new opportunities, the hope of new possibilities, but also the intrinsic delight that comes from…just plain newness. Humans are wired to find pleasure in novelty—a new relationship, a new job, a new city to explore. According to neurobiologists, novelty activates our brain’s ‘reward centre’, and also sparks our learning capacity and motivation. When our minds are met with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and experiences, we receive a feel-good dopamine hit, which adds to our wellbeing and happiness. Marketers and gaming experts already know this, of course, which is why brands often repackage old products in exciting ways, and why we are so easily addicted…

‘Social distancing’ and ‘self-isolation’ have become part of the daily lexicon by now. And so have terms like ‘banana bread’, ‘Dalgona coffee’, ‘All dressed up but nowhere to go’, and more. Agree? Since we went into lockdown last year, all kinds of weird (‘new normal’) behaviours have taken over Instagram—from the incessant baking to the countless challenges. And we want to know why! So we asked Saliha Afridi, a Dubai-based clinical psychologist, to shed light on the reasons the pandemic is affecting our cooking, sleeping, exercising, and other habits in unexpected ways. WHY IS EVERYONE BAKING, ESPECIALLY BANANA BREAD? Well, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t on our third batch, ourselves. “Firstly, the smell of baking is soothing, and relaxing. And nostalgic—it reminds people of their childhood or…

TIP FOR YA Boots in fun versions of leather, like suede or patent finish, help channel a more ‘dressed-up’ iteration of the #ToughGirl in you. TIP FOR YA When your feet are all that’s really visible under the skirt, make the look stand out with zany footwear in electric hues. TIP FOR YA Sleek, glamorous heels keep the flirty, feminine momentum of an A-line silhouette going; and the duo can easily be taken from the office brunch, to ladies soirée, to date-night—no pair-change needed.…

ANUSKA BISWAS, 16 “I believe in mixing and matching pieces in my own, distinctive way, to make a statement. Here, I have worn a corset, over a printed cardigan, with a mesh skirt underneath. The pieces, together, make for an interesting play of textures, while my bucket hat and bold, red mouth add to the mood.” TANYA KAUSHIK, 20 “I love oversized clothes as they can be styled in multiple ways. Like this baggy sweatshirt that I have worn as a dress, with a pair of shorts underneath. The Dr Marten boots lend an edgy, tough-girl vibe, and barely-there make-up and fuss-free hair add to the casual, relaxed look.” MANKA SINGH, 23 “This colour-happy, cropped hoodie plays the lead in this look. I have paired it with basic blue jeans,…

STEP 1: CLEANSE The key to happy skin starts with a good cleanser. As the cold weather is harsh on skin, you need a formula that’s loving and does its job of fighting grime as well as Batman fights crime. These are some of the gentlest options in the beauty biz right now. And the best part: if you fall in love with one of ’em, you can go steady and use it all year long. STEP 2: TONE UP We can’t stress enough on the importance of toners. This humble liquid tightens pores and fills in the gaps in skin cells to ensure impurities don’t penetrate your skin, while also helping maintain pH level. Plus, the new-age formulas come armed with excellent add-on ingredients like Vitamin C, glycolic acid,…

When it comes to professional treatments, we have tried them all in the line of duty. We’ve been stripped to our (paper) pants, forced to listen to ukulele lullabies and been massaged head-to-toe with chocolate (they promised baby-soft skin, we got an allergic reaction). We’ve had our eyelashes painstakingly ‘pinned’ one by one to a curling rod for two hours straight—they said we wouldn’t need to wear mascara again, we got nausea from lying down too long, not to mention eyelashes that never grew back the same. Not forgetting the time we laid on a fake beach (read: sandpit) in the middle of England, in the middle of winter, while inhaling essential oils in a bid to help seasonal affective disorder. It’s fair to say that not all beauty treatments…

#Trending THE CROWN JEWELS Dressing up your hair is so much fun when you have luxe, sparkling accessories to play with. And this season brought along some glorious inspiration that should be bookmarked and accessed whenever we are able to attend the next royal ball…even a cosy soirée with our loved ones will do, TBH. Dolce & Gabbana's baroque DNA was visible in the jewelled hairband, while Simone Rocha toyed with dainty, embellished versions to match the glittery eyes. Fendi came up with a new way to wear your Bridgerton-inspired hairbands for a modern update, while Balmain's chic chain pieces are definitely versatile ones to upgrade a basic look, or add toughness to a feminine outfit. WISHING AND HOPING… If you are a skincare enthusiast, chances are that you are…

If you ever find your mind wandering during sex, or struggle to really feel present and in the moment, you’re not alone. Maybe your mind is filled with anxious thoughts, or worries about how your body looks, if what you’re doing is ‘right’, or whether you’re going to orgasm. This is a common experience among people of all genders, sexualities, and people of varying sexual experiences (whatever you consider that to be). Not being present means you’re not able to enjoy sex as much—and sex is meant to be enjoyable, after all. So how can you get out of your head during sex and just be in the moment? Gemma Cribb, Australia-based sex therapist, psychotherapist, and author of Great Sexpectations explains how to be more mindful during sex, how to…

I want to talk about love. Specifically, I want to talk about self-love. It’s a term that’s been bandied about by everyone lately, popping up in huge brand campaigns, worldwide, and sweeping across social media. And no wonder: globally, 2019 was hailed as the ‘year of authenticity’, where people started shrugging off all the requirements of perfection to become a lot more real. Gone were the picture-perfect posts of Instagram influencers. In were the wild, rolling videos of TikTok teens. Less poised, more playful. Only for something that is such a buzzword, self-love doesn’t seem very self-explanatory. What is it? How do we achieve it? And do we even need it, or is this focus on self-awareness and self-acceptance just another bit of vanity, up there with avocado toast and…

Q I am looking for a multi-tasking product that can help brighten my skin and improve texture, too. Any recos? A: A gentle scrub should be able to help you. Many women worry about exfoliating their skin…especially if they have trouble with skin sensitivity. But a mild exfoliator can help the skin renewal process. A formula like Diamond Plus Exfoliating Scrub, which is infused with unique herbs and diamond dust, gently sloughs away dead skin cells and helps regenerate new cells, leaving you with a smooth, radiant complexion. It also contains almond, lemon, and olive oils, which keep skin hydrated. Q My skin has started looking dull because of super-long work days. How can I fake a good night’s rest without OD-ing on foundation? A: Nothing can replace a good…

THE FUZZY ONE The (faux) fur coat has joined the ranks of cold-weather essentials…and it is at par with icons like the trench coat or classic camel overcoat when it comes to style points and versatility. Mrs Jonas’ black bb is a safe option—it can give any look a luxe upgrade. However, if you are looking for something brighter, casually throw on a fun neon one over a neutral outfit. Go the extra mile by matching your shoes and bag to the coat. THE LONG ONE You definitely need a knee-length coat in your wardrobe…and make it a blazing, bold shade while you are at it. Because it won’t just work as a coat—throw matching pants into the mix, and you have yourself a winter-worthy pantsuit. Or switch the pants…

“My night-time routine is pretty simple: wash my face, brush my teeth, and hunt very thoroughly through the Instagram profiles of everyone I want to shade until my thumbs hurt or I blissfully drift off to sleep (whichever comes first). Repeat every night until the day I die. Sometimes I hate-stalk strangers, but mostly it’s people I do know but do not like (including you, girl who bullied me in middle school and now has 482 followers and lots of charcoal toothpaste). It’s like settling in with The Real Housewives: I’m free to judge—which I definitely, definitely do—what’s playing out on-screen from the comfort of my sweatpants. “Ha! At least I am not you,” my brain says when the unfamous GF of my celeb crush uses ‘there’ instead of ‘their’.…

OKAY “I think it is healthy to acknowledge differences in political opinions in a relationship. In India, where women are pressurised to make choices as per what their families think is right, even when it involves who we vote for, it is extremely important for women to know exactly the kind of social and political society they want to live in. Only then can they have clarity on differences of political opinions with people they date. Different is not always bad. A different political opinion can diversify and expand your view of the very type of society you want. Different can also mean the person negates the kind of society you hope for. Then it depends on whether or not you are willing to live with that. For me, a…

THIGH - HIGH BOOTS This boot style is perfect as it keeps you snug, gives you legs for days, and most importantly, looks sexy-AF. Thigh-high boots are versatile and given the gamut of options we have at our disposal—suede, studded, metallic, faux fur, sporty et al—it would be a disservice to your wardrobe to not make room for these towering beauties. ANKLE BOOTS If you are building your boots collection, this is a key ‘starter’ style. Reaching to or sitting just above your ankle, these booties pair extremely well with a range of outfits, starting from basic, skinny jeans to short hemlines. Comfortable and chic, ankle-length booties come in a host of interesting textures, patterns, and accents that can elevate the simplest of looks. We are all for basic camel…

SUIT UP New year, new version of the pantsuit. This season, trousers have given way to skirts—in polished versions. The silhouettes, whether flowy or form-fitting, are invariably ultra-feminine, and come paired with equally-flattering jackets—snug, oversized, cinched-at-the-waist, et al. Opt for a full-tailored look, complete with a decorous blouse and heels or boots, for a proper courtly feel; or add some distinctive playfulness to the look, with flirty skirts, fun jackets, and corsets or lacy camisoles underneath. Finish the look with a pair of sneakers, for a sporty vibe. WORKS OF ART Collaborating with yet another set of global artists to lend a unique touch to the brand’s iconic Capucines bags, Louis Vuitton recently released the second edition of its Artycapucines collection. Vibrant and whimsical in equal measure, these limited edition…

Cosmo: What prompted you to launch a skincare line? Manish Malhotra: “During the pandemic, we all came closer to Mother Nature… Not only did we connect with our roots, but our belief in the Indian heritage and skin rituals that have been tried and tested for ages became stronger, too. We thought of celebrating this shift in attitude through our skincare line, which stands true in all capacity to the ethos of brand Manish Malhotra." C: Did you always want to launch a skincare range, or was it a natural progression after the success of your make-up line? MM: "It is a natural progression, of course. I was always passionate about make-up and skincare, and the two go hand-in-hand. Manish Malhotra Beauty, exclusively by MyGlamm, secured brilliant feedback from our…

CHOCOLATE BARS BY MASON & CO Artisinal, organic, and single-origin, these are made from beans grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. YOU ARE A BADASS: HOW TO STOP DOUBTING YOUR GREATNESS AND START LIVING AN AWESOME LIFE BY JEN SINCERO The hilarious and inspiring New York Times-bestseller is great for self-motivation. WHITE BARN VANILLA SAGE SCENTED CANDLE BY BATH & BODY WORKS Just what you need for those relaxing baths, while indulging in some quality me-time. DROPS OF YOUTH BOUNCY SLEEPING MASK BY THE BODY SHOP For days when you’re craving some beauty self-care…and healthier skin.…

“WE AREN’T A TODO LIST. WE ARE HUMANS BEINGS, WITH CHOICES. SO LET’S MAKE THEM ALONG THE WAY.” KUBBRA SAIT, Actor “I’ll share a secret with you… I am not religious. Never have been! But that has never stopped me from bowing my head at any place of worship. I find it immensely fulfilling to surrender to the invisible power that exists, and to sync with the energy that numerous people believe in. It also, somehow, paralyses me from asking for anything. I just start mumbling a series of ‘Thank yous’. I can never be grateful enough for all that I have—it is so much more than I could have imagined. The reason I am telling you this is because we are all, at some level, haunted by the power…

NEED THAT GLASS SKIN NOW! To mimic that healthy glow you get after you have come out of a face spa, you need to use the ‘pre-highlight’ technique. Start by prepping skin with a hydrating water-based primer. Next, put down the concealer, and swipe on your favourite highlighter all over your face. When your face is all radiant, you don’t want to use too much foundation to cover it all up. Take a few drops and use it only to camouflage imperfections. Alternatively, use just the concealer. Congratulations, you’re glowing! LILAC LOVIN‘ The colour rose has been dethroned this year and its rightful successor, lilac, is turning heads. This beautiful hue might seem understated, but it looks bomb on the lids. Use a matte-finish formula to get that really saturated-yet-sombre…

1. JANUARY 30 The first Mercury Retrograde of 2021 begins (it will be back again on May 29 and September 27—fun!), so watch out for tech, travel, and communication sh*tstorms. 2. FEBRUARY 17 NBD: Saturn makes its first sharp connection with Uranus (this will also happen twice more, on June 14 and December 24), totally smashing your 2021 vision board. Be ready to dream bigger—and act bigger 3. MARCH 20 Happy New Year!!! Aries season kicks off a new astro calendar, giving you a fresh start on everything. 4. MAY 13 Jupiter dips into mystical Pisces until July 28, starting off a ~dreamy and magical~ summer full of love and luck. 5. MAY 26 The lunar eclipse in Sagittarius hits reset on your education and/or travel goals. 6. JUNE 10…

It is true: astrologers did warn us about 2020. Aaand now they’re warning us about 2021—but don’t worry, they’re also providing legit-helpful advice. We asked five ~cosmic interpreters~ five big questions about what to expect. Here’s what they said. (Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ll be over here breathing into a paper bag.) How’s love looking? Can I start planning an IRL wedding? Or at least an IRL date? Okay, so Saturn, planet of commitment, is in revolutionary Aquarius for the entire year, meaning we need to get even more creative about how we couple up. Aka it’s time to think outside of Zoom, like with a (post-negative-COVID-19-test) socially-distanced road trip, virtual concert, or phone sex. BTW, big days for romance are January 28 and May 17. —SIX, @BLACKWOMENCRY *Braces…

The first Indian woman pugilist to win an Olympic medal, the first boxer in the world to win eight medals at the World Championship, only the fourth sportsperson in the country to be given the Padma Vibhushan, besides numerous medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, among others…Mary Kom is hardly new to breaking records and making history in the sports arena. And her prowess doesn’t stop at the ring. The determined 37-year-old, mother-of-three, has inspired many by how she has shattered stereotypes, rewritten rules, and lived life on her own terms. Here, the brand ambassador of PUMA India, talks to Cosmo about her journey to global fame, life at home, and more. Cosmo: Tell us about your childhood. What were you like as a young girl? Mary…

BUNDLE IT Take the warmest woolly and throw it around your neck pull it up to the head. KNOT IT Loop a short one around your neck, tie it on the side, et voilé. BLANKET IT Cuddle up in a soft stole… or a thick, big one. WRAP IT …around your neck, the classic, good-old way; works best with mufflers. BANDANA IT Fasten it around your head, for rock-chick elegance. ONE-SHOULDER IT Even better if there’s a cute colour scheme or pattern involved. TIE IT Drape and knot a silk scarf around your head for retro vibes. DRAPE IT But with a long-ish tail to toss dramatically.…

Rachel Bayros MODEL “I’m a huge fan of Abraham & Thakore, and love the people behind it even more! The duo manages to inject an easy, modern fluidity into their outfits, effortlessly, and the piece stays relevant no matter when it is worn. The outfit I’m wearing here is designed by them, and remains one of my all-time favourites. It is made of handwoven floral silk brocade in black, with gold zari threadwork. I saw it at their showcase at the Lakmé Fashion Week in 2018, and loved the thought of styling it in different ways, even as separates. It’s a two-piece outfit, and the top can be styled as a dress, too—complete with statement earrings, a belt, and clutch for a night out. I love the tailoring of the…

1 STEM “Good things come in small packages, like this tiny, chrome-free leather bag in teal. This label pays extra attention to the production process—ethically sourcing materials like cotton, silk, and yarns, and ensuring that the artisanal clusters and their craft are looked after. Carry this woven design as a clutch, or as a crossbody with its detachable and adjustable strap.” Bag `6,999 2 ONUSHSHAR “This Kolkata-based sustainable accessories brand will make you believe in old-school romance all over again, with its delightful, wearable art. Each piece is handcrafted with upcycled and recyled materials, like textiles, plastic, metals, and wood, and ensuring that there is zero waste. I’m particularly fond of the vibrant roses, as seen on the Taant fabric on the bamboo bag, hair barrette, and the earrings made…

OK, SO WHAT’S GOING ON WITH YOUR SKIN? I’M GETTING OLDER, SOS Hyperpigmentation is taking over my face Your Match St. Botanica Retinol Advanced Anti Aging Night Cream, `1,499 Say “thank u, next” to dark marks and acne scars with this powerhouse serum. Packed with retinol, hyaluronic acid and Vitamins C and E, it’ll make your skin more radiant than you can imagine. My pores are huge and my skin just looks…meh Your Match Dot & Key Night Reset Retinol + Ceramide Sleep Treatment Cream, `945 Apply this to give your skin a major glow-up, thanks to a winning formula that includes Vitamin E, Provitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, hibiscus sea buckthorn berry, and evening primrose oil, that tackles stubborn pigmentation, dull, dehydrated skin, and fine lines. In the first month…

THINGS ARE FEEL ING… KIND OF FLAKY The situation A greasy scalp with flakes falling from your hair. The issue might be… Dandruff. What’s that? This affects one in two people and is caused by genetic sensitivity to oleic acid, a naturally occurring product of fungus in the scalp. The sensitivity means your scalp renews skin cells more frequently, and those cells clump into flakes. It’s not something you can cure, but definitely something you can manage. How do I fix it? Look for the ingredients piroctone olamine and climbazole. We recommend washing with Himalaya Herbals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, `225, followed by Sachajuan’s antifungal Scalp Treatment, `2,650 approx on amazon.co.uk. Aveda’s Scalp Benefits Balancing Conditioner, `2,000 on nykaa.com, is packed with balancing, antifungal burdock root extract, too. MAJORLY ITCHY The situation…

While it is not the same as personally battling it, dating someone who suffers from depression can be challenging in its own ways. It can be hard to see someone you love and care deeply feeling so blue, and it can be especially hard to feel like nothing you can do will cheer them up. Yes, you aren’t an expert, but there are still a number of things you can do as a partner that can help them and make a real difference. We’ve paired tips from professional relationship experts along with some insightful tidbits from a popular Ask Reddit thread to draw the list for you. THIS IS WHAT THE PROFESSIONALS SAY: 1. Listen before responding “Active listening is extremely important,” explains Keisha Blair, author of Holistic Wealth: 32…

Back in March, when it became clear that we’d be spending every second of the foreseeable future inside, many of us thought, ‘At least, we have plenty of time to read!’. Almost a year later (but who’s counting?), let me tell you—that has not been the case, for most. Like, at all. Take me, for instance. I am typically a very hungry bookworm, and had devoured 17 books in 2020, before the pandemic hit. But since I have been in quarantine, I have only managed to finish one. This is especially frustrating because books are, well, my thing. I am an author of three novels, including Head Over Heels, a rom-com about Olympic gymnasts. I keep ordering books online and adding titles by the dozen to my ‘want to read’…

FIND OUT 1. How often do you get the hunch that maybe you should end things? a. When we are fighting about stupid crap, which isn’t that often, but it is still frustrating. b. A lot lately. It seems like it is happening more and more often, and it sucks. 2. How often do you guys fight with each other? a. Eh, we kind of pick at little things here and there, but usually it is not a totally full-blown fight. b. All the time. It is like nothing I say is right and everything he says makes me lost it. 3. Have you talked to him about how you are feeling? a. Yes. He knows it is an issue. b. No, I am scared of what he will say,…

Honestly, is there anything better (besides happy hour or, like, world peace) than getting your make-up collection in perfect order? Didn’t think so—especially after you’ve spent the majority of the year sitting at home staring at how messy it is. And also because this: “Organising is directly linked to mental health,” says US-based home stylist and KonMari decluttering expert KristynIvey. “It’s a true form of self-care.” So here, our gift to you: a whole story of tips to accompany you on your journey to solve all of the world’s problems achieve some zen. STEP 1 Do an Official Purge Start by checking the expiration dates “Once they pass, active ingredients and preservatives start to become less effective,” says US-based cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. Translation: your stuff won’t work as well…