Innehållsförteckning för June - July 2021 från Cosmopolitan India

A few hours before I began writing this letter, the Internet erupted with an unpredicted announcement: legendary gymnast Simone Biles made a sudden decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics’ team finals due to mental health concerns. Almost immediately, opinions were divided: some lauded Simone’s lifechanging choice, saying she was brave to prioritise her mental health, instead of suffering in silence. Others responded with an assortment of unhinged attacks. ‘She is a selfish quitter’, the headlines read. ’She let her team down’, ‘She is weak and soft’, ‘A bad role model’… It is worth mentioning here that Simone doesn’t really have a lot to prove—the Olympics website refers to her as the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), and the diminutive powerhouse is already the holder of four Olympic golds and…

Oh my dog! Look how cuuute they are! Dog influencers hath arrived, folks, and it is messing with us. Instagram is flooded with feeds of celebrity pooches wearing bangin’ outfits made by real-life fashion brands like Burberry and Fendi, and we simply need all their exact looks. Before we go any further, we would like to emphasise that we know we can’t *actually* wear this stuff (sadly, our arms do not grow perpendicularly out of our chests—and darn you, dog couture, for being so heinously… dog-sized). But we can and we will be doing everything possible to mimic this chicness. Because we are not talking about your regular, cheapish sweaters from the pet store. These items—teeny glam bathrobes, cashmere tops, even a little pooch version of the viral Strawberry Dress—are…

Most successors of an iconic perfume benefit from their long legacy. Like this new version of Dior J’adore, housed in an instantly-recognisable bottle, features a creamier scent with intoxicating notes of tuberose and sandalwood. These scents have been designed keeping the current stressful times in mind. Spritz on one of these before you hit snooze, and let their calming, soothing notes award you with a good night’s sleep. We know what you are wondering: yes, they can be worn during the day, too. If you are under the impression that all floral scents are sweet and delicate, these two fragrances will make you reconsider your opinion. Opening with bright, refreshing floral notes, these scents unravel a mysterious, sensual mood as you get to the base notes. Gender-fluid scents are all…

Cosmo: What prompted you to launch your own skincare brand? Dr Barbara Sturm: “Combating inflammation has been a central target of my entire medical career. I studied sports medicine and worked in the field of anti-inflammatory molecular orthopedics before shifting to anti-inflammatory aesthetics. I began injecting hyaluronic acid and Botox in the early 2000s, and translated that science from orthopedics to skin in order to create the first blood plasma facial over 18 years ago, in 2002. Soon after, I invented my first doctor-issued blood plasma-based cream—MC1—and prescribed it to my patients. When my patients began asking me to recommend an entire regimen, I set out to create my own science-driven, high performance skincare, and Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics was born.” C: Tell us about your skincare philosophy. DBS:…

HEY, SHORTY! After many moons (and seasons), blunt nails were spotted on the Spring/Summer 2021 runways, and us lazy gals couldn't be happier. For the past few years, the approved list of nail shapes included square, oval, squoval, coffin, and stiletto…all of which can be high-maintenance, TBH. But the backstage pros have finally given a green signal to short-but-neatly-manicured talons. Yes, they might not be intricate nail-art-friendly, but look super-cute in monochrome. Shades and finish no bar, pop digits—seen at Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Mark Fast, Bottega Veneta, among others—look great against constrasting outfits and accessories, or make-up even. SUSTAINABLE HAIRCARE If you have been wanting to 'go green' in terms of your skin and haircare routine, do consider products by weDo/Professional, the latest brand to hit Indian shores. Created…

A dash of pastel looks great with EVERYTHING! PERFECT FOR TONAL DRESSING When you carry one of these soft, powdery bag, opt for a monotone or tonal ensemble to ensure it does not get lost in a riot of overpowering colours. CHOOSE YOUR STYLE You will def be spoilt for choice when it comes to these sorbet beauties as you can choose from a range of styles, textures, and patterns, or go for a single-hued one and colour block it with your outfit. SIZE NO BAR You can opt for a bigger carryall tote or a smaller, delicate li’l version as seen here (TY, Priyanka Chopra Jonas for the inspo)… Bigger isn’t always better.…

Cosmo: Tell us about Reebok’s It’s A Man’s World campaign. Katrina Kaif: “This campaign by Reebok emphasises the fact that we are united by what makes us unique. It comprises of two drops represented through six iconic sneakers, and celebrates the range of differences that make us our individual selves. The first drop showcases how our different facets come together to create something beautiful, and the second one puts the spotlight on the wearer’s inner and outer beauty.” C: As a woman, what does this concept mean to you, personally? KK: “It is a very interesting and thought-provoking campaign. Gender equality and respect for each other are very important, but we should know that these principles stem also from accepting each other’s differences. Women and men might not be alike…

Just when the lights, glamour, and dizzying pace of the fashion industry couldn’t get any more exciting, the pandemic brought everything to a screeching halt. Forced into a state of uncertainty, the fashion world particularly suffered as consumerist lifestyles came to a standstill. Runway shows were called off, orders halted, travel banned, artisans and factory workers were laid off, and many brands were suddenly out of business. But in the latter half of 2020, as the fashion world grasped the long-term impact of the virus, designers consciously began to innovate and implement new strategies. There were some significant rearrangements, as well as a repositioning of operations and goals that helped them ensure survive, and dare we say, thrive! AN INCREASED DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY With the mobile screen becoming the ultimate source…

The day, not too long ago, that I rapped an entire verse in Tamil was when I knew I was obsessed with bilingual rapper Yung Raja. For the uninitiated (why, though?), I speak with musical reverence for the 26-year-old Singaporean hip-hop artist who has successfully managed to include his made-up word ‘shtambi’—Raja’s version of the Tamil word for brother, ‘thambi’—into common parlance. Now that is cultural influence. “Till the age of 11, I had not listened to hip-hop music or any English songs. My early years were very much Kollywood-inspired because my whole family is from Thanjavur, South India,” Raja tells Cosmopolitan on a Zoom call from Singapore, where he grew up. Raja is seated in his room with a purple light radiating from the ceiling, giving his blond-dyed hair…

CROCHET ALL DAY Yes, there is such a thing as a summer knit, and luckily for you—and everyone else—it was all over the Spring/Summer runways. If you are worried about getting a little too hot, feel free to start with a looser-weave option, which allows any cool breeze to get right to the skin. BRING ALL THE NECESSITIES ‘Packing light’ is a tool of the patriarchy. Think ahead and include plenty of snacks, an eco-friendly water bottle, some long sleeves JIC, and a hat with a brim. Not trying to get sun damage while we’re out here enjoying the world. GOOD CRAFTERNOON TO YOU So you probably went DIY in quarantine. Same. Good thing homespun is having its moment via luxury fashion too. Go ahead and break out the patchwork…

CELEBRITY CHANGEMAKER AWARD - EDITOR’S CHOICE ANANYA PANDAY (@ananyapanday) CELEBRITY CHANGEMAKER AWARD - EDITOR’S CHOICE BHUMI PEDNEKAR (@bhumipednekar) CELEBRITY CHANGEMAKER AWARD - EDITOR’S CHOICE DIA MIRZA (@diamirzaofficial) CELEBRITY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - POPULAR CHOICE AYUSHMANN KHURRANA (@ayushmannk) CELEBRITY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - POPULAR CHOICE DEEPIKA PADUKONE (@deepikapadukone) CELEBRITY FITNESS INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - EDITOR’S CHOICE SHILPA SHETTY (@theshilpashetty) MOST VIRAL CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR - POPULAR CHOICE AJEY NAGAR (@carryminati) BODY POSITIVITY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - EDITOR’S CHOICE AASHNA BHAGWANI (@aashna_bhagwani LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - POPULAR CHOICE KRITIKA KHURANA (@thatbohogirl) SPECIAL AWARD - TEAM COSMO KUSHA KAPILA (@kushakapila) LGBTQIA+ INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - EDITOR’S CHOICE ANISH GAWANDE (@anishgawande) BREAKOUT VOICE OF THE YEAR - EDITOR’S CHOICE FREDDY BIRDY (@freddy_birdy) THE INFLUENCE-FORGOOD ICON - EDITOR’S…

Cosmo: What is adidas’ campaign, Impossible is Nothing, about? Manushi Chhillar: “The campaign talks about the need to look at solutions and possibilities rather than focusing on problems. It aims to motivate everyone to push themselves further. We live in a world where people are moving mountains. A few years ago, we were aspiring to explore more of the outer space, and now there are talks of human beings going to inhabit Mars! We are capable of achieving anything if we put our all in it. That’s what the latest campaign highlights, too. And I totally believe in it myself. I was fortunate to be able to follow my heart and pursue my dreams, and looking back at my journey, I am certain that there is nothing you can’t do.”…

Okay, so, style is pretty cyclical. Looking at you, current cultural obsessions with ’70s flares, ’80s sequins, and ’90s chokers. And now that we are also catching up to ourselves with a Y2K resurgence (hi, baguette bags!), the question is, why haven’t some of the most ~epic~ designs of yore re-entered the chat? Browsing through some fads from ye olden days, it really feels like we have been missing some statement-making opportunities. Ahem, designers, please do take notes. If I don’t see some of these on the runways soon, we will throw a fit.…

If you are a non-lipstick person searching for a product that can offer an instant rush of I-can-take-on-anything confidence, you have come to the right place. The mighty powers of blush have been ignored for far too long. Cut to 2021, there are more ways than one you can put this baby to work. And all of them are fabulous… Sharpen Those Cheekbones Moving away from its primary duties, blush filled in as a contouring tool when the beauty world decided to let go of harsh lines and a megachiselled effect. That’s how the ‘draping’ technique came into being. And it is exactly what it sounds like: draping your face using a blush to give it more definition. All you need to do is suck in your cheeks, pucker up…

TIE’EM UP Jazz up a plain ol‘ponytail with a fun scrunchie—it is not only a nod to ’80s hairdos that are trending majorly RN, but it will also help keep the hair off your neck in sweaty weather. SWITCH TO A HYDRATING SHAMPOO The scorching summer sun can leave your strands feeling fried. For hotter months, opting for a gentle, moisturising formula can help relieve dryness and also soothe a sunburnt scalp. This one, by homegrown brand Arata, is formulated with ginkgo, ginger, Indian gooseberry, and 100% nature-derived herbs, and works for all hair types. The antioxidant-rich formula reduces scalp inflammation, boosts hair growth, and leaves hair feeling soft and hydrated. USE A PADDLE BRUSH Running a brush from root to ends ensures the natural oil of your scalp gets…

Pattern Play Prints are always a great idea when you want to inject a hint of fun into your look. Since most of us have been favouring lounge-y styles of-late, it wouldn’t hurt to pick a versatile, happy print like this for layering purposes. Maximalists can clash opposing prints to stay in sync with their style sensibilities, while minimalists can team their hero piece over somethin ‘solid. This hero piece deserves a monochrome canvas to shine. Comfort Comes First Lord knows we can’t think of wearing heels anymore. So, what did the Fashion Gods do to help us? Made comfy styles hella fly to ensure we can have fun and not worry about our pinky toe being squeezed to death inside those pointy-toe pumps. Keds, espadrilles, clogs, back-open sneaks, block…

This season’s hottest accessory trend is…body parts. So pretty, right? And inspired by the evil eye, an important protective symbol for many cultures since literally the BC era.…

1 GROUND RULES “This retro trucker denim jacket is what memories are made of…a mix of hand-block-printed and digitally-embroidered motifs that remind you of days when you posted letters not e-mails, and the oversized silhouette that was all the rage in the ’90s. I’d throw this over a fancy dress to lend it some edge.” 2 EMBELLIE “Set sight on the Sahara with this striking bag that takes inspiration from the stripes of the zebra, complete with beads on every inch of the style. Bold and graphic, the piece is sustainable as well, and is named Kalahari after an African desert close to where the animal is found.” A wise woman once said that you can gold jewellery. never have enough Be that girl! 3 HYPERBOLE ACCESSORIES “Just like the…

“I think women are constantly pushed to think about their bodies, and it’s often through a male gaze.” Nandini Bhalla: I want to start by talking about Army Of The Dead. This is your first Hollywood film…it is a big deal. Huma Qureshi: “It was great fun. Zack [Snyder] is one of the biggest directors in the world, and I love his vision. He is the kind of guy who creates big cinematic moments, and Zack is trying to build a very visual world with Army Of The Dead. Growing up, I used to watch a lot of Hollywood action films, and I would wonder what it would be like to be a part of them. So, when the opportunity came, I jumped on it. And Zack didn’t let me…

Unless you are one of the lucky few who loves a video date or virtual date, dating during the pandemic has been really ~damn~ hard. With restrictions preventing us from actually meeting up with people, we have been firmly stuck in the messaging phase for what feels like years (um, it has been over a year…). Now that restrictions have pretty much lifted, there are many people who are feeling anxious about life returning to ‘normal’, whatever that may look like. Regardless, dates are very much back on the cards. But what if you are worried about meeting up in real life after so long? This feeling has been coined FOMU—or Fear of Meeting Up—and is very common and very normal. Whether you have health concerns about COVID-19, or are…

1. At any given moment, how many notifications do you have? A. Zero. I will take any possible opportunity to ignore the things I should be doing. B. None, because the past 10 messages were from me. C. Loads—I can never be bothered to open my messages. Sorry. 2. What gets the fastest response from you? A. Any text ripe for a Kim Kardashian West ugly-cry GIF. B. When anybody is left blue-ticked for more than five minutes. C. Someone sending a text to make sure I am still alive. 3. What do you really rely on the group chat for? A. Distracting myself from the utter banality of everyday life. B. Updating people on my daily activities, meals, screenshots from my ex’s IG… C. Making occasional IRL plans. That’s…

Model: Ayesha Kanga at Inega Model Management; Make-Up and Hair: Geet Sukhani; Fashion Assistant: Saloni Kohli; Location courtesy: The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions…

IDEAS 101 Elements inspired by nature have the power to boost your mood… something we can all use right now. The easiest way to bring the outdoors indoors is by introducing planters—in materials like metal, glass, and porcelain—and placing them at different focal points in the room like a coffee table, corners, or even hanging from the ceiling. Vibrant cushions and wall art featuring tropical, avian, and floral prints is another fun way to brighten up dull spaces.…

The tortoise-shell pattern has slowly moved up the style ladder to cement its place as a classic. And these chic sunglasses, packed with retro glamour, are the perfect way to shield your peepers this season.…

ANNA K AWAY, by Jenny Lee The teens in this gossip-y novel escape their probs by getting outta town (to South Korea, LA, NYC, and… theatre camp). THE SIREN, by Katherine St. John In this surprisingly creepy thriller, A-listers filming a movie on a private island get stranded by a hurricane amid high-stakes drama. TOKYO EVER AFTER, by Emiko Jean A Japanese-American girl learns her father is the crown prince of Japan and jets off to Tokyo to meet him, Princess Diaries style. THEY’LL NEVER CATCH US, by Jessica Goodman Beautiful Hudson Valley hiking trails are the perfect setting for this twisty small-town mystery (written, ahem, by Cosmo US’ own op-ed editor!). PROJECT HAIL MARY, by Andy Weir An astronaut has to save the entire human race in this sci-fi…

You don’t need to face the sun to look this hot! OPT FOR A FOUNDATION ARMED WITH SPF This does not mean you can skip your regular sunscreen, but it is always a good idea to add on an extra layer of protection. If you are planning to spend a considerable amount of time in the sun, use a high-SPF sunscreen as the last step of your skincare regime. Then, swipe on a foundation or cushion compact to even out your skin tone. To achieve a sun-kissed complexion, you can put a shimmer-less, powder bronzer to work. Use a large fluffy brush to dust it lightly on your forehead, nose, and the sides of your face to mimic the warmth of the sun. SUMMON WARM, MUTED HUES TO YOUR LIDS…

GLITTER WINGS If the idea of all-over purple makes your commitment issues flare up, don’t stress. Babystep into the trend and pack a violet, glitter shadow onto your upper lash line, blending out the end to create a wing. Time to bump your purple palettes to first string. SATURATED SHIMMER Dampen the bristles of your shadow brush with water (it will intensify whatever pigments you apply), and swipe a sparkly dark-purple powder across your lids and along your lower lash lines. It is a full-on make-up moment and we are so here for it. SOFT AND HAZY Bring out your inner artiste and use a fluffy brush to blend a soft wash of colour around your eyes that’s worthy of a thousand selfies. And if you love a bold vibe,…

EISHA A CHOPRA, ACTOR “This unique jumpsuit, inspired by a couch, was a gift from Delhi-based designer Gaurav Khanijo—the fabric used to make it is actually meant for upholstery. I believe in eco-friendly fashion and love the way leftover, frayed yarn has been upcycled to create this garment. The relaxed fit and wide collars of this jumpsuit personify my casual and easy vibe in life, while the plunging neckline adds a hint of sexy. Striking a great balance between comfort and glam, I like the way it accentuates my waistline. Since it is a busy piece, I accessorise it with chunky, statement rings and strappy heels for a night-out, keeping my hair styled in a tight bun or ponytail.” PALLAVI SINGH, FASHION BLOGGER “I am all about cats, and this…

CLASSIC CONNECTION Black and white on their own might seem like ordinary colours, but together they are a formidable duo—one that will never let you down. And this evergreen combination reclaimed the top spot this season among the colourful splashes of SS21. From tiers of delicate ruffles at Giambattista Valli to the very chic chequerboard, patchwork dresses at Dolce & Gabbana, form-fitting silhouettes at DSquared to the elegant pants-and-blouse pairing at Chanel, this pairing has ushered in a refreshing, elegant vibe that will entice all style personalities with equal vigour. NOT-SO-STRANGE SIGHTS Vogue Eyewear has collaborated with Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown for a range of glasses and sunnies inspired by all the cities that have shaped her life. The #MBBDiaries campaign boasts eight eclectic models, featuring fashion-forward designs.…

1 A label maker died doing what it loved: using the Dewey decimal system to classify your undies. 2 ‘Walk-in pantry’ became your only MagicBricks filter. How else does one display 35 glass jars of coffee, oatmeal, and pasta? HOW?! ELSE?! DOES?! ONE?! 3 You spent three hours lying atop the contents of your closet, now located on your bed, trying to decide if the sweatshirt that reads Rhea’s B’day Bash ’08’ brings you joy. (Sorry, Rhea.) 4 A concerned bank employee called about a suspicious purchase of containers totalling to ₹30k. You explained, ‘Small, clear bins that fit into medium bins that all go into two XL bins are expensive.’ 5 Sudden night terrors struck, involving Clea from The Home Edit screaming ‘We need more product!!!’ as stuff from…

JANUHAIRY @januhairy Created in 2019, it encourages women to grow their body hair for a month and share their pictures. HARNAAM KAUR @harnaamkaur The British activist, model, and motivational speaker who flaunts a full beard, is all about embracing your body hair with pride. BROWN GIRL GAZING @browngirlgazin An engaging space that explores women’s relationship with their bodies and debunks existing beauty standards. REBECCA CHELBEA @rebeccachelbea Chelbea’s mission is to disrupt endless feeds of “perfection”, normalising body hair (and more).…

Harshvarrdhan Kapoor is an anomaly. In show business, a trait one often comes across is how people love talking about themselves incessantly to promote a certain image. But not Harsh. He has no qualms admitting he possesses many weaknesses. Yes, plural. For someone who hails from a family of successful stars, it is easy to assume that Harsh is well-versed in ‘handling’ media, and giving them exactly what they want. But the 30-year-old actor is as honest as they come. As I glance over my list of questions for Harsh, I realise that it has been a week since Netflix’s Ray—an anthology series based on Satyajit Ray’s stories—has released. And one of the four stories, Spotlight, starring Harsh, has received rave reviews. As we begin the Zoom interview, the actor…

Model: Raica Oliveira at UNO Models; Hair and Make-Up: David Carreiro (NS Nuria Saenz) for Chanel and Moroccanoil; Photographer’s Assistant: David Valor; Stylist’s Assistant: Clarisa Gavrila; Production: Asha Martinez…

QHow can one sport two-toned lips IRL, without it looking like a faux pas? A: Runway trends can be difficult to cop, especially when they involve bold colours. However, the beauty of the two-toned lip trend lies in its versatility. Yes, we have seen models in shocking combinations, but you don’t need to get onboard the pop-shade train if you don’t want to. You can achieve a similar effect with muted tones, too. The idea is to wear two complementing shades in a way that it is flattering. Start with a tint, and once you get the hang of it, you can venture into bold shades and matte finishes. Q I have heard about hair fragrances. Are they worth the hype? A: If you enjoy a good scent, you might…

Aquarius 20.01–18.02 Don’t lose heart if your love boat hits some uncertain waters at the beginning of this month, as peace and harmony shall return soon. Single Aquarians might find it difficult to find an ideal connection and should be wary of love at first sight. It is time to focus on your mental health as overthinking might leave you drained. But fret not, as you are about to enter a phase of promising career growth, where your work environment will be encouraging and your hard work will be recognised. Pisces 19.02–20.03 This is a favourable time for you to fix all the loose ends in your relationships. It is also a great time for singles, as you seem to be surrounded by happiness all around. Although the planetary momentum…