Innehållsförteckning för May-June 2022 från Cosmopolitan India

Many of us—citizens of a world dominated by endless Instagram scrolling, hustle culture, and urgency—are already familiar with a popular concept called ‘mindfulness’. But recently, I stumbled upon a delightful theory called savouring, which might be exactly what our fraught hearts need to experience greater joy and satisfaction. Savouring and mindfulness are related, sisters if you will, but not the same. Mindfulness encourages you to be aware of your thoughts and experiences. While savouring “is about cultivating the capacity to attend to, appreciate, and enhance the positive experience in one’s life,” explain Fred B Bryant and Joseph Veroff, authors of the book, Savoring. To savour something means to truly enjoy it, but also be aware of how good it feels on an emotional level. It means stopping for a moment…

JESS BHAMRA PARMINDER NAGRA Remind me: Jess is the film’s lead, football legend and utterer of the phrase ‘bend it like Beckham’. Iconic moment: The finale, right at the end of the film, where she makes up with Jules and wins the game. Where is she now? After roles in ER, Fortitude, and 13 Reasons Why, Parminder has built a pretty solid career. JULES PAXTON KEIRA KNIGHTLEY Remind me: Jess’s best friend and the one who introduces her to the football team, the Hounslow Harriers. She’s also Jack Grealish’s hair inspiration, obviously. Iconic moment: Any time that she puts on her best (worst) Hounslow accent. Sorry, Keira. Where is she now? Obviously, Keira turned out to be a pretty big deal. Her most recent project was the Christmas film Silent…

DENIM ALL THE WAY The denim-ondenim play has an eternal appeal, but the way to ace it this time around is by opting a sleek denim pantsuit instead. Or you can go solo, with a denim dress, in all shapes and lengths. We recommend something strappy or ruffled as seen at Loewe, for a fun, summery vibe. COSMO TIP No matter which trend you’re gravitating towards, make sure you add a heady dose of colour to your look by way of accesssories. Be it statement earrings, poppin‘platform heels, a neon bag, or pastel sunglasses…they all help add contrast to serve summer-cool lewks. UP HIGH OR DOWN LOW When it comes to keeping things cazjh, you can put your best foot forward with either a pair of denim overalls or lowrise…

POOCHKI “Patchwork comes out to play in this co-ord set by Poochki. I love the shades of pink that come together on the dolman sleeve shirt, which really make an impact when paired with matching trousers. Bonus points: both pieces are crafted from reused, printed textiles from the label.” 2A “Designer Saru Garg’s label Juñisa features striking jewellery pieces that are inspired by expressionism and pop art. But more importantly, each noteworthy piece is also a lesson in loving yourself. Figure motifs—full bossoms, curvy bodies, natural thighs—show up on the earrings and rings, making for very stylish odes to body positivity.” 3 KLAS NOBL “This sharp jacket with metallic buttons sure makes a strong case for joining the band (or the army to beat patriarchy!). The sleeve details add an…

WE ARE HOOKED! Craftcore has officially made its way into the summer zeitgeist, and this runway favourite is reinventing the rules, mixing DIY and fashion to add a homespun aesthetic to your beach’fits. And yeah, it’s also just really, really cute.…

NIKI MEHRA MADAN, DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR “This floral dress from a homegrown label Verano by Tanya is one of my favourite summer picks. The fabric is light and breathable, which makes this dress travel-friendly—something you can wear even in the scorching heat and yet feel absolutely comfortable in. I prefer buying from Indian brands as the quality they offer for the price is great, just like this dress. Since this is a busy print, I like to keep the look simple by pairing it with block heels and a mini bag.” PAVITRA SAGAR, STYLIST AND CO-FOUNDER, FUNKY FISH AND KAIROS HOME “This beautiful silk co-ord set by label AK-OK is one of the most versatile pieces I own—it transitions easily from day to night, and can be worn for festive…

HEY SEXY LADY If you have been keeping tabs on global runways, you're probably aware that sexy, sheer clothing is no longer reserved for the boudoir. The stylish set have been serving looks that are not just smokin', but also a great lesson in how to work the nearly-there trend. While some of the A-lister versions might seem risqué, you can certainly pick specific elements from their looks. For instance Rihanna and Bella Hadid's versions can be easily tweaked with a pair of high-waist pants. Or you can save Kendall Jenner's double co-ord set as outfit inspo for your next beach holiday, and Hailey Bieber's for the next pool party. TREND DU JOUR DELICATE DARLINGS This summer, light up your living space with Swarovski's floral decor range, Garden Tales. Drawing…

CASE 1 POWERFUL PRIMERS Earlier, a primer’s primary job was to blur pores and smooth out the skin’s texture to make foundation application easier. But we’re happy to report that you can now rely on this product for a lot more than that. The new-age formulas are designed to multitask, as they come armed with skin-loving ingredients. In fact, if you have fairly even-toned skin, you can just wear one of these primers, and be out the door in no time. CASE 2 CUSHION COMFORT One of the most buzz-worthy K-Beauty imports, our obsession with cushion compacts is still going strong. We reckon it’s got to do with two factors: the well-performing, lightweight formulas, and the ease of application. The fact that you can refresh your make-up literally anywhere, without…

SOFT AND SHEER HUES How to convince the world you have the nicest natural nails: a ridgefilling base coat, a layer of neutral colour and a glossy-as-hell top coat. It’s basically no-make-up make-up for your fingers. EASY NAIL ART Can you do the whole minimalist thing without giving up nail art? The answer: absolutely yes. Apply a neutral polish in a shade similar to your skin tone as base. Then use a contrasting colour like black to create squiggle nail art. You can even create negative-space or half-moon design for a chic finish. SUBTLE POP OF COLOUR Don’t worry, colour-happy peeps. There’s still room for you in this pared-down space. A sunny shade like yellow, paired with black horizontal lines (see left) will give your mani a hint of colour…

THE NEXT PERFUME POWER PLAYS Just scroll through #perfume on Instagram and you will notice a theme behind the staggering 18.6 million posts. A longside titles like ‘The only perfume that made me literally gasp when I first smelled it’ and even ‘Perfumes that make his knees weak’, we are seeing scents like Byredo’s Mumbai Noise, Le Labo’s Santal 33, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge crop up over and over again. Nowadays, dominating a social media hashtag has become the cultural accolade fragrance brands need if they want a new perfume to cut through the competition and achieve bestseller buzz. But what makes these perfumes appeal to the masses and become hashtag-worthy? When we asked French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian why Baccarat Rouge is so universally loved, he told us,…

Kiara Advani doesn’t believe in ghosts. But she also won’t watch a horror movie for fear of sleeping alone in her room. This comes in the wake of her recent release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, a comedyhorror that is laden with tropes like that of the witch with twisted feet [the trailer hints at it being Kiara in some scenes]. And that’s just one of the big projects for her this season. In June, her comedydrama Jugjugg Jeeyo with Varun Dhawan is slated to release, which addresses the stigma around divorce. With a third movie set to launch in the end of the 2022, Kiara’s year is looking busier than ever. Not that Kiara minds a bustling schedule. This is exactly where she wants to be…it was at the tender age…

Say you would like to leave a casual hook-up still fantasising about you decades from now. You have come to the right place. Say you are looking to blow the mind of your long-time partner. You have come to the right place. Say you are just looking to cum. You have…yes, you get it, because here is the secret: anything you can do without a mirror is suddenly 10 times hotter in front of one. Why? Well, aside from the obvious reasons (like you can pretend you live in Samantha Jones’s old apartment), mirror sex taps into your body’s reward centre (that is, the part of your brain that releases feel-good chemicals) in a very specific way, says US-based clinical sexologist Valerie Poppel, PhD. When you see yourself both experiencing…

It is holiday season: can you feel it in the air? With every approved request for time off and frenzied late-night flight search, we inch that little bit closer to the ‘f*ck it’ pint in the airport bar—so close, we can almost taste it. That giddy feeling at take-off, followed by that blanket wave of heat as you step out of arrivals. Whether it is a weekend away or a fortnight in the sun, it is a welcome respite from the endless grind of our everything-all-the-time lifestyles. The feeling of that much deserved break is so good that we can not help but want to share it with the people we love and for many of us, that means our man/woman/they-friends. While going on holiday with a SO is—in theory—about…

Our moods can be like rainfall in June… one minute you’re feeling all sunny, and the next, there’s a dark cloud (or heavy downpour) hovering over your head. The truth is, everybody is moody. And that’s as normal as having feelings. In fact, experts will have you know that moods are a natural response and an individual can experience one (or several) mood swings in a day, dependent on your emotional state. (That said, if you are experiencing extreme mood swings, do speak to your doc to rule out hormonal or mental health issues). While a good mood is, well, a good thing, feeling low can be a bummer. So, here are some time-tested ways you can improve your mental well-being in this fast-paced and stress-fuelled world: • Tend to…

NEW 24x7 CASUAL COLLECTION Scan to Explore…

Q I love colourful, graphic liners, but I can’t find the right shade in a smudge-proof finish. Any tips? A: Oh, how we love beauty hacks, and we have one that will solve this specific liner-related problem. This hack in particular went viral on social media recently. As it turns out, your favourite shades from an eyeshadow palette can now be converted into an eyeliner with the help of micellar water. All you need to do is take an eyeliner brush, dip it in micellar water, and then in the shade you want to use as a liner. Apply it to your lids, creating the desired shape, and voilà…that is all it takes to DIY a vivid, transfer-proof liner. We recommend stocking up on multi-shade palettes and micellar water, of…

EDITOR’S PANEL SEXUAL HEALTH INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR Leeza Mangaldas POPULAR CHOICE FASHION INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR, FEMALE Komal Pandey POPULAR CHOICE LGBTQIA+ INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR Sushant Divgikr POPULAR CHOICE ENGAGE LUXURY FASHION INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR And EDITOR’S PANEL LUXURY FASHION INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR Masoom Minawala Mehta POPULAR CHOICE DERMAFIQUE BEAUTY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR Ankush Bahuguna POPULAR CHOICE TRAVEL INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR Larissa D’Sa EDITOR’S PANEL FIAMA MENTAL HEALTH INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR Ekta Dixit EDITOR’S PANEL FOOD INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR Shivesh Bhatia EDITOR’S PANEL COMIC OF THE YEAR, MALE Ronit Ashra EDITOR’S PANEL BEAUTY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR, FEMALE Malvika Sitlani Aryan EDITOR’S PANEL BEAUTY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR, MALE Coco Ballucci EDITOR’S PANEL BEAUTY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR, MALE Aman Bhatia POPULAR…

TIMELESS CLASSIC The allure of a monochrome bag always commands attention. Take cues from Priyanka’s boxy beauty—white as a neutral accessory—balances out her printed ensemble. Don’t you think it feels a lot more fresher than beige, black, or brown? IT’S CRYSTAL CLEAR… …that a teenytiny embellished bag is all you need to elevate a basic look. Look to the right to cop Queen B’s businessmeets-party vibe with the help of a crystalstudded bb. BETTER TOGETHER The magic of two-tone bags: they work well with a bunch of outfits (and also help save space while travelling!). Dua Lipa’s limemeets-blue-and-green pairing is quintessentially summer and looks so fresh, non? LUXE GLAMOUR Croc-embossed accessories were a huge hit back in the ’80s, and they are back in a kinder avatar this season. Perfect…

We get it. Book clubs have a reputation for being boring. You end up gossiping about people you know rather than the book itself. But with celebrity book clubs going nowhere, maybe it’s time you started your own? Especially as these new and upcoming releases have so much to talk about within the pages. If you want to discuss… INFLUENCERS AND INSTAGRAM IDOL by Louise O’Neill What’s it about? Samantha Miller is a ‘guru’ and ‘idol’ to her millions of followers—she encourages speaking ‘your truth’ as a way to heal the past. But when her essay about a sexual experience she had as a teenager with her best friend Lisa (despite both women being straight) goes viral, Samantha is accused of assault. It seems that night—the one she thought she…

Every influencer on IG has you fooled into thinking that they have somehow crammed massive jumpers into bodycon-level bottoms without any of the bunching and bulging that we mere mortals get. The truth is that they—just like you’re about to—have left traditional tucking measures behind in favour of this magic… The Secret Belt 1. Throw on your jumper and silk skirt. 2. Cinch your knit with a belt at your natural waist. 3. Leaving some fabric tucked into the belt, loosen the top to your desired length. 4. Make sure the jumper conceals the belt (and the fabric is still tucked into it), and live your best damn life with no awkward lumps or cable-knit patterns popping through the silk. The Sneaky Sports Bra 1. Wear a sports bra underneath…

TRICK Stripes have been a part of the classic-trend crew for decades now. But the 2022 way of donning this style includes a tonne of colour. Pro tip: mix and match pieces with stripes of varying sizes for an edgy vibe.…

SNEAK A PEEK This season, printed and monotone swimwear has been upgraded with laser-cut patterns, strategic cut-outs, and keyholes to accentuate your curves. However, don’t keep these babies limited to the pool and pair them with shorts, pants, or skirts for a day (or night) out.…

BUT WHY THOUGH? Retinol is like a reset button for your face—it speeds up cellular turnover (aka your skin’s renewal process), resulting in brighter, softer, clearer skin. As someone whose skin is made of angel whispers and kitten paws, I live my life in fear of irritating products—especially retinols. So when encapsulated retinol began trending as a gentler yet equally effective formula, I was very skeptical. But three months (and zero rashes or redness) of testing later, I can confirm the hype is real. ‘Encapsulated’ basically means—you know what, I’ll just let dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, explain: “An encapsulated retinol molecule has a protective barrier around it, so it can penetrate deeper into the skin with less risk of setting off surface irritation.” That barrier also helps the retinol release…

Every season, we spot different variations of the most iconic make-up trends from decades gone by. Think bright, colourful eyeshadows, thin brows, glossy skin, dark lip liners, extreme blush, among others. With ‘perfection’ no longer a criteria to cop runway trends, we recommend trying your hand at any trend that catches your fancy, and making it your own. And the redux of Y2K trends is further proof that embracing imperfection is the MO for the season. Bold eyeshadow colours applied freehand, blush that extends to the temples (shape no bar), and ‘diet’ brows reminiscent of the ‘00s, errythang’s cool once again. THE HIGHER THE BLUSH, THE CLOSER TO… …looking like a Goddess! Take your cheeks (literally) to the next level, Y2K style. Well-hydrated skin is a must for this look—you…

FOR THE LOVE OF CAMELLIA We are certain that whenever someone mentions Chanel beauty, you think of their iconic N°5 range. But after reigning supreme in the perfume world for over 100 years, the Maison has unveiled Chanel N°1, a range that captures the beauty and potency of Gabrielle Chanel's most-loved flower: camellia. The new N°1 de Chanel beauty line honours this heritage with an innovative collection comprising skincare, make-up, and fragrance, all powered by camellia’s potent revitalising properties. Chanel’s scientists discovered a rare molecule unique to a variety of red Camellia Japonica, named ‘the Czar’, after research that spanned over a decade. The range is now available at Chanel boutiques across the country. NEXT-GEN HAIRCARE Suveen Sahib, Co-Founder of the revolutionary new haircare brand K18, speaks to Cosmo about…

“I miss going to Shiv Sagar and ordering the masala cheese dosa and watermelon juice,” says Varun Dhawan wistfully. Sitting in Lucknow, clad in a green and yellow hoodie, and a baseball cap, the 35-year-old actor (who touts a reputation as one of the sub-continent’s highest paid actors) reminisces about a simpler life when it was easy to just go for a vada pao and auto rides without the pressures that are associated with Bollywood stardom—a hard thing to imagine when you consider that he owns a rather swanky car collection, in addition to some incredible bikes. He gets away with it from time-to-time, especially when his mother asks him to run errands. “My mother once asked me to go buy bread when I was getting ready for an awards…

DOGGY REFLECTION Lean over an object (the sink, your bed, a desk) and have your partner penetrate you from behind while meeting eyes in the mirror, suggests Taylor. You’ll want to hold on for extra stability. MIRRORED ORAL Have your partner sit or stand with their side facing the mirror while you kneel to their hip level. Lick and tease between their thighs while they watch, taking the occasional break to glance at the action. Then switch places. REFLECTIVE COWGIRL Move a mirror to the side of your bed and have your partner lie on their back before you hop on for some of that hard-to-top friction. For extra credit: Valerie suggests having a ceiling mirror professionally installed so both you and your partner can admire the view.…

“I was in a new relationship and still modest about, erm, bodily functions. On our first holiday, I ended up getting really bad food poisoning. We were in a tiny Airbnb and I was pretty much glued to the toilet. All mystique and sex appeal was gone.” “I went away with my then-boyfriend and paid for it all with the promise it would be paid back later. When we got home, he moved away and ghosted me. He did message to say, ‘I hold you in my memory every day’, but clearly did not care enough to pay the debt!” “I tried a romantic shower with my girlfriend in Naples but the plumbing got the best of us. I was washing my face and she tried to turn up the…

Tummy in. Glutes tight. Tuck your hips under. Squeeze your bum. Do not flare the ribcage. Palms flat. Elbows turned in. Remember to breathe. That’s it. Hold it. You have got this. It is a relief to have these words flooding my mind, crashing loudly over the other thoughts, the ones I really need to drown out. Thoughts such as: ‘Why did he leave me?’, ‘What was it about me that wasn’t good enough?’, ‘Will I ever find a love like that again?’, ‘Will all the things that were so important to me—trust, a family, an equal to grow old with—be possible now?’, or ‘Will I end up alone?’ That last one is the real kicker. The one that wakes you up in the middle of the night like a…

According to Census of India, there was a 39 percent increase in the number of single women—widows, nevermarried, divorced, abandoned, and estranged—from 51.2 million in 2001, to 71.4 million in 2011. With a realistic estimate of 50 million single women in India presently, this demographic can no longer be ignored or swept aside as secondary. But here’s what we don’t talk about enough—that single women are often perceived and discriminated against, both personally and professionally, in urban and rural spaces alike. As uncomfortable as it may make some, many of these women are choosing to live life on their own terms, consciously staying ‘un-coupled’, and living alone or in familial arrangements of their choice…and they are thriving in their choices. Understanding who these women are, what hurdles they face, and…

Hands up if your skincare stash is full of powerful creams, clever actives, and the latest hi-tech serums. Thought so. Now, can you tell us what is in your body-care routine? Let’s guess…a budget shower gel and a no-frills lotion? Well, consider this an intervention, because your body deserves more. Sure, we get it, your face is on show a heck of a lot more than your bod, but using the correct products, ingredients, and formulas can help treat—and, in some cases, even prevent—a whole host of skin issues, from body acne (aka bacne) to keratosis pilaris. Not sure where to start? We got you. Consider this your five-step guide to caring for your body (the correct way), plus a 101 on how to manage if sh*t hits the fan.…

COSMO LOVES Try This! A caramel popcorn-scented body wash? Yes, please!…

Thanks to some groundbreaking research carried out by our team of experts (well, us!), you can kiss the `500-desk-salad lifestyle goodbye. We’re not exaggerating, as you will see from the formula on the right. Pick your fave ingredients from each bucket to create the lunch of your workday dreams—they taste great in a bowl and will survive for up to a week in the fridge. Pre-cook your base on a Sunday and throw in your extras across the week for simplicity and variety. Let us get you started with what we are eating tomorrow. Pasta Zucchini, feta Capers, pesto Dill 1 CHOOSE ONE BASE Quinoa Pasta Rice Any hearty green (kale, spinach, rocket, etc) 2 THROW IN TWO OF THESE Precooked chicken sausage Teeny mozzarella balls Your favourite large veggie,…

It’s time to turn to the heavens and indulge in some star gazing! Aquarius 20.01–18.02 Single Aquarians may be struck by Cupid’s arrow and fall in love with the most unexpected person, when they expect it the least. Take that long awaited vacay with your boo if already in a relationship, and ensure that you spend some quality time with your loved ones. Grow as a professional by enhancing your teamwork skills and learning from your colleagues. Take note of the financial repercussions of every action you undertake. Pisces 19.02–20.03 Your partner deserves your undivided attention ATM. Ensure you include only those in your social circles who have genuinely stuck with you through thick and thin. Things might not seem promising professionally, but have heart and continue to strive. Keep…

Cosmo: Tell us about your style philosophy. Diana Penty: “My personal style has always been easy, effortless, and chic. I am all about comfort, minimalism, clean lines, straight cuts, and structured silhouettes.” C: Are there any women who have shaped your personal style? DP: “I have always admired my mother’s style—minimal and classic. She has had a big influence on me, and that reflects in my personal style, too. In fact, I learnt the ‘less is more’ philosophy from her. Growing up, I also admired Kate Moss for her effortless style. These days, I love Kendall Jenner’s vibe. I wouldn’t call her style minimal per se, but she has this ease with which she carries everything she wears. And then there is Hailey Bieber, the queen of street style.” C:…

START SHAPE-SHIFTING There is something so on-point about a structured, well-tailored jumpsuit… it’s elegant yet fun. What more could a girl ask for? But while the night out is perfect for got-it-flaunt-it details or an offshoulder neckline, make it office-friendly by layering your outfit with a blazer. Add a hint of bling to complete your style: gold always understands the assignment. POWER MOVES The best thing about 2022 is that the pantsuit has entered clubbing territory! Yes, you read that right! And there are no rules you need to follow—choose your favourite colour and fit, and make it work. Classic shades and bright colours make an equal impact, and feel free to pair them with toned-down jewels or statement trinkets. Wear a fitted blouse or bodysuit in the day, and…

Compiled By: PALAK VALECHA…

WARNING After binge-watching Season 2 you may find yourself wanting to dress like a Regency-era duchess, strutting around a ballroom. In which case…let us help.…

CHASHAM KAUR, 31 “I’ve colourblocked these straight-cut, fuschia pants with a neonyellow blazer. The floral top and mini bag help bring the look together seamlessly.” PRATHANA MUNDRA, 23 “I love the timeless elegance of an LBD. I have layered mine with a beige blazer and added dainty, golden hoops, a houndstooth mini bag, and block heels to finish the look.” JINAL JAIN, 24 “This black-and-white look is punctuated with several key elements…starting with the leather pants, printed bandana, and a belt worn diagonally for an edgy finish.” NAAZ ARORA, 27 “The feather detail in the bustier helps spruce up the classic black-and-white combo. I added an embellished bag to the mix to add a hint of glam.” ROSHINI DASWANI, 32 “This pastel crop top and printed skirt combination is one…

Alright, I’ll level with you, I have worked in the beauty industry for nearly 10 years, but I still get a bit confused about the whole ‘skin type’ thing. I have an oily T-zone, reoccurring breakouts along my jawline (hi, hormones) and every now and then, my cheeks get Sahara-dry. I figured I cannot be alone in my struggle, so why not seek out the experts (aka, dermatologists) to decode the riddle that is skin types? Here, we break down exactly what, how, and why it can be helpful to shop for tailored products. OILY SKIN WHAT IS THE DEAL? Visible pores, shiny skin, and blackheads. These are all key indicators of oily skin, according to dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. “Having had oil-prone skin for most of my adult life,…

SPARKLES THAT STAY PUT Whether you’re working with rhinestones, sequins, gems, or pearls, you’ll need tweezers and a dab of lash glue to adhere them around your eyes and/or edges. Or just dot them over your still-wet nail polish before locking it all in with a top coat. Pro tip: play up the effect by swiping some face gloss across your cheekbones, brows, and cuticles. Be the Stud You Want to See In the World…

EYESHADOW BULLET LIPSTICK LIQUID LIP COLOUR LIP CARE BLUSH NAILS…

“I decided I wanted to be an actor when I was all of four-years-old. But I never had the guts to tell my friends.”…

Cosmo digital coverstar Samantha Prabhu has over 40 movies to her credit. In a career spanning over a decade, she has not just made a swift transition from the South Indian film Industry to OTT platforms and Bollywood, but also used her influence to help the underprivileged. In this interview, Samantha talks about her female role models, how she has evolved as a person, and what defines true success for her. Cosmo: Did you always want to be an actor, Samantha? Samantha: “Not at all! Being an actor was not something I could even dare dream of—studying hard was the only thing expected of me, and it was what I was focused on.” C: What do you enjoy most about being an actor? S: “Everything, to be honest. I know…

‘OMG I am sorry, on my way now, I promise.’ If you have ever received this message from me, I am sorry. I was lying. Yep, I am that person, messaging you while you are already where we had planned to meet. As for me? I am most likely WhatsApping, knickers round my ankles as I sit on the loo putting my lippie on. I have every intention of leaving. Although, I just need to find my keys. And pack my bag. And get changed, as—FFS—I suddenly hate what I am wearing… I have missed the beginning of a friend’s wedding, trailing in at the back as she walked down the aisle. Sweat pooling in my armpits, mouthing ‘Sorry’ at anyone daring to look at me and not the bride.…

Shadow work is in this season, but guess what—it never left! If you have been seeing this phrase all over your Instagram feed or weekly horoscopes but you don’t know quite what it means, we are here to help. Shadow work is the magical tool that every esoteric person needs in their practice. Here is the rundown on what exactly shadow work is, why you absolutely must try it, and how to get started with it. So, What is Shadow Work? Shadow work is introspection made spiritual. It is a method of uncovering what Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung called the shadow, or the “unknown dark side of the personality.” Your “shadow” is the part of yourself you reject or disown, either consciously or not. It is like realising that the…

After a big night out, you will probably expect to deal with the usual: nausea, a banging headache, and a stomach-churning fear about whose DMs you may have tried sliding into. But those other seemingly out-of-nowhere symptoms? Not so much. Here, experts explain the stranger (yet surprisingly common) issues ruining the morning after… IS IT WEIRD THAT I FEEL SO INTENSELY NEEDY? Booze lowers inhibitions, unleashing all of your feels, says California-based psychotherapist Miyume McKinley, and this can carry over to the day after. Just save the ‘Love you!’ texts for your mates, not your ex. I CAN’T LEAVE THE LOO Sorry, but boozy beverages can speed up your digestion, causing your body to…well, let it all out. “Eating some toast with nut butter will help safeguard against stomach issues,”…

BUTT BUMPS Please Explain? Folliculitis—a fancy name for inflamed hair follicles. These pimplelike bumps are fuelled by sweat, friction, and tight clothes that seal in bacteria or cause irritation. Make’em mad enough and they can even turn into cysts. Fun! Cool, Now What? Once a day, hop in the shower and give your bum a rub-down with a cleanser spiked with probiotics and a little tea tree to neutralise bumpcausing bacteria. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before washing it off, then spot-treat painful areas with a targeted benzoyl peroxide gel. KERATOSIS PILARIS (KP) Please Explain? Sometimes referred to as ‘chicken skin’, a condition caused by keratin (one of the main proteins in your skin) building up in your hair follicles. These rough little bumps are very common.…