Innehållsförteckning för May - June 2024 från Cosmopolitan India

I feel it would only be fair to consider June to be the month of reckoning, refuelling, and rejoicing—half empty, half full, half done and dusted—a well-meaning half-yearly reminder to fix your crown and seize the day, till your year closes out with the exalted sense of celebration it deserves. This year, so much has already happened and continues to as the team and I send the issue off to press. By virtue of it being a leap year, we were all given an extra day, which feels favourable when you have 24 more hours to max out your annual POA. Of course, by the time you read this, election results would have been out and Pride Month would be in full swing, with July ensuring all eyes are on…

KNIFE: MEDITATIONS AFTER AN ATTEMPTED MURDER by SALMAN RUSHDIE It is impossible to forget August 12, 2022—it was when author Salman Rushdie was stabbed by a masked man as he was about to give a lecture at New York’s Chautauqua Institution. What followed was a horrific act of violence that sent shockwaves through the literary cosmos. For the first time after the attack, the author relives—in unforgettable detail—the traumatic events of that day. This book is an ode to bouncing back, wrapped in a love letter to life, loss, and the magic of storytelling. STRAIGHT ACTING by WILL TOSH Have you noticed how William Shakespeare’s early comedies were about defying gender norms?! And his sonnets…well, let’s just say they exuded some seriously queer literary vibe too. This book is a…

Twisters July 19, In theatres A reboot of the 1996 disaster epic Twister, this film features an ensemble cast with Daisy Edgar-Jones playing eager scientist Kate while Glen Powell stars as the hotshot storm chaser Tyler Owens. Get ready to witness intense visuals, a thrilling love story, and an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, all in the heart of the storm. You’re bound to be blown away. Despicable Me 4 July 3, In theatres Behold, things are about to get a little more ‘despicable’. The fourth instalment of the franchise will follow the life of Gru who welcomes his baby son to the family. They are seen working together to pull off a daring heist. The whole cast along with the minions, of course, are back to be part of these shenanigans. Plus,…

Over a recent lunch date with my work bestie, she voluntarily admitted she’d been using her ‘trustiest’ foundation brush for six years straight and, um, that it had never once been washed. Yes, I did gag on my sandwich. This blasé admission sparked my fight or flight response and, being the noble beauty journalist that I am, only one solution was going to be satisfactory—to write up a comprehensive guide on how and why you should clean your beauty stash, tools ‘n’ all. I mean, what better time to get stuck into it than now? ’Tis the season of new beginnings and spring cleaning, after all. BIN AGEING BEAUTY BUYS Just like food, our make-up, haircare, and skincare products are all perishable. However, cosmetic products in the UK and EU…

TREND ALERT: GLAZED LIPS Time to gloss up! It is no surprise that we’ve been taking our sheeny lip obsession to the next level with the return of lip gloss, lip oils, and sheer balms—well, about time we get on board with this new-gen makeover. Celebrities from across the globe have entered the soft girl era and sporting glazed pouts that seal the deal with a single swipe. Ladies, here’s your cue to set that matte lipstick aside! SKIN CPR Skin woes—say goodbye to them. Crafted with a meticulous blend of ingredients, Innisfree’s Retinol Cica Barrier Defense range combines the potency of retinol with the protective benefits of Defense Cica Formula to nurture and fortify the skin’s natural barriers. This holistic approach claims to effectively combat recurring skin issues—from blemishes…

The latest fashion trend to arrive at the party? Corporate chic. A fresh take on your typical office attire to pull your workwear game up a notch.…

APPRECIATION VALUE When it comes to buying assets, it is often best assumed that something expensive will be the way to go. Watches, interestingly, don’t move in the same way…they are based on much more than the ticket price. Keep your eyes peeled for watches that tend to have a ‘break the stigma’ value. BEAUTY Think about love at first sight—it is such a wonderful emotion based purely on instinct. That should be the first driver for you to buy a watch—how does it feel on the wrist and what drew you to it in the first place. COMPLICATION Simply put, a complication is an extra feature that goes beyond telling time. While most revolve around accuracy enhancement, measuring time with intent, indicating time in other time zones, there are…

SIDDHIKA IYER, 20 Call me a real-life Gen Z Barbie. That’s also the inspo behind this look—the basic pair of pink skort is elevated with a floral top. I’ve paired it with minimal accessories and a classy pair of boots—when in doubt, always go for pink! SIMRAN CHOPRA, 25 In this look, I have given vibrant florals a touch of urban chic. My outfit speaks of a free spirit…a wanderlust soul that finds beauty in every adventure. As a South Asian living abroad, I capture the pulse of California and look at the world with a fresh lens. ANU JANARDHAN, 31 I am often called ‘The Stylewali’—my wardrobe is a celebration of individuality and style. This look is a vibrant street style co-ord set that is as bold as it…

There is a rigour to most jobs that comes with the territory. Careers such as law, medicine, media, design, all come with a degree of ‘the grunt’ that is inherent in our understanding of it. It influences the way we approach it, the respect we have for it. Even careers that call on physical strength and labour—construction, welding, woodworking—have gravitas, a quiet nod to the toll it takes on the body. But there have always been professions that have fallen within a gap—the ones that are taxing, without that tax being acknowledged. The creator is the most glaring example of that ilk. It is an industry that makes big money, has an undeniable presence, and is growing on the daily. But it is still treated by the layperson with a…

The time has come for you to wipe your tears from that three-month situationship and talking stage…Gen Z has now made additions to the dating dictionary. So take notes…and maybe, grab a tissue because things are about to get too relatable (cries in a corner). TEXTATIONSHIPS (DID YOU EAT? NO, I WENT ON A HUNGER STRIKE) Say hi to textationship—the dating equivalent of edging…think about all the excitement and anticipation, with a big nothing at the end. Imagine being in a 24/7 text marathon…but with someone who gives you the side-eye reserved for last season’s Prada when you bump into them in person. Let me break it down for you, soon enough one of you gets attached waiting for text notifications, only to be met with a brick wall of…

“Sometimes you just have to bottom your way to the top,” reads a review of the Jacob Elordi-starrer movie Saltburn (2023) on Letterboxd, a social network for movie buffs. The review has over 52 thousand likes and sort of aptly describes the movie’s plot in the most Gen-Z style possible—a one-liner in all lowercase. My introduction to Letterboxd came through X (formerly Twitter), where conversations about the app piqued my interest. I am no movie buff, but I do know that American film director/screenwriter Sofia Coppola’s daughter once tried to charter a helicopter from New York to Maryland and was later grounded for that (yes…I know my fair share of blockbuster gossip). But movies? Not so much. I am the kind of person who thinks it’s an achievement if I…

CHIC CHAOS While we’re all loyal to Blair Waldorf, it is time to unleash your inner Serena van der Woodsen with some messy girl aesthetic. The way to achieve it? Just smear red lip gloss…you can also opt for the smudged lipstick trend. PUCKER UP The IT girls know the power that a sharply drawn lip line holds. And guess what? If you nail it, you can create an effect which will make your lips look plump in light. EYE CANDY Remember the whole Euphoria-inspired eyeshadow trend of 2019? Well, they’re back, except this time they don’t look as gauche as before. BLUSH BASH You know what they say—the ‘blush-ier’ the cheeks, the closer to God. They don’t say that!? They should. LET’S GET LOUD Calling all former edgy teens—it’s…

I was born on October 22, 1999 at 3:21pm on a Thursday. If you happen to be someone who is into astrology, much like my friend—who was “practically raised by astro websites”—then you likely know your precise birth date and time, too. Apparently, there’s more than one celestial body shaping our personalities! So, after years of treating my friend like a personal oracle, I finally decided to free up some space in my phone for Co-Star—an AI-powered application that collates data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), expert astrological knowledge, and detailed birth charts to furnish tailored daily horoscopes, and more. I soon became obsessed with the app’s daily regimen of absolutely unhinged “dos and don’ts”, which prompted me to take up a five-day experiment of following the…

TO MY BELOVED JUI, I was attending a lecture in conversational English on a hot summer day in Mumbai when I first saw this bundle of joy giggling away at anecdotes our beloved teacher, Ms Padma, was giving us. There you were, my then-potential BFF Jui Biswas. You had the most hilarious laugh, which was contagious—and I would keep looking at you. I was in awe of how purely you displayed every emotion. I hadn’t spoken to you just yet (we were not in the same class), but then we were at the Yoga Center in Santacruz, Mumbai. Once again, we connected on similar things that were both funny and intriguing. Then, one fine day, we were teamed up together by one of our teachers, a young Brazilian Yoga guru…

1. Shake It Up (2010 to 2013) Her first taste of fame was starring as Rocky Blue in a Disney Channel sitcom, in which she and Bella Thorne played animal print-obsessed pals who navigate high school while dancing professionally on a TV show. 2. First single (2011) So you didn’t know about her music career? Showing off her buckets of talent, Z’s first single release was a dance bop called Swag It Out. 3. Debut album (2013) Zendaya’s self-titled debut album was packed with blissfuI, catchy pop, R&B and dance tracks. Replay, anyone? Still a banger. 4. Zapped (2014) Her Disney Channel days continued, this time as Zoey in the movie Zapped, where she downloads an app to help control her dog, but discovers it also controls the boys in her…

Some products may have best before dates, and you will see these along with the letters ‘BBE’ or an egg-timer symbol. Be sure to check them: once a product’s date passes, its efficacy will be affected.…

This ain’t Texas, but we’re still here for the rodeo-approved accessories that’s sweeping across the pop culture scene right now.…

Centre-court chic smashes it this season. The fashion trend inspired by, or worn for, the sport is definitely levelling up the playing field this month.…

ARIES CHEETAH Think: what’s common between Aries and cheetahs? Well, they both share intense energy and success—making them a powerful combination. TAURUS BEAR While a Taurean is symbolised by the celestial bull, it is the bear that mirrors the physical and mental strength attributed to the sun sign. GEMINI FOX Sharp, agile and steadfast—Geminis are like foxes. These qualities are what make them the smartest person in any room they are in. CANCER RABBIT Much like Cancerians, rabbits are known to be extremely shy in nature. However, both are also affectionate and caring. We stan! LEO LION A Leo isn’t bothered by taking centre stage. In fact, it’s in the spotlight that they thrive…exactly like lions. Guard yourself from evil spirits and intruders with a lion motif that is bound…

DID SOMEONE SAY BOWS!? You’re familiar with Cosmo’s vibe, right? Bows have been an obsession among the fashion crowd (duh, we) for quite some time. Suhani Parekh’s minimalist jewellery line, Misho, is ensuring that this trend stays so for months to come. The brand, known for its bold, geometric shapes, has launched a collection of dainty looking bow rings, earrings, cuffs, pendants, and more. Get ready to bow down to the bling! COLLAB OF A KIND This summer, get ready for some haute couture as the Olympic and Paralympic flames sashay in custom Louis Vuitton trunks, all thanks to a sponsorship deal with LVMH. And Louis Vuitton isn’t stopping there. The fashion house has come up with some swanky medal trunks too, with display cases and dozens of drawers, packed…

The term “new normal” is often bandied about to garner excitement for an idea that breaks with conditioning. The term has definitely been used for polyamory, a structure wherein someone has sexual or romantic relationships with two or more people at the same time. In light of the conversations I have had, I really wouldn’t go that far. Polyamory isn’t a revolutionary new idea, it is one that has slowly taken form in a pushback against the conditioning of monogamy. It is about as normal—or as abnormal—as the idea of having one partner at a time. The only difference is that monogamy is part of the average Indian’s core conditioning while polyamory is divergent from it. To me, the “new normal” is multiple relationship structures existing in harmony, but it…

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

Pride of Africa Flag This is the first pan-African flag that represents diversity and empowerment! Inspired by all 54 countries on the continent, this flag was launched in 2019 at the Johannesburg Pride. Queer People of Colour Pride Flag The flag rose to prominence in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter movement. The clenched fist represents the QPOC’s (Queer People of Colour) solidarity with those fighting for racial equality. Two-Spirit Pride Flag The flag, honouring some indigenous Americans who identify as two-spirit, goes beyond traditional gender roles. The circle symbolises the blend of identities into a unique gender while the rainbow background celebrates modern queer communities.…

Arjun Kanungo, who made waves with his hit musical numbers Khoon Choos Le (2013), Baaki Baatein Peene Baad (2015), among others, breezes into our Zoom call with excitement in his voice and an open heart. Being exposed to diverse music genres pretty early as a child, the Mumbai-based artist laughingly admits that he picked up a guitar for the first time to impress a girl, and has stuck to the instrument ever since. Growing up with a single mother “had its own set of challenges. But she never made me feel like I lacked anything in my life. However, I was always in a room full of people richer than me.” This was also an interesting time for Arjun—he had to decide what he wanted to do with his life.…

The perfect look is one that works backstage, at work, for an intimate night-out, and everywhere in between.…

A STITCH (& NEEDLE) IN TIME Get your art supplies and a pair of jeans out, we’re getting crafty in here! LINK UP What’s stopping you from wearing these cute little chain jewellery to every single event you go to? Nothing, exactly. PAINT THE TOWN RED, YELLOW, AND BLUE BRB, off to find the brightest outfit and accessory there is! BARE IT (ALMOST) ALL For summer, we’re slipping into something airier by adding a bit (or a lot) of sheer.…

Two things hit home when I met Taapsee Pannu. Unlike the strong characters she plays on screen, she has a charming disposition (making it pretty obvious she is a solid actor). However, the other more intriguing quality that stands out is her earnestness. Even in our conversation, she doesn’t steer away from dishing it out as she sees fit, keeping it very real, very honest, very Taapsee. For someone whose growing up years were ‘by the book’ template of being studious and rarely going out for fantastical cinematic escapades, Taapsee clearly revels in her journey of making it on her own. In an industry where fame and fortune often favours the ‘well connected’, she has a body of work that is rich with powerful stories, often opposite legendary actors. Inspiring,…

Ladies, this is a non-rhetorical question: How many times have you been hit on and felt uncomfortable? I get it, they’re just trying to have a conversation…and what if they’re genuinely interested in you, right? After all, you don’t want to come across as uptight. But let’s be real, when a random person saunters towards you, it is more awkward than endearing. It then raises a question: Do we really know how to approach someone without making it weird? Just about two months ago, I was sitting at a hotel’s lobby, waiting for my ex-colleague to show up for an after-party. To kill time, I did what most of us do—started scrolling through shorts and reels on Instagram. “Hello!” A voice pierced through, bringing me out of my digital reverie.…

Do I have the emotional bandwidth for this? All structures take work. But polyamory is likely to take additional work simply because there are more parties at play. Even though you like the idea, you might find that you aren’t in the emotional headspace to take that work on. Not acknowledging that ahead of committing to it is a disservice to you…and everyone involved. How will I prioritise my own mental health? When managing the feelings of various partners, understanding if you can prioritise your own emotional needs through the process (and having an action plan for it) is crucial. What are my boundaries and deal-breakers? Breaking down what boundaries you need, what aspects are non-negotiable, and what constitutes cheating to you is the healthiest thing you can do before…

PICK UP ON THE PATTERN Life’s too short! Wear all the prints together and instantly be better than everyone else. Sorry to them. FIRST, A HISTORY LESSON The word “coquette” can come with a lot of connotations, some of them super dated. This delicate modern take is anything but. We’re reclaiming the term and the sweet details associated with it: cute ruffles, pearls, and yes, bows paired with workhouse staples like blouses and pencil skirts. APPLAUSE FOR THE ADD-ONS A lacy lingerie moment isn’t complete without killer accessories—hence these chic Mary Janes, a scrunchie-handle bag, this sheer stole, and (of course) the hair bows. TIME TO RETIRE If those around you aren’t quite sure whether you’re heading to bed or going out for the night, you’ve really nailed this look.…