Innehållsförteckning för July - August 2025 från Cosmopolitan India

Anxiety. That’s a word that doesn’t leave my side. It’s an anxious generation after all—chasing traction, calorie deficits, and Pilates on budget. This is my first editor’s letter at Cosmopolitan India, a role that I deem a privilege and a challenge. The latter for the fact that as a millennial, Gen Z seems to function on a different, elevated plane. Anxieties included. There’s so much to learn from those who have grown up on Instagram, and have had to battle ideas of self-worth, body, and beauty in ways that 80s’ kids can hardly fathom. This edition is about them and for them. Our cover star, long jumper Shaili Singh, is a Gen Z role model who brings with her a story of determination, grit, and soft grace. For this issue,…

A postcard from Montmartre, sealed with a kiss. Snow-clad mountains, fondue, and warm wood in Megève. The yellow blur of New York City cabs and floating balconies of Manhattan. Soft gelatos in Tuscany and cycladic white and blues of Santorini. Enter the world of Léanne Ansar, a 33-year-old content creator, who sells fairy tales for a living. For most of us who embed our lives in feeds, carousels, and shifting stories of Instagram’s widening universe, the ‘following’ that we curate offers an escape. Ansar, who is half-French and half-American, does that for 1.1 million of her Instagram followers, that too with a cinematic touch. Imagine The Princess and the Pea retold via a shoot amid Italian greens, or a Reel remake of Chocolat (2000), the delicious film based on English…

Step inside the vanity van and you’ll find more than just powders, palettes, and hairspray. Amid the glaring warmth of mirror lights, there are artists shaping beauty, one contour at a time. From magazine covers, campaigns, and memorable editorials to red carpet moments, their work is a reflection of instinct and intention. This story spotlights four such artists as they decode trends, challenge sameness, and talk of their most memorable work. Sandhya Shekhar “Sleep. It’s the biggest beauty hack. You can see it on the skin immediately when someone’s well-rested.” Honestly, it’s not just about looking pretty anymore,” says Sandhya Shekhar over a call. She has just returned from a quiet retreat, a welcome and much needed departure from the bustle of daily life as one of India’s top beauty…

Inside the Box 82°E, Cadiveu, ColorBar Cosmetics, e.l.f Cosmetics, ETUDE House, Forest Essentials, House of Beauty, Innisfree, JOON, Juicy Chemistry, Kay Beauty, Laneige, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, Max Factor, O3+ Skincare, Olaplex, Pixi by Petra, Sulwhasoo, Type Beauty Inc, and Typsy Beauty. From glow-boosting skincare to makeup must-haves and haircare heroes, our inaugural beauty box delivers a mix of cult classics and everyday essentials, handpicked by the Cosmopolitan India team. Keep Up With @cosmoindia to Know More!…

When Ross dumped Bonnie in Friends after she shaved her head, it subtly reinforced a beauty standard that many of us grew up internalising: A woman’s desirability is linked to her hair. Bonnie—confident, smart, and quirky—was reduced to a punchline the moment she no longer fit the “feminine ideal” of long, luscious locks. That scene echoed a wider cultural obsession with thick long hair, and fed into the belief that hair is social currency. But women like Neehar Sachdeva are flipping that narrative on its head. From wearing wigs at age 11 to confidently walking down the aisle bald and beaming, Neehar’s journey with alopecia is both powerful and personal. Whether it was reclaiming her power by shaving her head in her 20s or watching her wedding (January 2025) photos…

THOROUGHLY CLEANSE Cleanse your skin twice daily with a non-comedogenic cleanser to help remove oil, sweat, and impurities without stripping your skin. DO WEAR Lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturisers to provide hydration without adding heaviness to the skin or clogging the pores. DON’T WEAR Heavy makeup. This can trap sweat and sebum, which potentially can lead to acne breakouts. Opt for oil-free or mineral makeup. SPF IS A MUST Keep your skin well protected with broad-spectrum SPF 50, applying it generously and reapplying every two hours, especially during prolonged sun exposure. LOOK OUT FOR Products with azelaic acid to help combat inflammation. It is sold at 10% over the counter and at higher percentages through prescription.…

In conversation with athlete Anju Bobby George. It’s a searingly hot afternoon in Delhi, with clear skies and a dry, parched feeling in the air. We have decided to shoot at a sports stadium—a decision lauded by no one but this writer, now practicing butterfly strokes in the cesspool of her own sweat. While the crew finds novel ways to steer clear of a heatstroke (there is ice and handheld fans involved), Shaili Singh is sitting in a makeshift tent to finish her makeup, eyes glued to the phone screen. There’s an athletics championship underway, and the competition is close—her eyes light up instantly as a player leaps into the sky. No layer of subtle sheen on her eyes or dewy pink on the lips matches the game-set-sparkle glow. Born…

In a world where flawless skin has become an obsession, FutureMe™ dares to ask a different question, what if true beauty lies in preserving your youthful glow and believing in the limitless potential of your future self? As luxury evolves into something deeper, more conscious, and intentional, Supriya Mody, Founder and CEO of FutureMe, unveils the next-generation of skincare, a philosophy where science, indulgence, and advanced skin longevity come together, crafted exclusively for those who refuse to settle for the ordinary. Born into the legacy of Unichem, a pharmaceutical giant in India, Supriya served as CEO of Unichem’s International Formulation Business. She was destined for a life of business and innovation. Fueled by her heritage and a profound passion for beauty and efficacy, she aspired to embark on an unprecedented…

What inspired you to create Tulip Comfort? I wanted to stay in one outfit throughout the day—be it travel, meetings, errands, or even a nap—not having to worry about changing. Besides, I struggled to find clothes that were both chic and comfortable. So I decided to bridge the gap with Tulip Comfort. And when others asked, “Where can I get this?”, is when it grew into a brand. The comfort wear space is crowded. What gap does your brand fill? Comfort wear is often misread as languid, something you only wear when you’re idle and lounging. Tulip Comfort is quite the opposite. It’s smart-comfort—apparel that equips you for all-day wear; for rest and movement, together. How do you maintain the authenticity of the brand? By being honest…no fantasy, just addressing…

Hydration Hero Cosmopolitan India, in collaboration with Philips, hosted an intimate gathering at The St. Regis Mumbai on July 17 to unveil the cutting-edge Philips Hydrating Hair Dryer. A breakthrough in hair health, this multitasking tool delivers the ultimate blowout without stripping your strands of moisture (girl, what more do we need?). And to experience this beauty revelation first-hand, we invited actors, musicians, and content creators to test the product along with celebrity hairstylist Rod Anker. It was a high-spirited evening with cocktails, conversations, and a celebratory champagne pop to commemorate the launch.…

Q What would be the name of your beauty memoir?…

In India, the past decade has pushed the boundaries for what is and what could be when it comes to building a beauty business from scratch. Move over legacy labels, D2C (Direct to Consumer) brands and new, emerging concepts are establishing themselves in an arguably busy market. And, at its forefront, are women who have infused a new energy into product, personalisation, visual vocabulary of campaigns, and the grammar of retail. A major marker that runs across these brands is their aim to sell an outer cleanse with an inner redux. “I have come to realise that beauty and wellness were never meant to be separate. At their best, they go hand in hand—a reflection of how we care for ourselves, inside and out,” says actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who…

I’ve never ever been happier,” said Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie in season two of Euphoria (2022). It was a dramatic proclamation, her face flushed with tears and flashy makeup accentuating her misery. From the get-go, Cassie had become a sex symbol. She is able to pleasure herself and reach orgasm in public. She allows her boyfriends to film her during sex. She weaponises her conventionally gorgeous body—her breasts especially—to lure male attention. Yet, there is nothing joyful, honourable, worthy or aspirational about her quest to seem like a willing sexual paramour to these seemingly terrible men. Her desperation erases any power she could have, solidifying her as a victim even in moments of presumed agency. You would not be privy to this if you haven’t watched the show. But in either…

Fifty-seven million Instagram followers, a beauty empire valued at over $1 billion, and a recently reacquired 100 per cent stake in her eponymous brand—the woman behind these staggering statistics is a force to be reckoned with. The US-based, Iraqi-American entrepreneur Huda Kattan grew from early Instagram popularity to pushing for makeup that caters to people of colour, fostering change in an industry long criticised for its lack of representation.“Inclusivity is non-negotiable,” Kattan says, as she goes on to divulge how she built a beauty behemoth. In a quick chat with the beauty boss, we talk leadership, legacy, and more. Congratulations on regaining full ownership of your brand. What inspired the move? Regaining full ownership of Huda Beauty was both an emotional and financial decision. Business aside, I felt it was…

Narresh Kukreja Creative Director, Shivan & Narresh What’s the most ‘you’ thing about the way you express yourself? I talk too fast. In my own head, I form my own sentences even before I’ve finished them out loud. Should beauty be curated or a teeny bit unhinged? Oh, I think beauty should always be unhinged. If you’re not unhinged, you’re actually not pushing society to evolve itself. Hussna Bano Content Creator What’s the most ‘you’ thing about the way you express yourself? I’m careless. What would you tell your younger self when it comes to just being you? Calm down. It’ll happen. Mashaal Model What’s the most ‘you’ thing about the way you express yourself? Telling it like it is! I view personal style as an animal that just grows…

I try to live life with no regrets. #Yolo and all that. But there’s no escaping the regret I still feel for how I treated my nails one Friday night in 2023. As a result, they’ll never be adorned with a gel manicure again. In the words of Taylor Swift: like, ever. As a beauty writer whose job it is to report on nail trends, the tangled emotions are worse than those I felt after finally cutting contact with my ex-situationship of six years—which is saying a lot, I think. Let me take you back to the fateful night. It was 9pm when I decided the best way to wind down after a long week of work was to start—well, rush—a full set of DIY gel nails using my low-budget…

Let’s face it—hair removal has long been a beauty chore we tolerate, not enjoy. From hot wax mishaps to razor-induced regrets, the quest for smooth skin has often come with too much pain, mess, or elaborate planning (cue long sigh). In 2025, we’re calling the bluff. It’s officially the era of‘intelligent beauty’. Leading the charge? Namyaa Hair Removal Sprays—the sleek, science-backed essentials that make your grooming routine feel as effortless as your style. Spray. Wait. Wipe. Glow. Imagine a world where soft skin takes less than 7 minutes. No appointments. No razor burns. No post-wax redness. Namyaa has made that fantasy real—with a range of Hair removal sprays that combine clinical precision with everyday ease. Both variants are dermatologically balanced, gynecologically approved, and safe for even your most sensitive zones.…

Indrani Mukerjea, the founder and CEO of Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME), is leading a cultural platform committed to storytelling across theatre, literature, and the performing arts. After having been the force behind INX Media, she has made a return to public life in order to rebuild her purpose. Mukerjea’s recent performance in Chitrangada—Ek Sashakt Naari at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House, was a reimagination of Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic warrior princess. But this wasn’t her first rodeo. In 2023, Mukerjea produced and performed in Sun Kissed Phoenix. It was a poetic dance-theatre piece which explored the themes of solitude, loss, and awakening, and marked the emotional and creative groundwork for IME. Through IME, Mukerjea’s artistic and entrepreneurial visions converge. She often talks about her relationship with solitude, and of finding clarity through…

Every two years or so, a study crawls out of the woodwork declaring that young people aren’t having sex—cue the thinkpieces, Substacks, and alarmist op-eds, until someone writes a book about it. The one currently dominating the discourse is ‘The State of Dating Report,’ a 2024 study by Feeld (dating app for people who are into ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and casual sex) and Dr Justin Lehmiller of the Kinsey Institute (USA). It primarily talks about Gen Z’s attitude towards love, sex, and kink, and also goes on to confirm that the generation isn’t really having much sex. The research, conducted in 71 countries (with a dominant percentage in the US), found that the median number of times millennials and Gen X (who preceded the former) reported having sex a month…

Running a sexual wellness brand in India is a curious position to be in: Especially when your primary audience is millennials and Gen Z. Curious not because young people in India are prudish (they’re not), but because they are incredibly open and deeply anxious at the same time. What I’ve learned from building our intimate wellness brand Leezu’s, writing about sexuality, and having hundreds of thousands of young people share their questions and confessions with me online is this: Young India is horny, confused, and, most of all, hopeful. We want scientifically accurate, shame-free answers to our sex questions, yes, but we also really really want community and care. When the pleasure brand I co-founded launched, we knew there was a gap in the market. But, what we were most…

Mumbai-based designer Deepika Arora’s exquisite love affair with fashion traces back to her childhood. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the fabric trade, she developed an innate appreciation for textiles, textures, and craftsmanship—making her a sought-after name in luxury women’s designer wear today. What began as a passion project quickly turned into a brand with a global presence. “I realised I wanted to create something my children could be proud of; something lasting,” Deepika says. And what drove her to launch her own label? The lack of elegant, functional fashion for working mothers. “My daughter Anahita has a sharp eye; she loves designing clothes for herself and will critique the outfits we spot people wearing on the street. She’ll pull fabrics, sketch ideas, and confidently pair garments most…

Slow Horses September 24, Apple TV+ The band of dysfunctional agents and their odious boss will return for the fifth season to defend England against festering problems in the country. Part office drama, part gritty spy adventure, the show made people sit up and take notice for its ability to weave the unglamorous reality of being a spy, with its high-stakes action. Freakier Friday August 8, In theatres The sequel to the iconic 2003 film, Freaky Friday, where a mother (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her teenage daughter (Lindsay Lohan) accidentally switch bodies, will see the two actors reprise their roles. Chad Michael Murray will also return, with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan appearing in addition to the main cast. Eyes of Wakanda August 6, JioHotstar The Marvel Cinematic Universe series is about Wakandan…

Days before Mumbai-based multidisciplinary artist Kavya Trehan—who goes by the mononym Kavya—turned 32, I jumped on a Zoom call to ask her what’s the most Gemini thing about her. A selective astrology believer, she relates to a few traits. “As a true blood Gemini, I don’t know if I’m two-faced,” she laughs, “but I do feel I’m a different version of myself every single day.” Maybe it’s astrology, or maybe it’s just Kavya, but if you know her, you would know that she doesn’t want to—or rather, can’t be—boxed in. ‘Multi-hyphenate’ isn’t enough of a word—she’s an actor, singer, model, and painter, among other things. When I ask her if there’s one hat she would choose to wear forever, a question I preface by saying, “This is going to be…

Anjali Sivaraman Actor and Singer Have you ever found it difficult to embrace your curls? I actually did. When I was in school, I found my hair to be really messy and unruly—I wanted it to be silky smooth so I would straighten it all the time. Who’s your favourite fictional character with curly hair? Merida (from Pixar’s Brave, 2012) because she’s so strong and her hair is part of her personality, which I can relate to. Dalima Chhibber Defender, Indian Women’s National Football Team What is the wackiest remark you have received about your curls? People called my hair madhumakhi ka chatta (beehive in Hindi) in school because whenever I would tie it, it would look huge! Who is your favourite fictional character with curly hair? I have grown up…

The beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown was the time of aggressive Chloe Ting workouts, intermittent diets, and the much-awaited ‘glow ups’. I, on the other hand, was one of the few who went in the opposite direction. Finally liberated from the drudgery of waking up every day to go somewhere, I let go—and how. Entrapped at home in New Delhi for almost two years, binge-eating and binge-watching, my body became unrecognisable to me. To put this into perspective, even before the lockdown, I was never one of the ‘skinny’ ones. For context, the internet says I have a pineapple-shaped figure. Add 20 kgs to that and you have an identity crisis. Then came the unsolicited comments from neighbours, friends, and family. Awaiting the day I’d get back to looking like…

Over summer, my skin suddenly erupts with volcanoes (read: cystic acne), for what appears to be no reason at all. It’s never that time of the month and I don’t tend to swap out any of my skincare, but what does always change is the weather. So, is the summer sun the reason I break out? Winter usually gets a bad rep in the skin department; bitterly cold winds that strip you of any moisture and radiators working in full force to do the same, but I’m starting to think that summer is the source of my seasonal acne. So much as five minutes away from my heroic fan has me sweating way beyond looking like a dewy dumpling. This is more clammy than glam. Pimples like to take up…

Queer people seek languages outside the verbal because our words are often suppressed. That’s where beauty and fashion come in,” says Suruj, a Mumbai-based drag queen who goes by the name of Glorious Luna and the founder of LGBTQIA+ talent agency Current Management. “Beauty creates a democratic space of expression where outsiders like us can just be who we want to be.” This freedom to grow and nurture alter egos, and shape-shift into new personas with the help of bold makeup, big, lace front wigs and towering heels is at the heart of drag culture. Luna appears as Sandro Botticelli’s Venus on one day—donning ethereal coral-inspired headgear, bronzed lips, and feather lashes—and transforms into cosmic dancer Nataraja the next, wearing ghungroos in her hair, a cutting red on her lips…

Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery brand from the House of Tata, shimmered at Paris Couture Week for the third time. On 8 July 2025, they collaborated with fashion designer Rahul Mishra to showcase their stunning new collection, ‘Radiance in Rhythm’. Spoiler alert: it’s breathtaking. This collection is a flawless blend of master craftsmanship, deep heritage, and contemporary flair that bridges cultures with nonchalance. Jewellery can transcend cultures. And with this collection, Tanishq actually demonstrated to the world what that looks like. The ‘Radiance in Rhythm’ creations superbly complements Mishra’s striking and sophisticated style. Imagine strong, bold silhouettes with a touch of romance (the theme of Mishra’s couture collection was love). Chief Design Officer at Titan Company Limited Revathi Kant calls the collection“a tribute to the woman who’s confident, creative, and unapologetically…

My friend Vandana* has a tart-mouthed cousin. They are often at loggerheads about their values, though the reason for the mutual hate was something wobbly: They didn’t like each other’s vibe. Which is okay. I am a big advocate of hating someone for no reason. Like how I have disliked British actor Lily James for years, unable to place why I feel such immediate disdain when I look at her. These conversations about her cousin slipped into petty relish. Yet, it was obvious to us that she was blameless. That was until Vandana became an early adopter of ChatGPT. I noticed the same conversations that were infected with irony and fun had flipped to become self-serious and reflective. Long, detailed paragraphs were written by her to AI about the exchange…

Madhya Pradesh in August is a celebration of monsoon magic and cultural vibrance. Verdant hills, swelling rivers, and joyful festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami transform the heartland into a soulful canvas of unity and festivity. From the ballads of Bundelkhand to the riverside aartis of Nimar, every region—Chambal, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Mahakaushal, Nimar and Malwa—adds a unique stroke to this living painting. Boisterous Bundelkhand In this land of legends, monsoon ballads of Alha-Udal echo through the rain. The Raai dance swirls in the villages, while the Betwa gushes through Orchha. Indulge in Poori-Halwa with Ghewar, Bafauri and Ras Kheer. Celebrate Kajari Teej in Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur, where married women dress in finery, praying to Shiva-Parvati. Visit Ramghat in Chitrakoot, or capture the solitude of Khajuraho’s sculptures amidst the mist. Mysterious…