Innehållsförteckning för Jul-12 från Cosmopolitan

1 EXPERTS SAY GETTING IN "ME TIME" IS CRUCIAL BECAUSE IT HELPS YOU RELAX AND RECHARGE. TIME TO SCHEDULE THAT MASSAGE. P. 114 2 On a hot day, popyour panties in thefreezer for an hour,then pull them onbefore leaving thehouse. It soundsweird but feelsawesome. P. 136 3 WANT HIM TO FEEL COMFY AT YOUR PLACE? YOU DON'T HAVE TO AVOID PINK ALTOGETHER—BUT RATHER THAN A SOFT SHADE, PICK A BOLD ROSY HUE. P. 192 4 STRANGE FACT: A MAN'S MIND IS ACTUALLY STRUCTURED TO ASSOCIATE YOUR FEET WITH SEX. SO STRAP ON THOSE STILETTOS AND TURBO-CHARGE HIS LUST. P. 68 5 Men are twice as likely to developbasal-cell or squamous-cell skincancer, probably because they'renot used to putting on SPF. Offerto give him a rubdown usingyour bottle—you'll get to protecthim and…

Q. Why Are Women So Into Fifty Shades of Grey? A. This spring, the media was abuzz with the fact that women everywhere had their noses buried in their e-readers, stealthily burning through the romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey. It's not news that women like sexy reads (obviously—check out the "Red-Hot Read" in the back of Cosmo every month!). But the Fifty Shades of Grey craze made headlines because it wasn't your typical erotica. The media took note because the story features dominant/submissive sex, including canes, spanking, a dungeon…the works. I've been writing about sex for the past 25 years. Kinky sex is being sensationalized right now, but there's nothing new about dominant/submissive scenarios in women's fiction or in real-life women's fantasies. Here's why: Submission is a primal urge,…

Soft and Sexy A creamy pencil, like Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner in Cosmic Black, $8, creates a subtle effect. Drama-Rama Felt-tip liquid liners (like Dior Style Intense Liquid Liner in Black, $34) deposit a thick, badass coat of color. Teal Temptress Top black liner with blue-toned shadows (try Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Lagons, $57) for this look. SOURCE: DIOR MAKEUP ARTIST RICKY WILSON…

"I Snuck Into an A-List Party" Recently, I was working as an operator at an upscale hotel where lots of socialites stay. One night, I came across a fax about an exclusive party at a new nightclub in town. Normally, I would have passed this straight to my boss, but I was feeling overworked. I had had enough of long hours and pushy hotel guests and felt like I deserved some fun too. So I decided to steal the invite. On the hotel's stationery, I wrote down two fake names and told the event planner that they were VIP hotel guests who needed to be on the list. Then I called my best friend, Kimmy (not her real name), and explained the plan—we were going to use the fake names…

Shoes, Zigi Soho, $80, dsw.com Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $18, urbanoutfitters.com Bag, Atsuyo et Akiko, $48, atsuyoetakiko.com Clutch, LOFT, $19.50, loft.com Shoes, Forever 21, $26.80, forever21.com Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters, $14, urbanoutfitters.com Sandals, Report, $90, nordstrom.com BEAUTY BONUS Smell sexy (and prevent a perfume spill!) by toting Paco Rabanne Lady Million Solid Perfume, $48.…

What Men Are Pinning The team behind the crazy-popular website has seen a recent uptick in male users, and they let us in on guys' top pins. Three are predictable. But the first one…aw. Things for the GF Date ideas, gifts, cute animal pics, etc. Tech and DIY Grooming how-tos, gadgets, man caves, etc. Food Bacon, beer, grilling, meat, etc. Dream Rides Motorcycles, trucks, sports cars, etc. #BroTips The buzzed-about hashtag inspired us to ask men for pearls of wisdom they'd like to pass on to other dudes. "In a group, make sure to pay the most attention to her." —Nate P. "Life is better when you have a mustache." —Chris M. "Know how to twirl a girl around on the dance floor." —Ricky W. "Never wear jeans that have…

LIQUID EXTENSIONS Sealing up your split ends makes locks look extra lengthy. Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Straightening Lotion, $12 DYE-HARD ESSENTIAL This shampoo conditions and keeps your hue true. Paul Mitchell Sun Recovery Hydrating Shampoo, $17 SEXY STYLE SECRET Use this humidity blocker prestyling to rock a bouncy blowout. Biomega Behave Smoothing Elixir, $20 ICE CREAM Styling lotion with coolants keeps you sweat- and frizz-free. Fekkai Smooth Sailing Anti-Frizz Cream, $25 GET WHIPPED… …by this hydrating mousse that creates sexy, beachy waves. Pantene Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip, $7 TUB OF HAIR LOVE Argan oil and vitamin E quench thirsty locks weightlessly. Moroccanoil Weightless Hydrating Mask, $39 SO SLICK Hair oil is the new (non-greasy) serum. Use to nix frizz and add shine. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil, $38…

Break Your Bronzer? Don't toss it! When added to a little body moisturizer, the shattered bits offer a beach-babe glow. Squeeze a quarter-size dab of body lotion into your palm. Sprinkle in some crumbles of bronzing powder. Blend, then smooth the mixture over your arms, legs, and chest. SOURCE: MAC COSMETICS SENIOR MAKEUP ARTIST JOHN STAPLETON Speedy Blow-Dry Secret This brush has blue towel-like bits between its bristles that soak up excess water. Run it through your hair post-shower for a faster blow-dry. $ave on Skin Care A tube of zit cream lasts and lasts because you only use it where you need it. Follow the same spot-treating technique with serums, masks, and creams (e.g., a clay mask just on the oily T zone) to cut your budget. SOURCE: GINA…

INSIDE Love questions…P.106 The 10% factor…P.108 The silent treatment…P.110 For Keeps…P.112 1. Group dinners mean you'll def sitnext to him. Why? a. Because he's awesome, that's why. b. To hear how his latest date went c. So you can kick him under the table whenever someone says anything stupid. 2. You catch him shirtless in a dressing room and: a. Sort of wonder what else is under there. b. Squeal and quickly cover your eyes—ew! c. Want to jump his bones. 0 to 1 points: No way Yeah, you two are close…like, brother-sister style. Keep him in the never-see-you-naked zone. 2 to 3 points: Maybe Definite sparks. Casually ask why he thinks you guys never got together, and see if they ignite. 4 points: Um…Yes! His BFP (boyfriend potential) is…

WHAT HE'S (NOT) SAYING We've all been there: You and your guy are hanging out at happy hour with your crew or having a fun dinner together when all of a sudden, he morphs into a silent stranger. By the time you get home, he seems more pissed than a post–birthday bash Don Draper. Clearly, you did something to set him off—except you don't know what it was, he's not saying, and the silence is killing you. Truth is, it could have been anything—from that "cute" text about his lax manscaping habits to asking him if he's called his mom yet. "If something makes a man feel insulted, controlled, criticized, or backed into a corner, it shifts him into thinking emotionally, which isn't his strong suit—data transmits less quickly between…

Leslie Krom, 28, has been given atragic diagnosis: She probably won'tlive past the age of 35. Her reaction?Live large—each second she has left. Recently, I was at happy hour with some friends when a cute guy walked up to me. "What does a pretty girl like you do with yourself?" he asked, clearly flirting. The bar was buzzing with young people burning off postwork energy. And while I looked like I belonged there, I knew I was different. I paused to think for a second, then responded, "Mostly, I take care of myself. It's kind of a full-time job." I'm sure he interpreted that as my being a high-maintenance diva with a trust fund and a calendar full of salon appointments—which couldn't be further from the truth. What I meant…

Wanted: New Roommate "Really, you think this is okay? I don't even want my toothbrush in the holder." —Morgan R. Public Pedi "While working, I saw this man clipping his toenails at the mall. Go get a pedicure!"—Laura V. Indecent Exposure "I'm not sure what bothers me more…the fact that it's 30 degrees out and she is wearing a bikini or that she thought wannabe-Snooki boots and a hoodie would suffice as a weather-appropriate outfit." —A.G. Crossing the Line "This guy parks here almost every day. He's probably an employee, but that doesn't exempt him from using parking spaces like everybody else." —Rachel J. ANNOYED BEYOND BELIEF? LOG ON TO COSMOPOLITAN.COM/BITCH-IT-OUT TO SHARE YOUR PET PEEVE (AND PHOTO). IF WE PRINT YOUR SHOT, WE'LL GIVE YOU $50.…

A WET SUIT Trapped moisture fuels the growth of naturally occurring bacteria, which can cause a yeast infection or UTI. Change into something dry after swimming or wrap a clean towel around your waist and slip off your bottoms. OTHER PEOPLE'S DAMP TOWELS Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by an organism that can live on wet fabric. Play it safe and never use anyone else's towel—always pack your own for a beach or pool day. SWEAT Perspiration around skin folds—like your vadge or butt crack—can cause chafing and rashes. Wear fabrics that let your skin breathe, like cotton, and carry talc-free powder to absorb excess sweat in a pinch. SOURCE: OB-GYN ALYSSA DWECK, COAUTHOR OF V IS FOR VAGINA Q&A "Is it true that certain meds make the Pill less…

Feel-Good Moves for Every Shape Penises can take many forms, and there are perks to almost all of them. Here's how to get maximum satisfaction no matter what he's got going on. CURVED TO ONE SIDE With a slight curve, your guy may hit a sweet spot you never knew you had. Once he's inside you, move your hips from side to side until you find a position that provides a little extra mmmm. CURVED TOWARD HIS NAVEL This shape is perfect for stimulating your G-spot. Have him get on top of you in a modified missionary position with your legs wrapped around his waist. WIDER THAN IT IS LONG You-on-top is best for a guy this size since it'll allow him to go as deep as possible. To make…

Police found the disfiguredbody of the 22-year-oldstudent in a wooded areanear her college campus.As the terrifying detailsof her abduction andmurder surfaced, it wouldbe too much for herfriends and family to take. Anna Lassiter was starting to panic. It was the evening of March 5, 2008, and the University of North Carolina senior had just returned to her off-campus apartment in the pretty, laid-back college town of Chapel Hill. She'd been at a job interview outside Boston, and she'd expected her roommate and best friend Eve Carson to be there, eager to find out how it went. But their duplex was eerily quiet, and Eve was nowhere to be found. "I'd called her several times from Boston, but she never responded," recalled Anna, 26, in a Cosmo interview. It was weird…

Making Waves Dress, Paco Rabanne; sandals, Valentino Garavani; bracelet, DANNIJO, $320 Tip the Scales Dress, Moschino; necklaces (from top), Urban Outfitters, $34, Alexis Bittar, $195; DANNIJO, $620 Windswept Swimsuit, Norma Kamali; jacket, Haute Hippie; bag, stylist's own; ring, Alexis Bittar, $245 BEAUTY TIP: For lids so shiny they look like they've been swept with a top coat, try the ultraglistening Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow, $36. Hi, Shine Jacket, Joe's, $360; bandeau, Gypsy Junkie, $62; shorts, Norma Kamali, $265; sunglasses, Thierry Lasry at Henri Bendel, $425; sandals, Chanel The Silver Lining Shirt and shorts, Diesel Black Label; sandals, Zigi, $89.95; cuff (on left wrist), $245, cuff (on right wrist), $320, and rings, DANNIJO Wanted: Iron Maiden Jacket, Nasty Gal, $198; swimsuit, Gotex, $188 BEAUTY TIP: Dazzle him…

Party With Hot Jocks Guys get really carried away with anything costume related, so throw an Olympics-themed fiesta. Encourage everyone to come decked out in various summer sports gear—swimming, beach volleyball, swimming, tennis…no, really, swimming. Pick up cheapie trophies from the dollar store for the best-dressed to take home. Since you're the hostess, you pick the winners. Oh, and let guests know that this judge is partial to shirtless boys in spandex. Live Like the Other Half for a Day Mimosas, pools, and riding around in a golf cart? Sounds like an awesome daytime date to us. During the summer, Groupon offers lots of one-day membership deals to country clubs nationwide, so keep your eyes peeled and snap up one the second you see it. They'll run you about $50,…

Crispy Chicken With Rosemary-Lemon Salt Vegetable oil, for frying 1 (6-inch) sprig of fresh rosemary ½ cup plus ¾ teaspoon kosher salt Grated zest of 1 large lemon 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into 2-inch pieces 2 garlic cloves, minced 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ cup fine cornmeal or instant polenta 2 cups marinara sauce, warmed • Heat ½ inch of oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat (the oil is hot enough when a pinch of cornmeal sizzles when added to the pan). Add the rosemary sprig, and fry for 30 seconds or until crisp. Use tongs to remove the rosemary, and drain on a paper towel. Remove the leaves, and finely chop to yield 1 tablespoon. In a…

1. You're invited to three Fourth of July parties. Your plan? A Start early and hit them all. B Head to the one in your hood before going to your friend's party. C Go to just your best friend's bash—it was so fun last year. 2. Your mom ropes you into figuring out activities for the family reunion. You: A Create a scavenger hunt all over town. B Hit Target preparty for whatever you can easily round up. C Do some research and find a few cool games for people to play. 3. You're psyched for the beach weekend you have planned with your man. On the itinerary? A Nothing but lying on the beach B Surf lessons, a sexy couples' massage, wine tasting… C Chilling by the pool, followed…

facebook.com/katewhiteauthor twitter.com/katemwhite Stealing someone's idea is wrong, but I'm all for idea swapping. That's one of the things that happens at the biennial Cosmic Conference. I know it sounds like an event where we plan Cosmo's Bedside Astrologer, but it's actually a conference where editors and publishers of the magazine's 64 international editions come together. This year, we met in Madrid, and when we weren't filling our brains, we were watching flamenco dancers, eating tapas, and seeing some of the best art in the world. Like a girls' weekend on steroids! Cosmo is a worldwide success (check out cosmopolitan.com/international-covers to see editions from around the globe). That's because our "live and love your life to the max" message resonates with women everywhere. Still, although Cosmo's DNA is in every edition,…

Casually leaning back in a booth at a trendy New York City restaurant, Demi Lovato is trying to sum up the past 18 months of her life. "So much has happened, and I'm really glad it's over," she says, running a hand through her long hair. "It's been tough, but I'm excited to be in a more healthy, positive place." Of course, she's referring to her stay at a treatment center at the end of 2010, where she sought help for an eating disorder as well as cutting and where she was diagnosed as being bipolar. While that stuff is pretty heavy, what's fearless about the 19-year-old is that she's been completely honest about it from the get-go. Rather than go the route of so many celebs—who either claim they're…

Naughty Speaker of the House "My husband was away on business, so I went to visit my parents. One night, he wanted to have phone sex, so I shut the door and started talking quietly. Right as he was telling me what he wanted to do to me, my mom opened the door. I was so startled, I mistakenly activated the speaker. Before I could react, my cell was on full volume, and my mom heard him say how he wished he were licking me all over." —Emily A. Busted Really Low Riders "A new guy took me on a date, and I was wearing these sexy skinny jeans. It was crazy-hot out, so when we got back to my house, I ran up to my room to change into…

Q. When my husband has a problem at work, he asks for my opinion…but never does what I suggest. Why? A. First, the fact that he seeks your input shows that he both cares about what you have to say and is comfortable being vulnerable with you. As for his never trying what you suggest, don't be offended. It's not that he doesn't value your opinion—he wouldn't keep coming back to you if that's how he felt. My guess is that talking to you helps him think things through. And while he may not be doing exactly what you think he should, he's probably using bits and pieces of the advice you give. So I wouldn't bring it up—if you tell him you're bothered, he may stop picking your brain.…

Trendy Pants Skip the high-waisted craze if you have killer curves (it'll widen your hips). Instead, try a skinny pair, and wear a flowy, untucked top to balance things out. Jumpsuit A loose fit won't do you any favors. Rock a body-hugging style, and show some skin. The deep neckline has a slimming effect. So much sexier! Knee-Length Dress A snug pencil-style clings where it counts, slimming your figure overall. A full skirt and poufed sleeves leave you looking thicker than you really are. Long Skirt Big prints can make you appear larger, while too much draping adds poundage. Stick to a solid color and a simple cut to streamline your lower half.…

INSIDE His Picks…P.80 Loot…P.82 Cheat Sheet…P.88 Showdown…P.90 Shameless Tricks…P.92 Q&A…P.94 Yummy manis…P.97 Introducingsummer's one-stepwonder: lower lidsswiped with a Caribbean blue hue.A look this edgyrequires no othermakeup…noteven mascara! Brush cream shadow (such as Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Pastel Blue #25, $23) thickly across lids to look shockingly hot. Pencils (like Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense in Acqua, $29, and CK One Gloss Eyecolor in Vivid, $17) make a subtler statement. Dot liquid liner (try Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eyeliner in Sapphire, $9) between lashes for an eye-catching pop.…

THE PRO Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal THE PREP Swipe your face with oil-absorbing toner, followed by mattifying sunscreen. 1. Spread a dime-size dot of oil-free foundation over your nose zone, including your nose, under eyes, and inner cheek areas. 2. Use a sponge to work foundation outward. You'll get even coverage that's sheerer near your hair- and jawlines—the most sweat-prone parts. 3. Blend cream blush in circles on the apples of your cheeks, wait 10 seconds, then press a tissue over color to pick up excess pigment. 4. Lift up your brow to smooth your lid, then apply cream shadow with a flat brush (fingers deposit oil, the main cause of creasing). 5. Pull your lid taut, and zigzag liner back and forth above lashes (they don't get oily,…

Every month, we answer a bunch of your burning beauty questions. Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss in Mango Tango, $14 Q. How can I rock a trendy orange lip so I don't freak out my guy? A. "Opt for a red-orange gloss instead of a true-orange lipstick," says Smashbox makeup artist Lori Taylor. Orange looks less shocking when balanced with red pigments. Plus, the sheerness of a gloss (versus the opacity of a lipstick) offers a more kissable touch of color. Q. My pits look dark. How can I feel sexier sleeveless? A. If your hair is the issue, remove it from the root by waxing or having laser hair removal, says NYC derm Michele Green. The skin itself can also darken due to friction from clothing and razors.…

I want to celebrate our six-month anniversary, but will that freak out my boyfriend? Six months isn't celebration-worthy. Acknowledge it with a funny text and he'll think you're sweet, not psycho. Is it okay to peek at his phone/e-mail occasionally? You happen to see a message pop up when he's in the shower? Okay. You actively go looking? Not okay. My friend just got a promise ring from her BF. What exactly does it mean? He is not ready to get married and hopes this nonbinding bling will be enough to keep her around. My boyfriend is gaining weight, and I'm not that turned on by him anymore. Can I say something? Yes…carefully. "Hitting the gym together would be such a turn-on, don't you think?" and not "You're getting fat."…

My husband, Scott, doesn't surprise me much anymore. He likes to eat at the same restaurants and watches 30 Rock every Thursday night. I know pretty much everything about him…or so I thought. When we were on a recent vacation, Scott pulled me into a bar where a ska band was playing and raved about how much he loved that type of music, the people he's met through the ska scene, and so on. That's great and all, but…WTF? We've been together for years, and it was the first time I'd ever heard about it. UNINTENTIONAL SECRETS I was thrown by Scott's reveal. He's such a chill guy, yet ska is so primal and uninhibited—it made me sad to think that he might have a crazier side to him that…

1 A friend who has never finished anything in her life asks you to cowrite a screenplay. Fast-forward 20 years: There's your half of the draft sitting on her desk, covered in dust. 2 Your boss needs a babysitter. You want her pondering your promotion potential, not your nanny potential. 3 Your BF halfheartedly invites you to watch the game with him when you don't know—or give a sh*t—who's playing. 4 Flash sales. Buying something you didn't even want for cheap does not save you money. 5 A salon is recruiting hair models for a styling contest. By model, they mean guinea pig. 6 Your little sister is begging you to come to a 10-kegger. It starts with beer in a red plastic cup and ends with you in some…

YES NO Would you give your boss a butt facial for a monthlong, all-expenses-paid vacay on a private yacht? YES NO Would you pull out one of your front teeth, Hangover-style, to win an Oscar? YES NO Would you adopt Jill Zarin's speaking voice if it meant you could sing like Adele? YES NO Would you listen to LMFAO's Party Rock for 72 hours to flour-bomb your ex (and not get caught)? YES NO Would you vajazzle your frenemy's hoo-ha to have anything you want from Tiffany? YES NO Would you watch porn with your parents for a thousand dollars? YES NO Would you never speak to your BF again to trade lives with Duchess Catherine? YES NO Would you sleep with a rat in your bed every…

Scorching temps haveyou bored, sitting in front of the AC? Time to get the hell out and beat the heat Cosmo-style. 1. DEEP FREEZE YOUR UNDIES About an hour before you get dressed, pop your panties in the freezer. Then slip them on just before you head out the door—you'll have the right kind of shivers in all the right places. 2. RELIVE SPRING BREAK Have a wet-tee-shirt contest with your guy in your (private) backyard. Don white tees, and use a hose, sprinkler, or water gun to soak each other. Peeping his pecs through his shirt might just be hotter than seeing him naked. FAKE A 5-STAR RESORT Buy a cheap kiddie pool, put on a sexy retro swimsuit, and sip an umbrella drink while you dip your feet…

Q: Lately, I've been seeing different kinds of lube,like the types that heat up or tingle. Are they worth trying? A. Definitely. Obviously, they aren't magic orgasm potions, but they are a fun way to mix things up in the bedroom. Put a drop or two on your hands before giving his package some attention, or have him do the same before he touches your clitoris. (Test it on your skin first, though, just in case you're not into how it feels.) And don't neglect other sensitive areas—these lubes will feel awesome on spots like your nipples and inner thighs. Q. I feel like it takes me forever to orgasm. How long is it supposed to take, and is there any way to speed it up? A. First of all,…

Earlier this year, when 20-year-old Rebecca K. (not her real name) met a guy at a party in Chicago, she thought he was LTR material. "I hadn't had a boyfriend in a while and was looking for a relationship and so was he," she says. But a few months into dating, his occasional texts asking when she'd be free turned into questions about where she was, then second, third, and fourth texts demanding to know why she was ignoring him. She brushed it off as a positive thing. "I took it as a sign that he really cared about me," she says. Over time, though, she grew tired of his constant need to know where she was and dumped him. Experts say she did the right thing. "A guy like…

Dress, Dolce & Gabbana; bra, OnGossamer, $46; sandals and clutch, Jimmy Choo; earrings, Dolce & Gabbana, $445 COME ON STRONG A big, see-through print is as fierce as it is feminine. RED ALERT Minimalist accessories let an exotic dress rule. Dress, Bottega Veneta; sandals, Donna Karan New York; cuff, Michael Kors, $175; beaded bracelet, Jewels by Dunn, $56 SOME LIKE IT HOT Set a folksy pattern on fire with neon hues. Top, Gap, $59.95; shorts, Mara Hoffman, $242; bag, Cleobella, $69; sunglasses, Dsquared2, $340; bracelets (from top), Jewels by Dunn, $56; Aurélie Bidermann at net-a-porter.com, $565; Venessa Arizaga, $275; ring, Vanessa Mooney, $25 BEAUTY TIP: The secret to this thick, tousled side braid: dry shampoo. Mist strands with Tresemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo, $5, before loosely weaving them. CROSSING…

A room decked in pink and lace? Sure, it's pretty, but your S.O. won't be a fan. Interior designer Kishani Perera, coauthor of Vintage Remix, has tips on creating a femme effect he'll like too. Scale Back on Knickknacks Too many personal tchotchkes will make him feel like he's invading your space, so display just two or three of your favorite things. Plus, when you have only a few items out, people notice them more. Get a Little Mod Keep it from feeling too feminine by adding cool, modern accents in Lucite. It's supertrendy right now and cheap. You can find lamps and even coffee tables in stores like CB2 and Target. Pick the Perfect Pink You don't have to avoid rosy colors altogether, just choose the right shade. Pick…

Get a sneak peek at what tolook forward to…and whatto watch out for. Cancer BIRTHDAY GIRL (June 22–July 22) Strengths: Creative, kind, tenacious Weaknesses: Brooding, guarded, messy WHAT MAKES YOU SEXY: You are confident and not afraid to let a man know exactly what you want. But you also have a mysterious side and make guys work for your affection—a combo that drives them crazy. YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH: Athletic Mars has you craving something competitive around the 15th. Sign up for a 5K—you'll finally have the dedication to get it done. Oh, and your beach body will look slammin' by the time you're through training. DATING TIP: Near the 7th, give yourself a week off from dating. You've been going out with lots of lame dudes, and independent Uranus says…

Keeping Up With Khloé "Putting Khloé Kardashian on your May cover was brilliant! She is beyond gorgeous and a role model to me for always saying what's on her mind."—Mandy H., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Workin' It"After I read 'Make a Hottie Hit on You,' I decided to put your advice to the test: While out with my girls, I spotted a cute guy at the bar and gave him sexy eyes—twice. The second time around, he got the picture, ended up coming over to me, and eventually asked for my number. Gotta say, that tip worked!"—Jill J., Brooklyn Sand Trap"I loved most of the answers in '99 Naughty Sex Questions,' but I have to disagree with your advice to have sex on a secluded beach. It's never a good idea…

British hottie Dominic Cooper, 34, currently starring in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, helps you rack up a ton of good-girlfriend points. 1 THAT CHICK CHECKED YOU OUT "If you were to point this out without becoming sensitive, it immediately reflects trust with each other…and that's cool." 2 I LOVE YOUR FAMILY "I have a good relationship with my parents, so it's important to me that whomever I'm with recognizes that and hopefully likes spending time with them too." 3 DINNER'S ON ME TONIGHT "There's still the belief that a man should always pay. But I think it's a very kind gesture when it's the other way around. Nothing should always be one-sided." 4 YOU TURN ME ON "Saying anything sexy about your intimate time together won't go unnoticed. I don't…

He Dined, She Dashed "I was at dinner with a hot girl when she started playing footsie with me and said she couldn't wait to go to my place. I was so excited, I barely glanced at the bill when I signed it. As we were leaving, the waiter came after us and said, 'Excuse me, sir. You tipped $10 on a $100 bill. Was there something wrong with the service?' The girl glared at me. I tried to explain that I had been preoccupied and it was a mistake, but neither she nor the waiter believed me. I felt awful and immediately gave more cash to the waiter." —Don A. Ouch! Big, Bad Bunny "At the mall, my new girl got really excited when we saw this adorable bunny…

INSIDE Mix and Match…P.58 Dresses under $75…P.60 Slim Tricks…P.62 Strappy heels…P.64 DIY outfits…P.66 STRIPED SHIRTDRESS Monrow, $150, shopbop.com WHITESHORTS Element, $49.50, elementeden.com GRAPHIC TANK Aviator Nation, $55, aviatornation.com BRIGHT KNIT TOP A+RO, $168, BB One, 760-836-9350 TROPICAL SKIRT W118, $118, macys.com TEENY BIKINI Inca, $200, Diane's Beachwear, 310-224-1900 EYELET BUSTIER Baby Phat, $49, macys.com BLUSH JEANS Wild Fox, $182, wildfoxcouture.com…

TWEET US Send us a pic of your coolest DIYs to @Cosmopolitan #DIY. POM-POM SHORTS CUTOFF JEAN SHORTS Joe's, $145, joesjeans.com POM-POM TRIM M&J Trimming, $2.59 a yard, mjtrim.com Line up trim so it's even with the edge of your shorts (right above where the fraying starts) with the pom-poms hanging down. Use a glue gun to attach. NUMBERED JERSEY BASEBALL TEE Splendid, $50, splendid.com FELT IRON-ON NUMBERS M&J Trimming, $2.98 to $9.98 each, mjtrim.com Snag iron-on numbers (most craft stores have them) and follow the package's goof-proof directions. You'll have a graphic tee in seconds! BEADED SUNGLASSES SUNGLASSES Fantas-Eyes, $20, fantas-eyes.com M&J Trimming, $5.98 for 18 and $9.98 for 30, mjtrim.com Give your favorite shades a huge upgrade. Simply use superglue to apply the…

Which hat should a girl wear to hide a bad hair day? Baseball Cap 36% Floppy Hat 22% Fedora 42% Sultry After-Dark Soak Hours of fun in the sun (wearing sunscreen, of course!) can leave both your bods sensitive and sucked dry of moisture, but that's nothing this soothing, hydrating soak can't cure. Pour three cups of whole milk (the fats reduce irritation) and three tablespoons of honey (it quenches parched parts) into a lukewarm bath, says Hefina Rees, lead aesthetician at La Prairie's Silver Rain Spa, in Grand Cayman. Grab your man, bliss out for about 15 minutes, then savor your totally touchable selves. COSMO'S PRACTICE SAFE SUN He Wants _____ From Your Beach Bag If he claims to need nothing more than a cooler at the beach, he's…

Try This HOT, VOLUMIZED HAIR Run a palmful of mousse through hair, then set in hot rollers. BRONZE FLUSH A little extra bronzer on the apples of your cheeks creates a sexy, sun-kissed glow. PIERCING GAZE Shadows made for your eye color (gold plays up a pair of baby blues) add intensity. Not That HOT-AIR-BALLOON HAIR Clearly, she took the term updo too literally. BRONZE LUSH Anyone order a tanorexic straight up? PIERCED FACE Nose chains are great…at repelling men.…

IF YOU LIKE Sorbet-Inspired Pastels YOU'LL LOVE The Half-Neon, Half-Nude Mani Inspired by a hot fashion trend—pairing brights with neutrals—this mani makes fluorescent hues universally wearable, says Chanel manicurist Ashlie Johnson. The beige tempers the neon, so it looks softer, almost candylike. Start with two coats of nude polish (like Chanel Nail Colour in Beige, $26). Once dry, alternate swiping neon pink, orange, and yellow (we used Dior Vernis in Pink Graffiti, $23; Essie Nail Color in Bazooka, $8; and Nars Nail Color in Amchoor, $18, respectively) onto the top half of tips. For a crisp line, use barrier gel (Kiesque Liquid Palisade, $22, acts like painter's tape) on the halfway point pre-neon. IF YOU LIKE Crackle Top Coats YOU'LL LOVE Magnetic Polish Finding a killer crackle color…

Raise your hand if this situation sounds familiar: A noncommittal d-bag has just put your heart through the shredder when you meet a new guy who thinks you're awesome…and isn't afraid to show it. He's actually pretty hot, but something about him being so obviously into you is unsexier than that pic of Steven Tyler in a Speedo. We get it. But there is a happy medium between the aloof jerk and the eager beaver, and you should definitely be on the lookout for him. Let's be clear: We're not talking about settling. There's no point in investing energy in a guy you're meh about just because he thinks you're the bee's knees. But experts agree that picking a guy who digs you about 10 percent more than you dig…

Build Your Buzz As demonstrated by celebs like Bethenny Frankel, if you're everywhere all the time, you start to lose your allure. So leave people wanting more of you by not going to every event you're invited to and dialing back on your tweets and FB posts. If you're less available and always have new info to share, buds will flock to you when you do show up…and be begging for details. SOURCE: IRENE S. LEVINE, PHD, PROFESSOR OF PSYCHIATRY AT THE NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Buh- Bye, Fear Broadway scares the hell out of Christina Ricci. "Every day, I felt like I was in a state of crisis," she told the New York Times about her first show. But that didn't stop her from signing on to…

It's sad, but the truth is that backstabbing and bitchiness run rampant in the professional world…especially among women. And it really doesn't do us any favors. Rather, it tears us down and chips away at the confidence we have in our work and in ourselves. LEAVE THE GOSSIP TO OTHERS In the 25 years I've been in television, I have witnessed so many catty incidents that it would make your head spin. One example: To stay camera-ready, I get an intense laser treatment on my face twice a month. One time when I did it, the machine was set too high, and afterward, my face was swollen and I had red marks under my eyes that lasted for several days. When I walked into the makeup room the morning after…

COSMO'S PRACTICE SAFE SUN We're constantly reminding you of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure via our long-running Practice Safe Sun campaign, but apparently guys aren't getting the same warnings. Men are twice as likely to develop basal-cell skin cancer as well as the squamous-cell type. And they have a higher risk of getting—and dying from—melanoma, the most dangerous form of the disease. Because it's likely your significant other has no idea of these stats, he's more apt to forgo using sunscreen on a hot summer day and sizzle like a strip of bacon, permanently damaging his skin. So what can you do? Besides stripping him naked and rubbing SPF 15 or higher all over his body (which we doubt he'd mind, provided it led to sex), try these six…

Grapefruit The faster you eat, the more air you let into your body, which puffs you out. Luckily, this summer staple is tough to eat, slowing you down. Use a serrated spoon to dig out each delicious bite. Cottage Cheese Spread some (salt-free) onto whole-grain toast for a satisfying lunch option that won't round you out. It's easy to digest, and the fiber push from the grains will help normalize digestion. Asparagus This green veggie is rich in calcium and magnesium, two nutrients that help your body digest food properly. It's also a natural diuretic (which means it helps eliminate water retention). Garlic Ditch the salt (a major bloater), and add flavor with chopped garlic. It helps your liver filter toxins, so your body can metabolize fat properly. Cucumber Water…

Game On! Toss that Frisbee over his head, then hope like hell his pants fall victim to gravity. Body Shop With the dirty thoughts running through our minds, we could use a good scrub too. TWEET US Which part of a man's bod are you obsessed with? Spill @Cosmopolitan #SoHot. Hard at Work The deal was, if he painted the house, we'd tell him where we hid his belt. Field of (Our) Dreams Shirtless? Check. Sweaty? Check. Perfectly sculpted, luscious V lines? Hot damn.…

As a financial consultant, I fly several times a year to meet with clients. The whole airport process is usually pretty uneventful—I cruise through security, grab breakfast, and eat it quickly before being called to board. But that's not exactly how things went one day two summers ago. That July morning, I left my New York City apartment at around 4 a.m. to catch a JetBlue flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was unusually hot and muggy, even for July, so I dressed comfortably in denim shorts and an oversize tee and packed a business suit to change into for my meetings. When I arrived at LaGuardia Airport, I went through security and had just enough time to grab some orange juice at the gate before boarding time. I settled…

Killer Cleavage THE PREP WORK There's a reason derms keep reciting "Protect the skin south of your chin": Even minimal UV exposure can make the delicate décolletage rough and speckled, says L'Oréal Paris consulting derm Gervaise Gerstner. Swipe your chest with a glycolic pad every night to fade any damage, and wear SPF 15 or higher every day. ON BEACH DAY Call extra attention to your sexy curves by using an eye-catching body oil all over your chest, says makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez, who's a staple on Victoria's Secret bathing-suit shoots (new ones, like Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 30 Luxurious Protective Oil, $28.50, protect while enhancing). To play up a small pair even more, try an oil spiked with shimmer (like Champney's Mediterranean Bliss Shimmering Body Oil, $11)—the luminosity makes…

During the summer, I used to hate when my mom would call me inside to eat—it was such a drag to leave all the fun. Well, I still feel that way all these years later. I may have traded hide-and-seek with friends for sunset cocktails with a cute surfer, but same idea. And since I stay out longer, I'm starving by the time I get home. My solution? Having dinner prepped and waiting in the fridge so I can cook it right away—this flavorful grilled steak is perfect. Oh, and I always make enough for the surfer too. Mojito Slushies 1 12-ounce can limeade concentrate, thawed 1 quart water 1 cup light rum ¼ cup mint leaves Combine all ingredients in a freezer-safe pitcher. Place in freezer. Stir after 4…

PART 1 If you owned a vagina, you couldn't help but notice this man as he walked into the restaurant. Tall, athletic, dark hair slightly graying at the temples, and blue eyes that I wouldn't mind being undressed by. "Leah, that's Christopher Reiss," I whispered to my roommate, who was sitting across from me. "The new CEO of J. S. Taylor." "What's he doing at Amore's?" Leah snorted. Ever since we'd moved to New York four years ago, Amore's was our go-to place because of one thing: rock-bottom prices for carafes of house red. "He's so sexy," Leah continued as I watched Christopher sit down, alone, at a corner table. "I'm jealous you work with him." I was hired as an administrative assistant at J. S. Taylor, a financial firm,…