Innehållsförteckning för April 2013 från Cosmopolitan

Chris McMillan "The first thing Kim said to me was 'Do whatever you want, a hundred percent.' She is so fun to work with," says veteran hairstylist McMillan, who created Kardashian's retro-glam cover look. "We cut her bangs that day and went for a more abundant, slightly '70s flair." First hair experiment: "I was forever getting in trouble by my kindergarten teacher for sitting with the girls and braiding their hair." Angela Levin Chanel makeup artist Levin imparts her insider secrets in the first of three "Getting Ready" beauty columns (p. 90). Levin, who is known for creating the fresh-faced red-carpet looks of Jennifer Aniston and Michelle Williams, says, "I'm constantly surprised by the influence makeup has on a person's life, career, and state of mind." Secret to breaking through…

DEBT DEFENSE "I was really glad to see 'The Debt Crisis No One Is Talking About.' I used to work in our financial aid office on campus. I quickly learned how clueless students are and also how many of them let their parents handle all the details. You want to know what you are getting yourself into." —Kodie U., Howard, Kans. MATE WATCHERS "I loved reading 'Can Sex Make You Skinnier?' The next time I had an intense carb craving, I marched right into my bedroom and pounced on my sleeping, unsuspecting boyfriend. I'm thankful for a new weapon in my arsenal for battling bulge, and my boyfriend is too! Thanks, Cosmo!" —Sarah A., Nashville, Tenn. BAD (OFFICE) ROMANCE "I was disappointed in 'Sex on a Desk: Worth It?' In…

Not So Clean-Cut "When I first moved to NYC, I was interviewing for a bunch of jobs, and I'd keep clothes and shower supplies with me in a backpack during the day so I'd always be prepared. One day, I got a call to come in for an interview ASAP. I didn't have time to run home, so I found a Starbucks bathroom to change and shave in. I was so nervous for my interview that I lost focus and gashed my face—blood was everywhere! I tried to sop it up with toilet paper, but the cut was too deep and there wasn't time. I had no choice but to go into the interview with TP on my face and explain the situation. My interviewer felt bad, but I was…

From Glee Club to Beer Club! Who knew? Lea Michele and cory monteith sure like their miller lite. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! Diane Kruger is bringing the bird. Chop Chef Jennifer Garner is making sure everyone eats their veggies. Ready to Cake and Bake Don't worry, guys, Zooey Deschanel has dessert under control. Bananas. We die. Überstylist Rachel Zoe never strays from her brand. Pasta Puttanesca? Canned tuna, check! Tomato sauce, check! All Michael Cera needs is a box of spaghetti! Ooh, Double-Fisting Already Michael C. Hall likes to keep things lively. We'll Have What She's Having It doesn't matter what Eva Mendes is making as long as Ryan Gosling comes to dinner. —Helin Jung…

From wow to WTF, we call the trends like we see 'em. KIDS THESE DAYS FUN Adorable actress Quvenzhané Wallis busts out her iPhone onstage while accepting the Critics' Choice Award. FEARLESS Grade schoolers write letters to President Obama asking him to take action on gun control. FAIL Harsh! A dentist fills 4-year-old Savannah White's mouth with metal crowns. (She later gets them covered with white veneers.) LET'S EAT FUN Warm Bodies stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer nom on "brains" to promote their zombie movie. FEARLESS OMG. Tamera Mowry-Housley makes twin sister Tia eat her placenta as payback for having to drink Tia's breast milk. FAIL And you thought they couldn't get any grosser: Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt chow on bull penis for reality TV. CONFESSIONS FUN Anna…

Four tiny bottles, each with a secret code name, sit on a shiny white table in front of Kim Kardashian, awaiting inspection. Inside the vials are versions of her latest fragrance, Glam, which is being tweaked to appeal to Japanese consumers. Whatever the 32-year-old beauty chooses today will be sold overseas under her name, so she is taking this smell-off seriously. She waves each test strip in front of her perfect, pert nose. Opulence is too heavy for Asian tastes, she proclaims. Sequins? Too soft. "I don't even smell Glitzy anymore," she says, before settling on her choice: Geisha Garden. "Something tells me that's it," she tells the woman across from her, the brand president of her fragrance empire, who takes a note. It's a lazy Sunday afternoon in Los…

ART CRAWL "I work for The Art Dossier and the DIA Art Foundation, but I still like to spend my weekend seeing as much art as I can. There are so many great galleries downtown. It's impossible to keep up." OFF-DUTY LOOK "I love understated clothes with cool embellishments—things I can take from day to night by changing my accessories." TASTE MAKERS "Kate Moss has awesome style, but my mom is a huge influence on me as well. She is an interior decorator in Colorado, and she taught me to keep my clothes simple and let my accessories do the work for me." WORLD TRAVELER "I love to layer jewelry that I've collected when I'm traveling. Just little bits that remind me of the places I've been and look cool…

GO SMOKY "I love the sexy morning-after look," says Eva, about smudging her eye makeup (her favorites are at left) so it looks a little slept-in. Get-Glowing Tricks 1 DRINK UP "I start my day with lemon-spiked water." 2 BE CHEEKY "I use this stain on the apples of my cheeks for a perfect, natural-looking flush." 3 USE PROTECTION "Products with SPF, like this one, are a must." When heat styling fries her hair, she reaches for this über-rich mask. ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH For a red-carpet confidence boost, she wears a memento (like her grandma's earrings from 1940s Cuba). It's Angel's 20th Anniversary! SMELL HEAVENLY The face of Thierry Mugler's Angel, Eva digs the fragrance's "unique and exotic vibe." "I loved looking raw and real in The Place Beyond…

New Obsession Alert! It's official: We love Radical Skincare. The developers (supersmart sisters Liz and Rachel Edlich—daughters of renowned burn specialist and plastic surgeon Richard Edlich) found a way to encapsulate fine-line-fighting antioxidants (such as coffeeberryand resveratrol) so they stay potent. (Usually, they degrade before touching skin.) Trust us—you'll see results. OWN YOUR NEXT INSTAGRAM PIC Want to look as photogenic as the celebs here? Follow their lead and turn your left cheek toward the camera. In a study, people rated that side as more attractive—most likely because it expresses more visible emotion than the right, says a study in the journal Experimental Brain Research. Perfect Match If you're in between two shades of powder foundation, buy the lighter one. "Your natural face oils oxidize the powder, so it looks…

On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I popped into TheBroot, a new salon in Santa Monica getting major buzz for its Hair Treatment Bar, which customizes natural smoothies (made with some of the stuff you see here) for your hair's dilemma. Because of my highlighting habit, my Brootender Jessica suggested the Strengthener, a protein-packed moisturizing mask (egg and banana were the star ingredients to restore my dull, fragile ends), and the silky, shiny results were still going strong even after I shampooed my hair a day later. I begged her for the tress-transforming recipe (at left) so I could keep up the habit. For busy (or lazy) days, I rounded up the latest, greatest premade elixirs (FYI, L'Oréal's new line of hair products is totally treatment-based…score!). Try one of…

BALMSHELL This lip smoother will lead to epic make-out sessions. Nivea Lip Butter, $4 MAGIC WAND Presto! Score maxed-out lashes in a flash. Maybelline New York The Rocket Mascara, $8 HUE KNEW? Neon eye shadow works on everyone (just own it, girls!). Nyx Eye Shadow in Irises, Lime Green, and Hot Pink, $5 each LUSH BRUSHES Pocket-size and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups Aéropostale Brush Set, $4 CRÈME DE MENTHE Refresh your mitts with minty cream. Caldrea Hand Balm, $10 TAKE NOTE Perfume pencils: a new way to find a signature scent MARK SOLID FRAGRANCE PENCILS, $5.33 EACH FLY NAILS Packed with tiny colored fibers, this top coat creates a feathery effect. Nails Inc. Feathers in Brighton, $9.50 RAISE THE BAR It smells (and looks) fab—and makes skin so soft. Soap…

Pop-Art Lips A swipe of tangerine or fuchsia is awesome. But if you really want to turn heads, wear both… at the same time! Paint lips pink, then tap orange lipstick onto their center to get this two-tone look from the Holly Fulton show. Technicolor Hair Kool-Aid-colored streaks are the new highlights. And they require no commitment, thanks to the latest temporary hues—hair spray (spritz areas you want colored), hair chalk (just smudge it onto a section), and hair paint (swipe its glosslike applicator along strands). Stick to one shade (Oscar de la Renta, at left), or get creative and wear several together (Peter Som, above). Aquatic Eyes Dusk Blue (like L'Oréal's hue, below) may have been one of Pantone's top-10 colors for spring, but nearly every shade of blue…

Go Back in Time Think back on all the reasons you happy-danced around your apartment the day your boss called with the job offer. If it was the new responsibility, make sure you're asking for plenty of it. If it was a sweet perk like flexible hours, take advantage of it guilt-free. If you were excited about learning from smart managers, ask one to get coffee with you to forge a connection and possibly even a mentor. Fake It Till You Make It I know it sounds cheesy, but try smiling: It actually makes you happier, according to university researchers in Japan. Think about the rest of your body language too, because your physical presence makes a huge difference in how your coworkers interact with you. Nobody wants to give…

HOT TOPICS: YOUR NEWS, YOUR WORLD. THIS MONTH WE'RE TALKING ABOUT… SINCE 2006, DONNA FREITAS, an assistant professor of religion at Boston University, has interviewed thousands of college students about their sex lives, and the result is a book everyone is buzzing about. In The End of Sex, Freitas says that the pressure to hook up is making us unhappy and clueless about relationships. It's not that she is against no-strings fun. In fact, she wants you to have amazing sex. We asked her how to make it happen. Q. So what's the problem with hooking up? A. Many people are good at having fun, fulfilling hookups. The problem is, many young women feel like that kind of sex is their only option. If they want to go on dates…

My mother never understood what I liked about Hugh, my banker boyfriend with the sarcastic sense of humor and pin-striped suspenders, who would often come over to "watch movies" in my room while we were both living at home postcollege…until she walked in on us having sex and saw his, um, biggest asset. Oh, yeah. Somewhere between "How do you want your steak cooked?" and "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph…," my world went from almost orgasmic to unspeakably awkward. That night, everyone's rib eye was raw. We all survived. Humor helped. Is Huge Grant coming to Grandma's? My modernish family accepted that I was an adult having consensual safe sex. My crime wasn't that I was DTF, but that I didn't lock the door. (Eventually, Hugh got the shaft.) This was…

Q. My boyfriend of two years broke up with me six months ago, but he still texts every day to say things like "I really miss you" and "I feel like I'm going to regret ending our relationship." I don't understand. A. He's using you as an emotional booty call—he wants to be reassured that you're still into him without having to commit to getting back together. What he says may be true to an extent, but this effed-up dynamic only benefits him by making it more difficult for you to date other guys, which means your ex doesn't need to truly deal with the fact that your relationship is over. Whether he realizes it or not, he's acting selfish and playing games. He hasn't found anyone else, and when…

You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together. If your date makes the experience uptight and restrictive, well, the sex is going to be horrible too. Eating is best when there is spontaneity and variety. I'm very type-A, and many things in my life are about control and domination, but eating should be a submissive experience, where you let down your guard and enjoy the ride. I don't have much patience for people who are self-conscious about the act of eating, and it irritates me when someone denies themselves the pleasure of a bloody hunk of steak or a pungent French cheese because of some outdated nonsense about what's appropriate or attractive. Stop worrying about how your breath's going to smell, whether there's beurre blanc on…

FEEL BETTER FASTER! You know the routine: Get a hot new guy; get a raging bladder infection; get a prescription. But lately, there's a hitch. Urinary-tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat, according to stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The bacteria are becoming resistant to common antibiotics," says Kristen Burns, nurse practitioner in the department of urology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. "We may resort to antibiotics that are stronger than required for the infection, which can create a cycle of drug resistance." To ease pain, avoid citrus, tomatoes, and caffeine, which irritate your bladder. And heal faster by drinking tons of water—your bladder clears bacteria when you pee. Even better: Avoid a UTI with the tips below. TRY YOU-ON-TOP. Positions that put pressure on…

You went to sleep skinny. So why does it feel like you gained the entire freshman 15 overnight? Could be PMS, could be the salt-astic soy sauce you had with your sushi last night. "Your weight can change anywhere from one to five pounds in a day due to hormone fluctuations, what you eat, and water retention," says Melinda Jampolis, MD, a physician in L.A. If you're bloated all the time and also have stomach pain, see a doctor—it could be a medical issue. If it's just once in while…well, that's what we're here for. STEP 1: Use Instagram "Pull up a favorite pic of yourself on your phone, and look at it during the day," suggests Ashley Solomon, a psychologist in Chicago. You may feel more preggo than hot…

Dress, belt, and shoes, Versace; ring, Circa Sixty Three, $54 Embrace The Skin You're In Dress, Gucci; shoes, Brian Atwood; braided cuffs (on right arm), Aurélie Bidermann, $535 each; (on left arm, from left) Jami, $87; Aurélie Bidermann, $120 Play With Pattern Crop top and striped knickers, Marc Jacobs; shoes, Chanel; rounded bangle, $85, angular bangle, $105, and ring, $50, Dinosaur Designs BEAUTY TIP Sex up your legs with self-tanner (we love Clarins Instant Gel, $45) and a glow-enhancing coral pedi (try Dior Vernis in Spring Ball, $24). Go Flirty And Femme Dress and shoes, Just Cavalli; necklace, Alexis Bittar, $295; link bracelets, Michael Kors, $195 each Romp In Style Top, $240, and shorts, $285, Charlotte Ronson; link necklace, $215, and bangles, $25 each, Pono by Joan Goodman BEAUTY TIP…

THE JUICE BOX: It's the drink you'll have once and keep wanting again and again. Scott James, the 23-year-old tall drink of water (no, really, he's 6 feet 2) at New York City bar Mother's Ruin, updated the South Side cocktail by adding cukes and St-Germain. The totally refreshing result is one that even gin haters admit is crazy good. Says James, "It's innocent, but it can be dangerous." THE JUICE BOX 4 thick slices cucumber Mint leaves 2 ounces gin ¾ ounce lime juice ¾ ounce St-Germain ½ ounce simple syrup Splash of club soda Snap the cucumber slices in half, toss them in a shaker, and give them a quick muddle. Throw in a generous amount of mint leaves and ice, along with all the other ingredients, and…

I've never met a closet capable of containing all my clothes. Doors have never shut; drawers never closed. In my bedroom, I've always kept a large chair buried under clothes. One boyfriend generously likened it to a modern-art installation. Some saw it differently. One guy walked into my bedroom for the first time and exclaimed, "Oh my god, you've been robbed!" When you live in chaos, you attract more chaos. And in college, chaos was fun—crazy nights out, can-you-believe-what-happened days. But a few years ago, when I landed my dream job and everything else in my life seemed to fit into place, my mess stopped being a funny quirk and began to be my secret shame. I no longer had time to rummage around for a missing shoe. I felt…

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 14: MAC— maccosmetics.com. Khroma— ultra.com. Moschino—Nordstrom. Jill Stuart—Jill Stuart store, 212-343-2300. Becca by Rebecca Virtue— beccaswim.com. Jemma Wynne—Single Stone on Mission Street, San Marino, Calif., 626-799-3109. Sydney Evan— sydneyevan.com. THE WORLD ACCORDING TO KIM: GET WHAT YOU WANT Page 67: J. Mendel— jmendel.com. Jennifer Fisher— jenniferfisherjewelry.com. BRIGHT EYES Page 83: Stila— stilacosmetics.com GIRL CRUSH: ALL ABOUT EVA Page 86: Laura Mercier—Neiman Marcus. Clarins— clarins.com. Benefit— benefitcosmetics.com. Perricone— perriconemd.com. Pantene—drugstores. Thierry Mugler—Bloomingdale's. BEAUTY Q&A Page 88: Lancôme— lancome.com. Blow— blowpro.com. L'Oréal—drugstores. CoverGirl—drugstores. Korres— korresusa.com. Clarisonic— clarisonic.com. Keratin Perfect— keratinperfect.com. GETTING READY: NO-MAKEUP MAKEUP Page 90: Chanel— chanel.com. Maybelline—drugstores. Benefit— benefitcosmetics.com. Physicians Formula—drugstores. Jane Iredale— shop.iredale.com. Elizabeth Arden— elizabetharden.com. COSMO'S BEST BEAUTY TRICKS Page 94: Radical— radicalskincare.com. Sephora— sephora.com. Bare Minerals— sephora.com. CHEAT SHEET: CRAZY-SEXY BEACH HAIR Page…

With a new book and a global community, Sheryl Sandberg is on a mission…to help you reach your potential at work and in life. Here, an exclusive excerpt. On March 24, 2008, I headed to my first day of work as chief operating officer of a small company called Facebook. As I pulled out of my driveway, I remember feeling excited. I also felt a little nervous…a little anxious…okay, maybe even a little scared about this new challenge. It wasn't anything specific that concerned me. I knew the tech business well after spending more than six years at Google. I had shared many dinners with CEO Mark Zuckerberg before he offered me the job, and I knew we were in sync about the importance of Facebook's mission. My fear was…

You're both busy at work, so why do you get stuck with all the at-home stuff? Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober, authors of Getting to 50/50, tell you how to get your guy to do his share. These simple tips will get him to be a true partner—so you can stop feeling like a nag. 1 Ask for what you need and be specific. You think you and your guy should both clean up around the house, but he can't read your mind. So ask him—nicely, not in a critical way—and listen to his response. Saying "I want you to do more around the house" won't get you as far as saying "Let's agree on what needs to get done around the house and divvy up the list." He may…

Fresh from wrapping her show in Miami, a chill yet focused Kim arrived at our New York studio at 8:45 a.m. She bundled up in a fluffy robe between takes and kicked back to Pandora's Rihanna station. Take a peek at our day with the mama-to-be. Kim's favorite lace-up Tom Ford heels—she wore 'em to the shoot. Kim's modern-retro cover look was inspired by classic beauty icons like Sophia Loren. She drank Cuban-style coffee and ate salad and Tater Tots for lunch. Kim raved about the nude Jimmy Choos with cutouts. Our personalized gift for Kim, which she's been spotted wearing since the shoot. Team effort! Superstar make-up artist Pati Dubroff helps hair guru Chris McMillan.…

"I've been a vegetarian since I was 18, and I went full-on vegan when I was 23. I did it for ethical reasons, and now I love how easy it is in our society to maintain a vegan lifestyle. The food is delicious, and vegan beauty products are just as luxurious as their alternatives." NELL ALK, 29, FREELANCE WRITER, FROM GREEN BAY, WIS. "I applied for a credit card a few weeks ago, and I freaked out when I actually got approved. All of a sudden, there's this pressure to assume the role of a grown-up, but I still feel a bit like a teenager!" MICHELLE PEÑA, 24, JUNIOR DESIGNER AT AN ARCHITECTURE FIRM, FROM COLUMBIA, S.C. "When you're in your 20s and 30s, it's so easy to get caught…

After I graduated from college, I moved to Philadelphia to intern at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and I babysat on the side to pay the bills. One day, one of my clients, Susan*, told me that she "had the perfect man for me," this guy Charles, whom she knew through friends. I wasn't a big blind-date person, but she seemed excited about him, so I agreed to go. Charles told Susan that he was too shy to go on a dinner date as the first date but he would love to meet me at an art exhibition that he and Susan were both planning on attending the next Friday night. I thought the shy-guy qualifier was sort of weird but tried not to overthink it. When I arrived at…

SAME DAY Looks like Emma Roberts got a little more than a blowout! 6 DAYS LATER Olivia Munn went from a bouncy long bob to the Kate Middleton. 16 DAYS LATER From pixie cut to magnificent mane, Rihanna's a true quick-change artist. 2 WEEKS LATER Selena Gomez transitioned tousled waves into down-to-there hair. 1992 Garth from Wayne's World 1995 Matthew Fox 1998 James Van Der Beek 1990 Kurt Cobain NOW Johnny Knoxville Pharrell Williams Taye Diggs Justin Bieber Is it Hammer time? How low is that crotch? INSPIRED BY The 90s BAD PLAID IS BACK Cory and Topanga are on TV again, No Doubt are headed back on tour, and Arsenio Hall has a new late-night show. The '90s are super hot right now. And unfortunately, so are the plaid…

Get Cultured Los Angeles Times Festival of BooksBookmark this great (free!) festival (April 20 and 21) when USC's campus hosts authors like mathematician/The Wonder Years star Danica McKellar and girl crush Molly Ringwald. For info on the fair, check out Events.LATimes.com/FestivalofBooks, and get some ideas for your summer reading list! National Cherry Blossom FestivalGet Leslie Knope–level excited to see D.C. in full bloom during this annual fest (March 20 to April 14). Cruise down the Potomac, or try a smartphone scavenger hunt with the International Spy Museum. Can't make it? Decorate at home with some pretty branches. Carrie Underwood Blake Shelton D.C.'s flower power Kick Up Your Boots The academy of country music awards Crushworthy country stars blake shelton and luke bryan host this year's acm awards on april 7…

Shoes, Charles David, $230, charlesdavid.com Top, Mango, $79.99, mango.com Bag, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Boutiques Dress, Willow and Clay, $88, willowclay.com A residential garden in Long Island, New York Top, Parker, $176, parkerny.com Ballet flats, Pretty Ballerinas, $189 per pair, prettyballerinas.us Necklace, Forever 21, $19.80, forever21.com Jeans, Bleulab, $194, bleulabboutique.com Skirt, Fotini, fotini-nyc.com Top, Simdog, $64, shopsimdog.com Shorts, Gap, $49.95, gap.com…

Top, Sweaty Betty, $72, sweatybetty.com Shorts, Sweaty Betty,$72, sweatybetty.com Sneakers, Asics, $100, asics.com Gray fit watch, $95, and blue loop watch, $50, Puma, shop.puma.com Track calories, pulse, and more with these sporty watches. Top, KOS*USA, $46, kosusa.com Jacket, Under Armour, $98, ua.com Top, BodyLanguage Sportswear, $50, bodylanguagesportswear.com A perforated crop top works in and out of the gym. Sports bra, Michi, $80, michiny.com Top, Nike, $28, nike.com Bag, LeSportsac, $138, lesportsac.com Active band, NXE, $24.99, sportsauthority.com; headphones, Skullcandy, $79.95, skullcandy.com Pants, CK Performance, $50, calvinklein.com Bright racing stripes have a slimming effect. Sneakers, Puma, $80, zappos.com Top, Lucas Hugh,$185, net-a-porter.com Let a colorful sports bra peek through a see-through tank. Camelbak water bottle, $20.99, sportsauthority.com…

Q. Why do some salon manicures last longer than others? A. Some salons add thinner to polishesto save money, weakening them in the process. Bring your own! SOURCE: TRACYLEE, NAIL AMBASSADOR FOR SALLY HANSEN Q. I'm not a fan of dry shampoo. Will anything else extend the life of my style? A. Hair primers (lightweight sprays or styling lotions) are made of oil- and odor-repelling molecules. Apply one before styling. SOURCE: JENNY BALDING, REDKEN STYLING AND GROOMING EXPERT Q. Concealer makes the lines under my eyes look worse. What's the deal? A. You're overapplying—the excess builds up in creases, emphasizing them. For a lighter application, gently press on a concealer crayon. SOURCE: SARAH LUCERO, STILA GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ARTISTRY Q. Do home-straightening systems work? A. Yes. But since…

THE Pro JEANIE SYFU, CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST THE Prep TOWEL-DRY HAIR, AND DISTRIBUTE A BASEBALL-SIZE DOLLOP OF MOUSSE FROM YOUR EARS DOWN, THEN BLOW-DRY WITH YOUR HANDS FOR TONS OF TEXTURE. 1 Part hair down the center from your hairline to nape (like you're making pigtails), and push hair in front of your shoulders. 2 Wrap small sections around the closed barrel of a one-inch curling iron from temples down (to keeps roots smooth). Leave the bottom third of your hair (hold ends with your finger) undone. 3 Use a straightener to flatten the ends and create more contrast with the wavy midsection—that's the key to this up-to-the-minute tousled look. Surfer-chic models (here and below) at the Talulah show Sarah Potempa Ceramic Styling Iron, $189 Hot Tools Pretty in Pink 1-inch…

In high school, I was self-conscious about my frizzy hair, my strong nose… and the sizable gap between my front teeth. To me, it drew stares (not in a good way), and I was constantly worried about getting food stuck in the space. Being the simplest of my issues to fix, I pleaded with my parents to have it bonded—and around my 16th birthday, they forked over a few hundred dollars to my dentist. No one at school commented on the fix, probably because they were too busy obsessing over their own insecurities. But I felt better. Sameness was the ideal then, and I'd made myself look less like an outlier. Fast-forward to today, when I'm an adult who's a whole lot happier with who I am and how I…

MOLLY STEELE, 24 STUDENT "To soften the look of lipstick, I dab it on with my fingertip." Maybelline Sensational Lip Color in Born With It, $7.50 JAMIE ENGLE, 23 LEGAL ASSISTANT "Pairing a textured updo with a pretty band looks polished." Goody Double Wear Headwrap, $10 for 2 Sprinkle Göt2b Powder'ful, $6, into strands for tons of body. JESSICA CHO, 24 STUDENT "I love DIY nail art! I found this design on a French blog." Copy Jessica's two-tone tips with Nails Inc. in Royal Botanical Gardens, $9.50, and Essie in Butler Please, $8. LINDSAY WARNER, 23 PROFESSIONAL DANCER "My clear-skin secrets: drink lots of water, moisturize, and use an awesome foundation." A base hit: Chanel Perfection Lumière, $55 AMI JAIN, 25 MARKETER "Dark liner is part of my Indian roots.…

You know those go-getter girls at work who ooze charisma and shoot up the ladder? Guess what—you can be one of them. We asked three actresses who play powerful career women on successful TV shows how they embody their fierce characters—and how you can fake it till you make it too! MacKenzie's work style? Tough love. Mortimer is more laid-back in real life. Emily Mortimer plays MacKenzie McHale, a passionate cable-news producer, on HBO's The Newsroom FIND YOUR VOICE Emily's fast-talking character was written as an American, but Emily and the show's producers decided that she should use her natural British accent instead so there's one less thing for her to think about when transforming into MacKenzie. "There is so much jargon and dialogue in the fast-paced nature of the…

THE HIP-HOP CONNECTOR Sofia Snow, 24, spoken-word artist Snow turned her teenage years performing poetry at open mics into a one-of-a-kind hip-hop scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, studying performance and social work. But she saw a problem: "Each rap crew has only one first lady," she says. "Women needed more space to shine so we don't have to tear each other down." She started Not Enough Mics, a national network of 47 women producers, musicians, songwriters, and rappers that has released two EPs. Now living in Massachusetts, Snow teaches spoken-word workshops for low-income students. "Even if they don't become a great artist, kids can find their voice." THE SEX-TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR Jillian Mourning, 25, model/activist In 2007, while 19 and working a modeling job in Arizona, Mourning was betrayed by…

2 TO 4 SECONDS IN Your brain is working twofold to (1) judge his face for physical appeal and (2) determine whether he'd be a good personality match for you, a recent study on speed dating found. This first impression is huge: We base all our subsequent perceptions on it. 30 SECONDS IN Because our ancestors spoke with their bodies rather than language, we learn more from gestures than words when first meeting someone. If he's facing you directly, you have his full attention. If he's leaning in, his interest is up; his walls, down. 5 MINUTES IN As your conversation gets going, you're mapping similarities—in background, values, looks, etc. That's because, evolutionarily speaking, you're more compatible with someone who's like you. 10 MINUTES IN We're wired to mimic those…

Yes, it's possible. And if you do it right, it's so, so worth it. Here's what you need to know. We all want to be that mythical sexy girl who always knows the perfect naughty something to whisper in her guy's ear. But in reality, most of us are stumped as to what sounds hot instead of cheesy or porny (sorry, Fifty Shades, you were no help), much less how to feel comfortable saying it. As the editor of Fleshbot.com, I've spent the past four years watching countless hours of porn and reading page after page of erotica. And yes, I've cringed my way through some of the least sexy dialogue known to humankind. But I've also learned that done right, a little dirty talk can make an already sexy…

When Matt and I got married, we knew we wanted kids—one day. We didn't sit down and go through the questions that relationship experts say you should before you wed: "When will we start trying?" "Will we raise our children with religion?" We knew we both wanted two. The rest, we figured, would sort itself out. As it turned out, "one day" came sooner for me than it did for Matt. After two years of marriage, I found myself staring at the stomachs of pregnant women in line at the coffee shop. I'd dream of my own nursery when I was supposed to be buying gifts for friends. One month, I realized I'd forgotten to take my birth-control pill…for five days. I asked Matt if he thought this was a…

When you live with someone, whether it's a friend or a random who you found on Craigslist, you automatically become privy to intimate details about her life. Like the fact that she blow-dries her hair naked. Or that she sounds like she's being murdered when she has an orgasm. Earmuffing it a few times over the course of your lease isn't the worst thing in the world (and presumably, she's doing the same for you), but what happens when her sex life or other bad habits start to infringe on your quality of life? If you're Lindsay Blankmeyer, a former student at Stonehill College, in Boston, Massachusetts, you sue. Her senior year, Blankmeyer requested a room change, claiming her dormmate had been having sex while she was trying to sleep…

CRISPY Dressing: Dissolve tablespoon light brown sugar in 1 tablespoon water ; whisk in juice of lime, teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoons fish sauce. Brush 2 cups stemmed kale with oil; cook at 250 degrees until crisp. Toss with 1 cup arugula, 1 cup mixed veggies, and dressing. CAESAR-ISH Dressing: Whisk an egg yolk with teaspoon Dijon mustard, a minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper; slowly whisk in cup olive oil. Spread cup croutons on a plate, top with 2 cups of stemmed, chopped raw kale. Drizzle with dressing, and top with grated Parmesan cheese. HEARTY Toast 3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped walnuts in a skillet and set aside. Thinly slice a quarter of an apple and set aside. Toss walnuts and apple with 2 cups of stemmed,…

Spring's dirtiest fitness craze starts with a fun run, then adds actual fun: Friends, crazy obstacles, and post-race beers. Just avoid these newbie mistakes: (1) I don't need to train. You'll enjoy race day more if you're in shape. Do a few pre-event jogs on grass, and stop every couple of minutes to do push-ups, crunches, and squats. (2) I'll wear a bikini. Just as you wear supportive sneaks, a sports bra would be wise. (3) I can booze it up beforehand. Save the shots for the finish line. A broken ankle? Serious buzzkill. SOURCE: JASON KARP, PHD, AUTHOR OF RUNNING FOR WOMEN Q IS THERE A BEST TIME OF DAY TO EXERCISE? A. Yes. Whenever you want! Any workout is a win, and every time offers health perks. EARLY…

Let It Rip (This page) top, $350, and jeans, $375, Pierre Balmain; shoes, Acne Studios, $520; diamond starburst necklace, Karen Egren Jewelry; (on right arm) charm-and-chain bracelet, $110, and gun-metal bead bracelets, $45 each, Vanessa Mooney; spike-link bracelet, Jennifer Fisher; (on left arm) black-diamond peace-cord bracelet, Finn, $395; spike and nugget bracelet, Vanessa Mooney, $45; braided-leather bracelet, Vita Fede at Karen Egren Jewelry, $190; cuff, House of Harlow 1960, $60; rings (from top), Karen Egren Jewelry, $75; Jennifer Fisher, $630. (Opposite page) shirt, Altru, $36; shorts, Stussy, $60; sneakers, Vans, $60; beanie, Neff, $16; watch, model's own Romper Room Short denim romper, Juicy Couture, $148; white tank worn underneath, Enza Costa, $92; necklaces (from top) Vanessa Mooney, $60; Lynn Ban, $550; bracelets (on right arm, from top), House of Harlow…

Go outside and kiss in the rain Notebook-style, then warm up with a hot shower—or just get out of your wet clothes…. With Your Guy GRAB YOUR KNIVES for a chefs' kitchen showdown. While you channel Nigella Lawson, he takes inspiration from Jamie Oliver (both have amazing cooking apps full of recipes and tips). Seduce each other with your skills, and end up with a delicious dinner! BUILD A FORT using sheets and twinkle lights. Curl up, and do whatever comes naturally. CALL A RESTAURANT YOU HAVEN'T TRIED—or one you already love—and order a takeout feast. Rainy-day calories don't count. With Your Buds WATCH HAIR AND MAKEUP TUTORIALS from YouTube celebs Michelle Phan and Kandee Johnson, and practice your party looks. When it's time for a real night out, you'll…

Aries (March 21–April 20) STELLAR GIFTS You are playful, energetic, and brave. BLIND SPOTS You can be impatient and blunt. FASHION VIBEYou're always one step ahead of the trends. INDULGENCEThe thrill of victory amps you up for the next race. SEDUCTION STYLEYou love to take charge in the bedroom. THIS MONTH You're ready to take on new work projects. Clue people in so you don't step on any toes. Keep an eye out for good investments—a piece of art or a business venture—as bountiful Venus sends opportunities your way. YEAR AHEAD You're brimming with ideas. Focus on realistic goals and communication to get your peers on board. Good luck will come in June, and you'll see a career boost in November. In love? It's about quality time and simple…

1 You're at a party where the only friend you know is heading for the bathroom. You: A. Introduce yourself to someone new and strike up a conversation. B. Decide you suddenly have to answer nature's call too and follow her to the ladies'. C. Get yourself a drink and have fun people watching as you survey the room. 2 You sent your BFF a text yesterday and she still hasn't answered, so you: A. Assume she's busy, then roll with it and move on. B. Text? What text? You wouldn't reach out first unless it was an emergency. C. Freak out (she obviously hates your guts) and text her to ask if everything's okay with you guys. 3 You're getting dressed for a first date, and your friends are…

These working women share the biggest risk they took on the job. "My bosses trust and respect me at my current job, and I know I could keep rising if I stay where I am. But I want to learn more, so I'm headed to Stanford Business School. It's risky and I have to relocate to California, but I think it's a good move." Dorothy Walter, 27, senior associate at Metropolitan Real Estate Equity Management, from Beijing, China "My boss is the best book-cover designer out there. A few years ago, I cold-called him and asked if I could show him my portfolio. He said I could intern for him, and I said, 'Only for three months. Then I need this to be a job.' He hired me, and now…

Success isn't just about kicking ass on your projects…it's also about looking the part. We asked top fashion and beauty experts for advice on projecting confidence and polish. Here's how to get noticed for all the right reasons. TWEET US! Tweet a pic of your best work outfit to @Cosmopolitan #CosmoCareers and we'll share our favorites on Cosmopolitan.com and Facebook! Classic-with-a-twist wardrobe The creative mind behind Banana Republic helps you put together anything-but-basic looks for work. Name: Simon Kneen Who: Creative director and EVP design, Banana Republic Known for: Injecting fun and personality into workwear "Try a collarless jacket to update the classic tailored-jacket look. Be sure to pay attention to fit, especially in the shoulders and under the arms. A poor fit can make you appear heavier." "A well-tailored…

Some months ago, I was sitting in Sheryl Sandberg's office on the Facebook campus when she shyly handed me a large manila file and said, "Here's a printout of my book, Lean In. Would you like to read it?" Curious but with a packed schedule, I stuffed it into my bag, and a couple of hours later, with some time to spare before my next meeting, I plopped myself down with a cappuccino at the Palo Alto mall, planning to surf through it for 20 minutes and then putter around the stores. Two hours later, I looked up, and the shops had closed around me. Cosmo readers, I couldn't put it down—here was the book I wish I had read 20 years ago as I wrestled to get my own…

Technical Issues "My best friend likes to send me hilarious, NSFW videos when I'm at work. I always turn my computer screen toward my cubicle wall, plug my earphones in, and play them. One day, she sent one of a guy pranking his parents by pretending to be a phone-sex operator. I went through my usual NSFW video motions and watched it—and when I turned my chair around when it was over, everyone in my office was staring at me. I'd plugged my headphones into the wrong outlet on my computer screen, and all my coworkers had heard the whole dirty phone-sex video. I still feel like the office skeezeball." —Laura S. Cast Away "Last summer, I broke my foot and had to wear an air cast, and I felt…

Flirty First Date The drink of choice: Blue Moon for Vivian; Yuengling for Charles Charles: I met this one at our kickball league, which is pretty much a drinking league masquerading as a hookup league, masquerading as something fun to do on a Sunday. Vivian: We won the championship. Then they kicked me off the team. Charles: These two really controlling girls decided that some players weren't up to snuff. She's jealous because we were runners-up this year, and her new team sucks. Vivian: I am not! Cosmo: How did he ask you out? Vivian: He used the telephone! Cosmo: Charles, what was going through your mind when you were dialing? Charles: Well, I was leaving work not at 10 p.m. for the first time in three weeks, and I…

Close your eyes and picture an adult. When I do it, it's Mrs. Hollingsworth, my fourth-grade teacher. It's nice to see her, but why did I have to travel so far back to envision a model of adulthood? Well, we're certainly not seeing much of it in today's pop-culture landscape. In fact, it seems we live in a world ruled by kidults. There's 28-year-old Katy Perry, who's obsessed with nail art and sings about getting drunk and posting silly pictures…or 26-year-old Ke$ha, with her face paint and technicolor wardrobe. And every woman I know is hooked on cheesy young-adult fiction. St. Martin's Press is even launching a new genre of book—New Adult—to appeal to the legions of 20- and 30something YA fans (these books include real sex, but the plots…

Q. On the show, Carrie's dad forbids her to date Sebastian. Is that asking for trouble? A. For sure! That's the one you'll always want, because you're not allowed to have him. It creates a very tumultuous headspace. Q. Things blow up between Carrie and Sebastian because she snoops to find out about his past. Where should you draw the line when it comes to checking up on someone? It's so easy nowadays. A. As soon as you start feeling like you can't trust the person and you need to check his phone or have his Facebook password or look through his messages—as soon as that trust barrier is broken—it's hard to keep a relationship going after that. That's one thing my dad taught me, because he'd been cheated on…

Sunglasses, Fantas-Eyes, $18, fantas-eyes.com Jacket, Dollhouse, $46, dollhouse.com Add a faded denim jacket for cool spring nights. Dress, American Eagle Outfitters, $59.95, ae.com Silver tiger-tooth necklace, Vanessa Mooney, $95, vanessamooney.com Bead necklace, Alexis Bittar, $175, alexisbittar.com; Bangle, Kenneth Jay Lane, $40, 877-953-5264 Wooden bangles look put together but feel low-key. Dress, Anna Kosturova, $230, annakosturova.com Bag, Juicy Couture, $198, juicycouture.com Edgy hardwareupdates a classic white bag. Bangles, Amrita Singh, sold as a 3-piece set for $40, banglebangle.com Sandals, Rebecca Minkoff, $275, shopbop.com Camilla's Outfit: Dress, Ella Moss, $248, ellamoss.com; sandals, Rebecca Minkoff, $275, shopbop.com; bag, Linea Pelle, $245, lpcollection.com; sunglasses, Yves Saint Laurent, $295, YSL boutiques…

From Brazil With Love New York designer Derek Lam is bringing the downtown vibe of his 10 Crosby collection to Kohl's. Inspired by Rio de Janeiro, the line features swimwear and easy pieces that will take you from the beach to the bar…or even the office. Dress, $70, hooded snap trench, $70, and swim suit (worn underneath), $88, Derek Lam for DesigNation, kohls.com SURF'S UP DVF Loves Roxy unites Diane von Furstenberg's famous prints and Roxy's performance-tested silhouettes for a collection of swimwear and accessories perfect for surfer girls and beach bunnies alike. Bikini top, $46, and bottom, $44, DVF Loves Roxy, roxy.com Surfboard, DVF Loves Roxy, roxy.com Cuff, Aerin, $305, Neiman Marcus ROCK OUT! Guess helps you get into the spirit of spring's hottest…

Step 1 Apply face lotion to freshly washed, still damp skin. Buff your lips with a wet washcloth, then apply lip balm to prep for lipstick. Last, brush brows in an up-and-out motion. Step 2 Apply cream foundation (its finish best mimics skin), blending until there are no obvious lines along your hair- and jawlines. Press concealer under eyes and around the base of your nose (it's often red). Fill brow gaps with powder in a shade lighter than your hair. Step 3 Using a dark brown eye pencil, "tight line" your eyes: slightly liftyour upper lid and trace along theinner rim, just below lashes. Apply two coats of mascara totop lashes. Step 4 Now trace lower inner rims. Then run mascara over the tips of a fan brush, and…

FAVORITE LOCATION "I just styled a shoot in Africa (1), where I've been a few times. I can't wait to go back!" RED-CARPET ROLODEX "Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst, and Anne Hathaway (2) are some of my gorgeous girls." HOME-BLOWOUT SECRET "Every girl can master a self-blowout—it's all about my cooldown trick (3)." THAT'S AMORE "I love anything Italian (4)—the people, the food, the scenery, all spark my creativity." AROMATHERAPY "I discovered this candle (5) while staying at NYC's Gramercy Park Hotel for a job. The woody scent relaxes me." TIME TO UNWIND "On days off, I love to clear my head at Big Sur (6).…It's so scenic and peaceful." TRESS OBSESSIONS "This soft-hold spray and volumizing spritz by Fekkai (7) are always in my kit." TOP SPRING TRENDS "Bangs…

It can leave your work clothes smelling worse than your gym stuff. Here's how to keep cool. There Are Two Types of Sweat Regular sweat When you're in the middle of a kick-ass workout (or it's 98 degrees in the shade), you sweat everywhere. That's because your body is covered with millions of eccrine glands—tiny coiled tubes connected to the skin's surface—that release sweat to decrease your body's temperature. "As it evaporates, you cool off," says Laure RittiÉ, PhD, assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the University of Michigan. Stress sweat. If you're freaking out over, say, a major presentation, your apocrine glands get sparked. Primarily located in places rich in hair follicles (like the armpits), they're triggered by adrenaline and emotions such as fear,…

Deodorant Wipes Antiperspirant pads keep you fresh all day. Bonus: They're clear, so they won't streak clothes. La Fresh Antiperspirant Wipes, $20 for 48 packets Deep-Cleansing Duo Foamy face wash and a vibrating scrubber clear out pores and melt a slept-in makeup layer. Olay Va Va Vivid Brush, $13 (top), and Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash, $9 Dry Shampoo A must for degreasing and volumizing limp, unwashed hair. Batiste Original On the Go Dry Shampoo, $4 Mini Mascara This three-inch tall lash booster wakes up sleepy eyes. Urban Decay Supercurl Mascara Travel Size, $10 Quick-Fix Sticks Hollow swabs filled with makeup remover erase smudged liner. Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks, $5.50 Pop-Up Hairbrush Detangle bedhead or a stress-induced hair knot with this compact-size brush-mirror duo. Pop-up hair brush with mirror, $2…

Diandra's Day-One Diary 9:30 a.m. I arrive at orientation for my new job as an editorial assistant at Cosmo. I realize I'm now a part of this company that publishes tons of amazing magazines. My mind is blown before I've had breakfast! 10:30 a.m. I make a mad dash to Cosmo's offices on the 38th floor of the Hearst Tower. I feel like any girl would die to be in my shoes, and I'm so excited to start. My bosses take me to my desk and help me get settled. 12:30 p.m. I bypass the dread of eating alone as the new girl—Rachele started before me and shows me around the Hearst cafeteria. 2:00 p.m. I start my first assignment: reporting confessions. The confessions pages are a favorite of Cosmo…

It's tax season, and chances are, you're about to get a check in the mail from the IRS. Cosmo's financial guru, Alexa von Tobel, CEO of LearnVest, says you can have fun with (some of!) it. If $2,700 suddenly hit your bank account, you'd feel like you pretty much just won the lottery, right? That's the average refund awarded by the IRS last year (and more than 80 percent of people filing taxes qualified for a refund), so you may experience that "I'm rich!" feeling soon. Quick reality check before you buy tickets to Cabo: Your refund actually isn't "free money." It's your money—you just didn't see it on your paychecks because the IRS was holding it throughout the year. (The amount they stow is based on the withholdings you…

The Lift "Don't get too jealous, but my guy is insanely good at giving oral. One time, right when I was about to come, I lifted my butt a few inches off the mattress and clenched my butt muscles for a couple of seconds. The tension made my orgasm stronger than ever!" —Rachel, 25 The Kneel "My boyfriend and I made up a move, and now when we use it, we feel extra close, since it's our thing. I lie down on my left side and pull my top leg as close to my chest as I can. Then he kneels behind me and goes in, so our bodies are perpendicular. He strokes my boobs and hips and hits my clitoris perfectly!" —Layla, 29 The Surrender "I was always curious…

Q. Sometimes, my orgasms feel intense. Other times, they're like a little blip on the radar. How come? A. Because life is unfair. Just kidding. Everything from your age to your muscular contractions to your mind-set influence how your orgasm feels, explains Debby Herbenick, PhD, sexuality researcher at the Kinsey Institute and author of Sex Made Easy. Herbenick recommends fantasizing about something hot before you even start kissing your guy. Going into sex already "warmed up" leads to more muscular tension that, when released, can make your orgasm more intense. Also, experiment with deep breathing—more oxygen to the brain could make for a more powerful climax. Q. I feel down after sex. Is this normal? A. According to 2011 research out of Australia, one in three women has experienced depression…

3 Reasons Why Guys Pull Away Say you're dating a guy and it's going great. Then as soon as things seem like they could get serious (and you realize that you want them to), he starts responding to your texts a little more slowly. It's known as the slow fade—but it doesn't necessarily mean your relationship is dunzo. Here's why guys pull away when things start heating up—and what to do if yours does. REASON 1 HE'S JUST NOT READY FOR COMMITMENT When a man is ready to be a boyfriend, he probably has the Big Three locked down: He's financially stable, he's over his player years, and he has friends in serious relationships. If he's missing one of those elements, he's likely not ready for committment yet—and there's not…

When living in New York City became more stressful than satisfying, single writer Sarah Z. Wexler knew she needed out. But first, she had to figure out where to go. Here, the first chapter of her ongoing moving diary. When my grandmother was 26, she moved from Texas to New Jersey for my grandfather's business. When my mom was 22, she moved from New Jersey to Virginia, because that's where my dad got into grad school. When I was 25, I felt proud to reverse the pattern—my boyfriend and I moved from Pittsburgh to New York City because I was the one with a job offer. When we broke up a few months later, I bonded with my crew of single ladies. I spent years finagling half-price tickets to Broadway,…

Women have been using mifepristone, aka the abortion pill, for more than a decade. But lately, anti-abortion groups have ratcheted up their scare tactics—saying it causes breast cancer, infertility, and deadly infections—and are pushing laws that block your access. It's time to set the record straight. How It Works Medical abortion requires two pills. The first, mifepristone, causes the embryo to detach from the uterine wall. Most women don't feel a thing. Two days later, a pill called misoprostol contracts the uterus to expel the embryo. You can expect heavy bleeding, with clotting and bits of tissue, to last about two weeks. Crazy fact: The pills are only 95 percent effective. If you're in the unlucky 5 percent, you can do it again or opt to have a procedure. How…

MEET YOUR TRAINER Tracy Anderson is a top fitness guru who helps A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, J.Lo, and Gisele sculpt lean, toned bods. Check her out at TracyAndersonMethod.com, and follow her on Twitter @TracyAnderson. Hip Drop and Kick 1 Kneel on all fours with knees together, palms under shoulders and arms straight. Supporting yourself with your right arm, drop your right hip to the floor. Lift your hip and rotate your body into start position, but don't let your right knee touch the floor, and balance on your left forearm. 2 Kick your right leg up to the ceiling. Return to kneeling start position; that's one rep. Do 5 to 20 reps on one side, and switch sides. Attitude Pulse 1 Kneel on all fours with knees together. Balancing on…

PETAL pusher This piece-y look works best on a day-old blowout, says hair guru Andy Lecompte, who created Vanessa's styles. Mist roots with dry shampoo (Alterna Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend, $22, is translucent, so it won't make dark hair chalky), and work pomade into ends (try Wella Texture Touch, $16). Top with a crown of daisies like this one from Cult Gaia. Crochet top, Anna Kosturova, $140; swim top underneath, Tori Praver Swimwear, $106; skirt, Sachin and Babi, $395; flower crown, Cult Gaia, $48; gold-bar necklace, Karen Egren Jewelry, $70; dagger necklace, Shylee Rose; (on right arm) bangles (4), Jamin Puech, $215 each; cord bracelet, Chan Luu, $115; gold bracelet worn throughout, Hudgens' own; (on left arm, from top) bangles, Chan Luu at Karen Egren Jewelry, $345; Scosha, $325; gold-stud…

April Fool's Day is a great excuse for mischief making, but a practical joke done right works all day, every day. It's "the legal version of robbing a bank," says Sir John Hargrave, founder of Zug.com, a web trove of gags. You get the same adrenaline rush without the prison time. The best part: "In the end, everybody has a good laugh." THE LOWDOWN PRANKING IS GOOD FOR YOU. Punking someone in a lighthearted way (we're not advocating meanness or cruelty here) builds camaraderie, says John Austin, author of Cubicle Warfare. It's a creative form of acceptance that can ease tension and improve productivity. AND…PRANKING IS SEXY (YOUR MAN WILL LOVE IT). Practical jokes are part of a guy's DNA, and they'll give your relationship a jolt of humor, playfulness,…

Melissa pressed the Record button and leaned her iPhone up against the framed picture of her and Jaime, her boyfriend of two years. "Okay," she mumbled to herself, as she straddled her pillow and dry humped the life out of it. Then she reclaimed her phone and hit Play, pleased that she'd finally found an angle to shoot a sex tape that did not give her two chins. She deleted her dress rehearsal just as Jaime entered the room, wearing only his boxers. "What?" Jaime asked, when he saw Melissa staring at him. "Oh, nothing." Melissa said, coyly. Jaime climbed into bed. "Then why are you looking at me like that?" "Because I want to try something, and it's a little weird." "Okay…" "I think we should make a sex…

WHEN I ENTERED THE WORKFORCE two decades ago, I thought equality between the genders had been achieved. Yet as my career progressed, I found myself in rooms with fewer and fewer women. It all hit home when the Facebook team and I flew to New York to meet with private-equity firms. During a break at one of the meetings, I asked the senior partner where the women's room was. He stared at me blankly. He was stumped! Women became 50 percent of the U.S.'s college graduates in 1981. Since then, women have steadily earned more of the graduate degrees, taken more of the entry-level jobs, and entered more fields previously dominated by men. Despite these gains, the percentage of women at the top of corporate America has barely budged; a…

What happens when nine successful young women come together to discuss their work triumphs and obstacles? Major inspiration! Cosmopolitan and Sheryl Sandberg held the first ever Lean In Circle in NYC. See how it went down. SHERYL SANDBERG'S NOT JUST RELEASING A BOOK, SHE'S launching a movement. It's called Lean In, and its aim is to create a global community encouraging women to lean in to their ambitions. One of the main components is the launch of Lean In Circles, groups of 8 to 12 peers who meet regularly to explore work topics and share their experiences. When Cosmo assembled the first ever Circle at our NYC office, Sheryl and her cofounders Skyped in from the Facebook offices before the group discussion started. Meet our 9 young women, and listen…