Innehållsförteckning för November 2013 från Cosmopolitan

—Here's what our editors are shopping, Googling, and loving this month. Fall Manicures "CoverGirl's Catching Fire–inspired Capitol nail polishes make for a kick-ass three-finger salute." —Loni Albert, Associate Beauty Editor CoverGirl Capitol Collection Glosstinis, $3 each, drugstores Patchwork Denim "A two-toned button-down is an edgy alternative to the basic chambray shirt." —ADAM MANSUROGLU, ASSOCIATE FASHION EDITOR DKNY Jeans, $79.50, Macy's Male Mondays "I'm obsessed with SousStyle.com. On Mondays, the site features a hot guy making his favorite food." —ANGELA LEDGERWOOD, ASSISTANT EDITOR Stiff Drinks "On Thanksgiving, my cousins and I have a scotch tasting. I can't wait to try the new Johnnie Walker platinum." —LAURA BROUNSTEIN, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Johnnie Walker Platinum Label, $110, liquor stores Statement Flats "A pair of colorful or printed slip-ons make errands seem (almost) fun." —NICOLE…

Jessica Grose In "Working the Ratio" (p. 146), writer Grose uncovers the secrets to finding a great guy to date if you find yourself in a college, profession, or city where single women far outnumber single men. How I got my start. "When I was 10, I wrote a play about the wives of Henry VIII who were beheaded—it was called Ouch! While at Brown University, I interned at The Village Voice and The Providence Phoenix. After my internship at the Voice, I pitched my boss an essay I'd written about the band The Breeders, and he published it. It taught me to be fearless in pitching instead of waiting for an assignment to come to me." Twitter: @JessGrose Tracy Clark-Flory Sex and relationship writer Clark-Flory penned not one but…

You reveal your most embarrassing moments. "My boyfriend is very athletic, and he likes to meet up after he works out. I'll say, 'I'm going to the gym too,' when I'm really watching Real Housewives or at the bar with my friends. And then I'll shower right before he comes over. I lie because I want him to think I'm athletic!" ALLISON S., 24, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, FROM NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ RICKY MARTIN, 2, rescue dog, from Puerto Rico "After I poop in the fresh laundry, I love to steal her underwear and hoard it in my dog cave under her bed." 1 "DURING A LATE-NIGHT HOOKUP WITH MY BOYFRIEND, I REACHED INTO MY DRAWER FOR LUBE. IN THE MORNING, I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT MY ENTIRE NETHER REGION WAS…

Boys and their over-the-top toys…you'd think they're compensating for something. Match the guy to his not-so-subtle ride. WHO'S IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT? 1 It's not a Hummer, it's a Hummah for Arnold Schwarzenegger (B). 2 Punch buggy blue, Ewan McGregor (D), no punch backs! 3 Justin Bieber (A) takes the term pussy wagon literally. 4 Clearly, Scott Disick (E) has a lot to prove. 5 Dr. Dre (C), Batman called; he wants his training wheels back. 6 It's full-frontal (loading) for Alexander Skarsgård (F). Memo: Everyone who's anyone is doing the new half-up, half-down hair. We see you, Chanel Iman—even if you can only kinda see us. Are Kristen Stewart's halfsie cornrows the fairest of them all? Khloé Kardashian, always keeping up with the trends. Scarlett Johansson's blonde waves are…

HAMBURGER HYBRIDS FUN Burger King appeals to the kid in all of us with its $1 French Fry Burger. FEARLESS Going where no man has gone before, Keizo Shimamoto creates a ramen burger with a noodle "bun." FAIL Toronto's Cronut Burger (cronut bun, beef patty, cheese, and maple-bacon jam) leads to an outbreak of food poisoning. ALL HAIL, QUEEN B FUN Idol finalist Todrick Hall creates viral hit Cinderoncé (Cinderella + Beyoncé). FEARLESS She's got sea legs! During a break from her Mrs. Carter world tour, Beyoncé boards a yacht with Blue Ivy in sky-high heels. FAIL Two shirtless dudes challenge Queen B to a dance-off. They lose (but everybody else wins). FUNDERWEAR FUN Need ideas for tonight? Look no further than these sex-position panties from Kiki de Montparnasse. FEARLESS…

WHY WE HER LOOK Ankle-strap stilettos and bold red lipstick feminize Rihanna's boyfriend jeans and boxy top. Clutch Move Nod to nature's original camouflage with faux-snakeskin accents. Red lips: Edgy yet girlie Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Lipcolor in Caprice, $30, lancome-usa.com Color-Coded If green isn't your thing, go for alternative colorful versions of the print. Midas Touch Chunky gold-chain jewelry adds a hint of shine while still looking tough. 1 Shoes, Topshop, $90, topshop.com 2 Jacket, BDG, $59, urbanoutfitters.com 3 Ring, White Moth, $220, whitemothjewelry.com 4 Sweater, Sandro, $340, sandro-paris.com 5 Pants, American Eagle Outfitters, $39.95, ae.com 6. Clutch, Gap, $54.95, gap.com 7 Top, ASOS, $59, asos.com 8 Bracelet, Michael Kors, $195, 866-709-KORS 9 Shoes, Michael Kors,…

24 Days of PRESENTS! Just like the Advent calendar you loved as a kid…only way better because it's filled with Benefit's best-ever minis (iconic bronzers, tints, glosses, primers, mascara), even cute jewelry. Scoop it up now and spend December discovering a new treat every day. Benefit Countdown to Love, $68, benefitcosmetics.com Nail Art on Demand WANT TO UP YOUR #MANIMONDAY GAME? LOG ONTO TOPCOAT.ME, AND BROWSE PICS OF EMBELLISHED MANIS MADE BY ARTISTS IN YOUR AREA (CURRENTLY IT'S AVAILABLE IN SAN FRAN, L.A., NYC, CHICAGO, AND ATLANTA…BUT EXPANDING QUICKLY). FIND A DESIGN YOU LOVE, THEN BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ITS CREATOR THROUGH THE SITE. PRICES START AT $20. THESE DESIGNS? If you're in NYC, Book the nail artist who made them. 1 LADY FANCY NAILS 2 RIA LOPEZ3 JESSICA TONG…

To get all of fall's awesome sexy-eye looks, you're going to need more than one eyeliner. Makeup pro Pati Dubroff pairs the six top trends with the perfect tools. TREND Bottom-Heavy TOOL Extra-creamy eye pencil TRICK Line inner rims (corners included) and the lower lash line, flicking out the edges. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $19, beauty.com TREND Flat Cat TOOL Felt-tip liquid liner TRICK Starting at inner corners, trace upper lids, applying more and more pressure as you go along to thicken the line gradually. Extend it straight out—not up, like a traditional cat eye. Lancôme Artliner 24H Precision Point Eyeliner in Sapphire, $30, lancome.com TREND Total Blackout TOOL Kajal eye crayon TRICK Line everything—lash lines, inner rims, creases, and lids—and bring corners to a point.…

"My mom thinks my dark mani looks goth and aggressive—and that that's why I'm single." —KRISTINE, 27 HOW TO DEAL Reality check: "Your mom's worried about your single status, not your manicure," says Vivian Diller, PhD, an NYC psychologist who writes about beauty and self-image. It probably scares her that she's not able to control your future, and by blaming your looks, she feels she can exert some power over the situation. Instead of wasting time on a mani melee, talk about what's actually on her mind. "My friends thought my hair color was 'fading really strangely,' but it was just my ombré." —LAURA, 24 HOW TO DEAL Taking risks invites attention—positive and negative. "We just tend to fixate on the latter," says Diller. Realize that others are likely admiring…

I'm only 31 and already seeing a few grays, but I don't want to start dyeing my hair. Help! —ERICA KRAYBILL, 31 "I have this issue, so I get extra highlights—they make grays less obvious. Temporary dyes (like these) work too." TouchBack Marker, $30, ulta.com, and No Gray Quick Fix Instant Touch-Up, $6, drugstore.com What does toner actually do…and do I need it? —LAUREN BALSAMO, 22 "I swear by toner for removing postcleansing residue—which, if you aren't OCD about rinsing, collects and causes breakouts." Clinique Clarifying Lotion, $22.50, clinique.com Is there a way to make a sticker mani last longer? —MADELINE BUXTON, 22 "Lock down adhesives (especially the edges) with this special topcoat. Activate it under a 60-watt lightbulb for gel-like longevity." LCN Polish Seal, $22, lcnboutique.com, extends…

MOLLY: "My mom always told me that women need to have their careers for their own value. I looked for clues in Dave—does he have the same values as I do? We have a huge common point in our love for our work." DAVE: "It's interesting that Lean In has become a movement. Since the day I met Molly, we have had those values. It's part of why I was attracted to her." MOLLY: "Our moms told us we can have it all, but they didn't give us the details about how to do that. You need someone who supports you and helps you out at home. There has to be a change in men in order for there to be a change for women." DAVE: "It's never completely 50-50.…

SKIPPING A STEP Jessica Alba Actress and founder, The Honest Company "I knew I wanted to create a brand with safe, affordable household and wellness products that both worked and were beautiful. I pitched the concept to potential partners and was surprised when they suggested I do a fashion or perfume line instead. People were like, 'What does she know?' I almost abandoned my idea. Then I realized I needed to find the hard facts and data to back it up. I'm grateful for the resistance—it forced me to do my homework." MESSING UP FACTS Sheryl Sandberg COO, Facebook "My first job was as a research assistant to Larry Summers, then-chief economist at the World Bank. He was giving a speech on education, and I inserted the figures for illiteracy…

Whatever turns you on… no judgments here. Most people who know what I do for a living would expect my closet to be stocked with sexy getups—a naughty nurse costume, a frilly maid's uniform, a too-tight secretary outfit, you name it. I seem on the surface to be the sort of woman who would be an expert at role-playing, that sexy game where a couple take on new identities to fulfill a naughty fantasy. After all, I write about sex for a living, and I've covered everything from "hookup culture" to pornography. Surely, a sexpert like myself would have tried her hand at some erotic theater, right? In fact, I've never come even remotely close to playing make-believe in the bedroom. The truth is, I've been too scared! It's challenging…

We love our moms…but we could do without knowing their favorite sexual positions. Too bad, then, that we live in an era when topics that used to be considered taboo for parents and kids to discuss are seen as fodder for dinner convos (and not just at the Kardashians' table). It's no surprise that your mom caught the overshare virus, but there's a fine line between bonding and emotionally traumatizing. These women crossed it! The other day, my mom and I were running errands when I noticed she was walking weird and, like, grabbing her pelvic area. I tried to ignore it, but I finally asked her what was up, to which she said, 'Oh sorry, honey. I was shaving my lady parts last night, and I accidentally cut myself!'…

"PLEASE DON'T JUDGE GUYS BY THE FIRST TIME YOU HAVE SEX WITH US" First-time sex makes me sweat for all the wrong reasons. I might fixate on whether I'll mess up a promising relationship before I even know that's what I want. I'm not alone either. "After I had terrible sex with this girl, I confessed that I liked her so much that I got nervous and my body seized up," says Brad, 26. "She was amazingly cool about it, and the sex has gotten way better since." Allow me to explain why guys may suck in bed at first—and why sex sometimes simply has to be bad before it can get awesome. 1. OUR EVIL BRAINS Guys like to make a strong first impression, especially when it comes to…

"I like your outfit," Miranda Kerr tells me on the set of her Cosmo cover shoot. She's clad (barely) in Antonio Marras hot pants and a bra while an assistant rubs her knees with lotion. Frankie, her Yorkshire terrier, prances at her feet. Wait, come again? "I like your outfit. Is it Balenciaga?" Normally, I would dismiss the compliment as meaningless girl talk. But this is Miranda Kerr—as in, the second-highest-paid model in the world; wife of Orlando Bloom; mother to genetic-jackpot winner Flynn, almost 3; and oh yeah, the woman whose street style bankrolls swarms of paparazzi. That she genuinely likes my bargain-basement tank and tweed skirt is somehow hard to believe. Kerr's personality is as lovely as her exterior, confirming the worst: Life really is that unfair.…

If You Do One Thing for Yourself This Month… Drooling over that gooey, hot slice of happiness? Get at it. Splurging every so often offers health benefits and may even help you fit into that sexy dress when party season rolls around. EAT SUGAR to Curb Cravings The old "I'll just settle for sugar-free" move, instead of occasionally indulging in a little of the real sugary deal, is bound to backfire. Artificial sweeteners can blunt your response to sweet tastes, so you want more sugar later to feel satisfied, according to a Purdue University study. EAT COCOA to Get Glowing Skin Contrary to what you were told in sixth grade, chocolate doesn't cause pimples. Flavonols found in dark chocolate (look for 70 percent cocoa or higher) actually help block UV…

1. DO-IT-ALL BAG This sporty-chic handbag is roomy enough to hold work and workout stuff. Kate Spade Saturday The Small Weekender Bag, $150, saturday.com 2. FLUSH-PROOF CHEEKS These blotting sheets de-sweat and de-shine to combat "I totally just worked out" face. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $4.99, drugstores 3. NIX THE SAUNA EFFECT Because sweating through your shirt when you're heading back to work is gross. Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant, $8, drugstores 4. GET ORGANIZED Stash your gym card, headphones, and padlock in a cute pouch and you'll waste zero time rummaging. Splurge on another one for makeup. Baggu Small Leather Pouch, $20, baggu.com 5. LUXE LASHES This mascara stays put so you can skip the après-Spinning touch-up. CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara, $8.95, drugstores 6. BLOWOUT IN…

TODAY'S PARTY DRUG for the 20- and 30something set is the most dangerous one yet. IT WAS JUST BEFORE NOON ON A SUNDAY LAST MARCH WHEN DORM residents at Columbia University, in New York City, heard the sirens. News spread rapidly: Jessica Fingers, 21, had been found faceup and unresponsive on the floor of the East Campus Residence Hall. "I woke up and the love of my life was dead next to me," tweeted Peter Russell, her boyfriend. "My life is over.…She's gone so I have nothing to live for." A few hours later, Fingers was pronounced dead. The medical examiner reported that she had brain swelling consistent with a methadone overdose, a downer that helps heroin users treat withdrawal. Heroin isn't what you think of when you picture an…

(OCT. 23–NOV. 21) SCORPIO STELLAR GIFTS You're passionate, determined, and mysterious. BLIND SPOTS You can be stubborn and secretive. FASHION FAVES Sexy lingerie brings out your passionate and intense personality. INDULGENCE Dancing to Top 40 like a goofball while prepping for a date SEDUCTION STYLE When you feel the crackle of physical chemistry, you're willing to jump in and explore the depths of the connection. THIS MONTH If you put in the hours ahead of time, your perseverance will pay off and a work project will come into focus on the 6th. Sexy Venus has your back on the 27th, so be candid with your guy about what you like in the bedroom. He's itching to please, and asserting yourself will add a hot dynamic between you two in bed.…

1. There is an opening for a senior position at your company. You're slightly underqualified—do you go for it anyway? a. Underqualified, underschmalified…of course you do! Bill Gates didn't even finish college! b. No, but you use it as an opportunity to meet with your boss and discuss your next career move. c. First, you need to redo your résumé, talk it through, then…crap, someone else already got it. 2 Girls' trip! You're in the Bahamas with your college besties, getting your cocktails on when a group of guys sends over drinks. You: a. Don't accept. Who are they? What do they want? I'll get my own, thanks. b. Air-toast them with your mai tai, catching the eye of the cutest one. c. Write "Thanks! Call me!" on the back…

1. GET WRECKED by the infectious hits from our favorite provocateur, Miley Cyrus, on her new album Bangerz, out now (finally!). 2. GO HOLLYWOOD Lights, camera, fashion! To mark Salvatore Ferragamo's legendary relationship with the A-list—he was a go-to for Marilyn and Audrey—the fashion house debuts a special collection of accessories inspired by L.A. 3. SEE LEO DO THE WORM in the '90s-inspired romp-a-thon The Wolf of Wall Street, out November 15. 4. LET THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR The highly anticipated Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, hits theaters November 22. 5. LAUGH YOUR ASS OFF as comedian Aziz Ansari explains why men are so inclined to photograph their junk among other dating no-nos in Buried Alive, on Netflix November 1. 6. FALL FOR THE ORIGINAL BAD BOY…

Own It! There's nothing like hearing people fess up to their mistakes. It's why we all love Cosmo Confessions, and it's why I love the two pages of mistakes Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg includes in her career guide this month. The fact is, all the smart women she includes fessing up to their faux pas make my own clangers just a little bit more bearable. One sticks out in particular: I was reporting on a terrible bomb blast in Britain when the news editor told me to call the families of the 17 young men who had died and ask them how they felt. I couldn't bring myself to do it—way too intrusive—and I knew if I were them, I wouldn't want a reporter calling me. So I let several…

"AT THE END OF A GREAT FIRST DATE, I WENT IN FOR A KISS ON THE CHEEK. BUT INSTEAD OF A KISS BACK, HE JUST PUSHED HIS CHEEK INTO MINE AND YELLED 'Cheek bump!'" —LIA, 24 "He started singing softly in my ear with no hint of irony." —SHARYN, 27 "We had been dating for only three months when he got down on his knee and mimed a proposal with an imaginary ring. He was serious." —MICHELLE, 24 "He asked me out for drinks and the date was really great, until he asked me if my roommate was single and if I could put in a good word for him. I ordered the most expensive glass of wine, downed it, then left him with the bill." —MARY, 21 "HIS IDEA…

Q The Tomorrow People is all about cool kids with superpowers—if you could have one IRL, what would it be? A Teleporting would be the most convenient and badass. You could really impress the hell out of people. Plus, traveling sucks—teleporting would make it damn nice. Q Ever thought you'd be on a show right after your cousin's (aka #AmellWednesdays)? A It's insane for any one person to be the lead of a show. For two people in the same family to be leads of shows on the same network, on the same night? It's mental. Q Gosling, Reynolds, Bieber, and now the Amells—what's up with Canadians taking over Hollywood? A There are a couple of reasons why I think Canadians who move to L.A. are successful. We can't just…

Dress, $129, boots, $299, and cuff, $24.95, Isabel Marant for H&M, hm.com MOST WANTED Isabel Marant for H&M reimagines a bevy of the designer's most popular styles from seasons past. Now everyone can have a piece of her cool-girl look without breaking the bank. LET'S GET LOUD Puma's minimal headphones deliver monster sound and head-turning good looks. Headphones, Puma, $99.99, Target Jacket, $399, and earrings, $24.95, Isabel Marant for H&M, hm.com Some Enchanted Evening Chic, sexy, and shiny, Coach's new evening- shoe collection begs for a date night. Shoes, Coach, $198, coach.com All the Rave Cosabella's new black-light lingerie stands out even when the lights are off—especially when the lights are off! Bra, $61.25, and thong, $42.50, Cosabella, shop.cosabella.com Charge It! A girl's best friend: Marc…

MADE FOR DANCING 1 Skirt, BCBG Max Azria, $178, bcbg.com 2 Shoes, Boutique 9, $180, macys.com 3 Top, Cut25 by Yigal Azrouël, $255, bloomingdales.com 4 Bracelet, GoJane, $18.20, gojane.com 5 Clutch, Diane von Furstenberg, $345, DVF New York, 646-486-4800 6 Jeans, Joe's, $172, joesjeans.com sexy NIGHT OUT Show off your best assets (arms? legs? both?) while keeping the rest under wraps. A flirty skirt and halter top are great for highlighting your hard-earned Yogalates results. DATE TIP For every round of drinks he buys, offer to grab the next. Even if he refuses, he'll appreciate your alpha-babe vibe. ON HER Bodysuit, Marciano, $98, marciano.com; skirt, Club Monaco, $189, Club Monaco; belt, BCBG Max Azria, $88, bcbg.com; shoes, Aquazzura, Neiman Marcus; clutch, Reece Hudson, thedreslyn.com; cuff,…

—LONI ALBERT MIRACLE WHIP This strand-softening mousse makes hair bouncy and super shiny. PANTENE SILKY MOISTURE WHIP, $7, drugstore.com METAL MANI ROSE GOLD IS THE NEW IT HUE. RODARTE FOR SALLY HANSEN IN GOLD ROSES, $8, DRUGSTORES FACE TIME TOUCH-UPS ARE MORE FUN WITH A GLAM COMPACT. HOT TOOLS LEOPARD MIRROR COMPACT, $10, ulta.com GLOW AND GO SWIPE ALONG LEGS TO GET SKIRT-READY IN SECONDS. MICHAEL KORS LEG SHINE, $10, sephora.com IT'S A TIE PONY UP WITH THESE HAIR-FRIENDLY ELASTICS. GOODY OUCHLESS RIBBON TIES, 4 FOR $5, TARGET MAKE SCENTS MIX AND MATCH TO CREATE AN EAU DE YOU. DEMETER ROLL ON PERFUME OIL, $10 EACH, demeterfragrance.com GüD STUFF CLEANSER SPIKED WITH SUNFLOWER-SEED OIL MAKES SKIN SILKY IN THE SHOWER. GüD VANILLA FLAME NATURAL BODY WASH, $7, gudhappens.com AIR…

The Total Sex Bomb You wouldn't dream of grocery shopping sans lipstick, let alone getting down without your game face. This makeup won't budge no matter how hot things get. try THIS P.M. FOUNDATION Sleeping in base (well, this one—a transfer-resistant treatment made for the bedroom) has officially gotten the green light. BEDROOM EYES Curl, lengthen, and tint lashes with this blacker-than-black mascara. Then put liner on lockdown with a pencil that keeps your stare sexy till morning. MOUTH-TO-MOUTH The secret to kiss-proof yet kissable lips: a superpigmented liquid and a high-shine top coat. This dual-sided lipstick houses both. YOU SAY… "There are a ton of pretty girls out there.…Makeup gives me an edge over the competition." —Lauren B., 22 The Faux Naturel Full-monty makeup is OTT, but you're not…

We totally get why Dr. Evil was so obsessed with laser beams. They're frickin' awesome! They zero in on your chromophores—a group of atoms in the skin that affect the color of a specific molecule—and destroy them, erasing a variety of skin annoyances. But while past lasers were strong, they weren't smart. If your skin was darker than, say, Rooney Mara's, they could confuse what you were trying to erase with your actual skin tone, and you could end up burned or discolored. The new tools? Far savvier and less aggressive—and in the hands of a pro, safer and less painful. Check out our guide to the latest, then talk through the options with your derm. TO GET RID OF… Unwanted Hair By destroying the melanin (or pigment) in hair…

In May, we launched a campaign at LeanIn.org called "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?" We asked young women to answer that question for us…and encouraged them to overcome their fears. The results were inspiring, poignant, and motivating. Women said they would speak up more. They said they'd ask for more money. They said they would believe more in themselves. They also said they'd lean in to more personal ambitions. "I would find a partner who supports me," one woman told us. "I would make a start on my bucket list," said another. One woman said she'd join the military. Another, in Hong Kong, said she'd find time to paint instead of "always thinking about my next goal." The point of these candid messages is important, because as…

"I have to spend time with my girlfriends. They are amazing. If we have an opportunity to go out and have a fun girlfriends' night out, that is at the top of my priority list." Hunter Bell, 32, designer and co-owner, Hunter Dixon, New York City "On the way home from work, I stop on a running path by the river. I'm not a natural runner, so it's a very concerted effort, which helps me tune out everything else. It's the one time I can't check e-mail, Twitter, or texts." Melissa Hillebrenner, 32, director of the United Nations Foundation's Girl Up campaign, Washington, D.C. "I'll call my grandma, who raised me, to give me a pep talk. When I'm lacking confidence, she'll really settle me down. She gives…

JENNA GRASSBAUGH Age 29 lives in COLUMBUS, OH "When I told people I was going to college on an ROTC scholarship, they did a double take and said, 'You do know you have to run and get dirty?' I met Jon Grassbaugh the very first day. He was a senior and the cadet battalion commander, this confident and intelligent guy. We just got along effortlessly. We made it work even after he had graduated and began his tours to Iraq, and we got married in 2006. Even in the military, you think you are invincible and never assume the worst. But I mean…I know better now. He was killed when an IED hit his vehicle in Iraq. "Jon cared a lot about helping people less fortunate than we were. I…

Q. I'm dating a guy who is uncircumcised. What do I need to do differently, and does this mean I'm more likely to get infections if we don't use condoms? A You don't need to do anything differently: Uncircumcised penises respond the same way to attention (and boobies) as circumcised ones do, you just may not be used to seeing their foreskin turtlenecks. That said, you're right to be concerned about infections. Research shows that the rate of STD transmission is lower with circumcised penises, says Howard Kim, MD, a urologist at Cedars-Sinai hospital, in Los Angeles. "There is also a higher rate of HPV occurrence in women who have sex with an uncircumcised partner." That's because immune cells under the foreskin are susceptible to diseases, raising your risk of…

Guys in the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill area of North Carolina are famous for their three-date rule. Because dudes who live there know there are more single women than single men in the area, "after three dates, when legitimate feelings may start to emerge, guys here are quick to throw out the 'I'm too busy for a relationship' card," says Gabrielle Martino, a 24-year-old outreach specialist at a nonprofit. The number of eligible guys in her area is so meager, Martino says, that she and a girlfriend realized they'd both dated the same guy and he'd given them the identical lame excuse for breaking things off after three dates: He had "last-minute studying" to do. That's still not as awful as the date who, after making out with Martino, started kissing another…

I'm dating a guy who doesn't know I wear clip-in hair extensions. He loves my long hair, and I don't want to freak him out by removing half of it when we go on a trip together. Help! A Most men aren't idiots. We know women augment their appearance with things like makeup, Spanx, and breast implants, and we don't really care (especially about the boobs). But hair extensions are tough because we never suspect them. While a guy can probably tell if you have a tummy under that dress or are covering a blemish, he'd never guess about the hair. So bring this up before he sees you missing "half" your hair (please tell me that isn't true). Say, "I love that you love my hair, but like lots…

BRITISH POP STAR NATALIA KILLS IS NO STRANGER TO TURNING HEADS. HERE, THE CHART TOPPER ROCKS MANHATTAN'S POSH UPPER EAST SIDE IN STAGEWORTHY—AND TRAFFIC-STOPPING—GLAMOUR. GO AHEAD. TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE. On Madison Avenue Bikini, Emma Mulholland, $400; skirt, Chromat; shoes, Pollini by Nicholas Kirkwood; purse, Dior; sunglasses, Prada, $310; necklace, Lion Studio (London), $298; large bracelet, $80, small bracelet, $55, Maison 203; umbrella, American Apparel, $21 BODEGA BABE "I LIKE ANYTHING PLAYFUL. MY STYLE ICON IS GINGER FROM CASINO. I LOVE THAT GLAMOROUS, EXPENSIVE '90S LOOK WITH A TOUCH OF SLUTTINESS ABOUT IT." At the Corner Deli Pajama top, and shorts with belt, $595, Marc Jacobs; bra, Cameo The Label, $104; stole, Marni; boots, Burak Uyan; beret, Eugenia Kim, $290; necklace, Tom Binns Design IN HERO CHOOS…

Celebs, politicians, high-profile leaders—and hopefully, you!—are tweeting and Instagramming about the positive effects contraception has had for them on November 12, the first annual Shout Out for Birth Control Day. Think: the freedom to enjoy worry-free sex, pursue a rewarding career, or manage your endometriosis. Check out Bedsider.org for all the details, then share your love with the hashtag #ThxBirthControl. —LIZ PLOSSER Ask Dr. Ashton Q How long can you really keep in a tampon? A I say eight hours, max, but that's mostly for comfort—they tend to be saturated by then. In theory, the longer a tampon stays in, the higher your odds for developing a yeast infection or, rarely, toxic shock syndrome. Modern tampons are lower absorbency, making them less likely to cause infection, so it'd have to…

SIDE PASSÉ DIPS Get into side-plank position with right palm under right shoulder and legs stacked, with left hand on left hip. Balancing on right hand and left foot, raise right (bottom) leg and bend the knee, positioning the instep of right foot against the inside of left knee. Keeping the bend in the right knee, slowly lower right hip (your torso will move too) so it touches floor. That's one rep; do 10. Repeat on opposite side. MEET YOUR TRAINER Anna Kaiser Known For Her body-changing classes that meld dance, sculpting moves, and cardio at AKT InMotion in NYC. FAMOUS CLIENTS SARAH JESSICA PARKER, SHAKIRA, NAOMI WATTS To make it easier, keep both feet planted on the floor. Sports bra, Elisabetta Rogiani, $65, rogiani.com; tights, $75, and…

Thanksgiving can be major drama. So make your own low-key turkey experience with your other family—your friends. Before you head home for the holidays, invite the gang over, divide and conquer (everyone brings a dish, drink, or game), and just take a moment to say thank god for your friends. LET'S EAT! There cannot be a Friendsgiving without food. Sure, no one will hate it if you order the kit and caboodle from Boston Market, but why not show off your skills and bring something homemade to the table? Share a Google doc where guests can sign up with their contributions, or circulate an e-mail master list with who's on veggie versus dessert duty. Here are some tried-and-loved ideas, some just for fun and others for major kiss-the-cook cred. The…

Best-selling Joy Luck Club author Amy Tan has written her sexiest novel to date: a multigenerational saga that skips from a teen's first time in San Francisco (that's the steamy story we have right here) to the dark and exotic world of courtesans in early 20th-century Shanghai. In this exclusive excerpt, 16-year-old Lucia has some, ahem, adventures after she finds a book, called The Classical Anatomy of Calisthenics, that's jam-packed with body-bending Kama Sutra–esque pics. For my first sexual adventure, I selected the location before I did the boy. The grove was at the far corner of the grounds of the university where Father taught. The fall weather was warm, and the hydrangea bushes were softly lush with pendulous blooms. The grove reminded me of the settings of the paintings…

SHE'S ALL THAT "I couldn't be more impressed with Nina. Beauty, brains, and such a bad-ass. Huge fan!" —Kayla T., Pine Bluff, AZ HOT STUFF "I fell in love with the author of 'My Boyfriend Is Hotter Than Me.' Her story was incredibly relatable. As a woman, I often want to change myself even though my man fell in love with me for who I already was. Mary H.K. Choi is funny and hits it dead-on!" —Madison P., Guelph, Ontario, Canada BEST I EVER HAD "I would just like to say the September issue was the best one I have ever read! I loved reading about how other countries view sex in 'Your Passport to Hotter Sex,' and the article on birth control was incredibly informative. Thank you so much…

Jacket, Michael Michael Kors, $595; bra top, Antonio Marras, $520; skirt, Jay Ahr; shoes, Charlotte Olympia; bracelet, Mawi; necklace, Eva Fehren; solid ring, Lynn Ban; ring, Eddie Borgo, $475; earrings, Sydney Evan, $705 NICKNAME: CONFESSION! I CAN'T STOP BUYING: MY FAVORITE THING TO INSTAGRAM IS: a. My favorite outfits. b. Flowers, trees, oceans—all things nature. c. My work—I love giving my fans a behind-the-scenes look. d. My son, Flynn, because he's the cutest! MY FOOLPROOF SEXY POSE IN PHOTOS IS: THE MOST ROMANTIC THING MY HUSBAND, ORLANDO BLOOM, HAS EVER DONE FOR ME IS: I'M SECRETLY TERRIFIED OF: THE BEST RELATIONSHIP ADVICE I'VE EVER GOTTEN WAS: MY ULTIMATE FASHION ICON IS: THE MOST UNEXPECTED INGREDIENT IN MY SKIN-CARE LINE, KORA ORGANICS, IS: AND I HAD TO USE IT BECAUSE: WHEN…

POWER PUFF Bethenny Frankel has a bad hair day from head to frizzy toe. STYLE REBEL If her tank isn't clear enough, Vanessa Hudgens' shoes say it all. MEOW MIX For Nicki Minaj, it's all business on the top, slumber party on the bottom. GOING GREEN Forget Crocs, Oprah steps out in frogs. SNEAKER DEVILNote to Katy Perry: Russell Brand was never good enough for you—exhibit A. NICE PUPPIES That's one way to keep your dogs from barkin', Angela Simmons. CALL THE FUZZ Rosario Dawson is a coffee-first, heels-later kind of girl. ON THE HORNS When Miley Cyrus isn't naked on a wrecking ball, she's super cozy in her pj's and unicorn slippers.…

What is she thinking? We all thought it when Huma Abedin, wife of disgraced New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner, pledged her love and support for her husband, who last July admitted to sexting with strangers…again. The same boneheaded behavior had led him to resign from Congress a year earlier. That Abedin—the smart, poised aide to Hillary Clinton—would stand by her reckless horndog of a husband (code name: Carlos Danger) not once but twice was mind-boggling. Of course, this show of solidarity is nothing new. Silda Wall Spitzer, Elizabeth Edwards, and even Abedin's boss, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, are just a few of the betrayed political wives who've suffered the theater of shame. It's become such a cultural institution that it inspired the CBS hit The Good Wife,…

MODERN ROMANTIC Sweater, T by Alexander Wang, $325, Alexander Wang, NY; skirt, Rebecca Taylor, $295, Rebecca Taylor stores; shoes, Aquazzura, shopbop.com; bracelets (from top), Vita Fede, $225, karenegren.com; Forever 21, $6.80, forever21.com; CC Skye, $110, ccskye.com EDGY BOMBSHELL Sweater, H&M, $59.95, hm.com; clutch, GoJane, $52, gojane.com; skirt, Boohoo.com, $24, boohoo.com; shoes, Joie, $275, joie.com POSH ROCKER Jacket, DKNY, $695, Saks Fifth Avenue; dress, Express, $49.90, Express; shoes, Schutz, $200, bloomingdales.com; bag, Juicy Couture, $118, juicycouture.com CHILLED-OUT CHICK Top, Elizabeth and James, $345, shopbop.com; sweater, Loft, $69.50, loft.com; skirt, Elizabeth and James, $285, holtrenfrew.com; boots, Aldo, $170, aldoshoes.com; bracelet, Jami, $87, shopjami.com MARKET DIRECTOR: SHIONA TURINI…

Cosmo's fashion director Aya Kanai fixes your fashion probs and shares her new obsessions. Jacket, DKNY, Neiman Marcus; ring, Adeen, $17, shop.adeenyc.com ;skirt, ASOS, $51, asos.com I wore neon and brights all summer long. I love them! Do I have to give them up for the fall season? —ALLISON PIWOWARSKI, 21 "Bright colors are cool year-round. Just be mindful of fabrics. A bright pink leather jacket is a major statement with black skinny jeans, and a neon patterned sweater or knit skirt will keep you warm and stop traffic." I just moved to Chicago from Florida, and I'm in need of the perfect boot I can wear with everything this winter. Can you suggest something walkable but still cute? —MADELINE BUXTON, 22 "Oh boy, it's your first real winter!…

1 TO START Mix dime-size drops of moisturizer and mattifying primer, and apply to clean skin for a demi-matte finish. Even out your skin with a similarly textured foundation. 2 NEXT UP Sweep on translucent powder with a fluffy brush. This prevents bronzer (the next step) from streaking. Comb brows up and out, and fill in gaps. Sculpted arches enhance a contoured, defined face. 3 ALMOST DONE With an angled blush brush, trace matte bronzer along cheekbones. Then tap highlighter from temples to the midpoint of the lower eye bone. The contrast makes cheekbones pop. 4 FINISHING TOUCHES Subtle eyes keep the focus on your cheeks. Run black liner directly over the roots of your upper lashes and along lower inner rims. Finish with mascara and creamy nude lipstick. YOUR…

As I lay on the table, squirming in unimaginable pain while my doctor squeezed an inflamed baseball-size mound from my bikini line, I thought to myself, How the hell did I get here?! Rewind to a week before, when, three days after a normal shave, I noticed a small, reddish bump on my bikini line. I knew better than to take matters into my own hands, but I was days away from a girls' weekend with my high school bestie and crazy busy.…I had no time to see my doc. So I grabbed extra-pointy tweezers, gently scraped the top layer of skin, and gave the coiled hair a quick tug. Problem solved…so I thought. During the next four days, though, the bump grew—first into a pealike ball, then to an…

Your Hair Is DRY and DULL WHY IT HAPPENS There are a few culprits. "Indoor heating dries out hair's natural lipids, dulling its shine," says Sunnie Brook Jones, celeb stylist for Head and Shoulders. "Also, chunky scarves and high-collared coats rough up your hair's cuticles, so they can't reflect light as well." And since you're unlikely to air-dry your hair in cold weather, you're blow-drying it more often, robbing it of moisture, says Yanni Boyiatzis, stylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda salon in NYC. PREVENT IT "Twice weekly, apply a hair mask to hydrate and strengthen strands," says Jones. To minimize heat-related damage, wait until hair is at least 70 percent dry before blow-drying, then mist hair from root to tip with a heat-protectant spray, adds…

THE COLLEGE STUDENTS The editors, writers, and photographers on the University of Georgia newspaper and yearbook staffs began meeting pretty much the moment Julia Carpenter finished reading Lean In. "I loved the idea of creating a safe place where women could vent and learn from each other," says Carpenter, 22. The crew, ranging from freshmen to recent grads, like Carpenter, meet weekly at Walker's Coffee and Pub, right off campus in Athens. "One thing we've talked about is that we can't go into the world thinking there are only a finite number of spots we as women are competing for," Carpenter says. "We're all competing for different spots, and we need to support each other." WHAT THEY LEARNED Don't Use E-Mail to Schedule Instead of exchanging dozens of messages, they…

24/7 is the new 9-to-5. But is your boss chaining you to your desk…or are you doing it to yourself? Each day at 6 a.m., Nazia Bandukwala, MD, arrives at Detroit Medical Center to prep her patients for surgery. A fifth-year medical resident working toward a urology fellowship, Dr. Bandukwala's days are packed with clinic days, cystoscopies, kidney-stone surgeries, and even trauma patients who arrive with gunshot wounds. "When you work so hard, you want to do it for a reason, and it's nice to see people be thankful for the work you do," Dr. Bandukwala says. The 30-year-old, originally from Rome, Georgia, loves her chosen field, but after logging repeated 13-hour days and weekends, she's pretty burned out. And her career has just begun. Kellee Khalil, the 28-year-old founder…

Walking home after dinner one night, my fiancé, Christopher, and I started debating the location for our wedding ceremony. After going several blocks without an agreement, he proclaimed, "Look, I'd be happy marrying you on a pile of dirt." That stopped me right in my tracks. I should have focused on the sweetness of his sentiment—that all he cared about was our commitment to each other, so it didn't matter where we said our "I-dos"—but that was lost on me. Instead, all I heard was "Our wedding means so little to me that it would be fine to have it in a mud puddle." All I could say was "Are you [bleeping] serious?!" We walked the rest of the way home in silence. But a funny thing happened when we…

One Friday night in fifth grade, something happened that changed my worldview forever. My best friend Sarah* was sleeping over, and after hours of candy, movies, and gossiping about Jonathan, the floppy-haired bad boy we both liked, I padded into the bathroom…and there I found Sarah, nose-deep in my top-secret magenta diary. "Give it!" I yelped. She laughed maniacally as she waved aloft the page she'd been looking at—the only page I'd bothered to adorn with an illustration: a pencil drawing of Jonathan and me making out passionately next to a tree. In that moment, I experienced the sick pangs of a new fear: that I couldn't trust even my closest friends. The diary incident helped set the stage, along with the shyness and insecurity I'd been plagued with forever,…

We can't all get over our exes by writing hit songs like Tay Tay. Here's how to cope with the residual emotions that don't go away just because you've changed your relationship status on Facebook. We know how she handles her exes. What about you? EX TYPE NO.1 The Dirtbag Who Cheated on You Your own personal Carlos Danger couldn't keep it in his pants, and now you can't keep your paranoia in check. "My ex and I dated for a year, and in that time, we were pretty much together 24/7," says Kathleen S., 21. "After we broke up, I found out that he had been cheating on me with a slew of other girls the entire time. It has really affected me and made me anxious around guys.…

THESE GIRLS NEXT DOOR ENDED UP NAKED ONLINE. HOW? VENGEFUL EXES LOOKING TO GET EVEN. NOW THEY'RE FIGHTING TO CHANGE THE LAW SO IT WON'T HAPPEN TO YOU. Targets of Texxxan.com are seeking their own revenge—at this courthouse. FROM LEFT LISSA PROPPS, NEDERLAND, TXMARISSA JEFFCOTT, GROVES, TX ISABELLA LANDAVAZO, SILSBEE, TX MARIANNA TASCHINGER, GROVES, TX MEEGHAN FALLS, ORANGE, TX HOLLIE TOUPS, NEDERLAND, TX HOLLY JACOBS REMEMBERS 2006 as a great year. She was headed to Florida International University, in Miami, with a PhD in her sights, and her boyfriend of one year was willing to keep dating even while he remained behind in Tampa, Florida. They dated for two and a half more years, sharing ups, downs…and photos. "We were doing long-distance and…

The way you smell can actually change your state of mind. You'll feel sexier with him, more fun among your friends, extra confident at work…and totally at ease during those moments in between. It's all about the right notes. PRIMAL POTIONS Florals suddenly feel hot this season when they're spiced up with unexpectedly sexy notes, from earthy to edible. 1. WAFT THIS WAY This spicy-femme blend of pink pepper and rose settles into a sheer musk, making your neck a nuzzle magnet. Kenzo Flower in the Air, $78 2. THE DARK SIDE Ten years ago, Britney bottled her olfactory fantasy. And in a new black flask, it looks as enticing as it smells. Fantasy Britney Spears Anniversary Edition, $37.50 3. HOT HIPPIE If patchouli is typically too much for you,…

Desert Rose 129 CALORIES 1 OUNCE PROSECCO 1 OUNCE ORANGE JUICE 1 ½ OUNCES TEQUILA ½ OUNCE LEMON JUICE ½ OUNCE AGAVE SYRUP 1 SMASHED STRAWBERRY (optional ) COMBINE ICE CUBES WITH ALL INGREDIENTS, except the Prosecco, in a mixing glass. Shake hard, and strain into a wine glass. Then top with a splash of Prosecco before serving. SOURCE: MIXOLOGIST JEREMY STRAWN, OF BLACK HOUND BAR AND LOUNGE, IN NEW YORK CITY A DOWNLOAD FOR THE DRIVE HOME Road trips can make you feel like a free spirit…until you arrive at your destination feeling logy from all the Flamin' Hot Cheetos you ate. The new Food Tripping app (free, iPhone and Android) locates farmers' markets, juice bars, and restaurants with lighter menus along your route. Find a sweet venue that's…

When the headaches began—intense pressure at my temples and around my eyes—I thought I needed new contacts. I was too busy to be sick! I was about to graduate from Duke University and start a job as an insurance underwriter in Philadelphia. An optometrist measured the pressure in my eyes and said it was really high. But I was so focused on starting my career, I just let it go. The headaches went away for a while but popped up again a few months later. So I went to an ophthalmologist. It seemed crazy to me, but I was diagnosed with juvenile glaucoma. The doctor told me to think about the condition like a sink faucet that's supposed to drain: When there's a blockage, all the water gets backed up…

Morning Recovery EAT SOMETHING GOOD! No matter how you spend your Sunday, you'll never regret starting off with a breakfast of champions. Whip up some a.m. magic in your pj's. An egg sandwich always hits the spot and soaks up last night's (or later today's) refreshments. THREE DELICIOUS TAKES ON EGG SANDWICHES Roll Everything Up Borrow a genius move from NYC's Melt Shop. They put scrambled eggs, sausage, American cheese, and Tater Tots (yes!) in one big wrap. Frenchy & Italiano Put a fried egg between two buttery slices of toasted baguette that you slather in tomato sauce. Add basil and Parmesan. Tosi-Style Sammy Momofuku Milk Bar's Christina Tosi puts soft-poached eggs, pea shoots, and black-pepper butter in an English muffin and takes it to the park. Yum! Afternoon Maintenance…

Bitch It Out! Crazy situation working your last nerve? Vent here! Stiff Drink "The baristas were pissed because they wanted to close, so they made me this 'cockaccino.'" —Katie C., 31 Crib-Side Dining "They wheeled their kid's crib to a restaurant? Please don't let this be a trend." —Molly S., 34 Not-So-Private Eyes "Could she see me taking her picture? I don't know, but I just had to." —Rose A., 26 Hanging Out "Bare feet and butt crack!? Umm, gross. You're in a grocery store. Get some shoes and clothes that fit! I do not want to see this at work." —Jessica B., 20 Public Pedi "My friends and I witnessed this at the mall's Sephora store. This girl was using the samples to paint her nails in the middle…