Innehållsförteckning för January 2014 från Cosmopolitan

Insta-spiration "I love following models like Izabel Goulart and Jourdan Dunn, who post their morning smoothies and workouts with tags about what they do to stay fit." —LAUREN PANARIELLO, ASSISTANT EDITOR Zenning Out "Seems weird to be more mindful without turning off my iPhone, but the Headspace Meditation app totally gets me." —KATIE L. CONNOR, DEPUTY EDITOR Headspace app, available on Android and iPhone, getsomeheadspace.com Dance Parties "It's my life's mission to turn every party into a dance party. A skirt that spins is the next best thing to Spotify." —ELISA BENSON, SENIOR EDITOR, SOCIAL MEDIA Skirts, Partyskirts by Skot, $195 each, skotapparel.com Morning Jams "Sonos' new Play:1 is tiny and humidity-resistant—great for blasting tunes while I'm in the shower." —BLAKE W. ELLISON, DIGITAL ASSET MANAGER Speaker, Sonos…

COSMO'S ASTROLOGER (She's a Gemini!) Aurora Tower Cosmo astrologer Tower brings her star insight to our 2014 "Bedside Astrologer." How I got my start: "I've been obsessed with astrology since childhood. At 18, I was tutored in astrology in India, and as an undergrad at Brown University, I created independent studies to research ancient astrology in Babylon, Egypt, and India. After college, I started my blog Bright Star Lights and used that to pitch myself to magazines. I really had to persevere to make this my career, and finally, I'm living my dream." Twitter: @AuroraAstro Rachel Bertsche Writer Bertsche knows how hard it can be to make new girlfriends as an adult. The author of MWF Seeking BFF, she draws on her own experience in "Refresh Your Friendventory" (p. 102).…

You reveal your most embarrassing, RIDICULOUS, what-was-I-thinking moments. "I was on a second date at a restaurant when my period leaked through my light denim jeans and onto the seat. I had no idea until my date pointed it out to me as we were leaving!" —ASHLEE A., 23, real estate assistant, from Miami, FL [No. 1] GUY CONFESSION Emergency Landing "I flew out to meet my high school girlfriend—who's still the best sex I've ever had—and we started hooking up the second she picked me up from the airport. Back at her place, I woke up after sex and realized I hadn't used the bathroom since my flight took off hours before. I had to pee so badly! My girl was asleep, and honestly, even if I had known…

Your character runs in the Alpha wolf pack—do girls ever ask you to bite them? I have had requests for bites, and it results in an immediate turn-the-other-way-and-start-walking. It's a little weird to me. I get that with the vampire and werewolf thing going on, it's going to happen. But it's not my thing. I'm not trying to draw any blood. What about sleeping with someone on the first date—is that your thing? Bad idea. Too soon! That's a personal preference, not a judgment. I think you should know somebody a little bit more than just "Hey, what's your name?" and, "Oh, we have this in common? Cool! Okay." I prefer that it be in a relationship, but to each his own. It sounds like you're not much of a…

Tees are like undies. Everyone needs to replenish her arsenal from time to time. Loft, $29.50, loft.com Hey, it's not your hard-earned cash—go for the cobalt bag instead of safe black. Cosmopolitan, $39, jcpenney.com Say hello to your new forever-in-fashion friend, the classic cargo coat. Gap, $168, gap.com There's no better confidence booster than brand-spanking new, super-cute thongs. Hanky Panky, $20 each, dillards.com Retire your old game-day sweatshirt for one glam enough for the office. Topshop, $96, Topshop stores Finally have that peep-toe shoetie moment. Wear it with everything. G by Guess, $79, macys.com Pull out your spring florals—a moto jacket makes them wearable all winter. H&M, $299, hm.com Every button-down looks better with a little bling around the collar. Target, $29.99, target.com…

DollarNail Art.com has a huge selection of foils. Top ring, Hidalgo, Maurice Badler, 800-622-3537; pinky ring, Zoe Chicco, $100, zoechicco.com; aquamarine, pink tourmaline, and diamond rings, Ariel Gordon Jewelry, $250 each, arielgordon jewelry.com GET A STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL FROM COSMO'S BEAUTY TEAM! IT'S ON THE TABLET EDITION—DOWNLOAD IT NOW!…

MVP: MOST VALUABLE PALETTE Urban Decay's third iteration of its cult-obsessed Naked palette is now packed with 12 universally wearable rose-based hues, from a pale pink to a black spiked with rosy sparkle. It's the only palette you'll ever need…really. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette, $52, sephora.com The Good- Hair-Day Pony Usually a sign that you slept in (or out), the once-plain pony is now a wear-it-on-purpose style. Rock a crisp side part, wear it low, flat-iron the tail, and load on shine serum (like this one) so it's extra polished. Fekkai PrX Reparatives Mending Elixir, $25, fekkai.com BOMBSHELL LASHES Volumizing mascara on one side plus a thickening topcoat on the other equals the most out-of-control lashes you can get from a tube! Look SEXIER NAKED BB fans, get…

MY HAIR STARTED THINNING AROUND MY 21ST BIRTHDAY. I'd awake to see long brown strands snaking across my pillow. When I showered, gum-ball-size clumps clogged my drain. "I think I'm going bald," I joked to my mom over spring break. "Nonsense," she assured me, but a few weeks later, an anonymous package containing various as-seen-on-TV hair-growth solutions arrived at my college dorm. She knew. By my mid-20s, the situation seemed less dire. Just as Googling your ailments can scare the hell out of you, it can also help you sleep easier. I learned that losing 50 to 100 hairs daily is perfectly normal for both sexes. Curious to see where I fell, I spent a day collecting errant strands off my clothing, comb, and furniture. The grand total? 123 hairs.…

Treat Your Job Like Grad School I moved to L.A. in my 20s and started working at the bottom, on costumes for music videos and commercials. At first,I felt insecure because I was with big designers who went to school for the history of costume design. But I learned that work is the best training for whatever you aspire to do. If you're with someone who's great at what she does, pay attention. Put Your Best Footwear Forward How you walk is so important. If you stride across a room, you exude confidence. So make sure you have the right foundation—which is your shoes. As the day goes on, you don't want to be hobbling around the office. It's okay to have six pairs of shoes under your desk to…

seek out A SCARY PLACE "I went on a ghost tour with a guy through a 'real' haunted building. The cold made it feel less jokey and more authentic. All the huddling together turned us on, and seeing each other vulnerable brought us closer." —Sam G., 25 sip SOME VINO WITH PALS "My boyfriend and I host wine-tasting parties, where everyone dresses up and brings a bottle. We keep them small so they feel intimate. What's not sexy about getting toasty with some tasty reds?" —Amanda G., 23 sidle up ON A TWO-PERSON SLED The childhood fave is even better as adults: Touching bods, pumping adrenaline, and a carefree mind-set amp up arousal and make you feel more connected. Race up the hill for some frisky competition, then do it…

DECODE HIS… OUTERWEAR Ninety percent of the men who hit on you this month will be bundled beyond recognition. George Kotsiopoulos from E!'s Fashion Police helps us read way too much into a guy's coat choice. the coat LEATHER BOMBER the guy inside "Bomber guy is classic," Kotsiopoulos says, "but more of a badass than peacoat guy." This guy's chivalry may edge on misogyny—he won't let you open doors—but he is a man, if an old-timey idea of one. He'll do anything for you but talk about his feelings. the coat MASSIVE PUFFER the guy inside "They're noisy and take up lots of space," Kotsiopoulos says about both the Michelin-Man-style coat and the dude in it. If he didn't notice that he just knocked five people's coffees out of…

You moved cross-country to kick ass at your dream job…or move in with your guy. The only thing missing from your adventurous new chapter is your posse. "The 20s and 30s are a time of intense transitions—moving, taking new jobs, starting romantic relationships or families," says psychologist Andrea Bonior, PhD, author of The Friendship Fix: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Losing, and Keeping Up With Your Friends. According to a (kinda sad!) study from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, we lose about half our friends every seven years. Womp. If your social circle is shrinking, act like you would postbreakup: Shed your sweatpants, get back out there, and meet some new (girl) crushes. Yes, making new friends as a grown-ass woman can be intimidating (especially if you're not on…

NAME May Hasso TITLE Fashion assistant NAME Nicole Fineo TITLE Associate accessories editor NAME Hannah Bibb TITLE Fashion assistant On May Blazer, H&M, $49.95; sweater, Guess, $79; pants, Armani Exchange, $98; shoes, Nine West, $79; clutch, French Connection, $78; hat, American Eagle Outfitters, $24.95; belt, Raina Belts, $35.50; ring, Calvin Klein, $85 On Nicole Vest, Zara, $89; T-shirt, ASOS, $42; pants, Mango, $79.99; shoes, Anne Michelle, $39; belt, Jessica Simpson Collection, $30; sunglasses, Le Specs, $59; necklace, Vince Camuto, $68 On Hannah Jacket, Zara, $79.90; crop top, ShopAkira.com. $34.90; skirt, American Eagle Outfitters, $44.95; shoes, Soludos x We Are Handsome, $78; headphone earmuffs, Aéropostale, $15; necklace, ShopKaloo.com. $42; spiral ring, GoJane, $7.80; white ring, Calvin Klein, $85; heart ring, Adia Kibur Accessories, $24 beauty tip Boost your hair hue—natural (like…

STARTING AN EXERCISE PLAN ISN'T THE PROBLEM. IT'S THE STICKING-WITH-IT PART THAT'S TRICKY. NOT ANYMORE! THESE STRATEGIES ARE GUARANTEED TO GET—AND KEEP—YOU MOVING. GO FROM "EH, MAYBE I'LL WORK OUT TOMORROW…" GO FROM "EH, MAYBE I'LL WORK OUT TOMORROW…" Get Her Gear Above Jeans, Frame Denim, $229, net-a-porter.com; tank, Splendid, $38, splendid.com; shirt, Splits59, $86, splits59.com; socks, Hue, $6.50, Macy's Herald Square Below Shorts, Calvin Klein Performance, $28, Calvin Klein Performance retail stores WE ALL KNOW THE REASONS TO WORK OUT We're healthier and we're happier. We look hotter. But a lot of days (okay, most days), there are roughly 10 trillion other things most of us would rather do than wake up early to jog, duck out at lunch for a Spinning class, or hit the gym after work.…

MAY MAKE YOU SMARTER Climaxing increases activity in your brain's nerve cells, sending a healthy cocktail of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your brain, according to new research from Rutgers University. You get a similar brainiac payoff from brain teasers like crossword puzzles and Scrabble games, but orgasms actually deliver the good stuff to more regions of the brain, says lead study author Barry Komisaruk, PhD. Ask Dr. Ashton Q What do you do when you have a weird mole down there? A Most moles—wherever they are on your body—are benign. But malignant melanoma and other skin cancers can occur anywhere, including your labia and vulva, so it's smart to check yourself out from all angles. Still, those cases are rare and usually caused by HPV or a skin condition.…

Hard Candy "These are appropriately named." — Igor H., 21 Baby-Daddy Blues "I mean…is this really necessary?" — Sarah G., 25 Off-Label "I don't mind a store brand, but this is insane." — Evelyn C., 32 Leg Up "Not only is this so gross, but he was totally rude to the cashier too." — Kasey L., 22 Space Invader "Why is it, in a sea of empty parking spaces, another car always chooses to park this close to your vehicle?! " — Noreen C., 28 Butt Seriously "I'm not sure if her dad would even appreciate this skirt." — Tiffany A., 24 IT SAYS: "Guns don't kill people. Dads with daughters do." ANNOYED BEYOND BELIEF? LOG ON TO COSMOPOLITAN.COM/BITCH-IT-OUT TO SHARE YOUR PET…

RELATIONSHIP ALERT! Dec. 21, 2013–Jan. 31, 2014 Venus in retrograde means all alliances, romantic or otherwise, need a reappraisal. You might see a cutie you let slip away come back for another try! COMMUNICATION CONFUSION Feb. 6–Feb. 28, June 7–July 1, Oct. 4–Oct. 25 Mercury in retrograde causes technology and correspondence of all kinds to go haywire. When this happens, usually three times a year, you should do your best to avoid signing contracts or buying gadgets. LUCKY STAR Jupiter brings good luck with it as it travels through the heavens. FAMILY (Jan. 1–July 15) When Jupiter visits Cancer, spend some time with the people you love most. Culinary and real estate projects should go well too, so whip up brunch for the whole clan in…your new…

Outside the Bedroom! 1. PRACTICE YOUR ELVISH Why The Hobbit sequel is better than the first: Hot elves Evangeline Lilly and newly single Orlando Bloom having the most fun as a blond. 2. STAY CLASSY …With a sweet Ron Burgundy–style ice-cream mustache of Ben & Jerry's limited edition Scotchy Scotch Scotch (butterscotch ice cream with butterscotch swirls), honoring the hilarious Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. 3. WAVE YOUR UNION JACK …For Cher Lloyd. Three years since her debut album, the Brit pop princess with punk 'tude returns with Sorry I'm Late—featuring a smooth assist from T.I. 4. CUT YOUR FAMILY SOME SLACK They pale in comparison with the nutters on Fox's new Us and Them, starring Alexis Bledel and Jason Ritter as an internet match trying to make it last…

Happy 2014! I wish I could say I use the treadmill desk in this photo as much as I planned to when I first unpacked it and plugged it in. I set myself an ambitious plan of two hours a day, which I figured would lose me five pounds in the first week. In reality, the first time I actually got on it, I was drinking a latte and eating a croissant.…My exercise math is much like my fashion math—it bears no resemblance to the truth. Natch, if I manage 25 minutes, then that's a good day. And how I justify it is, it's 25 minutes I wouldn't have done otherwise, right? Which is why I love our health and fitness editors Sara Austin and Liz Plosser. Their motivation tips…

Join us for a toast with your fave celebs—to health, happiness, and 2014! THE TIPPLER Amy Poehler loves a drink like Leslie Knope loves waffles. JUST SAY PINOT When the wine flows, Christina Milian dips it low. RUM PUNCH Give Maria Menounos a daiquiri and she'll fist-pump for hours. TIE ONE ON Cheers, b*tch! Love, Jesse Pinkman and Walter White (aka Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston). HIGH SPIRITS The secret to Solange Knowles' sweet glow: sparkling wine and shimmery makeup. BIG HAIR, DON'T CARE Julianne Hough lets the bubbly go straight to her head. BOTTLE SERVICE Keep your Cristal—Rihanna gets behind an ice-cold cerveza. HAPPY HOUR It's a two-for-one special now that Lauren Conrad and William Tell are engaged. PINK LADIES Zoe Saldana and her sister live la vie en…

AISLE ALWAYS LOVE YOU FUN How to improve the bouquet toss? With Photoshopped cats! Tumblr gold. FAIL Show-off groom upstages bride with a trick-filled walk to the altar. Scene-stealer! FEARLESS Jon Bon Jovi surprises a superfan by walking her down the aisle in Vegas. DOLLED UP FUN Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope is miniaturized as a talking, farting action figure on Parks and Rec. FEARLESS Miley Cyrus re-creates her doll makeout sesh from "We Can't Stop" live onstage for Jimmy Kimmel. FAIL Now this is the stuff of nightmares: There's a Walking Dead Teddy Bear Girl doll. Keep the lights on. FOOD FOR THOUGHT FUN McDonald's goes chef-y with a one-off Kung Pao Chicken McNuggets dish. FEARLESS It's next-level "fast food" when a model eats from a takeout box while wakeboarding.…

LINKED IN Debut jewelry collection W. Britt draws on industrial inspirations and makes basic pieces look fab in coats of 18K gold. Top, $178, skirt, $198, BCBG Max Azria, bcbg.com SEXY, defined "It's about wearing something that highlights your best asset. The essentials are a great dress, a pop of color, and a smile. But to feel truly sexy, exude confidence." LUBOV AZRIA, CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, BCBG MAX AZRIA GROUP GETTING GIRLIE Featuring the adorbs illustrations of designer (and Jill Stuart's daughter) Morgan Curtis, the new lingerie line Morgan Lane is equal parts sweet and saucy. The first 25 Cosmo readers to shop Morgan-Lane.com will receive 25% off. Enter code COSMO. faking IT We all resolved for flatter abs in 2014, but it's not going to happen overnight. For…

COME CLEAN Survive cold season in style with a chic hand sanitizer.L'Occitane Lavender Hand Purifying Gel, $8, usa.loccitane.com MINT CONDITION Detangle strands with spearmint-spiked conditioner. Herbal Essences Naked Moisture Conditioner, $5, drugstores LILAC LACQUER An opaque finish gives this normally sweet pastel some edge. CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Lav-Endure, $5.50, drugstores DREAM ON Scent sheets with lavender, catch zzz's, repeat. Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Lavender Vanilla Pillow Mist, $10, bathandbodyworks.com SEA THE LIGHT Spark this trendy little tin, and breathe in hints of coconut, sea grass, and orange flower. Illume Mediterranean Essential Mini Tin Candle, $9, illumecandles.com STRIPPED BAR All-natural, veggie-based soap leaves skin silky. Le Couvent Des Minimes Pure Vegetable Soap, $7, usa.lecouvent desminimes.com SPRAY AND WASH Give makeup brushes a weekly…

My dark circles aren't blue—they're yellowish brown. What type of concealer will cover them? —ANITA NEEDELS, 21 Lavender skin primer cancels out yellow undertones. Dab on, wait a minute, then layer regular concealer on top. From left: Temptu Pro S/B Neutralizer Wheel, $26, temptupro.com; NYX Waterproof Concealer Stick, $5, nyxcosmetics.com Prime with purple! What's better for exfoliating: a scrub or peel? —JACQUELINE SODANO, 20 I prefer peels. They're gentler (no granules) and neutralize after a few minutes, making it impossible to overexfoliate. My favorite: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Face Peel, $82, dgskincare.com Most makeup is overkill for my small eyes. Any tips? —ALLIE TIERNEY, 22 Always wear… 1. shimmery shadow; 2. liquid liner on top, extending it slightly past inner and outer corners; 3. mascara,…

FROM WORLD-CLASS FIGURE SKATER…TO DIPLOMAT Michelle Kwan dreamed about going to the Olympics since she was a little girl. Spoiler alert: She got there… and then some. Now, she's a senior adviser for public diplomacy and public affairs at the State Department, putting together programs for artists, athletes, leaders, and students worldwide to connect and exchange ideas. HOW SHE DID IT After retiring from figure skating as the most-decorated American ever, Kwan wondered, What's next? She went to college, and after graduation, she earned a master's in law and diplomacy from Tufts University. "I wanted to be smarter than I was when I was 20," she says. "I wanted to have experiences that made me a better person." She began serving as a public-diplomacy envoy for the State Department,…

COSMO HOT TOPICS: THIS MONTH WE'RE TALKING ABOUT… Q&A Sex, Sin, and Shattered Faith Leah Vincent, the daughter of an ultra-Orthodox rabbi in Pittsburgh, and her 10 siblings were raised to worship two things: God and the men who ruled their fundamentalist sect. In her memoir, Vincent tells of her self-destructive spiral after being exiled from her family and how she found her version of salvation. Q Why did you begin questioning your faith? A In my Yeshivish community, the rabbis decide everything, even decisions like "Should I marry this person?" When I was punished so harshly for the smallest things, like exchanging notes with a male friend, my faith began to crumble. Q How did you relate to men? A As a girl, I was told that my elbow…

Resolution Heat Index SPARKS FLYING → SEEING STARS → TOTAL FIREWORKS RESOLUTION 1 Fire Up Your DESIRE Before you can kick off a new year of awesome sex, you have to know what turns you on. Start here… Get Lucky (With Yourself) Masturbate—beneath your bath jets, while watching Scandal, whatever works for you—and (literally) get in touch with what arouses you. Are you into clitoral play, counterclockwise strokes to your nipples? (No need to choose.) Find out—then bring your favorite moves to this year's sex sessions. Fifty Shades of Fantasize Remember when you broke your record for most orgasms in one day, when you were reading Fifty Shades of Grey? Draft a randy reading list for 2014—if it gets you going in print, try it IRL. "Fifty Shades is tame…

Q. When I see a cute guy at a party or bar, I hesitate to approach him. Something tells me guys like to initiate a conversation. Is my intuition right? A You're using intuition as a cop-out to avoid approaching guys, rather than to determine which guys you should approach. Think about the times a guy has successfully approached you. I'll bet three things happened: One, you were attracted to him. Two, you were open to meeting guys. And three, he was charming. Now try it yourself: Have you exchanged flirty glances? That's attraction. Is he alone or with a couple of buddies but still looking at you? He's open to meeting you. I can't make you charming, but you're right about guys wanting to feel like they're taking the…

Usher in the Year of the Girl Next Door with Lauren Conrad and Chrissy Teigen. They're taking care of business, while Cosmo's own fashion stars are killin' it in looks under $100. Bustier, Acne Studios, $330; skirt, Club Monaco, $189.50; idylle necklace, ring, Louis Vuitton; initial necklace, David Yurman, $625; ID necklace, Jessica Biales; talon bracelet, $115, V ring, $515, Campbell; bangle, diamond oval bangle, diamond bangle, Ippolita; lasso bracelet, Aurelié Biderman; serpent ring, Jack Vartanian. See page 153 for shopping information.…

EXCUSE "I DON'T WANT TO RUIN MY HAIR!" Prevent the postgym ponytail dent and frizzy, sweaty hairline with two tricks. 1 Twist your hair into a topknot, and wrap the base with a few multicolored micro-scrunchies. The extra material cushions hair and won't leave a mark the way an elastic can, says NYC hair pro Zaiya Latt, who created Chrissy's cool, gym-inspired styles. (See page 127 for our favorites—plus more gym-bag beauty picks.) 2 Slide a fabric headband (like Lululemon's Fly Away Tamer, $12) against your hairline to wick away sweat and keep baby hairs flat. Jacket, Jeremy Scott; swimsuit, OYE Swimwear, $295; earrings, Rebecca Minkoff, $38; hair ties (worn throughout), L. Erickson, $10 for 5 EXCUSE "A.M. WORKOUTS MAKE ME LATE FOR WORK!" Go from gym to desk—fast! 1…

Known For Her turbo-fast, two-props-only routines, as seen in the videos at BodyByHannah.com. HOW TO DO THIS ROUTINE Grab one 10- to 15-pound dumbbell and a sturdy chair. Do the first move in Combo 1; rest for 30 seconds. Now do the second move; rest for 30 seconds. Repeat three times. Take a 30-second break, and move on to Combo 2 (same drill). Boom: You're done! Combo 1 T-TWISTS 1 Hold dumbbell in right hand. Get into plank position, balancing on the chair on your left palm. Raise the dumbbell until your elbow makes a 90-degree angle. 2 Twist your body to the right while raising and pressing the dumbbell toward the ceiling until arm is straight. Rotate back to start position. Repeat for 30 seconds, then switch sides. On…

GET DOWN, GO OUT 1 LIVE A LITTLE! Measure your success by how much fun you're having, says happiness expert Gabrielle Bernstein. When you're having fun, you're more productive, and people will be drawn to you. (Plus, it makes life easier.) 2 Make Happy Hour Happier and Hunkier Your mission this year: Find. Shirtless. Bartenders. Why shouldn't every night out have bachelorette-party-level fun? High-def pecs will do that for you. Gather your girls, and find a bar that promises lots of eye candy. There's nothing wrong with looking (and we're always looking). We do it at Cosmo, and it does wonders for morale. 3 Make Somebody Else's Life a Party Do something nice for someone else. Whether it's getting your best friend that pretty necklace she's been eyeing or doing…

1. This semi-cute but totally vanilla guy you met is asking you out. Frankly, you'd rather be home Googling Jamie Dornan shirtless. What's your next move? A. Dodge him with a text saying you have friends in town…but maybe you can grab a drink next week (if you're bored). B. Delete his number, straight up ghost him, and log in to Tinder to find a new piece. You have no time for beta males. C. See him again because you feel bad for him. It's not his fault he's prematurely balding. Maybe he'll be a sleeper hit? 2. Sunday brunch with your usual crew. Everyone goes nuts with all-you-can-drink mimosas and throws in some cash, but the bill is still a few dollars short. You: A. Chug your…

SO MANY MEN TO CHOOSE FROM! GET A LITTLE HELP FROM THE STARS TO FIND YOUR MATCH. 1. THERE IS NOTHING SEXIER IN A MAN THAN: A. Athleticism in and out of the bedroom. B. A healthy bank account and a fondness for well-cut blazers. C. A passion for talking global politics and big ideas. D. A serenade with a song he's written just for you. 2. PERFECT FOREPLAY IS: A. A glass of your favorite wine, candles, and a bubble bath prepared just for you. Oh, a foot massage too! B. Listening to classical music while cuddling and kissing for hours. C. A session of stimulating verbal sparring that sparks your intellectual and passionate appetites. D. Let's get physical! A little wrestling in the sheets gets you frisky! 3.…

What You Thought of the November Issue COVER CRUSH Via Twitter @M0willy: Miranda Kerr on the cover of Cosmo. I can't even. #GirlCrush THE REAL DEAL "I appreciate the changes Cosmo is making. I still have my confessions and makeup, hair, and sex tips, but I like how you're now covering political and work issues and news stories. It feels like a real, relevant magazine." —Megan M., Richmond, IN NAKED TRUTH "Thank you so much for 'My Ex Posted Naked Pics of Me.' Two days before I got my issue, my ex put naked photos of me on porn websites. The girls' stories were so relatable and helped me see that I can take action. Revenge porn is an issue that needs to be noticed." —Lauren S., Sacramento, CA NOT…

Lauren Conrad MY REALITY-TV OBSESSIONS ARE: Big Brother and catfish MY FAVORITE THING IN MY NEW HOME IS: My closet MY FIRST KISS WAS: Awkward. THE BEST PART OF DESIGNING IS: a. All the creative parts—from sketching to styling. b. Getting to be in charge of my own company. c. Seeing my designs on real women. d. Being able to gift my friends with my designs. (It's good to be in charge!) e. Other: All of the above! MY FAVE THING IN MY XO(ECO) LINE IS: My pie carrier. I love baking! I LOVE TO RELAX BY: Hiking YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW THIS ABOUT ME, BUT I'M SECRETLY REALLY GOOD AT: Tetris THE ONE THING EVERY GIRL NEEDS IN HER CLOSET IS: A perfect-fitting little black dress THE ONE THING…

DEBBIE HARRY HOT BLONDIES G takes power-girl-punk style to new heights. PRINCESS KATE ROYAL AFFAIR Hey, Prince Harry, forget Cressida Bonas. How does Princess Gaga sound? CARLY RAE JEPSEN CALL ME, MAYBE Mother Monster channels her little-girlie side. BETTE MIDLER SEA LEGS The Divine Miss M tweeted—she wants her shells back! GIRL GRILLS Metal mouth: not just for rappers anymore. When Miley's teeth are blingin', the tongue stops flingin'. Katy Perry's got the eye of the tiger and the mouth of a gold mine. We are living in a material world, and Madge is an 18K material girl. That's one way to shine bright like a diamond, Rihanna.…

ROCK THE LOOK Top an ikat-print skirt with a spotted blouse. Polish off with a red color-blocked clutch—it's the cherry on top! Hello, Moto Tame busy patterns by wearing a solid jacket. From top Jacket, Forever 21, $37.80, forever21.com; top, Lush Clothing, $39, necessaryclothing.com; skirt, Boohoo.com, $24, boohoo.com; clutch, JustFab, $39.95, justfab.com; shoes, Bamboo, $31, lulus.com; bracelets, Forever 21, $5.80 each, forever21.com BUY IT 1 Jacket, Forever 21, $37.80, forever21.com 2 Collar, BaubleBar, $38, baublebar.com 3 Shoes, Shoe Dazzle, $39.95, shoedazzle.com 4 Skirt, LuLu*s, $42, lulus.com 5 Dress, 2b, $44.95, 2bstores.com 6 Clutch, The Limited, $39.95, thelimited.com 7 Pants, Old Navy, $34.94, oldnavy.com 8 Shoes, Shoe Republic LA, $43, lulus.com 9 Sweater, I Heart…

How can I keep from looking drab this winter? —CANDICE SMITH, 26 Look for bright sweaters to keep your closet (and life!) from getting too gray and dreary. Pink and red together may seem wild, but trust me, they make the season cheerful. From left: St. John's Bay, $44, jcpenney.com; Joe Fresh, $39, joefresh.com for store locations; Banana Republic, $69.50, bananarepublic.com I am a size 22 to 24. It is nearly impossible for me to find cool clothes. Any ideas of places I can shop and actually want to buy something? —JESSICA SOLOMON, 28 There are a ton of great spots for getting plus- size fashion. Some of my favorites: ASOS Curve on Asos.com, Old Navy, and Torrid. I have to say, Amber Riley always kills it style-wise.…

to start Odds are, you didn't do the best cleanup job last night. Double-up now with a gentle scrub (to lift surface dirt and makeup) followed by a foaming face wash to deep-clean pores. A cool rinse helps calm ruddy skin. 1 Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub, $7, drugstores 2 Clean and Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Reviving Facial Cleanser, $6, drugstores next up Your four big challenges: redness (booze causes blood vessels to dilate), under-eye circles (from crappy sleep), plus dry skin and bloodshot eyes (liquor dehydrates). Nix them with our steps below—then apply an extramoisturizing BB cream. 1 Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in Pink (Shade 1), $37, giorgioarmanibeauty.com 2 Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser, $40, giorgioarmanibeauty.com 3 Smashbox Always Sharp Kohl Liner…

ON YOUR VANITY the mess Display makeup and fragrances for easy access. 1. LIP GLASS Recycled candle holders make pretty storage cups. (We organized gloss, but get creative—eyeliner, makeup brushes, whatever!) Once a candle is finished, put it in the freezer overnight. The leftover wax will pop right out, and you can wash then reuse the glass. 2. FACE PLACE Edit your stash of makeup and store everyday staples in acrylic drawers (like this Muji case, $17.25, muji.com). Special-occasion makeup gets its own place (see page 58). 3. MANI CUBE A sturdy gift box keeps nail lacquers contained. 4. DISH IT OUT Repurpose shot glasses and decorative plates to hold rings and small earrings. 5. SCENT STAGE Show off fragrances on a cake tray. (You can even wrap cuffs and…

Cosmo's financial guru, author of Financially Fearless, and CEO of LearnVest, Alexa von Tobel #BreakingBad Problems The Stress "I don't even know how much I have." Step one is creating a budget you can live with. It's time to rip off the Band-Aid and figure out exactly where you stand financially. How much do you take home each month? I'm talking the after-tax amount that actually hits your bank account. Now, how much do you spend on everything, from rent to utilities to drinks with friends? This year, aim for a 50/20/30 breakdown: 50 percent for your essentials (housing, bills, your car, your debt, etc.), 20 percent to savings, and 30 percent for fun stuff (happy hour, new snow boots, a few donations to causes you care about). Knowing how…

Former Secret Service special agent and interrogator Evy Poumpouras shares the clues to reading people, so you can feel confident in every conversation. When people find out I conducted polygraph examinations, did interrogations, and protected President Obama as a special agent for the United States Secret Service, they bombard me with questions. They ask, "How can I tell what someone is really thinking?" And even, "Can you feel my wrist and tell me if I'm lying right now?" We all want to know how to make sense of the people we come into contact with every day, whether it's a love interest, a friend, a coworker, or someone we just met. But the truth is, you can't "solve" your boyfriend or your boss as if they were a math problem.…

Q My guy asked me to use "some teeth" on him during oral. Um, won't this hurt him? A Ah, teeth and penises—mixing the two might be tricky, but you got this. Just remember there's a difference between a light, sensual graze of your pearly whites and a big old bite. Try "gentle nibbles, using your teeth to tickle his shaft," suggests Amy Levine, founder of sex-coaching company Ignite Your Pleasure. "Practice on your hand and you'll get a good idea of what would be too much on his very sensitive skin," she says. Oh, and establish a code before you go downtown—have him tap you on the shoulder if your dental adventure crosses the line between pleasure and pain. Q I have a fantasy about having sex in my…

"You're Too Intimidating." "YOU'RE TOO PICKY." "YOU SHOULD HAVE MARRIED THAT GUY." "YOU'RE TOO AVAILABLE." "YOU HAVE ISSUES." "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY THE GAME." When searching for love, it feels like you can't win. You're told that to find a good relationship, you should first be happy alone. But if you are content solo, then you're "too independent." So you admit that being single can be lonely…and are informed that you reek of desperation! Before I met my husband, Mark, my single friends and I would talk about the many theories our loved ones offered up about why we hadn't found someone. They meant well, but now I know they were just plain wrong (I wasn't afraid of commitment; I just hadn't found the right guy!). I talked…

Madly in love and newly engaged? Check. Proud owner of a brand-new house in L.A.? Check. Two booming fashion lines, best-selling books, and a destination website under her belt? Check, check, check. At 27, Lauren Conrad seems to have figured everything out. Follow her lead, and channel your own inner LC. There are cameras everywhere at Hollywood's Siren Studios, but today they aren't aimed at Lauren Conrad. A blonde model dashes in and out of a dressing room, changing into one pretty frock after another, designed by Conrad for the 12th season of her Paper Crown line. The photos will preview her work for the nearly 200 retailers that sell the line, which debuted in 2011. When the star herself emerges, she's in head-to-toe black and flats, her hair gathered…

Start the year right by swearing off "oops" moments once and for all. These reminder tricks will keep you covered. DO A FAVOR Fill a bowl with cheeky condoms from SayItWithACondom.com at your New Year's Eve bash so guests grab 'em on the way out. ASK FOR A NUDGE Missed a pill, again? Set a daily alarm, push notification, or text reminder using free apps like Lady Pill Reminder (play.google.com) or MyPill (iTunes store). GO LONGER If you slip up a lot, chat with your doc about an option like the NuvaRing (4 weeks of pregnancy prevention), the Depo-Provera shot (3 months), an implant (3 years), or an IUD (3 to 12 years). —DIANDRA BARNWELL…

1. Your Veggies 6 tomatillos 2 yellow heirloom tomatoes 1 dill pickle 3 garlic cloves 1 serrano chili (seeds removed) 2. Your Booze 1 oz. Ole Smokey Tennessee Moonshine (or vodka) 3. Your Seasoning 1½ T preserved lemon Juice of ½ lime 3 dashes Tabasco ½ t. each sugar, salt, and pepper —LIZ PLOSSER 4. Your Salted Rim Put 1 T each salt, pepper, sugar, and Aleppo pepper (optional) in a saucer. Wet rim with lime wedge; dab in saucer. IN A BLENDER, PUREE ingredients from lists 1, 2, and 3. Salt the rim of a pint glass (step 4). Fill it with ice, and strain in blended mixture. Garnish with a pickle or olive. SOURCE: TRAVIS BROWN, HEAD BARTENDER AT DISTILLED, IN NYC SHOW YOUR FOOD SOME LOVE Pre-meal…

COSMO EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE Velvet Ropes Stuck in SoHo in a quickly escalating blizzard, shop girl Erica finds herself in her very own winter wonderland—getting to choose between the affections of movie star Dalton Taylor and her longtime crush, hotel bartender Ben. While the snow falls outside, Erica's world is heating up…fast. BY EMMA MCLAUGHLIN AND NICOLA KRAUS, BEST-SELLING AUTHORS OF THE NANNY DIARIES AND THE FIRST AFFAIR Snow blowing sideways into her eyes, Erica set the alarm outside the SoHo boutique where she worked. She sighed, feeling defeated as she looked at the four feet of snow she'd have to contend with on her path to the subway, and stepped out into it. Her short rubber boots quickly filled, setting her feet on icy fire. Shit! Shit shit shit…

EARTH SIGNS (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) You are practical, loyal, and patient. It takes a moment for things to catch your interest, but once you are excited about something (or someone!), you are steadfast. You delight in simple pleasures, like nature and delicious food and wine. In love, you want a considerate partner who can indulge in these luxuries with you. You take pride in taking care of yourself, and you have high standards and excellent taste. Neutral colors and luxurious textures, like soft cashmere and slinky silks, make you feel your sexiest. BEST MATCHES: Earth and Water signs WATER SIGNS (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) You are intuitive and nurturing and a romantic at heart. Music and art arouse your passions. You are generous with your time and will always help those…