Innehållsförteckning för May-14 från Cosmopolitan

Memorial Day picnics, trading four wheels for two (May is National Bike Month!), and Kentucky Derby parties—here's what our editors are shopping, Googling, and loving this month. SPRING READING "NastyGal.com founder Sophia Amoruso's book covers how she went from dumpster diver to running a $100 million business." —LAURA BROUNSTEIN, SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR #GirlBoss, $26.95, available May 6 on amazon.com SPRING FLORALS "The second winter ends, all I want to wear are prints. What better way than with sunnies?" —NICOLE FINEO, ASSOCIATE ACCESSORIES EDITOR Sunglasses, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, $200, shopbop.com METALLIC TOUCHES "Shiny accents were everywhere for spring. I like the idea of dressing up an iPad in a gold finish." —Kathy Lee, senior accessories editor iPad case, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $138, Marc Jacobs stores…

DREW GRANT TWITTER: @VideoDrew A staff writer for the New York Observer, Grant—who's masterminded dozens of sexts for friends—shares her sexting secrets in "I Am the Sext Whisperer" (p. 206). SURPRISING MOMENT WORKING ON THIS STORY "Strangers were more than willing to hand over their phones so I could send their partners sexy messages. That's a lot of trust they put in me!" ROBERT TRACHTENBERG INSTAGRAM: @RobertTrachtenberg Photographer and Emmy-Award-winning filmmaker Trachtenberg captured the cheeky new tribe of female Saturday Night Live comedians in "Hot & Hilarious: It's an SNL Slumber Party!" (p. 180). MY FIRST BIG BREAK "I was a studio manager for a photographer who had gone on vacation to Hawaii. GQ called for her to shoot a portrait, and when I told them she was out of…

1. "I have a Law andOrder addiction. I've seen every episode. I can even predict what the characters will say. Every Sunday, I'm secretly happy, because I can watch Law and Order all day." —TAYVIA J., 18, biochemistry student, from Brooklyn, NY 2. "I hooked up with a guy at a party once. I was drunk and told him I was from China and pretended to speak Chinese. The next day, I was with my Brazilian friends and talking in Portuguese. He stormed up and confronted me about not being Chinese. Nope, I'm Brazilian!" —JOVANA L., 19, model, from Espírito Santo, Brazil 3. "If I'm at home, I pretty much do everything naked. I make breakfast, do laundry, vacuum. Clothes are unnecessary." —JESS D., 26, project manager, from Philadelphia, PA…

Evan Peters, 27 I can be your hero, baby. Proof: X-Men: Days of Future Past. Adam Driver, 30 Hey, Girls, I swear I'm not a slacker. I just play one on TV. Andy Samberg, 35 Brooklyn Nine-Nine, I've got adorkability on lockdown, over. Dev Patel, 23 You, me, one night in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Let's do it. Benedict Cumberbatch, 37 People say I have an otter face. I'm cool with that. Jamie Campbell Bower, 25 Swipe right, I'll show you my Mortal Instrument. Kendrick Lamar, 26 Pour up (drank), sit down (drank), swipe right (drank). Ed Sheeran, 23 Join my A-team, Love. I swear Taylor Swift and I are just friends.…

GETTING IT RIGHT On Girls, Skylar Astin's character tells Zosia Mamet's Shoshanna he frickin' loves eating…ya know. We're not talking about a walk down the aisle. Oral sex on film for guys is no big deal. But for a girl to get hers, it's NC-17 territory. Sara Stewart explains why we should sit back, relax, and enjoy it. "You had me at eating p**sy." When Aubrey Plaza's character dropped that line in The To-Do List, I was blown away. It's not often you see a girl on film admit she wants oral. Meanwhile, back at home—on premium and basic cable—our favorite shows are all about going down. Girls, Scandal, Orange Is the New Black—these shows may not owe their success to cunnilingus, but with the portrayal of strong female characters…

ROCK THE LOOK Keep stripes from looking clownishby pairing a top and bottom in perpendicular patterns—one vertical and one horizontal. AT THE BAR There is nothing—and we mean nothing—a strappy red heel can't make sexy. Flask, Mod Cloth, $29.99, modcloth.com; dress, Silence + Noise, $49, urbanoutfitters.com; bag, Forever 21, $14.80, forever21.com; shoes, LuLu*s, $35, lulus.com ON A DATE Pair a crop top with a high-waisted skirt—a peek of rib cage is the new cleavage. Shoes, Call It Spring, $50, callitspring.com; crop top, ASOS, $45, asos.com; skirt, Mod Cloth, $44.99, modcloth.com; bag, Arizona, $24.99, jcpenney.com AT THE OFFICE Vertical piping, like on this blazer, draws the eye up and down, making stripes slimming. Blazer, Covington, $50, Sears; bracelet, Mod Cloth, $12.99, modcloth.com; shoes, Torrid, $44.50, torrid.com; pants, Celebrity…

How do I trim my own eyebrows so they look balanced, not butchered? —APRIL DAMURJIAN, 23 "Brush up hairs, hold them in place, and with tiny brow scissors, snip only the tips above your brow line." Tweezerman Brow Shaping Scissors and Brush, $18, tweezerman.com I want wide volume, not height. How do I get it? —KYRA JANECZEK, 23 "Apply O&M Surf Bomb ($24, amazon.com), curl midlengths for beachy waves, then scrunch with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($42, oribe.com)." Applying foundation with a brush makes my skin look streaky. Am I doing something wrong? —KRISTEN DALY, 26 "No, you just need a kabuki brush. The short bristles go on in circular motions, not long, streaky strokes." Tarte Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush, $36, sephora.com I love spring's pink eye-shadow…

THE MAKEOVER TURQUOISE TIPS Amanee S., 28 publicist WHY NOW? "It's time to push the envelope a bit." THE PROCESS After lightening Amanee's hair from the ears down, Lena Ott, owner of NYC's Suite Caro- line, painted on various shades of blue (from pale turquoise to royal blue). THE REVEAL "My friends and coworkers are obsessed.…Some have been inspired to go extreme too." THE MAKEOVER FRIZZ-FREE Melissa F., 27 singer/makeup artist WHY NOW? "I'm releasing an album and want to reinvent myself for the party!" THE PROCESS A keratin treatment (a solution that breaks the disulfide bonds of curly hair) was applied then locked in via blow-drying and flatironing, says stylist Rudy Peña at the Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa, who did the treatment. THE REVEAL "I love…

Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen in Black, $6, drugstores; CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Goldilocks, $5.49, drugstores PICK-UP STICKS Hannah B., 22 Cosmo fashion assistant NAIL IT (1) Apply white polish, leaving a semicircle of exposed nail at the base. (2) With a striping brush (see left), paint random, intersecting lines with blue, yellow, and coral polish. (3) Apply top coat, and press a star-shaped stud at the base of each nail while still wet. THE REVEAL "They're a great conversation starter… perfect for the fashion biz." Color Club Nail Art Duo Pen in Royal Blue, $4, shopcolorclub.com; Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Eastern Light, $27, chanel.com; Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Striper in Orange, $4, drugstores; Salon Perfect Nail Art Liner in Ray…

CHEEK STAMP For flushed cheeks (minus the brush), just tap and go! Mirabella Cheeky Blush, $30, mirabellabeauty.com Not-So-DIY Dye At-home hair color with no mixing? Sign us up! Press a button to dispense the right amount of developer and color—housed separately inside this canister—as an easy-to-apply mousse. Bonus: The remainder stays fresh for touch-ups. L'Oréal Paris Preference Mousse Absolue, $15, drugstores BLURRED LINES It didn't take long for an Insta-inspired skin-care trend to pop up. Like a filter, blur creams temporarily hide fine lines, wrinkles, and pores by filling them in and refracting light. Foundation, optional. Garnier Skin Renew 5 Sec Blur Instant Smoother, $17, drugstores; Lancôme Visionnaire 1 Minute Blur, $55, lancome.com AHOY, MANIS! What's red, blue, and striped all over? Dior's nautical nail-art kit. Inside: a…

LEADERSHIP STARTS AT THE BOTTOM As an intern for Vice President Walter Mondale, I arrived the first day ready to write policy memos and change the world…but my assignment was doing an inventory of the furniture. I spent three weeks crawling underneath sofas and tables. I learned two lessons. One, the Vice President was honest—nothing was missing. Two, you have to take your job seriously, even though it may not be the job that you dream of having. That was my first job in Washington, D.C.—senator was my second. GET A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS I was one of the first women partners at my law firm, the first woman in my Minnesota prosecutor job, and the first woman elected from my state to the Senate. So advice from…

Cosmo career columnist and Morning Joe cohost Mika Brzezinski AFTER I HAD MY SECOND CHILD, I WANTED TO SHOW MY BOSS I could handle anything. I said yes to coming back too soon and working the overnight shift! I was so beat, I fell down the stairs holding my baby—she spent eight weeks in a body cast. She's fine now, but that was an excruciating price to pay for not being able to say no. Since then, I've trusted that I'm good enough that saying no won't hurt my prospects. Actually, being direct about what you want—without second-guessing or excuses—shows you value yourself. Power through awkward moments like these and you'll get to your yes. THE I-DO-NOT-NEED-THAT NO You find the perfect dress for your friend's bachelorette. Then the saleswoman…

A 12-year-old Florida girl leaps off a tower to her death. Two of her classmates are arrested, accused of a modern rite of middle school: sending cruel, harassing texts. Now, with the charges dropped, one of the accused talks about the case that turned into a national sensation…and a tragedy for three girls who once called one another friends. Katelyn Roman says she was wrongly charged. EARLY ON a September morning in the small Florida city of Lakeland last fall, Rebecca Sedwick woke up and started texting on her cell phone. "I'm jumping," she wrote to a friend in another state. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE." She got dressed for the day—white hoodie, black denim shorts, mismatched pink socks—and walked out the door. Instead of boarding the school bus…

There's no mistaking Ellie Goulding's voice. It gets dance parties started—she's performed at the White House and Buckingham Palace for the Royal Wedding—and creates lush soundscapes for films like Divergent. Here, the Brit pop goddess behind "Anything Could Happen," "Burn," and "I Need Your Love" with Calvin Harris plays dress up in sheer styles as unforgettable as her hits. Pretty in Peach Dress, bra, $595, shoes, Gucci; necklace, thin bracelet, Hearts on Fire; earrings, wide bracelet, Carolina Bucci; double-finger ring, Simon G. Jewelry; ring, Sutra Beauty Buzz Navy nails topped with gold accents look super luxe. Try Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Blue Satin ($27), and press teeny gold charms into your top coat. Girl Talk HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A SINGER? No, I wanted to be…

prep work Start early, and enjoy long into the night…. butter the chicken: "I always give my bird a generous butter massage before I put it in the oven," said the legendary Julia Child. Why? "I think the chicken likes it—and more important, I like to give it." We're with you, girl. Anything that you plan on, um, consuming later in the evening needs to be prepped, and this includes your guy, so massage his brains out. Pour some lotion or oil into your hands and rub him down, focusing on commonly ignored areas that feel especially tasty when touched: behind his ears, his hairline, the backs of his knees, the nape of his neck, and his feet. And don't forget—you deserve a buttering too! COCKTAIL HOUR The purpose of…

Q My new man is hot, sweet, and awesome in bed. But he's not the sharpest tool in the shed. I can't imagine having a smart conversation with him about news and politics. Should I just cut ties now? A Whether you admit it or not, I suspect you've already decided what to do. So you want me to say either that it's cool to date a guy with whom you have no intellectual connection…or that it's fine to break up with a nice guy because he doesn't keep up with current events. I don't think there's a wrong move as long as you're honest with yourself. If you want something long-term (or he does), end it and move on. If you're happy having fun in a relationship with no…

I NEVER PLANNED TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME WIFE. After graduating college, I got my master's degree in library science and quickly landed a job at a library. At first, I thought it was what I'd wanted. I was never the girl who could sing or dance or act or do sports. I was the good student…the reader. That was my identity. But over the course of the six years I spent at a public library in Nashville (where I live), my workload tripled…and my salary didn't. I went from being a librarian to being a librarian/volunteer coordinator/PR person. Those changes would have been a lot easier to stomach if I'd gotten a raise. I asked my boss for one, but to no avail. Instead, I was stuck with the same…

Working out for 20 to 30 minutes right before sex leads to more desire, arousal, and orgasm satisfaction for all women…and even more so for those taking antidepressants, reports a new study. Exercise boosts your sympathetic nervous system, which controls genital stimulation (and which SSRIs like Lexapro and Zoloft suppress). Delay your post–Power Yoga shower until after sex so your body doesn't lose the revving effects. SOURCE: TIERNEY LORENZ, POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY'S KINSEY INSTITUTE ASK DR. ASHTON Q I'm a lesbian. Would I ever need birth control? A Maybe. Hormonal birth control doesn't only prevent pregnancy, it can also help manage painful periods, PCOS, acne, and endometriosis. Plus, the Pill lowers the risk for ovarian and uterine cancers. Gay women should ask their doctor about contraception as well…

MEET YOUR TRAINER Astrid McGuire KNOWN FOR Her sold-out cardio and strength classes at Barry's Bootcamp in L.A. plus in-demand personal-training sessions that sculpt sexy muscles FAMOUS CLIENTS Jessica Alba,Julianne Hough,Stacy Keibler, andAlicia Silverstone BEND AND SNAP 1 Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart, holding a 5- to 15-pound dumbbell in each hand. Turn both feet 45 degrees to the left, then stick out your right hip. Do a biceps curl with your right hand, keeping the dumbbell at shoulder height while letting your left arm hang straight toward the floor. 2 Keeping your eyes on your right hand, stretch your left hand to your left ankle and extend your right dumbbell toward the sky. Do 15 reps, then switch sides. GET YOUR FIGURE EIGHT 1 Grip dumbbell with…

I'D ALWAYS KNOWN MY breasts were weird, but I remember the moment it hit me just how abnormal they were. In eighth grade, I glanced at my best friend as she was changing into her bikini. She had the most perfect boobs—full and symmetrical. My breasts looked nothing like that. Mine were tiny, asymmetrical, and spaced far apart, and while everyone else's had a round shape, mine were pointy and narrow with no underboob and enlarged, puffy areolas. Every time I looked in the mirror, I was disgusted. To cope with my shame, I convinced myself I was a late bloomer. Even in college, I held out hope that I'd have a growth spurt and get a normal body. One night when I was 19, I Googled weird boobs and…

Get a sneak peek at what to look forward to… and what to watch out for this month. (APRIL 21-MAY 21) TAURUS STELLAR GIFTS Fiercely loyal, you're known for going the extra mile for your friends. BLIND SPOTS You're resistant to change when it's not part of your grand plan. FASHION FAVES Feminine silhouettes play up your flirty and fun personality. INDULGENCE You know good quality when you see it, so you'll splurge on classics you'll treasure forever. SEDUCTION STYLE You like to be wooed. Cue the flowers, candles, and chocolate! THIS MONTH The Full Moon lunar eclipse on May 14th will bring magic into your love life! A spontaneous trip could be what you need to stir things up. Look for an opportunity at work that others have missed—you'll…

"You are the best loser I've seen all morning." —Sadie Saxton on Awkward "Look, I don't mean to be a bitch.…Well, actually I do." —Santana Lopez on Glee "I am the devil. And don't you forget it." —Stassi Schroeder on Vanderpump Rules "Do you have some hideous-skirt convention you have to go to?" —Emily Charlton in The Devil Wears Prada "It's so hard finding obedient minions." —Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl 1. Your little sister is in high school and feels extremely insecure about her looks. When she calls for advice, you… a. Tell her that she's beautiful and everyone feels awkward at that age. b. Emphasize her good qualities. She's a great speller so…that's cool. c. Suggest a nose, chin, and brow job, natch. 2. Your boyfriend buys you…

1 SPOT THE CHEMISTRY …Between IRL loves Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield in Spider-Man 2 (May 2) and J. Law and Nicholas Hoult in X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23). 2 CAST YOUR VOTE …For Victoria, Michael, Vince, or your other fave new scent at Fragrance.org. Winners will be announced at the Fragrance Foundation Awards (the Oscars of perfume), June 16. From top: Victoria's Secret Victoria, $40, victoriassecret.com; Michael Kors Sexy Amber, $95, macys.com; Vince Camuto Fiori, $78, vincecamuto.com 3 to 5 UPDATE YOUR LIBRARY GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND Life after college is hard—these two BFFs get it. AN UNTAMED STATE A privileged Haitian woman finds redemption in the most unlikely of places: a kidnapping. YOUNG GOD Nikki may be only 13, but she's determined to keep the family…

Love yourself! On Instagram, I like the Valencia filter, and the first photo I have photoshopped at Cosmo is any one of me! You don't need to see every wrinkle I've earned…and neither do I. So it was refreshing to be on the Today show recently talking about how we handle images at Cosmo. Yes, we airbrush a zit or glaring cold sore when a celeb comes in nervous about a cover shoot, and we might smooth the creases of a shirt. But we do draw the line at whisking 30 pounds off someone's thighs or elongating their torso to Barbie proportions. The Today show chat was part of a series titled Love Your Selfie (look for it on Today.com), a hot topic and one we discuss endlessly in…

"The first time we had sex, he screamed, 'Ride me like a pleasure horse!' Needless to say, we didn't last long." —KATE S., 22 "After lunch, he said he had to stop and pick up food for his dogs. I assumed we'd go to a pet store, but he brought me to a slaughterhouse to pick up pounds of raw chicken. That place smelled horrible!" —NICOLE G., 29 "HE STOPPED AT WALMART ON OUR DATE, AND I WATCHED AS HE BOUGHT UNDERWEAR AND PILLOWS FOR AN HOUR." —KRISSY C., 27 "A date invited me to a Spinning class. He didn't tell me that he was the instructor…and he'd be screaming at me to pick up the pace in front of the whole class." —KRISTIN C., 23 "We were…

Your "I'm a Freak" video is being called the "Blurred Lines" of 2014. Are you really that freaky? There are days when I want to have fun and be a freak—I mean that in a positive way. I want to be as crazy and spontaneous as possible and just go nuts. Are your other songs as sexy? The vibe of the album is very bipolar. It's sex and love. Those two words can be so close together but so far apart. What was your first time like? It was with my English teacher. I was in the fourth grade and…I'm kidding! I don't remember a lot, just being extremely nervous but also extremely excited. It's no secret that you and Anna Kournikova have been involved for a while. Do you…

Dress, Tommy Hilfiger; seashell bracelet, shark-tooth bracelet, $335, Dezso by Sara Beltrán; gold bracelet, Miansai by Michael Straiger; neon bracelets, Pepper Cotton, $180 each; flower bracelet, Alexis Bittar, $185; ring, Gorjana, $80 See page 262 for shopping information. Top, Fausto Puglisi, $720; skirt, Milly, $310; belt, Raina Belts, $172.50; necklace, Roberto Coin; bracelet, Hipanema, $78…

Jacket, Altuzarra, similar styles available at Barneys New York; top, Elizabeth and James, $265, saksfifthavenue.com; jeans, Uniqlo, $39.90, uniqlo.com; shoes, Gianvito Rossi, Coltorti Miami, 786-517-1330; all jewelry, Leandra's own the girl LEANDRA MEDINE the blog MANREPELLER.COM The blogger-turned-author who made arm party happen brings the funny to high fashion like none other. the confession "I OFTEN BUY JEANS FROM THE MEN'S DEPARTMENT." 1 Pair men's pants with super feminine tops—think detailed jackets (see previous page) and fluid silk blouses. Shirt, Equipment, $198, Equipment Soho, 646-277-6497 2 The trick to cutting a slim figure in loose jeans is to choose a pair that fits snuggly around your hips. Unlike in women's pants, you can actually fit your hands in your pockets. Jeans, Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren, $125, Macy's…

MAC Kelly Osbourne Morning Mister Magpie, $22, maccosmetics.com MAC Kelly Osbourne Jumbo Penultimate, $22, maccosmetics.com DAY-TO-DATE HOT Kelly: "Everything in my line (like this brow duo and chubby liquid liner) is buildable. You can wear a little for day, then pump it up for evening." Mother's Day Advice 3 SKIN LESSONS FROM SHARON 1. "Don't go to bed with your makeup on—no matter how tired you are." 2. "No sun! Just stay out of the sun!" 3. To fight aging: "I use glycolic acid cream, and it works." Behind the scenes of their MAC shoot: Yes, they're as fun IRL! NEUTRAL GROUND Sharon: "I chose colors that suit dark-haired women: golds, browns, and beiges." Brunettes, Sharon's got your back! MAC Sharon Osbourne Duchess Quad, $44, maccosmetics.com LIP…

THE MAKEOVER PORELESS SKIN Bea A., 30 therapist, founder of PrettyPaddedRoom.com WHY NOW? "I'm doing a lot of TV to promote my site. I really need flawless skin." THE PROCESS It's all about layering primer, foundation, and powder, says celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow. THE REVEAL "I work to help women feel good in their skin—now I do too." Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas, $38, philosophy.com THE MAKEOVER LESS IS MORE Limor S., 34 on-air lifestyle contributor WHY NOW? "I always wear a full face of makeup: dark eyes and full-coverage foundation. It's time for an off-duty look." THE PROCESS Turnbow swapped Limor's black eye palette for warmer bronze hues. To enhance, not hide, her already great skin, Turnbow prepped it with illuminating primer (a pigment-free base), used cream…

BAD ROMANCE A messy do plus wine lips is high drama, not high- maintenance. BEFORE Lauren B., 22 HAIR Spray in equal parts dry shampoo and thickening spray for texture, says Britney Williams, stylist at Suite Caroline, in NYC. Pull it to one side, braid, then flip it over your head like a headband and pin. MAKEUP Sweep bronze shadow over lids up to the brows, says makeup artist Sara Glick. Rim eyes with brown metallic liner, and finish with a wine-colored lipstick. THE REVEAL "This is my favorite! I felt like I was in a Free People ad. And an effortless updo in under 10 minutes? Done!" FASHION Tank, shorts, $625, Gregory Parkinson; bra, BCBGeneration, $36; tooth ring, Inez, $95; scalloped ring, Melinda Maria, $25; pyramid ring, Charming Charlie,…

My nostrils look like bat caves.Another age spot? Why are my lips so crooked? Staring into my iPhone, I've gone from smiling to pouting to looking pensively at the camera, all to get the perfect pic for my LinkedIn profile. (I've been at this for about half an hour now.) Somewhere around the 24th shot—which, of course, I hate—I realize it's not a lighting issue or the wrong lip gloss. It's me: I'm more self-conscious and critical than ever. I don't think I was always like this. Once, only celebrities battled constant scrutiny. But now everyone has a public image—whether it's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or the most superficial of all, Tinder—and it's being viewed on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. We've never had to look at ourselves (or one another)…

Cosmo's financial columnist, Alexa von Tobel, CEO of LearnVest and author of Financially Fearless FIND A GOOD LENDER If you're shopping for a loan, borrow the max you can from Uncle Sam. Federal loans tend to have the lowest interest rates, and the rates are fixed. Private lenders can fill the gap, but beware—some may try to lock you into a plan that's not best for you. Get a financial adviser to look over the details before you sign. (Your first consultation with a LearnVest adviser is free.) Then, a service like SoFi.com can help you combine federal and private loans, which means just one monthly payment…and often a lower overall interest rate. KNOW WHAT YOU OWE Confusion is the norm. Your parents may have set up your loan. Plus,…

Q&A CAN YOU LEARN TO BE MORE CONFIDENT? Katty Kay did. The cool and collected anchor for BBC World News America tells you how to beat your nerves. Q Why write a book on women and confidence? A In interviews, we noticed a theme of self-doubt among accomplished women that we didn't notice in men. Research shows that confidence trumps competence as a quality for success, so obviously we found this alarming. For too long, women have thought, If I work hard and play by the rules, my talents will be rewarded. Then they've watched guys around them get promoted. We work hard, but we need confidence. It's critical for women's equality. Q Are some people just born more confident? A Yes, there are genes that predispose people to confidence—and…

Kaley cuoco-sweeting woke up with a zit. This would probably bother you—and it would certainly bother almost any other actress on planet Earth. But Cuoco-Sweeting, star of the hit CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, didn't think twice about it. "I walked onto the set this morning, no makeup," she says. "Jim [Parsons, who plays Sheldon] was like, 'Oh my god, you have a huge zit on your face!'" After a day of listening to each cast-mate pile on, pointing out her zit, openly making fun of it, she says, "I got in the car and laughed all the way home. I thought, That is literally my family. It's the most comfortable environment I have ever been in, aside from being in my parents' house." You could have the world's…

SCORE YOUR PERFECT SHADE TOP ROW Laura Mercier Shimmer Lip Colour in Caramel, $24; BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Call the Shots, $18; Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Dream Fuchsia, $8; Tom Ford Lip Color in Coco Ravish, $48; Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in Electric Orange, $7.50 SECOND ROW CoverGirl LipPerfection Lip Color in Divine, $6.50; Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren, $8; Sephora + Pantone Universe Radiant Rush Matte Lipstick, $18; Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life, $5.49; Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Defiant Coral, $30 THIRD ROW Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Pout, $20; Nars Lipstick in Mind Game, $26; Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Devil, $33 BOTTOM ROW CoverGirl LipPerfection Lip Color in Temptation,…

My best friend's on-again, off-again boyfriend had just sent her one of those corny "Hey babe, what are you wearing?" messages. After getting her blessing to mess with him, I decided to beat this guy at his own game. So as a joke, with her by my side, I started sending her BF some sexy messages. "I'm wearing pigtails and nothing else," I replied on her behalf. "What are you going to do about it?" We spent an hour playing what amounted to an X-rated Choose Your Own Adventure. "Okay, so he's pulling your hair while doing you doggie-style," I'd read from her phone. "Do you think we should go with 'Oh god, don't stop' or 'I'm flipping you over for a spanking, cowboy'"? We might have been laughing, but…

I banged my fist on the door. Behind it, I could hear a female voice giggling. "Are you in there, Sean*?" I yelled. I heard him shush her. Oh, hell no, I remember thinking before I broke down his wooden bedroom door in a rage, slamming my whole body against it. The night ended with the girl storming out of the house in tears and Sean leaving to sleep at a friend's. So how did I get to this unattractive moment? Sean and I had moved in together as roommates but quickly became more. By this point, we had split for a second time, deciding to be just roommates yet again (I'd broken up with him after hearing he was interested in another girl). Our other roommate was hosting her…

"MY MOM WAS AN ADDICT" VINA MILLS, 25, singer, Atlanta, GA When I was a little girl growing up in Detroit, my mom worked long hours so I didn't get to see her much, but I adored her. Everyone on my street would say, "Your mom is so pretty," and I was proud of the way she dressed and made sure her hair was perfectly curled. My dad watched me and my two siblings, but when he died when I was 8, my mom started to unravel. I was crushed when she would hit us or pick fights for no reason. My dad's mom, who had started taking care of us, blamed her behavior on drugs. "When she's like that, just don't pay her any attention," she told me. Around…

Summer's cookout fave has a million varietiesthese days. But are the alterna-burgers really that much healthier? We grilled registered dietician Alexandra Oppenheimer to find out. —ASHLEY ROSS Turkey 150 calories* SATISFACTION FACTOR Check for the words white meat or ground turkey breast. Dark meat in a patty can add 100 calories! Salmon 175 calories SATISFACTION FACTOR It's high in good fats. Use fillers like oats and low-fat yogurt, not bread crumbs and mayo. Veggie 230 calories SATISFACTION FACTOR Start with a whole grain like quinoa, then add beans or a slice of Swiss cheese to amp up protein. Bison 270 calories SATISFACTION FACTOR Naturally lean bison meat can be dry. For a juicy patty, cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. Beef 281 calories SATISFACTION FACTOR Ground chuck is high…

DEVOTED PARLIAMENT LIGHTS fan Megan Drum—hiller, 23, first tried e-cigarettes because her boyfriend was trying to quit and because sometimes, especially during Mich–igan winters, smoking outside was a pain. But Drumhiller didn't quit cigarettes—and now she's hooked on e-cigs too. "The flavored liquids make it a fun thing you don't associate with smoking," says the Saginaw Valley State University junior. She loves caramel vanilla and double rainbow, which tastes like gummy bears. THE IT ACCESSORY Once a celeb affectation, e-cigs are now mainstream, sold at gas stations, corner stores, and even e-smoking bars. Last year, Americans spent more than $1 billion on e-cigs, with three-packs of some brands going for $27 and batteries for $22 a piece. Most work like this: A heating element, oft–en a coil, vaporizes a nicotine-laced…

BUST OUT THE BOTTLE OPENER We might be a little fuzzy on the reasons we celebrate (turn to page 253 for more insight), but if there's one thing we know, it's this: Cinco de Mayo is guaranteed to bring the fun. I want to lick you! —EVITA I just want beer! —SCRAPPY MAKE A 'RITA (OR SEVERAL) At its heart, a margarita is a three-ingredient cocktail: 2 + PARTS SPIRIT 1 + PART TRIPLE SEC 1 + PART CITRUS THE TOLOACHE Julian Medina of NYC's Toloache combines hibiscus puree with blueberries. THE CLASSIC Naren Young of NYC's Empellón restaurants just needs tequila, agave nectar, and lime juice. THE SUNRISE Still working on your mixology skills? Grab a bottle of Izze Clementine, and add tequila. So easy. Oh, You're So Fancy…

I screamed. He ducked. I covered my whole self with the quilt. I laughed, horrified, nearly suffocating under the duvet. WHEN MY EYES OPENED THAT FIRST morning in the cottage they called Bittersweet, shadows of tree branches danced across the beadboard ceiling in time with the glug of water in the cove below. Out the window, I could see a nuthatch hopping up and down the trunk of a red pine, chirping. The Vermont air was cool, and I was alone. Arriving under cover of darkness had given a disappointing first impression. The house had seemed all shabby, unmatched furniture, touched everywhere with the scent of mildew; all I saw was work. But I understood now, as I took in the shining brass beds in the morning, the crisp cotton…

TWEETS WE LOVE DANNY @DanDTD Low-key wish it was acceptable for guys to read Cosmo mag EDITOR'S NOTE: Do it, Danny! We won't tell. FEA DREA @DopeItsDrea Lol @Cosmopolitan What's his name? I think he's my soul mate. JESSICA HOGAN @JesssHogann So after reading @AshBenzo's interview in Cosmo, I'm even more convinced we're meant to be best friends. I love her so much. #Grandmas MINDY LOVESs COSMO (AND WE HER TOO!) (AND WE HER TOO!) After our EIC Joanna Coles was profiled in the "What I Wear to Work" column of Bloomberg Businessweek, Mindy Kaling tweeted what we're all thinking: MINDY KALING @MindyKaling @JoannaColes Is that a walking desk? Is that a snake bracelet coiled next to your Jawbone? YOUR LIFE IS SO COOL. JOANNA COLES @JoannaColes @MindyKaling We are…

If Leonard and Penny tie the knot,I'd want her dress to be: a. As poofy as possible! b. Sleek and modern. c. Anything, as long as it's pink. d. Here comes the bride—again! My favorite pick-me-up snack is: I know my worst habit is: The secret to an irresistible Instagram is: Taking puppy love to another level. She loves a good game. The best part about being married to a pro tennis player is: Here's one thing people would be surprised to learn about me: The one place I've never been that I've always wanted to go is: Here's who I'd invite to my fantasy celebrity dinner: Bustier, Barbara Bui, $625; skirt, Bebe, $79; necklace, Zoe Chicco, $750; bracelets, Hidalgo; pinky ring, Jessica Biales; all other rings, Kaley's own…

MAGIC WAND What sorcery is this? Only Lady Gaga knows the power of her shaft-shaped crystal. Talk about rock hard! JERKIN' THE GHERKIN That's kosher only on Late Night, Seth Meyers. FRANK IN BUNS Zooey Deschanel demonstrates how babies are made. WIPE CLEAN Colin Farrell packs a thick one—yoga mat, that is. CLUTCH MOVE Rihanna rocks out with her…well, you know the rest. MY PRECIOUS Ryan Reynolds handles his Hugo Boss with care. LOVIN' FROM THE OVEN Rod Stewart's baguette rises to the occasion. Clutch by Vivienne Westwood SCHWING! Screw first base. Matthew Morrison aims for a home run, wink.…

OLDIES STATION FUN Residents of a German retirement community reenact classic movie scenes for a calendar. We'd totally pin that up. FEARLESS Great-great-grandmother celebrates her 100th by ordering a male stripper to do more than just sit on her lap. FAIL Grandma showers are becoming a thing. Gift idea: Diapers for her and for baby. (Don't even think about a breast pump.) YOU BACON ME CRAZY FUN Nothing says "Happy Mother's Day!" like brunch and flowers—unless it's a bacon bouquet that covers both. FEARLESS So wrong, it's right: the Perfect Bacon Bowl ice-cream sundae. Only the most intrepid eaters need apply. FAIL An apartment dweller in China cures pork from the balcony. And you thought your neighbors were the worst. HOW DO YOU LIKE MEOW? FUN You can haz backpack?…

ART COOL Update an old pair of cut-offs with painted flowers of paradise. FANCY PANTS Look for pieces with beading and shine to up the glamour on the chill, hang-ten vibe. ROCK THE LOOK Rash guards and bikini tops go from beach to bar with high-waisted shorts and skirts. Ditch the flip-flops for heels. Top, T by Alexander Wang, $150; skirt, Osklen; shorts, Milly, $165; shoes, Charlotte Olympia; clutch, Lulu*s, $44; necklaces, Roberto Coin Jacket, J Brand, $425; shorts, $137, bra top, $91, Cameo The Label; shoes, Ostwald Helgason x Aldo Rise, $130; clutch, Serpui Marie, $187; necklaces, Roberto Coin; charm bracelet, Kate Spade New York, $128; bracelet, Miansai by Michael Saiger, $200 1 Clutch, LeSportsac, $42 2 T-shirt, French Connection, $88 3 Shoes, Aldo, $70 4 Shorts, Denim and…

—LONI ALBERT WAKE-UP CALL Before you reach for coffee, grab this to hide all evidence of an epic night out. Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer, $5, kmart.com HOT TUB What's better than body butter? One that sexes up skin for 24 hours. The Body Shop Mini Mango Body Butter, $6, thebodyshop-usa.com GYM BUDDY Swipe on, sweat off—perfect when there's no timeto lather up. Güd Cleansing Wipes, $3, gudhappens.com SWEET DEAL Smell like a RKOBH for less than the price of lunch. Love2Love Orange Blossom + White Musk, $10, Walmart SOFTENING SUDS Dirt goes, moisture stays. Garnier Clean + Smoothing Cream Cleanser, $8, drugstores BATHTUB GIN The inspo for this fruity soap-on-a-rope: a boozy brunch! RICKYHOME DRUNK BRUNCH SOAP ON A ROPE, $10, RICKYSNYC.COM MANE MENULike a green…

1. Bat More Lashes Snip a lash strip in half, apply a thin layer of lash glue to each base, and place one on the outer halves of your top lash lines. After the glue has set, blend the faux fringe and your real lashes with volumizing mascara. TRY Kiss Eyelashes, $4, drugstores; Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara, $17.50, clinique.com 2. Sprinkle Some Pixie Dust Dab iridescent loose shimmer onto the center of your eyelid. It makes any eye shadow nighttime-ready and adds sheen to naked lids too. TRY Naked Cosmetics Gem Powder in Diamond, $20, nakedcos.com 3. Draw the (Blue and White) Line Line top lids with cobalt liner, extending it up and out. Then run white liner along inner rims to neutralize red, tired eyes. TRY…

THE MAKEOVER BRIGHTER UNDER-EYES Woroud S., 23 student and secretary WHY NOW? "I've always had dark circles. They get worse if I have allergies or don't get a full eight hours of sleep." THE PROCESS "Woroud had deep-set tear troughs—the natural indentations just under the eyes—which cast deep shadows," says Dr. Halaas. To level them so skin could reflect light, she injected Restylane. THE REVEAL "For the first time ever, I can leave the house without concealer." THE MAKEOVER NO MORE BAGS Faten M., 26 dental assistant WHY NOW? "I'm sick of hiding my bags behind eyeglasses!" THE PROCESS To create a more even surface under Faten's eyes, Yael Halaas, MD, an NYC plastic surgeon, injected Restylane—a skin-plumping filler. Then she injected a bit of Voluma…

TO-DYE-FOR COLOR High-impact hair color always gets noticed. @LizaMarieeOXO @AmberNKai @JsaGardner @RavenJeanetteD @FatCat_Princess MUST-TRY MANIS! These girls totally nailed it. @ValentinaFolchi @AshleyRaeSparks @LynnAhLO GORGEOUS IN GLASSES Cosmo girls look sexy in specs. @La_Angieeee @LaurenNoirr @JordynDennelle @BrandiCritt HOT SUMMER MAKEUP Some go bronze; others go bright. @EmilyRowe_XO @Lady_Sarsar @NikkiJTee BFF BEAUTIES Two times the pretty, two times the fun. @Marimariosa @ShannonZhu @Mjens1 POWER POUTS Statement lips look fierce in pics. @SiffatHaider @FashionElectric @CollinsBrighton @AndreaGil_Cali COMPLEXION PERFECTION Seriously, their skin freaking glows! @MsKaylaDrew @RedRobinYuumm @Demetra_Demi BEST TRESSED Buns, braids, bangs, and more! @HIPstersDntLie @KristenBaum @AudraFrances16 @Katrzasko @CatlynRenee @VinnieCocoa @EmilyyFordd @thatswhatsup98 @Ariel_Elyse08…

NIGHTMARE COMMUTE Rita J. King Codirector, Science House "On the way to an interview, I hit a traffic jam and was sweaty and frazzled when I arrived 15 minutes late. The guy interviewing me was laid-back about it, but it still clouded the conversation. I forced myself to focus, and I got the job anyway. But ever since then, I budget an extra hour to get to an interview or meeting. If I have to kill time, that's fine—it's quality time for clearing my head and pumping myself up." UNHAPPY ENDING Kristen Welker NBC News White House correspondent "As I shook hands good-bye with a producer I'd just had a great interview with early in my career, I blurted out, 'If you offer me the job, can I have time…

Name ANDREA CARDINALI, 31 City EASTCHESTER, NY Former Gig Client-services manager for a hedge fund Dream Job Elementary school teacher "I majored in early education—I like using my creativity to make learning fun for kids. But I needed to save for grad school, so I got a job with a hedge fund and ended up staying. But when the economy changed, my company folded, and I decided it was time to get back to my passion." WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? "My old work wardrobe isn't very fun—I didn't want to draw the wrong kind of attention in an office full of guys. Now I want to jazz things up with color and texture but keep it professional. What's appropriate for a teacher?" THE OUTFIT A bright pencil skirt and…

THE SURVIVOR Lauren Book, 29, founder, Lauren's Kids "I was sexually abused by my female nanny from age 10 until I was 16," says Lauren Book, whose efforts to end child sexual assault have helped pass more than a dozen Florida laws. In 2007, she started Lauren's Kids, a foundation that gives voice to the 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys who will be sexually abused by age 18 in the U.S. This spring, for the fifth year in a row, she'll walk the length of the state of Florida, joined by survivors and supporters. "Walk in My Shoes has become a physical manifestation of the healing journey. It seems impossible, but with every step you take, you're a little closer," says Book. "I get on the…

Meet the boss ladies who owned this season of Saturday Night Live. From Kate McKinnon, the show's first openly gay female cast member, to Sasheer Zamata, its first black female comic in six years, you'll want to friend them all. CECILY STRONG, 30 TWITTER: @CecilyBecily FAVORITE HOST? It's hard to choose. Kristen [Wiig], Tina [Fey], and Melissa [McCarthy]. I'm speechless around them. YOUR BOYFRIEND IS SNL'S MIKE O'BRIEN. ANY CONCERN ABOUT DATING A COWORKER? Absolutely. It's probably stupid. But I got the okay from my dad, who is a business professional. It happens. The good thing is I never feel like I'm complaining or talking about my job too much. YOU'RE A HOUSEHOLD NAME NOW. HOW DO YOU DEAL? Therapy! It's hard when you're thrust into the spotlight. We write…

Cheeseball one-liners? So passé. Upgrade your flirting game with the no-liner. Get (and keep) his eyes on you without uttering a syllable. TRY THE SQUEEZE-BY It's a move so easy, even the wiltiest wallflower can pull it off. When you see someone cute in a crowd, squeeze by him on the way to the bar. Instead of rushing past, maintain eye contact with him and smile. We're so conditioned to avoid eye contact with strangers that a deliberate (and sexy) glance is a clear invitation…and a come-on. GIVE LIP SERVICE We swear this sorta-cheese move is legit. "When I'm getting hit on by someone cute at a bar, I start to bite the end of my straw…or lightly suck on it," says Amy M., 22. If the next…

My labia are darker than the rest of my skin down there. Is that normal? A Yes! Just like nipple pigment, it's very normal for labia to come in a variety of shades. "It's not like we go around looking at other women's labia all the time, so we measure ourselves against porn," says sexologist Jill McDevitt, PhD. But "the bodies we see in porn aren't representative of the entire population." IRL, labia come in different colors and sizes. Sometimes, the labia minora extend past the labia majora, while other women have one lip that hangs lower. If you feel like a dose of NSFW reality, check out LargeLabiaProject.org for user-submitted photos. And give your labia some love—because the world would be a total freaking bore if we all had…

Let's start with what he's not saying: your name. At least in the early stages of dating, guys will refer to you only with epithets like Elevator Girl, Yoga Girl, or Tinder Girl. (Dude logic: Why give women names? It humanizes them.) After that, everything is context-specific. Here's what he's saying about you if… …it's just a HOOKUP Brace yourself: I won't sugarcoat this. "I'd say something like, 'She sucks a mean d*ck,'" says Jim, 32, a consultant. He quickly clarifies, "That's meant as a compliment. I'd be ecstatic if a girl said I was an oral-sex champ. But I wouldn't say anything vulgar if there was long-term potential." …he's SMITTEN "I think she's The One," says no guy, ever. Men don't talk like that unless they're Ryan Gosling in…

That crick in your neck may not be from sleeping funny. It could be from your bonkers workweek, the stack of unpaid bills, or the big fight you had with your BF. "Insomnia, GI issues, and aches and pains are often physical cues that you're stressed out," says Howard Schubiner, MD, director of the Mind Body Medicine Program at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, and author of Unlearn Your Pain. Try this stuff to relax. AT HOME Turn up the heat: When people took a hot bath daily for eight weeks, it helped them manage anxiety better than prescription meds did, a study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found. No tub in your tiny pad? Even warm footbaths can help. AT THE GYM Try cycling. Hitting the bike for 20…

GET IN THE POOL! Let the Medicare crowd have their aquarobics. Trendy fitness classes—think Spinning, boot camp—are popping up in pools. Not just easy on your joints, water workouts are legit: H2O is 784 times denser than air, so anything you do in it tones and gets your heart rate up fast. Try these moves in any pool to get your burn on underwater. CARDIO Go to the shallow end, and run from one side to the other. Make it harder by racing a friend. LEGS AND BUTT Hold on to the gutter or a ledge, and kick your feet as quickly as possible for as long as you can. ABS Dunk a towel, then grip each end. Now make figure eights with it, twisting your torso to make the…

What are you supposed to do when a two-year relationship, cohabitation, and the promise of happily ever after come to a sudden halt? The night he left, my entire world—and heart—shattered. I replayed our demise instead of sleeping. Liquids were all I could manage to get down. The sadness that consumed me every second of every day was so sharp and intense, it felt like I needed to pop a Tylenol. It wasn't in my head. When researchers at the University of Michigan asked recently dumped folks to look at pictures of their exes (cruel!), brain images showed activity in the same areas responsible for physical pain. Translation: A broken heart can be as excruciating as a broken bone. And it can be even harder to heal. "As you mentally…

This is for the ones who pick sneakers for the colors. These aren't races but good times made better with music, friends, and a little sweat. Ready, set, go on, girl! THE COLOR RUN SO…WHAT IS IT? They call it the happiest 5K on the planet for good reason: Runners get showered in paint powder at every kilometer. By the end of the run, everyone is covered head-to-toe in Technicolor fairy dust. This year, The Color Run will host events in nearly 100 cities. EVERY MOMENT IS AN INSTAGRAM MOMENT Snap away, but protect your phone. Put your stuff in a resealable plastic bag—not cute, but it works fine. What Will You Wear? START WITH A WHITE TOP, then make like Carrie Bradshaw and add a tutu. Wigs, high socks,…

TOEING THE LINE "Just what I want to make my train ride comfy — feet only inches from my head." — Sally M., 23 LIMELIGHT "Gotta love a middle-aged man who isn't afraid to flaunt a lime green thong." — Emily M., 22 CRACKDOWN "I went to a concert to shake my booty, not to see all of yours!" — Samantha J., 30 LAY-OVER "Nobody has time for this kind of BS on a Monday afternoon." — Samantha Z., 22 ANNOYED BEYOND BELIEF? LOG ON TO COSMOPOLITAN.COM/BITCH-IT-OUT TO SHARE YOUR PET PEEVE (AND PHOTO). IF WE PRINT YOUR SHOT, WE'LL GIVE YOU $50! TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 17: Valentino — Valentino Boutiques. David Yurman — David Yurman, 212-752-4255. Auden — audendesign. Fallon — fallonjewelry.com. Tous —…