Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2017 i Cosmopolitan

1. THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER by Karen Dionne A young woman is forced to come to grips with the dark secret of her past (and it’s big: her father is her kidnapper) in a nail-biter perfect for Room fans. 2. PARTY GIRLS DIE IN PEARLS by Plum Sykes Take one posh university, mix in a queen bee, throw in a murder and you’ve got a mystery that makes Heathers look almost snoozy. 3. THE PEOPLE WE HATE AT THE WEDDING by Grant Ginder There’s nothing like a madcap wedding (complete with bridezilla sis and neurotic mom) to remind you you’re stuck with your crazy fam, for better or for worse. 4. WE ARE NEVER MEETING IN REAL LIFE by Samantha Irby Irby’s razor-sharp essays on everything from reality TV to…

“I went to a wedding on a ranch, and there were horses on the property. I got drunk during the reception and, without thinking about it, ran over to the horse pen so I could play with them. I climbed up onto the fence—only to discover that it was an electric one. I literally got electrocuted and fell on the ground in front of all the wedding guests. I made a total fool of myself.” —ALEXANDRA S., 28, TELEVISION ADMINISTRATOR, MIAMI, FL WE KNOW YOU HAVE CONFESSIONS TO SHARE.... E-MAIL THE DIRTY DETAILS TO CONFESSIONS@COSMOPOLITAN.COM, OR TWEET YOUR TALES TO @COSMOPOLITAN! “I was about to get a drug-screening test for my nursing program, and in preparation, I chugged three bottles of water so I’d be able to pee when the…

PLAY Graphic, full-coverage suits give you a boost (and help prevent nip slips) when you dive under a wave or frolic on the sand. LAY String bikinis leave minimal tan lines behind, whether you’re lounging poolside or on a swan float. (Just don’t forget the SPF—burns are not cute.) SLAY Blingy metallics bring the yacht party to shore and keep the Ibiza vibes going all day long.…

SHOP THE LOOK…

THINK PINK Give off carefree vibes with pretty pink tips. GOLD STANDARD Meet your new go-to shadow: It’s neutral for day, shimmery enough for GNO. PORTION CONTROL These pods dissolve in water to create the perfect amount of f luffy shave foam. GLOW HARD ...or go home: Multidimensional shimmer makes cheeks look chiseled. MANE MENU Like a parfait for hair, this yogurt shampoo infuses strands with vitamins and protein. TINTED LOVE These pull double duty thanks to hydrating oils and stay-put pigments. VANITY CANDY The cutest way to clean up clutter: a graphic makeup brush cup. POREFECT MATCH Set a weekly date with this vitamin C– powered peel to reveal f lawless skin.…

RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE about one trillion bacteria on your skin. Don’t worry—it’s a good thing! They make up an ecosystem called the skin microbiome, which keeps your complexion happy and healthy. But our modern-day obsession with being squeaky clean and germ-free—along with other factors like UV radiation, pollution, and topical medications— can reduce or increase the amount of certain bacteria, wreaking havoc on your skin. But numbers aren’t the only things that matter: Diversity (hosting a variety of bacteria) is just as crucial. Research has linked shifts in the microbiome to inflammatory issues such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. To ensure your cleansing habits are helping— not hurting—follow these three steps. 1 CLEANSE KINDLY Face washes with strong cleansing agents, like sulfates, can create bacterial imbalance. Look for…

Try a Foot Facial Patchology’s chemical peel (above) makes the roughest heels and calluses silky smooth, thanks to a cocktail of exfoliating acids. Encase feet in the disposable socks for an hour, then wait a few days. You’ll see shedding and peeling (gross but satisfying) during the next week. The end result is feet that look and feel better than with any professional pedi. Warning: Fresh skin is prone to blisters, so spritz them with PreHeels’ protective spray (top right) before you put on your shoes. If you’re wearing… Peep Toes Clean up those big toes and skip the little ones that stay hidden. Smooth edges with a file, and preempt smudges by slipping into your shoes before you paint. This Sally Hansen polish (top left) requires no top or…

Hey What’s up What’s up? What’s up is that your heart is pounding—and your brain is short-circuiting. Is he trying to hang out, or is he breadcrumbing you, or does he actually want to know what you’re doing, or ??? And then there’s your reply: Should it be a GIF, an emoji, something witty, or nothing at all? Research shows that every little text detail, down to a simple misspelling, can hold meaning, which only intensifies the writethen- delete anxiety. Deep breath. Here’s your guide to dealing with any type of texter and how to guarantee that your intended meaning isn’t lost in translation. Just type after us.… TOTALLY OVER HIM? WRITE THIS. It’s best to tell the truth. Try: “I’m glad I got to know you, but I’m not…

ESTHER PEREL IS A SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS THERAPIST, THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MATING IN CAPTIVITY, AND HOST OF THE AUDIO SERIES WHERE SHOULD WE BEGIN? WITH ESTHER PEREL, OUT MAY 18 ON AUDIBLE. HER TED TALKS ON DESIRE AND INFIDELITY HAVE BEEN VIEWED MORE THAN 17 MILLION TIMES. There’s no denying that dating can be exhilarating. But from endless swiping to meeting to rejecting (or being rejected by) dozens of matches, it can also be profoundly exhausting. When you haven’t found success, and you’ve become reliant on your smartphone to try to find the person you want to be with longterm, it’s easy to grow disillusioned and resent the entire experience. I see this among my clients. People who are normally friendly, warm, and upbeat grow cold, defeated, and cynical.…

DRINKING DOSE Choose a tonic that packs at least 500 milligrams of its star healing or health-boosting ingredient, says medical herbalist Daniela Turley. Drink one serving— anywhere from 1 tablespoon to 16 ounces, depending on label directions—once a day until symptoms wear off. FOR. . . BEDTIME ZEN Swap your sleepy-time tea for this soothing blend of Bulgarian rosewater, chamomile, and lemon balm. FOR. . . EXTRA PERK Made with jalapeñolaced coconut vinegar, it helps regulate blood sugar so you don’t crash. FOR. . . STRONGER IMMUNITY FOR. . . BETTER DIGESTION Chase a carbo load with a tangy-sweet probiotic- packed remedy. FOR. . . SPEEDY RECOVERY Ease post-workout muscle aches with 10,000 milligrams of anti-inflammatory Hawaiian Oana Turmeric. FOR. . . FIERCE FOCUS Sipping rhodiola, an herb shown to…

IF YOU THINK your breasts are just fun bags for your partner, you’re missing out on a huge source of pleasure—for yourself. A little nipple play before and during sex can enhance arousal, finds a study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The effect? The potential for a more intense climax. More shocking: Some women have even reported having orgasms from breast play alone! What’s behind these boobgasms? Mostly, your brain, says Barry Komisaruk, PhD, a neuroscientist at Rutgers University. “Nipple stimulation activates the same part of the sensory cortex as clitoral and vaginal stimulation do,” he explains. Or in plain-speak: Rubbing your headlights ignites your noggin’s feel-good center. And when your upper and lower parts are engaged simultaneously, it can lead to a mind-blowing release. Here, some guidance for…

You know how to use LinkedIn to further your career, but the more social of the social-media platforms can be just as powerful when it comes to interacting with industry bigwigs and learning about new opportunities. “If you’re not treating social media like a networking party, you’re selling yourself short,” says Peg Samuel, founder of the branding agency Social Diva Media. Cosmo explains how to land your next gig—without getting off your couch. The Basics Each platform plays by its own rules. But before you go job hunting, take these three steps. 1. Scrub your social history by deleting any old profiles or photos you wouldn’t want a future boss to see. Use the grandmother rule: If a post would mortify dear ol’ Gran, delete it. 2. Make sure you…

“My family and I disagree so strongly about politics, and it’s ruining our time together. How do we have substantive convos that don’t end in door slamming?” “Everything is so polarized, I would rather just keep quiet,” confessed one survey respondent. But these days, ignoring what’s happening in politics would be like—yep—ignoring the big red elephant in your living room. Letting disagreement simmer without addressing it can breed resentment, even in your closest relationships. Instead, try to engage by asking questions that stem from a desire to understand rather than trying to force a consensus, says Ana Marie Cox, MTV News’ senior political correspondent and the host of the podcast With Friends Like These. “When you enter the conversation thinking you want to change somebody’s mind, you can be perceived…

JOIN Team Cosmo in NYC on June 24 for our kick-ass Let’s Talk About It conference (Cosmopolitan.com/LetsTalk).…

SPOTLIGHT LEA MICHELE Between starring in Scream Queens and Dimension 404, the multitasker found time for her ultrapersonal sophomore album, Places. FROM THE HEART “I was most surprised at the creation of the song ‘Hey You.’ It’s the second part to ‘If You Say So,’ a song about Cory [Monteith] on my first album. I initially didn’t want to write about topics that I wouldn’t feel comfortable talking about publicly. But this is such a huge part of who I am now. ‘Hey You’ has a hopeful aspect. It turned out to be one of my favorite songs.” ON WRITER’S BLOCK “I usually step away from the studio, have a good meal, listen to some good music... and drinking wine never hurts! I try not to be too hard on…

“I went out for coffee with this guy, and he spent an hour talking about all his exes and his ‘low-key’ stalking habits with his most recent ex-girlfriend. They were actually high-key. He told me he would follow her home, drive by her house, and check her social media. He even told me how much he missed their sex life. Then he turned to me and said, ‘So what I’m getting at is that I finally realized this week that I’m fully ready to move on and start over with someone new.’ Obvi, he wasn’t.” —AMANDA B., 22 “Even though it was our first date, he took me to meet his parents. His mom asked me tons of personal questions—like the number of sexual partners I’ve had. I left after…

“LIGHTER LENSES DON’T ALWAYS MEAN LESS EYE PROTECTION. LOOK FOR A PAIR WITH 100 PERCENT UVA AND UVB BLOCKAGE.” —KATHY LEE, accessories director @KathyGLee…

PRO TIP “LACE-UP DETAILS MAKE SWEATS MORE STYLISH BUT DON’ T COMPROMISE COMFORT.” Aeyung Kim, Cosmo fashion editor, @Aeyung…

SMOOTH STRUTTING FROM HERE Keep your skin smooth between waxes and reveal your best self every day with European Wax Center’s Reveal Me Body Exfoliating Gel. Naturally derived fruit extracts eliminate dull, dry skin to support natural cell turnover while also helping to prevent ingrown hairs. You’ll feel like a million bucks, for just $39.50. Get it today at your local European Wax Center. waxcenter.com/locations SHAVE HAVEN Shave so close, you can skip a day (or two)! Introducing NEW Schick® Quattro YOU™ disposable razors for women, uniquely designed with four SmoothProtect™ blades. Available in Exotic Violet Blooms, which features a fragrance-infused handle, and Peace of Mind, perfect for sensitive skin. schick.com A THIN TWIST ON THE OREO YOU LOVE OREO Thins are thin, crisp, and delicate. Let’s throw in tasty.…

LIP SIP Jonesing for happy hour? Swipe on this apple martini– inspired gloss for a hint of tint and buzzworthy taste— sans the hangover. HAIR NECESSITY In case you need another reason to skip the suds, there’s this dry shampoo. It leaves behind the sexiest bedhead-y texture and aroma (a spicy mix of rose and geranium). O, YEAH Treat your skin to a new kind of orgasmic flush with this liquid blush. It delivers the same shimmery peachy pigments as Nars’ iconic powder but with moisturizing oils for a sheer, sexy glow. PICKUP STICKS Take a seat, rollerballs. Twist-up sticks are having a major moment. The solid texture never spills in your bag, feels amaze on skin (thanks to softening jojoba oil), and makes sneaky touch-ups a breeze. GRAPHIC DESIGN…

IF YOU HAVE… TRY a gentle buffer with zit-zapping salicylic acid and soothing aloe three times a week, tops. PRO TIP Don’t be too aggressive with acne—it can cause inflammation and scarring, says dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD. CLEAN & CLEAR Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Scrub, $6, drugstores TRY an oil-based formula (which gets rid of flakes and hydrates at the same time) twice a week. PRO TIP “All skin types should apply moisturizer after, but for dry skin, it’s essential,” says dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD. ST. IVES Exfoliate and Nourish Coconut Oil Scrub, $7, drugstores TRY grains with added glycolic or lactic acid, which helps fade spots, two or three times a week. PRO TIP On days when grains and acid feel too intense, use this one as a mask. (Just rinse…

Oh, Canada! Our northern neighbor is like a DILF factory. Here, four of our favorite Canadian foxes.…

LAWS OF ATTRACTION WHAT MATTERS MOST TO HIM Sex-toy company Lelo asked bachelors, coupled-up dudes, and anything-goes players which feeling is more important in a relationship: love or lust. BEEFY COMPETITION WHY ARE GUYS... SO TERRITORIAL ABOUT GRILLING? Standing over a fire and watching meat cook is kind of in our genes—the cavemen did it, right? It seems natural then that when it’s time to light up a backyard barbecue, you’ll often find us crowding around the charcoal, tongs in hand, holding court. Manning the grill taps into a lot of our primal urges: facing a risk (the flaming hot briquettes), dominating the food chain (take that, ground chuck), showing off our skills (witness that perfect sear), and providing for others (who wants another?). But mostly, it’s a comfortable place…

“Even my colleagues didn’t think it was melanoma.” i was six months pregnant when I spotted a tiny brown dot on my right calf. It didn’t seem like much, but for months, I monitored it for changes. When it got slightly darker, I had a couple of other dermatologists eyeball it. I asked, “Am I being crazy?” They all agreed it was nothing to worry about. But it nagged at me. So despite thinking I was being dramatic, I did a biopsy myself and sent it off to the lab. That night, the pathologist left me a voice mail. We played phone tag for three excruciating hours while I worried about how I’d take care of an infant and a toddler if I needed aggressive cancer treatment. Even though I…

“ Wa n na g o halfsies on t he burger? ” asks actress Kelly R ohrbach, adding: “ I ’ll split just about anyt hing other than soup because that would be weird since we just met… or would it?” After a spontaneous change of plans, we’ve arrived reservationless at a swanky uptown Manhattan restaurant. The place is packed, and Kelly is convinced that we won’t get a table. As the second-oldest of five kids, she’s used to not receiving any VIP treatment— and her siblings like to jokingly keep her in her place. “They’re like, ‘Come on, Kelly, D-list celebrity, get a reservation—oh wait, she can’t!’” We decide to belly up to the bar, as if it’s our weekly tradition to share truffle ravioli and a $30 cheeseburger.…

TRIPLE THREAT A sporty, tricolorblocked one-piece keeps everything under control. Rough seas or heavy breeze— fear no fall-out! FRILL SEEKER More daylight equals more time to shine. On the summer solstice (June 21), stand out in playful ruffles and a wide-brim hat. BEAUTY TIP BE A SUN SMARTIE: GIVE YOUR ENTIRE BODY A ONCE-OVER WITH NEUTROGENA SHEER ZINC DRY-TOUCH SUNSCREEN BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 50, $12. WRAP STAR Crash a private cabana bash in preppy awning stripes. Twisted halter top, meet Twisted Tea time. BARELY THERE Flaunt a fresh glow in a mixedlace lingerie-style top that blends seamlessly into your annual White Party outfit. FLASH BACK Serve up your best supermodel pose in a classic ’80s silhouette: a bustier and high-rise, high-cut bottom. Ray-reflecting details prove you’re a total stud. BEAUTY TIP…

E -MAIL YOUR SEX QUESTIONS TO SEXQANDA@COSMOPOLITAN.COM. QWhat’s a cute way to carry condoms in my purse? A Congrats on being one of the smart 3 percent of women who are packin’ rubbers on the go, according to an Indiana University study (c’mon, other 97 percent!). But you’ve probably heard that, as nice as your wallet is, it’s not the best place for storage because chafing, pressure, and heat can damage condoms, says David Kaufman, MD, a urologist in New York City. A chic metal case like the Twiggy holder ($55, unboundbox.com) is a seriously pretty—and functional— alternative. Its sturdy brass material keeps condoms protected from water, high temps, and other hazards, and it doubles as a convenient container for your birth-control pack. Or XOXO by Trojan ($12 for 10,…

Pop Rocks–sicle Dip a store-bought bar (we love S IMPLY POPSICLE IN GRAPE) into POP ROCKS CANDY, then devour. It’s like Fourth of July fireworks in your mouth! Yes Way, Frosé Easiest pour ever: Fill ice-pop molds with a DARKER HUED ROSÉ , and freeze for a sweet-tart snack. Throw a few summer berries in first to add a fruity punch. Avocado Chile Lime Bar MAKES 5 OR 6 POPS Blend 1 AVOCADO, 1⁄8 t. SALT, . t. CHILI POWDER , zest and juice of 1 L IME , 1 c. CANNED COCONUT MILK, and 1 T HONEY. Pour into molds, and freeze. Adapted from Glow Pops, by Liz Moody Morning Caffeine Freeze Brew a batch of ICE D COFFEE—or grab a storebought version, like High Brew Coffee in Double…

“The question, Am I being a bad friend? spins through my mind whenever I need me-time. How can I feel less guilty?” Friendships deliver lots of joy, which is why we invest so heavily in them—and also why we freak when things seem off. But you can’t be a good BFF when you’ve got nothing left to give. If planning too many hangs leaves you overwhelmed, take a pass. “In a friendship, you can only control your own behavior,” says Sarah Knight, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck. “And you shouldn’t spend your energy worrying about things you can’t control.” As long as you’re being honest (and not flaking at the last minute), it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. If things get frosty when you’re…

This day of beauty was supposed to be relaxing, but the aesthetician is chatting my ear off. Help! Don’t wait to speak up. If you’re unhappy at any point during a treatment—when a massage is too hard, a hair colorist too experimental, a facialist too gossipy—let it be known. You can be firm while still being polite. Try saying something like, “I’ve had a hard day. Mind if I just close my eyes and relax?” advises spa owner Mzia Shiman. Then enjoy the bliss and quiet. Grown women aren’t supposed to get giant zits, yet here I am. What?! Adult acne is real—it affects 45 percent of women ages 21 to 30. But don’t wig out—in fact, that might be the problem. Stress puts your skin’s oil glands on overdrive…

CRAZY SITUATION WORKING YOUR LAST NERVE? VENT HERE! TRIM AWAY “Man clipping nai ls on train. Can you not?! ” —HANNAH R., @CREOLEBARBIE TAKE IT OR LEAF IT “Thanks for the lettuce! #IsThisA Joke #HaHa #LettuceForSeconds” —JENNIFER H., @HARPERBLU111312 FIR REAL? “When your neighbor refuses to take down their Christmas tree.... I’m no Grinch, but it’s 80 degrees out.” —DAMILOLA L., VIA INBOX “I know there is no law against it, but why the hell do people go through self-checkout with hundreds of worth?? #GrindsMyGears” —JACKIE J., @XOJACKIEJONES “I just want to know how some people crunch all day on food in their cubicles. Can’t you eat Jello or something?? #CubeLife #PetPeeve” —AMY F., @MISSFELLENZ “Unsure what my upstairs neighbors are doing, but it sounds like line dancing with bricks…

COVER CREDITS ERES, net-a-porter.com. KISMET BY MILKA, neiman marcus.com. BULGARI, bulgari.com. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK, drugstores. COVER STAR QUICKIE PAGE 24: ERES, net-a-porter .com. NOT YOUR AVERAGE BEACH BABE PAGE 112: MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS, michaelkors.com. EMILIO PUCCI, Emilio Pucci boutiques. ADIDAS ORIGINALS, adidas.com. KISMET BY MILKA, neimanmarcus .com. DAVID YURMAN, david yurman.com. BULGARI, bulgari.com. PAGE 113: EMILIO PUCCI, Emilio Pucci boutiques. DKNY, dkny.com. MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS, michaelkors .com. CLAUDIA ODDI, moda operandi.com. PAGE 114: MUGLER, Neiman Marcus. ALEXANDER WANG, alexanderwang.com. SHAUN LEANE, shuanleane.com. PAGE 115: CHANEL, chanel .com. PAGE 117: SPORTMAX, Sportmax, 450 W. Broadway, NYC. CADAR, cadar.com. MARC FISHER, marcfisher footwear.com. CONFIDENCE, NOW! PAGE 120: DR. DENNIS GROSS, sephora.com. ROC, drugstores. FILLERINA, fillerina.com. PAULA’S CHOICE, paulaschoice.com. PETER THOMAS ROTH, sephora.com. PAGE 121: SKINCEUTICALS, skinceuticals.com. IT COSMETICS, itcosmetics .com. GLYTONE, glytone-usa…

RETURNING FAVES 1. Master of None: season 2 (May 12, Netflix) 2. Casual: season 3 (May 23, Hulu) 3. Orange Is the New Black: season 5 (June 9, Netflix) 4. Younger: season 4 (June 28, TV Land) SALUTE Megan Leavey: Kate Mara stars as a real-life war hero who saved the dog who saved her (June 9).…

KNIGHT MOVES “I like to think of myself as both a lover and a fighter. When anybody I love is threatened, it’s my instinct to try to defend them. But I definitely got physical more when I was younger. My mouth would write checks that my ass couldn’t cash.” KISS THE COOK “The only version of social media that interests me would be posting cooking videos. I’m not afraid of pots and pans. My cat, George, is fascinated by it—I talk to him while he watches me cook. I could call my page Cooking With George. I think it’d be a big hit.” TOUGH IT OUT “When you expect a relationship to be super happy at all times and that doesn’t turn out to be the case, there’s too strong…

Each month, Cosmo lets one passionate voice sound off. early in my career, an interviewer asked, “Where do you find your confidence? A colleague of yours said that it’s out of this world and you’re either an alien or you have no idea what you look like.” I don’t remember my response, but I do remember finishing the interview crying and hoping no one noticed they were tears of devastation, not joy. After that embarrassing exchange, my mom wanted to know why I hadn’t told the reporter I got my confidence from her. Look, my mom is great. She’s super fun and interesting, and she loves me as best as she can. But she did not give me confidence. She has hurt me many times in my life—as many times…

1. WHIT Designer Whitney Pozgay (Kate Spade’s niece, NBD) rounds out her namesake label with swimwear. Featuring juicy prints by artist Wayne Pate and no underwires, it’s comfy and cute! 2. SPIRITUAL GANGSTER Lea Michele loves this activewear line’s slogan tees. Now you can bring those clever quips to the beach, printed to not crack or peel. 3. VARLEY The workoutwear sported by influencers like Louise Roe hits the waves with fourway- stretch fabrics that hold up no matter what your water sport. 4. MORGAN LANE Doing her mom (designer Jill Stuart) proud, Morgan Curtis launched her cultfave silk pj’s in 2014. Now, she’s bringing the same retro-sexy look surfside. 5. HEIDI KLUM Big boobs make bikini shopping tough. But the supermodel’s swimwear (like her intimates) has you covered. Select…

Hello, Kitty Green tea and salicylic acid take your complexion from blah to brilliant in 15 flat. Net Effect Swap painful blackhead extractions for this lace number. It helps the purifying peel (also included) sink deep into pores, unclogging them quickly. In a Blink Turn back the clock stat, thanks to a mix of line-smoothing retinol and repairing ceramides. Black Magic The combination of charcoal and antioxidant- rich tomatoes work together to nix zits and absorb excess oil. Happy Face LOL your way to happier skin with this soothing aloe mask. P.S. You can stash it in your fridge for a cool post-beach treat. Get Glowing The newest way to self-tan: Apply this DHA-infused mask before bed for up to 15 minutes, then evenly massage the serum into your skin.…

GET THE LOOK 1. PLACE THE PIGMENT. The lower you take the shadow, the more dramatic the look will be. Using a shadow stick or a small tapered brush (like the one below, from It Brushes for Ulta)—for the strongest effect, wet the brush—start shadow directly under lashes. 2. BLEND IT WELL. Buff obvious lines or edges back and forth, in windshieldwiper motions, suggests makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. A fluffy brush (try Nyx’s, here) makes it easy. 3. LIGHTEN UP ON LOWER LASHES. “Undershadow adds a lot of eye drama on its own,” says Hughes. Tissue off your mascara wand to get a milder effect on bottom fringe. 4. SAVE FOUNDATION FOR LAST. That way if powder flecks fall, you can wipe them away without ruining your base.…

the first time I noticed sunscreen, it was on someone else’s body. Growing up in a tiny East Texas town where the unrelenting heat of summer was brutal (I’m talking 100-plus temperatures for days on end), hanging at the public pool was the best way to cool down. The second my mom dropped me off, I’d jump right into the water—usually off the high dive because I was a showoff like that. One of my friends was a white girl whose mother slathered her in thick white cream before she’d let her swim. No matter how long we swam, the cream never seemed to budge. One day, out of curiosity, I asked her what the strange coating was. “Sunblock,” she replied. “My mom says I’ll turn into a lobster without…

SLEEP IN THE BARE For spontaneous sleepovers or nights when you skip the sink, mineral makeup (specifically, bareMinerals Original Foundation or Matte Foundation, $28.50 each, bareminerals.com and bareMinerals boutiques) is your clutch product. What makes it so safe to snooze in? “It’s less about what’s in it than about what’s not,” says Monica Ademino, executive director of global product development for bareMinerals. “It’s formulated without common irritants like parabens, fragrances, and silicones, and there’s no pore-clogging oil.” With only six or fewer total ingredients, there’s little chance your face will freak out. Prep Now, Purify Later PREP Smooth, hydrated skin makes mineral foundation look flawless. To avoid a tacky surface that attracts too much powder, apply a fastabsorbing, lightweight serum, says makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, who recommends this mineralrich…

Sure, you planned to spend the chillier months carving killer arms and sculpting a flat belly. But life happened, and now it’s June. Luckily, a fit body doesn’t always require months of hard work. In fact, according to Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott, cofounders of the fitness and lifestyle community Tone It Up, you can firm up and feel good in as little as one month, one week, or even one day. We asked them to share their most effective workout and nutrition plans, with insight from dietitian Lori Zanini, RD. Who’s ready for the beach? You are. “Working large muscle groups, like your legs and butt, tones your entire body,” says Scott. “And since it takes more energy to move bigger muscles, you’ll torch calories and fat too.” Repeat…

IT’S NOT JUST YOU. Four out of five women purposefully slip into granny panties before their annual gyno checkup, according to a new survey from the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH). Seventy percent shave or wax in preparation, and 80 percent hide their bra and undies (no matter what style they’re wearing) after undressing. Docs must be psyched we’re all so considerate, right? Actually, they couldn’t care less. “We’ve seen it all,” promises nurse practitioner Aimee Chism Holland, DNP, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Excessive nervous sweating, funky discharge, full bushes—medical pros barely register these details, she says. Instead, they focus on the crucial stuff: checking for breast lumps, performing Pap smears, and scanning for STIs. In fact, Holland and her peers…

Confidence Killer ACNE Nearly 60 percent of the women in our SurveyMonkey poll feel self-conscious about acne, the biggest beauty downer of all. Working these two ingredients into your rotation can help. 1. Benzoyl Peroxide Great for banishing cysts, it kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. It’s drying, so opt for a low dose, like 2.5 percent versus 10 percent. “Studies show they’re equally effective,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. Try one by Paula’s Choice, below. 2. Salicylic Acid A top-notch exfoliant, it’s a betahydroxy acid that dissolves excess oil and sebum, making it especially effective on blackheads and whiteheads, says Dr. Zeichner. We like Peter Thomas Roth’s patches, here. And if neither works… Ask your derm about a prescriptionstrength cream like Aczone or Epiduo. Option two: an oral treatment, such…

When clothes are coming off at lightning speed, it can be hard to get your libido firing at the same pace as your partner’s. For women, arousal is a sequential process that starts in your mind, and it takes time to bring your body on board. But know this: A single sexy thought can be enough to send “get ready!” signals to your brain and nether regions, prompting desire and increasing vaginal lubrication, says gynecologist Elizabeth Poynor, MD. Tap into this effect from the minute your alarm goes off and you’ll build up your sex drive hour by hour—to the point that your body will be screaming for a release. Use these tricks to gift your brain a lady boner so major, you’ll be raring to go by tonight’s hookup.…

EXTRA-HOT SLICE “I spied a guy at a Halloween party who had dressed up as a pizza slice. My roommate bet me that I couldn’t hook up with him. I sidled up to him, and there was instant chemistry. I won the bet and had sex with that man-slice—although tugging off his enormous foam triangle was hilarious. The walk home in my costume was worth it.” —ELENI K., 21 SEX AT SEA “On a springbreak cruise, I hooked up with one of the guys on the boat. We both had roommates in our suites, so I suggested we get down on the deck. No one caught us, but I’m sure that passengers could tell what I’d been up to by the state of my hair afterward. Hey, I have no…

C’mon, it’s 2017! Why are taboo topics still, well, taboo? And why are so many of them only “wrong” for women to talk about? If we speak up or out—or, god forbid, express ambition—we’re often called the B word. We’re supposed to act happy all the time. We’re supposed to let bad sex slide. We’re supposed to keep a lid on vocalizing that we want to look and feel hot. Yeah...not on Cosmo’s watch. The truth is, staying silent holds women back by keeping us from learning valuable intel and getting help when we most need it. So we partnered with The Female Quotient, a firm that focuses on issues relating to women and equality, to identify topics we’re all dying to discuss—but find way too hard to voice out…

CANCER 06.21–07.22 Hello, brink of greatness. Here you come! Active Mars ushers in a period of success on the 4th. This winning streak lasts until July 20th and only happens every other year! So double down when the Sun moves into your sign on the 21st. YOU NEED: To start being your own cheerleader. CANCER GUY: His career may be seriously on fire, but he wants your support. Lend him an ear and he’ll show you how grateful he is for all your parts! LEO 07. 23–08. 22 Everyone wants to weigh in on your big decision, but don’t let them overrule what your gut is telling you. Answers will come on the 1st—Venus and Saturn have aligned to help you get yours. Just beware of burnout! Set aside time…

1. Your friend bailed on boxing class. You: a. Blow it off rather than go alone—and fake a limp for the next week JIC you run into the instructor. b. Drag your ass to class but pick a bag in a dimly lit corner so you can punch in semiprivate. c. Run there with your gloves around your neck, Rocky-style, then challenge someone to a burpee contest. 2. In a work meeting, you’re the one: a. Between the wall and the water cooler. If you stay completely still, no one will notice you. b. Quietly circulating a petition to get an office matcha machine. c. At the head of the table, ready for curveball questions. 3. You’ll pose for a pic when: a. You can control the lighting, filter, and…