Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2018 i Cosmopolitan

You can have it all—megawatt shine, deep hydration, and saturated color that stays put. Introducing NEW Maybelline® Color Sensational Shine® Compulsion Lipstick. It’s an ultra-hydrating lipstick/gloss hybrid that means your two-tube days are over. You never have to choose—or layer—again. See what readers are saying about lipstick’s new trick! “THE CONSISTENCY AND FEEL OF THE LIPSTICK WAS SOFT, MOISTURIZING, AND BUTTERY. VERY COMFORTABLE ON THE LIPS …”—LAURA, OH “… THE PERFECT LIPSTICK!”—JENNIFER, WA “ I CAN RELY ON THIS LIPSTICK WHEN I WANT LOTS OF COLOR PAYOFF AND SHINE. I KNOW IT WON’T DRY OUT MY LIPS.”—SARA, CA “… THIS LIPSTICK DOES ALL THESE THINGS THAT AN ORDINARY LIPSTICK DOESN‘T DO.”—TRACY, WV FEEL THE COMPULSION AT MAYBELLINE.COM The quotes derived from a survey of 361 subscribers to Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Marie…

Leading Ladies’ Man “Crazy Rich Asians and A Simple Favor were each a master class in filmmaking, and I had so much fun working with all my costars. Constance Wu is so dedicated, Anna Kendrick is ridiculously funny, and Blake Lively is magnetic.” Meeting the Parents “Luckily, I haven’t met any dragons like Eleanor Young [in Crazy Rich Asians]. I get along so well with my wife’s mom. But if you’re up against a tough crowd, be yourself…and do your research! Do they like wine, cooking, traveling? Focus on what you have in common.” Food, Travel, or Sex? “If I have to choose one, it’s gonna be food. I just couldn’t live without other cultures’ cuisines. And food and sex sometimes go hand in hand, so….” Smoke Show “If I…

“I was pregnant and one month from my due date. I was sick all day and asked my boyfriend to stay in the bathroom with me while I showered because I was feeling dizzy. Then he used the toilet. Really?! When I get out, he was down on one knee. All in all, it couldn’t have been funnier or more perfect.”—LAUREN B., 29 “I was with my boyfriend and my parents, eating shrimp cocktails. I wasn’t hungry, but my mom kept pushing me to eat one more and I kept saying no. I didn’t know my BF had put my ring on a shrimp tail. Finally, I took a bite and bit on something hard. It was the ring! I chipped my tooth! I was so happy, it didn’t matter!”—JILL…

Hiking Get rugged without looking rough with heels, pink laces, and peep toes. Glossy Add some shine to your step with slick finishes and warm tones. Buckles Invest in some hardware, from dainty to heavy duty.…

Cinch that belt, add hoops, and dare to go bare-legged. Freshen up fall days with playful flats and simple stripes. Open your Amazon App Tap the camera icon Choose SmileCode Scan to shop!…

Do DIY LED Whiteners Really Work? Yes! “The LED light alone will not change the color of your teeth, but when used with a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, it acts as a catalyst to remove deep, dark stains better,” explains cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg, DDS. The Deal With Stubborn Stains They may not even be stains. The aging process and acidic foods and drinks can wear down the outer layer of our teeth (referred to as enamel), allowing the secondary tooth structure, called dentin, to show through, says Lowenberg. “It is naturally yellow or brown and can’t be lightened with bleach.” The only fix: veneers or crowns. Is Your Mouthwash Safe? Alcohol (found in many conventional mouthwashes) may give you that tingly clean feeling, but using it regularly…

Must Dew This fall, a luminous complexion is the basis for every look—and an absolute must if you want to pull off the you-but-better makeup that’s so of the moment. Start with an easy skincare routine that you’ll actually stick to: Cleanse daily—Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 ($8.99) doesn’t overdry or cause irritation—and then layer on an antioxidant boost, such as L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intense 10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate ($29.99), to take your glow to the next level. If you need coverage, reach for an ultrasheer foundation; Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Fabric Second Skin Makeup ($49) blurs imperfections and feels like next to nothing. Finish things off with satiny nude lips. Maybelline New York Color Sensational Shine Compulsion Lipstick ($7.99) has options for every skin tone. Electric…

His Favorite After-Sex Move Dating app The League surveyed guys on what they most enjoy doing post-romp. “Honey, can we wear a couples costume?” Hoping to get your mate into an adorbs, matchy-matchy getup? Our Cosmo poll of 100 men hints at your chances…. Cop and Robber 72 said yes. 28 said no. Nurse and Patient 66 said yes. 34 said no. Bacon and Eggs 50 said yes. 50 said no. Grease’s Sandy and Danny 55 said yes. 45 said no. Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf 60 said yes. 40 said no. Disney Princess and Prince 49 said yes. 51 said no. SOURCE: 2018 CONAIR MAN SURVEY What’s Something You’ve Lied About to a Partner? “I told my girlfriend at the time I didn’t think her…

Be honest: Do men secretly love it when we steal their sweatshirts? I feel like they do! A_ As much as it pains me to say it and as much as I worry this will only contribute to the crime wave of girlfriends stealing cozy zip-ups all over this planet…yes, it’s adorable. It’s sexy (even if you’re drowning in our XL fit). I can’t quite explain why—other than the fact that it feels kind of intimate to share something so comfy with you. I have one more thing to add: Katherine, if you’re reading this, I want my Baja hoodie back, please. I haven’t seen it since 11th grade. I have this suspicion that my guy friend has romantic feelings for me. Any definitive signs I can look for? A_…

Can my gyno tell if I’ve gotten busy before my annual exam? A_ If you didn’t use a condom, then probably, says ob-gyn Jennifer Ashton, MD, Cosmo Health Advisory Board member. And if she has to dig through semen to see and swab your cervix, you could get inaccurate Pap results. Do yourself—and your doc—a favor and abstain for 48 hours before your appointment. I’ve slept with a lot of dudes…okay? A_ Real talk: The more sex partners you have, the higher your risk for STIs, says Dr. Ashton. That said, as long as you always practice safe sex, get screened for STIs at least once a year, and ask your lovahs to show you their latest test results (and request they hit the doc if it’s been a minute…

Start with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed out slightly, and hands clasped at your chest. Keep your spine tall, and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground (or as low as you can go). Pause, then step your right foot back and bend your right knee 90 degrees, gently tapping it to the floor. Immediately return your right foot to the squat position and stand. That’s 1 rep. Do 3 sets of 10 reps on each side, 3 times a week. The right shoes can motivate you to get sweaty. Anna’s fave: Athletic Propulsion Labs Sneaks (pictured here in Grey Denim). “They’re as functional as they are cute.” ANNA’S EXERCISE INSPO SWOLE MATE “My husband and I do the workouts on my…

“We both worked on a political campaign a few years ago, and now I’m not sure either of us would take a job where the other person wasn’t involved. She’s the best thing that’s happened to my career!”—REMY, 27, CHICAGO “I started working with her on a project. We brainstormed, reciprocated quick favors, and sent work back and forth for feedback. Now, when one of us is out for more than a day or two, we feel it!”—LIA, 36, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA “My work wife and I were friendly on the job, and she approached me about forming a company together. That’s when we clicked. We’d spend weekends holed up in her apartment working on it.”—ALI, 27, NEW YORK CITY…

Yep, the fear of missing out doesn’t just make your social calendar rival the royal family’s. Trying to keep up with friends and not wanting to pass up an experience—or just as likely, an epic ’gram—has left 1 in 5 millennials guilty of spending beyond their means at least once a month, says a recent Credit Karma survey. “This generation faces social anxiety that’s exacerbated by social networks,” explains certified financial planner Alison Norris, of personal finance company SoFi. You see incredible b-day parties and trips on Instagram and believe that everyone is doing these amazing things without you. The resulting urge to join in (and post your own #LivingMyBestLife content) can cost you. Fifty-seven percent of young people report blowing money they hadn’t planned to because of what they…

GET A LEG UP Black shades, badass boots, and a bandanna button-down add up to a cool-as-hell ensemble. Serve the irresistible look with windblown strands and a pair of micro shorts. "you and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead"-Two of us," The Beatles "Get your motor runnin,' head out on the highway. Lookin' for adventure, and whatever comes our way"-"Born to be Wild," Steppenwolf BE FIERCE IN FRILLS Packing for the open road doesn’t have to mean all leather and silver studs. Mix it up with an ultra-girly frock in earthy autumn shades or pants with a ruffled hem. beauty tip Swap bronzer for a sandy blush shade. Maybelline New York Fit Me! Blush in Nude, $5.50, gives the most believable glow. ROAM IF YOU…

TELL SOMEONE If you think your life is at risk, call 911. For situations that aren’t immediately life-threatening, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800−799−7233, has operators standing by 24/7 to listen and direct you to resources. DEVELOP A SAFETY PLAN Because every state’s laws are different, the Hotline’s victim advocates can help you navigate the legal avenues available in your area, which might include a restraining order. CHANGE YOUR SURROUNDINGS If you need to separate yourself from an abuser and don’t have relatives or friends nearby, find a shelter in your area by searching DomesticShelters.org.…

First, imagine you’re walking alone in a desert…and you come across a cube. How large is the cube? What is the cube made of? How far is it from the ground? Near the cube, you see a ladder. How far is the ladder from the cube? What is the ladder made of? Picture a horse next to the cube and ladder. Is it wearing anything (reins, saddle)? What is the horse doing? Now imagine flowers somewhere. Is there one flower or many? Where is the flower (or flowers)? Last, there’s a storm starting. What is the distance between the storm and the cube? Are you afraid of it?…

COVER Camilla and Marc, camillaandmarc.com. Escada, escada.us. Bulgari, Bulgari boutiques nationwide. Maybelline, maybelline.com. SUBSCRIBER COVER Paul & Joe, paulandjoe.com. GET INTO IT! PAGE 11: 3.1 Phillip Lim, 31philliplim.com. Etro, similar styles at Etro boutiques nationwide. The2Bandits, the2bandits.com Miron Crosby, myroncrosby.com. Levi’s, levi.com. Closed, closed.com. WIN THE NIGHT PAGE 143: Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh, emptygallery.com. Cartier, available by appointment only at select Cartier boutiques nationwide. Contact 800-CARTIER for more information. NYX Professional Makeup, nyxcosmetics.com. Maybelline New York, maybelline.com. PAGE 144: Alexander Wang, price upon request. Eres, net-a-porter.com. Maybelline New York, maybelline.com. Urban Decay, urbandecay.com. YSL, sephora.com. Kryolan, kryolan.com. PAGE 145: 3.1 Phillip Lim, price upon request. Emm Kuo, emmkuo.com. Alessandra Rich, Opening Ceremony. L’Oréal Paris, lorealparisusa.com. PAGE 146: Tom Ford, tomford.com. Cartier, available by appointment only at select Cartier boutiques nationwide. Contact…

Add to Cart Mini Cam Capture your next outing with a camera that spits out instant prints, and divvy up the snaps as keepsakes. I always get a kick out of looking back at things I wrote years ago to see what about me has dramatically changed and what’s stayed shockingly static. Recently, I found an assignment I did when I was a 16-year-old sophomore in high school; I was asked to predict where I’d be living and what I’d be doing 10 years down the road. My answer: I would be an interior designer living in a penthouse apartment in New York City. I laughed when I read it because while I obvi became a magazine editor, interior design has become a huge passion of mine. (For the record,…

1. Rock astrology-inspired looks with Urban Decay’s Elements Eye Shadow Palette ($52, urbandecay.com) and Fresh’s Zodiac Sugar Lip Treatments ($26, fresh.com). 2 It’s not easy being green, but Sandro’s Kermit-themed scarf sure looks good ($125, us.sandro-paris.com). 3. Bundle up for good. Naked Cashmere’s hat proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation ($95, nakedcashmere.com). 4. Camila Cabello teams up with L’Oréal Paris for the Cuba-inspired Havana Collection (Sun-Lit Bronzer, $15, Lip Dew in Camila, $10, ulta.com). 5. After seeing the mouthwatering recipes in Delish: Eat Like Every Day’s the Weekend, you’ll never want to leave your kitchen ($30, amazon.com). 6 Suit up and 6 boot up this autumn with pieces from Kenneth Cole’s 35th anniversary collection ($295, kennethcole.com). listen read 7. Still obsessing over Netflix’s latest OMFG doc? Podcast You Can’t Make…

Guys, I can’t lie: It’s rough out there. Our world can feel cruel, hard, depressing. Sometimes I want to get on the next spaceship to Mars. Actually, I’ve found it’s easier to purchase my favorite pint of ice cream from my neighborhood grocer and just down the entire container in one sitting. Of course, neither of these options really serves as a solution. And the truth is, there is no single panacea. But I have one very unique coping mechanism, and it looks like this: AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Now, doesn’t that make you feel better? Here is what I want to throw out there: Let’s do away with writing LOL. Let’s just forget about it. At the dawn of the internet, it was cute. A sweet little shorthand to let your correspondent…

Open your Amazon App Tap the camera icon Choose SmileCode Scan to shop! Dial up the drama with blingy bags and standout heels.…

Open your Amazon App Tap the camera icon Choose SmileCode Scan to shop!…

Limit Carbs and Dairy Due to their high glycemic index, refined carbs spike certain hormones that stimulate the production of sebum and increase dead skin cells (two acne triggers). “They even alter sebum’s fatty-acid composition, making you more prone to pimples,” says derm Whitney Bowe, MD, author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin. Then there’s milk, which contains whey and casein proteins. “Both mess with hormones and increase inflammation,” says Dr. Bowe. Add Antioxidants “New research shows that free-radical damage to sebum can trigger acne,” says Dr. Bowe, who suggests applying an antioxidant serum before sunscreen. Studies also show that acne sufferers have low levels of antioxidants in their blood, adds Dr. Bowe. Up your inner antiacne defenses by adding berries and leafy greens to your diet. Hack Your Hormones…

PRESENTED BY MACY’S PLAYFUL Your vibe? Bright colors and all the glitter. Make your look even louder with a watermelon and honeysuckle scent, fun pops of pink on your lips and cheeks, and shimmery shadow and highlighter. VIRTUAL TRY-ON TIPS 1. Avoid shadows by facing natural light, keeping windows and sunlight in front of you. 2. Steer clear of bright lamps or glares behind you. ICONIC Hey, jet-setter! One look at your chic outfits and minimalist apartment makes it clear you have that je ne sais quoi. Upgrade to first class with a French-inspired iris and patchouli fragrance. CAREFREE Your chilled-out attitude, obsession with nature, and boho style make you a modern-day hippie. All you need? Peace, love…and a perfume with maximum flower power, thanks to daisy-tree petals and driftwood.…

We don’t mean behind you figuratively; we mean it literally… as in doggie-style. The rear-entry position (you on all fours with your guy at your backside) just officially dethroned missionary as millennials’ favorite way to get it on, according to the 2018 SKYN Condoms Millennial Sex Survey, which polled nearly 4,000 young men and women in America. What’s truly awesome about this shift is that, for the first time in this annual survey, equal numbers of women and men say doggie is their jam. “Sex from behind usually feels great for everyone involved,” says certified sex therapist Rena McDaniel. “It allows for a greater depth of penetration, and the angle allows more leverage for thrusting.” Such deep intercourse means you can experience feel-good stimulation from his penis all along your…

1 Reject Duds More Quickly Be open to meeting new people, but if you see signs that a guy may take you for granted or act selfishly, then bail ASAP. In a word: Next! 2 Ask Tough Questions He may seem perfect—but also want different things than you do. Find out by having serious convos about your values early on. 3 Don’t Overlook the Bad Stuff The sex is fire, but he’s controlling. It’s not just who our partner is at their best but also who they are at their worst that defines the relationship. 4 Show Yourself Some Love The more you enjoy your own company, create your own adventures, and treat yourself like a BFF, the less willing you’ll be to accept lame behavior. Want to get your…

Sometimes I get the urge to bite my mate during sex. That okay? A_ Oh, hey there, Dracula! Your hankering to nibble on your S.O. is actually pretty common and can be super titillating for both parties, says sex therapist Neil Cannon, PhD. Way back in 1953, Alfred Kinsey, the OG of sex research, discovered that 55 percent of women and 50 percent of men found it erotically stimulating to be lightly bitten. You can thank pure animalistic lust and/or the alluring BDSM aspect of using your teeth. “When pain is inflicted during consensual sexual experiences, endorphins are released, and that can convert pain to pleasure,” explains Cannon. As long as you have your partner’s permission, go ahead and gnaw a bit—but don’t ever break skin. I heard that you…

“Should we break up?” It’s a tough question to ask…and a hard decision for anyone to make, especially these days. More and more people now believe that certain common problems that were once seen as deal breakers (e.g., infidelity, infertility, mental illness) can be overcome if your overall values align and you have mutual respect. And in many cases, this proves to be true. That said, there are still some nuanced issues or chronic annoyances that, over time, can build up layers of frustration, disappointment, and conflict to the point when they become worth splitting over. It’s important to remember: Breakups are not always just one person’s fault, and it’s valuable to know when your bond is at its breaking point. If you suspect a romantic rift is in your…

If I have itching and discharge, do I definitely have a yeast infection? Not necessarily. While these are hallmark symptoms, they could also stem from trichomoniasis (an infection caused by a parasite) or bacterial vaginosis (caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria). In these cases, over-the-counter antifungal cream can actually make your discomfort worse, so your best bet is to see your gyno for a diagnosis before self-treating.—SHERRY ROSS, MD, OB-GYN Can I get pregnant on my period? It’s possible. Women’s cycles vary, and there’s no easy way to know when your ovaries will drop an egg (you’re most fertile for roughly six days around ovulation). If you have a shorter cycle or a longer period, you could theoretically conceive during your flow. To be safe, use BC such as…

The Food Unlike the paleo diet, which calls for more protein and carbs, getting your keto on properly means that 90 percent of your unlimited daily calories needs to come from healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, and fish. The remaining 10 percent should be split between carbs and lean protein, says Mackenzie Cervenka, MD, an associate professor of neurology and the medical director of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Adult Epilepsy Diet Center. This puts your daily carb quota at 20 to 50 grams, says Goss, around the amount in one measly cup of plain pasta. (It’s worth noting that not everyone agrees this is healthy. Current U.S. dietary guidelines based on a 2,000-calorie diet suggest 225 to 325 grams of carbs per day, and the American Heart Association…

Relax A salt lamp can lend calming warmth to a room, says Rashia Bell of wellness biz The Cristalline. Its organic material helps bring in fresh, serene vibes from outside. Unwind Research shows that weighted blankets and face masks filled with lavender can help with anxiety and make you snooze more deeply. Cleanse Plants are natural purifiers that strip toxins from indoor air, and crystal vases are visually soothing, says decor pro Carolyn DiCarlo. Breathe Stock up on soft pillows that double as meditation seats, says Bell. Keep a diffuser close by for tension-taming essential oils. Open your Amazon App Tap the camera icon Choose SmileCode Scan to shop!…

ROULETTE LINER A flick of red is as sexy as a pair of Loubs. Draw a thick wing on top (try NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Liner in Vivid Fire, $7). Then smudge black (such as Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Matte Eyeliner in Jet Black, $6) along the bottom. Extend Your Play For a beat that won’t budge, start with primer (such as Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup in Blur + Pore Minimize, $10) and finish with setting spray (try Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, $32). JACK POT LIDS Proof you don’t have to play the slots to score: these coin-inspired eyes. Prep lids with a gloss (try YSL Eye Gloss Smudger, $30), then use tweezers to place gold flakes (our model is wearing…

Open your Amazon App Tap the camera icon Choose SmileCode Scan to shop!…

GPS “A man might demand that you keep your location settings on”—or use a tracking app—“so he always knows where you are,” says Natalie Dolci of the Seattle Police Department. SOCIAL MEDIA “A partner could control or compromise your reputation by impersonating you online with fake profiles,” explains Dolci. SMART-HOME TECHNOLOGY Abusers can remotely connect with doorbells, temperature controls, digital locks, and home assistants to manipulate and terrify their partners.…

The size of the cube represents the size of your ego. The transparency of the cube shows how open or closed off you are with others. The closer it is to the ground, the more grounded you are. The closer the ladder is to the cube, the closer you are to your friends. If the ladder is leaning against the cube, it means your friends tend to lean on you for support. The sturdier the ladder’s material, the stronger your bonds to other people. A saddled or tied-up horse means you want control in a relationship. The freer the horse, the freer you like your relationships. The more flowers, the more kids you desire. The closer they are to the cube, the more you’re thinking about kids. The storm represents your stress or obstacles. The closer and more violent it is, the…

1. All-girls ski trip! You’ll be: A Cajoling the group down icy black diamonds that guarantee epic wipeouts. B Playing matchmaker between your buds and the hot lift operators. C Back at the house. The only avalanche you’ll risk being under is a pile of pillows. 2. Your sorority wakes up with major hangovers. You: A Prepare shots all around. Hair of the dog, biatches! B Place pain meds, water, and electrolyte tablets on everyone’s nightstands. C Group-text the bus emoji (as in, hit by a…), then go back to sleep. 3. Your BFF calls during work. She just got dumped and is in tears. You: A Meet her at her ex’s garage and chalk pecker-shaped drawings on his car. B Bring all the candy over to her place for…

MOSTLY A’S Bananas Bud Girl! Wherever you go, the party follows. Kudos for bringing the good times, but make sure your boundless antics don’t land your squad in hazardous territory. It is possible to have a ball without spiking all your blood pressures. MOSTLY B’S Good-Time Gal Pal Who says adults can’t turn up? You’re down for max LOLs with your crew, but you keep some precautions in mind. A little mischief never hurts but neither does being responsible. High five for striking a sweet balance! MOSTLY C’S Fun-ish Friend Pals love your suuuper low-key vibe, and you don’t have to be the biggest fun-lover to make a great ride or die, but still… doing something that ups the ante once in a while can lead to legendary laughs.…

My happy place: Near the ocean or surrounded by plants. Everyone in their 20s should: Be gentle on themselves. Get outside alone as much as possible. Go to therapy (it’s great). My weirdest quirk: When I talk about food I enjoy, I gulp like a cartoon mouse looking at a big piece of Swiss cheese. My weakness: Romantic gestures. The sexiest thing ever: President Obama tweeting at Vice President Biden to say happy birthday. Big misconception about me: I’m not sassy—I don’t like that word—or thick-skinned just because I’m a comedian. I’m peppy and vulnerable and a lovebug, and that’s what drew me to comedy. Pet peeve: Road rage. It’s incredibly stupid to get all brutish out there. Brief story of my first time: Bunk bed. I can’t resist someone…

Confessions “After coming out of the bathroom at school, my best friends and I started walking across the courtyard, and these senior girls behind us were laughing. We figured they were just trying to mess with us, and we continued on. At one point, I walked ahead of the pack. My friends both gasped. I had tucked my skirt into my thong! So I had basically walked across campus with my whole butt exposed.”—LESLIE L., 24, CONSULTANT, KAUAI, HI “On my second date with my now-BF, we took a road trip to go hiking. We were in the middle of nowhere on the way home, and I had to pee. There were no rest stops in sight. I couldn’t wait anymore, so he pulled over and saw me pee beside…

Tiffany Reid As senior market editor for Cosmopolitan, Tiffany sets, spots, and styles trends. This season, she’s taking cues from Macy’s The Edit. 1 RED Handbag Swap out your go-to black bag for a cherry pick. Crimson is the new neutral. 2 Metallic SHOE The classic gets a crystallized upgrade. Business in the front; major party in the back. 3 Power GAZE Perfect your cat eye with high-drama liner. 4 Starry EYED Use this gorgeous nude palette for a spot-on blend of naughty and nice. 5 VARSITY Details Take the fun off the field with game-day details fit for a style queen. 6 Menswear BLAZER Throw on this number with a T-shirt and jeans for a more casual feel. 7 FALL Florals Flower power has an elegant appeal in a…

Shrieking Violet When it comes to slaying the night, you can’t be subtle. Load your upper and lower lids with a spectrum of purple shadows, then brush on a few coats of matching mascara. Finish with a swipe of inky purple lip lacquer to complete the monochromatic vibe. Black Widow Dark, glittery lids and lacy under-eye masks make for a mysterious costume. Cover upper and lower lids with eye shadow, rim waterlines to completely black out eyes, then stick on the mask using lash glue (DIY with lace from a craft store; try Black Raschel Lace, $5 per yard, online fabricstore.com). Lovely Bones Dress up half your face as a skeleton, but keep the other side clean. Pro tip: White foundation (made for mixing) makes a better base than cheap…

What Makes Iris So Unique The few varieties that do have an aroma may emit only a faint, slightly powdery smell, but it’s one of the most expensive raw materials in a perfumer’s palette. That’s because the scent is derived from the flower’s root, which has to be dried and aged for at least three years, like wine, before it can be ground to powder and distilled into oil for use. This ingredient, called orris, solidifies into a “butter” that can cost its weight or more in gold. Until recently, iris was most often used in the background to give perfumes warmth and body, but this season, it’s moving into the spotlight as a major note, cropping up in everything from the new Tiffany & Co. Eau de Parfum Intense…

Love PSA: You and your significant other may consider that juicy true-crime TV series the welcome third wheel in your relationship…but your nightly screen habit could be robbing you of prime emotional bonding. The time you have with boo before you go to sleep is a great opportunity to focus on just each other, says relationship expert Susan Winter, who coaches people on their love lives. People tend to be less stressed during the pre-zzz’s wind-down than they do during their rushed morning routines. But many also get sucked into a show. A recent study confirms that streaming activity peaks between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., right in the middle of what could be ideal QT. Using the hour or so before bed to actually interact instead can help you…

“It’s hands down the best way for me to reach orgasm! And I’m not always into eye contact, so I love how I don’t have to care about what my partner’s face is doing—and vice versa.”—CAROLINE B., 22 “I love that it can wordlessly express submission. It’s my way of saying, ‘Please take over.’ The act of turning my back on a partner unannounced says, ‘Your call. Go!’”—GRACE C., 31 “My dude is a little on the smaller side, and this position helps make him feel bigger—and I get more pleasure because of it.”—MEGAN S., 23 “First off, my ass is a sight to see—gotta give my man the best view! It’s also super comfortable, and it allows him to easily reach around to touch my clitoris. It’s the perfect…

Sounds like a steamy game of telephone, right? And it kinda is: The term refers to computer chip–enabled sex toys that use the internet and touch-responsive technology to respond to physical cues in real time—from anywhere. So even if your partner is in Timbuktu, they can control the vibration intensity, speed, and tempo of the toy you’re using on yourself at home. “It’s perfect for long-distance relationships,” says sexologist Emily Morse, host of the Sex With Emily podcast. Options like the Kiiroo Onyx2 & Pearl2 Couple Set ($259, kiiroo.com) respond to direct touching, so when you squeeze on your dildo’s shaft, your guy will feel it in his masturbation sleeve. Open your Amazon App Tap the camera icon Choose SmileCode Scan to shop!…

1 Do you remain hopeful your mate’s unfortunate time habits will change over in spite of evidence to the contrary? –YES–NO 2 Have you been rationalizing or coming up with reasons to stay together? –YES–NO 3 Do your friends often tell you that your partner may not be right for you? –YES–NO If you answered mostly yes, you may have convinced yourself this bond is worth saving, when really it’s time to let go. If you’re making excuses for bad behavior, take a closer look at what it is you’re trying to protect. If you answered mostly no, you are likely seeing your love situation for what it is. Keep being honest while continuing to pay attention to the realities of your partnership and the opinions of those who love…

Picture this: You’re late to a meeting, and your boss lays into you in front of the entire team. You look around for help, but no one’s got your back. You sink into a chair, feeling totally alone and totally screwed. If only someone had confirmed your (legit) excuse or at least thrown you a sympathetic smile…if only you had a work wife. A female on-the-job ride-or-die—a peer to grab lunch with, go to for advice, and rely on when you’re swamped—can make your 9-to-5 a whole lot happier. She can also help you ace your job (and vice versa), says Chad McBride, PhD, a communication studies professor at Creighton University who researches work spouse–type bonds. “You become more invested in your company because you’re invested in this relationship.” In…

French Toast 4 Eggs1¾ c. whole milk¼ c. heavy cream or half-and-half1 t. vanilla extractDash of kosher saltDash of nutmeg1 12-inch loaf day-old challah or brioche bread, cut into 2-inch-thick slicesButter, for the skilletWhipped ricotta cheeseMaple syrup ▸ Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg in a big bowl. ▸ Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture for 10 to 30 seconds per side, then place the slices on a plate and set aside. ▸ Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Grease the skillet generously with butter. ▸ Add as many slices as will fit, and cook until the bread is golden brown, about five minutes per side. Repeat with remaining slices, greasing the skillet between batches. ▸ Serve with a scoop of…

Christina Aguilera is in pain. Today, it’s not the psychological or emotional kind—although she’s certainly entitled to those, after a traumatic childhood and years of battling her way through a notoriously cruel industry. This time, it’s physical. As she sits in her dimly lit studio on a sunny L.A. afternoon, the diva with the legendary voice has blood on her hands. Literally. “Sorry, my ear is bleeding,” she says, then adds, “lovely for your article.” She dabs at a brand-new piercing on her upper right ear, taking the wound in stride. Christina, 37, is wedged into the corner of a black couch, black blanket around her legs, coffee mug in her clutches. She’s barefaced, wearing a (you guessed it) black T-shirt and black pants, projecting a majorly chill vibe. Is…

Without even pulling the trigger, men use deadly weapons to threaten, manipulate, and terrorize their intimate partners. This harrowing form of domestic abuse is called coercive control, and it impacts millions of American women each year. Not long after Sophie* , now 28, moved into her boyfriend Sam’s new house in suburban Illinois, he brought home a gun. It was a pistol, small and black and heavy. “He was kind of excited,” she remembers. She didn’t understand why he wanted one—his parents didn’t own guns, that she knew of—but he seemed to be acting responsibly, getting a legal firearms permit, keeping it locked in a gun safe, and storing the bullets separately. And she trusted Sam; he was her high school sweet-heart. So she tried to put it out of her mind.…