Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 1 i Cosmopolitan Australia

Cosmo’s back! The familiar rip of the Sealed Section; the giggles of friends sprawled among magazines on the bedroom floor; “A, B or C” Cosmo Quiz queries filling the air. The announcement of Cosmopolitan Australia’s relaunch elicited the wistful tug of nostalgia on many of our heartstrings. In these pages, you’ll find many of the elements that made the Cosmo of the past so great; from the Sealed Section (guest edited by Chantelle Otten) on page 65, to the Cosmo Quiz on page 99. But since Cosmo was last on newsstands, the world has evolved – and it’s our ever-guiding principle to grow with it. There are various iterations of the Cosmo woman and these pages will amplify voices that celebrate and represent her accordingly. Take a peek at the…

PerfumeTok has become a billion-view behemoth, ‘fragrance wardrobes’ (scent collections curated by mood, occasion or personal aesthetic) are all over social media, and Gen Z is all about the ‘sillage’ (insider speak for the scent trail a perfume leaves behind). Scent has never been this sexy, and traditional fragrance houses and indie brands alike have responded with new collections and innovative notes that are contributing to a whole new set of trends. Ahead, a guide to the big ones, plus the specific scents to try right away. UNEXPECTED AND (SLIGHTLY) UNHINGED NOTES Apologies to roses and lilies everywhere, but it’s time to move beyond the basics with weird yet shockingly pleasant aromas inspired by unconventional notes like fresh ink on paper, sunscreen, tram tracks and hemp leaves. BOTTLED THERAPY Give…

Spotlight On British pop star Griff has opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, joined Florence & The Machine, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa for shows in the past few years, and is set to take the stage with Sabrina Carpenter in North America at the tail end of 2024 … all while touring and promoting her own release. Not bad for a 23-year-old. Griff thinks her new album is “good, really good”. And she’s not wrong. The complete collection of songs – some old, some new – centres around the idea of being emotionally spun out. It’s a theme that reflects Griff’s coming of age as an artist and a young adult. “I think I hoped that I'd have an overnight hit,” she tells Cosmo. ”But it’s…

ZIT ZAPPER It’s the acne-zapping laser treatment that everyone is talking about – including legendary dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, who recently introduced the buzzy new treatment to his New York City practice. Lauded as an effective alternative to prescription medications for treating mild to severe acne, AviClear has finally been approved in Australia. Using the power of laser light, the treatment is clinically proven to target and suppress sebaceous glands, which is where acne first begins to form. This can lower the skin’s oil production, which calms existing, active acne and helps to reduce acne in the long term. Bonus? You’ll only need three 30-minute sessions over three months and there’s no significant downtime, so you can easily slot in a date with your derm during a lunch break. GLOW…

Call it a direct response to the pared-back makeup looks that have dominated social media for the last few years, but there’s no doubt about it – the delicately dishevelled, dark angel aesthetic is everywhere right now. Characterised by messy, smoky eyes, spiked lashes and dramatic liner, the return of rave culture has seemingly ushered in a new era of refreshingly carefree glamour. Take your cues from Ms XCX herself, Julia Fox or Rina Sawayama, and make these products your plus-ones for the party. Feathered lashes Subtle definition is the exact opposite of what we’re going for here. Like a pulsing bassline, these inky-black lashes are loud, bold and enduring. This fluttery, flake-proof formula from Maybelline seriously cranks up the volume with a spiral-shaped, flexible brush that coats and flares…

A strange feeling comes over me these days when I log into Facebook or Instagram. Most times, I see someone I went to high school with announcing their wedding or the birth of a child. While these announcements can be jarring for a long-term single person like me who feels miles away from traditional life milestones, that’s not the reason for my discomfort. When I see these posts, I have to take a moment to analyse the woman’s face. Her first name and appearance will be vaguely familiar, like looking at an old photograph of someone you once knew, but for the life of me, I won’t be able to place her. Then, it will click into place: she’s changed her last name to her husband’s. A name and identity…

If you think orgasms are the be-all and end-all of sex, you haven’t tried edging. We’re not saying climaxing isn’t amazing, but imagine the best orgasm of your life. And then some. Welcome to the world of edging, where pleasure and patience unite to create intoxicating suspense in the bedroom. By bringing yourself or your partner to the brink of climax only to step back to avoid orgasm, you’re not just prolonging the excitement, but building anticipation for an explosive finale. Are you ready to unlock an orgasm so intense it’s worth waiting for? Let’s dive into the practice of edging. What is edging? Edging is a practice where you bring yourself or your partner close to orgasm, then stop stimulation before climax, allowing the arousal to subside slightly before…

If you thought the G-spot was the MVP of vaginal orgasms, get ready to meet the A-spot. Like its cousin, the G-spot, discovering this hidden erogenous zone can bring you a multitude of intense orgasms. Located on the front wall of your vagina, once you find the elusive A-spot, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. If you’re ready to reach a whole new level of pleasure, keep reading to uncover everything you need to know about the A-spot. Exploring new pleasure zones Exploring different parts of your body is not just about pleasure – it’s essential for understanding your sexuality and improving intimate experiences. As Aleks Trkulja, a sex, relationships, and body image therapist, explains, “Exploring different areas of your body is essential to experiencing pleasure. This is…

TEXTS FROM MY EX TESTED BY KAYLA KIBBE, US COSMO’S ASSOCIATE SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR WHAT IT DOES Just as its name implies, the free online platform relies on an AI-powered algorithm, trained on large-language models, to analyse texts between you and a former romantic partner. Brave users can upload entire conversations from iMessage or WhatsApp, and Texts From My Ex will reply with what went wrong. The platform will also assign you and your ex an overall compatibility rating based on factors like communication, sexiness, “cute moments”, and (somewhat brutally but also maybe the honesty we need?) “why it will never work.” WHAT IT’S LIKE Luckily for me, I have plenty of ex-boyfriends, so all I had to do was upload my chat history with one of them from…

What’s your attachment style? 1. Your partner has arrived 20 minutes late to a date without texting to let you know. You: a Are relieved they’re OK and ask them to call next time they're running late. b Feel annoyed and hurt, but decide it’s not worth getting into. c Have genuine concerns for their safety and are hurt they didn’t text you. 2. Your friend expresses a small frustration they have in your friendship. You: a Ask why they’re bringing this up and say you don’t want to talk about it. b Jump straight into fix-it mode and triple check it’s really not a big deal. c Are relieved they brought it up, and ask for more details to resolve the issue. 3. Your best friend is going for…

In an age of swiping left and everyone being haunted by at least one ghost, you’d be forgiven for being sceptical of love. But talk to two, three or – in our case – 17 people (including one with babies in tow), about a meaningful relationship in their life, and it might just warm your cold, dead heart. These are chance encounters that became shared lives; friends that become lifelines. The meeting of someone that makes you want to take on the role of boyfriend, creative collaborator, wife, friend, mum. People wanting and sharing, and hoping and loving. We present our case for believing again. It was the pearls Sarah, artist and musician; Josh, musician/actor Sarah was interviewing for a housemate, and Josh, new to town, went to meet with…

Laufey Bewitched: The Goddess Tour begins in Melbourne on 6 September Grammy Award-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey is heading Down Under, playing six sold-out shows along the east coast. If you’ve got tickets, you’re in for a bewitching show of soul-soothing vocals that riff on classical and jazz-scene greats. Olivia Rodrigo The Australian leg of GUTS World Tour begins in Melbourne on 9 October Sydney and Melbourne will play host to eight shows as part of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour. Get ready to experience the catharsis that comes with sing-screaming Vampire, Bad Idea Right? and Get Him Back! Griff The Australian leg of Vertigo World Tour begins in Brisbane on 13 August British pop singer Griff returns to Australian stages following the release of her debut album Vertigo. From the title…

The Lasting Harm by Lucia Osborne-Crowley Out now True-crime fanatics will want to get their hands on Lucia Osborne-Crowley’s latest release. The paralegal-turned-freelance journalist examines the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of five counts of sex trafficking of minors in December 2021. This affecting text doesn’t just tell the Ghislaine and Jeffrey Epstein story – it puts the four women at the centre of the case in the spotlight, carefully tracing the trauma they experienced as vulnerable teenagers and victims. Osborne-Crowley weaves in her own experiences, challenging the reader and ultimately delivering a blistering critique of a criminal justice system that struggles to support survivors, regardless of the legal outcome. All I Ever Wanted Was to Be Hot by Lucinda Price Out 3 September Writer and comedian Lucinda…

A damn good blow-dry is like deploying a secret weapon that instantly elevates your day (even if it’s mid-week, you’re getting ready for work and every movement feels like penance paid for the few-too-many-wines last night). It’s almost like the style itself – bouncy, shiny, intentioned – somehow translates beyond tresses to bless the wearer with the same buoyant, audacious energy. It’s addictive, but it can be difficult to do. Enter your magic tools … TL;DR – a seriously sleek, natural finish Nothing like those wet-to-straight stylers that once smoked your hair into submission, Dyson’s long-awaited Airstrait straightener boasts all of the convenience with zero concerning sizzle. Perfect for a straight finish that’s true to your own texture, with less bouncy curl and more natural body, this is the one…

I got into dermatology because … “I come from a family of medical professionals and have always been drawn to helping people. My focus on dermatology stems from a lifelong interest in skin and the investigative nature of the field. I also enjoy the ability to influence genetics and alter how someone’s genetic traits manifest.” My skincare nonnegotiable is … “It’s crucial to double cleanse at night. Begin this ritual with Garnier Micellar Water for its gentle yet effective removal of SPF, makeup and environmental pollutants. The formula is both safe and effective due to its gentle pH-balanced formula, effectively attracting and removing unwanted impurities. Maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier integrity is the key to healthy skin!” [1. and 4.] A treatment I always recommend is … “BBL (Broadband Light)…

The old blanket advice for uncomfortable sex? ‘Try more foreplay’ and ‘Use more lube.’ Yeah, those can help, but what if you’re already having 30-minute make-outs and going through tubes of the slick stuff and it still hurts? Follow this flowchart for actually helpful insight on what might be going on and how to make it stop*. Where does it hurt the most?…

“I SEE AI AS A NET POSITIVE, ESPECIALLY FOR THE SOCIALLY AWKWARD WHO NEED A LITTLE HELP!” – Lindsey Metselaar, host of THE We Met at Acme podcast “We need to be mindful about what this means for the future of the internet and how much of what we see we can really believe.” – KAMIE CRAWFORD, HOST OF CATFISH: THE TV SHOW AND THE RELATIONSH*T WITH KAMIE CRAWFORD PODCAST “AI may create sexy bots that could be better than many of the men out there … but I still like an IRL hot man in my bed.” – SERENA KERRIGAN, CREATOR OF THE “LET’S FUCKING DATE” CARD GAMES “AI can be an ideal matchmaker if done right, but it will never replace human intelligence. It may come with blessings,…

Dear Minaa, I’m a twin, so a lot of people naturally assume my sister and I are super close. We’re not. Honestly, I wouldn’t even call what we have a relationship. It feels more like an obligation because we shared a womb. If I’m being real, I don’t even like her as a person all that much – she has some very mean traits that I just can’t ignore anymore. Like, recently she begged me to go to a party with her, drove us there … and then left me stranded without warning or cause. And trust me, that’s a mild example. If it were just me, I would have cut her off years ago. I only stay semi-connected to her for the sake of our mother, who still wants…

It’s not enough that Tones And I is running headlong into the release of her second album, preparing for a headlining national tour, and currently in the throes of a frenzy of radio and TV interviews to promote it all. She has also managed to find a moment, the night before we speak, to surprise a girls’ under-12s basketball team in Townsville, in tropical Far North Queensland. She agreed to meet them at the gentle behest (via Instagram DM) of one of their mums. “Obviously, that’s a bit of me,” she laughs, adjusting a patterned bandana over her platinum-blonde hair. “I love kids and I grew up playing basketball. Easy.” Her eyes are bright, lively. “I didn’t let them know until the last minute, though, so it wouldn’t take any…

Step 1 Take a deep breath The first step to creating a realistic budget isn’t what you might think. Usually, the first thing people do is pull up their bills, bank accounts and pay slips. Don’t get me wrong, you will need to do that, but it’s just not the first step. Instead, I want you to think about why you’re doing this and how you’re feeling about it. When making a budget, you should try to find clarity around your money goals and what you want to change. Wanting to change your splurge habits that fill you with anxiety the next day is just as valid a reason to make a budget as saving for an overseas holiday, and having a goal to work towards will help keep you…

The source of Julia Fox’s fame can vary depending on who you ask. For some, she’s a viral icon – a newsfeed staple for what she’s said, worn or done that day. For others, it was her breakout performance in 2019’s Uncut Gems, or her brief relationship with Kanye West (“the least interesting thing about me”) or her recent memoir, Down the Drain. Real ones know she’s also found various levels of renown as a party girl, dominatrix, fashion designer, model, podcaster and provocative artist who once painted with her own blood. Now she’s adding another to the list: host of competition show OMG Fashun. Chances are also pretty good that she’ll soon be known for this interview, where she gets into all the things the internet is dying to…

Now that many of us are breaking up with our phones – or at least taking a break – is it any surprise we're getting back to analogue basics? There’s so much noise in the world right now, it's hard to hear what fulfils us. Millions of songs are just a tap away on music streamers, rendering each new tune as forgettable as the next; TikTok is sometimes influencing the charts with viral hits which come and go as quickly as micro trends in fashion; and we’re losing our ability to connect over our favourite artists while being, well, disconnected (in the online sense, that is). Everything’s digital, everything’s accessible and we’ve got nothing to physically show for our preferences or identity. Is it any surprise that we’re breaking up…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MECCA Ahh, nostalgia – it’s like a mixtape, instantly rewinding the mind to life’s sweetest moments (isn’t that right, returning Cosmo reader?). Then there are the times that nostalgia hits bitter, when the sting of a lost love suddenly feels a little too real all over again – like when you find yourself longing for a much-adored makeup product. In the world of beauty, the loss of a true holy-grail product can be tough to move on from – others may come and go from your routine, but it’s never quite a match, and ultimately you decide to part ways. Then all at once, it happens – your former love walks back into your life, and you immediately remember the many reasons you fell for them in…

My spiralling began when I saw an American Apparel tennis skirt being peddled as vintage on Depop. It was only about a decade ago I was coveting the Tumblr-hyped piece, and now I was staring back at its familiar wide pleats on my phone screen, pulling my age into focus. My spiralling continued as other formative pieces from my teen years also received this so-called-vintage treatment. I’ve spotted Forever21 skater skirts and Billabong sweatshirts slapped with ‘vintage’ labels (I fear for the day a Supré bow headband makes the cut-off). The frightening reality is that these secondhand resellers aren’t far off from the truth. It’s widely accepted that when clothing has circulated for 20 years, it’s considered vintage. Much to the chagrin of some, there’s no denying Y2K’s bedazzled resurgence…

WELCOME TO COSMOPOLITAN'S ASK ME ANYTHING, where no topic is off-limits and no question too cheeky. From sliding into your crush’s DMs to discussing sexual health with a new partner and rebuilding confidence after a toxic relationship, we’ve got you covered. Q: What’s the best way to slide into someone’s DMs? A: Sliding into DMs can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s all about being genuine and respectful. Start by responding to a story or post that genuinely interests you. A simple, “I loved your take on … – it really made me think!” shows you’re paying attention and appreciating their content. Keep things light and friendly. Avoid being overly flirty or forward right off the bat. Aim to start a natural conversation. For example, if they post about a…

Dirty Talk If dirty talk feels unfamiliar or awkward, you’ve come to the right place. Mastering the art of cheeky conversation can really turn up the heat in the bedroom. But if you don’t know what to say or where to start, you can find yourself tongue-tied and stuck in a cringeworthy conundrum. Embracing the seductive side of speech doesn’t have to be an awkward ordeal. With our guide, you’ll be able to craft electrifying exchanges that will leave your partner begging for more. Ease into it Navigating dirty talk, especially for the first time with your partner, can feel unnatural. It’s a good idea to ease into it with some NSFW texts. Think of it as a practice run before the real deal. Texting lets you set the scene…

IT WILL COME AS A SURPRISE to exactly no one that AI can do things to a photo. Glossy things. Poreless things. Disney-movie-character things. Anyone with a social media account can watch this unfold day in and day out. People who once looked “real” now look impossibly perfected – at least in terms of the unrealistic beauty standards du jour – and is that the Taj Mahal they’re suddenly posing in front of? Or the moon? Selling a certain image of yourself on social media (for the followers, for profit or maybe just for fun) somehow feels different, though, than using essentially fake photos to attract a date. Pretty much every human relationship expert (and probably some AI ones too) would advise against the latter. But I’m not a professional…

PROBABLY the best thing about AI and the tools powered by it is that they’re largely available to everyone with an internet connection. But this doesn’t mean they were made for everyone. When talking about AI, “we forget that we’re talking about datasets or language models,” says Jamie Cohen, an assistant professor at Queens College of the City University of New York with a specialty in digital culture and internet literacy. “The major models we’re using today are extremely exclusive, and that means they’re very problematic.” TL;DR: The “machine learning” behind AI has to learn from something. And the majority of models are created and trained by cis white men. The datasets they use to train bots are often open-source, meaning they’re publicly available, and many are pulled indiscriminately from…

Back Page 1. Have sex … and love it! At a time when women were expected to be married before getting busy, Helen challenged that idea in Sex and the Single Girl . “Theoretically, a ‘nice’ single woman has no sex life,” she wrote. “What nonsense!” 2. Rock your career She stressed that “a job can be your love, your happy pill, your means to finding out who you are and what you can do.” 3. Make yourself irresistible In an interview with the late Nora Ephron, self-help champion HGB said: “You cannot sit around like a cupcake asking other people to come and eat you up and discover your great sweetness and charm. You’ve got to make yourself more cupcakable all the time.” 4. Speak your mind unapologetically When…