Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 2 i Cosmopolitan Australia

I’ve always adored spring, not just for its escape from winter’s drudgery, but for the dramatic shift it brings in the most uplifting way. We transition from shorter, gloomy days and chilly nights that demand effort to leave the house, to longer, warmer days that practically beg us to enjoy picnics and a chilled wine outdoors. In many ways, spring feels like a fresh, invigorating start. Who better to embody this season of renewal than Ayesha Madon? Our fresh-faced cover star, who I knew had to grace our Cosmo cover the moment I took on the role of editor, opens up about her journey from a shy newcomer to a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. She shares how her ADHD diagnosis reshaped her life and what’s next after Heartbreak…

Spring is marked by renewal and rebirth; a time when, in nature, everything seems to bloom with fresh potential. It’s no surprise that the fashion world, ever eager to mirror the seasons, is also embracing this theme of reinvention. Enter Onitsuka Tiger’s standout sneaker for spring 2024: the EDR 78. Originally launched in 1978 as ENDURO, a trail-running shoe, this beloved sneaker was favoured for its performance-focused and durable design. Now, in a modern twist, the EDR 78 reimagines this classic silhouette with a cool, contemporary edge. Think of it as a nostalgic nod to the past, but with all the bells and whistles of today’s innovations. The EDR 78 boasts rugged tread detailing on the sole, designed to offer superior grip and stability. Inside, the shoe features a supported…

Entertainment An Evening with Dolly Alderton An Evening with Dolly Alderton begins 5 November in Sydney Dolly Alderton is best known for her quick wit and clever observations on dating, friendship and careers. The British author, screenwriter and journalist is heading to Australia to share a goodly number of anecdotes during an evening show. Expect outtakes from her iconic memoir Everything I Know About Love (and the TV series it spawned), and insights from Dear Dolly, her beloved agony aunt column in The Sunday Times. Dean Lewis The Epilogue is due for release 18 October and The Epilogue World Tour starts 30 October in Newcastle Aussie singer-songwriter Dean Lewis is set to sing his gut-wrenching lyrics and yearning tones as spring rolls into summer. Coinciding with the release of his…

Culture critic At the height of Emily in Paris season one fever, when people were buying camera-shaped phone cases and debating whether the city in the show’s title was pronounced ‘Paris’ or ‘Paree’, I saw a tweet that offended me to my very core: “Yeah, I hate-watched that show.” The tweeter went on to discuss a plot point … from the finale. Respectfully, just no. You can’t claim to despise something, but then have an in-depth opinion on its last 10 minutes. Now, I’ll admit I’ve fallen into this trap, too – I used to talk about my Love Island obsession by prefacing it with, “It’s so trashy, but …” And we all have that friend who claims they can’t stand Grey’s Anatomy, but then can passionately debate whether the…

Layer the right lip products and you’ve got endless options to create your own signature cocktails of colour. From cosy taupe to juicy berry, Covergirl’s signature lip range has you covered with clean, comfy formulas that have serious staying power for juicy hydration and lasting shine. Here are some of this season’s most coveted lip combinations to try. Créme caramel Start with: COVERGIRL Clean Lip Color Lipstick in 300 – Warm Taupe, $21.95 Add for glossy shine: COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss Lip Gloss in 140 – Sunset Skies, $19.95 Crisp ruby Start with: COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Liquid Lipstick in 507 – Ever Red-Dy, $23.95 Add for glossy shine: COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss Lip Gloss in 400 – Glamingo Pink, $19.95 Berry glaze Start with: COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Moisturising…

The storied practice of body brushing is more than just surface level – expect improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, as well as softer and smoother skin – and this set contains the first interchangeable brush heads that can be used both wet and dry. By Katia Body Brush Set, $85, bykatia.com Your face stops at your chest, so treat it as such. This multi-purpose formula works to minimise dark spots for a more even skin tone, which makes it the perfect product to target areas that are prone to sun damage (decolletage, shoulders and arms, you’re officially on notice). The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion, $22, sephora.com.au A hydrating body butter always delivers but, on inhale, this eucalyptus and aloe fragrance lends a soothing feeling to the senses…

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked as kids (second only to, “How was your day at school?” And if Mum really wanted to know the answer, she’d be in for an hours-long drop-off). For Ella Hoban, Croser’s senior sparkling winemaker, her answer was to be a heart surgeon or Australia’s first female prime minister. But it could be said that her career path was written in the stars – or, more accurately, the rolling vineyards of the Adelaide Hills. Growing up surrounded by South Australia’s iconic wine regions, including McLaren Vale and the Barossa, and with her grandparents owning a pub stocked with excellent Australian wines, it was only a matter of time before Ella developed an…

We’ve uncorked the ultimate tasting menu from light-bodied and lean to full-bodied and opulent VUSH Empress Tidal Body: Medium-bodied with a sophisticated curve and substantial presence Mouthfeel: Silky and inviting, with near-silent yet powerful suction Descriptors: With smooth design and advanced vacuum technology, this chic clitoral stimulator offers an experience akin to premium oral pleasure $145, au.vushstimulation.com LELO Mia 2 Body: Light-bodied, effortlessly sleek with a subtle presence Mouthfeel: Smooth and refined with a delicate yet potent touch Descriptors: This discreet and stylish vibrator, disguised as a lipstick, delivers satisfying precision and on-the-go delight in a compact form $129, theiconic.com.au Ochre Touch Bloom Body: Medium-bodied with an elegant and artistic form Mouthfeel: Soft and delicate with a whisper-quiet flutter that dances across the skin Descriptors: This refined, sculptural masterpiece blends…

Every time I opened my phone, there they were. Noses. Button-shaped ones, ski slopes, noses "before" and noses "after". Noses sculpted, shaped and (mostly) made smaller. The surgeon’s knife was, seemingly, an instant filter – no fuss, no pain, just the nose I’d spent dreaming of in my teens. Or so it appeared. All I’d done was a couple of searches for "#rhinoplasty" and "#nosejob" and, overnight, the algorithm got to work. By morning, my whole feed was "#nosejobcheck" videos of bandaged-up faces turning into cutesy princess noses, and clips entitled, "Come with me to get my nose job in Turkey." It all seemed so easy. There was none of the nip/tuck-style gore that had put me off when I was a teenager. Had I been tricked into thinking nose…

In 2024, we’re operating in a world with a general, if still hazy, awareness that famous (and non-famous) women are often dramatically filtered, photoshopped and physically modified. But there’s one strange fallacy at the heart of it all: celebrities, those at the highest echelons of what society considers beautiful, won’t often admit to having had cosmetic enhancements. Many even go so far as to blatantly deny it. Let’s be clear: there should never be an actual – legal, regulatory, financial – obligation on anyone to admit that they have modified themselves, surgically or otherwise. Even celebrities should be granted privacy about the choices they make about their own bodies. But there is some kind of moral obligation. The position of power they occupy – they wield the power to reinforce…

SOOTHING MIST Tower 28 founder Amy Liu created this soothing mist for her fellow eczema sufferers, but it’s become a global hero as a calming spritz for all skin types. With a minimalistic formula that features only three ingredients, it’s designed to support the skin barrier and keep redness, irritation and breakouts at bay. MAKEUP PREP-STEP Celebrity makeup artist Serena Wyllie had been quietly blending a secret makeup prep-step to use on her clients for years, until she finally decided to develop her own. Three years later, we can all now nab her signature glow serum that’s ‘summer skin in a bottle’ for the perfect one-step radiant base. IRIDESCENT CHEEKS AND EYES ICYMI, Half Magic Beauty – the brainchild of Euphoria’s head makeup artist, Donni Davy – has finally landed…

My first beauty memory is … “Finding a little ring that opened with lip gloss inside it! I wore it to school.” I experiment with artistic hair and makeup looks because … “I think my appreciation for art and imagery in general affects everything I do, including hair and makeup. It all comes down to thinking about an image and an idea as a whole and chasing the high of bringing that to life.” My skincare MVPs are … “Moisturiser, sunscreen and eye patches! When I’m in production, like right now, we use the Shiseido Eye Mask every morning in hair and makeup, and apply sunscreen and moisturiser throughout the day. Shiseido’s White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream is one of my favourites.” My philosophy for healthy hair is … “Back…

At just 20, Millie Bobby Brown is already a powerhouse in Hollywood, but her ambitions stretch far beyond the screen. In 2019, the British actress, author, and now entrepreneur launched florence by mills, a beauty and fashion brand rooted in self-expression and inclusivity. Named after her great-grandmother Florence, who continues to inspire Millie, the goal was to create a brand that was as empowering as it was accessible. “I wanted florence by mills to be the safe place where you can explore your own style and continue to evolve and grow with no judgment or rules,” Millie tells Cosmo. What began as a passion project quickly transformed into a fully-fledged business venture, with Millie confidently expanding into the world of fashion and accessories. Her latest move, however, may be her…

I met Maria* in the bathroom of a student bar that was blasting cheesy pop songs from the aughts. We struck up a tipsy conversation, complimented each other’s outfits, and soon found ourselves gushing over our mutual love for anime, dystopian fiction and all things nerdy. And thus, a friendship was born. I was 18, a shy introvert who’d just moved out of my family’s place to go to university in a different city. Maria was spending a semester abroad at my residential college. She’d been born and raised in Spain – her parents had divorced when she was a kid, and she now lived with her dad in Granada. Before she came along, I’d felt like a fish out of water at my uni orientation. But we made the…

WELCOME TO COSMO'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: If I sleep with a guy on the first date, is it actually true he’s less likely to be interested in me long-term? A: There are many outdated cultural narratives around sexuality, and this one is a total myth. It has its roots in the patriarchy and a lot of “sex on the first date” discourse buys into the madonna-whore dichotomy. It’s totally fine to have sex purely for pleasure, and choosing to bone on the first date is a personal choice. Having sex on the first date…

Whether you’re ready to try rimming or curious to explore new territory, you’re in the right place. Despite its risque reputation, rimming is far more common in the bedroom than you might think. Gone are the days when rimming was considered taboo, an act reserved only for the sexually adventurous. If you’re new to anal play, it might seem a bit daring, but who says that’s a bad thing? Butt first, what is rimming? “Rimming refers to using one’s mouth or tongue to sexually stimulate another person’s anus,” explains relationship and sex therapist, Selina Nguyen. Rimming, also known as anilingus, “eating ass”, or a “rim job”, is what we like to call the VIP treatment for your derriere. First-timers start here If you’re trying rimming for the first time, setting…

DRESS TO CARESS Say that three times fast, or just trust us when we tell you this spring is all about wearing the kind of materials that are a little (or a lot) extra in all the right ways. COMPOUNDING EFFECTS And just like that, your new favourite things to fidget with are a pair of very chic glasses and an intricately beaded top. HIDDEN DEPTHS Unsurprisingly, this kind of style contains multitudes. It’s not just about sculptural pieces or spiky things – it’s also about voluminous tulle and flowing chiffon. JOIN THE MOVEMENT You know you’ve mastered the mood when whatever you’re wearing makes you want to all-out frolic. KEY PLAYERS When in doubt, slip into some sheer sequins and add leather detail. ACTUALLY GROUNDBREAKING Florals for spring, when…

ARIES (21 MARCH–19 APRIL) Aries, it’s your time to step into your power, no apologies required. This season, you’re the main character, and anyone pushing your boundaries? Yeah, they’re about to get the cut. If you feel a bit drained around mid-October, take that as your cue to take a chill pill. Think: bubble baths, Netflix binges and ignoring all those “urgent” emails. TAURUS (20 APRIL–20 MAY) It’s time to chill, Taurus! You’ve been gripping your plans tighter than your morning coffee, and guess what? It’s time to loosen up. Yeah, you love a good schedule, but this season’s all about embracing the chaos and making room for something way better. And trust us, something amazing is heading your way. Your bank account is about to get a glow-up, so…

Just browsing Had your eyebrows professionally shaped of late? Or maybe you’ve discovered the instant face-lifting effect of a brow gel? Either way, you’ve likely got Anastasia Soare to thank. Once Hollywood’s best-kept secret, the Anastasia Beverly Hills founder is now a global beauty authority. Here, she shares her thoughts with Cosmo on brow blindness, her best advice for sculpting arches that show off your angles, and the one brow trend she hopes you’ll never try. A natural brow is always the most flattering Take it from the woman who’s shaped the arches of everyone from Cindy Crawford to Oprah – it’s far more flattering to work with what you’ve been given, rather than trying to completely change your features. “When you are young, you want to change everything about…

Are you a romantic or a realist? 1 Your idea of a perfect date is: a A fun activity that gives you a read on their personality and sense of humour. b A candlelit picnic on the beach with hours spent talking about your hopes and dreams. c An intimate dinner where you can make a real connection over thoughtful conversation. 2 When your friend tells you they’ve found their soulmate, you: a Instantly swoon and celebrate your friend’s love. b Are happy for them, no really, you are. But you know real love takes time. c Feel cautiously excited for them but vow to support them, whatever happens. 3 Your partner springs a surprise weekend away on you. You: a Are touched at their thoughtfulness but wish you’d had…

The Chilling by Riley James Out now A southern hemisphere take on Nordic noir, Riley James delivers an icy survivalist novel set in deep-winter Antarctica. For her fiction debut, James captures the reader from the first page. The protagonist Kit Bitterfeld, an Australian scientist on a winter research position at Macpherson Station, is heavy with suspicion when her team comes across a lone survivor after fielding a distress call from a nearby ship. The pacy plot takes off from there … so buckle up! The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave Out now The patriarch of a famed hotel empire falls to his death on the rocks below his secluded clifftop house – is it a tragic accident or is there foul play afoot? Laura Dave, author of The…

Beauty If I had a dollar for every TikTok that told me I’m only a few game-changing products or practices away from being hotter, smarter and richer, well … I’d certainly be wealthy enough for my algorithm to know as much. Then again, even if I was certifiably monied or model hot, it also stands to reason that I’d still be served such videos, so great is our collective obsession with transformation. It’s not a new thing, by any stretch – women’s magazines falsely sold us ‘5 ways to tone up by tonight’ for decades, and we all grew up watching a makeover montage in most movies – but social media has amplified all instructional transformation content and given it a rebrand: now it’s called ‘glowing up’, and it’s found…

As a teenager, I was even more prone to daydreaming than I am now. Flipping through magazines like this one, I became enraptured by the idea of a little black dress. One day, I fantasised, I would become the kind of woman in possession of a LBD. As promised by the fashion editorials, I'd take it from day to night; I'd dress it up, dress it down; I'd let myself be illuminated by its shadelessness and propel myself winningly through rooms cloaked in its armour of powerful, cool femininity. To be very clear, it was specifically the idea of the LBD that appealed, so seductively acronymised, rather than the dress itself. I was interested in the status it carried, and the status it would, by proximity, allow me. It was…

There’s a scene in season two of Sex and the City I think about a lot. Carrie is fresh out of another relationship with Big and telling Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda all about it. “[I want] someone who deserves me. Not some insecure guy who can’t deal with a woman who’s got her act together,” Carrie laments. “Now I’m gonna end up deliriously happy and Big is going to die old and alone, and I pity him. Really, I pity him.” The three friends gape at their near-manic friend across the metal bistro table, all wearing glazed, impatient expressions. It’s Miranda who speaks first. “Okay, who’s going to tell her?” “Honey, you’re obsessed with talking about Big and frankly, we can’t take it anymore,” blurts Samantha. After a bit more…

I’ve been dip obsessed since childhood, always preferring a snacky meal to a sit-down feast. But it wasn’t until 2017 that I officially became a Dip Queen. That holiday season, I wanted to host a party – something that combined the chosen-family spirit of Friendsgiving with my social circle’s love of dipping (heh) in and out of multiple events in one night. Thus, Dipmas, where everyone brings a little bit of everything (dips, dippers, drinks, vibes, you know) to the communal table, was born. Every year since, Dipmas – also known as Dipmukkah because I am half Jewish and have a well-documented love for The O.C. – has gotten bigger and better, with new friends, new recipes and plenty of memorable moments. Like that time my bestie Joel set off…

To breed or not to breed? That’s the question increasingly on the minds of Gen Zs and millennials. It seems we’re ‘generation maybe‘, perched on the fence with one leg dangling over baby gurgles, sippy cups and school runs, while the other hovers over a life of freedom, financial stability and sleep-ins. The decision of whether or not to have kids can be torturous. There’s camp Aching Ovaries, who feel that having children is fulfilling their biological destiny. Then there’s camp No F-ing Way, where the idea of spoon-feeding smooshed carrot to a toddler is on par with having open-heart surgery – without anaesthetic. There’s also the people who, for various reasons, are unable to have children. If you’re somewhere in the middle, you’re part of a growing cohort. On…

Cunnilingus – also known as oral sex, giving head, going down or eating out – has long been clouded by myths and misconceptions. But when done right, it can be one of the most intimate and stimulating experiences you can share with a partner. Whether you’re looking to perfect your technique, explore new positions, turn up the heat with toys, or simply avoid fatigue, we’ve got the ultimate guide to mastering the art of giving (or receiving) cunnilingus. Keep reading to take your oral game to the next level. What is cunnilingus? Cunnilingus is the art of giving oral sex to a person with a vulva. “Cunnilingus can be incredibly pleasurable for both the giver and the receiver and can involve licking, sucking, and flicking the tongue in various ways,…

Facing rejection in a relationship can catch anyone off guard, leaving feelings of insecurity and confusion. It's a situation more common than you might think, and can challenge how you feel about yourself and the bond you share with your partner. Delving into what’s happening beneath the surface can become an opportunity for growth and the chance to build a stronger connection. We reached out to sex and relationship therapist Lisa Torney for advice on handling those moments when your partner is turning you down more often than turning you on. Understanding why they’re not in the mood Many factors can affect sexual desire. According to Lisa, “General life stress is one of the most common reasons for low desire. Family responsibilities, financial concerns, mental exhaustion, physical and mental health…

There is cause for celebration – the sun is out in London, finally, and 28-year-old Mabel has gifted us a new single to play. The track, Female Intuition, is anthemic, a staunch, sultry tribute to trusting your gut. Since speaking to Cosmopolitan Australia, another song, Chat, has been released. “There’s something about the frequency it lives in which makes me feel good. Sometimes it doesn’t need to be more complicated than that.” Gleaming in the morning light, Mabel appears over Zoom energised, remarkable given the singer has spent the summer touring Europe. Paris first then Portugal, with slots at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, Poland’s Open’er Festival and Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, before crossing the Atlantic to New York City. In New York, Strand Book Store is always her first destination; here she…

Mate heartbreak It’s 1pm on a Sunday, and the sticky sweetness of sambuca is still coating my mouth. I’d set an early alarm to try to secure festival tickets. I’d failed. And I am also hungover. My best friend sits across from me as we graze over a generously portioned roast, her cheeks glowing from weekends spent gardening and walking her two dachshunds. “I don’t know how to tell you this,” Laura says, her eyes failing to meet mine. “But I’m pregnant.” I stare into my plate as the news sinks in, spearing a slab of tough, gristly beef with my fork and pushing it into the small sea of glistening brown gravy. I look up and see Laura’s eyes swimming with tears. “I was scared to tell you, in…