Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2018 i Cosmopolitan India

WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL DIGITAL ISSUE! My favourite issue of the year, mostly because I’m surgically attached to my phone and laptop, and Google so much random sh*t in the middle of the night, they really should give me a certificate of honour or something. But every once in a while (usually when my phone’s run out of charge), I worry about my e-dependency. And that of my friends and family and the world. And that is usually when I pause to review my relationship with the greatest invention in the world—the Internet. So I ask myself this: what am I using the Internet for? Is it to learn about the things I’ve been curious about or fill my head with unimportant clutter? [Side note: I recently downloaded a ‘quiz…

WE’VE ALL HEARD WHAT techno-alarmists say about sexting: that it’s shameful, deviant, exploitative, and just stupid. But in many ways, it’s a new genre of personalised erotica. Now, everyone is her own author and illustrator with the ability to create provocative, graphic stories for herself and her object of desire. Think of sexting as the latest chapter in a long history of lovers living out their relationships through written correspondence. In the ’40s, feminist Simone de Beauvoir wrote how she could actually feel her romantic scribblings physically: “Writing to you is like kissing you,” she wrote to her long-distance love, Nelson Algren. She went on: “I’ll be there… In the sad streets of Chicago… In the lonely room, I’ll be with you.” By putting pen to paper, she inserted herself…

IN THE NINE YEARS SINCE THEY LAUNCHED, DATING APPS HAVE revolutionised the way romance happens—for you, your single aunt, your bachelor bro, and approximately 22 million other adults. With new platforms consistently popping up and now-classic contenders releasing buzzy features, users are walking around with the world’s largest, most convenient dating scene in their pockets. But for every success story (29 percent of folks know someone who has found long-term love online), there’s the endless matching-messaging that results in zero or #Awful dates. That’s because the majority of people are still swiping around with clueless abandon. No-one’s come up with legit best practices—until now. Our up-to-date guide will up your odds of meeting your match, so you can retire from the dating-app game. YOUR DATING LESSON PLAN Experts and hard…

Some of the biggest decisions I’ve made in my life have been easy: moving in with my BF, taking time off work to travel, relocating to a different country. When it comes to small decisions, however, I’m hopeless. Prime example: ‘What do you feel like for dinner?’ “We have so much choice these days, from mundane to life-changing. In the past, while we had less freedom, we also had less decisions to make,” explains psychologist Jacqui Manning. In 2017, with a world of opportunity at our fingertips, you’d think that our decision-making skills would be more refined than ever. But a lot of us are still finding it tough to make a choice about, well, anything. And as always, there’s a reason why. DECISIONS, DECISIONS Many experts agree that there…

As a woman born and raised in India, I learnt to not discuss my period. And I’m hardly alone… There are millions of women in the country who feel the need to take home sanitary napkins in black polythene bags, suffer through PMS in silence, or refer to their period as ‘That time of the month’ in order to be able to speak about it. However, it’s not just the taboos and myths around the subject—deep rooted in our culture—that create the illusion that menstruation is inherently ‘shameful’, ‘gross’ or ‘weird’. It’s the lack of awareness on menstrual hygiene that’s posing to be a bigger threat. According to a 2016 study by AC Nielsen, out of the 355 million menstruating women and girls in India, only 12 percent use sanitary…

1. You have a presentation in five and can’t find your notes. You: □ a. Have a 2007-Britney breakdown and dump out every desk drawer until you find them. □ b. Wing it, but internally freak that your boss was side-eyeing you the whole time. □ c. Presentation? You just got sucked into planning tonight’s happy hour. 2. If you had to choose one emoji to describe your baseline state, it would be: □ a. □ b. □ c. 3. You’re waiting for your bestie at a party where you know no-one else. How do you pass the time? □ a. You lock yourself in the bathroom until your BFF texts that she has arrived. □ b. You find the nearest pet and have a one-sided conversation with Sparky. □ c.…

NAME Sapna Pabbi WEB SERIES The Trip WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Four girls jet off to Thailand for a bachelorette trip as one of them is set to tie the knot. What follows is a rollercoaster ride that leaves you both teary-eyed and in stitches. YOUTUBE CHANNEL Bindass NAME: Kriti Vij WEB SERIES: Baked WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Baked chronicles the adventures of three university flatmates, who decide to start a midnight food delivery service. However, the odd-ball trio often manage to land themselves in trouble as they manoeuvre through student life and their business. YOUTUBE CHANNEL Scoopwhoop NAME Shreya Dhanwanthary WEB SERIES Ladies Room WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Ladies Room is about the ‘mental adventures’ that two modern ‘girl bros’ (aka BFFs) go through in six different toilets, over the course of…

ON THE COVER Sonam Kapoor: Dior—DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Sophia: Tanieya Khanuja— www.taneiyakhanuja.com. Swarovski— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. FASHION Accessorize—Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Adidas Originals—DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Aldo—Select Citywalk, Saket, ND. Anamika Khanna—The Kila, Seven Style Mile, Near Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, ND. Ashish N Soni—DLF Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Ayesha Accessories—DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. BCBG Max Azria—DLF Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Calvin Klein Underwear—DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Carrera—www.lenskart.com. Charles & Keith—DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Christian Louboutin—DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Dhruv Kapoor—818, Udyog Vihar, Sector 19, Gurugram, Haryana. Dune—Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Fendi—DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Fila—Infinti Mall, Malad West, Mumbai. Forever 21—DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Furla—Select City Walk, Saket, ND. Gauri & Nainika—560, Lado Sarai, ND.…

Chanel The designers have declared it: if it’s not worth a picture, is it even fashion? Prepare to feast your eyes on accessories that are bold, bright, and totally deserving of a spot(s) on your social media feed. Lacoste Miu Miu Blumarine Hugo Boss Gigi Hadid X Tommy Hilfiger…

YOU-AND-EYE-GASM Mount him and lean all the way back until you’re bracing your arms on the ground. THE COFFEE GRINDHER In the girl-on-girl pose, straddle just one of her legs so that your clitorises are aligned. FRISKY BUSINESS Have him sit on a chair, then bind his wrists together with a silk tie. Face in his direction, and saddle up. SPANKS-A-LOT As he sits up with his legs out, straddle him in reverse with your butt high, legs extended, and torso on his thighs. Bounce Use your legs to raise and lower your pelvis onto his penis. Swirl Swivel your hips in a circular motion to feel him all over your outside and inside parts. Rock Shift your hips forward and backwards to rub your clitoris against his pubic bone.…

^that’s me putting the ball in your court.” —RASHMI K. “FMK: ketchup, Sriracha, or mayo?” —VISHAKA B. “Seen any good concerts lately?” —ALIA A. “[Insert dating app] told me to say hello or you’d disappear forever, so I’m doing this for your safety.” —NAMRATA S. “What are you feeling most passionate about these days?” —MEHAKK H. “What’s for breakfast/lunch?” —NAINA B. “Hey, what’s up? Hello. –Fetty Wap.” —TANISHA M.…

SALONI CHOPRA @redheadwayfarer “My posts on Instagram that get the most hate revolve around topics like feminism and equality; the pictures of me are semi-topless to spark conversation about desexualising a girl’s body; just the simple vision of a female breast shouldn’t turn you on. In return, people leave abusing and volatile comments. They call me names, and question my upbringing. Recently, a guy commented saying, ‘Sluts like you are the reason India still needs rape’…and that really bothered me. I worry about the lives of Indian women, and I’m heartbroken by how many people have sad mentalities. But I looked at it positively and my best friend and I decided to make captions out of it: we printed ‘B*tches on the beach’ and other slurs on T-shirts and phone…

KITTYFLO: You can curate your monthly period supplies as per your schedule, with this box. KittyFlo lets you choose your preferred brand, size, et al…just enter your cycle’s date, and your box will be delivered to your doorstep. ₹599 per month THE VIOLET: Packed with artisan chocolates, exotic teas, scrubs, sanitary napkins or tampons, plus other goodies, this box will treat you oh-so-royally! ₹899 per month BEING JULIET: Filled with ‘pain patches’, sanitary supplies, and a pampering kit with new products each month (including beauty buys), this box is such a mood lifter. ₹1,650 for 3 months…

WHEN YOU’RE ANGRY… TRY BREATHE COUNTING Close your eyes and take a few deep, natural breaths, counting from one as you exhale each time, up to five. Continue for up to 10 minutes. WHEN YOU’RE TOSSING AND TURNING… TRY THE 4-7-8 BREATH Hold the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose as you count to four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound again for a count of eight. Repeat the cycle three more times. WHEN YOU’RE NERVOUS… TRY THE 4-8 BREATH Skip the seven-count hold here. With mouth closed and the tip of your tongue…

Prabhleen Kaur Fashion Designer “It’s about time social media stopped governing our freedom to express, be it by censoring nipples or otherwise. I had recently posted a video of an art installation from Tate Modern, London, which involved visuals of a naked female body. And days after, Instagram removed it saying, ‘It does not follow community guidelines’. I’ve been trolled for being too skinny, while my friends have been told they’re too ‘heavy’, and it’s now that we need to make a cause for acceptance.” GLIMMERING LIDS Dive into the glitter trend head-on by swiping a bold hue across lids. Don’t be shade-shy, because this season, everything from red to blue to violet and black’s a go! Pro tip: steer clear of bold lipstick, and just use a tint to…

“When I’d first started my blog, I auto-scheduled my posts on Wordpress. But accidentally, I linked the wrong folder which contained some pretty risqué stuff! And by the time I realised, my sister and my best friend had already seen some of the very private pictures. I haven’t dared to use the auto-scheduling feature since.” —ASHIMA B., 23 “One time I went on a stalking spree and looked through all the pictures my boyfriend’s ex had posted on her Instagram. There must have been a glitch on my phone, because it liked all the pictures I clicked on, and the next day, she posted a screenshot of all my Likes on her page. It was probably the most embarrassing moment ever. All our mutual friends texted me, calling me crazy!”…

This triple-action mask needs just 15 minutes to leave skin bright and tight. Armed with a potent concoction of vitamins called vita cocktail and hydrolysed collagen, it locks in moisture and keeps skin supple. Pro tip: given the skin’s four-week turnover term, use it thrice a week to reap the benefits of the formula. This trio started a major multi-masking trend on the Internet (because hey, different parts of your face have different needs)! Pick between Instant Detox (great for the T-zone and acne-prone areas), Skin Nourish (for dehydrated bits, like the cheeks), and Radiance Boost for, well, a mega radiance boost. Charcoal was definitely the buzzword in 2017. What you’ll love about this 100 percent vegan clay mask is the combination of bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves and organic…

HELLO #BATHLEISURE… …the latest hashtag breaking the Internet ATM! Sure, trends are born online daily, but for this one, we need to duly credit Rita Ora, who debuted this look back in 2017 on the MTV EMA red carpet. So how do you nail the look? Well, wear bold make-up, add eye-catching accessories (like chunky earrings and statement sunglasses), and wrap your hair in your favourite towel (bonus: bad hair days no longer matter). MASTER BLENDER Get airbrushed skin in a jiffy, thanks to this baby. BlendSmart, an electronic brush that celebrity make-up artists swear by, is finally available in India. Armed with super-soft bristles, which rotate at 190 RPM, the brush blends liquid formulas effortlessly, for a flawless finish in seconds. SAY NO TO CAFFEINE! Swimsuit season is upon…

MANCIE RATHOD, 23 “Checkered blazers were the go-to street style staple for Winter. I’ve just upgraded my checks for Summer with a standard dress. But I think accessories are key to take any look up a notch, and you really can’t go wrong with black.” JUHI TANEJA, 21 “I’m loving the no-pants-no-problem trend, ATM. It’s so effortlessly chic, and can be dressed down or up with a pair of booties or heels.” DURVI GROVER, 21 “Fanny packs are the latest rage at the moment. And it makes a standard LBD look so much dressier. I’ve added a little grunge vibe with a khaki jacket.” SAANYA BATRA, 20 “Brown is one shade that doesn’t get its due, but it can look extremely chic when paired right. I love working in various…

SONAM KAPOOR It’s the morning of the Cosmo covershoot, and Sonam Kapoor’s manager calls to inform us that she will be arriving an hour earlier than scheduled. Sonam’s been feeling a little under the weather, she explains, and would really like to wrap up by lunchtime. She ends up arriving even sooner than anticipated, and the crew scrambles to get things in order. Noone really minds though, because Sonam is all smiles and hugs and rapid chatter. All three, it should be noted, are Sonam’s ‘things’—qualities that make her impossible not to warm up to. Ill or not, she seems palpably happy (“It’s just a tummy bug,” she tells me, “but it can pull you down, you know!”). I point out how she looks visibly contented, and she responds with…

Being a #MeToo survivor doesn’t doom you to an unsatisfying sex life. Follow these steps to reclaim your sexuality in your own time. TALK ABOUT IT Either in therapy or with a trusted partner. “This releases any feelings of shame or self-blame,” says Laura Berman, PhD. It also helps you process your feelings. REDISCOVER SOLO PLEASURE Spend time doing any physical activity that helps you feel more powerful and in control of your body, suggests clinical psychologist Lonnie Barbach, PhD, co-founder of the Happy Couple app. Then progress to sensual experiences, like applying lotion naked or gentle masturbation. MOVE SLOWLY TOGETHER “Start with cuddling and kissing, then graduate to mutual massage to build trust and comfort,” says Lonnie. If that feels good, you can move on to below-the-belt foreplay. TAKE…

Ben’s Dog “This helps show that he’s caring and compassionate, and it weeds out those who don’t feel the same about furry friends.” Shady Character “Hiding his eyes makes it harder to assess his looks and whether or not he seems trustworthy.” Holy Emoji “Ben gives off a playful vibe. But his brevity and overuse of emojis may imply that he isn’t looking for a serious relationship.” Great Line “60 percent of Tinder users want a first message that references their profile. Ben did a great job of playfully commenting on hers (she said she was ‘honestly, a little bit psycho’). This signals a stronger level of interest.” Witty Banter “This is a lighthearted exchange about their weekends. Although, in general, be mindful of how your tone may come across…

BINDU SHARMA AND KAVITA JOSHI RAI Co-Founders, MSM Box “MSM Box began as a blog on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. We created these beauty boxes when we realised there was a gap in the market. Our readers asked us so many questions on what skincare, haircare, and brands to use that we decided to use that information to create a box with different products, to help them with their beauty issues. That’s the biggest step to launching your own online business: find a gap in the market and understand your own expertise, then marry the two. It’s definitely easier to start off a store on a social media portal first, but having said that, very few people would buy from a brand that doesn’t have a website. But in terms…

Q. The guy I’ve been seeing has the worst breath! How do I break it to him gently? A: Men don’t talk grooming or personal hygiene with each other like women do, so they’re generally happy when women give them helpful tips. You’re not being mean, you’re just noting an area for improvement, so be clear and kind. Give him a mint, and if he still doesn’t get the hint, wait until he’s brushed his teeth and say something like, ‘Babe, I love your breath when it’s fresh.’ Q: I have trouble approaching cute men in public places. What are some casual things I can say that they’ll respond to? A: The simplest of lines work best. So try: ‘Hi, I’m Natasha. What’s up?’ There’s no need to get cute.…

Q Okay, serious situation: I can’t cover up my dark circles… What are some hacks to achieving flawless under-eyes? A: “If you have massive dark circles, then using a concealer just won’t do—try colour-correcting your under eyes first, and then using a concealer. This palette by NYX is super-affordable and a great formula that blends easily. Layer it with the Bobbi Brown concealer for great results.” —AANAM CHASMAWALA, WHAT WHEN WEAR Q I have a lot of acne marks, and I’m yet to find a concealer that can cover ’em up. Can you suggest one? A: “I also have a lot of acne scars on my face, and I need full-coverage make-up on a daily basis to conceal them. The one product that’s been my saviour for years is M·A·C’s…

NYX Strobe Of Genius Holographic Stick, ₹750 Prepare to get lit—NYX’s new highlighters are loaded with superfine holographic pearls for major light reflection! Mermaid Armour offers a pink glow, while Electric Invasion (above) adds a lilac-blue glimmer with a soft-pink base. Blend according to the trippy finish of your dreams. Essenza Di Wills Ignite Fleur, ₹3,950/60ml Have you met Ignite Fleur? This multi-layered scent is intense and decidedly sexy, with top notes of Italian bergamot, pink pepper, and lemon essential, which smoothly gives way to iris and ylang ylang in the middle, and peach and vanilla at the bottom. Close your eyes and imagine the result. Hint: it’s very, very opulent. Shiseido 7 Color Powders Revival Centennial Edition, ₹1,700 History lesson, kids: the original 7 Colors Powder launched a century…

DESI SUPERGREEN SMOOTHIE BOWL (Amrita Kaur, @amritaoflife) WHAT YOU NEED: 2 frozen bananasA pinch of amla powder/dash of amla juice1 tsp moringa leaves powder1 tsp ginger powder½ tsp turmericHandful of baby spinachSoaked almondsMelon seeds PistachiosSaffron strandsJaggery FOR THE TOPPINGS: Coconut flakesDried rosesPistachiosFlax seedsMelon seeds BUTTERFLY PEA SMOOTHIE BOWL (Pratishtha Shrotriya Khan, @pratishthakhan) WHAT YOU NEED: 2 frozen bananas1 tbsp honey1 cup yogurt/almond milk/coconut milk2 chopped dates¼ cup blue pea tea FOR THE TOPPINGS: Dried rose petalsDried butterfly pea flowersDragonfruit slicesGrapes/blueberriesKiwi slicesDesiccated coconut (optional) DETOX CHARCOAL BOWL (Karishma Sakhrani, @karishma_sakhrani) WHAT YOU NEED:2 bananas peeled, sliced, and frozen overnight½ cup blueberries½ cup Greek yogurt½ cup water1 tsp activated charcoal powderFOR THE TOPPINGS:1 small dragon fruit4 to 5 strawberries1 tsp coconut chips (optional)Micro herbs (optional) CARROT CAKE BOWL (Sneha Navneeth Sangani, @kisslifehello)…

PISCES 19.02–20.03 Focus on: your goals (personal and professional). The spotlight is yours—shine on! With the Sun, magnetic Venus, and verbal Mercury all in your sign until the 7th, you have everyone’s attention at work and on the dating scene. Stay direct and you’ll score! News on the 23rd will warrant a change in money strategy, so set a realistic budget to keep that big-shot swagger. Aries 21.03–19.04 Focus on: taking care of yourself, because life’s about to get crazy-busy with Venus and Mercury moving into your sign on the 7th. Everyone will come to you for advise and want to hear your hot takes, but craft them carefully as your words could get twisted. Cancer 21.06–22.07 Focus on: your can-do attitude, now is when you need it most! New…