Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Cosmopolitan India

THE CRUCIAL QUALITY YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A RELATIONSHIP What do women want in a partner? From the many discussions I’ve had, most lists go something like this: ‘Sense of Humour’, ‘Success’, ‘Intelligence’, ‘Honesty’, ‘A Love for Travel’, ‘Loyalty’, ‘Chemistry’, ‘Generosity’, ‘Must Own a Horse’ (I kid you not, I couldn’t make that up even if I wanted to)… But while all these traits are great—even vital—I’d like you to consciously consider an oft-missed quality. A quality that should really be number-one on your list, underlining the rest…kindness. Kindness is that one ingredient that can literally make or break a relationship. For one, it’s a predictor of many other desirable personality traits—warmth, trustworthiness, compassion, and generosity, which usually hang out in the same territory. When a man treats you—and…

“After a bad breakup with a live-in boyfriend, I decided to stay in the apartment while he moved out. But he agreed to continue splitting our electricity and water bill till the end of the rental agreement…and I’ve been secretly over-charging him. He has no clue because he just takes my word for it.” —MEGHA P., 29 “While staying at my grandma’s house, I was looking for tweezers for my brows. She didn’t have any, but I remembered one of my mom’s old tricks and used a razor. In one swipe, I shaved off half my arch and had to use a black liner to fill it in.” —KARLENE A., 27 “I posted a photo of my male boss and me on Insta, and the next day, I saw my…

“Women face a lot of pressure from society about our bodies. I think of my own experiences from school, when boys made fun of me for being ‘too muscular’, and wish my friends and I had learned about the importance of self-love then. It’s wrong to judge others based on what they wear or their body type. Each of us is free to dress how we want, for whatever reason: comfort, religion, or just because it makes us feel good. Each of us has our own sense of style. We all have different opinions about what is modest or sexy. We don’t need to agree—we just need to respect and appreciate the many differences among us. It makes me sad when I hear women criticised for wearing clothing that is…

AMBER Its deep, earthy smell leaves a seductive scent on the skin. ANUSHKA NADIA MENON, Photographer “One scent I find immensely sexy is amber—it’s warm, mature and womanly.” JASMINE The hypnotic notes of this flower basically flirt on your behalf. SAMYUKTA NAIR, Entrepreneur and Hotelier “I love a jasmine scent for its sweet, floral notes—fresh and feminine, yet immensely sexy.” RHEA CHAKRABORTY, Actor “There’s something innately Indian about jasmine, and that I find really attractive. Plus, when you wear something that makes you feel confident, you automatically feel sexy.” NAINIKA KARAN, Designer “My pick is jasmine, hands down. It’s not your usual floral scent; it’s super-sensual and feminine.” ALANKRITA SAHAI, Model and Actor “I feel that jasmine is one of the most sensual scents, and I just can’t get enough…

FOR THE DENIM LOVER When JLo made an appearance in her slouchy, denim Versace boots, she quickly became the talk of the town. Imitating a pair of jeans—with pockets in the back, loopholes on top, and a black belt slipping through them—these boots can be styled with an oversized, button-down white shirt and hoops for a classic look. FOR THE BAD*SS BABE Match the boots to your jacket for a cohesive look, and contrast with a mini dress in a bright hue to sweeten the deal. The best part: they’ll make your legs look long and slim. FOR THE ROMANTIC A pair of black thigh-high boots is the kind of wardrobe essential that’ll help you pull off many looks—right from girl-next-door to a party one. Cosmo tip: got a date…

Your skin deserves the best and the best is available with The Body Shop’s new range of nature-inspired face masks packed, crushed and drizzled with natural ingredients that have been carefully formulated for the skin’s needs and not skin types. These superfood masks do not contain parabens, paraffins, silicones and mineral oils and are 100% vegetarian; a few of them are 100% vegan as well. Different parts of the skin have different moods, for instance while your forehead battles dryskin it is possible that at the same time your cheeks are overly oily. A single mask will not be able to solve these problems. This ultimate mask range combats a wide range of skin problems and each has its own special ingredients for different skin needs giving you the opportunity…

1. KISS DURING FOREPLAY After making out, move your mouth from your boo’s neck down to their hips, then switch roles. Tip: the inside of the wrist is a hot, yet mostly ignored, erogenous zone. 2. MOAN LIKE YOU MEAN IT Saying, ‘That feels so good’ or hearing the same (when it’s true) can heighten your arousal, according to journal Social Psychological And Personality Science. 3. KEEP YOUR SOCKS ON Warm footsies make you feel comfortable and safe, which is why women are more likely to orgasm during sex when they’re wearing socks, a study found.…

The unique language oflove is known to transcend all borders. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you want to create an everlasting impression for your loved one then you would encourage them to care for themselves as well. Ultimately, it is your thoughtfulness, effort and creativity that reflect your love and care. Panasonic brings to you a wide range ofgrooming essentials that will make the perfect gift for your partner. Sometimes it is just the thought ofgiving importance to self-care for someone you love and what better time than Valentine’s Day to do it! If your partner is a lash-o-holic then this tool is exactly what you've been searching for! This small instrument can easily fit in any bag and has a 360 degree rotating comb which…

CORAL IS THE NEW RED The decades past experimented aplenty with gold. And coral lips, with a delicious undertone of orange, balance out gilded hues with élan. A sweep of highlighter takes things to the next level. DIAMOND DUST Sequins are playing the main lead this season—not only when it comes to clothes, but also in make-up. There are no rules, so you’re free to treat your face as an artist’s canvas—a smattering along the cheekbone, on lids, or a stray heart-shaped sequin atop the brow bone… THE BOLD MOUTH Want to make sure all eyes are on you? Sport a red mouth! But not blood-red that’s been doing the rounds, pick a matte shade with a hint of orange, which delivers a vintage finish, helping you nail the retro-glam…

Unleash your wild side with the all-new version of Scandal. It’ll tease your senses with notes of tuberose, honey, sandalwood and tonka bean—an alluring concoction that’ll totally have you (and many special someones) hooked. This 100 percent natural perfume is made with intoxicatingly fresh flowers and is alcohol-free. Just massage a wee bit on pulse points to keep smelling fresh all day long. Bonus: the tiny coin size is super travel-friendly. This water-gel formula, a powerful blend of marjoram (that reawakens skin cells), acmella oleacera (it relaxes facial muscles), and thousands of golden bubbles containing the iconic Immortelle Essential Oil Extract, can reset fatigued skin in just seven days, making it more youthful and radiant. Give your lids a taste of V-Day love with this super-pigmented palette from Kiko’s limited-ed…

The Petite Boite Chapeau Bag by Louis Vuitton, ₹3,15,000, is the perfect blend of whimsy and luxury, which every cat lover (or not) will cherish forever. This pair of fun sneakers by Aldo, ₹7,999, has everything I look for in a pair of shoes—comfort and pretty motifs. 2019’s all about empowering the rainbow and what better than this versatile Vara Bow Rainbow Bag by Salvatore Ferragamo, ₹1,20,000, to walk the talk. It’s the month of love and I’m currently crushing on these red-heeled mules by Fendi, price on request. The best part: they’re perfect for showing off your glossy, fresh pedicure.…

WHY IT WORKS This season’s leather trouser is voluminous, tailored and polished, often with pleats or a paper-bag waist. Worried you’ll look like you’ve wrapped your thighs in a tietop bin bag? With a defined waist, heels, and a mix of textures, there is zero chance you’ll end up discarded at the local corner. TOTALLY WAISTED Leathers are bulkier than jeans or standard trousers. Plus, they have a slightly unforgiving sheen. So tops look best tucked in. Pushing up your sleeves to show some skin will make your outfit look more pulled-together, too. TEXTURE CLASH Leather plays best against the most tactile of finishes: thick ropey knits, crisp indigo denim, and fluid silks and satins. The contrast in texture breaks up the outfit, keeping you in proportion, which can be…

Several studies—over decades, across the globe—establish that a woman’s clothes have nothing to do with rape. According to one finding, sexual harassment is “about power”, therefore, a target dressed “provocatively” is not the ideal prey for the harasser—it can instead be seen as confident and assertive, and that can keep the perpetrator away. Almost concurring, another one in Psychology Today concluded that women with seemingly passive personalities, who may be dressed in layers, long pants and sleeves, might be more likely to be raped. Ironically, a large chunk of Indian lawmakers, politicians, and just people, continue to play the ‘asking for it by the way she was dressed’ game. It’s sickening, TBH. In 2011, local leaders in the Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur districts of UP, had banned jeans for women in…

Exfoliate With Peel Pads Gentler than a scrub, these textured pads are soaked in glycolic acid to slough away discolouration and reveal a glowier complexion. Brighten With a Serum Look for one with kojic acid, arbutin, and/or Vitamin C. These ingredients inhibit pigment production to both fade melasma and help prevent it from forming. Use ’Screen Go with one that is SPF 50 or higher, and has at least 10 percent zinc oxide (the mineral blocker creates an actual shield on skin, so UV rays can’t penetrate, says Dr Arash).…

Date-Night Inspo EYE LIKE IT! Considering it’s February—the month of love—there’s bound to be a spike in romantic date nights. And if you’re looking for make-up inspiration that’s anything but basic, these celebrity looks will totally do the trick. Love a look that screams sexy? Bella Hadid’s serving lewks with her exaggerated smokey cat-eye flick. Or opt for a dose of retro glamour with Rowan Blanchard’s green eyes-and-red-lips combo. If you want something subtler, Lily Collin’s electric grey eyes will do all the right kind of talking for you. There’s something for pastel lovers as well—Emma Stone and Vanessa Hudgens definitely know how to use these delicate shades to make their peepers pop. NEW K-BEAUTY BRAND ALERT… One of the most popular Korean beauty brands, Etude House, has landed on…

SAILI PALYEKAR, 21 “My style vibe is sporty-meets-feminine. Here, I’ve clubbed an athleisure-inspired turtle-neck crop top with a tailored plaid jacket, buttoned-up pants, and white sneakers. The futuristic glasses add extra edge to the look.” TANISHA PARMAR, 21 “2018 made fanny packs cool again, and I’m still not over the trend. I especially like how the bum bag is so versatile, and can be styled in multiple ways—crossbody or around the waist.” GARIMA PAL, 23 “You can never go wrong with colour-blocking. My look here is essentially a play on proportions—big, slouchy silhouettes (like the oversized blouse and corduroy pants) juxtaposed with mini accessories like a tiny top-handle bag and dainty belt.” SASWATI REANG, 26 “I’ve reinvented the classic, oversized, white shirt by cinching it with a leather belt and…

The 90’s was a revolutionary era in the fashion industry and continues to be repurposed today. One of the most favored looks in the 90’s was an anti-fashion attitude culminated in agrunge style that gave fashion an edgy and attitude filled makeover. Let us bring back the 90’s grunge with Skecher India’s new range of chunky sneakers called "Skechers D'Lites". Deriving inspiration from the 90’s trends "Skechers D'Lites" showcases a wide range of chunky, colorful, tough and gritty sneakers with an exclusively placed brand logo in the midsole which is unseen before that adds a distinguished signature design. These glamorous and chunky shoes have reiterated the "too cool to care" 90’s attitude and designed an exceptional range of footwear which inculcates avivid array of colors. Those days have returned to…

From the first kiss, you’ll find out… IF THERE’S A NEXT KISS IN YOUR FUTURE Mid make-out, your levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine should spike. But if you’re kinda meh as you come up for air, that dopamine hit might be lower, and it’s likely that your sexual chemistry just isn’t there. HOW MUCH THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR OWN WELL-BEING Everyone has a signature mouth flavour, scent, and feel that stem from their diet, genetics, and overall health, says Justin Garcia, PhD, Research Director at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. Hints your date is a slacker in the wellness dept: thick saliva (which signals dehydration) and an ashy aftertaste (yeah, they’re probably a smoker). WHAT THE SEX WILL BE LIKE Kissing can help you figure out if your…

CamCard Always losing business cards in the bottom of handbags? Take a picture of them with this app, and it not only stores them all in one place, but also ‘reads’ them and uploads relevant information to your phone. Boomerang For Gmail Allows you to send away e-mails that you know you have to deal with but have just arrived at the worst time possible. They then reappear in your inbox a few hours later, reminding you of their presence. Handy for those of us who red-flag our e-mails…and then forget about them. Any.do There are lots of to-do-list apps out there, but this one separates your tasks into four sections (today, tomorrow, upcoming, and someday—but you can customise them), and you can drag and drop tasks between them. It…

Q I’m looking for a new serum. What are the hero ingredients that I should be looking out for? A: Vitamin C is a real skin MVP. It’s deeply hydrating, evens skin tone, and wards off signs of ageing. This amazing anti-oxidant is vulnerable to breakdown when exposed to light and air, so make sure you look for products packaged in opaque airtight tubes. Try the one by Obagi’s, it contains 15% l-ascorbic acid, a form of Vitamin C, which neutralises free radicals, accelerates collagen synthesis, and offers antioxidant protection. Q Seasonal changes leave my skin so dry. How can I prevent it? A: Get a Vitamin E cream stat. It will help improve the skin’s defense barrier and reduce fine lines that form on skin due to dryness and…

If you’ve been on the hunt for a fresh, fun show for your next binge-watch sesh, Amazon Prime Video India’s Four More Shots Please! is just what the me-time doc ordered. Starring Sayani Gupta, Manvi Gagroo, Bani J and Kirti Kulhari, the dramedy series chronicles the lives of four millennial women who are navigating their careers, relationships, and sex lives, while occasionally also dealing with an existential crisis. Relatable? We thought so too at the exclusive, private screening that Cosmo hosted right before the show went live on Amazon Prime Video. In attendance were the stunning primary cast of the show, Lisa Rani Ray (who plays a closeted bi-sexual), Anupamaa Dayal, Urvashi Kaur, Nitya Bajaj, Komal Pandey, Aishwarya Sharma, Payal Sen, Pushpanjali Chawla, among many others. Over gourmet popcorn, (but,…

Aquarius 01.20–02.18 You could totally be a life coach—your motivation is that inspiring, especially with the New Moon in your sign on the 5th. Don’t let small hiccups curb your money moves on the 19th, when Mercury unites with Neptune in your finance zone. That may mean keeping your grand plans on the DL for now, but don’t worry, you’ll soon shine bright enough for everyone to see. YOUR YEAR: So much goodness awaits, thanks to the hard work you put in last year. April brings new job opportunities, and by August, you’ll be majorly in love. Pisces 02.19–03.20 Slow and steady wins when it comes to Swiping Right this month—be just a bit cautious. That said, when Venus moves into your friend zone on the 3rd, a simmering flirtation…

Following a notable hiatus, nail art is set to make an almighty resurgence. We’re talking miniature, museum-worthy works of art with next-level 3D detail. Our favourite designs from the SS/19 catwalks? Oh, you know, just glass-domed nails housing tiny treasures, locks of hair framed with caviar beads (based on the Victorian-day penchant for wearing your lover’s hair in a piece of jewellery… nice) and Disney-villain-inspired spiky jewel hearts (pictured here). We recommend the slightly less intimidating crystal star charms found in the Nails&More NLA20 Nail Art Wheel, nykaa.com, ₹280, and the genuinely wearable Press On Manicure by Colorbar, ₹400, which is available in two high-shine chrome shades (that can be dressed up with bright, gilded charms). A new, spangly excuse for dodging any cleaning up.…

1 CITY SLICKER DIFFICULTY: 1/3 If you’re looking for a way to keep those pesky flyaways at bay, this glossy-posse look might be the answer. Virtue Labs’ Creative Director Adir Abergel gives us the lowdown on how to recreate the sleek look seen on the catwalk at Ann Demeulemeester show. “Start by scrunching a handful of mousse throughout your hair, then combing a second handful just through the top, leaving the texture at the back a little more natural,” says Adir. Comb the hair back over the head and tuck behind the ears, so that it lies close to the scalp, then finish the look off with a slick of heavy hair gel or oil, to complete the high-shine finish. Blinding. 2 RISING DAMP DIFFICULTY: 2/3 On lazy days, skip…

STREET SMART BUDX STREET, Budweiser’s first ever streetwear collection—co-created with Veg Non Veg, HUEMN, Nor Black Nor White, Hanif Kureshi and Boxout. FM—pays homage to the brand’s iconic heritage. Speaking about the launch, Kartikeya Sharma, MD, AB InBev India said, “The synergies in the ideals and beliefs of the brand and that of the collaborators have enabled the curation of a collection that is not only exclusive, but also inspirational and distinct.” If street-style chic is your thang, you now know where to shop from. RUN WITH IT Launching on January 30th, Christian Louboutin’s Run Loubi Run is a luxury sneaker collection that’s all set to redefine running for women. With sleek silhouettes, eye-catching leather/satin uppers and thick technical socks, these babies will be available in a variety of hues—from…

The word flirting can sound quaint to the point of being lamely outdated. But the ability to banter playfully with someone you’re into is a time-honoured and valuable dating skill. “It heightens sexual tension and distinguishes your dynamic from a ‘just friends’ situation. It also helps you gauge compatibility and chemistry on so many levels,” says US-based dating coach Laurie Davis Edwards, Founder of The Worthy One, an online community that helps women in their love lives, and author of Love @First Click. The only problem? In the era of digital dating, you may never have learned this analogue skill…or you’ve let it expire. Here’s how to signal you’re down to get much closer. Digital Flirting Use Enticing Words Data from dating app The League found that women who write…

It’s the weekend, and you’re gearing up to tuck into a stack of fluffy pancakes. The oil is in the pan, and the mixture is good to pour. You wait for the bubbles to emerge before sliding the spatula under your half-cooked first attempt, catching the edge as you flip, dragging a trail of pancake mix from one side of the pan to the other as it starts to smoke under the pressure. You’re defeated. Still, you wait 10 seconds for it to cook, then transfer it to a plate and pick at it, until you decide it’s a lost cause and bin it. Introducing the newest metaphor for your dating life: The Bad Pancake (TBP). WHAT IS TBP? Like the first pancake you try to make—a swooshed dough ball…

Q. My new guy says Valentine’s Day is cheesy, and while I agree, I’m also secretly hoping to celebrate. How should I bring it up? A: On February 14 (and every other day), you have to speak up to get what you want. Otherwise, on February 15, this new man could very well just shrug and say, ‘But you agreed this day was no big deal!’. Yes, you’re right in that he would be clueless not to do something romantic anyway, but guys often take your word at face value. So follow a cue from those candy hearts you see everywhere and tell him ‘Hug me’, ‘Adore me’, or ‘Kiss me’. Q: I’m ready to drop the L-bomb on my BF, but I’m nervous. Got any tips? A: Just one:…

DAD SNEAKS Take the edge off cool-girl kicks with some ruffles, dots, and florals. CARGOS A little fluff and a lotta pink make these typically laid-back pants super-chic. Beauty Bonus Millennial pink from head-to-toe? Not mad at it. Make lips part of your look with Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Candy, ₹1,900 Making a Scene Jasmine Sanders, aka the 3.3-million-follower mega-influencer and model @Golden_Barbie, has walked the hottest high-fashion runways and posed for the most luxe campaigns. In other words, the girl knows her way around OTT outfits. Now, she’s branching out off-duty too, which means ditching a certain style crutch: “I’m breaking away from black and having more fun with colours, even through winter,” says Jasmine, 27. “It’s about playing up personality, all the while being comfortable,…

People are always searching for exotic places with unusual cuisines that would take their taste buds on a tour with exciting new flavors. The Hong Kong Club in the heart of Delhi boasts of Cantonese cuisine and is the perfect ambience for drama and romance. The Hong Kong Club has been built by paying great attention to architecture and design. The sprawling restaurant has an exclusively designed island bar; towering heaters at their entrance that have a dramatic display of flames and strategically placed modern and exotic art further accentuating the ambience. Their most striking feature is their glass pavilion which takes a dominant role in the hotels central courtyard. Food at the Hong Kong Club spells ultimate luxury and reflects edgy touches with time-honored techniques; Their stellar dishes consist…

ON THE COVER Rahul Mishra— 6/4 Kalkadas Marg, Kutub Boulevard, Mehrauli Road, ND. Daniel Wellington— Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, ND. Dior— DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. FASHION Alpana Neeraj— Studio 5, Charmwood Village, Faridabad. Amanté— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Anemos— anemos.in. Apartment 9— N Block, Greater Kailash-1, ND. Archana Rao— archanaraolabel.com. Atelier Bloni— The Dhan Mill Compound, Chattarpur, ND. Baarique— baarique.in. Baro— baro-india.com. Bent Chair— bentchair.com. Beyond Designs— MG Road, Sultanpur, Gurgaon. Bodice Studio— 19-A, Hauz Khas Village, ND. Calvin Klein— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Candy Skin— candyskin.com. Casa POP— 432, MG Road, ND. Charles & Keith— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Chicory Chai— Instagram: @chicorychai. Christian Louboutin— DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Chumbak— Select CITYWALK, Saket, ND. Clovia— clovia.com. Cottons and Satins— 52, Meharchand Market, ND. Crazy Palette— Greater Kailash-II, ND. Cyahi— cyahi.com. Dale + Co— daleandco.in. Dastkari Collections— 86-B,…