Innholdsfortegnelse for January - February 2022 i Cosmopolitan India

Welcome to the first issue of a new year, one with a very important conversation starter: what do women want? Of course, the Internet (and history) is rife with sexist jokes and misogynistic memes about how nobody knows what women want… not even women themselves. And these generalised, highly exaggerated wiscracks are neither humorous…nor" accurate. For the women we spoke to—thousands of them—know exactly what they want, as Cosmo India’s What Women Want survey reveals… Women want to feel safe in their surroundings! Women want equality in the workplace! Women want to be treated with respect! 84% of those polled feel that not enough is being done about gender equality in India. And 94% feel that women face more barriers, than men, in regards to career growth. And a whopping…

THE READ EMILY RATAJKOWSKI’S MY BODY THE LOWDOWN EmRata may be beautiful, famous, and successful, but she leaves all that at the door in her intimate new book of essays on womanhood. We nodded along emphatically while reading, angrily agreeing with many of the chapters, and emotional about the truth shared in others. This book turns an affirming lens on what it can be like to exist as a female in the world, with reflections on working life, assault, motherhood, love, ageing, and social media. A raw, powerful, and reassuring read. THE READ KALKI KOECHLIN’S THE ELEPHANT IN THE WOMB THE LOWDOWN The Elephant In The Womb is not just another prescription book but a candidly witty novel that describes Kalki’s ‘giant’ experience. With brilliant illustrations by Valeriya Polyanychko, personal essays, and…

Aarzoo Khurana “I am a big fan of photographic storytelling, and try to capture the wild in its most natural settings. Wildlife photography is my way of acting as a bridge between the insides of the woods and the outer world. Baby animals, especially langurs and deer, are my favourite subjects. They are curious and adorable—peeping out, tumbling over, unmindful of all the dangers around. A few years ago, I clicked a photograph of a baby deer and a blackbird in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. The blackbird called Drongo kept hovering over the fawn, and eventually landed on its nose and started pricking it. The poor baby kept trying to shoo her away. Interestingly, the viewer tends to assume that the two were friends. However, on the contrary, the fawn…

1. ADISEE “A bag is usually just a bag, but every once in a while, it can make an entire outfit. This brand is at the forefront of unique shapes, including this unusual beauty that creates a beautiful geometric balance with its triangular form and removable wooden handle (so you can hold it in your hand, or wear it as a crossbody with a detachable leather strap). A statement maker, indeed.” Bag, `10,990 2. CHA-CHING “These delightful rings remind me of the ’90s, of when I wore plastic hair clips and wanted Britney to be my BFF. And that’s the kind of innocent, giddy joy that comes with these fun, bright, handmade rings. Pick a shape and shade and allow your playful side to come forth.” Rings, `500 each 3.…

BIG IS DEF BETTER! Don’t hesitate to let your big bag steal the show as the oversized aesthetic now applies to your humble tote too, as paraded across international runways. PAIR YOUR ARM CANDIES WITH… Elbow gloves, to instantly introduce some ol‘ world charm to your ensemble. Get yourself a pair, stat! GRAB A TOTE! Yes, these beauts are the best buddies and any colour, print, or texture works.…

BUNDLE UP It’s time to kiss your argyle and cable-knits goodbye. This season’s cold-weather fits come in bright tones, graphic patterns, animated characters, and unique weaves that resemble a picturesque landscape…and they sure do feel like a warm hug. These jumpers will add a hint of nostalgia to your reg looks this winter.…

HIMADRI SINGH, 21 “Being a huge fan of athleisure, this grey co-ord set is my go-to look. I have added a puffer vest and a simple watch to complete my look.” MRIDUL TRIPATHI, 24 “This ruffled, leopard-print dress is the definition of easy glamour. I have paired it with black accessories to ensure the dress is the focal point of my look.” SONALI MALHOTRA, 24 “I love an all-black outfit, and this blazer dress with statement sleeves is such a versatile piece. I’ve added touches of gold to keep the look minimal.” NAVYA SAROWA, 23 “I have layered a white shirt with a faux leather jacket and cycling shorts for an edgy vibe.” PRIYA GUPTA, 30 “I wanted these thigh-high boots to be the star of my ensemble. So I…

Historically, the beauty industry has used a tonne of water in its products, which isn’t exactly ideal from an environmental POV (you know, fresh water being a scarce resource and all). Water-rich products also often require plastic or other types of bulky packaging that leaves behind a giant carbon footprint. Concerned? Try swapping some (just as effective, maybe even better) H2O-free formulas into your daily routine. 1 SHAMPOO One bottle of Susteau’s powder = a litre of liquid shampoo approximately. Mixing it with a bit of water transforms it into a creamy lather. Or glide Earth Rhythm’s shampoo bar over wet hair and rub to create a fluffy foam. Susteau Moondust Hair Wash, `2,140 approx; Earth Rhythm Murmuru Butter Shampoo Bar, 449 2 CLEANSER This waterless, balm-y cleanser turns into oil upon…

HELLO, POWDER FOUNDATION With face masks cementing their place in our everyday #OOTD, it is important to get with the programme and shake up your make-up routine. To prevent your base from sliding off or smudging on your mask (we have all been there!), stick to powder foundations that offer sheer coverage and also control sebum production. Dry skin types can opt for a hydrating formula—yes, it exists—to prevent make-up from creasing or caking, and to keep your skin looking radiant, of course. KAY BEAUTY MATTE COMPACT, `799 This formula is actor Katrina Kaif-approved. Its USPs include feather-light texture, mediumto-high coverage, matte finish, and the promise to not settle into fine lines and creases. DIOR BACKSTAGE FACE & BODY POWDER-NO-POWDER, 3,600 Why should you try this bb? The answer lies…

“What I realised during the pandemic is that we all love to talk, but we barely ever listen.” Actor Kubbra Sait has a lot to say… but she’s also willing to listen. Spirited and opinionated, the actor’s one true wish is for women to come together to form a community—a safe space for one another—within which they offer and find support to realise their true potential. In this interview, the actor makes many pertinent points, including about the right to education, sexism in the workplace, the importance of standing up for oneself, and how facing our fears head-on only helps in the long run. Cosmo: Can women really have it all? Kubbra Sait: “Yes, of course. But, to be honest, having it all is not limited to a particular gender.…

1 That moment when someone offers to take your picture—and then takes it from multiple angles without you having to ask. 2 You = asleep on a flight, drooling. The person next to you = grabbing one extra snack bag for when you wake up. 3 ‘This song reminds me of you.’ 4 New notification: a very cute friend just liked your very obvious thirst trap. 5 When a kinda random person calls you by your *full* name. 6 When a cute airline stewart checks your seat buckle not once but twice. 7 Pretty much every compliment ever…but especially if it relates to how you smell/look/exist as a human.…

By now, of course, you know that getting vaxxed, masking up, and avoiding COVID-19 hotspots are the trifecta of safe travel—but if you want to go abroad, they are just the beginning. Precisely timed tests and paperwork likely also stand between you and your hard-earned, partially non-refundable vacay. Which is why you now have this very helpful, very expert-approved checklist. Shall we? Before Booking SCOPE OUT CANCELLATION POLICIES Right now, the only thing we know for sure is that nothing is for sure. And if you test positive pre-flight or a COVID-19 surge makes travel suddenly feel unnecessary, you’ll want to get some money back. Thus, much Internet sleuthing is necessary. Hotels can be hit or miss—check each one’s website to clarify what it can do for you if the…

SOMETHING I JUST NEED TO SAY OUT LOUD: I recently considered shoving garlic up my nose because social media told me it clears congestion. And yeah, it gets worse…I am a health journalist and I literally just wrote a book about this stuff (ahem, It’s Probably Nothing: The Stress-Less Guide To Dealing With Health Anxiety, Wellness Fads, And Overhyped Headlines is out now). I blame social media, wellness influencers, and the occasional rogue MD—all of whom make ~natural~ cures seem so alluring, almost obvious. I mean, why wouldn’t anyone want to try an easier, ‘cleaner’ treatment instead of going through the healthcare system, only to be dismissed by doctors or left with a huge prescription-medicine bill? The problem, though, is not just that a lot of wellness fads are a…

1. Are you single at the moment? 52% Yes 48% No 2. If single, do you feel the pandemic has hurt your chances of meeting someone? 70% Yes 30% No 3. If in a relationship or married, has the pandemic helped or harmed your relationship? 62 % Helped 38 % Harmed 4. Which of the following are you most looking forward to, once things normalise? 65% Travelling 20% Being able to meet loved ones more often 10% Visiting cinemas/exhibitions/events 5% Going to parties 5. Have you ever bought something after seeing it on social media? 91% Yes 9% No 51% OF YOU SAY SOCIAL MEDIA ADS ARE ANNOYING 7. Do you think you spend too much time on social media, on an average day? 85% Yes 15% No 8. Has the…

POPPING RED A wash of bright colour on the lips is all it takes to turn a blank canvas into a striking one. Since red is a bold shade in itself, soften the impact by opting for a velvet formula instead of a matte one. Get your digits to match, and you have yourselves a classic look for the books. BLOOMING CORAL A monotone look for daytime is a refreshing way to use a shade from the red family—and coral fits the bill perfectly. The colour is a sweet spot between red, pink, and orange. To get the tone-on-tone effect, use a creamy lipstick to add colour to your lids, cheeks, and lips for a seamless effect. Finish the look with a hint of kohl and mascara to define your…

Q What are AHAs and how can they help my skin? A: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids aka AHAs are a group of acid compounds derived from plant-based sources. The most common types of AHAs are glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic, which are found on the ingredient list of many a skincare product. AHAs offer many skincare benefits—they are a surface exfoliant and help dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together, revealing a smoother texture. Citric acid stands out for its antioxidant properties and fights free radical damage. Want plump skin? Try products with glycolic acid as it boosts collagen production, and is a great anti-ageing ingredient. If you have dry skin, check your products for malic, lactic, and glycolic acids as all three are humectants, and retain moisture in the…

Chef Sanjana Patel Founder, La Folie “I was always fascinated with chocolate as a child—and I loved watching Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Chocolat. And when I became an entrepreneur at the age of 14, I knew it was my true calling. I was amazed at how chocolate can be used to make sculptures and showpieces to create edible art, and that pushed me to delve deeper into understanding its various facets. At La Folie, we are not just a chocolatier, we also make chocolate. We source cacao from India and different regions across the world like Peru, Tanzania, Guatemala, and Dominican Republic to ensure we offer a holistic flavour profile to the consumer. Our bean-to-bar chocolates are all about the taste—the roast profile, source, fermentation, and the…

*We’ll never tell. But it could be all of them, and that’s the point! Honestly, it was always sort of too impressive when influencers had nary a smudge nor a sink edge in their mirror selfies. But it wasn’t until Houston-based influencer Kara Del Toro revealed this hack on her handle that we realised, uh, basically everything truly is a lie. Unlike many social media fabrications tricks, though, this one is actually attainable for us regs. Behold, a step-by-step guide to making your next “mirror selfie” practically perfect in every way. Step 1 Secure both a prop phone (aka your real phone) and an actual camera with a self-timer. Or just ask your bestie to use their own phone’s camera. CYOA! Step 2 Find a spot that looks like you…

First up, do you have any trips planned for 2022? 50% I’d like to, but nothing’s set in stone. 31% Yes! 19% Nope. I am still not comfortable travelling. If yes (or soon-to-be yes), where are you headed? 27% Somewhere international, depending on restrictions. 40% A luxe resort vacay. I need to just chill out. 18% A city excursion. 15% A cross-country road trip. Any special reason for your vacay? 49% Nah, just because. 40% I am finally going on my rescheduled trip from 2020. 11% A wedding/bachelorette party. What precautions will you take while travelling? 40% Getting vaccinated. 37% Creating a social-distancing-friendly itinerary. 10% Masking up. 13% Quarantining before and after. And how much money do you plan to drop? 45% Under `30,000. 41% `30,000-`1,50,000. 14% Over `1,50,000. Just curious,…

Cosmo: Your Netflix special, Vir Das: For India, was been nominated for the Emmys…how did that feel? Vir Das: “Surreal! This Netflix special featured a blue door and a guy with a mic…it was a one-man show. But to be nominated alongside shows that probably had a budget of a couple of crores—whereas our blue door cost just `10,000—was really a blessing!” [Laughs] C: What made you pursue comedy, full-time? VD: “While studying at Knox College, Illinois, I had performed in over 40 plays. But I craved for something more organic, more rebellious… So I wrote a script for a stand-up comedy show in my final year—everyone loved it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, too. After you get a taste of that, it is very hard to do anything else.” C:…

THE TRICK Along with classic monotonal blacks and greys, consider investing in bold and bright puffed pieces to help you ace this trend like a breeze. HERE’S THE THING… Marshmallow texture has officially gone beyond where it dared to tread before. It’s no longer contained to jackets and outerwear…you’ll even find it on bags, pants, shoes, earrings, and phone cases.…

THE TRICK Get yourself one of these elegant pendant chains that make for the perf addition to your dailywear. FLAUNT THEM ANY WAY YOU WANT… Even though these charming beauties work well as standalone pieces, you can also layer them up for an *extra* dose of positivity, and create your own signature style. The practice of wearing a protective amulet or talisman is as ancient as time itself. Many cultures across the globe, like the Egyptians and Indigenous Americans, used special crystals and gems in their rituals, for they believed in their healing and other esoteric qualities. Popular even in astrology, each stone has a special meaning and purpose. Like mother-of-pearl is associated with serenity and love, while malachite is used for bringing in good fortune and strengthening hope. Black…

LET US EXPLAIN! Yes, this situation may seem a little extra—but these teeny bags both protect your Pods and save lots of time for you (read: no more digging around in your actual purse for them or losing one earbud entirely). So, bougie *and* functional. You’re very welcome.…

WEAR YOUR STRIPES The House of Gucci has launched a new collection to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. Featuring a wide selection of ready-to-wear pieces and accessories, the collection depicts the tiger against a colourful backdrop in a pastel palette. Fun fact: the new print is a reflection of Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s fascination with nature, and is a reinterpretation of a late 1960s archival design by artist and illustrator Vittorio Accornero, who created the House’s signature flora design. Along with the print, a tiger motif and ‘Gucci Tiger’ is splashed across jackets, jeans, and knitwear, accompanied by a maxi multicolour monogram, Interlocking G, or the equestrian-inspired web stripe. Prints, patches, and embroideries can also be seen on signature shoe and bag silhouettes, combined with the GG monogram. CHECK…

We know what you’re thinking… WHY CAN’T I JUST USE MY REGULAR FACE CREAM? Well, “Most face creams contain some sort of fragrance, which can aggravate eye skin,” explains NYC-based dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman. “And thick ones can also cause the under-eye area to retain moisture and look puffy.” So, there is that. Also, the skin around your eyes is super-thin and delicate, with fewer, less-concentrated oil glands to keep it plump and bright, says NYC-based dermatologist Dr Shari Marchbein, which leads to the obvious dark circles, dryness, and puffiness. It also means your eye area will be the first part of your face to show signs of ageing. BOTTOM LINE: if you want to prevent the above, you are going to need a targeted eye cream. Four options that’ll…

FARRAH FAWCETT HAIR Named after the actor and model who rocks this hairstyle, giving us the ultimate roller-blading-and-eating-ice-cream-on-a-summer-day vibes, all you need to achieve this look is curtain bangs parted in the middle and huuge waves! ’60s MOD BANGS These are a li’l bit different than curtain bangs: they are fuller, thicker, and styled across the forehead rather than being parted in the middle. If you are looking for that cool-girl vibe, have your hairdresser cut them to reach right above your lashes. CURTAIN BANGS No matter what kind of hair you have, curtain bangs work for absolutely everyone, and they are here to stay! If you didn’t get influenced to cut bangs during quarantine, props to you. Buuut, head over to your fave salon and try it out! LONG,…

It has been over a year since we first sat down to chat—virtually, obvs—with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, just after the release of Netflix’s chart-topping original series (and Maitreyi’s first foray on the small screen), Never Have I Ever. This time when we both logged onto Zoom, we sat in exactly the same spots as before—she at her parents’ house in Canada, me at my dining table at home. It’s almost like nothing has changed, but, of course, it has, because along the way, Maitreyi has become another level of famous. Since we last spoke, over 40 million households tuned in to watch season one of Never Have I Ever; Maitreyi was anointed one of Time’s 100 People of the Year; and no less an eminence than Michelle Obama recruited the Tamil-Canadian…

Model: Scarlet at Feat Artists; Hair and Make-Up: Shreeya Thakur; Fashion Assistants: Shubham Jawanjal and Swanand Joshi; Production: Studio Little Dumpling…

JUST TAKE A LOOK AROUND The next time you head to a major beauty retailer: entire sections—both IRL and virtual—are now dedicated to showcasing the best ‘clean’ skin, hair, and make-up products. And you probably can’t even scroll through your Instagram without seeing new clean beauty brands, formulas, or influencers pop up on your feed. Clean beauty is everywhere, and chances are, you’re into it: more than one-third of you either already use these kinds of products or want to start using them, according to a new Cosmo poll. Except, at the same time…53% of you are unclear about what clean beauty actually is. The short answer is that it is complicated, sometimes needlessly so. The long answer is, well, this story. Read on for every bit of info you…

M·A·C Retro Matte Lipstick in Dangerous, ‵1,750 If you are looking for a lipstick that doesn’t budge, then this M·A·C classic is just what you need. Offering intense colour pay-off, this long-stay formula will stand the test of many coffees (and kisses)! Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Stick, ‵3,200 A long-wear, lightweight formula, this blush is perfect for those who love a natural look. Plus, it comes with a brush that makes touch-ups on-the-go super-easy. Just Herbs Herb-Enriched Mattifying & Hydrating Compact Powder SPF 15+, ‵645 Packed with Ayurvedic ingredients that nourish and brighten the skin, this powder blends seamlessly, absorbs excess oil, and blurs imperfections, leaving you with a luminous finish. Tom Ford Black Orchid EDP, ‵12,000/100ml Your search for a warm, floral, sexy scent ends here. This decadent juice…

RIDDLE US THIS: What could possibly be better than dripping legit everything in a homemade, creamy hummus? A low-effort, high payoff food situation is the gastro dream, so we spoke to UK-based Dalia Dogmouth, Waitrose food ambassador, who shares her ultimate hummus recipe. THE INGREDIENTS: 2 cups organic chickpeas1 garlic clove1 tsp cumin4 tbsp tahini150ml ice cold waterJuice of one lemon1tsp salt1/4 tsp white pepperGenerous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil Add everything in order, except for the olive oil, a good quality blender and pulse until smooth. Transfer the hummus into a bowl and drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil and serve with bread, crackers, or vegetables. THE RECIPE:…

Rapper, drummer, dancer, and most recently, star of the new Disney remake, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, Swayam Ranjeet Bhatia aka Sway is a jack of all trades. And she’s only 13 years old! Naturally, we had to get the inside scoop on all things Disney and being such a ~talented~ star at such a young age. We spoke to Sway and let’s just say, she’ll blow you away… (you reckon Disney give out roles for rhyming?). Cosmo: How were you introduced to this world? Is this something that you discovered once you found out about the possibility of the new TV show? Swayam Ranjit Bhatia: “Honestly, as a figure skater, it was always recommended to me. I had never actually watched the movie before the audition. But as soon…

1. PIÑATEX What happens when pineapple leaves are turned into a leather-ish fabric that can make v cool coats, shoes, honestly anything. 2. DESSERTO Hello to this cactus leather known for its softness (no spikes on that jacket!). Only the most mature parts of the plant are used, leaving the rest to grow again. 3. MYLO Mushrooms, folks. Thread-like fungus filaments called mycelia grow on beds of sawdust and other organic material, forming a fluffy layer that’s then processed and dyed to make sneakers and bags. Trippy, right? 4. ECONYL Nylon, but make it out of fishing nets, old carpets, and other plastic waste. It’s used in swim- and sportswear (and the occasional Prada bag). 5. CUPRO This breathable silky fabric—perfect for blouses and tanks—is made from recycled cotton linter,…

STYLING HACK! While bright colours seem hella attractive in winter, it is wiser to opt for a neutral palette as it is versatile and timeless.…

1. THE OG OUTLINE You know it, your mom knows it, Kim K knows it. A modern refresher: line your lips with a brown pencil two shades darker than your natural lip colour, then swipe on a layer of nude lipstick in either satin or matte finish. 2. THE SUBTLE OVERLINE Oh, look, the epitome of cool! Take a waterproof liner and overline your lips just a smidge. Add a thick coat of moisturising lip primer, then top it up with a creamy lipstick matching the liner. Smudge and blend it out with your finger for a soft, blurred effect. 3. THE HIGH-SHINE COMBO Pro tip: the key to glossy lips that last is a liner base. Using a matte liner (less moisture = less slippage), fill in your lips…

“I believe that each one of us is inherently fearless, however, societal conditioning and experiences instill a sense of fear in us.” Wall know Rasika Dugal from the wonderful characters she has portrayed in films, TV shows, and web series. But up until now, we didn’t really know her, know her. She might appear coy at first glance, but there is a fire burning inside her. A firm believer in equality, Rasika doesn’t mince words. For Cosmo’s What Women Want special, Rasika shares why it is unfair to expect women to excel in all areas of life, her source of strength, and the women she greatly admires. Cosmo: It is said that women can’t have it all—a successful career, healthy relationships, children, and a mind-body balance. And that you have…

“A romatherapy isn’t new—it has been around for over 6,000 years, pretty much making it one of the oldest forms of self-care. It basically involves the inhalation or application of essential oils so that the aroma finds a route to relax the mind, improve the mood or concentration, and help us reconnect with ourselves. There’s research to suggest several physical benefits, too—for instance, certain fragrances can help manage pain, reduce blood pressure, decrease hair loss, and improve blood circulation. And the world of aromatherapy is only evolving—right now, it is finding ways to manage anxiety, stress, and depression. You see, many essential oils improve mood immediately and help people feel grounded. And given that mental illnesses can lead to other issues like reduced focus and memory impairment, aromatherapy coupled with…