Innholdsfortegnelse for September-October 2022 i Cosmopolitan India

Welcome to the Anniversary Issue. Gutsy, bold, driven women are often considered impolite; even provocative and ‘too much’. This issue, however, flies in the face of all such labels…and celebrates the rule breakers, the trend setters, and those who are dancing to their own tune. It takes guts to go against the grain, sure. But the women in this issue make a rallying call to create history. This issue is about saying no to limiting beliefs. To the unsolicited and crippling expectations of others. To body shaming and unrealistic beauty standards. “The Anniversary Issue is about walking away from what no longer serves you…” To stereotypes and prejudices. To rejection and failing and falling, for these are the muddy grounds that lead to blossoming like the lotus. To self-doubt and…

Intersectional Feminism—Desi Style! Podcast Hosts Nishtha and Sukanya help you understand how intersectionality affects social identities in our daily lives. Launched by Feminism In India, an award-winning platform covering feminist issues, they release two episodes a month and talk about key subjects like the male gaze, role of ‘heroines’ in Indian cinema, marginalised representation, and most importantly, why feminism is political. Fat. So? Not being a certain size in a world where society dictates what’s ‘perfect’ can be hard. Hosts Ameya and Pallavi open up about their respective journeys on how they dealt with—and continue to deal with—fat phobia. Their conversations about tackling mean comments and unsolicited advice, and accepting their bodies, help listeners accept themselves for who they are and tackle body image issues. Girls That Invest Simran Kaur…

’80s BEAUTY ICONS: WHITNEY HOUSTON, GRACE JONES, MADONNA BEAUTY KEYWORDS: ELECTRIC HUES, SHINE TREND #1 Colour Blocking The ’80s was a stellar decade for bright colours. Neon-esque eyeshadows paired with a bold mouth might seem a bit much at first glance, but the right combination can make all the difference—Whitney Houston’s look, though, is not for the faint-hearted. But the good news is that if you’re on-the-fence about too much colour, you don’t necessarily need to pair vivid shades together. The colour-block effect can be achieved using pastels, or by mixing neon and pastel hues together. Jeffree Star Cosmetics Eyeshadow - Pressed Pigment Palette in Blue Blood, nykaa.com, ₹7,300 TREND #2 OTT Blush This decade was big on blush. And we are not talking about a ‘natural flush’, but saturated colour that…

1 OPTIONS GALORE Nail stickers give you an instant upgrade. They not only last longer as compared to press-on nails, but also make your tips look hella fancy. 2 ADD-ONS TO KEEP HANDY Nail stickers are great for people whose schedules don’t allow them to spend hours at a salon—these cuties allow you to up your manicure game in literally seconds. To ensure these stickers sit well on your nails, clean the nail bed using an alcohol-based nail polish remover to get rid of any stickiness. 3 THE PERFECT FIT Use a cuticle pusher to increase the surface area. When applying the stickers, cover the index finger of the other hand with a clear wrap to keep finger prints at bay. Place it gently on each nail and push it…

The Bucket List We hope these bags are on your wishlist by the time you are done reading this. TRY IT Move away from regular shapes and embrace bucket bags this season. Available in a range of colours and finishes, this new It bag style has many personalities [read: can be chic, edgy, glamorous] and will make for the perfect companion for any occasion Jewel-Tone Eyes Your new inspo: amethysts, sapphires, and rubies. PLAYING WITH COLOUR Pat a primer (a must for fade-proof hues) on your eyelids, then sweep on a shimmery shadow just past the creases. Finish with a matching liner, and voilà! Meet Your Wardrobe’s MVP Timeless and versatile, this classic ’90s silhouette, aka the slip dress, has become the dress du jour. TRY IT The slip dress’…

FREAKINS With their entire creative team under the age of 25, you’re in good hands with styles that are a straight ticket to denim heaven. Think pants with five pockets to carry all your emotional baggage; pink mom jeans for your imaginary school run; or baggy styles with a range of rips that vary from the cautious to devil-may-care. You’ll be able to flaunt your bootay quite happily with these cuts, as they take well into account the curves you’re most proud of. There are cute baseball and bomber jackets, as well as dad shirts in pops of colour, to really zone in on the trend. And earlier this year, the founders—Sachin Shah and Shaan Shah—collaborated with 22 young artists to create a cool range that celebrates artistic expression. Quick…

THE BUILD-YOUR-OWN SELF-CARE KIT Founded by Anushka and Sahil Gupta, MyMuse is a sexual wellness start-up that aims to destigmatise sex. Their range comprises massage oils, candles, card games, eye masks, lubricants, massagers, and unique kits with different combinations. Ankita and Sahil founded the brand with an aim to make intimacy easy, approachable, and fun for modern Indians. Their products and kits are designed to not just enhance one’s intimate relationships, but also promote awareness towards self-pleasure. TONAL TENDENCIES While the monotone trend isn’t new, we love that several A-listers have given their stamp of approval to colour play this season. With Indian and international celebrities like Ananya Panday, Tamannaah Bhatia, Kiara Advani, Karlie Kloss, Khloé Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, among others, sporting single-hued ensembles, we have a tonne of inspo…

“I had body image issues when I was younger. It is all super-silly, but I was always conscious about my ‘heavy bottom’. And today, I look back at my 20s and I am like, ‘What was I so worried about?’ One of the most beautiful things about getting older is that you start caring less about what other people think…about their expectations and judgements. Instead, you start forming your own opinions about yourself, your life, your body, and your beliefs. It is a good place to be at. The first time I decided to not give a damn about what people said about my body was after I gave birth to my daughter. I went through postpartum depression, and it was eight difficult months of trying to put up a…

“I have dreamt of being a model for as long as I can remember. And two years ago, my dream turned into reality, when I was discovered in my slum by Robert Hoffman, an American actor [seen in Step Up 2: The Streets]. Robert was visiting India at the time, and he got stuck as the pandemic hit. And as luck would have it, a chance meeting with him changed my life. Ever since, he has been helping me with my modelling career. Living in the slum is not easy. Sometimes, we do not have clean water or food to eat. Then there are times when the municipal corporation breaks our house, because we live by the sea. When it is very hot in Mumbai, we have to sleep on…

‘“Good girls aren’t supposed to act like that or be assertive about what they like’…that’s what we’ve always heard, isn’t it? But I’ve decided to toss that opinion out of the window! In fact, I live my life by my own principles, every single day. I don’t feel like I’m trying to create a controversy or be disruptive for no good reason. I truly believe that we need to discard the double standards around gender expectations. When it comes to sex, there exist very rigid and oppressive frameworks that many think are the only acceptable ones—like how sex is reserved only for the married, and only between heterosexual individuals. I don’t think we should tolerate any sort of restriction on our basic rights—the right to bodily autonomy; to sexual, reproductive…

“I have had to face a lot of resistance in regards to pursuing my career in motorsports. But I have come this far by prioritising myself and my work. And everything else—the objections, criticism, and naysayers—have always come second. I started riding bikes as a hobby at the age of 18, and it quickly grew into a profession as I began winning races at the circuit. But my father was strongly opposed to the idea. He was of the opinion that since it’s a male-dominated field, I wouldn’t stand a chance. Even though I barely had any support—barring a few close friends and relatives who believed in me—I was determined to make it. Today, I am the first-ever Indian motorsports athlete to win a world title at the FIM Bajas…

The year was 1965, a time before a ‘sex tip’ was even really a thing and especially before a national media outlet could publish any of them exclusively for women. But in her wisdom, Cosmopolitan US legendary editor, Helen Gurley Brown, said (or at least we like to think she said): ‘F*ck that’. And so publish sex tips for women we did, and have proudly continued to do ever since. Because good sex isn’t just about satisfaction, it’s about equality, which we see bear out time and again. So we’ll continue to beat this drum—worry not. Hell, sometimes we’ll beat it so enthusiastically that it results in the true gems on these pages, highlights from our back issues that run the gamut from the hilarious to the dated to the…

Dear beautiful woman, I started this article intending to highlight the issues that women face when it comes to dating and relationships. And then I thought to myself: ‘You do not need one more article that reminds you of the realities that you are already living.’ You need words that remind you of how much power you have over life. And that includes the relationships you choose for yourself. So take from these words what you need to hear right now. I know how difficult it is to navigate relationships when so much of your worth is equated by how your environment perceives you, by your reputation. But remember that you are not isolated in your experience. The truth is, women all over the world face challenges when it comes…

Dear Minaa, I’ve been in my current job for more than three years now and my co-workers are some of my best, real-life friends (two of them were even bridesmaids in my wedding). I really love the work I get to do at the company—not only is it challenging in an exciting way, but I am actually motivated to go the extra mile because my work has started to feel personally rewarding. There is just one major problem, in the form of my new (micro)manager. We have worked together for only a few months so far, but I swear she has it out for me. She is incredibly aloof, and the only time she interacts with me is when she’s shooting down one of my ideas or asking me for…

If I eat a protein bar every day, will I get bulging biceps? Not exactly, says Clarissa. She advises against eating them daily, but adds that protein is needed for building muscle (alongside strength training workouts). “Our diets should be as diverse as possible, with macronutrients coming from a variety of food sources,” she notes, stressing the importance of whole foods (such as eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and legumes). “But if protein bars are one of the only ways you can fit in a protein source, they can be a good addition to your daily intake.” Don’t overdo it: Clarissa advises that high amounts of protein can put stress on the kidneys. “Aim for roughly 0.8g to 1g of protein per day, per kg of body weight.” Can a…

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Genius Conditioning Brow Serum, ₹5,519 This formula—made of red clover extract, Korean red ginseng, and panthenol—housed in very chic packaging, encourages growth, helps make brows appear fuller, and tames coarse texture. Love Indus Freedom Of Expression Dual-Purpose Line Limiter, ₹7,300 This multitasker blurs and smoothes creases and expression lines. Boasting botanical extracts like kokum and hibiscus along with vegan collagen, it can be applied to lips, forehead, and laugh lines for an instant plumping effect. SkinKraft Syndet Facial Cleanser, ₹499 Known for creating customised routines basis one’s skin type, the latest launch from SkinKraft cleanses the skin without disturbing its pH balance. It also helps retain moisture in the skin and reduces skin sensitivity. COSMO LOVES Paco Rabanne Fame EDP, price on request This cool-AF flacon houses…

THE QUEEN OF REINVENTION Cosmo: What inspired you to create a haircare brand? Priyanka Chopra Jonas: “Anomaly is a culmination of thoughts I have had for many, many years. I have been lucky to sit in hair and make-up chairs of the most amazing experts in the world…and I’ve had the best products used in my hair. So I understand the expectations one would have from products. I noticed the huge gap that exists in the haircare industry: it is not democratised. The good stuff is extremely expensive. And I was like, if I am a consumer that cares about what I am putting on my hair, I have no option but to pay more. So I decided to create Anomaly and focused on a very specific trifecta of benefits.…

We learned a lot from the high-school films and classic romcoms of the ’90s and ’00s: dresses worn over jeans didn’t age as well as we’d hoped; dance-offs are always as cool as you think; and if you are not sure what you are doing with your life, then you’re probably on the verge of international pop stardom. But, if there is one thing that throws up all kinds of issues, it’s the makeover narrative. You know the one: young girl gets her hair straightened, her braces removed, her glasses binned, and voilà—suddenly she’s prom queen/successful/gets the guy (and yes, it’s always a guy, but that’s a problem for another day). Take The Princess Diaries, Miss Congeniality, She’s All That, The Devil Wears Prada, etc—the leading lady always gets a…

The Hermès Cologne family has welcomed a new member. Meet Eau de Basilic Pourpre Eau de Cologne, a plant-derived, light, and airy fragrance created by perfumer Christine Nagel. An homage to purple basil, whose notes instantly remind one of a sunny, exotic locale, Eau de Basilic Pourpre is a delicate, fresh treat to dress your skin in. The aromatic freshness of purple basil is paired with green bergamot and geranium that lend character to the scent. While the iconic lantern-shaped flacon in luminous green resonates with the lively blend of notes it houses.…

1. Smooth Out the Fine Lines Around the Eyes The skin around your peepers is very delicate and prone to signs of ageing. Place both the middle fingers on the inner corners of the eyes, and index fingers on the outer corner—keep the pressure lighter on the outer corner. Then, look up without creasing your forehead, hold it for three seconds, and look down only half-closing your eyes, and releasing in three seconds again. Practising this movement for one minute every day will keep fine lines at bay. 2. Smile Wide Two minutes is all you need to keep creases at bay. Blow air into one cheek and then quickly move it to the other side of the face. Do four to five repetitions of this movement. Next, smile wide,…

1. KAY BEAUTY HYDRATING FOUNDATION, ₹1,200 Who doesn’t want their make-up products to be more ‘giving’? The Hydrating Foundation by Kay Beauty, per its name, nourishes your skin along with covering up imperfections in a way that doesn’t look or feel heavy. We love the butter-smooth texture that’s easy to blend and is super-lightweight. Available in 20 shades—suited for Indian skin tones and undertones—it offers buildable coverage, making it perfect for both day and night. 2. FOREST ESSENTIALS CHANDAN SOM RASA SILK SKIN TINT, ₹2,750 When this homegrown brand forayed into make-up, we knew they’d whip up a blend that’s part skincare and part make-up. The Chandan Som Rasa Silk Skin Tint is designed to blur out imperfections, lending a soft glow to the skin. Much lighter than traditional foundations, this…

For Your Hair and Scalp A Hair-Oiling Duo Mauli Rituals Co-Founder Anita Kaushal uses this set as an overnight treatment. “I work the oil into my scalp in sections, giving my head a good massage as I go, and then I comb it through to the ends with my neem comb.” Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil and Detangling Neem Comb, ₹4,000 A Shine-Boosting Spray Shake and spritz this oil-based mist on dry hair for instant softness and UV protection. Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hibiscus Hydrating Hair Oil Mist, ₹2,380 Let’s start with what Ayurveda is not. Despite what your feed may tell you, it is not a trend, it is not a fad, and it is definitely not a novel idea. An ancient science, specifically the science of life—in…

SEASONLESS STAPLES PRATHIKSHA SHETTY, MODEL “This lace bodysuit from homegrown label Polite Society is one of the most standout pieces in my wardrobe currently. The bodysuit features padded shoulders and also comes with detachable gloves that help accentuate my ‘fit as per the occasion. I feel so empowered whenever I wear this, and I like to style it with fuss-free silhouettes likes wide-leg or cargo pants. For a more feminine vibe, I wear it with a satin midi skirt.” ANUBHUTI VERMA, FASHION STYLIST AND DIRECTOR “I enjoy wearing retro-inspired pieces, and this multi-coloured shirt, featuring the evergreen polka-dot print, is a current favourite. I got it from Carol’s Shop, whose founder Carol Humstoe carefully curates comfortable-yet-chic pieces for both men and women. Since this shirt has so many colours, it…

FEMELLA Apart from their regular styles that are available in small and large sizes, Femella offers a separate size-inclusive collection, made from breathable fabrics. Their range of A-line, wrap, and pleated dresses in bright tones and soothing prints are classics that don't just work for all seasons, but also look flattering on all body types. Femella also houses comfy loungewear sets that are available in a host of colours—you can wear them as sets and also separates. Size Range: XS to 5XL LOVE THE 'FIT! DOODLAGE Known for their ingenious ways of recycling fabric and giving pieces a second life, Doodlage also ensures that they create seasonless styles that complement all body types. You can choose from a range of coords, dresses, jumpsuits, tops, and shirts—each piece is unique (every…

HAVE A BON VOYAGE WITH THESE BBS:…

“The very first thing I stopped giving a damn about was caring what other people think.”…

“The last thing I said no to was working with a brand that did not align with my beliefs. And then, when another brand asked if they should Photoshop my ‘grey, eyebrow hair’ in a campaign photograph, I refused because I am happy to own that little grey strand. 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have been this confident…I would have worried about ruining my chances or pissing someone off. But today, I care more about being authentic and true to myself. Over the years, I have struggled with my body and body image. I lost a lot of weight to look the way I was expected to. And I was incredibly self-conscious about my hips not being proportionate to my breasts, so I would wear a push-up bra every single…

“I have been a rulebreaker all my life. Especially as a woman, who is constantly told to behave or act a certain way, it feels exciting to bend and break those existing notions. Gender is a social construct, my femininity does not define me, and honestly, my sexuality is so much more than my damn relationship. So I refuse to deal with people who deny my existence and want to erase my experiences. Earlier, I would spend hours convincing people that my sexuality was real. That I was real. I would reason with biphobes, homophobes, and transphobes that LGBTQIA+ people are valid. But no more of that…I do not have time for that kind of negativity. I have learned that the hurdles we face often prove to be our biggest…

“As a doctor with a passion for education, I have completely dismissed feeling shame around our bodies. And I help my patients and followers to do the same. By doing so, I am forging my own path—I don’t know the rules, to be honest. I am driven by my passion for medicine, research, and better public health. And sexual, menstrual, and reproductive literacy are the main topics I cover in my work on the Internet. Being an outspoken woman on the Internet tends to bring with it a lot of hate, especially if you talk about sex. It took me some time, but I have developed a thick skin. The trolling can be especially dramatic when you talk about bodies—unsolicited d*ck pics, questions on morality, and personal attacks are all…

“I find it amusing when people call me a rebel or a rulebreaker, because doing the things we love is what life should be about. And I have been following that philosophy all my life. Having been a part of the industry since I was 18-years-old, I am familiar with the pressure to look like a ‘filtered photograph’, and that has been further escalated by the booming social media addiction. I have definitely seen how hard it can be for women and men who don’t fit this ‘ideal’, and how much it affects their self worth. Personally, I don’t think about fitting in. I have always stuck to my instincts and followed my heart—be it getting tattoos or lifting weights for a more defined form. However, people couldn’t accept that…

We are probably all familiar with what moaning during sex sounds like—whether from an overly-dramatic performance in a film or in actual real life. But there are so many questions when it comes to moaning: why do we do it (or not), why do some people fake it, and why does it sound so damn sexy (for some)? We asked the experts to explain. WHY IS MOANING DURING SEX A TURN ON—OR A TURN OFF? For a lot of people, moaning during sex—either doing it or hearing your partner do it—can be a huge turn on. But what’s going on deep down in our psyche that makes moaning so sexy? Well, it is partly because moaning acts as an aural “sexual stimulus or trigger,” says Dr Lori Brotto, Canada-based psychologist…

START You’re at work when your sibling texts you (again!) with family drama. You: Ignore it, duh. Your parents are coming for a visit. Where do they stay? A nearby hotel. I am on the couch; they are in my bed. Make a note to reply later. Respond immediately. What do your mornings look like? No tech before 9am, my friend. I check my inbox as soon as I open my eyes. The news cycle is le horrible. How do you deal? With a lot of mental health breaks. With doom-scrolling spirals. Your BFF says she needs to vent, but you are already stressed. You: Tell her I can chat later tonight. Pick up on the first ring. A colleague tries to gossip about someone you know and like. You:…

Throw traditional job-hunting methods out the window and get realistic “In downtimes, you don’t have much control over the opportunities that are presented to you, so ‘following your passion’ is bullsh*t. My experience after graduating in 2007 was like riding on a raft and grabbing any opportunities within reach. I held on to the ones that were interesting and used them to pull myself along. And I used the miserable ones to launch myself in a new direction. As I have floated down the river, I have collected a tonne of ideas and experiences that I carry with me—and that makes me very good at my job, even if it’s a million miles away from where I started.” Sasha S., strategy director at a marketing agency Structure your resume as…

1 Eisha A Chopra ACTOR AND SCREENWRITER “When I decided to become an actor, I met with the head of a prestigious agency, who had seen my photographs. She glanced at me for a second and said, ‘Come out with me for a smoke’. There I was, in a stairwell full of cigarette smoke, all dolled up, when her words hit me: ‘Look, you are pretty. But you are not ‘magazine’ pretty. It is just never going to happen for you.’ To her, and hundreds of others I have had such encounters with, I would like to say F-Off. I am sorry they were victims of an unkind world to have such a pessimistic outlook in life…but meeting them taught me to be kinder. And the next time someone comes to…

Q I gravitate towards neutral make-up looks. Is there a 2022 upgrade that I can try this season? A: Things are looking rosy this AW/22-23. The nude-pink shade showed up at many shows, and the backstage pros incorporated this hue on the lips, lids, and cheeks (some even taking it to the temples). A monotone look—where you use the same product, ideally a lipstick or an eyeshadow for both lips and lids—is the easiest way to nail the neutral-ish look. But the backstage pros at Moschino added an interesting twist by using a more earthy nude-pink on the lips and a brighter shade on the eyelids, which helps brighten up the face. Q I am looking for a super-hydrating, non-greasy product that can keep my skin supple all day long.…

TRAVEL AGAIN! With the pandemic (almost) in hindsight, the past two years have made us realise how important it is to live our lives to the fullest and make memories. That’s one of the reasons why travel is booming ATM. As travel restrictions lift up in various parts of the world, we now have a plethora of options to consider. However, if there was one place you’d want to go and stay forevah…it could be the Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort. Perched on the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the five-star resort is an easy 10-minutes boat ride away from Palm Jumeirah, and 40-minutes away from the Dubai International airport via road. As soon as you step into the resort, prepare to be welcomed by some mega opulence. Take a…

Cosmo: What were you doing right before this call? Gufateh Pirzada: “I just woke up and I am a little jet-lagged because I returned from the US this morning.” C: What does a regular day in your life look like? GP: “My day usually starts with me prepping for a film that I am working on. I also sift through various scripts, and audition for roles if required. My evenings are reserved for the gym, and post workout, I like to spend time with my family and my dog, Berlin. However, the one thing I do religiously, every day, is watch a new movie. I like to observe other actors’ performances…it helps me hone my craft.” C: Did you always want to be an actor? GP: “You know, it’s funny……

AYUSH KALRA @ayushkarla “My illustrated series called Log Kya Kahenge x Didi, explores common prejudices that women face every day. My art can be seen as feminist, because it helps women display their pains, frustrations, and passions. I am not afraid to create uncomfortable artworks that challenge society, as, through them, I like to shed light on the patriarchy that surrounds us in Indian society. My motive is to change people’s perceptions by ridiculing society for its primitive opinions. My art takes a jibe at important issues through unfiltered images with a modern twist. Opinions are important, because they bring about new ideas and change. It is not enough to just have a strong opinion about something, it is also crucial to share them. And I do just that through…

Did you know that 95% of people experience acne before the age of 30? Maybe. But what if I told you that 27% of those people have fungal acne? My self included. In fact, there was a time—not too long ago, actually—when I assumed that every passing glance from a stranger was an examination of the condition of my skin. Especially my T-zone. While these self-conscious thoughts went completely against my nature as a Leo (IYKYK), my insecurities were tied up with this commonly misconceived skin condition that I furiously battled for years. Before I explain what fungal acne is, it’s worth addressing that the name is actually a misnomer. So, as unpalatable (to put it bluntly) as it may sound, ‘fungal acne’ is not exactly acne, but rather the…

First, some facts: all sunscreens are designed to protect skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure, and all sunscreens use either chemical or mineral active ingredients to get the job done. Chemical SPFs absorb UV rays, soaking them up sort of like a sponge and converting them into heat that is released from your skin (yes, science is magic). Mineral sunscreens do the same thing in addition to creating a protective shield that reflects and scatters harmful rays. Now, some more facts: despite plenty of chatter that chemical sunscreen is unsafe (‘It causes cancer!’, ‘It messes with hormones!’, says the Internet and probably a lot of people in your feeds), the FDA—and plenty of dermatologists—are so far unconvinced. “At this time, we cannot definitively say that chemical sunscreens are…

JUST LIKE SECOND SKIN This bunch is blessed with superpowers that include full coverage, radiant finish, and weightlessness that make ‘em the most-coveted formulas in the biz. THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT L’Oréal Paris' all-new Glycolic Bright range is targeted at those who crave a luminous complexion (and who doesn't, really). The range features a cleanser, day and night creams, serum, and sheet mask that are powered with lightweight AHA, aka glycolic acid, all of which work to even out the skin tone, lighten dark spots and blemishes, refine texture, and, of course, leave you with beaming skin. FOR THE GODDESS IN YOU The festive season is upon us, and Manish Malhotra Beauty has just dropped two new launches that should be on your radar. First up, the Strobing Cream, which…

MOODY MINIS If you love teeny-tiny skirts, the new season has brought with it options for literally every occasion. From casual styles to over-the-top details, both minimalists and maximalists will enjoy this silhouette. While most designers favoured bare legs, textured leggings made an appearance at Gucci and Zimmermann, adding personality to the look. While Versace’s coordinated skirt offered an edgy-but-grown-up appeal, we’re crushing over the risqué styles seen at Laquan Smith and Coperni. FLAUNT YOUR PINS MODISH MAXIS There are very few styles that can match up to the elegant allure of maxi skirts. And the iterations seen on the AW/22-23 runways exuded a certain timelessness that cemented our belief that this style isn’t going anywhere. Most designers played with dramatic cuts, prints, and styles to ensure that a maxi…

RETRO VIBES Old is literally gold when it comes to fashion trends. Turtleneck with high-waist briefs are giving us major popstar feels. However, you can work this look with shorts, instead. Add colour to your outfit by way of jewels—the more OTT, the better. THE RIGHT FIT Crop top and midi skirts make for a fun combination that work for many, many occasions. Think an exotic beach location, a fun Sunday brunch with your girlfriends, or even a party. Accessorise the look with statement earrings, a stack of gilded bracelets, and a mini bag. WORK AND PLAY Pair pretty pastels with neutrals to take your look from desk to dinner in a jiffy. An oversized blazer worn with a bodysuit allows you to keep it très chic at work. At…

NIDHI CHHUGANI, 27 “Needless to say, the plumage of the oversized blazer grabs the spotlight, but I like how the aqua-green sunglasses help break the monotone palette.” AKSHITA VOHRA, 24 “Being a fan of athleisure, I love this combo of a crop top and biker shorts. I’ve added a bright green shirt and dainty baubles for extra street cred.” AKSHITA KATARIA, 22 “Body-hugging dresses are my go-to pieces for a busy day. I like the tie-up detail that elevates this ‘fit.” AADITYA MUNJAL, 27 “I’ve colour-blocked my bomber jacket with my T-shirt. The kicks help bring the look together seamlessly.” DISHA AGARWAL, 23 “This lilac dress is equally parts glam and casual. For a day out, I like to keep it fuss-free with monochrome makeup and a pastel-toned sling bag.”…

“The last thing I said ‘screw it’ to was the pressure to be married by a specific time. You know, the checklist that women often bear the burden of…to find a partner at any cost and ‘settle down’ by a certain age. This pressure never bothered me until I hit my mid-30s, and suddenly it became a thing, a discussion point, especially when everyone around me seemed to be getting married and having babies. I think a lot of South Asian women—and women around the world—feel this pressure to reach certain milestones by certain points in their lives. And they could be extremely successful and living full lives otherwise, but these expectations around marriage remain. So I went through a phase of being very self-conscious about the fact that I…

“The one thing I have discarded from my life, fairly recently, is the desire to change the opinions of those who disapprove of me. I am an inherent people-pleaser, and I’d credit my need to not control the narrative as part of growing up… Women are often demonised for being successful. I have heard feedback like, ‘Oh, she’s really hungry for success’, or ‘She’s the kind of woman who’ll do anything to get ahead’, which is not the kind of stuff you hear about a successful man. But there’s not much you can do about it. Actor Reese Witherspoon once said in an interview that ‘ambition is not a dirty word’, and I agree with her. Women are constantly conditioned to look and be soft, and so any time we…

“Over the years, I have learned to stop overthinking my mistakes and perceived failures. I learn from them, but I no longer allow them to consume me. Today, I am committed to living my truth. But years ago, I had moments of self-doubt and internal conflict. I allowed other people’s opinions to bother me and bog me down, because I was not entirely comfortable with myself. It was only when I understood my potential, and learnt to authentically love and accept myself, that other people’s opinions stopped affecting me. I think we need to give fewer f*cks about what other people think of us, and keep more f*cks for ourselves. If you want to wear something, wear it. If you want to do something, do it. You have to focus…

“I am a social activist deeply invested in protecting democratic spaces, as well as defending and protecting human rights. I think we have done some groundbreaking work with SheSays. One of the biggest wins for us has been declaring sanitary napkins tax-free, which is, till date, the largest global campaign pushing for menstruating people to have guaranteed access to menstrual hygiene and sanitation. In less than 24 hours, we hit over 24 million impressions on Twitter, and the campaign [#LahuKaLagaan] is one of the most widely-used hashtags on Twitter as well. But while that was a big win for me, the reason I continue to show up on-ground is because of a case where a four-year-old child had been raped. After years of working with her family, and going through…

It’s 1982. Shoulder pads are in, the hair is big. White wine spritzers are the height of chic and Culture Club gets you on the dance floor. Women are stealthily working their way up the professional ranks. Hell, there is even a woman running the country (hi, Maggie aka Margaret Thatcher). Oh, and everyone you know is reading Having It All: Love, Success, Sex, Money (Even If You Started With Nothing) by Helen Gurley Brown. You may not be a fan of the term but, back then, ‘having it all’ was a big deal. Helen, who at the time had been at the helm of Cosmopolitan US for 20 years, was “a trailblazer in the women’s liberation movement”, says Canada-based Kaitlynn Mendes, professor of gender, media, and sociology at the University of Leicester.…

Dear Minaa, One of my best friends from college and I are still close, but our friendship has changed a lot over the past few years. I think part of it stems from her spending most of the pandemic alone and feeling isolated. We talk a lot about how frustrated she is with her dating life and how she has recently taken steps to ensure that she can be a parent without a partner. Lately, she’s been playing with the idea of starting IVF soon-ish—and she just turned 30. In my opinion, she’s getting a bit ahead of herself. Another change: she’s making an effort to stand up to toxic people in her life and let them know how they have wronged her. Now, most of our conversations centre on…

INTO THE FUTURE Cosmo: How did you decide to launch Nothing? Tell us the story behind the name. Carl Pei: “The journey was a bit tough, because we launched Nothing during the pandemic. The supply chain was disrupted and it was hard to convince people to work with a small company. We began working from a modest bar in London, and the situation improved with the launch of the Nothing Ear (1) Stick Wireless Earbuds. And once the Nothing Phone (1) was introduced in the market, it not only helped us raise funding, but also improved the company’s overall condition. During the ’80s and ’90s, the tech industry was defined by Sony’s Walkman, CD players, and MP3 devices. And later, Apple took over the market. However, ever since the launch…

A AI AND AR Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) have revolutionalised the beauty industry. Many brands use these technologies to recommend products according to one’s skin colour and tone by enabling virtual make-up testing, so that you can assess whether or not a product looks good on you. Brands like Lakmé, L’Oréal Paris, M·A·C, Maybelline New York, Chanel, among others, along with beauty e-retailers like Nykaa.com and Boddess.com offer virtual try-ons to make shopping for make-up and skincare online not just easier, but also a lot of fun. B BESPOKE Customisation is not limited to fashion any longer. There are many skincare, haircare, and make-up brands that are founded on the principles of creating a customised routine and/or formula to suit one’s individual needs. And we couldn’t be…

DOYAMONTI’S ARMS BY IFFAT NAWAZ Author of (soon-to-be-published) Shurjo’s Clan Around the time the world had forgotten about borders, or maybe it was before such boundaries were born, there lived a Goddess named Doyamonti. She had not two, not four, but six arms. With her six arms, she guided the six continents. Two of her arms carried parijat and plumeria; with those two arms Doyamonti tended to all children, waking them up right when dawn’s melodramatic hues wiped away the last breaths of the night sky. The flowers she carried in those hands touched every growing body, she rubbed the fragrance onto their skin, and the children felt protected and guided by the Goddess Doyamonti who watched over them, their parents, and all the rivers of this Earth. With the…

It’s time to turn to the heavens and indulge in some star gazing! Aquarius 20.01–18.02 Dear Aquarians, this month expect peace, harmony, and happiness in your love life. However, if the passion is lacking, get creative and spice things up in the boudoir. On the work front, things are looking up—even a promotion could be on the horizon! Those looking for jobs will be able to secure employment before the end of the month. Reminder: save money for rainy days, pay off your debts, and set aside finances to pamper yourself. Pisces 19.02–20.03 Oh Pisces, if there’s been turbulence in your relationship, it might be time to end things. Singles, don’t be in a rush to fall in love this month either! At work, make sure that you surround yourself with…