Innholdsfortegnelse for January - February 2024 i Cosmopolitan India

In the past few years of adulting with life, work, and all that makes the sum total of it, my ruminations on the plan ahead and actions that lead to checking off the master list of to-dos have had a major overhaul. The five-year-ago me would have festered over perfection, not realising that the eternal pursuit of it is an urban legend. All I needed was to deeply breathe in the moment, and as deeply exhale out self-doubt. Embracing my own power became an act of major self-acceptance and self-actualisation. So simple, yet so powerful—believing in yourself and in your strengths with absolute certainty was the noise-cancellation machine (ahem… Neuralink) I needed. Of course, that also came with owning my power enough to own up to my failures, and moving…

THE HANDMAID’S TALE by MARGARET ATWOOD This dystopian tale unfolds in a near-future New England, where the Republic of Gilead—a patriarchal theonomic state—rises after toppling the US government. Within its confines, this 1985 novel describes the plight of disempowered women, the erosion of female agency and identity, and the stifling of reproductive rights. The story is centred on how women employ diverse strategies to regain individuality and independence. THE POWER by NAOMI ALDERMAN A daring and imaginative work, Alderman’s book ventures into an alternate realm. It offers a gripping exploration of a future where women have authority and strength while men bear the repercussions of historical sexism and oppression. A USP of this fictional universe: teenage girls hold the power to cause agonising pain and even death. HOMELESS by K…

When was the last time you indulged in a slice of cake without guilt? Can’t remember, right? I couldn’t either! We consume a variety of food daily but hardly do we pay attention to how that food makes us feel. It seems like we are always striving for the ‘perfect’ body type or obsessing over calorie count. It is easy to get overwhelmed because of social media’s relentless stream of information. Tired of constant bombardment of diet fads on social media, intuitive eating seemed like an interesting concept to me. So, I decided to give it a try. My goal was to track my eating habits for a week and see what all the fuss was about. How does intuitive eating differ from traditional dieting approaches? Integrative lifestyle expert, Luke…

Did you know that gold hoops, which are a major statement piece in our wardrobe today, have actually been around since forever? Archaeologists have unearthed hoop forms, which resemble contemporary accessories, from the ruins of Greek and Mesopotamian eras. Yes, these slim oval or the thick cuff-like hoops were worn by Sumerian queens and princesses of Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. Even today, wearing them can make you feel like royalty. What was historical then, is a fashion statement now. Bottom line is that gold hoops and sculptural statement pieces transcend time by making any woman feel powerful, glamorous and noticed. These jewelled pieces aren’t just elegant additions to your jewellery box but also prove to be fantastic gifts for your bffs. HERE ARE SUREFIRE WAYS TO FEEL PUT…

POWER PLAY Global luxury brand Dhruv Kapoor has partnered with e-commerce platform, Ajio to launch an affordable men’s and women’s apparel line. Conceptualised to bring the eponymous designer’s playful designs to a wider audience, this platform-exclusive, vibrant collection features gender-neutral silhouettes with clashing prints and experimental denim that is perfect for GenZ shoppers. ALL THINGS SPIKED Charles & Keith has launched a six-piece capsule collection in collaboration with Asian-American designer, ChetLo. Find a range featuring the latter’s signature spikey popcorn knitting technique—from platform mules and tie-around ballerina flats with a flyback knit to sculptural sling backs and bear-spiked wedge heels, there’s a lot on offer. These unusual designs couple fierceness with chic modernity. SUIT YOURSELF The House of Gucci unveiled its latest Ancora campaign that pays homage to personal expression…

If I cut off toxic sister, I’ll lose my mom. Dear Minaa, I’m a twin, so a lot of people naturally assume my sister and I are super close. We’re not. Honestly, I wouldn’t even call what we have a relationship. It feels more like an obligation because we shared a womb. If I am being real, I don’t even like her as a person all that much—she has some very mean traits that I just cannot ignore anymore. Like, recently she begged me to go to a party with her, drove us there…and then left me stranded without warning or cause. And trust me, that’s a mild example. If it were just me, I would have cut her off years ago. I only stay semi-connected to her for the…

So, you are a nurse during the week and a travel influencer on the weekends. Or, you are a marketing assistant from nine-to-five, but a gig promoter at night. Rocking secondary gigs is the norm these days. In fact, recent stats suggest that almost 50 per cent in India have a side hustle, with Gen Z being the most likely of all generations to have one. Thing is, though, when you already have a demanding full-time job, you have got to be savvy about getting everything done on time and keeping your boss onside—here is how. ACTUALLY READ YOUR CONTRACT Repeat after us: now is not the time to mess around and ask for forgiveness later. “Scan your paperwork and read the fine print to see if your company has…

It is past midnight and Stand By You by Rachel Platten is playing on a loop. My indelible musings and persistent curiosity lead me down a rabbit hole of sorts as I try to make sense of love and relationships in a world that seems to be running high on harsh labels, unsolicited judgments, and stereotypes. What does it take to be brave in love? To fight the uphill battles that it can often come with? To choose a love that is shunned by the world but perfect for you? What does it take to find a love that screams you in every way? We speak to two couples and a throuple who remind us of a love that is perfectly imperfect, a love that grows in strength not despite…

Cosmo: You started modelling at a very young age. Was it a lifelong passion? Elnaaz Norouzi: Absolutely, I have always liked being in the spotlight. Since childhood, I aspired to become an actor and at some point it developed into a stronger desire of becoming a Bollywood actor. I remember I was 11-years-old when I suddenly became very tall. By the time I turned 14, I naturally had the figure of a model. That was the main reason why I could start so early. Also as a model, you do get to act in ad-films, and that helped me understand the camera enough to be comfortable experimenting in front of it. C: How has the transition from modelling to pursuing an acting career in Bollywood been like so far? EN:…

This Is Me…Now: The Film February 16, Amazon Prime Video We are certain…2024 is going to be JLo’s year! This highly entertaining musical extravaganza (it’s an extension of the singer’s deeply personal album, This Is Me…Then) is a narrative-driven, funny, sexy, and intimate reflection on her journey to self-healing and finding everlasting love. Yodha March 15, In Theatres Get, set, go! Actor Sidharth Malhotra stars in this action-thriller, portraying the role of an off-duty soldier who finds himself in a plane hijack situation. He must fight the terrorists, rescue the passengers, ensure their safety and devise a survival strategy after the plane’s engine dies. We bet this is the adrenaline rush you need from screen time. Fighter Now Showing, In Theatres Gear up to welcome the blockbuster trio on screen!…

BALMY SWIPE Move over glazed skin…you’ve got competition. The glazed blush trend—one that’s taken the Internet make-up girls by storm—was also trending on the runway. Now, who doesn’t love a hint of hue across the cheekbones? Y2K LASHES Yes, clumpy lashes of the 2000s are back…only, this time, it’s slightly cleaner than you’d expect it to be. Imagine, your mascara mistake can now pass off as a boon. What a time to be alive. BOLD, BOLD, EYE, EYE! Not for the faint-hearted, this signature eye make-up is one wherein you swipe that colour generously onto the eyelids. Nothing like a bold stare to get the crowd to stop stat. GONE GRUNGE We’re calling it the return of the ’90s grunge lips—ombré, heavily stained, vixen-esque, there’s something for every kind of…

TREND ALERT: THE RETURN OF METALLIC LIDS Metallic swatches gently dabbed across eyelids were a rage at the Spring/Summer 2024 runway shows—think design houses like Marni and Pierre Cardin—in every fashion capital. This not-so-subtle metallic sheen can be played up or down, according to the mood you are in. Be it a last-minute party look that you’re aiming to achieve or just an ‘I mean business’ vibe that you’d like to opt for, we urge you try this chic eye make-up trend. CONFIDENCE AND COMFORT Nothing can give you boss girl vibes like a long-lasting perfume. And Gris Dior does exactly that. Perfumer François Demachy has used bergamot, rose, and cedarwood tones to create a fragrance that defies gender and evokes confidence. Who doesn’t want to smell both sweet and…

Born and raised in Chandigarh, Kanika Goyal has always had a thing for fashion. After studying at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, and later at Parsons School of Design, New York, she honed her skills—prioritising quality and detail along with crucial business aspects of fashion—during apprenticeships at some of the biggest names in the industry like Prada, Marchesa, and the Adidas Group, to name a few. Now, at her eponymous brand, the designer creates clothes perfect for those who are confident, stylish, and effortlessly cool. One thing’s for sure—she’s a powerhouse in the Indian fashion space. Cosmo: You’re preparing for your inaugural showcase at London Fashion Week (LFW) this month. Tell us how you feel. Kanika Goyal: “I feel grateful to showcase our [Kanika Goyal Label’s] craftsmanship…

24K LIPS This could also be called your ‘Work of Art’ era. Dive in by drawing on an inky black lip base, then dabbing an ultra-shiny gold gloss on top, focusing on the centre of your mouth. Blend it out with a lip brush for an ombré effect. TWO-TONE EYES Forget what you have heard. Gold and silver look 100 per cent cooler when worn together. Tap a silver shadow all over your lids, then use a blending brush to sweep gold shadow from the centres of your lids past your outer-eye corners and along your lower lash lines. Finger jewels optional, but obviously encouraged. MAXIMALIST MANIS The vibe: matching your nails to whatever statement pieces you have got on your fingers, ears, and neck. Personally, we cannot look away…

POPULAR CHOICE LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR RADHIKA SETH POPULAR CHOICE BODY LOVE INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR AASHNA BHAGWANI POPULAR CHOICE LUXURY FASHION INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR AASHNA SHROFF POPULAR CHOICE EMERGING COMIC OF THE YEAR AATMAN DESAI POPULAR CHOICE LGBTQIA+ VOICE OF THE YEAR ANISH BHAGAT POPULAR CHOICE TRAVEL INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR ANUNAY SOOD POPULAR CHOICE COMIC OF THE YEAR (FEMALE) APOORVA POPULAR CHOICE EMERGING BEAUTY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR (UNDER 50K) ASHREY PURI POPULAR CHOICE ARTIST OF THE YEAR DEBARATI ROY POPULAR CHOICE EMERGING FASHION INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR (UNDER 50K) GARIMA BIYANI POPULAR CHOICE FASHION INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR (MALE) MANAV CHHABRA POPULAR CHOICE AGELESS INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR MUKTA SINGH POPULAR CHOICE TECH INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR SANIDHYA TULSINANDAN POPULAR CHOICE FASHION INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR…

How many times have we sat with our friends, hopefully sipping on and biting into whatever nourishes our souls, and asked “Could a boy be threatened by a girl’s success? Once the unattainable becomes attainable does love end? Do no butterflies mean no love? Is there any logic in love? In a world of options, is monogamy too much to expect?”. The unending list of dating woes goes on… Now picture the enticing world of actors and influencers, those on-camera lives we so badly want an off-camera peek into. Squished perfectly in between is Shenaz Treasury’s latest creative endeavour, a book that trapezes (yes, we’re inspired by the six-pack Brazilian, Cirque du Soleil performer she dated), tumbles, and traverses the many (hey, why not, we’re cheering!) boys she’s dated. We…

You have probably heard the phrase ‘the skinification of hair’ by now, or noticed how many more hair products include ingredients you recognise from skincare. Maybe you have spotted a sharp rise in scalp products on the shelves, or all the different treatments going viral on social media (we see you, rosemary oil). Reader, as a curly girl, I knew exactly where this was going. In my most haircare-obsessed days, I had a seven-product routine that involved endless sectioning and combing, as well as overnight masks. Now, I use just three products and my hair has never been better. If you have dived head first into better haircare but your hair isn’t getting happier—or is actively getting worse—you are not going crazy. There are many things that can go wrong…

MEENAL SHARMA, 21 “I’m rocking my favourite MartyCo ensemble—the Marty Star red set. Picture this: A fierce red crop tee paired with a sleek full-length skirt—it’s all about that chic life. I have accessorised with Loewe black glasses and a statement pearl necklace. This is one of my favourite looks.” YASH CHAUHAN, 26 “I have incorporated old money aesthetic in this look—H&M’s classic white tanks and an oversized shirt from Powerlook paired with timeless, off-white trousers from Rare Rabbit. An Armani Exchange watch and footwear from Westside helps elevate the look.” SAASHA SARIN, 22 “I created this look for a Crocs India campaign, and instantly fell in love with it. The completely ripped denim from Jaded London is edgy when paired with a bedazzled red mesh top that features in-built…

Here’s a list of things I’ve cried over: adverts, dead goldfish, The Simpsons, falling out with a mate (I am talking 45 minutes of wailing after school). When a man blocked me with his briefcase from getting on the subway “because he was first” (he wasn’t), rage-induced tears flowed in public. Yesterday, reading about long Covid left a breeze block in my throat. These are all incidents I have never given much thought to (I mean, it’s adorable how much Homer loves Maggie…and clearly, I have daddy issues), but when I started seeing videos about being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) all over socials, and heard Lorde and Nicole Kidman both identifying as such, I started to wonder: could I also be an HSP? I have always said that my…

There was once a girl who shifted cities to start college. She was charming, attractive, and bright; and caught the attention of one of the handsome guys in class right away. He was 21, a well-liked and intelligent fellow who also happened to play football. On her first day, she sat next to him, just like what you’d expect in a typical romcom. In the coming weeks, they talked, went to parties together, helped each other out with assignments, giggled in between classes, and shared intimate secrets. Everything was perfectly fine until one cold day…he started avoiding her, telling her that he was up to his ears and would meet her soon—but he never did. In all her frenzy and panic, I met her over lunch and heard her rant…

Few things are considered truly sacrosanct in friendships: never reveal their darkest secrets, never bring a partner to a girl’s night, never pull an embarrassing story out of the archives in public—and, for most people—never date their ex. As the world gets flatter every day with more dating apps than can fit on your phone’s home screen, there seems less justification than ever for going out with a friend’s former partner. This isn’t the 90s, where we are forced to function on a 5km social radius. We have limitless potential dates just a swipe away, a Friday night paramour conjured up in minutes, a ‘looking to look it down’ waiting in the wings on Hinge. How then, in a scenario where you can date beyond any border, can dating a…

ADVENTURE CORE What’s après-ski without the thrill of potential frostbite? UP IN THE CLOUDS Why, yes, you can live out your ethereal Greek goddess dreams through your outfits this season, and I call whichever one gets to ride on Pegasus. PASSPORT, STAMPED Kat Graham has literally and figuratively been there, done that. See: her years dominating TheVampire Diaries as Bonnie, her stuck-in-your-head musical bops, her full-throated rom-com renaissance, and her consistent serving of face (as proven by these photos). Now she has added ‘author’ to her résumé. Her first book, an illustrated journal titled Seasons of You, came out on in November. And once you have used it to guide yourself through a lovely little meditation, feel free to keep up with Kat on her TIME World Tour. GET IN…

Colder climes (or not)… this weightless, ultra-hydrating product will lock in the moisture and give you a fresh pout all day, err day. Whether you blend into your foundation or dab it as is…just remember, we mean it when we say it’ll be *glow o’clock*! This pressed powder will have you obsessed… it’ll both set your make-up and help you contour your face. A floral and fruity fragrance that’ll make you feel fresh all the time. It’s almost like finding summer in a bottle. With a formula perfected and enriched with reflective pearls, this product is what you need for an ultra-fine texture. Face card approved! Imagine a transparent hue that’ll give you a lush pout in just one swipe—Yepp! It’s here. Want to look red-carpet ready? This creamy matte…

Aries The good: you’re in for a great Valentine’s Day, with either your SO or your squad. The bad: you’re dealing with exes for pretty much all of Pisces season. Once Aries season begins, though, your love life starts to blossom…until (you guessed it) Mercury Retrograde strikes in early April. Taurus You’re reaching a critical moment in your career, and if you keep working this hard, you’ll be showered with rewards (a promotion, a raise, a job offer) by the end of Pisces season. Then Aries season arrives to help you clear out any personal baggage so you’re truly thriving just in time for your birthday. Gemini Gemmy, you are busy. And it’s not just work. You’re somehow doing all the things and going to all the places with all…