Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2018 i Cosmopolitan

This Month on Cosmopolitan.com Ever wondered what it’s like to be Kate Middleton? Us too. Get all the deets online from senior writer Rebecca Nelson as she lives like a royal for a week. CARRY ON Travel in style with a standout marbleized roller bag from the Cosmopolitan travel collection ($90, amazon.com). DON’T MIND ME—JUST FLEXIN’ MY HUSTLE Just Sayin’ Snap and share this month’s inspo on your social channels with the hashtag #CosmoInspo. HOW WE DO IT…IN MUNICH Q&A with Anja Delastik, editor of Cosmo Germany Q_ Best and worst things about dating German dudes? A_ There’s little to no machismo, so they treat women with respect. But they are a bit shy and have a hard time being vulnerable. Q_ Drink of choice? A_We love our beer. Weißweinschorle…

My weakness: Raw cookie dough. My best trait: My butt. And my worst: My hair. It’s like dog fur. It’s not long and silky—just furry. Current #WCW: My Aunt Debbie. She hiked to the base camp of Everest last October at 63 years old. My vice: Social media. I look at it when I wake up, before I go to bed…I have to go on a cleanse. I think it’s sexy when my husband: Draws my baths. I come home from work, and it’s all set up with wine so I can relax. The word I’d use to describe my first time: Finally. I hate it when: People at baggage claim are right up against the conveyer and don’t give you room to get your luggage. I travel so much that…

BACK IN FIRST, maybe second grade, I had a sign on my door that said No Girls Allowed. My friends and I wouldn’t hang out with any girls. Nobody told me that wasn’t okay, I think because we’re so used to this “let boys be boys” culture. The problem is, that then turns into “bros before hos” and a guy code that teaches men that our allegiance is to other men. Now we have a whole culture of men who don’t even realize they’re complicit in inappropriate behavior because they’re just “boys being boys.” The first step is recognizing that we are the problem. We really are. It was getting married and having my wife tell me that certain things aren’t okay—talking over her constantly, hugging every woman I meet…

Confessions “I am a pro Insta stalker. After I found my potential BF’s ex’s account, I ‘investigated’ her all the way to the beginning. Later when I returned to her page, I was so embarrassed once I saw a posted screenshot featuring all the notifications from my spree. A glitch had caused my phone to Like every picture as I scrolled down her feed. She thinks I’m a fan.”—STEVIE M., 22, THERAPIST/MODEL, NEW YORK, NY “I was visiting Poland and walked around Kraków for the day. Back at my hostel, I stood up, and a hostel-mate sitting behind me said, ‘Your trousers are ripped.’ I have no clue how long I had a rip in the middle of my pants! I hope my coat covered the free show!”—SAMMY JO S.,…

Get more play out of a sequin dress with a graphic tee and sneaks. Streamlined sportswear shines under a transparent anorak. Swinging fringe and track-inspired separates were meant for moving together.…

PRO TIP Dry sponges offer fuller coverage while damp ones give a sheerer finish (just leave it out to air-dry after).…

Only $15 or Less!…

SALICYLIC ACID The Acne Eliminator The OG of breakout banishers works two ways: “by exfoliating dead skin cells and reducing inflammation— two primary causes of acne,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a cosmetic derm in NYC. Use it morning and night. This wash delivers 2 percent (the max available in OTC acne products) in a whipped texture. Neutrogena Acne Proofing Whipped Foam Cleanser, $8.50, drugstores AZELAIC ACID The Redness Reducer Don’t let the idea of putting acid on angry skin scare you—this one blocks the inflammatory enzymes responsible for dilating capillaries and causing redness, says Dr. Idriss. If you’re dealing with minor flushing, add an azelaic acid–based OTC cream, like the one here, into your routine. If you have chronic redness, talk to your derm about an Rx version like Finacea…

Sporting “name” brands has taken on new meaning. Celebs have been rocking looks with their S.O.’s moniker or face on full display. “It’s like a billboard telling the world about the person who means the most to them,” says sex and relationship expert Megan Fleming, PhD, who believes putting your partner on your outfit signals to them—and others— that you’re proud of your connection. “It creates a ‘we’re in this together’ feeling,” she adds. Take a subtle or bold cue from these stars and wear your heart on your own sleeve, chest, neck… or anywhere else.…

Any of the more than 20 million women worldwide who get recurrent urinary tract infections (e.g., at least six per year) can tell you that UTIs are a major libido killer. For ladies prone to the problem, intercourse is fraught: All the down-there action can cause E. coli bacteria to migrate from a woman’s bum to her urethra and bladder, where it explodes into a painful sitch that brings on a near constant urge to pee—and actually peeing feels like streaming shards of glass. So, yeah, not exactly arousing. Until now, doctors have been stumped about why some women come down with UTI after UTI, yet in others, E. coli (which everyone carries to some extent) hangs around without incident. But a new study offers clues. It turns out that…

The work terrain feels kinda treacherous these days. Yes, the U.S. unemployment rate is at a decade long low, but that doesn’t mean all jobs are safe. Far from it: More than 6,000 retail stores have shuttered in the past year, cable companies and banks have closed hundreds of call center jobs, scores of entry-level gigs are at risk of becoming automated, and a slew of industries seem to be downsizing. All of which could spell one thing for countless employees: layoffs. No doubt, it sucks to get the proverbial pink slip—and in many cases, being shown the door is out of your control. But the right prep and skills can mean the difference between surviving and thriving or being paralyzed by despair. Here’s how to be ready. 1 Beware…

Red Velvet Cake Martini 1 T cream-cheese frosting¼ c. red sprinkles4 oz. cake-flavored vodka3 oz. milk1 T red velvet cake mixWhipped creamCandy conversation hearts, to garnish ▸ Spread frosting along rim of a glass. Shake sprinkles onto a plate and dip glass into sprinkles to coat. ▸ Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, and add vodka, milk, and cake mix. Shake, and strain into the glass. ▸ Top with a swirl of whipped cream and candy conversation hearts.…

1 Decide on a meeting place. In a crowd scare, technology may not function. “Agree on a meet-up point with your friends outside the venue,” says J. Pete Blair, PhD, executive director of Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training at Texas State University, whose active-shooter response training has been adopted by the FBI. 2 Mentally rehearse your exit plan. At most concerts and sporting events, you’ll walk through a main entrance. But venues have to have other ways to get out too. Look for these as soon as you get there, says Neil Strauss, author of Emergency. If there is a panic, everyone else will head out the way they came in. 3 Trust your gut. We have subconscious threat-detection machinery built into our brains, says Blair, and it often…

Without thinking about it, draw a tree in this box right now. NOW LET’S DECODE… Branches These indicate your ties to the outside world. Chatterboxes draw thick limbs. Few to no branches may mean you tend to keep stuff private. Leaves Fluffy foliage demonstrates a warm and caring nature, as opposed to detailed leafiness, which suggests you’re organized. Bare branches show you’re not afraid to be yourself. Trunk The stem of the tree reflects your own foundation. A sizable base hints at strength in the home or in yourself. Introverts are likely to draw a small trunk. Roots These anchors uncover your connection with the past. No roots suggest impracticality or that you’re going through some uncertainty or anxiety. Size If your tree takes up most of the box space,…

First and foremost, Cosmopolitan’s mission is to empower women to live their best lives and to arm them with the tools and inspiration to do just that. We also have a long history of celebrating guys, which has presented us with a unique—and some might say, unprecedented—challenge over the last few months. How can we responsibly uphold that tradition at a time when it feels difficult to laud men? As I write this letter, near-daily sexual-harassment claims are finally felling powerful men in almost every industry—from tech to entertainment to media to academia. And an avalanche of disturbing #MeToo revelations continues to fill our Facebook feeds. The result: A lot of women have taken a stance of understandable indignation toward men that extends far beyond the perpetrators. When I’ve questioned…

THE SLEW OF REVELATIONS across industries has made one thing clear: The scope of sexual misconduct in this country is way larger than many would have guessed. And although plenty of men would never dream of harassing female colleagues, the disturbing accounts of groping and gross comments have made even “good guys” wonder if they’ve ever unintentionally demeaned or sexually harassed a woman… and how they can make sure it never happens again. In fact, an exclusive Cosmo-Survey Monkey poll reveals that one-third of men are now reconsidering their workplace behavior, and nearly 20 percent are less at ease with female colleagues, for fear of inadvertently doing or saying the wrong thing (i.e., acting like the company creep). Guys, this is your guide on how to take action— alongside your…

“All men could ask, ‘How am I behaving differently toward this person because she happens to be a woman?’ We can limit our defensiveness if a woman shows us this article and we assume she has faith that we can be a part of the solution.” —MATT MCGORRY, ACTOR, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER “My first lesson in sexual harassment was when I was 8 years old. My brother and I catcalled a pretty girl, like we saw grown men do. My mother had none of it. She told us how disrespectful it was. I will never forget her lesson.”—TERRY CREWS, ACTOR, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE “It’s easy to be on autopilot at work. But take time to observe how women are treated. Hear their concerns. Say ‘How can I support…

Casual Confidence Boho slides and baggy jeans are cool and chill. Bold Intentions A mini and over-the-knee boots are for nights you’re feeling extra fierce.…

When you think of perfume, sweet florals, ocean air, and crisp citrus come to mind. But what if we told you that some of the sexiest scents have something more pungent at their core? “Anything off heightens the sexual aspect of a perfume,” says master perfumer Roja Dove. He’s referring to molecules that, in large quantities, can smell like sulfur, sweat, even stinky cheese. But when trace amounts are added to a fragrance, they create an aroma that can arouse more than just your senses. Your olfactory receptors subliminally detect the funky molecules, putting your overall sense of smell on high alert and making the reaction to the fragrance as a whole more powerful. Here are the notes that can turn you on. Animalics Civet, musk, and castoreum— all naturally…

When Dana spotted an internet coupon offering Juvéderm for a jaw-dropping $135, she added it to her cart stat. Since the hyaluronic-acid filler can run up to 10 times that amount, it seemed like an amazing deal. Fast-forward to a month after her appointment and the injection site on Dana’s face flared up, becoming red and swollen. She sought the advice of dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, who diagnosed her with a biofilm infection, which is caused by bacteria in the filler or from an unclean injection site and can take months to clear. Shady beauty “bargains”— and their ensuing issues—are becoming widespread across the country as the demand for injectables grows, particularly with the under-30 set. “I’d say 1 in 4 [bargain hunters] suffers some kind of complication,” estimates Miami…

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 timehonored and valuable dating skill. “It heightens sexual tension and distinguishes your dynamic from a justfriends situation, and it helps you gauge compatibility and chemistry on so many levels,” says dating coach Laurie Davis Edwards, founder of The Worthy One and author of Love @ First Click. The only problem? In the era of digital dating, you may never have learned this analog skill…or you’ve let it expire. Here’s how to signal you’re down to get much, much closer. Digital Flirting Use Enticing Words Data from dating app The League found that women who write mmm, cute, gorgeous, aww, or handsome in their messages are…

There is no such thing as the ideal girlfriend. It’s time to give up the hope that you can be fault-free, put-together all the time, and just the right amount of deferential and independent in a relationship. That idea is utterly unrealistic, keeps you in a constant state of not feeling good enough, and prevents you from developing real confidence. It can even end up putting unnecessary strain on your mate and bond. Think about it this way: Relationships are like musical instruments. If you expect to pick one up and quickly play it like a pro, you’re going to become frustrated, and you may just walk away from a good thing—missing out before you really even began. To foster a longterm, supportive, rock-solid connection and healthy self-esteem, try to…

1 Bad Timing Perhaps he’s leaving soon for a yearlong backpacking trip through Australia or he’s in-between moves. The right guy at the wrong time is still the wrong guy and can waste your time. Unless you both have a solid plan for making a future together happen, stop telling yourself he’s close to committing. 2 His Role Models Are Eternal Players He looks up to James Bond, Don Draper, or George Clooney (pre-Amal days) and is on a mission to sleep with every woman with a pulse. It’s safe to assume he won’t be ready for one woman until the whole player thing starts to seem stale. 3 He Feels Like He Just Hit His Prime Some men try to compensate for not having been the hot jock who…

The Bathing Booty Firmly plant your feet on the tub floor, and make sure they’re secure. Then bend over at the waist and spread your legs so your guy can enter you from behind. He gets a stellar view, while you get plenty of G-spot feels. The Edge of Glory Oral in the shower = an awesome adventure. Take turns sitting on the edge of the tub and pleasuring each other with your mouths. On your turn, switch up the pace of your tongue, twisting from long, slow licks to speedy circles. The Stream Team Face your partner, lean back against the shower wall, and wrap one leg around his torso. Then have him enter you. If you have a handheld showerhead, aim the water at your clitoris while you…

Ask Dr. Ashton Q Is it really a big deal that I lied to my gyno about how much I drink? A_ Yes. Doctors ask you about this because alcohol can affect your health and your likelihood for disease. For example, excessive booze intake is a known risk for breast cancer. And it can lead to unsafe sexual behaviors. When you’re honest, it gives your physician a chance to talk to you about these factors, work with you to figure out if you’re too dependent on drinking, and if necessary, help you cut back. Bottom line: Always be candid with your MD about everything. Q I have an irregular period. Does that mean I’m less fertile? A_ Fertility is a super-complex issue, so it’s hard to say. One or two…

Negative feels probably give you the urge to Bridget Jones a pint of chocolate chunk… versus cozying up to, say, a plate of steamed broccoli. And it’s natural to crave crap food when you’re in a crap mood, since sweets and simple carbs cause your brain to release hits of feel-good chemicals, says Rachel Lustgarten, RD, a clinical dietician at Weill Cornell Medicine in NYC. Unfortunately, the high doesn’t last. Unhealthy grub also spikes your blood sugar, which then crashes, leaving you sluggish, hungry, and no happier than you were before. Enter health coach Lindsey Smith, whose new book, Eat Your Feelings, shows how to curb outta-control emotional cravings with satisfying, healthy alternatives. Her philosophy: Feeding feelings like stress, sadness, and fatigue with solid, mood-boosting nutrients instead of garbage can…

Update the end date of your position on LinkedIn and use the Open Candidates tool to signal to recruiters that you’re now available for hire Using your contacts list, start sending personalized e-mails to people in your industry. Explain that you are looking for a new gig and would love to catch up over coffee. “This can lead to them saying, ‘We’re hiring. I’ll put in a good word for you,’” says Kenney. Be direct when you’re asked why you’re out of work. Chances are, people you know may have been laid off in their own careers. Go ahead—post on social. Keep it light, short, and fun: “Personal news alert! I am on the job market, looking for positions in [your career field]. If you need someone with excellent [industry…

Italian Stallions Cook your fave brand of FROZEN MINI MEATBALLS. While they’re still steamy, rest a slice of MOZZARELLA on top of each to melt, and garnish with torn BASIL. Now that’s amore. Cheesy Dudes Roll scoops of GOAT CHEESE in FLOUR and WHISKED EGG, then coat in PANKO CRUMBS. Freeze for 10 minutes, and panfry in CANOLA OIL. Top with HONEY and crumbled PISTACHIOS. SET THE FRIEND DATE February 13 isn’t V Day Eve—it’s Galentine’s Day, aka time to celebrate your platonic lady loves. SPRITZ YOURSELF Set out white wine, rosé, flavored club sodas, and fruit, and let your friends play bartender, mixing the perf sparkling sips. Dough Boys Form edible raw COOKIE DOUGH (get some at cookiedonyc.com) into bite size spheres, and shower with RAINBOW SPRINKLES. Keep refrigerated…

Don’t Fight the Crowd “A mass of people is like an ocean riptide,” says Neil Strauss. “If you’re stuck in it, go with the flow and work your way to the outside, where the crowd will be moving slower. Then duck into a door, alley, or side street.” Forget About Video Live-streaming is a total no when your safety is at risk. “Don't stop to see or find out what happened,” says Strauss. Instead, get as far away as possible, as there could be secondary shooters or devices in the area. Wait Until You’re Out of Harm’s Way, Then Text Your Friends Text messages are more likely to go through in an emergency than actual phone calls are. Drop to the Ground “In a live-shooter situation, people who drop to…

COVER (CAMILA) Alessandra Rich, office@alessandrarich.com. Lulu Frost, shopbop.com. Covergirl, drugstores. COVER (LILI) L’agence, shopbop.com. Edge o’ Beyond, edgeobeyond.com. Kenneth Cole, bloomingdales.com. Covergirl, drugstores. SUBSCRIBER COVER GoJane, gojane.com. Endless Summer, shopendlesssummer.com. Eye M by Ileana Makri, eye-m-ileanamakri.com. L’agence, shopbop.com. Edge o’ Beyond, edgeobeyond.com. Kenneth Cole, bloomingdales.com. GET INTO IT PAGE 5: Nili Lotan, nililotan.com. J.Crew, jcrew.com. Pologeorgis, pologeorgis.com. Mr&Mrs Italy, mmi.it. GIRL-CRUSHING IT! PAGE 134: Fleur du Mal, fleur dumal.com. Milly, milly.com. Aurate, auratenewyork.com. PAGE 135: Emilio de la Morena, emiliodelamorena.com. Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com. Aurélie Bidermann, aureliebidermann.com. Zoe Chicco, zoechicco.com. PAGE 136: Haney, shophaney.com. Ariel Gordon, arielgordonjewelry.com. PAGE 137: Cynthia Rowley, cynthiarowley.com. Rachel Marus, rachelmarus.com. Shashi, shopshashi.com. Lulu Frost, shopbop.com. PAGE 138: Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, aliceandolivia.com. Beija London, beija.london. Zoe Chicco, zoechicco.com. PAGE 139: Smythe, shopsmythe.com. Leigh Miller,…

MOSTLY A’ S Wingwoman Wunderkind Whenever a single friend is on the prowl, you’re more than happy to lend a hand. Helping homies get out of guy ruts sends your heart aflutter, even if you’re still flying solo. Keep doing your thing, but make sure you’re meeting your own needs too! MOSTLY B ’ S Salty Side-Chick You’ve taken one for the team so many times that you’re getting resentful. It’s nice to keep others in mind, but you’ll regret always passing on promising matches. Limit what you do for others, and know when it’s time to prioritize your own love life. MOSTLY C ’ S Hottie Hog On the off chance you try to run interference, you end up interested. Don’t monopolize the singles’ section. If you just can’t…

David Beckham The soccer star and underwear icon prob looks this good sans any morning routine. Still, he’s helping the rest of mankind with a new guys’ grooming line, House 99. Hairspo + Skinspo “Grooming isn’t about how you look—it’s about how you feel. It’s about trying new things and shaping your next look. I created House 99 to give people inspiration and the right products to try something different.” The Brand-Name Game “1999 was a critical year for me. A lot changed! I got married, Manchester United won three major championships, and my eldest son, Brooklyn, was born.” Glam Man “I start with a shower, then use a cleanser, moisturizer, and eye balm. My grooming routine takes less than 10 minutes—a bit quicker than my wife’s!” Style #Goals “I…

“Men get fixated on the ‘sexual’ component of sexual harassment and say ‘It’s impossible for me to have sexually harassed so-and-so. I’m not attracted to them,’” says Patti Perez, a VP at Emtrain, which trains companies on how to prevent and resolve sexual harassment. “But stopping sexual harassment at work is really about respect—having the same level of respect for all your colleagues, male and female.” These are the ground rules for acting appropriate. Go Hands-Off “No one wants to work in an environment with no human element,” says Perez. But other than a handshake or fist bump—which 81 percent of people think is fine— no touching. Back rubs, shoulder pats, and the like may seem innocent, but always err on the side of caution. Keep Looks Out of It…

A male coworker tells Mindy that her breast-feeding in public is disgusting. “This harassing comment shames women for a natural biological process,” says clinical psychologist Sheela Raja, PhD. Hannah’s peers tell her to “get used to” their handsy boss. “This makes women who report abuse feel like culprits who need to think about the well-being of their harassers,” says Raja. A guy Robin rejected is a bigwig at her new job, and he’s telling lies about their sex life. “This is particularly egregious because of his position,” says anti-harassment consultant Susan Strauss. The staff finds out Izzie used to be an underwear model, and they tape up pics of her all over work. Everything about this episode likely constitutes a fireable sexual-harassment offense.…

When to Chill Out Embrace the cold temps…at home. “Cooling products cause your blood vessels to contract, reducing puffiness, inflammation, and large pores,” says cosmetic dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD. Wide-awake eyes and calm, bright skin await. 1 TIGHTEN PORES This primer acts like shrink-wrap, thanks to cold-water algae and blurring mineral pigments. 2 ENLIVEN EYES Way better than a chilled spoon, this cooling mask sends under-eye bags packing. 3 EVEN OUT INFLAMMATION All-star aloe is the ideal redness antidote. It freshens and soothes to cancel out ruddiness. 4 DEFY DULLNESS To wake up your complexion, apply this chilly citrus multitasker for three minutes, then scrub with the beads as you rinse. When to Heat Up The warming sensation these buys provide doesn’t just feel amazing. “By raising your skin’s temperature,…

1 Google your injector. Find a board-certified cosmetic derm or plastic surgeon with a valid license to practice in the U.S. who treats patients in a medical office. Or use the find-a-physician locator on the product websites. 2 Inspect your fillers. Make sure the box is in English and unopened. Look for the sticker with the product name, lot number, and expiration date. “The doc should place this in your chart. You can ask to see it,” says Dara Liotta, MD. 3 Eye your toxin. For Botox, find OnabotulinumtoxinA on the vial and carton, plus an Allergan hologram on the vial. For Dysport, AbobotulinumtoxinA should appear, and Galderma should be on the upper left corner of the carton.…

1 The checklist of qualities you need your partner to have is rigid and inflexible. __TRUE __FALSE 2 You nitpick at things like their eating habits or their style. __TRUE __FALSE 3 When you get into a fight, you find it nearly impossible to make up. __TRUE __FALSE If you answered mostly true, you may be holding your partner to unrealistic ideals. Instead of fixating on superficial faults, focus on the harmony you two do have. Then ask if he or she is open to learning and evolving. If you answered mostly false, you’re allowing your mate to have their own flaws. The ability to love and respect each other in spite—and because—of these imperfections (within reason!) can strengthen your connection.…

Help! My fiancé and I are stuck in a serious date-night rut. We go to the same restaurant, order the same thing.... He sees nothing wrong with it. How do I tell him we need to switch it up? A_ In life, it’s always easier to criticize than to come up with a better option. In relationships, it’s always easier to blame your partner than to take responsibility. But easy doesn’t get results. If you don’t like the same ol’ same ol’, don’t just gripe, “I’m so bored with that dive on Main Street. If I have to eat another burger....” Come up with a specific plan of how you’re going to update your routine, then tell him, “Let’s go. Get in the car. It’s a surprise. I’ll drive.” I’ve…

I just got engaged, and the sex with my fiancé is better than ever. What’s going on? A_ Any chance he popped the question one year into your relationship? That’s when most couples say their sexual satisfaction peaks, according to a study in Archives of Sexual Behavior. But there’s another way putting a ring on it can jack up your libido. All the excitement may prompt a rush of desire-revving hormones like dopamine and testosterone in both of you. “When you feel like, ‘we’re in this for the rest of our lives,’ it shifts your mindset,” explains sex therapist Megan Fleming, PhD, and that can lead to electric sex. How do I get my guy to try new positions? A_ There are two types of approaches, says Fleming. Over a…

Getting out of bed in the dark dead of winter (aka right freaking now) truly sucks. But it might be a key part of your overall well-being. Research shows that self-identified morning people—anyone who feels energized in the a.m. as opposed to those who hit snooze seven times—tend to be happier and report feeling physically healthier than night owls do. And a study in the journal PLOS One found that morning people have a lower body mass index—perhaps because catching sun before noon synchronizes your circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, and helps keep your metabolism on track. Down to reap the perks? You’ll have to commit to the morningperson lifestyle seven days a week. “If your ideal weekend involves staying up all night and sleeping until noon, it’s going…

You’ll Live Just Don’t Let’s put it this way: One recent study found a “significant amount” of bacteria on bath towels after just 7 days, and the load “dramatically increased” after 14. “Bacteria and other microbes thrive in moist, warm conditions— and sheets usually fit at least one of those criteria,” says Lisa Yakas, microbiologist at NSF International, a global public health and safety nonprofit. The not-so-snuggly things that love your dirty bedding include yeast and mold (which can magnify allergies) and coliforms (i.e., nasties like E. coli that come from fecal matter)—pretty gross, if not exactly life-threatening. “I would not expect someone to get seriously ill from sleeping on dirty bed sheets,” says Yakas, “but I personally wouldn’t want to lie in yeast, mold, and E. coli.” If you…

Light-colored gym clothes are cute... until you end up with visibly damp butt cheeks. Fret not— we tried a slew of options to find ones that’ll keep your booty high and dry. 1 “After hot yoga, there was no visible soak (the color, neon pattern, and material helped), and the pants were dry to the touch. Yes, I touched my sweaty ass.”—FAYE BRENNAN, DEPUTY EDITOR 2 “They’re so silky and light that I thought they’d broadcast my damp undercarriage to the entire gym. Nope. They hid the wetness so well that I went straight from barre to brunch— don’t judge!”—ASHLEY OERMAN, WELLNESS EDITOR 3 “Spinning gives me butt splotches even when I’m in dark leggings. But these kept me dry. I rode the train home staring at my hoo-ha to…

89 The percentage of people who’ve successfully negotiated down a price at least once. SOURCE: 2013 CONSUMER REPORTS SURVEY Cable, Phone, and Wi-Fi Plans Hunt online for the best deals, then dial up your provider. “Tell them you’re switching to a competitor if they can’t lower your rate to match what you found,” says financial expert Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial. Frequently, they’ll agree (this can cut your monthly fee by $10 or more). They may also sweeten the deal with extras like premium channels or faster internet speeds. Hotel Rooms Check discount sites like Hotwire, then call the front desk. Say you’d love to visit, but it’s a bit out of your budget. Do they have any special promotions beyond the rates you’ve found? And if your plans are…

What do Hollywood and high school have in common? Both have a reputation of generating the archetypal mean girl—you know the breed: pretty, popular, two-faced. That’s what makes the CW megahit Riverdale all the more surprising. Its female leads actually—wait for it—like each other, even when the cameras stop rolling. Another departure: Although based on the iconic Archie Comics that started in the 1940s, this small-screen adaptation explores the dark side of a seemingly idyllic small town. At the center of the twisted plotline are Cleveland native Lili Reinhart, 21, and Camila Mendes, 23, who has Brazilian roots. Lili’s sweet, shy Betty plays amateur murder detective, and Camila’s Veronica—an updated version of the spoiled rich girl— struggles to forgive a controlling father just out of jail. Ahead of Riverdale’s hotly…

1. It’s last call at the bar. You’re the one: ___A Scanning the stools for hotties with wedding rings so no one wastes their time pining over unavailable guys. ___B Seriously regretting that you agreed to share a ride home with your roommate and her hookup. Anyone got earplugs? ___C Sloshed on vodka sodas, falling in love with strangers left and right. 2. Your girl is close to sealing the deal, so you: ___A Spill a drink on yourself (oops) so you have an excuse to leave the lovebirds alone. Her happiness is worth more than your suede booties. ___B Let her retell your pants-shitting horror story for laughs, even though she didn’t clear it with you first.… ___C Put on blinders and flirt like a champ— it’s every woman…