Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Cosmopolitan

Mesmerizing Braid Videos FTW Looking for some epic beauty ideas? Watch hairstyling pro Stasha Harris work her magic in our exclusive video series The Braid Up (catch it on YouTube and Facebook). Raise your hand if you need to point bae in the right direction this V Day (please no more teddy bears). Your solution: From January 21 to February 14, send them to Spencer’s for a hyper-curated selection of Cosmo’s spiciest gifts, like our supes-fun sex games Truth or Dare and 365 Naughty Nights. Okay, you can put your hand down now—your V-Day plans are officially amazing. Use the promo code COSMO at Spencer’s or SpencersOnline.com to get 20% off any one Cosmo item. Valid from January 7 online (and January 21 in stores) through February 14. PJ PARTY!…

James McAvoy …gives good split-personality villain in Glass (January 18) and handsome writer in this summer’s It: Chapter Two. ▶ Spreading the Love “I’m a fan of Valentine’s Day, but I would rather see Valentine’s Day every day. I don’t like feeling like I have to be romantic. I love the idea of buying gifts all through the year or finding another way to make somebody feel special.” ▶ Behind the (Sex) Scenes “There was a very technical sex scene in Atonement. The director wanted us to kiss with tongue, and Keira Knightley was wearing a dress that was made out of tissue paper, like it would fall apart if I blinked too hard. The scene wasn’t actually sexy at all, but they rarely are.” ▶ Creep Factor “With Glass,…

“After an amazing time, we went back to his place and started hooking up… and he accidentally called me Angela. I was annoyed but gave him the benefit of the doubt. I went to the bathroom and was looking under the sink for some toilet paper when I found a picture of him and his wife on their wedding day. I brought it out and said, ‘This must be Angela,’ then ordered an Uber and walked right out.”—MICHELLE T., 23 “Things were going really well on a first date. When I asked him about his job, he told me he was ‘between contracts’ but then admitted he was moving to another state the next week. Next week? Clearly he was just looking for one last hurrah.”—KRISTINA R., 26 “One time,…

FOR THE ROMANTIC Match the boots to your jacket for a cohesive look, and pick a sweet dress to balance out the badass. FOR THE VINTAGE-OBSESSED BABE The ’60s called and they are very jealous of your easy-hot vibe rn. FOR THE IT GIRL Let your boots peek through an asymmetrical skirt, and bring the heat with a fitted corset top. FOR THE INDIE-ROCK CHICK Got a date and a concert on the same night? Here: denim mini, band tee, snakeskin. Done.…

Unexpected hookup? This portable razor also packs water and shea butter, so you can sneak in a shave literally anywhere. A coat of wax-free mascara makes lashes look fluttery, and it washes off with zero mess. The makings of a perfect V Day: silk pajamas, silk sheets, and silky hair, thanks to this deep conditioner. It delivers a make-out-worthy mouth (plump, smooth, kissable lips) in minutes. And… it’s obvious Insta bait. Spread some across your nose, pore-strip style—removal is just as effective (and satisfying). Who needs a ring when you can have bling on every finger? Add a metallic flick and suddenly your daytime look is date-night ready. This brush creates major volume (and as we all know, the bigger the hair, the better). ▶ Open your Amazon App ▶…

My boyfriend Kurt and I knew it sounded crazy. We were unmarried and in our 20s, had only been dating for six months, and were already in couples counseling. That’s why we didn’t tell anyone. We were nervous enough about it—I was legit shaking during our first visit—and we were worried people would think it meant that our relationship was falling apart fast. Except it wasn’t. Kurt and I had only one issue, really: I eventually wanted kids and he didn’t. We were hoping a professional could help us figure out a compromise because otherwise, what was the point of continuing to date? Turns out, we didn’t need to be so hush-hush about our appointments. It’s not just common for couples in their 20s and 30s to go to therapy—it’s…

While her roommates bonded over inside jokes and 3 a.m. pizza runs, Julia, 21, spent most of her college time with her boyfriend. They’d met during her freshman year and quickly became inseparable—and not necessarily in the best way. One weekend, when her BF was off campus at a rugby tournament, Julia suddenly realized: “I had literally no one to hang out with.” She knew then that she’d gotten stuck in “dicksand,” the dreaded force that sucks you into being so preoccupied with the new person you’re dating that you ditch your other social connections (oh hey, Connie Britton in Dirty John). It may sound easy to avoid, but dicksand is strong and sneaky. You get caught up in the rom-com energy of a budding love story and next thing…

“When I was younger, I didn’t have a ‘real job’ but I wanted to do something special for my girlfriend. I raked neighbor’s leaves to earn just enough money to take her out. Kind of cheesy, but I think it was sweet for the both of us.” —CALEB R., 25 “Two years ago, my girlfriend and I spent our Valentine’s Day together in India. She was already there on a yoga trip, so I surprised her with a couples retreat that included massages and facials, followed by a dinner on the beach.” —KYLE A., 27 “Instead of doing the traditional card thing, my wife surprised me by leaving cute notes on my favorite candy. She wrote ‘I love you to pieces’ on a bag of Reese’s and stuck a note…

1 If you’re not in the mood to get it on, you still try to force yourself to be. _TRUE _FALSE 2 You often have trouble speaking up about what you prefer sexually. _TRUE _FALSE 3 Even outside the bedroom, you sideline any strong emotions. _TRUE _FALSE If you answered mostly true, you may have a wall between your emotions and your erotic desires. Listen to what your body and mind are telling you. If you answered mostly false, you are tuned in to how your mood can sway your sexual urges, and you respect the balance between them. Continue using that intel.…

Score a sweat sesh anytime, anywhere with this rope-skip move from CHARLEE ATKINS (@CharleeAtkins), founder of New York City–based workout class Le Sweat. In just a few minutes, you’ll start toning your arms, core, and legs. Holding a jump rope behind you, stand with your hands by your hips and your elbows and knees slightly bent. ▶ Rotate your wrists to swing the rope up from the ground and over your head. ▶ When the rope is in front of you, engage your core and hop over it, landing on the balls of your feet. ▶ Continue for two minutes. Repeat three to five times a week. NOW MAKE IT YOUR OWN… If running late is usually the only exercise you get… ▶ Ease into it by doing the drill…

Never Have Cold Feet Again Nab this throw blanket with a foot pocket (!) for extra snuggliness. Don’t Move a Muscle Program this life-changing gadget to do all the things: turn on the lights, A/C, and music. Cozify Your Headboard Tack a cute rug above your bed to warm up everything. Wine Racks = So Much Better Than Nightstands Know what your side table is missing? Booze. ▶ Open your Amazon App ▶ Tap the camera icon ▶ Choose Product Search ▶ Scan to shop!…

Get this: Nearly 20 million Americans are projected to get an STI this year. That number has skyrocketed lately, despite the fact that there’s a proven way to stop the spread: condoms! When used consistently and perfectly, they are highly effective, as you know, at protecting against pregnancy (with 98 percent efficacy) and many sexually transmitted pathogens. And yet, for the past four years in a row, the U.S. has consistently broken its own STI records. (The CDC reported that there were 2.3 million diagnoses of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2017—200,000 more than the previous year.) It’s partly because people just aren’t regularly using protection during sex, according to our exclusive survey in partnership with Power to Decide, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing unplanned pregnancy. Sixty-one percent of respondents…

DAD SNEAKS Take the edge off cool-girl kicks with some ruffles, dots, and florals. CARGOS A little fluff and a lotta pink make these typically laid-back pants superchic. Beauty Bonus Millennial pink from head to toe? Not mad at it. Make lips part of your look with Lancôme Prismatic Plump Lip Gloss in Passion Glow, $22. CAMO Sharp accessories transport this pattern from the army base to Sunday brunch. Making a Scene Jasmine Sanders, aka the 3.3-million-follower mega-influencer and model @Golden_Barbie, has walked the hottest high-fashion runways and posed for the most luxe campaigns. In other words, the girl knows her way around OTT outfits. Now, she’s branching out off-duty too, which means ditching a certain style crutch: “I’m breaking away from black and having more fun with colors, even…

SHADES: EASIEST EYE SPF EVER Do-It-All Balm Flaky cuticles, lips, and eyelids will love this all-natural healer. It contains soothing oatmeal and allantoin to reduce irritation. Eye Gel Thin under-eye skin is prone to dryness and fine lines, especially when it’s freezing outside. This lightweight but supremely hydrating honey gel fixes that. Lip Mask Cut the chap once and for all by replacing your regular balm with a mask. This one is clutch. YOUR TL;DR GUIDE TO EXFOLIATING When? Once a week if you’re dry or sensitive; every other day if you’re oily. With what? One of these multitaskers. Swipe it on with a cotton ball after washing to nix dead cells, stimulate new ones, and give skin a dose of antioxidants. This pulls double duty as a detoxifying charcoal…

Say it with us: sticho-mancy (pronounced stick-oh-man-see). It’s the ancient art of fortune-telling, using books you already own. Back in the day, it was done with classic texts like the works of Homer and Virgil and even the Bible. But now, stichomancers grab any book off the shelf, think of a question and open to a random page. Whichever words pop out at you first are believed to reveal an answer. Done and done. We even have another way of doing it with the issue of Cosmo already in your hands. To begin, concentrate on a question or a problem you may have. Say it aloud, repeat it, or scribble it down. Do whatever it takes to get that Q centered in your mind. Then, ask yourself which category your…

MOSTLY A’S Die-Hard Romantic If you were a Sex and the City character, you’d be Charlotte: wide-eyed, romantic, in search of The One. Your positive attitude is impressive, but remember that most fairy tales happen on Netflix these days. Whether or not you find your happily-ever-after, make sure the rest of your life is as full as possible. MOSTLY B’S Mild Matcher You’re of the mind-set that whatever happens, happens. If a few flirty messages lead to meeting up for drinks, you’re down, but if not, you’re also happy sitting at home bingeing The Bachelor. It may be off-brand for you to care about dating apps, but don’t be afraid to add more photos and personality to your profile. Who knows what could happen? MOSTLY C’S Savage Suitor You are…

FEBRUARY LISTEN READ WATCH ▶ Open your Amazon App ▶ Tap the camera icon ▶ Choose Product Search ▶ Scan to shop!…

Women face lots of pressure from society about our bodies. I think of my own experiences from elementary school when boys made fun of me for being “too” muscular or another time when a male TSA agent doubted who I was because he didn’t think I looked strong enough to be a gymnast. I wish that when I was younger, my friends and I had learned about the importance of self-love and respect for our bodies. It’s wrong to judge others based on what they wear or their body type. Each of us is free to wear what we want, for whatever reason: comfort, religion, or just because it makes us feel good. Each of us has our own sense of style and confidence. We all have different opinions about…

CUT TO: THE CATSUIT Snakeskin add-ons take this getup from ordinary sizzle to straight-up fire. MAKE A GRANDE STATEMENT As Ariana knows, you can be comfy and cute in an oversize hoodie and extra-tall boots. BRING ON THE DRAMA Get fancy with a ball-gown skirt, then relax the vibe with a low-key tee. SHINE ON Sequined separates will get you noticed without making you look like a disco ball. ▶ Open your Amazon App ▶ Tap the camera icon ▶ Choose Product Search ▶ Scan to shop!…

THE BALCONETTE More cleavage doesn’t have to mean more padding. THE UNPADDED Oh hi, statement-making straps that feel amazing on your skin. THE SEAMLESS You’ll literally forget you’re even wearing it. THE CONVERTIBLE Try this as a halter, X-back, V-back, or the OG way. THE RACERBACK Always-falling straps = a buzzkill of the past. THE EVERYDAY Pretty and soft as hell, this brand goes up to 44DD. THE BRALETTE So comfy you can wear it to bed; so cute you’d rather wear it out. THE STRAPLESS Silicone details and half-cup sizes? Genius. THE SPORTS BRA The most stylish way to crush your Spin class. BTW, way more winners over at Cosmopolitan.com.…

My first experience with K-Beauty had nothing to do with mastering a 10-step routine but, instead, was the most relatable of all skin problems: a pimple. It was my first one, which I remember clearly thanks to a man from my all-Korean church pointing it out in front of the entire congregation, ranting about how it’s such a shame when a woman’s skin is tarnished. In most communities, this would be unacceptable behavior, but for myself and many Korean women, these kinds of incidents were—and still are—the norm. Growing up, my Korean community in Maryland (like many others) was fixated on female looks, discussing them in very direct, often brutal ways. References like “that girl with the flat nose” or “the woman with the fat face” were frequently tossed around,…

1 WHAT IT IS Dark, shadowy patches that typically surface on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin and above your upper lip, says derm Marina Peredo, MD. More than 90 percent of sufferers are women (you can blame your hormones—more on that later), and it can appear on anyone. But if you have darker skin or a blood relative with melasma, you’re more susceptible. 2 WHY IT HAPPENS UV exposure and fluctuating hormones are two main causes. Both stimulate your melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) to overproduce, “so skimping on SPF, taking hormonal birth control, or being pregnant can put you at risk,” says Dr. Peredo. Inflammation can also cause melasma and is triggered by plenty of culprits, including blue light from a phone, heat (looking at you, hot…

1. One Partner Wants Sex, the Other Doesn’t This so-called desire discrepancy is hands down the most common millennial-couple issue, says Megan Fleming, PhD. Shame, performance anxiety, and trouble reaching orgasm are also pretty frequent complaints. The first step to slaying these hang-ups? Agree to talk about them with your significant other freely and without judgment. 2. Serious Tech Overload Demanding jobs and addictive screens can break down communication fast. “For all my couples, being on cell phones and computers is a huge, huge issue,” says Linda Bradley. She encourages making as much time for each other as possible and setting limits on media use. 3. Confusion Over Roles Misguided assumptions about who should do what in the relationship can wreak a lot of havoc over time. “If responsibilities have…

Despite your major obsession with Taco Bell quesadillas and McDonald’s nugs, you probably realize that going vegan (abstaining from dairy, eggs, meat, and all other animal products) is good for your body and the environment. But you don’t have to go HAM not eating, um, ham to reap the benefits. Instead, you can steal a trick from celebs like Meghan Markle and live your best plant-based life part-time. By noshing vegan grub for around 80 percent of your meals, as the duchess reportedly did while filming Suits, you’ll still score perks like glowy skin and a reduced risk of heart disease, says Brigitte Zeitlin, RD, owner of BZ Nutrition in New York City. To hit that number, try sticking to vegan foods for a full five days a week or…

February might be the thirstiest month of the year, but all those thongs you’ve been wearing are actually, hate to say it, counterproductive to your sex goals. That’s partly because the panty-line-preventing staple has a major design flaw: The piece of fabric that’s closest to your lady parts is super narrow, allowing it to rub back and forth between your rectum and vagina, says Jill Rabin, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology in New York. And if any bacteria from your back door gets transferred to your vag, it can cause an infection that will, among other things, make sex a no-go. Still hell-bent on keeping the dream alive? Fair enough: Sometimes a thong is a critical fashion or bedroom move. But for everyday dressing, there are a lot…

$20K to $25K is the typical amount of education debt among borrowers with outstanding loans. SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM 20% of borrowers are behind on their payments. SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM 38% of people with student debt are projected to default on their loans (i.e., fail to repay) by 2023. SOURCE: BROOKINGS INSTITUTION $890 billion is the collective student debt held by American women. SOURCE: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN In college, I loved everything about being an English major—the books, the group discussions… even the late nights I spent toiling over essays. But as my graduation from New York University approached, my enthusiasm turned to dread. I had $111,000 in student loans, two unpaid magazine internships, no full-time job in sight, and no superrich parents to bail me out. It was 2010, post-recession. I…

EXTRA CUSHION Keep a lumbar pillow nearby to slide under your tush during missionary. So. Good. SWEET SHEETS Sorta-fancy ones can maximize your sesh. A FRESH SPRITZ For when you don’t have time to do laundry.…

1 “I’m not worried about STIs.” Excluding women and men who aren’t having sex, always use rubbers, or are trying to get pregnant, the top explanation our survey respondents gave is that they aren’t concerned about contracting STIs, not even HIV. While it’s true that chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can typically be treated with antibiotics, the CDC says most cases go undiagnosed and unmedicated, which can lead to side effects like infertility. And FYI: There are still no cures for conditions like herpes or HIV. 2 “My partner didn’t insist we use one.” Thirty-three percent of respondents only use a condom when a partner insists. But 72 percent say they respect a partner who asks to use one. So clearly, it’s worth speaking up. “It does require some dialogue,” says…

COVER Emporio Armani, armani.com. Tanya Taylor, tanyataylor.com. Frasier Sterling, frasiersterling.com. Zoja, leffrontee.nyc. GET INTO IT PAGE 5: Alice McCall, alicemccall.com. Jennifer Fisher, jenniferfisherjewelry.com. CoverGirl, covergirl.com. GINA RODRIGUEZ PAGE 110: Akris, akris.ch. Paul Andrew, paulandrew.com. Jennifer Fisher, jenniferfisherjewelry.com. PAGE 112: Blumarine, blumarine.com. CosmoStyle by Cosmopolitan, ashleystewart.com. Ana Luisa, analuisa.com. Scho Jewelry, schostudio.com. PAGE 115: Coach 1941, coach.com. Prabal Gurung, sales@prabalgurung.com. Charlotte Olympia, charlotteolympia.com. CosmoStyle by Cosmopolitan Jewelry, cosmostylejewelry.com. …BUT MAKE IT SEXY PAGE 120: Batsheva, batsheva.com. Louis Vuitton, louisvuitton.com. Poppy Lissiman, poppylissiman.com. Rebecca de Ravenel, rebeccaderavenel.com. PAGE 121: RedValentino, redvalentino.com. neimanmarcus.com. No Plans, noplansnyc.com. Lancôme, lancomeusa.com. PAGE 122: Dondup, dondup.com. Rachel Comey, rachelcomey.com. Aerie, aerie.com. Ruslan Baginskiy, modaoperandi.com. Versace, versace.com. Mateo, mateonewyork.com. Calleen Cordero, calleencordero.com. PAGE 123: Coach 1941, similar styles at coach.com. PAGE 124: Lincoln, lincoln-shop.com. Linea Pelle Collection, lineapelle.com.…

Lauren Cohan …goes from The Walking Dead zombie killer to glam CIA agent on ABC’s new dramedy Whiskey Cavalier (catch it February 27). ▶ One thing everyone should do in their 20s: Read existential literature and agonize over a career choice. ▶ Something I used to worry about: I would obsess over doing my best work and pick myself apart on the way home. Then I had a wake-up call that I was spoiling all these opportunities by spending energy on self-analysis. Worrying doesn’t seem selfish, but it really is! ▶ The last time I was nervous: Talking to someone I like. I’ll smile too much and be disproportionately enthusiastic. Embarrassing. ▶ It’s tough for me to resist: Great food and shoulder massages. ▶ The sexiest thing ever: The sexiest…

“After a night out dancing and boozing with a bunch of friends, we went to a bodega to grab food. I accidentally dropped my sandwich on the sidewalk, and all the ingredients fell onto the pavement. I simply picked everything up and put it back together. I even had to hunt for one falafel ball that rolled down the street! It sounds disgusting now, but at the time, I figured the sandwich was basically as good as new.”—NYOMI W., 22, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, BOSTON, MA “My roommate and I were regularly having sex, and we had a safe word, ‘cinnamon,’ just in case it ever went too far. One day, he asked me to slap him hard. I did…but ended up breaking his tooth! He started screaming ‘cinnamon!’ and when we…

Spice up the monochrome effect with fresh textures and sparkly add-ons. ▶ Open your Amazon App ▶ Tap the camera icon ▶ Choose Product Search ▶ Scan to shop!…

1 HAPPY HOUR A cocktail-inspired bath spiked with pink Himalayan salt will take the edge off stressed muscles. Then bring on the bubbly with an oxygenated face mask—it jump-starts blood flow, pushing nutrients to the surface—and toast that glow with a wine-infused face oil. 2 THE COUCH Instead of cocooning yourself in a cushy blanket, shower with a warming scrub. Use one to buff your skin from the neck down, then sit and relax with some cannabis oil (it’s in this calming face mask) and these self-heating foil booties that coat your feet in moisture. 3 DANCING Turn up your tub time with a glitter bath bomb. Then bust out some multi-masking moves: Pop on these celestial under-eye patches, packed with line-plumping hyaluronic acid, and a holographic firming mask, filled…

TAMEKA A., 23 “Most options are either too thick and hard to use or not moisturizing enough for my 4B curls. I don’t need an extra product that doesn’t work!” What changed her mind: “Not Your Mother’s conditioner made my curls thrive. Typically during winter, I skip heat styling and wear my hair in twists or braids to protect it. Now I have options, and my curls look and feel stronger.” Why it’s magic: Rice proteins, keratin, and amino acids work to nourish and strengthen natural hair. It pulls triple duty as a rinse-out, leave-in, or co-wash, so you can customize its use. KRISTEN K., 28 “Everything I’ve ever tried left my superfine hair flat without any volume or movement.” What changed her mind: “SheaMoisture did feel heavy on my…

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

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

If you’re down for a big, intimate group hug with no sexual touching involved, then sure. “The purpose is to create a safe space where adults can learn to set boundaries while satisfying their need for affection,” says sexologist Emily Morse, host of Sex With Emily on SiriusXM. Usually, these shindigs go like this: After a few icebreakers and laying down the rules, partygoers pick out a buddy (or buddies) to snuggle with, then everyone waits for a warm rush of oxytocin, the bonding hormone that’s released with touch. “It’s a way of getting some intimacy without having to go on a date or sleep with someone,” adds Morse.…

1 “I’m getting tired.” He wants you to believe he’s strong enough to keep going for hours, but he’s feeling more like he’s on a six-minute timer. 2 “I just remembered I have to pay the electric bill.” Realizing mid-coitus, “I need to do something, but there’s no way I’m interrupting sex to go write it down,” is kind of a mindfuck. 3 “I’m taking notes for my trove of masturbation material.” Don’t worry…it’s a compliment. 4 “Oops, I just zoned out for a sec.” TBH, maybe his blood sugar is low or he found the rhythm a little too hypnotic. 5 “Ugh, why can’t I get it up?” That last drink was a mistake. 6 “I can’t remember if I cleaned the sheets.” I know, gross. But you’re both…

What excites you? What shuts you down? When it comes to sexual desire, we often answer these questions in the form of turn-ons and turnoffs (e.g., “I like reading erotic novels” or “I hate dirty talk”). It’s much more rare to answer based on your emotional state. But the truth is, feelings are powerful enough to act as accelerators or inhibitors for arousal—they can open you up to the idea of having sex with your partner or nix any intimate cravings you might have. And they can work in both subtle and obvious ways: A bad meeting at the office might make you feel too sluggish for sex; a rousing night out with friends might make you feel oddly lusty. Here’s how six common emotions can impact your sex life.…

Hemp Hearts The seeds are full of protein and healthy fats. Sprinkle them on literally everything from smoothies to salads. Cashew Parmesan This blend of cashews and nutritional yeast tastes like the real deal. Trail Mix Elevate the road-trip standard by making a custom recipe with your fave vegan chocolate, seeds, and dried fruit. Frozen Veggies They are just as healthy as the fresh stuff and stay good for 8 to 10 months, saving you money on rotten produce. Add them to stir-fries, smoothies, and soups for peak flavor.…

ADD SOME SWEET Balance acidic tomato juice with a sugary note (oh hi, maple bacon). GET SALTY Skewer briny bites like olives or pickles for extra tang. BUT THE REAL HERO HERE… Is a gooey grilled cheese. No one can stop you. Bloody Mary 2 c. tomato juice8 oz. vodka2 T Worcestershire1 T horseradish2 t. hot saucejuice of ½ lemonfreshly ground pepperlemon wedgesOld Bay seasoning, for rimming glassice, for serving ▶ In a large pitcher, stir together tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Season generously with black pepper. ▶ Rub lemon wedges on rims of four glasses, and dip into Old Bay. ▶ Add ice to glasses, then pour Bloody Mary mixture over top. Add your preferred garnishes with toothpicks. RECIPE BY DELISH…

YOU KNOW THAT RUSH YOU GET WHEN YOU’RE INCHING TOWARD THE TOP OF A ROLLER COASTER? When you’re seconds away from the first big plunge and feeling that perfect mix of excitement, anticipation, and fear? Gina Rodriguez feels like that pretty much all the time these days. Or as she puts it, grinning from ear to ear during lunch at a Culver City restaurant, “terrified as fuuuck.” The 34-year-old actress has filmed 10 movies during her time off from the instant hit Jane the Virgin, but it’s the upcoming Miss Bala where she lays her reputation, future career, and big-screen viability on the line. She stars as Gloria, a Mexican-American who finds herself swept up—and complicit—in the deadly crimes of a cartel. Taking this professional leap, she says emphatically, makes…

▶ Use the Biem app (biemteam.com) to get tested using an at-home kit (starting at $35) and, after one to three days, see your results right in the app. ▶ Send a couple photos of and details about your symptoms through the STD Triage app ($40, stdtriage.com) and receive an expert’s opinion within 24 hours. ▶ LetsGetChecked.com offers five different kinds of screenings, ranging from chlamydia and gonorrhea ($99) to one that tests for 10 types of infections, including HIV ($299). Mail in a urine and/or blood sample (you’ll be supplied with a test tube and instructions), and get a call or see your results online in two to five days. ▶ Depending on the test, you can mail in a small urine, vaginal or oral swab, or blood prick…

LAYERS OF CLOTHES > LAYERS OF SKIN CARE 1 A 4-in-1 Cleanser Remember the obsession with double, even triple, cleansing? Welp, that’s over. Every time you wash, you strip away moisturizing lipids and weaken your skin’s protective barrier. “Studies show that washing your face three or more times a day can actually cause acne and irritation,” says Dr. Marchbein. The latest multifunctional washes are just as effective as the double-cleanse method—they melt away makeup, dirt, and oil—but without all the negative side effects. And some, like Murad’s, contain barrier-friendly prebiotics and hydrating hyaluronic acid. 2 A Custom Moisturizer Serums and moisturizers should come with a warning like “layer at your own risk.” Best case, their noncompatible ingredients cause products to pill (you know, that ball-up-on-your-skin thing) or cancel each other…