Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2018 i Cosmopolitan India

HOW SISU ARE YOU? It’s pronounced ‘see-soo’, a Finnish word without an exact translation in any language. And it will change your life. But first, a little history lesson: in the bitter winter of November 1939, the mighty Russians—the world’s largest military force—declared war on Finland. The Russians had over three times the soldiers and aircrafts, and 100 times the tanks. In short, the outnumbered Finns were toast. And then, something unforeseen happened. The tiny Finnish force met the mighty Soviet invaders head-on, and battled them for over 100 days (instead of the expected few weeks). In the end, the Soviets suffered serious casualties and a peace treaty was signed. So how did the disadvantaged Finns do it? With determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. And that,…

KEEP IT SIMPLE Head-to-toe colour of any kind is a bold look for sure, but wearing an entire spectrum of your favourite colour also oozes a hell lotta confidence. When wearing one colour all over, it’s important to play with different tones and textures. And it’s all about a lean silhouette, so tuck in a slouchy jumper or a long T-shirt to give yourself a definite shape or you’re going to drown in all that colour. PLEATED PERFECTION A flowy skirt works well to adds a bit of movement that a solid-coloured look wouldn’t normally have. Plus, the pleats give you a chance to bring in a different shade to the mix. And it’ll work as a good distraction from the fact that you’re wearing all green! MIX IT UP…

PRO TIP: Flat earrings tend to have a ‘raised’ look. Which is why they look particularly good with slicked-back hair.…

NAVNEET KHANIJO, 23 “I love taking a basic look (like jeans and a white shirt), and accentuating it with bright accessories like this mustard fanny pack and burgundy boots.” SHAREEN RAI, 17 “Slogan tees are my go-to—I pair them with literally everything. And, these frayed, patched denim shorts are not just weather-appropriate, but also super-stylish.” SUMIRAN CHETTRI, 22 “I’m obsessed with hats these days, and this wide-brimmed one is my favourite. Mostly because it’s so easy to pair with anything, thanks to the colour. All you need to do is opt for a basic outfit, and add this hat to the look to take it up a notch. Simple!” DEVIKA PATHAK, 24 “Tartan is an evergreen trend, and while it’s mostly spotted during winter, I can’t seem to let go…

HYALURONIC ACID The Hydrating Hero Think of HA as the antiacid. “It pulls moisture from the air into your skin, resulting in a hydrated and dewy complexion,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a cosmetic derm in NYC. Another bonus: all that moisture provides a temporary plumping effect to minimise the appearance of fine lines. This balm boasts of a double dose of HA and French grape polyphenols that fights dryness and leaves skin smooth. 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 Shereene. If you’re dealing with minor flushing, add an azelaic-based OTC cream, like the one here, into you routine. KOJIC ACID The Dark Spot Eraser This…

NEGATIVE SPACE The pros may have been teaching us how to apply lipstick in a way that it covers our pucker perfectly, but this season, Pat McGrath has bent the rules. For the Maison Margiela show, Pat created a bright fuchsia mouth in a flocked shape which, at a closer glance, looked like twin hearts turned on their sides, paired with luminous skin. Given the amount of out-there looks that have now achieved ‘normal’ status, don’t be surprised if you see this one at your local mall, next. MEET THE NEW FACE… … of L’Oréal Professionnel. British ‘ It’ girl Alexa Chung has been named the international spokesperson for the Parisian brand. Alexa will front two new lines for L’Oréal Professionnel: Parisian Nudes Hair Colour and Pro Fiber, a hair-repair…

Bad stuff happens. This is a universal truth. But when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan, remember two things: first, failure is fundamental to success, and second, there’s always something you can do. We spoke to those who had been there and fixed the problem. Here’s what they learnt… YOU LIED ON YOUR CV AND GOT FOUND OUT You’ve never actually climbed Everest, you don’t speak French and, as for that volunteering you do… Clawing back a lie in an interview is tough—they don’t know you yet, and there are other candidates who (probably) haven’t fibbed. Your only option is to apologise and explain why you did it—i.e., that you really want the job. Your success rate also depends on the lie. Hobbies and the like on your resume are…

Archana Jain Managing Director and CEO, PR Pundit As the MD of a PR agency, Archana has her hands (and hours) full, managing a 100-member team, liasoning with clients, and fuelling PR Pundit’s creative development, which involves organising campaigns and building brands. “Sometimes I feel like I cannot breathe given the number of roles that I have. I have learnt to divvy up and organise my week, and different times, to be able to play multiple roles.” MY TIP “I find it’s easier to start my day early and tackle things one at a time. Clear all your e-mails first—it allows you to focus on your priorities for the rest of the day. Then during the day, turn off e-mail notifications as they tend to distract and break your focus.…

When Titan’s watchmaking prowess meets a print-adoring designer like Masaba Gupta, it brings forth a glorious collection of timepieces with Masaba’s signature brand of quirk. An accessory that can instantly alleviate even the most basic look, the #RagaXMasaba watch can make any outfit tick—while everybody else can just talk and wonder at this perfect arm-candy that can literally take you places! Each watch speaks for itself, and here's why these seven women find their match in these stunners… KRINJAL JAIN (BUSINESSWOMAN) Determined to support her father’s business against the wishes of many, Krinjal is a headstrong and courageous girl. The delicately carved fish charms dangling over the mesh strap of this watch, reflects every tone of her amicable yet fierce personality. RITU SUSHILA KRISHAN (JOURNALIST) Getting out of her comfort…

LADYLIKE AND LUSTY The trick to mixing prints like a pro? Vary the size of the patterns, and stay in a similar colour scheme. Boom! BILLOWY AND BODYCON A sleek silhouette—bonus points for daring to show some skin—pairs perfectly with a boxy anorak. CASUAL AND FLASHY Don’t save sparkly sequins for a night out. Let them shine as an unexpected pop against athletic attire. TOUGH AND TENDER Pairing a heel with frilly things is so predictable. Rebel like the bad*ss you are by throwing on combat boots. DENIM AND DEMURE Intricate lace gets grounded by the best basic there is: a jean jacket (albeit an embellished one). SUBDUED AND SASSY When you opt for a showstopping piece, like these phenom skirts, keep your up top on the DL. SPORTY AND…

If you love keeping tabs on international fashion, you would have killed to be at this Cover Story in-store styling sesh! The women's clothing brand, which is a subsidiary of Future Style Lab, flew down two stylists from their London office—Silvia Deambrosis and Rhinnaon Buckley—to give the city's fashion lovers some quick tips on how to stay effortlessly chic this season. Cover Story's SS18 collection boasts of some global offerings in the capsule collections like Garden Party, Western Spirit, Prairie Dreamer, 90s Diva, Waterloo Sunset, Cargo Chic among many others. Cosmo also ran a pre-buzz contest on its Instagram handle, through which we picked five winners, who got a chance to attend the session and also win vouchers worth ₹10,000 each. All the guests were estatic with the session, and…

ARIES 21.03-19.04 Focus on: moving forward—you’re cruising down the path to success. If the road feels bumpy when your ruler, active Mars, unites with disciplined Saturn on the 2nd, use it as a chance to recalibrate. You’ll get good news early in the month, but don’t act on it till after Mercury ends its retrograde phase on the 15th. Taurus 20.04–21.05 Focus on: paying attention to your intuition, because it’s on point in April. The 10th is an amazing day to be open to new possibilities. But if travel is part of your plan, watch out for snafus, because Mercury is in retrograde until the 15th. Leo 23.07–22.08 Focus on: taking that much-needed vacay. You’ve been dreaming of a break, so go after it! The beginning of the month is…

Shyamli Panda, Tattoo Artist Yoshi, Illustrator Shia Rai, Fashion Designer Kamakshi Khanna, Singer and Songwriter Anna Vyas, Model and Stylist Photographs: Shovan Gandhi; Make-Up: Gaurav Goswami; Fashion Assistant: Prabhav Gautam; Fashion Intern: Shreya Wadhwa…

HELLO, PUMA Puma’s new collab with British visual artist Shantell Martin is exactly what the art lover ordered. We’re digging the sneakers, apparel, and sliders, all covered in encouraging words and cool slogans to motivate you as you go about your day. Plus, the Leadcat Sliders are customisable with four detachable straps with different illustrations. PS: the monochrome theme going on here gets extra style points, don’t you think? WE STRAW, WE LOVED Hello, straw bag, we meet again. This time, though, designers are giving the boring fodder bag a new spin, proving that it can carry more than just sunscreen and flip-flops. Pick from totes covered in pom-poms, a woven clutch, or even a classic basket covered in ribbons. Trust us, your Insta feed’s about to be flooded with…

IF YOUR HAIR IS STRAIGHT & THICK… Your lashes may struggle to hold a curl. “Lash curlers are like curling irons. If the latter doesn’t work for the hair on your head, then the former won’t hold a lash curl either,” says José Rivera, Benefit Cosmetics Make-Up Master. Ditch the tools, and instead, angle the base so the lash doesn’t straighten out, says Rivera. How? Press a curling mascara (like Maybelline’s) into roots, bending the lashes upward. Hold it there for a few seconds, then comb through to the tips. IF YOUR HAIR IS CURLY & UNRULY… Your lashes may transfer mascara onto your lids. “You have to spend time separating this lash type, and a transfer-resistant formula is key,” says José. (Alternating-size bristles, like those on this Covergirl brush,…

If first impressions are to be believed, Athiya Shetty is someone who’d rather keep to herself—shy, introverted, some may even use the word ‘aloof’. That’s probably why they say first appearances can be deceptive. Because from the second we exchange hellos, it’s evident that Athiya has a palpable warmth to her. And it no longer feels like an interview; just two people chatting about this and that. Of course, this isn’t her first cover with Cosmo. She was our covergirl over two years ago, fresh after her Bollywood debut (in Hero opposite Sooraj Pancholi). “I remember that cover shoot vividly. I was so nervous and awkward, and remember thinking ‘What’s going on?’. But during this one, I was so much more at ease,” Athiya laughs. She goes on to reveal…

YOU’RE NOT TOTALLY OVER THEM Lingering emotional attachments might make it even harder to let go. THEY ONLY WANT TO BONE That’s a sign you’re being used for sexual access (and without respect). YOU’RE DOING IT OUT OF SPITE OR TO GET BACK AT THEM FOR SOMETHING That’s just petty. YOU’VE BEEN SWIPING FOR WEEKS AND THE OPTIONS ARE LAME Don’t worry—keep trying elsewhere!…

I have a confession to make: I’m often the fakest gal in a room. Not in the boob job, Botox, Barbie kinda way (although no disrespect if you are). I say ‘fake’ because the outward confidence I’m oozing and carefree nature I portray is really a complete front; inside I’m freaking out and second-guessing everything, from my outfit choice and my hairstyle to whether or not anyone noticed me grabbing that third mozzarella stick. And it’s not just me. When I brought this issue up with my friends, most of them admitted they’re guilty of it, too. Turns out they’ve been faking it in the office, on dates, in interviews…even at parties and family events. Why, ladies, why? Ever since we were little, we’ve been told to ‘fake it’til you…

Q. Why is telling a dude that he has a big penis, like, the best compliment he’s ever heard? A: Men basically know how average (or not) they are…and that bigger is typically thought of as better. A lifetime of dumb d*ck jokes, misinformation, and porn stars with giant penises are to blame. Plus, guys want you to be turned on, and they may not know what’s too small (yikes!), too big (gasp!), or (mmm…) just right for you. So when you tell a guy he’s packing, it feels good. You’re saying, ‘Don’t worry, I can work with this.’ And every guy likes the sound of that. Q: I’m catching feelings for my FWB, and I’m not sure what to do about it. Do I tell him and risk ending…

The collection is available at Select World of Titan stores, leading department stores, authorised Titan dealers and online channels such as Titan.co.in, TataCliq, Flipkart, Amazon and Myntra.…

FIVE-STAR LIPS Use a nourishing lip balm, then apply a pink long-wearing lipstick to the centre of lips only (with a finger or a lip brush). Paint the entire lip with clear gloss, then place stars haphazardly all over. BROW MAGIC Comb and fill in brows, then apply clear lip gloss to them until they’re slightly tacky. Gently dip an angled brush into your chosen glitter colour, and dab onto brows until you get the effect you want. Finish with a spritz of setting spray. THE CHEEK OF IT Apply pink powder blush in the hollows of the cheeks, then lightly blend sheer blue eyeshadow into the pink. Highlight cheekbones with a gold or iridescent shade towards the temples. For complementary eyes, use a pale-pink shadow in the creases, working…

Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, ₹975 each Stock up on this shampoo-and-conditioner duo that can totally turn around hair woes. The all-new Fusion range is designed with the silksteel fusion technology that penetrates deep into the hair cortex and instantly recovers damaged fibre, making it 95 percent more resilient to breakage. Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal, ₹6,900/80ml This sexy-AF bottle houses a scent that’s equally provocative. A daring blend of blood orange, grapefruit, honey accord, gardenia, patchouli, and black vanilla, this fragrance is fresh and seductive at the same time—making it perfect for both day and night. Lotus Colorkick Lipsugar in Candy, ₹299 This humble-looking lip balm is one multi-tasker that’ll find a permanent spot in your kit. Packed with sugar, kokum and shea butters, Vitamin E, and…

ON THE COVER United Colors Of Benetton— A-1, Hamilton House, Connaught Place, ND. Swarovski— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Misho— www.mishodesigns.com. FASHION Abhi Singh— 421A, Shahpur Jat, ND. Accessorize— Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Adidas Originals— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Aldo— Select Citywalk, Saket, ND. Ashish N Soni— DLF Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. AM:IT by Amit Aggarwal— F301, Lado Sarai, ND. Amrich— 1/80, Tughlakabad, ND. Aruni— www.perniaspopupshop.com. Ayesha Accessories— DLF Mall Of India, Noida, UP. Bansri— www.perniaspopupshop.com. Calvin Klein Underwear— DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Calvin Klein Jeans— DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, ND. Charles & Keith— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Christian Louboutin— DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, ND. Deepa Gurnani— www.deepagurnani.in. Dhora— www.dhoraindia.com. Eristona— www.eristona.com. Forever 21— DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, ND. Guapa— 16A, Haus Khas Village, ND. Guess— www.amazon.in. Gauri & Nainika— 560, Lado Sarai, ND.…

“Once, on a road trip to Ladakh, I stopped to take pictures amongst some yaks. But five minutes in, the yaks (disturbed by the honking cars) began chasing me! I ended up stranded on a rock, surrounded by them, and waited it out until they scuttered away. When I returned to my tour group, I lied and told them I’d got lost because I was too embarrassed to tell them the truth…” —KSHIPRA U., 26 “I used the toilet at this guy’s place after we hooked up. When I walked back out, he was changing the sheets, even though we were both drunk. I also had clothes everywhere that he set all in a neat pile. He literally had a specific spot for everything. So weird.” —SOUMYA S., 27 “One…

RN I’M LISTENING TO Everybody Wants To Be Famous by Superorganism. It’s really chirpy, and lifts my mood every time I hear it. LOVE MEANS …eternity. One thing in life that shouldn’t have any limits. MY ADVICE FOR MAKING IT BIG ON INSTA Just be your own unique self, and don’t let trolls bog you down. AN EMOJI THAT DESCRIBES ME BEST …is the zany face with googly eyes. Isn’t it absolutely adorable? THE BOOK I’M READING RN Mastery by Robert Greene. It examines the lives of historical figures and contemporary leaders, and the qualities that made them the ‘masters’. I CAN’T DO WITHOUT My Signature Line 2.0 for The Body Shop—it’s got everything a girl could need in her make-up bag. Plus, the fact that it’s 100 percent vegetarian…

Court-tastic The icon of the ’80s, the court shoe has regained style status in punched leather styles and high-cut silhouettes. Circular Straps Try the new strap length, as seen on the catwalks of Coach and Alexander Wang. Criss-Cross The cult classic design comes with added elements in chain detailing and modern shapes. All Natural Raw materials are the texture for summer, used for everything from clutches, to woven slippers. Shade-Up Say goodbye to the mirrored lens and choose every colour under the rainbow. Shoulder Grazers The longer the better—oversized and lengthy embellished styles are here to stay! New Heights Release your inner ’90s ‘wannabe’ girl by taking your shoes to a whole other dimension, if you dare.…

RAJA KUMARI, RAPPER AND SONGWRITER “I feel that in a world where everyone is trying to be something they’re not, we should stick close to our roots and who we truly are. Growing up in the diaspora, my culture became my identity. Seeing other people wear the Indian culture as a ‘costume’ or ‘gimmick’ pushed me to raise my voice for the underrepresented South Asian women. It awakened me to educate others about our culture with authenticity and passion. And I always put my culture first through my music, style, and art.” SHIKHA AHLUWALIA, CO-FOUNDER, STALKBUYLOVE.COM “The Latin phrase, ‘Per aspera ad astra’, which means ‘through the rough, to the stars’, is something that I live by. But I also have a go-to motto whenever I am in the zone,…

1 SWIPE BRIGHT Apply a primer to your lids to neutralise skin discolouration—the secret to getting the truest shadow shade, says celeb makeup artist Paloma Romo. Smooth on an eyeshadow that matches your outfit, stopping at your crease, then swipe the same colour along the lower lash line. 2 BUFF IT OUT With your ring finger, “use a patting motion to soften the edges,” says make-up artist Jill Powell (who created Demi’s look, here). The result: “A soft halo effect.” 3 SERVE MAJOR LASH, MINOR LIP Coat your lashes—top and bottom—with a couple of layers of volumising mascara, and finish the look with a low-key nude lip hue.…

1 WHAT’S YOUR FANTASY? Pick a fantasy topic, and read the options to your partner. Each of you should think about how you (not they) would answer. Then, on the count of three, say it out loud. If your mate guesses right, perform the scenario. If they guess wrong, it’s their turn to choose a fantasy. Fantasy: The hottest thing you could do to me is… Options: Gently squeeze my nipples. Lick me down below. Tie me up. Kiss me passionately. Fantasy: The one thing I want to hear you say in bed is… Options: ‘More’. ‘Harder’. ‘Touch me there’. ‘How are you so good at this?’ Fantasy: The roleplay I have always wanted to act out is… Options: Student/teacher. Doctor/nurse. Painter/muse. Cop/driver. 2 SEXT ME Select an emoji sequence…

Near my old office is a smal café that serves delicious sandwiches. Everyone I work with raves about it. Each lunchtime, they’d bustle back to the office bearing heavy plastic containers that filled the air with the aromas of chicken and hummus. Then they’d take a bite of whatever it was and give huge quasi-erotic swoons. Meanwhile, I’d be cradling my daily Veggie Delight from Subway, proclaiming them all pretentious. Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me, so one lunchtime I ducked into the café to see what all the fuss was about. Immediately wished I hadn’t. The wall behind the counter was a floor-to-ceiling blackboard. Filling it, in the world’s tiniest chalky handwriting, was the menu, with 15 types of bread, twice that number of sauces and cheeses,…

Here’s a confession: at some point, almost every day, I am at my desk or in a meeting and feel an urge to burst into tears and become an IRL version of the Kim K crying meme. These inoffice ugly cries can be triggered by anything—my boss not liking my idea or an e-mail I sent prematurely (so many typos!). If you’re guilty of puddle-on-the-keyboard workplace meltdowns too, take heart because we’re not alone. 41 percent of women report that they’ve cried on the job, according to a survey conducted by Anne Kreamer, author of It’s Always Personal: Navigating Emotion In The New Workplace. Translation: a hell of a lot of people. Which made us wonder: what’s the best way to deal with these sob fests? And can you spin…

Q I’ve recently started using natural/organic products, and I’m looking for a multitasker that can treat dark spots, dull skin, and pigmentation. A: For all these concerns, you should look for products with natural antioxidants. Ideally, you need a night treatment that can work on your skin overnight, so you wake up to brighter skin. 24 Hours Glow by Azafran Organics is formulated with bilberry, orange, lemon, and sugarcane extracts that help clear up spots, blackheads, and discolouration, and also treats premature ageing. It also has organic rose extract that balances skin’s moisture level and reduces redness. Q I’m loving SS18’s vibe of super-colourful eyes. How can I nail it? A: The aqua-toned eyes at runways around the world are giving us major mermaid vibes—a trend that’s huge on Instagram…

Cosmopolitan India in collaboration with Honor Mobiles (Huawei’s smartphone e-brand) selected six aspiring models to walk the ramp at the Amazon India Fashion Week AW 18/19 through the ‘Hunt for the Face of Honor’ contest. Team Cosmo picked out 26 models (13 male and 13 female), out of hundreds of entries that came in. The contestants came down for the audition, where they were judged on the basis of their walk, confidence, and looks, by a panel consisting of Cosmo Ed Nandini Bhalla, fashion designer Rina Dhaka, FDCI President Sunil Sethi and a member of the Honor Team. Post the auditions, the six best contestants, who fit the above conditions, were selected to walk the ramp for designer Rina Dhaka at AIFW AW 18/19. Needless to say, it was a…