Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2012 i Cosmopolitan

New Girl… What fun to swing my legs from the very chair legendary editor Helen Gurley Brown once sat in! I grew up reading Cosmopolitan, and every month when it arrived, I disappeared into my bedroom to absorb the latest issue—I saw in its pages the promise of a glamorous, sexy life. It stirred in me the belief and hope that I could, in Helen's immortal words, "have it all." I took that to mean a job I loved, a husband or partner to share it with, some children, and a group of friends who would stick around even when I was a total pain in the ass. Shortly after arriving for my previous job as editor of Marie Claire, I learned that HGB had an office from which she…

Taylor Swift is browsing a small guitar shop in the industrial-turned-hip Edgehill neighborhood of Nashville, her hometown. Hair swept up in a pretty ponytail and wearing a mustard yellow below-the-knee pleated skirt, a crisp white button-down shirt, and sea-foam green cat-eye sunglasses, she looks like she just stepped out of the French film Amélie. She seems relaxed and at home, glancing at the acoustics and making small talk with the bearded, jeans-clad owner about the cool art prints of Elvis and Johnny Cash hanging on the wall. As we're about to leave, he says, "I just have to ask…are you…?" Taylor smiles and breezily replies "yes." Even in Nashville, where country-music stars are a common sight, he can't resist asking for a photo, but Taylor politely explains that she's in…

"There I was…getting deeper in love every minute, and all of a sudden, I didn't care. What was the use of doing great things if I could have a better time telling her what I was going to do?" —JAY GATSBY, IN F. SCOTT FITZGERALD'S THE GREAT GATSBY "As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot." —JOHN LENNON "And that's when I know it's over. As soon as you start thinking about the beginning, it's the end." —JUNOT DIAZ, FROM HIS LATEST BOOK THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER "Is this the game? You chase me like I'm the f**king Beatles for six months, and then I finally get comfortable and you shrug?" —ADAM TO HANNAH, IN GIRLS "You can't ask why about love." —COUNT VRONSKY, IN LEO…

The backstory: I hit it off with a sexy, scruffy guy at a friend's party, and we ended up making out before saying good-bye at the end of the night. The next day, he added me on Facebook and asked me if I wanted to see a movie with him. I was super excited—he seemed to be just my type, so I said yes and breezily added, "I'll see whatever!" Unfortunately, he got us tickets to Blue Valentine. If you haven't seen it, it documents the dissolution of a raging alcoholic's marriage. (In the beginning, the couple finds their pet dog dead on the side of the road; this is probably the least depressing part of the movie.) Every time I went to rest my head on my date's shoulder,…

Metallic Cuffs Michael Kors, $175 each, michaelkors.com Multistrand Necklace Tuleste, $175, tulestemarket.com Sequin Pants Isabel Lu, $198, shopbop.com Knit Tank DKNY Jeans, $79, macys.com Envelope Clutch Aldo, $40, aldoshoes.com Funky Ring Elizabeth and James, $195, shopbop.com One-Shoulder Dress Almost Famous, $49, kmart.com Platform Sandal Diane Von Furstenberg, $350, couture.zappos.com Cutout Bootie Lulu*s, $39, lulus.com Tap Shorts ASOS, $78, asos.com Foil Miniskirt H&M, $40, hm.com Metal-Plate Belt H&M, $15, hm.com…

Fallon for eBay Her sexy-tough necklaces typically cost three times as much. $88, fashionvault.ebay.com Brian Atwood for Neiman Marcus and Target All the chicness of his regular line, minus the $500+ price tag. $49.99, neimanmarcus.com and target.com Kotur for Nine West Kotur clutches usually run $700, but this one is yours for less than $150. $149, ninewest.com Sophie Theallet for The Limited You've seen her exclusive designs on the First Lady. $59.50, thelimited.com Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's Snag a dress that celebs like Claire Danes pay thousands for. $64, kohls.com Erickson Beamon for Club Monaco Everyone from SJP to Gaga are fans. $129.50, clubmonaco.com…

CHERRY ON TOP A perfect red, yes. But have you ever seen a bottle so spectacular? MIST OPPORTUNITY Meet my travel buddy: an insta-softener that turns skin into silk. CHOO ON THIS Black lacquer accents make this (one of my fave scents) way sexier. Leah's Picks Follow Cosmo's beauty director on Twitter and Instagram (@leahwyar) for your daily beauty fix. PRINTS CHARMING I'm a sucker for patterns and monograms, so I may never unwrap this. MY SKIN ADDICTION Serum—I can't get enough of it! This one makes me super glow-y. EYE FROSTING Nothing says holiday party like lively, metallic-swiped lids. TREAT FOR TEETH An unlikely but delish pairing: toothpaste made from chocolate MAGIC STICK A must before a busy day or hot date—it's budge-proof, I swear. TOTAL COVERUP I used…

Shameless Beauty Tricks Get more from your styler by using it to create (not just set) tons of bounce and body. "Mist a flexible-hold formula all over strands, let it dry, and gently brush through," says Damien Carney, Joico's international artistic director. The more coats (aim for three), the more volume. HOW TO SALVAGE A SHATTERED COMPACT Replacing a broken powder, bronzer, or shadow isn't your only option. Instead, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the broken bits, then stir to create a pastelike texture. Re-form it with the back of a spoon, and let it dry overnight. It'll look (and function) like a fresh palette by morning. Before You Toss That Peel Pad… Rub it on your cuticles too, says NYC derm Dennis Gross. The same ingredients…

Q. What's one thing you learned never to say to a woman? A. "Never make a self-deprecating joke about the two of you combined. Like, for example, let's say I was sitting with a buddy and we're eating cheeseburgers and drinking beers. I can go 'Look at us, we're a couple of fat asses just ripping through beers.' And he'll laugh and go 'We're just killing it!' If I'm with a girl and say 'Let's get pizza and wings and beer and be fat asses all day,' she'll go 'You think I'm a fat ass?'" Q. What's the sexiest quality a woman can have? A. "I feel like a lot of guys would say sense of humor blah-blah-blah. I don't find outwardly sexual people that sexy. I like when somebody…

Single during the holidays can be a total mindf*ck. On the one hand, there are cheerful carolers informing you that it's "the most wonderful time of the year." On the other, you kind of want to punch them in the face. When you're flying solo during a season geared toward couples, you often feel the furthest thing from wonderful. The romantic movies that take over TV, the constant ads featuring couples getting engaged by the Christmas tree, all that damn happy music—it can make you feel pretty lonely. When it comes to dating, your normally good judgment suddenly goes right out the window. Before you know it, you're eagerly pursuing that subpar guy you've been occasionally (when tipsy) chatting with on OkCupid, or you're giving your jerk of a BF…

About My Lingerie They may be smooth taking it off(well, most of the time), but talkingabout it? Not so much. "I had on a super-lacy thong, and my guy goes, 'Victoria Secret sure knows what she's doing.'" —Hayley R.* "One night, I had on matching lingerie, and he sighed, 'Damn, I wish Halloween wasn't the only day you could wear that out in public.' Riiight." —Sarah G. "I wore this hot bralet with lots of straps in the back for my boyfriend's birthday, thinking he'd be pumped. But he couldn't figure out how to get it off, and instead, he got all flustered and asked, 'What is this, like a chastity bra?'" —Brittany T. "When I was sorting my laundry, my guy grabbed all my thongs, tied them together in…

"My best friend is having an affair and always uses me as an excuse. She'll tell her husband that she needs to hang out with me, then head out to meet Guy #2. She's invented so many crisesfor me—bad breakup, sick grandma, mouse infestation—and I know her husband must think I'm this unstable weirdo because I can't keep my faux life story straight anymore." —Danielle K.* "She and I are really competitive about grades, jobs, you name it. So when I got a huge assignment to be a ghostwriter for a best-selling book series turned TV show, I didn't tell her. At first, I decided I'd wait till she was over a rough patch at work. But then I'd gotten so usedto keeping it a secret, I just decided to…

Smart Advice for Sticky Situations Mika Brzezinski, cohost of Morning Joe and Cosmocareer coach, tells you howto handle four commonwork scenarios. 1 Is it ever okay to date someone at work, or do bosses look down on that? —Jen T., Miami As someone who met and secretly dated my now-husband for two years while working together, I'm not going to tell you what to do. But I will tell you that fooling around with a coworker can make life complicated. First things first, make sure you know your office's policy—some HR departments have rules about dating coworkers or forbid it altogether. If you're in the clear there, I'd still keep things quiet, at least for a while. If the relationship's out in the open, you'll likely feel constant pressure to…

Yes J. Graham Thomas, PhD, coinvestigator at the National Weight Control Registry at Brown University, a program that tracks successful dieters "Stepping on a scale once a day will help prevent extra pounds from creeping up on you this season. It's difficult to keep tabs on everything you consume at holiday parties, and having a number to go on is the only reliable way to know where you stand. Otherwise, you may not notice you've gained weight until it's more than a few pounds and much harder to get rid of. "In addition to being a tracking tool, the scale is a psychological reminder that measured eating pays off. For the rest of the day, you'll feel more motivated to eat and drink in moderation. It may sound scary to…

I'M ALWAYS COLD. COULD MY EATING HABITS BE TO BLAME? Yes. It's often a tip-off that your diet needs an infusion of iron—a mineral that regulates temperature. Natural sources, like leafy greens and red meat, are best, but iron supplements from the drugstore will also give you a boost, says Stepha nie Middleberg, RD. Speak to your doc about how much you should take. Why SkippingBreakfast Backfires Still subsisting on nothing but coffee before noon? A new study found that people who didn't eat a morning meal made worse food choices and ate more calories throughout the day. Come on, even you can carve out a few minutes before the office for a scrambled-egg wrap or yogurt and fruit. SOURCE: STUDY PRESENTED AT THE INSTITUTE OF FOOD TECHNOLOGISTS' 2012 ANNUAL…

1. "This may sound creepy, but I treat my pillow like a dude. First, I get on top of it and grind a little. Then, I flip over and get into missionary. I touch myself with one hand and cling to the pillow with the other, like I'm digging my nails into a guy's back. Simulating actual sex really does it for me." —Kellie G.* 2. "I have a favorite vibrator that I use almost every time. It's incredibly strong and I'm supersensitive, so my secret is to get naked, cover myself with my comforter, and then hold the vibrator to my crotch on the outside of the covers. It diminishes the vibrations enough so it's not too overwhelming but just the right amount." —Dara N. 3. "I wrap ice…

1 WHAT'S YOUR SEX PERSONALITY? Your favorite position is: a. The sensual spoon, so we can hold each other close. b. Cowgirl, baby! I like to be in control. c. Missionary works for me. d. Doggie-style—it's fun and a little wild. You get most turned on when a guy: a. Gives me a massage. b. Lies back and lets me have my way. c. Kisses me softly. d. Jumps in on my morning shower. Your favorite accessory? a. Massage oil and lube b. Handcuffs c. My man's hands are enough for me, thank you. d. My vibrator Hottest place to get down, aside from the bedroom? a. Outside under the stars b. The coat room at a jam-packed party c. The couch d. The backseat of his car How did…

Shoot for the stars this party season with galactic-inspired makeup! (New Year's Eve, anyone?) Pull admirers into your orbit with these high-wattage looks, and light up the night with this up-and-coming trend. SUPERNOVA STARE Glitter is the new shimmer when it comes to eyes, says NYC makeup artist Lottie, who created the looks you see here. A glitzy, graphic cat eye makes a statement on its own. "Just finish with a little lip balm and foundation," says Lottie. COSMIC KISSER Sure, it looks awesome, but this pretty, prismatic effect also plumps your lips, thanks to the light-reflecting particles. A total showstopper—add some mascara and you're good to go. DARK MATTER The biggest thing to hit mani land this year: top coats and adhesives that, in minutes, make nails look like…

Can't treat your friends and coworkers to designer swag? The least you can do is give them a sugar rush. For years, I had the same holiday routine: Wait until the last minute, fight throngs of shoppers, and grab whatever from leftover piles of merchandise. Now, I turn to my kitchen to crank out gifts. It's quick and easy…and my friends don't miss getting socks. PumpkinCranberryWalnut Bread 2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups sugar ½ cup canola oil 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) 1 cup dried cranberries ½ cup walnuts, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a…

She's here to avenge hercousin's death, butright now, Nia Hollisteronly has eyes for theman whose touch turnsher body to jelly. And that could be her undoing.… Nia Hollister doesn't scare easily. She abandoned her burgeoning career as a photojournalist to return to Ash, Kentucky, to find the serial killer who brutally ended her cousin's life. What she didn't count on was falling for Law Reilly. Law moved to Ash 10 years ago because it was a quiet town where he could focus on writing his novel. But ever since Nia's cousin was murdered, that peace has been shattered. Since the police are getting nowhere in their investigation, Law offers to help Nia find answers…and even though sex is the last thing on Nia's mind, Law is hot, and a girl's…

What You Thought ofthe October Issue Message of Hope "The article 'Single? We've Got Your Numbers' made me feel amazing about my single self during wedding season. It was great to read that most women have disastrous dates…and that there are 50 million single guys out there!" —Zoe M., Riverhead, N.Y. App Accolades "I'm so loving how interactive my Cosmo is on my Nook! Magazine readers didn't get to press play on Zooey's song. ;)" —@_AshBashJESTY_ Greater Good-Bye? "I'm disappointed that Helen Gurley Brown wasn't on the cover. The centerfold was great, but I wish she was honored on the cover as well. Who is more fun and fearless than the original herself?" —Georgina M., Los Angeles We've Got Her Vote "Thank you so much for 'The Candidates on Women's…

ON THE TOPIC OF CHEATING "To be honest, I've never been involved in any of those situations, so I don't know [if trust can be regained]. It would be just a guess and a shot in the dark, and I don't want to give that if I haven't even been there myself." ABOUT KRISTEN "Kristen is fantastic at everything she does. I'm always proud of her." RECONNECTING WITH AN EX "I absolutely think it's possible. It depends how long you were with that person. If it was a long, serious relationship, I think it's quite easy to rekindle. I guess it depends on what damage has been done. There's no ex out there who I'm not friends with today, and I'm extremely thankful for that." MR. JITTERS "I get nervous…

Cosmo readers share their most toe-curling stories and steamiest secrets. Under Observation "I work as an assistant in a lab. One night on my way to a date, I stopped in to check some test results. I assumed I was alone, so before I left, I checked myself out in this huge mirror. Suddenly, I heard a catcall-type whistle over the intercom.…It was my boss from behind the glass, which is actually a one-way mirror. She was taking a group of colleagues on a tour of the lab before a business dinner, and they all saw me primping." —Julia O. Busted! A Real Head-Turner "After a breakup, I was trying hard to get back out there. I decided to edge up my look, so I got this ponytail extension and…

Love advice from our guy guru, Ky Henderson Q. My guy wants me to share my sexual fantasies, but whenever I try,I get shy and clam up. Any suggestions? A. First, I'd want to know what it is that's making you scared. Are you afraid he'll think you actually want to bang the entire Green Bay Packers offensive line at the same time? Then imagine a scenario that would be nearly impossible to carry out in real life, like endless hours of oral on a desert island. If it's that you just can't come up with anything, think of a hot sex scene from a movie and describe it. Fantasies are about letting go and having fun, and losing any hang-ups is part of that. Besides, I promise you that…

The power of a pretty little thing is totally transformative. Slip into a silky nightie or a gorgeous bra set and channel your inner seductress. Bodysuit, Myla, $295, myla.com Necklace, Miguel Ases, $484, shopbop.com Bra and panties, Smart and Sexy, $12, walmart.com Marchesa Parfum D'Extase, $85, Sephora Bra and panties, Amulette, $139, amulettelingerie.com Nightshirt, Only Hearts, $75, onlyhearts.com Massage oil, Kiki de Montparnasse, $65, kikidm.com Sleep mask, Mary Green, $26.50, marygreen.com Bra and thong, OnGossamer, $68, ongossamer.com Bralette, Only Hearts, $55, onlyhearts.com Bra, Cosmopolitan, $20, jcpenney.com Chemise, Natori, $225, natori.com Panties, Cosmopolitan, 3 for $18, jcpenney.com Diptyque Roses Scented Oval, $45, diptyqueparis.com Panties, Cosmopolitan, $10, jcpenney.com Bra and thong, Claudette, $99, herroom.com Nightshirt, Eberjey, $156 (sold with matching bottoms), trueandco.com Notebook, Archie Grand, $10,…

INSIDE His Picks…P.86 Loot…P.88 Showdown…P.90 Cheat Sheet…P.92 Shameless…P.94 Q&A…P.96 Party Tricks…P.99 When it comes to bangs, jagged is the new blunt. Ask a pro for the serrated style (it's sexy and so low maintenance), then score this edgy, slept-in texture. 1. Saturate damp hair with salt spray: 20 pumps for long hair, 10 for medium or short. (We like Sachajuan Ocean Mist, $28, here.) Blow-dry, saving your bangs for last. 2. Aim the blow-dryer downward over bangs as you tousle them. Rub a pomade (try Bumble and Bumble Semisumo, $27) through their tips for a piece-y effect. 3. Finish with a generous allover mist of aerosol texturizer (one of our favorites: Redken Quick Tease 15, $18)—key to a messy, matte finish.…

Try This AQUATIC EYES Layer cobalt shadow over liner for this soft, oceanic look. L.A. Colors Jumbo Eye Pencil in Pool Party, $2 Make Up For Ever Eye Shadow in 118, $20 A TOP KNOT Braid the tail of a high pony, and wrap it into a bun. Mist with shine spray. Göt2b Oil-licious Dry Oil Hair Taming Mist, $6 WELL-DEFINED BROWS Lightly fill in sparse spots, then blend to a natural finish. Sania's Brow Bar Angled Mechanical Brow Pencil, $25 Not That EYES ON FIRE She took the whole smoldering stare thing quite literally. A BALL ON TOP OF YOUR HEAD What's impressive for soccer players isn't sexy for hair. DRAWN-ON BROWS Sharpies should be kept far away from makeup bags.…

Your burning beauty questions, answered… Q. Foundation makes the peach fuzz on my face look so obvious. What's the deal? A. "Most of us blend foundation in circles, which lifts fine facial hairs, making them more noticeable," says makeup pro Mally Roncal. To flatten fuzz, use a foundation brush to apply your base in downward strokes. Dermablend Professional Foundation Brush, $30 Clinique Stay-Matte Makeup, $23 Q. My legs are so dry. Can I still shave them? A. Yes, just use a creamy body wash (like Dove Deep Moisture, $4.50) first, then defuzz with a fresh blade (to nix irritation) and shaving cream (our pick: Skintimate Lotionized Shave Crème, $4) to cushion and protect cracked skin, says Jeffrey Benabio, a derm in San Diego. TWEET US! Questions for our beauty team?…

One of our favorite moments in the new Judd Apatow flick is the opening scene: Pete (Paul Rudd) is having the best shower sex ever with his wife, Debbie (Leslie Mann), when he stu pidly confesses he popped a Via gra. Even worse, he got it from a friend. Instantly, the mood is over, Debbie's pissed…and we're crack ing up. It's not like Pete needed any help in the erection department. He just took the pill to see what would happen, which experts say isn't at all uncommon in the real world. "Guys already know sex on its own is pleasurable, so they want to see what happens if they take it to the next level," says Harry Fisch, MD, coauthor of Size Matters. In other words, dudes are curious.…

Daniel and I first met on line—not via a dating site but literally on line outside a bar in the small town in Virginia where we were both college freshmen. Within a few weeks, we were spending most of our time together. Mid semester, while he and I sat across from each other munching chicken fingers during a midnight break from studying, I felt an overwhelm ing surge of love. I want this to last forever, I thought. But deep down, I knew that it wouldn't. How could a college romance be the real thing? TAKING A BREAK Sophomore year, things got shaky. Daniel moved into a frat house, and our usual weeknight dinner dates began to dwindle in favor of his bonding with his bros. "It's just that I…

For Christmas, I always ask Santa to bring me a hot new bod and a stress-free lifestyle. He never does, so my parents gift me a year's membership to the gym instead. They do this for my sister, Gena, too. Now that Mom and Dad are retiring, Gena generously offered to pay my annual fee, because I'm on a tight budget. I'm thrilled, but I haven't told my hubby, Scott, since I have a feeling he won't like it. Is it okay to keep this little money secret from him, or will it start us on a slippery slope that ends with an empty marriage devoid of all honest communication? IT'S NOT ABOUT THE CASH "You'd be keeping an ongoing secret about money, so no, it's not okay," says psycholo…

When rude, obnoxious, or just plain ludicrous situations work your last nerve, there's only one thing to do: Vent here! Shoeless in Seattle "This lady thought it'd be okay to put her bare feet on a coffee-shop table!" —Elaine G. So Trashy "Ronald McDonald is calling shotgun in this car." —Jackie M. Horsing Around "Not the best way to display an extra stuffed animal." —Liz F. Peek-a-Boob "This girl must have thought she was at Hooters, not a family restaurant." —Emily A. Touchy Subjects "They were walking this way for three blocks." —Darcy W. ANNOYED BEYOND BELIEF? LOG ON TO COSMOPOLITAN.COM/BITCH-IT-OUT TO SHARE YOUR PET PEEVE (AND PHOTO). IF WE PRINT YOUR SHOT, WE'LL GIVE YOU $50.…

Overflowing party buffets, nonstop open bars, crazy-delicious cookies—it can be tough to stick to your healthy guns during the holidays. But think twice before going on a December bender. Besides adding unwanted inches, constant snacking and sipping can screw up your skin: 80 percent of a gorgeous complexion, say docs, is all about what you eat. ID your skin wish, then learn what to pile on your plate (and face) each day to counteract those seasonal splurges. YOU WANT SMOOTH, LINE-FREE SKIN Besides getting older, UV rays and pollution are the biggest contributors to fine lines and wrinkles. "Sun exposure, smog, and secondhand smoke all produce free radicals, which attack and break down your skin's collagen—the stuff that keeps it firm," says dermatologist Howard Murad, associate clinical professor at the…

Free Pills, Paps, and More in Your Future You've probably heard about the part of the Affordable Care Act that went into effect in August—free birth control; it's about time! So why are you still paying? For most people, those benefits don't kick in until your insurance plan is renewed at the end of the year. But when it does, here's what else you'll get gratis* (as in, no co-pay):      • All FDA-approved birth control, including emergency contraception (Rx required). Note that some insurers may fully cover generics only unless your MD specifically requests a brand-name drug.      • An annual gyno/well-woman checkup, including regular Pap tests, plus additional visits deemed necessary by your doctor      • Annual HPV testing for women age 30 and over      • Annual HIV screening (testing for…

When Your Voice Goes MIA Endless small talk plus trying to be heard over the music means you may wake up sounding like a donkey. Soothe your strained vocal cords with steam from the shower, then gargle with this mixture for a few seconds (don't swallow; the pepper can irritate your tongue).      • 8-ounce glass of warm water      • A squeeze of lemon      • 1 teaspoon honey      • A pinch of cayenne pepper FOODS THAT FUEL YOU Avoid an energy-killing food coma by opting for these tasty, power-packed hors d'oeuvres. MOZZARELLA The inevitable cheese tray is tough to ignore. Reach for mozzarella, which has more protein and less fat than most other cheeses. SHRIMP COCKTAIL It's all lean protein, which keeps you alert. But don't overindulge on cocktail sauce—the added…

Q. How can I tell if he's faking his orgasm? A. You can't…at least not a hundred percent. There aren't any telltale signs that a guy didn't get there. Even the absence of ejaculate isn't an indicator, since it's possible for him to climax and not release the fluid. However, there are a few things you can look for in the moment to check if he's about to experience the real deal, such as tensed muscles, sex flush (blushing due to soaring pulse rate and blood pressure), and an extra-hard erection. All three are clues he's on the edge of orgasm. But if you do think he faked it, don't accuse him or he may go on the defensive and shut down. Instead, say something like, "It kind of seemed…

Flash Forward Jacket, Theyskens' Theory; dress, BCBG Max Azria, $568; shoes, Casadei; purse, Anya Hindmarch; necklace, Janis by Janis Savitt; bracelet, House of Lavande Vintage; ring, CC Skye, $150 Well-Suited Jacket, $103, and shorts, $ 60, ASOS; clutch, Jimmy Choo; multistrand bracelet, $348, and red and gold bracelet, House of Lavande Vintage BEAUTY TIP: For a complexion this crazy-luminous, swap regular foundation for a BB cream (we love Dior Hydra Life BB Crème, $56). Center of Attention Jacket, Sachin and Babi; pants, A|X Armani Exchange, $148; tank, Calvin Klein Underwear, $36; shoes, Brian Atwood; necklace, Lanvin at net-a-porter.com; starburst ring, Hearts on Fire; ring, Kenneth Jay Lane, $138 Net Results Dress, Lovers and Friends, $215; bracelet, C. Wonder, $78 Baroque and Fabulous Top, H&M, $39.95; pants, 7 for All Mankind,…

Kissable Lips— All Night Long To ensure your pout stays soft during chapped-lip season, mix a bit of sugar into a dab of lip balm, and massage over your mouth. Remove with a dry tooth brush, then reapply balm. APPS TO DOWNLOAD NOW. LiveHotSpotNYC shows live updates of New York City nightlife (soon to be offered in other cities). Check door policies and girl-to-guy ratios before you pick your spot. Venmo allows friends to transfer money to each other's checking accounts. Now it's not a pain in the ass to keep track of all those IOUs. Moodagent links with Spotify to pick the perfect music for your mood, whether you're partying or pounding the treadmill. 5 Ways to Hold Your Own at a Random Party So you've followed your friend…

Take stock of trends now and, come 2013, everything from your party chatter to your Twitter feed will be so money. GUY CRUSH The Lincoln star has crossed over from lovable nerd to leading-man badass. Joseph Gordon-Levitt BUY Yeah, he's said lame stuff recently, but we're still curious to see his "method" acting in Nymphomaniac. Shia LaBeouf HOLD He couldn't make John Carter or Battleship a hit—maybe it's time for a Tim Riggins spin-off? Taylor Kitsch SELL TWITTER STAND-UP @chrissyteigen We'd hate the gorge Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model if she wasn't so damn funny. @lenadunham The only thing tiding us over until Girls is back next month @shitgirlssay "OMG, that's so something that'd be on Shit Girls Say." —every girl ever #TimeToMoveOn Tweet Us! What will you #BuyHoldSell from 2012?…

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 16: Britney Spears—Kohl's COVER LOOK Page 18: Kelly Wearstler—shopbop.com. Chan Luu—chanluu.com. Vanessa Mooney—vanessamooney.com. TAYLOR SWIFT IN LOVE Pages 34 to 36: J Mendel—jmendel.com. Kismet—fragments.com; 212-334-9588. Chan Luu—chanluu.com. Kelly Wearstler—shopbop.com. RedValentino—valentino.com. J Brand—revolveclothing.com. SLIP INTO SOMETHING COMFIER Page 44: Cosmopolitan—JCPenney. GoJane—800-U-GO-JANE. BLACK PATENT EYES Page 46: CK One—Ulta. Bobbi Brown—bobbibrown.com. GUYS TALK L-O-V-E Page 50: (DiCaprio) xposurephotos.com. (Lennon) Cummings Archives/Redferns. (Riley) Moviestore/Rex/Rex USA. (Johnson) Laurie Sparham/Focus Features. (Driver) Ali Page Goldstein/ © HBO/Everett Collection. (Shephard) Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1. (Redmayne) Laurie Sparham/Universal Pictures. (Brand) Erik Jordan/startraksphoto.com. (Zylka) Jason Merritt/Getty Images. (This Is How You Lose Her) MARKO METZINGER/STUDIO D. FANCY PANTS Page 72: LOFT—LOFT locations nationwide. Bar III—Macy's. 7 for All Mankind—7 for All Mankind stores. AMAZING LACE Page 76: Natori—Saks Fifth Avenue. Smart and Sexy—Walmart;…

Q. What's With the Bodyguards? A. From new business ventures to that jaw-dropping Alexandre Vauthier gown she rocked at the Emmys, Heidi Klum's been in full rebound mode since her split from Seal. So why is she dating her bodyguard of four years, Martin Kirsten, instead of using those long, gorgeous legs to kick down Johnny Depp's door? It could be argued that in the wake of her failed marriage, Klum craves a strong, stabilizing hand to hold (not to mention a jacked bod!): "When recovering from a breakup, women can be vulnerable and often experience anxiety. Having sex with someone you feel safe with and who prioritizes your needs can provide reassurance," says David Buss, PhD, a psychology professor at The University of Texas at Austin and coauthor…

After Amy Poehler and Will Arnett's split, we don't know if we could take another dream-duo fail. KATE AND WILL Young, happy, rich…we want to hate them, but they just seem so nice. PETER AND LOIS She shaves his back + he saves her from Stewie = true love. BARACK AND MICHELLE Humanity, here's your hope for the future. KELLY AND MARK If he had been cohost, our TVs would have melted from the heat. CHRIS AND ANNA Ha ha ha. They can just laugh away all their problems, right? PRINCE CHARMING AND CINDERELLA Safe—until Disney cashes in on a sequel. PORTIA AND ELLEN Just the sight of these two together gives us the warm and fuzzies. BEYONCÉ AND JAY-Z They told us they are "Crazy in Love," and dammit,…

Scene Stealer "I'm an actor, and one day, my agent sent over a bunch of scripts I didn't have time to review. At an audition later, I was reading my scene—which was filled with raunchy sex talk—and the casting agents looked really con fused. I showed them the script, and they started laugh ing hysterically. My agent had sent me a porno by mistake." —Deacon T. Heads Up! "I'd just started dating this awesome girl who didn't eat meat, so I decided to take her to a sushi restaurant. She ordered a tuna roll and seemed into the place…until the chef came out with a live tuna and chopped its head off at our table. My date was horrified as the beheadings continued at tables around us. I guess they're…

Do the Tree Thing It only looks this magical outside once a year, so get out there and enjoy it. Gather your girls after work and go ice-skating, gaze at the holiday lights, and geek out. Art Basel Catch a little sun and some art at this art-a-palooza in Miami Beach. Go for the amazing pieces…and awesome people-watching. (December 6 to 9, artbasel.com) START A BOOK CLUB, GET FREE COFFEE Buy a book from Coffee and Books, and get a $5 voucher to use on Dunn Bros Coffee. Plus, your whole club gets more discounts if you meet in one of the DB stores. Go to coffeeandbooks.com for more info. Move Over, Don Draper! In honor of the 50th anniversary of the release of To Kill a Mockingbird, indulge in…

Clutch, Cosmopolitan, $35, jcpenney.com Necklace, Jill Golden, $360, flutternyc.com Tank top, Nation Ltd, $69, nationltd.com Booties, GoJane, $28.60, gojane.com Pants, Adam, $325, theoutnet.com Jacket, Candie's, $58, Kohl's Shorts, W118 by Walter Baker, $228, walterbaker.com Jacket, Moschino, $1,995, net-a-porter.com Jacket, Topshop, $140, topshop.com Booties, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, $995, giuseppezanottidesign.com Shorts, Karl, $250, net-a-porter.com Cuff, Kenneth Jay Lane, $500, 877-953-5264 Earrings, Karen Egren, $45, karenegren.com Bag, Zara, $49.90, zara.com Pants, Prabal Gurung, $1,080, net-a-porter.com…

The Surprising Thing Men Notice While he may not detect your new haircut, he's likely to zero in on a seemingly innocent mouth move: pursing your lips. "It subconsciously signals you're uninterested," says Michael R. Cunningham, PhD, a psychologist in the department of communica tion at the University of Louisville. Make the motion often to refresh gloss or lipstick? Consider switching to a stain (like the ones here). PRESENT PERFECT No matter what your seriousness level (fifth date, just moved in, newlyweds), cologne is a no-brainer guy gift. Use our guide to find the right new brew for your man.…

Strategically apply your perfume (combine any two of the tips below) and it'll never short-fuse again. Dab Vaseline, $3, onto the fronts of your ankles and the backs of your knees, then spritz with perfume. Scent rises, so it's key to affix it to these low pulse points. Mist your cleavage and the area of your bra where the cups connect (unless it's silk). The heated heart-zone is great at propelling scent molecules. Spray one of your inner wrists and press (don't rub—doing so breaks up the notes so they fade) it against the other one for five seconds. Apply perfume to a dollop of hair smoothing cream, and apply it to the bottom 2 inches of yourhair, the most porous and absorbent part. THE PRO International fragrance consultant Jan…

We know you have a fete-filled schedule this month, so we'll make this easy: Pick a trick from these showstopping trends, and enjoy being the girl everyone gawks at. Shu Uemura Karl for Shu Premium Eyelashes, $75 NOW YOU SEE THEM NOW YOU DON'T Katy Perry Trend 1 Eye Candy The best part of this blingy fringe? The sparkle shows only when you close your eyes, so every blink scores a double take. Use lash glue to adhere crystals (we love the 13-hue range of Make Up For Ever Strass, $21) to the tops of falsies (opt for a plush set like Katy Perry by Eylure Lashes, $7). Or try a ready-to-wear pair (like Shu Uemura's, here). Trend 2 Power Pouts Holiday red lips are sexy…but expected. The way-cooler choice:…

An exciting career, a beautiful home, a second half as sexy as Ryan Reynolds, and eventually, some rug rats. This is the modern definition of having it all, and unlike our grandmothers, or even our moms, we've been promised it's doable. So when Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former high-powered professional in Washington, D.C., wrote a piece for The Atlantic entitled "Why Women Still Can't Have It All," it caused a stir. Her stance: Having it all is almost impossi ble under our current system, and we set up young women to feel like failures by telling them otherwise. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, also touched on this in her 2010 TED Talk: "Women face harder choices between professional success and personal fulfillment….I don't have the right answer. I don't even have…

Even if the force is strong in your relationship, you may wish your boyfriend or husband would make more of an effort to show that he's crazy about you. Not to sound like a total girl, but how nice would it be to receive a bouquet of teacup roses just because or to be surprised with tickets to that play you've been dying to see? Or maybe just not to be given a garlic roaster for your birthday? Baby steps. The thing is, the guy probably does convey his feelings for you—just in his own weird man-way. "Women prefer love to be shown to them romantically," says Jane Greer, PhD, author of What About Me? "They want the frills and the seduction. As a result, they miss all the tangible,…

Here you are, an otherwise stable, successful, happy adult, but as soon as you return to the place you grew up, it's like you never left. That's not necessarily a bad thing (Mom's chocolate-toffee cookies…heaven!), but it can also do a number on your psyche. "Some thing as simple as staying in your childhood bedroom can trigger a ripple effect of regression," says psychologist Jenn Berman, PhD, an expert on VH1's Couples Therapy. "You may have moved away and developed a career and a rela tionship, and you may feel like a totally different person. But when you go home for a visit, your old identity resur faces, and that can be unnerving." Of course, it's nice to be with your family during the holidays. So take a breath and…

Among the hundreds of candidates you're probably competing with for a position, many are going to commit one of these faux pas. Good thing you won't. 1. Your Twitter Feed Is Lame "I always look at potential employees' Twitter feeds," says Alison Brod, president of Alison Brod PR. "I know it's informal, but a stream littered with u's and luv's makes you look 12 years old—definitely not hiring material." Other stuff to avoid: tweeting during work hours, always talking about social plans, and swearing. What's good? Smart retweets and mentions of industry players. "A recent candidate's feed mentioned a few clients we rep," says Brod. "It was clear she cared about the industry. She got the gig." 2. You Overused Your "In" Employers expect candidates to use connections to get…

Do This,Eat Less The secret to rock-hard willpower (and abs): working out in the a.m. Scientists at Brigham Young University measured the neural activity of women who exercised in the morning versus women who didn't, and it turns out those who got their butts in gear early were less responsive to images of food. In other words, they weren't as tempted by food. So think of your morning run as defense against your coworker's latest Pinterest-inspired cookie/cake/calorie bomb. A NEW SPIN ON SPINNING We love mash-ups, in music and in the gym. The latest combo getting our hearts pumping? Spinning/barre class. Revolve Fitness in D.C. (it's also opening in NYC this month) is launching a class called Barre Ride that combines cycling with a ballet-based workout. It's the best of…

Fit in 6 minutes Bend and Reach 1 Kneel with legs hip-distance apart and a 3-pound weight in your right hand. Bend to the right, crunching your obliques. 2 Lean to the left (put your left hand down for balance), and kick your right leg to the side. Reach your right arm over your head. That's one rep; do 30, and switch sides. Chart Your Progress Check off a box for every set of exercises you complete. RIGHT: 30 LEFT: 30 Cross Kick 1 Start on your hands and knees. Hold the weight in your left hand behind your back, and cross your right leg behind your left. 2 Extend your right leg above hip height (engage your core to help you balance). That's one rep; do 30, and switch…

Some things arebetter aftermidnight—likekaraoke, disco fries,and rip-your-clothes-off sex. Use these tipsnext time youwant to bring theafter-party back toyour place. Wear your slinkiest, laciest lingerie underneath your clothes, and then let him sneak a quick peek of the top of a stocking, a bra strap, or a bit of lace throughout the night. In a dark hallway or corner of the party/bar/restaurant, surprise him with a quickie make out. Pin him against the wall, and give him a tongue-invasive, hands-tugging-hair kiss. Excuse yourself to go to the restroom, then send him this text several minutes later: "Just touched myself while thinking about what I want you to do to me later." Grab some candy canes at a holiday party, and stash them in your purse. Sucking on pepper-mint right before you…

MORNING CHAOS Your boss's 9 a.m. status meetings…a full load of classes before noon…a prework doctor's appointment…knowing you have a jam-packed morning to contend with all make you worried and wired the night before—and that sinks your desire. "When you're stressed, your body pumps out the hormone cortisol in response to the flood of anxiety," says sex therapist Pepper Schwartz, PhD, author of Prime. "And managing stress is a more pressing demand on your system than getting turned on." The night before a crazy a.m., write a to-do list for the next day to give you a sense of control and order, says Schwartz. And if at all possible, bump up booty a few hours to an earlier time in the evening, before you're too racked with tension to enjoy…

GRAB BAG Dress, Finders Keepers, $176; beaded clutch, Matthew Williamson available at net-a-porter.com; purse, Rebecca Minkoff, $350; pink and orange bracelet, $130, and blue bracelet, $245, DANNIJO; top necklace, $295, and bottom necklace, $325, MR DANNIJO; cuff, $230, and collar, $350, Venessa Arizaga DOUBLE TAKE (On her, left) jacket, Topshop, $110; bathing-suit bottom, Yes Master, $35; shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti at Zappos Couture; bag, Salvatore Ferragamo; clutch, Cosmopolitan, $30; necklace, House of Lavande Vintage; (on right arm) bracelets, Kenneth Jay Lane, $75 each; (on left arm) cuff, Vanessa Mooney, $200; spike bracelet, A Peace Treaty available at shopbop.com, $242; bracelet, GoJane, $13.80. (On her, right) blouse, Barbara Bui; shorts, Citizens of Humanity, $189; shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti at Zappos Couture; bag, Salvatore Ferragamo; earrings, $265, purple moon necklace, $385, and cuff, $375,…

They make a perfect gift…or light one up yourself and breathe in the scent of the season. The Holiday Candle, Baroness von Neumann, $49.50, baronessvonneumann.com Roasted Chestnut Deluxe Candle, Jo Malone London, $130, jomalone.com Twisted Peppermint, Vanilla Snowflake, and Merry Cookie Candles, Bath and Body Works, $19.50 each, bathandbodyworks.com Tin Candle in Balsam, Soap and Paper Factory, $18, soapandpaperfactory.com Winter Garden Fragrance Candle, Crabtree and Evelyn, $33, crabtree-evelyn.com Foret Noir Jar Candle, Archipelago Botanicals, $29.50, archipelago-usa.com Frasier Fir Holiday Candle, Thymes, $38, thymes.com Wildwood Bitter Orange and Cedar Candle, Thymes, $32, thymes.com Home for the Holidays Candles, Jonathan Adler, one wick, $38, and three wicks, $58, jonathanadler.com…

Get a sneak peek at what to look forward to…and what to watch out for. BIRTHDAY GIRL (NOV. 23–DEC. 22) STRENGTHS: Free-spirited, independent, optimistic WEAKNESSES: Careless, impatient, restless WHAT MAKES YOU SEXY: Guys love how comfortable you are in your own skin (you never ask if a dress makes you look fat). And your fun, fearless spirit means you're a blast to be around. YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH: Ambitious Saturn urges you to set some new goals at the start of the month. Want to slim down? Think you need a new job? You'll have the energy to really see these things through. DATING TIP: You're partied out, but social Venus advises you to RSVP to that holiday shindig around the 20th. There will be a guy there who's right for…

1. You're on a first date when you see your old BF. You: A. Say "hey" as you pass by, then lead your date to a table in a private spot far away. B. Head over and make introductions, then linger a bit to scope out the girl he's with. C. Tell your date that you have to leave—like, now. 2. Look around your place. What do you see that reminds you of him? A. His old boxers that you like to sleep in B. A pic of you two with his face scratched out. You look hot, so.… C. The Steve Jobs bio he bought to seem cool but never read 3. What's the most personal thing you've told your new man about the last guy you dated? A.…