Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2013 i Cosmopolitan

Anda & Masha The New York–based styling and designing duo bring their current obsession of combining patterns, colors, and prints to this month's fashion feature "Mix It Up" (p. 166). (They also styled "The Transformer" [p. 174].) When they met, Masha was styling solo, and Anda was designing for Ralph Lauren. "Within a year, I'd quit my job to work together," says Anda (left). "It was a big risk, but it paid off." Together, the pair have styled celebs like Rihanna and Anne Hathaway. Describe your personal styles: "Masha is more rock-and-roll, and I change with my mood, from boho to street," says Anda. Sarah Z. Wexler Moving from New York City to Portland, Oregon, was about "no longer being a slave to a job and making my time about…

We had a hunch readers would like our Cosmo Careers supplement, guest-edited by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg—author of the much-buzzed-about book Lean In—but your response inspired us. "The mini magazine is amazing!" wrote Eliana P., from Miami, Florida. "I'm in college, and it helps me visualize my goals." "After reading it, I felt empowered to find a career," wrote Diana D., from Queens, New York. "I'm head over heels in love with your career guide," wrote Allison B., from Bloomington, Indiana. "Thank you for turning Cosmo into a resource for women looking for a well-rounded package of fashion, entertainment, career advice, and relationships." HOOKED UP "I loved 'Want More Than a Hookup?' I've experienced the college hookup culture. It's such a relief to know others out there find it difficult…

Net Loss "I had a crush on this cute girl, so I was excited when she invited me to a big pool party at her house. I tried to flirt with her, but she was busy hostessing. So I figured I'd go big and impress her by jumping halfway across the pool, clearing the volleyball net in the middle, and landing on the other side. I got a running start and jumped as far as I could toward the middle, but instead of landing on the other side of the net as I'd hoped, I crashed directly into it and brought it down with me into the water! I banged up my back so badly in the process that I had to get out and have my friends put ice…

Extra! Extra! RYAN PHILLIPPE and Deacon load up on snacks for…their Newsies viewing party? CHRIS HEMSWORTH'S biceps may be bigger than his daughter, India. Here, let us investigate. Big daddy MICHAEL STRAHAN double-straws it (his twins don't seem to mind). We dig MARK WAHLBERG and son Brendan's matching kicks more than they dig this game. Little Flynn looks unsure about hiking with ORLANDO BLOOM. We, on the other hand, wouldn't mind a piggyback ride! Kiss him—he's (part) Irish! Dad-to-be JOSH DUHAMEL gets ready to improve the gene pool. We've seen Josh wear weirder stuff.… Ever wonder what kind of dad Dawson would be? JAMES VAN DER BEEK is super cute with Olivia. Our ovaries just exploded. Behold DAVID BECKHAM and Harper. — ERIKA BERLIN…

DECLARATIONS OF LOVE FUN After the Veronica Mars movie surpasses its Kickstarter fund-raising goal, Dax Shepard lays on the cute social-media PDA for Kristen Bell. FEARLESS A high schooler invites model Kate Upton to his prom, calling her the yin to his yang… and she responds! (She's flattered but too busy.) FAIL To announce their relationship, Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn release ridiculous "candid" photos. Dislike. ALL WRAPPED UP FUN A win for protection! Research shows that sex with a condom feels just as good as sex without. FEARLESS From silicon to latex? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation offers $100K grants to inventors of a "next generation condom." FAIL A Chicago mom files a lawsuit alleging that her toddler ate a used condom in a McDonald's play area. So…

Vest, Gap, $59.95, gap.com Top, LA't by L'Agence, $195, Ron Herman Sunglasses, Forever 21, $5.80, forever21.com Tie a button-down for a classic look that gives a peek of tummy. Try a vest as a cool-girl alternative to a denim jacket. Vest, Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren, $165, Macy's Peasant tops are so feminine and totally forgiving. Necklace, American Eagle Outfitters, $17.50, ae.com Sunglasses, YSL, $325, solsticesunglasses.com Top, Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren, $69.50, Macy's Sling a long-strap bag over your shoulder for a '70s feel. Vest, DKNY Jeans, $129.50, Macy's Sandals, Victoria's Secret Catalogue, $148, victoriassecret.com Shorts, Levi's, $58, levi.com Bag, Mango, $59.99, mango.com Shorts, Hudson Jeans, $132, hudsonjeans.com; belt, Tommy Hilfiger, similar styles available at Tommy Hilfiger, NY, 212-223-1824 Sandals, Calvin Klein Jeans, $89, calvinklein.com Sunglasses,…

RACHEL BILSON SHOEMINT.COM "I'm a shortie, and caged heels elongate my legs." Shoemint, $99.98, shoemint.com ERIN KLEINBERG THECOVETEUR.COM "This shoe is so chic that you don't need any other accessories. It is the outfit." Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra, net-a-porter.com HILLARY KERR AND KATHERINE POWER WHOWHATWEAR.COM "We love neon, and the 1-inch heel gives a little lift." United Nude, $180, shopbop.com ISABEL DUPRÉ CELEB STYLIST "Open toes let me play with summer's fun polish colors." Aquazzura, $485, shopbop.com SUSIE LAU STYLEBUBBLE.COM "I love geometric patterns and pop colors for summer." Sophia Webster, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores RACHEL ZOE CELEB STYLIST/DESIGNER "Rebel sandals add a touch of rocker chic to flirty summer dresses." Beau and Ashe, $52, shoedazzle.com ELIZABETH STEWART CELEB STYLIST "This mid-height heel is cool…

SKIN Hide sleep-deprived circles with quenching concealer (sticks are portable). And don't forget bronzer—it helps cancel out beard burn. LIPS After hours of making out, your pout will be naturally rosy…and most likely chapped. Skip lipstick, and go straight for the balm. EYES Recycle last night's look: Nix smears with a makeup eraser (like Givenchy's here) or cotton swab. Layer on more mascara (clump-free is key). HAIR Fake freshly washed strands with a scented hair mist (or your perfume), fluff roots with texture spray (powder works too), and rock a bun. Dior Nude Tan Sun Powder, $52 Benefit Fakeup, $24 Jurlique Rose Love Balm, $6.50 Givenchy Mister Perfect, $30 CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara, $7 Oribe Hair Refresher, $22 KMS Hairplay Playable Texture, $19 MORE TIPS—STRAIGHT FROM COSMO GIRLS! "I…

TEAL FRAMES + CORAL KISSER Burberry Splash Sunglasses, $220; Dior Addict Extreme in Riviera, $30 GREEN GLASSES + BRONZY BALM Forever 21 Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses, $5.80; Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm in Gold Plum, $26 THEY EVEN DOUBLE AS A HEADBAND! Plastic frames (they don't tear hair like metal ones do) are a duchess-approved hair accessory. LILAC LENSES + PINK POUT Oliver Peoples Pastel Sheldrake, custom-order, $490; CK One Shine Lipstick in 110 Twisted, $16 CHARTREUSE SHADES + VIOLET LIPS Karen Walker Northern Lights Sunglasses in Fluro Yellow, $295; Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Violet Volt, $5 PERSIMMON PAIR + MANGO MOUTH Fantas-Eyes Charming Charlie, $10; Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipcolor in Ever So Sweet, $26 —MARTA TOPRAN…

Q Is last year's SPF safe to use? A Sunscreen doesn't expire for three years, so if it was stored in a cool place (heat breaks down SPF), it's probably okay. Scan the expiration date though, which reflects the day it was made, not sold (important since the bottle could've sat on a store shelf for a while). SOURCE: AVA SHAMBAN, A DERMATOLOGIST IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA Q Do the UV lights that cure gel manis lead to skin cancer? A According to a recent study, the time spent under those lights (about 6 to 10 minutes per service) is safe. But derms still recommend wearing sunscreen. (Ask your nail tech to do your pre-mani massage with an SPF 30 cream.) SOURCE: SUSAN TAYLOR, A DERMATOLOGIST IN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA Q…

My best friend and I started cooking together in middle school. It was awesome. We spent many afternoons baking (and eating too many oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies). Over the years, it was the time we spent together in the kitchen, talking for hours, that became the core of our friendship. I took a corporate job after graduating from college, but the fake walls of my cubicle stifled my creativity. I escaped by feeding my friends…and thankfully, my BFF was right there with me. We catered our good friend's 24th birthday, making crostini, peanut noodles, and Manchurian cauliflower for 40 people. I hadn't had that much fun in a long time. Then, that Thanksgiving, with relatives giving me stress about my career, my cousin asked me what I would do if I could…

COSMO HOT TOPICS: THIS MONTH, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT… THE MUST-SEE DOC Girl Rising CNN, SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 8 TO 10 P.M. ET Join Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, Kerry Washington, and a slew of other stars as they narrate this stunning documentary about nine girls around the world struggling to go to school despite child slavery, arranged marriages, and other injustices. Then make a donation at GirlRising.com to help all girls get an education. —ANGELA LEDGERWOOD Q&A WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE IN COMBAT Army Staff Sergeant Jennifer Hunt, 28, sued the Pentagon and helped reverse the ban on women in combat. Q You got a Purple Heart after a roadside bomb in Iraq injured you. Why do women want be on the front lines? A In Iraq and Afghanistan, there are…

After a glass of prosecco, two glasses of wine, and a vodka soda (standard date-night drinking order), who hasn't said something she would never say IRL—"Smack my ass and tell me I'm a bad girl!"—while assuming a very complicated, very unflattering position in bed. (No? Just me?) A little liquid courage goes a long way in terms of loosening inhibitions and giving us the body confidence of Kate Upton. A recent survey of 2,835 women from across Europe by international online dating service C-Date found that 50 percent prefer to have sex while tipsy. Sex under the influence is often a little crazier, a little dirtier than what you get on your average Tuesday evening. But the downside to a boozy romp is that it's harder to orgasm. "Alcohol slows…

When I first started dating Josh*, my two BFFs Lauren and Debi seemed happy for me. But soon, Debi's texts got spottier, and after my first weekend away with Josh, Lauren was chilly. "Oh, really? How nice," she said when I tried to tell her about it. It felt like I was constantly upsetting them. Finally, they told me they felt like I'd disappeared from their lives. I admit, it was partly true. They were used to my always being around. Our chat was a wake-up call: I hadn't been giving my friendships the attention they needed to thrive. CAN'T WE ALL BE HAPPY? In close friendships, a sudden male interloper may cause issues. "Friends can be closer to us than family," says Andrea Bonior, PhD, author of The Friendship…

Q I'm dating a new guy, and he's great except that he's somewhat of a slob when he eats. He gets food in his teeth, on his face, and sometimes, on his clothes. It's embarrassing! How do I get him to eat like a civilized adult? A Somewhat of a slob? It sounds like you're dating Homer Simpson. But this is a problem that will be pretty easy to solve. My guess is that he doesn't know what a slob he's being—hard to believe, I know. So he'll probably appreciate your telling him as long as you do it by gently poking fun at him rather than scolding. Next time he's wearing his dinner, say something like, "Has anyone ever told you that you eat like Cookie Monster? Because we…

Sofia Vergara strides into the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel for afternoon tea, and she is impossible to miss. It is not so much her ridiculous curves that turn every head in the lobby—although they are unmistakably on display in her white V-neck tee shirt, flared Hudson jeans, and chunky Gucci high-heeled sandals—but rather her laugh, which bubbles out loudly and often. Since landing in Miami 18 years ago, the Colombian-born star of Modern Family has become America's most sought-after sex symbol. (When I told guy friends I was interviewing her, I was bombarded with pleas of "Do you need an assistant?") But Vergara is just as beloved by her many female fans. She quickly shows me why. Settling onto a plushy couch, Vergara digs around in her Birkin bag and…

BY DAY THE NBD KNOT Imperfect buns look polished and real—so much cooler than a cookie-cutter sock bun, says Oribe. Distribute two egg-size dollops of mousse (Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse, $32, is one of the softest, most body-boosting formulas out there) through damp hair from the ears down. Make a ponytail at the top of your crown, then tightly twirl the tail around the base, anchoring it with bobby pins. (The tighter the bun, the sexier the waves will look when you unwind it later.) The finishing touch: Use your fingers to tease a few strands out of the topknot and along your hairline. Jacket, Iro; bralet, Edun, $78; earrings, Alexis Bittar, $95; ring, Hart's own BY NIGHT BOMBSHELL WAVES Undo that bun, shake it out, and let those…

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP During sex, the hormones oxytocin, vasopressin, and melatonin surge in your body, helping you get a solid night of shut-eye. BE MORE ZEN The release of oxytocin during orgasm can reduce stress levels for several hours (yes, we said hours) by inhibiting a major stress hormone. PROTECT YOUR BREASTS Arousal and orgasm cause a surge in oxytocin and DHEA, hormones that are associated with a decreased risk for breast cancer. FEND OFF A SUMMER COLD In a study, people who had sex once or twice a week had immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels 30 percent higher than those who abstained. IgA bolsters your immune system, so get it on and maybe you'll skip that next cold or flu. LOOK YOUNGER A 10-year study of more than 3,500 participants…

MEET YOUR TRAINER Hannah Davis, cofounder of Gotham Versatile Training in New York City, loves using resistance bands when she takes a trip—they're a must-pack. "Tossing one in your bag is like having a mini gym," she says. "You can burn calories and work your muscles wherever you go." Pilates Row 1 Sit on the floor with legs extended, and wrap the band around your left foot. Hold the handles so your palms face the floor and are above your knees at chest height. Tilt back your upper body a few inches. 2 Raise your left foot, then pull back your right arm, keeping a bend in the elbow. That's one rep. Do 10, and switch sides. Staggered Fly 1 Stand in lunge position with your right foot forward (right…

1 Garden-Fresh Ice Cubes Fill an ice-cube tray about halfway with water, then add flower tops or petals. Put the tray in the freezer until cubes are solid, then top off with more water. Freeze the cubes overnight so they don't break. 2 Light-Bright Coasters Apply vinyl stickers to a glass tile, then spray-paint the whole tile. Remove stickers after 30 minutes. Use a sponge to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge (prevents chipping). Your Toolbox      • Spray paint      • Painter's tape      • Vinyl stickers      • Mod Podge      • Square glass tiles 3 Double-Dip Wine Bucket Use painter's tape to separate the area you're decorating. Spray on two coats of paint. Slowly remove tape after 30 minutes. TIP: Apply multiple thin layers for a smoother look. Your Toolbox      •…

Bottoms Up "Our waitress at the club: Honey, please put on some pants before coming to work." — BRITTANY C., 25 Victoria's Secret "Really??" — JILLIAN S., 19 The Crack of Dawn "Belts are supposed to hold pants up." — ASHLIE A., 21 BACK- DRAFT SPECIAL 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. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 10: Monrow—Romi Boutique, California, 650-322-7664. Hervé Léger by Max Azria— herveleger.com. Janis by Janis Savitt—Janis by Janis Savitt, 212-245-7396. Iosselliani— shopbop.com. Moritz Glik— fragments.com. Oribe— oribe.com. CoverGirl—drugstores. SHOPPING NEWS Page 70: Michael Kors— michaelkors.com HOW TO DEAL WITH…THE MORNING AFTER Page 74: Dior— dior.com. Jurlique— jurlique.com. KMS— kmscalifornia.com for salons. Oribe— oribe.com. Givenchy— sephora.com. Benefit— sephora.com. CoverGirl—drugstores.…

Sofia arrived at 11:15 a.m. in a green snakeskin-print Equipment Femme top and kept the crew jazzed by cracking jokes and salivating over the shoes on the set. She also revealed one of her favorite (and notably unglam!) hobbies: zoning out in front of the TV with her son, Manolo, 21. Adorbs. —MALIA GRIGGS It's an international affair. Photographer Matthias Vriens-McGrath's cool Dutch accent next to Sofia's sassy Colombian one was so music to our ears. Hairstylist Mark Townsend's tool kit for Sofia's soft, shiny hair look. Our gift to Sofia: some serious statement jewelry. Earrings, Suzanna Dai, fragments.com With Townsend and makeup artist Kayleen McAdams (Rachel's sis!). Fully prepared! Seamstress Anna Zmboyan brought every thread color in case Sofia needed any last-minute outfit tweaks. Stylist Elizabeth Stewart's picks:…

"I had my first massage on vacation recently. I was in a hut on the beach, and I could hear the waves and the wind in the palm trees. It was a full-body experience. It made me want to learn how to give massages, so I've been going to local classes." Caley Carmichael, 26, project coordinator for a grant-management firm, from Austin, TX "I just got out of a long relationship, and I'm getting to know me again. I'm working out outdoors, which I didn't used to do. It feels freeing—like you can run and run and never stop running. I feel more confident now. I can't even kill a bee, but I feel stronger inside." Raisha Suffo, 24, business student, from Monterrey, Mexico "I went to grad school for…

After I broke up with my boyfriend, I needed a distraction, so I signed up for OkCupid. The first day I joined, I messaged this gorgeous guy who looked like Christian Bale but not as brooding. We met up for a drink at a quiet dive bar in Chicago, where I live, and we had an undeniable physical attraction. We flirted heavily and got right to it later that night at my place. I only wanted a get-over-my-ex fling at the time though, so after we had sex and he left, I thought, Sweet. Just had a successful rebound hookup, and I will never have to see this guy again. Three weeks later, I went on another OkCupid date, hoping to have more good luck. This one, not so hot:…

Q You've sung so many love songs, but the first single on this album, "It's a Beautiful Day," is the opposite of a love song. Why is that? A I wanted to write a revenge song because I've been known for only these I-haven't-met-you-yet-and-I'm-gonna-love-you-forever songs. I wrote this for the girl or guy whose boy- or girlfriend treats them like shit, and who is basically saying, "You dumped me, you broke my heart, and honestly life is awesome without you, you f**king bitch!" It's hilarious because I've heard all these girls saying, "That's my song! I was with this turd…." Q So is the entire album kind of a departure for you? A I feel like the Benjamin Button of music. I've had an older following—so many people were sleeping…

SEXY Sheer but ladylike lace Casper Smart and Jennifer Lopez Zoë Saldana, Kate Bosworth, and Allison Williams Catching up with girlfriends Hugh Jackman Headed to the beach Emilia Clarke A come-hither zipper British model Kelly Brook Kicking back poolside VS. SKANKY See-through and in your face Ne-Yo The stars of Spanish film Los Amantes Pasajeros Grabbing their lady parts Austrian comedian Wolfgang Fifi Pissecker Please head off the stage Jennifer Nicole Lee Cheeky in all the wrong ways Heidi Montag Backing that ass up…

Summer tracks sound better with a pair of glam headphones. Surfboard, DVF Loves ROXY, Quiksilver, NY, 212-226-1193 Top, Sauce, $95, shopbop.com Headphones, Frends, $200, nordstrom.com Clearly Cool Plastic Beach Set, Echo, $38, echodesign.com Sunglasses, GoJane, $5, gojane.com Jacket, H&M, $24.95, hm.com The Eighties at Echo Beach, Quiksilver, $35, quiksilver.com Wetsuit, Joy Cioci, $375, joycioci.com Top, American Eagle Outfitters, $24.95, ae.com Organix Moroccan Sea Salt Spray, $8, Walmart Bikini top, $99, and bottom, $93, Tori Praver Swimwear, GoneBananas, CA, 858-488-4900 BEAUTY BONUS Protect your pout with EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm SPF 15, $3.29, drugstores. Neon accessories pump up any outfit. Shoes, Express, $79.90, express.com Pants, Marciano, $148, marciano.com L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sunscreen Oil SPF 50+, $11, drugstores Zip pouch, Samudra, $60, samudra11.com COSMO SUMMER…

HER BIG BREAK "I launched my loungewear line, Ari Dein, in 2009, and the CFDA selected me for the Fashion Incubator in 2012, setting me up with mentors who helped me focus and grow my business." STAR MOMENT "I was so excited when Leighton Meester wore my designs on Gossip Girl. Her character, Blair Waldorf, totally embodied my brand: fun, girlie, and sophisticated." SEXY KEY PIECE "I love lingerie-inspired clothes, but I would never want to have my actual underwear showing. This camisole from my collection is great for bed or under a blazer at the office." HANDS-FREE ACCESSORIES "Bracelets get in the way when I'm banging around the studio or the factory, so I stick to statement necklaces when I want to dress up an outfit." GO-TO INTERVIEW TRICK…

DIRECTOR'S CHAIR It's June, and wedding season has officially begun. To me, the best part about attending as a guest (aside from the dance floor and open bar!) is the glam of it all. It's one of the few times in life, black tie or not, when we still get excited to go all out. From fab, flirty dresses to decked-out hair and makeup, it's about putting forth a hundred percent of your hotness—whether you're sitting at the cool singles' table or just looking to give your plus-one whiplash. To that end, check out my budge-proof makeup picks and head-turning styles. Both will make you the beauty MVP of the night and help bring on the sexy, not sweaty. Want to stand out with your bestie on her big day?…

WE HIT THE STREET FOR INSPIRATION! COSMO GIRLS SHARE THEIR BEAUTY SECRETS. —LONI ALBERT "Whenever I show some skin, I slather on bronzer to get an instant glow." Mai Hernandez, 24 engineering business administrator "My smile secret: monthly whitening treatments and red lipstick." Tori Jones, 20 server "Ombré was too subtle for me! I went edgy with my favorite bold colors instead." Tuyaymya Osuna, 22 student "Artistic manis helped me quit my nail-biting habit." Chelsea Daniels, 25 financial-crime specialist "My laid-back waves are inspired by that cool, surfer-girl style." Diana Lay, 27 X-ray tech…

A New Sort of Scale You probably haven't given the term pH balance much thought since high school chem, but the state of your skin depends on it. A quick refresher: pH refers to levels of acidity and alkalinity, 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. Your skin's protective barrier is happiest at a slightly acidic 5.5. "There, it retains moisture and keeps out infection and irritants," says Rosemarie Osborne, PhD, research fellow at P&G Beauty. But everyday habits (even simple ones like washing your face—see boxes at right) can send your pH sliding away from that magic number. Is Your pH in Check? A well-balanced complexion is smooth, moist, and comfortable. If you're more in the flaky, sensitive, or breakout-prone camp, tweak your routine with…

Salaries. Savings. Debt. Not sexy, but still must-discuss topics for couples, says Cosmo's financial guru Alexa von Tobel, CEO of LearnVest. Talking about money with your guy is so tough. His family might have been flush, yours may have struggled to make ends meet—or vice versa—and we carry a lot of our financial baggage into adulthood. Add in our tendency to value ourselves by how much we make (or owe), and it's no wonder money chats turn even happy couples defensive and combative. You'll get help confronting prickly subjects in our five-day online Love & Money Boot-camp. (Sign up at LearnVest.com/Cosmo.) Yes, it's a boot camp, so you'll have to push yourself. But you'll finish with a closer connection to your partner…and a stronger financial foundation to stand on, whether…

THE TECH TEACHER Reshma Saujani, 37, founder of Girls Who Code There's a reason few girls go into computer science, says Saujani, a Yale Law School grad who is running for New York City Public Advocate. "They don't think it's a profession that will help change their community," she says. So in 2012, Saujani launched Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that teaches technology as a tool for innovation and social change. Classes have built apps that help disabled New Yorkers travel and homeless youths find shelters. "One 16-year-old girl built an algorithm to detect whether a tumor is malignant, because her father had cancer," says Saujani. Saujani hopes Girls Who Code can teach 1 million girls by 2020. "If you teach a boy to code, he'll build a video game,"…

By the time I married my husband in September of 2012, we had been together for five years, lived together for three, gone through cancer (him, and he's in complete remission now), milestone birthdays, career upheavals, dry spells, horny spells, and Michael Scott's heart-wrenching final episode of The Office. I thought I knew what to expect from marriage and from the person I was marrying. I was wrong. So I'm spilling all the secrets no one shared with me beforehand.…Think of me as your marital spirit guide. You Flirt With More Randoms Even though my husband makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, I still can't turn off my flirt-dar. "I went through a phase right after I got married when I would flirt…

"HOW TO HAVE THE What Are We? TALK" One minute you two are lovey-dovey in the street and acting like a total couple. The next, he's giving signs that you may not be as exclusive as you thought. It's hard to bring up, but you need to set the record straight because guys can get weird about commitment. "When it seems like time to define your couple status, men often freak and wonder if there's someone better or if they want to give up their carefree single-guy role," explains relationship expert Harlan Cohen, author of Getting Naked. You deserve to know if your guy's going to waste your time. Here's your three-step plan. 1 Choose the Right Time Unfortunately, there isn't a magic formula that determines when you should…

Before I moved to Portland, I'd been your classic oversubscribed New York City girl, trying to cram 30 hours into a 24-hour day: working at a magazine, commuting, a date or dinner with friends, and then some. But as a freelance writer in a new-to-me city where nobody knows I exist, I have all the time in the world—my problem is that I have no one to spend it with. During my first weeks here, loneliness set in hard. I'd never spent so much time alone. I'd go days when my only conversation was with my hippie Laundromat owner. Then, I stopped moping and forced my nonjoiner self to sign up for a bocce league, a bowling team, and a book club. My efforts paid off. I met a dozen…

SIP 'N' SIZZLE Cropped cardigan, and wool knicker, $395, Marc Jacobs; white bra worn underneath, Myla, $145; sunglasses, Dior, $295 Jacket, American Eagle Outfitters, $49.95; swimsuit, Nadia Tarr, $225; necklace, Phoenix Roze, $495; ring, Karen Egren, $45 DREAM WEAVER Striped blouse and briefs, Dolce & Gabbana; necklace, $495, and bracelet, $295, Phoenix Roze Sweater, Vanessa Bruno; shorts, Gap, $49.95; sunglasses, Ray-Ban at Sunglass Hut; bracelet, Phoenix Roze, $295; ring, Karen Egren, $45 BEAUTY TIP JUST LIKE SKIN, HAIR REQUIRES UV PROTECTION TO PREVENT FADING (ESPECIALLY TRUE WITH RED HAIR, WHICH DULLS FASTEST). BEFORE A DAY OUTSIDE, MIST YOURS WITH L'ORéAL PARIS COLOR VIBRANCY DUAL PROTECT SPRAY, $7. UNDER COVER Top, 10 Crosby Derek Lam, $375; bra worn underneath, Fortnight, $98; shorts, James Jeans, $141; necklace, Catherine Angiel Top, DKNY Jeans,…

Take a Break! So summer is finally here and all you want to be is lazy. Do that! Giving yourself a breather—whether it lasts minutes or a week—makes your body stronger, your sleep sounder, and your mood happier. A LEGIT VACATION Studies show that taking regular vacations—that means a couple of times per year; now's a good time!—substantially lowers the risk of heart disease. Plus, you can count on banking an extra hour of high-quality sleep during trips lasting at least seven days—and 20 minutes more of solid shut-eye for a few nights after you get home—according to research by sleep scientists. A WEEKEND GETAWAY Even if you only have the time or cash to go away for a couple of days, plan something. People anticipating a vacay feel more…

Portable, full of nutrients, and totally refreshing, smoothies are the ultimate summer breakfast. Try a bold blend from Café Gratitude, a celeb-frequented vegan chain in California. I AM SWEET Blend 8 ice cubes with 1 cup almond milk, 6 strawberries, 3 whole pitted dates, ¼ teaspoon vanilla, and one pinch salt. I AM VIBE-Y Blend 10 ice cubes with ½ cup each coconut milk, chopped pineapple, and low-fat yogurt; 1 tablespoon each lime juice and honey; 10 mint leaves; ¼ teaspoon vanilla; and one pinch salt. I AM SPICY Blend 1¼ cup water, ½ celery stalk (chopped), 2 kale leaves, ½ cucumber, ¼ avocado, 1 tablespoon each chopped cilantro and lemon juice, and ¼ jalapeño (with seeds). TOO SLAMMED TO EAT LUNCH? It's not good for your waistline. Dieters who…

Let's call it baby math. Since the day she broke up with her long-term boyfriend earlier this year, Nicole Downey has been doing it all the time. Even if she meets a new guy right away, it will take a few years before they get married, calculates Downey, a 25-year-old in Long Island, New York, who is looking for a job in public relations. It might be two years after that before they start trying to have kids. She wants two or three kids, so add another couple of years at least for each one. Do the baby math and this 25-year-old in the prime of her fertility is suddenly north of 35—the age that doctors say women's fertility may start to decline. Even though that deadline is a decade…

(MAY 22–JUNE 20) Gemini STELLAR GIFTS You're thoughtful and curious. BLIND SPOTS You can be scattered and moody. FASHION FAVES Bold colors and unique accessories INDULGENCE A day poring over your favorite magazines for fashion inspiration SEDUCTION STYLE You like to ask for what you want! THIS MONTH Follow your curiosity. Do you have a hidden talent that you want to develop? This is the month to explore new interests and make little life upgrades. Go for a new haircut or splurge on a pair of new sunglasses to amp up your style. YEAR AHEAD It's all about career success and romance. Focus on the details through July to impress your boss. Launch a project and give it your all in September. By November, you'll have time to focus on…

1 When you imagine yourself in five years, you feel: A. Psyched for what's to come! You're already meeting your goals and updating your vision board. B. Blah. You don't see too much changing unless you win the lottery. C. A little confused, to be honest. You still haven't figured out what you want to be yet. 2 Your work offers to transfer you to a new city with a hefty bonus. You: A. Decide no way. You could never move away from your family and friends. B. Need to weigh the pros and cons. Obviously, which city makes a major difference, but you probably won't go. C. Jump at the chance. You're ready to start the next phase of your life! 3 When you wake up most mornings, you…

AT THE WHITE HOUSE… Three Js: Moi, Cosmo's executive editor Joyce Chang, and Jackie O.! We met the fiercest, most inspiring Cosmo readers there: brave military women. A reminder inked in Arabic that Tia is beautiful. No question, one of the best parts of my job is the people I get to meet. And I don't just mean the celebs on our cover—although, who doesn't want to go to fashion shows with Miley Cyrus or have lunch with Sofia Vergara? The invitations we get at Cosmo are fantastic, including a recent visit to the White House to celebrate Women's History Month, brilliantly organized by Lifetime (and no, Dance Mom wasn't there). But that afternoon, it wasn't just the POTUS and FLOTUS who stood out. It was the strong young women…

COSMO SUMMER LOVIN' SPECIAL Playing the Field "One summer during college, my boyfriend and I were both living at home with our parents and thus always trying to sneak in some action. We went to dinner one night, then had nowhere to go to, uh, work off our meal…so we made a hookup pit stop at a big field near my parents' place. We parked the car on the side of the road, rushed over to this grassy patch in the corner, and quickly started going at it. But then we heard a loud shout, looked up, and there was my father—he'd come to the park for a postdinner walk! He didn't even say a word—he just looked horrified and walked away as fast as humanly possible. Dinner for the…

THE "I DO" DUO COSMO: Spill your love story! CHRISTINA: We met a few years ago at the wine bar where Diton worked. I'd go by myself, and he'd just keep pouring me wine. DITON: Because she kept asking for more. Kidding! I love this girl so much. I want to have a whole soccer team of children with her. Eleven kids! THE WHIRLWIND COUPLE JESSICA: We've only been dating for a month and a half.… COSMO: And you're already at a wedding together? Discuss! JESSICA: I started it. I tapped him on the shoulder at a bar in D.C., and we exchanged info. THOMAS: Then I asked her out a few days later, and the week after that, I brought her home, and she met my father. COSMO: Hold…

OUR DREAM CELEB BFFS WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO GRAB DRINKS WITH THIS CREW, RIGHT? Recently, a friend mentioned she'd finally watched Les Misérables. "Anne Hathaway was actually pretty good," she said. Actually? Hathaway won an Oscar for her performance, I pointed out. "I remember.…'It came true!'" my friend replied with a dramatic heart-clutching motion, referring to Hathaway's much-mocked acceptance speech. "I don't want to hate her. It's just so hard not to." Much has been written about the backlash against Anne Hathaway, who is, by all accounts, genuine and talented. An essay in The New Yorker, "In Defense of the Happy Girl," theorized: "[She] reminds us of the show-tune-belting nightmare we knew in high school. She's polished, successful, and driven, and people still find this distasteful in a woman….Her sunny…

Rock Out JESSICA SANCHEZ Me, You & the Music proves this Idol alum can pull off club tunes just as easily as the ballads that first got us hooked on her. PISTOL ANNIES Annie Up (from Miranda Lambert's Nashville trio) is sassy, saucy country that even city girls can get behind. DEMI LOVATO Even Simon Cowell couldn't deny that our fave X Factor judge (and her new album Demi) is a complete powerhouse. JOHN LEGEND We knew he had the whole sexy-modern-soul thing down, but damn! Sexy doesn't even begin to cover Love in the Future. Experience Frida Up Close MEXICAN MODERNIST EXHIBIT Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum hosts a famed traveling Frida Kahlo exhibition. Can't go? See all the works in the book Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism:…

Bralet, Kensie, $28, nordstrom.com Top, Jack Wills, $49.50, jackwills.com Pantie, Kensie, $12, nordstrom.com Bralet, $26.50, and shorty, $14.50, Gap, gap.com Tee-shirt designer Ella Moss launches a lingerie line! Bra, $66, and thong, $26, Ella Moss UnderElla, ellamoss.com Top, $19.50, and pantie, $9.50, Victoria's Secret Pink, vspink.com Pantie, Pact, $16, wearpact.com Mix printed bottoms with a solid bra in the same color. Top, White, $68, 877-777-1895 Bra, Cosmopolitan, $20, jcp.com Briefs, Aerie, $12.50 each, aerie.com Pantie, Cosmopolitan, $9, jcp.com Bra, $45, and pantie, $14.50, Victoria's Secret, victoriassecret.com A knotted tank is tomboy-sexy without trying too hard. Top, Jockey, $19.50, jockey.com Pantie, Kensie, $12, nordstrom.com Top, Kensie, $28, nordstrom.com Romper, Eberjey, $79, eberjey.com Thong, Aerie, $12.50,…

Nautical by Nature Coach teams up with iconic French shirtmaker Saint James for a limited-edition collection that combines effortless Parisian cool with classic American nautical. Très jolie, no? Hat, Saint James for Coach, $158, coach.com Dress it up with gold jewelry for a cute, casual nighttime look. Dress, Saint James for Coach, $198, coach.com Bag, Saint James for Coach, $398, coach.com HAMPTONS STYLE ON A BUDGET Milly's new collaboration with Banana Republic features bold colors, playful prints, and tons of fun accessories. The look is Hamptons-casual. Perfect for a summer wedding or a backyard barbecue. GOOD TIME FOR A CHANGE Every purchase of a Michael Kors 100 Series watch feeds 100 children through the United Nations World Food Programme. Not bad for $295.…

—LONI ALBERT SOAK IT IN Argan oil creates soft, shiny, envy-inducing hair…in just one wash. Göt2b Oil-licious Golden Shimmer Conditioner, $6 MAKE WAVES Think of this as surf spray 2.0— same sexy texture sans crunch. Organix Moroccan Surf Paste for Hair, $8 HANG TEN Surfboard-inspired nails: rad (and easy!) with press-on decals. Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips in Crowd Surfer, $10 PUSH POP It gives cheeks a just-got-some glow (not that we suggest faking it!). Revlon Baby Stick in Sunset, $9 BLUE CRUSH Mermaid-chic eyes ruled runways this season. Essence 3D Duo Eye Shadow in Irresistible Mermaid Kiss, $3.50 TIKI BAR Start the day in vacay mode with sea-grass-scented soap. Caswell-Massey Sea Grass Soap, $10 HEAT WAVE? This blotter pack comes in handy on shiny-skin days. Paul and Joe Blotting…

"Experimenting with lip color is my thing right now—these pencils last for hours." BEST SET TRICK "My Sin City makeup artist taught me how to contour in seconds. Just run this powder bronzer under cheekbones. It instantly defines my round face." "I'm terrible at doing my own nails, but these Essie stickers make it so simple!" ARIEL VS. MULAN? "The Little Mermaid was my jam growing up, but I love playing Mulan. Doing stunts with that long hair is a challenge though!" SOFT-SKIN FIX "I love Korean spas for their body scrubs, even though they get a little invasive with the nipple rubbing!" she jokes. At home, this peel keeps her smooth. HANGOVER CURE "First, I wake up my skin with my Clarisonic, then put cucumbers on my eyes—it's like…

SHORE STAR THE ARTIST Kimmie Kyees HER A-LISTERS Katy Perry, Rihanna, Ke$ha "These nails feel like a vacation," says Kyees. To get the beachy look:      • Paint on a sandy nude polish like Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Nudité, $20.      • Mimic sea foam by running a wavy stroke of white polish (try Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer in Porcelain Party, $4) across the middle of nails.      • From the top of that line up, brush on a pale blue glitter lacquer (we love Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color in Bling-Tastic, $7).      • Last, run a sparkly cobalt (like Orly Mineral Fx Nail Lacquer in Stone Cold, $10) at an angle along tips. White shark-tooth cuff, Dezso by Sara Beltrán, Twist, OR, 503-224-0334; turquoise…

COSMO: Your book begins with your calling out your friend radio-show host Diane Smith on her weight. What was going through your head? MIKA: It was Labor Day weekend in 2011, and we were on a small powerboat on the Long Island Sound with our husbands and my teenage daughters. I called her obese! And I was dead serious. I know it wasn't easy for her to hear, but that conversation was really about both of us. I remember her eyes widened with the realization that I wasn't some skinny girl complaining about my weight. What I was saying was: "I'm dying here. I'm hungry all the time. I'm trying to keep this [size-2 body] going, and it's impossible. All I think about is what I'm going to eat next,…

WORK UP A SWEAT "When my guy and I go running together, knowing we're getting in shape makes me want to rip off our clothes when we get home! It feels…urgent," says Victoria P., 24, from Key West, Florida. Hers is a legit reaction: Not only does exercise boost body confidence, but cardio also circulates blood to your lady parts, getting you worked up in more ways than one. GO ON A DOUBLE DATE Weird but true: Research shows that couples feel closer and more attracted to each other after hanging with other couples. Why? Seeing your guy through someone else's eyes may make you look at him in a whole new light. WHIP UP A MEAL Experts say men communicate best during side-by-side conversation (it feels less confrontational than…

In today's dating landscape, it's practically unheard of to go out with a new guy without having online-stalked him first. So we were fascinated when three new blind-dating apps—OkCupid's Crazy Blind Date, Grouper, and Tinder—popped up recently. Why now? "We're entering a throwback era of dating. Gen-Yers are wondering if prejudging their dates is taking the intrigue out of meeting someone," says Christine Hassler, author of 20-Something, 20-Everything. To test her theory, we asked Sarah Vaynerman, a 27-year-old social-media agency owner and dating "infophile," to go on four dates—one using each app and one we set up—and report on whether she could handle the mystery. DATE #1 WHERE The Wren, East Village, New York City HOW THE APP WORKS Once you have an OkCupid account, download the free app (iPhone…

Q People talk about oral sex as this thing all women love to receive, but it does nothing for me. Why does my body not respond to it the way other women's bodies do? A Not every woman loves chocolate so much that she would marry it either, so throw away your ideas of what you're supposed to like and focus on what you do like. It's possible your guy just isn't giving you the right oral sensations, says Gloria Brame, PhD, a sex therapist in Athens, Georgia. If his tongue feels sort of meh down there, it's probably because you need a little more pressure to bring on an orgasm. While he uses his tongue on your clitoris, have him increase the intensity by pressing down on your pelvic…

It's here. The onslaught has begun. Celebrities walk red carpets, high school kids have prom, and the rest of us go to weddings. It's one of the few times a year when we get to dress up and show off our hot new [fill in the blank—body, boyfriend, job, life], all while munching on canapés and toasting to soul mates embarking on their love journey together. The pressure system starts building the minute you see that engagement-bling shot on Facebook. With every hour you spend scouring Rent the Runway for the perfectly appropriate (yet stunning) party dress, the requirements of wedding attendance can get overwhelming. When you're slammed with back-to-back wedding invites, the guestzilla emerges. We get it. We've been there too…and we still need help sometimes. Read on, and…

A mixed-print dress takes the guesswork out of matching. Dress, Just Cavalli Balance a loud print with a finer one. Cuff, Pono by Joan Goodman, $98 Clunky rings hold their own in such a bold outfit. (On right hand) rings (from left), GoJane (3), $6.90 each; Maiyet, $550; (on left hand) rings (from left), Belle Noel, $55; Sonia Rykiel SILVER LININGS When rocking solo jewelry, go big or go home. Rings (from left), $45 and $35, Manic Trout Silver lightens up the feel of a leather jacket for spring. Jacket, Dsquared2 Graphic tees make cute pants look edgy. Top, Ashish Florals can pair well with animal prints in neutral colors. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik Sandwich a bold print between neutral colors. Pant, Aéropostale, $23.25 BLUE PRINT Black-and-white reads neutral in a…

When Stephanie Anderer, a senior at Rider University, in New Jersey, finished a varsity-swim workout, she was tired, achy, cold, and shivering. Maybe not a shocker postexercise, but the symptoms persisted for days. She felt too zonked to even drag herself to the pool for practice, and her temperature spiked to 103.5 degrees. "I also had terrible back pain, and my skin felt like it was on fire," she says. After CAT scans, X-rays, blood tests—even a spinal tap—Anderer got her surprise diagnosis: mononucleosis. She was back to one hundred percent in about three months but still wonders how a healthy young woman was sidelined so completely and so suddenly. "I have no idea how I got it," she says. "No one I knew seemed to have mono at the…

SOURCE: HUGH PINNINGTON, PHD, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE AT UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA WIN A Luxe Fitness Trip for Two to L.A.! Yoga, massages, and more at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows, in Santa Monica, California. See page 222. Surfer-Girl STYLE J.Crew Stripe Rash Guard, $75, jcrew.com Pret-a-Surf Long Sleeve Rash Guard, $210, shopbop.com Tory Burch Paloma Surf Shirt, $250, toryburch.com Your city tour guide is a trainer! SIGHTSEE WHILE YOU SWEAT Such a great idea: CityRunningTours.com sets you up with a running tour in 10 major U.S. cities. You choose the distance, sights, and area you'd like to check out…they'll schlep your camera, water, and wallet. Liz Is Loving…Cooling Serum When Tracy Anderson told me she loves rubbing on Mama Mio's…

Danielle Jonas has her eyes locked on a knife slicing through mint leaves. "I want to learn to cut like that," she says, looking mesmerized as celebrity chef and cookbook author Linnea Johansson rocks the blade steadily back and forth. They're at the New Jersey home Danielle shares with husband Kevin Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers band. The couple is getting ready for a noisy dinner with Danielle's parents, siblings, Kevin's mom, and a few dogs. As a kid, Danielle watched the women in her family cook and entertain. Months into her fourth year of marriage, the 26-year-old says, "I kind of feel like my mom now." She's got her chicken parm down, but being a novice cook, she's also made her share of mistakes. Like the time she tried…

"Victoria, your room is a disaster." Her mother appeared in the kitchen, her arms folded across her chest. Victoria had been home for only two days, but it felt like one million and two. "I haven't had a chance to unpack yet," Victoria said. "Why do I feel like you'll be saying that three months from now?" "I'll lose my mind if I'm still here three months from now." Victoria poured herself a hearty glass of wine. One perk of graduating and no longer living in her crappy college house: there was always a decent white in the fridge at home. "Ditto." Her mom wandered into the living room and turned on the TV. A rerun of Girls filled the screen. The one with the very intense doggie-style scene. Victoria…