Table of contents for March 2021 in Cosmopolitan India

THE CALM IN CHAOS Is it just me or is everyone more stressed now, than ever? Everywhere I look, people seem to be juggling chronic busyness… We’re navigating difficult people and situations, while chasing our hopes and dreams, and trying to make sense of a modern world. We’re doing it all, clocks ticking furiously, and the rallying cry seems to be: ‘I’m overwhelmed!’ I think it’s fair to say that if there was something called ‘anxiety culture’, we would be seated smack in the middle of it. According to one study, people are significantly more stressed in the 2010s, than they were in the ’90s. Another research discovered that women are likely to feel 1.5 times more stress than men, because of workplace pressures. And COVID-19 hasn’t helped matters either—according…

Cosmo: How and why did you decide to launch Tweak India? Twinkle Khanna: “When I started writing, I realised how many women reaching out to me were looking for ways to make life easier, to juggle and find a balance. One way to help them would have been to host an Oprah-like show. I did get many offers, but I also know that being in the spotlight in that manner would eventually give me a stroke! Tweak India was another way of doing the same thing, where I can turn up for work in my pyjamas on most days.” C: And what are a few things that turning digital entrepreneur has taught you? TK: “It has taught me how to scrounge up money…and how to keep my team together. Luckily,…

A Sartorial Trope In the season’s freshest tribute to equatorial climes, the tropical print—comprising palm trees, lush foliage, colourful blossoms, rainforest motifs, et al—is in full bloom RN. And the green is no longer reserved just for beachy holidays. So lounge in them all day, then soup up the styling and hit party town. Aloha! Hot weather… …hotter sartorial choices. A print this rad, you can skip accessories altogether to just let the out fit shine. When you want to be elegant, …but also a conspicuous maverick. East is East All aboard the Orient Express this season, as the fashion pros reference Asian prints aplenty in their collections. So look out for ornate fauna and flora reminiscent of the land—pheasants, dragons and tigers to paisleys, hibiscus vines and asagao verdure—adorned…

MONOCHROME MAGIC The sartorial sorcery of black-and-white continues to enchant this season, too. From D&G using castaway fabrics from previous collections to offer checkerboard beauties, to Louis Vuitton opting to colour-block with the classic combination, the fashion world cast quite the spell with their B/W versions. You can choose one single outfit boasting the colours, through subtle prints and trimmings, or stark patchwork, ruffles, fringes et al. Or pair different pieces together, to play with layers and textures—white shirts under black dresses, black cycling shorts with luxe white jackets, sheer black skirts over white, lace-y blouses… Add some dainty pearls and heels, for a posh, bourgeois vibe, or level-up with more fun, avantgarde accessories (combat boots and black lips?). TREND OF THE MONTH A LESSON IN EXCELLENCE Taking its commitment…

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#Trending NUDE NECESSITIES SS21 runways served up some cool looks, but one thing that remained common in all of them (well, most) is the nude canvas that the backstage pros worked with, putting the spotlight on one feature only. At Chanel, models' bare faces allowed their black smokey gaze to shine, while at Sportmax and Chanel Haute Couture show, bronzed and blushed cheeks caught our attention. The easiest look to cop out of these, however, is the one spotted at Salvatore Ferragamo…where models' coloured eyeliner-and-glossy-lip look made for a pretty picture. BID ADIEU TO DAMAGED DIGITS After years of offering some of the most delish nail lacquers, O.P.I is now dedicated to caring for your nails as well. Nail Envy, O.P.I's new line of nail strengtheners offers five unique formulas,…

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of everyday life—including our love lives. And as well as the ‘turbo relationship’ couples who moved in together at the start of lockdown and midpandemic break-ups, coronavirus is also impacting how we have sex. Plus, for anybody who doesn’t live with a sexual partner, regular hookups are off the table for now. The question is: what does this mean for our sex lives, now that we know coronavirus will be in the picture for a while (and vaccines may take time to reach everyone)? Here’s what the world’s sex lives will likely look like in the foreseeable future… THE EX FACTOR Sh*gging your ex is the second biggest pandemic—during quarantine, there has been a spike in contact with former flames. The Kinsey…

ANJALI TANEJA Singer and Songwriter “I used to find a lot of peace in playing the piano (my first instrument), and journalling my thoughts so that I could use them to create a song. That process was really cathartic. But lately, I have found that learning how to play the guitar calms me in a way nothing else can. It wasn’t my first instrument, but I love the process of learning new chord progressions that evoke a certain mood. I really enjoy playing the piano because it makes me feel relaxed and sparks song ideas, and the same extends to learning the guitar. The best piece of advice I can offer, to stay balanced, is to try to separate yourself from your thoughts. We are not our thoughts—they are just…

Q Heavily-kohled eyes are back, and I love this look! But I am worried that the product will bleed, making my eyes look like a raccoon’s. A: You need a matte base, and a smudgeproof and waterproof eyeliner to keep the situation under control. Once you have applied foundation, top your lids and under-eye area with a matte concealer—it works just like a lid primer. Next, apply kohl on your upper lids, wait for 20-30 seconds to allow the product to dry, and then line the waterline. Then dip a Q-tip in a little bit of concealer to fix boo-boos, if any. Dust a little bit of loose powder under the eyes to seal in the product. If the look is too matte for you, apply a pale-pink liquid blush…

WHEREABOUTS By Jhumpa Lahiri, Releasing On April 27 Nearly a decade after her last work, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author is back with this soul-stirring portrait of a woman’s longing for attachment as well as solitariness; a haunting journey of her non-conforming life—and the impulse to transcend barriers. SNOWFLAKE By Louise Nealon, Releasing On May 13 When Debbie leaves her eccentric family and her rural dairy-farm setting to go to university, she finds it hard to navigate the chasm between her new and old lives. (PS: the TV and film rights to this debut have already been acquired by the Normal People team.) CHINA ROOM By Sunjeev Sahota, Releasing On May 6 Interweaving stories of a new bride in Punjab in 1929, and a young man who travels from England to…

TOP Work from home, but in runway-ready style. BLOUSE +S WEAT PANTS In the virtual world of 2020-21, it’s all about what meets the eye. So dress up the visible-on-screen part, while keeping things lazycomfy under the table, for that perfect ‘Ready, but not really’ look. Think: a fancy blouse (lace, velvet, and silken fabrics up the glam, effortlessly), teamed with luxe accessories, and some jewellery. Down below will be your lived-in tracks, warmest socks, softest slippers, and other can’t-do-withouts. Throw on a jacket, switch to sneakers/heels (optional, TBH), and add some kohl and lipstick to the mix, and you could even sneak out for a quick brunch. BOTTOM KNIT TOP + PYJAMA PANTS This is for WFH days when you have no intention of getting out of the duvet,…

AS THE WORLD battles an unprecedented crisis, the Indian FASHION Industry IS ONE OF THE many to take a SERIOUS HIT. As ORDERS come to an abrupt halt, many upstart LABELS, young DESIGNERS, and even ESTABLISHED brands, STRUGGLE to stay afloat. And because many of these labels employ INDIAN WEAVERS and craftspeople, their LIVELIHOOD—AND SKILLS— are under threat. From this issue on, COSMO INDIA PLEDGES to dedicate a special section to HOMEGROWN labels and PRODUCTS, curated by EDITOR Nandini Bhalla. Whenever you decide to shop next, do consider one of these LOVE-FOREVER buys… 1 ASH & EDEN “Life is always greener, no matter where you are, when you’re lounging about in a lightweight cotton mini dress, like this one. This summer essential, with its flouncy sleeves and tassel front-tie, is the perfect way to announce summer (and…

STEP 1: REMOVE YOUR MAKE-UP Sleeping with make-up on is one skincare sin every expert will forbid you from committing. And just so you know, your humble cleanser isn’t enough to melt away stubborn product. You need to double cleanse in order to prevent make-up from getting lodged in your pores. These specialised removers are packed with ingredients that gently break down make-up without irritating your skin. STEP 2: CLEANSE AGAIN Once you use a make-up removing balm or micellar water, it is time to cleanse again to wash it all off. This will ensure your skin is squeaky-clean minus any grime or oil. Cleansers aren’t part of the ‘one formula fits all’ club, so pick a product that suits your skin type, as it will most likely contain ingredients…

It took a long time, but we are finally here. Our feeds have been inundated with photos of women (and men!) with poreless skin, perfect features, and flawless complexion for far too long. But these BeautyPlus-ed and Facetuned faces are on their way out, courtesy a set of brave, young influencers who are quietly leading the #FilterLess photo brigade. If you don’t believe us, then just search for hashtags like #SkinPositivity, #FreeThePimple, or #AcnePositivity on Instagram, and you will be met with photos of thousands of people who are embracing the skin they are in. Wearing their conditions (like eczema, vitiligo, acne, and more) as badges of honour, this collective is working towards normalising something that many of us go through, but feel hesitant to share. And while you may…

LIQUID BOLD This cool-toned red is perfect for fair skin tones. Even though it is a creamy formula, when applied to lips, it turns into a silky, lightweight stain Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red, ₹1,220 If you have a warm undertone, this deep hue is perfect for you. The creamy texture settles to a powder-matte finish, and is transfer-proof and smudge-resistant. Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Creme in Deep Red, ₹699 CREAMY BOLD This bright-AF lipstick, formulated with aloe vera, glides on smoothly and leaves a rich colour on lips. The formula is lightweight and offers buildable coverage. Lakmé 9To5 Naturale Matte Lipstick in Flaming Red, ₹575 Experience a bold shot of colour in a single swipe with this bb. The longlasting créme matte finish is perfect for those…

Just before we sit down with Kriti Sanon for this interview, I decide to browse through her Instagram account—for a mandatory social-media catch-up. The photomontage, as expected, serves its purpose. But what gets me thinking is the actor’s bio—it says: ‘Uncomplicate’. And as I discover minutes into our chat, ‘uncomplicate’ is pretty much the motto Kriti seems to live by. Anyone who has been following her career will know that Kriti is an engineer by qualification—who put aside her B.Tech degree and the lucrative job placements that came with being an ace student, to become an actor. And the rest, as her numerous awards and 100 crore-club films will tell you, is well-documented history. But what very few know is the struggle in the interim—the sailing from the familiar stream…

You know that little (but highly judgemental) voice in your head, constantly nagging you and telling you that you aren’t good enough? Psychodynamically speaking, it is our overactive superego talking—governed by an overly supreme sense of morality. And it can make us be extremely hard on ourselves, and even criticise ourselves unnecessarily. Evolutionary psychology suggests that self-criticism is actually the result of a highly-developed amygdala (the fear-centre of our brains). So, it is not quite the same as giving yourself a reality check, or being your personal reformer. In most cases, it leads to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. Studies show that selfcriticism can also cause mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Yes, you need to be self-aware, but beating yourself up won’t help in carving a better,…

Let no man half-love you, queen! FIND OUT Talking with our girlfriends the other day, one of them mentioned that she thinks it is a huge red flag when a guy requests a to-go box for his leftovers at the end of a date. Unsure why she felt so strongly about doggie bags, she proceeded to explain that this type of behaviour makes her worried that the dude is cheap—oh, and a little weird because why is he cool with bringing his half-eaten burger in a bag while you two bar-hop? So, *cue Carrie Bradshaw voice*: how far-fetched are our deal breakers? Are they legit, or are we really just setting ourselves up to fail? Read on to find out if your deal breakers are totally normal or absolutely ridiculous.…

HOW TO 101 The 2021 take on bohemia is fresh and modern, which means you don’t have to go all kitsch-y to inject the vibe into your space. Contemporary furniture made of wicker and rattan, macramé showpieces, zany textile offerings, showy pillows, and eclectic wallpapers/posters, etc, will do the needful, together, or even as stand-alones. There need not be a colour-explosion, either. You can opt for an understated palette (ivory, beige, et al) and still captivate by way of unique, catchy items.…

Place of Publication: New Delhi Periodicity of its Publication: Monthly Printer’s Name: Karen Wilson Kumar Nationality: Indian Address: 1204, Rameses, Omaxe Nile, Sector- 49, Sohna Road South City –II, Gurgaon-122018 Publisher’s Name: Karen Wilson Kumar Nationality: Indian Address: 1204, Rameses, Omaxe Nile, Sector- 49, Sohna Road South City –II, Gurgaon-122018 Editor’s Name: Nandini Bhalla Nationality: Indian Address: D 37, IInd Floor, GulMohar Park, New Delhi – 110 049 Names and Addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital: Owner: M/s. Living Media India Limited, F26, Ist Floor, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001. Shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital of the owner company: 1. Mr. Aroon Purie, 6, Palam Marg, Vasant Vihar, New…

Flouncy, floaty, flamboyant outfits—that promise to inject a big, bright dose of cheer and joy into your look—are the order of the season. Think ruffles and tiers in layers of tulle, georgette, silk et al. Pair these BBs with fun slides and a raffia tote, for a casual, playful touch, or heels, XXL bling, and a bold mouth for an extravagant, party-ready affair. Either way, you are guaranteed to have yourself a winner.…

So you went HAM online, but when your haul arrives, that super-cute midi is actually a maxi, and… it looks like a garbage bag. And by you, we mean us, because this is a regular occurrence in our lives and we’re sick of being burned! It ends now! Let’s all promise to stick to this list and never f*ck with return labels again… All. The. Tricks. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR VIDZ Stylists often pin and clip clothes to make them fit models perfectly, but 360-degree loops show exactly how your purchase-to-be will look IRL. …AND ANOTHER ON THE MODELS If they’re an extra-small but wearing a medium for a boxy look, consider ordering a bigger size, too. Also worth a mention here: brands that show products on a range…

MAIA SETHNA MALHOTRA, ENTREPRENEUR AND DIGITAL CREATOR “This black, embellished dress by Zara Umrigar is a dream. It is elegant, with a little bit of edge, which is an accurate representation of my personal style. Both Zara and her mother, Sabita Dhanrajgir, are extremely skilled designers. Her mother has the most exquisite saris and Indianwear to her credit, while Zara’s designs embody a modern take on old Hollywood glamour, with beautiful, hand-embroidered pieces. I last wore this dress to my cousin’s birthday in London, and it really stood out! This dress is so much more than your basic LBD, with its subtle details like exaggerated shoulders, lace around the chest, and intricate embroidery, all of which add drama. When it comes to a dress like this, less is more for…

AAHANA SHARMA, 24 “Athleisure has so much scope for experimentation. I love to play with fits, like pairing these relaxed pants with a snug top, to add both definition and glamour to a look. I have layered it with a knit jacket and opted for a hint of colour on my lips and cheeks.” SONIA AVADHANI, 21 “Prints are such a great way to inject new life into same-old silhouettes. Case in point: this bodycon dress, zinged up by the fun butterfly print. I have thrown on a jacket to add more personality to the look, and finished it with a dainty pendant and glossy lips.” LAIBA SIRAJ, 23 “I have always wanted to get in on the animal-print trend, but was a little apprehensive. So I decided to start…

1 HIT PAUSE ON YOUR OTHER ACTIVES Including any cleansers, serums, or moisturisers that contain AHAs and BHAs. Too many exfoliating ingredients + retinol = a recipe for redness and inflammation. So cut out this stuff a week before starting retinol, says US-based dermatologist Uchenna Okereke, MD. Once your skin starts to adjust, usually in about four to six weeks, you can add them back in one at a time. 2 EASE INTO IT “Start off using retinol just one night your first week. Then go to twice a week for two weeks, then three times a week for three weeks, and so on,” says US-based dermatologist Elyse Love, MD. The goal is to work your way up to nightly use without irritation. For people who are ultra-sensitive and can’t…

DIOR MISS DIOR Created for an “elegant, spirited, young woman in love”, Miss Dior was launched in 2012. With fruity, floral, woody, and musky notes, it has a long-lasting effect. While the luxury house launched countless versions of its signature scent, the most recent one arrived in 2017. This elegant floral composition, with dominant notes of roses—the Damask rose and the May rose from Grasse, to be precise—along with lemon, mandarin, pink pepper rosewood, and patchouli, works as both a day and night fragrance. KENZO FLOWER BY KENZO On the 20th anniversary of Flower By Kenzo, the fashion house launched Poppy Bouquet, paying tribute to one of their best-selling scents. As the name suggests, this fragrance is inherently floral, but with a fruity twist. The beautiful, curved bottle houses a…

LIQUID True to its name, this liquid-matte formula is a treat to wear. Especially in this shocking pink shade that will make your face pop. Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Berry Boost, ₹799 This high-definition formula delivers a velvety-matte finish. Offering saturated colour in a single swipe, this warm pink is perfect for a night out. Revlon Ultra HD Matte LipColour in HD Romance, ₹1,250 A liquid lipstick with a mousselike texture, this formula turns into soft matte as it touches your lips. A great day-time shade, it can also be used as eyeshadow and blush to create a matchy-matchy look, which, you will agree, is a vibe! NYX Professional Soft Matte Lip Cream in Montreal, ₹650 If you are looking for a shade that…

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER “I have been re-watching Sex And The City (SATC). Blame it on Emily In Paris (both shows were created by the same guy) and COVID-19 necessity. And now, one quote from the series is now living rent free in my mind. In one particular scene from SATC, which happens at one of the many chic New York cafes the ladies frequent, all four of them are together, drinking bevvies and eating fries or salad or something. They’re talking about men. “But maybe…” Charlotte says at one point. “Maybe we are each others’ soul mates. The guys who come and go are just temporary.” TBH, for so many of us gals, COVID-19 did change things. And possibly put pressure on, or even ended, existing relationships. It ended mine.…

CATCHING JENNA You probably recognise her as Young Jane from Jane The Virgin or Ellie from You, Season 2, but this 18-year-old actor is about to be literally everywhere else. After her role in Netflix’s seriously-so-sweet movie Yes Day, she’ll star in the destined-to-be-iconic Scream revival. So, yes, she needs Real Clothes! Not to be dramatic, but this flowy ’fit was worthy of the front page. “I was all, ‘You didn’t know you could wear your robe as a jacket?’ And he was all, ‘Mind. Blown.’” Wear a white blazer with a matching set. BEAUTY BONUS If the idea of your old routine—foundation and blush and eyeliner, and lip gloss—is too daunting, pls allow us to suggest this shortcut: swipe a bronzer highlighter (like Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow…

It’s time to turn to the heavens and indulge in some star gazing! Aquarius 20.01–18.02 Mars might mess with your love life this month by making you prone to sudden outbursts. But fret not, Venus and Mercury will come to the rescue and restore harmony. Cupid is likely to aim hard at you single bbs out there. On the familial front, some misunderstandings might arise due to the Venus Retrograde. Rejoice, though: your career prospects look promising, with Mars and Pluto bringing in some positive changes. Your financial intelligence will help you reap benefits and money can come in from unexpected sources. Pisces 19.02–20.03 Woohoo! Heightened love rhythms can result in better compatibility and connection with your SO. But singles must be vary of love at first sight, or of…