Tabla de contenidos para April/May 2020 en Cosmopolitan India

In June 2019 BC (Before Corona), in a letter similar to this one, I had written about a concept called The Slow-Down Movement. About how being ‘terribly busy’ seemed to have became the norm, even a badge of honour. And why living a life of constant ‘doing’ and ‘achieving’ can take away from humanity’s inner need for connection, introspection, and regeneration. Many of us were feeling more irritable, anxious and unfocused than ever—and we blamed it on our frenzied, demanding lifestyles. I wrote this essay during a particularly frantic life phase. If you had told me then that *the world* would be forced to ‘slow down’ in such a terrible, terrifying way, I would have laughed in disbelief. And so, last night, I re-read that particular note. And then I…

OVAL Longer than wide, with a curved jaw, this shape might signal a person who knows just how to make others comfortable and senses the right thing to say in any situation. ROUND A wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones often reveals a tendency towards incredible kindness. This is likely a giving person who never fails to put others first. SQUARE Characterised by a wide hairline and jawline, a square face often indicates ambition and major stamina. This type tends to love taking on huge projects. RECTANGULAR Squared off at the forehead and chin, this type is usually a super-logical person who may also have a tendency to overthink things rather than make quick decisions. HEART A wider forehead and narrower chin, heart-shaped can hint at someone with great…

Cosmo: Experts are saying this could be the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression in the 1930s. It is also being compared to 2008’s financial crisis… Reetika Khera: “Both those events had led to a loss of livelihoods. So yes, in that sense, this crisis is similar. Another similarity is that the ‘shock’ is felt across the world, at the same time. It is not a localised crisis. In India, however, our situation is similar to the previous two global crisis in another way: it is a crisis perpetuated by the irresponsible behaviour of the well-off, for which the poorest pay a disproportionate price. Because the virus was essentially brought into the country by those travelling in from abroad, who did not follow instructions to self-quarantine. Such callousness resulted…

Some celebs get inked the second they start a new relationship (love you all), and some just do it for the Gram. Then there’s Lady Gaga—who turns absolutely everything she touches into a work of art. Her 24* tattoos are all inspired by something interesting, which means we can blab about them for an entire page.…

1 THE SUMMER HOUSE “If there’s one thing I love more than the classic trench, it’s an updated version. This one, in denim, is made from 100% recycled fabric and features a flattering collar and statement cuffs. I would wear it with a slip dress underneath, and brown, slouchy boots for a retro-modern vibe.” Stockholm Jacket, ₹6,000; Ottawa Pants, ₹4,000 2 DIKSHA KHANNA “Known for her play with textures and patchwork, Diksha’s latest collection also features this striking shibori-striped, khadidenim suit. Wear as a set or mix with other pieces, and keep this reliable co-ord handy for all seasons.” Suit set, ₹25,000 3 TORANI “Each garment at Torani tells a story through its subtle, handcrafted details. In the words of the designer: ‘We worked on the finer layers of each…

ROMA NARSINGHANI “My jewellery box comprises stuff that I have picked up during my travels, along with pieces from past collections. I love jewellery that can be worn in multiple ways. For instance, I started wearing my sunglass chain (from the Roma X REHWA collection) as a choker. The Shiv Eye Ring is a permanent feature on my index finger, while the Trikon Ring—another favourite—works with absolutely any outfit. I wear my engagement ring on my thumb, as the wedding band took its place. I feel incomplete without this ring—it has my husband Ishaan’s [Ahluwalia] fingerprint engraved on it, and a message embossed on the inside. I am also obsessed with the eye pattern. I think it started with this piece I bought it from an artist in Crete in…

BARKHA VYAS, 29 “Summer is finally here and a lacey bralette is a must-have according to me. I’ve paired mine with a flowy, wrap skirt, and added silver wedges and accessories to complete my fusion look.” SREYA SIMLAI, 20 “Stripes have an eternal appeal. I went for a pair of classic, black-and-white striped culottes with a plain black camisole. The sporty red jacket with bolder stripes accentuates the theme further, and is in sync with the wall, too.” JANNAT KHAN, 27 “For the quintessential casual-meets-sporty vibe, I opted for a crop top with high-waisted, contrasting jeans that feature bright, neon flames. My Louis Vuitton pouch and plain, white sneakers wrap up the look in style.” TANYA GUPTA, 21 “Fashion, for me, is all about standing out. While my look here…

Unless you, IDK, live wunder a rock or something, you’ve heard that retinol can basically Benjamin Button your face. It smoothes away fine lines, fades dark spots, and minimises pores…but at a cost. “A quarter of my patients can’t use retinol because their skin is too sensitive or they aren’t willing to deal with the drying side effects,” says US-based dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, an Associate Clinical Professor at Yale. You know what almost everyone can deal with? Bakuchiol. Think of it as a plant-based retinol *without* any harsh repercussions. It still increases cell turnover and the production of collagen (the stuff that gives your skin good glow)—IMO, it’s the best new thing to come out of the recent clean-beauty movement. Here’s what to know before adding to cart. 1.…

#Trending THE RETRO FLICK IS BACK Taking cues from the swinging ’60s, celebrities are owning the hair flick…in modern ways, of course. We spotted a bunch of our favourite A-listers sporting the less-than-subtle outward flick at hair’s ends. A fun new spin on sleek, polished hair, this do is easy to cop and, as you can tell from these pictures, looks fabulous. A big, round brush and a powerful hairdryer are all you need to get this curvaceous flick. SELENA GOMEZ IS NOW A BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR Joining the likes of Rihanna and Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez is launching her own beauty line called Rare Beauty. Starting off with an extensive line of make-up, the actor-singer aims to use her products to tackle the unrealistic standards in the beauty industry. SANITISER…

“I’m coiled up in a ball, gripping at the duvet, holding it tightly so as to cover my naked body. A few minutes earlier, my nudity with a stranger hadn’t bothered me. But now, suddenly, it’s making me feel very vulnerable. We’ve been having sex for just over half an hour. I haven’t orgasmed. And I know there is no chance that I will at any point soon. It’s definitely time to call it a night. Yet, as much as I want to, I can’t ignore what has just happened. I have to say something. ‘Don’t worry about it,’ I add, the noise muffled by the pillow I’m hiding my face in. There’s more I could say, perhaps should say, but none of it lends itself to sexy bedroom talk.…

“A few months ago, I had a nightmare where I could only speak in Instagram captions. Then a friend told me the same thing had happened to her. (Literally. Unbelievable, but true.) And she found a cure: she deleted IG. It hadn’t been easy, but she was happier and her mind felt clearer. I was jealous of her Kondo-esque elevated state of being, so I decided to try it, too. First parameter: I’d erase the app for two months. I asked a friend to change my IG password. I also set goals: purge my mind of meme-speak, break my scroll habit, and actually think about how I felt instead of posting about it (deep, I know). So here’s how that went… WEEK 1 What to Do With Photos?! Two friends…

“After a breakup, I want to be distracted immediately and validate my ego by going on dates. That being said, my first major girlfriend still crosses my mind every couple of months—and that was almost 10 years ago.” —Karan S., 29 “As an extrovert, I’ll rebound pretty quickly. That said, it’s taken me a lot of work in therapy to actually feel Iike I’ve ‘gotten over’ serious breakups, learned from them, and moved on healthily.” —Vishesh M., 33…

These noble initiatives—during a pandemic and beyond—restore one’s faith in humanity. But what’s even most heartwarming is that there are countless do-gooders across the country, who are silently working to help those in need. While some are taking the battle head-on from the front lines—doctors, nurses, and the medical fraternity—there are others who are also risking their lives daily to ensure our safety. Think of the policemen on the streets and the sanitation personnel disinfecting localities. The delivery staff providing us food and groceries to doorsteps. Drivers rendering emergency services… And then there is you, dear Cosmo reader. Many of you have turned good samaritans, too. Neighbours checking in on elderly residents in the locality, animal-lovers feeding stray dogs and birds, and landlords waiving off rents for distressed tenants. Religious…

Your ride’s here. Where are you? a. In the shower. b. Changing (again), with one eye on my phone. c. Ready to go. I, literally, just got the notification. d. WhatsApping my squad to meet me out front while sweet-talking the driver. You’re most likely to spend your Paid Time Off from work on… a. Nothing RN, because of coronavirus. But I’m going to use it for my big 2021 (hopefully!) European getaway, since it rolls over each year—wait, what do you mean it doesn’t roll over?! b. Sporadic mental health days. c. Just one long weekend with the gals would have been ideal. I like my job and can’t wait to get back! d. A pre-planned multicountry tour through Asia as soon as the pandemic is out of the…

Synchro Skin Invisible Silk Loose Powder, ₹3,150 A super-light, ultra-fine powder that ‘synchronises’ with your skin, enhances the finish, hides pores, and makes make-up stay put longer. Love! L’Occtiane en Provence Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo, ₹1,650/300ml Packed with the loving energy of a bunch of essential oils (read: lemon, orange, rosemary, chamomile and PDO lavender), the light and fluid formula rids you of grime gently, and leaves hair feeling fragrant and looking lustrous. Revlon Ultra HD Vinyl Lip Polish in Cherry On Top, ₹1,250 What makes this bb stand out is the fact that it is a fusion of lipstick and lip gloss, offering full coverage in one swipe. Pigmented, super-shiny, and nourishing (yes!), it’s available in 10 shades, ranging from nudes to brights. Kenzo World Power EDP,…

TARUN TAHILIANI Designer “I do not think any of us can estimate how badly our economy is going to be hit, because: a) We don’t know the extent of damage, and b) We don’t know how long this lockdown will last. From home, one could buy a pair of sneakers or sweatpants, but there is no ‘need’ for high-fashion or craft-based fashion. Due to the lockdown, there are no weddings or celebratory occasions, where these clothes could be worn. The truth is, we are in for a drought, the likes of which we have never seen before. And the consequence will be that our craftspeople will suffer more than ever before. In my conversation with Laila Tyabji—one of the finest champions for artisans—she said the craftspeople in India already took…

“Now that you have some time to yourself, why not use it to change your mind for the better? Here’s my selection of TED Talks that can aid in realising your true potential, to empower you from within, and practise ‘conscious caring’ for yourself, your families and the community at large. 1 7 BELIEFS THAT CAN SILENCE WOMEN—AND HOW TO UNLEARN THEM BY DR DEEPA NARAYAN This TED Talk, which I gave a few months ago, based on my book Chup: Breaking The Silence About India’s Women, highlights seven common habits women are conditioned with to render them powerless. We all are cultural creatures, no matter how smart or sophisticated. Despite education or income, women are still primarily expected to be selfless ‘caring machines’, which I call the ‘you should…

Welcome to the reality TV support group. I see you and I love you. In my mid-20s, I fell into a major emotional slump. It wasn’t capital-D depression, but I was feeling stalled at work and overwhelmed by adulting, and spent most nights sculpting my butt imprint into my couch. The little energy I had I used to scroll through Spotify to find something—anything!— to stream while playing Dots on my phone. To my rescue, oddly, came a li’l franchise called The Real Housewives. Suddenly I was watching back-to-back episodes, obsessing over blowout fights in the Hamptons and abhorrent name-calling in Beverly Hills. The over-the-top-ness of their manufactured, rich-people problems was somehow exactly what I needed to wind down and put my own angst in perspective. No matter how crappy…

INVISIBLE PURSE Carrying a transparent clutch will not only make you look well put-together but also uber-chic! PLATFORM WALK Avoid the pain of wearing a six-inch heel by slipping into a pair of platforms. Consider gold, silver, or rose-gold, depending on the outfit and your mood. POPPING HOOPS While you might want to highlight the dress by using subtle accessories, a somewhat prominent pair of earrings in a complementing shade can add to the glam. SKIN TALK It’s not easy to pull off a shimmery dress without looking #Basic, but one way of looking exceptional is showing the right amount of skin. When in a long dress, like Hailey Baldwin Bieber’s, show off your cleave with a deep neck supported by strappy sleeves and a little leg with a neat…

OVERSIZED SINGLE UTILITY RELIVE THE OLD-WORLD GLAM The classic, light and breezy trench is big this season. Perfect for unpredictable transitional weather, it works well as both a layering piece and the statement-y one over a monotone outfit. Oversized, belted, and double-breasted…the signature characteristics of the trench are still on-trend, and come with the guarantee that these styles will never go out of style! DRESSY DRAMATIC MIX & MATCH MODERN, WITH A SIDE OF EDGE With the classics ruling the roost, certain designers took it upon themselves to add a pinch of drama. Not your run-of-the-mill beige toppers, these modern versions come with details like patches, a ruffled/pleated bodice, leather panelling, double lapels, and more. Plus, you’ll find unexpected colour options, and if you dare, colour-blocked versions, making the modern…

It’s time to brighten up the tennis court! Play it right! This sneaker is perfect off the court, too!…

“Here is a sh*tty fact for ya: the packaging and containers from beauty and personal-care products (so everything from used mascara tubes to your face cream’s plastic wrapper) help make up nearly a third—yes, ONE-THIRD—of all the trash in landfills. This is bad, you guys. Really bad. And being a beauty editor who tests hundreds (hell, thousands) of products each year, I’m feeling especially guilty. So I decided to start replacing all my empties with eco-friendlier options. I’m not talking about ‘green beauty’ (which is great but not always sustainable). I’m talking about products that are plastic-free or come in biodegradable and/or recyclable materials. First up: the giant bottles of body wash sitting on my shower floor. I swap them for a bar soap wrapped in compostable paper (so cute,…

Radhika has been in London for 2 months. She landed in the British capital just days before the lockdown was imposed in India, and has been having, in her words, “a not-so-bad time”. It is worth mentioning here that at the time of this interview, London’s lockdown restrictions had been relaxed, with the city’s public transport functioning again, and more residents getting back to work. And with the weather getting warmer, some Londoners had ventured out for a bout of sunshine and exercise, while following the government’s rules of staying safe and practising social distancing. For Radhika, though, London isn’t just about the sights and sounds. It is her part-time home, where she spends half the year, to be with her husband, violinist and composer, Benedict Taylor. We arrange to…

People like to repeat the saying, ‘Before you can love anyone, you must love yourself’. But it’s not that simple. While it’s true that strong self-worth leads to strong relationships, one of the very first ways you learn to love yourself is by being loved by others and loving them back. That’s why I think it’s wonderful that a big reason young people are entering relationships is to better themselves or to feel better about their lives. These sound like self-serving motives, but they are also healthy justifications. Dating someone who makes you feel good is something that should be celebrated. In fact, I’m going to use a term that’s currently popular: self-care. Sometimes this word implies that your well-being should be entirely up to you (that’s a lot of…

So once upon a time Girl A’s boyfriend broke up with her, claiming he wasn’t ready for anything serious. And this was just after introducing her to his So what did Girl A do to make herself feel better? She put on her best dress, dolled up, and went to the hottest party in town. She said she was fine, and that it was his loss (it was!). She unknowingly—or knowingly—may have been hurting from the inside, but on the outside, she was the life of the party! After all, she’s strong and brave…she runs the world! Girl A’s friends also applauded her ‘strong’ and ‘fierce’ attitude and even look to her for inspiration. Even Girl A mentally high-fives herself. She then posts a selfie, captioning it #Slay. A few…

This WTF scenario is actually pretty common and can truly suck in the summer, when bloat makes your high-waisted shorts and skimpy swimsuits feel like medieval torture devices. Here’s what gives: a large, high-fat meal can indeed lead to the proverbial foodbaby feeling—but that’s not the only reason for a distended belly. Most often, the true culprit is gas, says Sonya Angelone, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the US. This is especially likely if you’re eating fibre-rich foods (read: kale, beans, fruit). “Almost any high-fibre food, even in a reasonable portion, can make you feel bloated,” explains Sonya. That’s because your stomach’s digestive enzymes have to work extra hard to digest this good-for-you fare. And sometimes, your gut can’t completely finish the job, leaving…

#LIT SKIN There has been no better time to break out your favourite highlighter than now. Sun-kissed, highlighted skin is having a moment right now and a shimmery, powder formula that melts on your face is the easiest way to make this trend your own. Swipe on a light layer of foundation to cover up imperfections and then, using a large fluffy brush, dust the product on the high points of your face for a glowy finish. BLACK MAGIC While the SS20 runways brought along a lot of colour, the OG black eyeliner has its own appeal. A liquid liner offering a glossy finish is the quickest way to make your eyes stand out. Plus, its ability of letting you highlight your other features without stealing the spotlight makes the…

JOANNA HUANG Communications Manager - India, The Estee Lauder Companies “I’ve set up my home office in one corner of my living room, right by the balcony that faces a charming little lane lined with palm trees and bougainvilleas. So, bright light streams in through the day, as does a soft breeze. It’s one of my favourite spots in the house, where I can unwind and be productive. I’ve tried to keep the table clutter-free, to avoid distractions and stay focused on work, and rearranged some house plants closer to my work space. It helps bring a bit of the outdoors in, create a sense of calm and serenity, and also adds a pop of colour. I’ve always loved working from home, and find it far more productive than a…

Aquarius 20.01-18.02 The first part of May has you stuck at home, feeling lonely. By mid-month, tho, your love life comes to, er, life. Sadly (meep), that could mean you’re fighting with bae. Free advice: try to be flexible! Pisces 19.02-20.03 You’ve been dropping toxic friendships all year, and now you’re reassessing your BFFs. It sucks to say goodbye, but if it’s not healthy, let it go. DW, there are plenty offish in the sea. (Sorry, had to say it.) Aries 21.03-19.04 Those late nights are definitely going to pay off soon—this is the time for major money moves. Mid-May, your focus turns to networking, so plan to ~connect~. Trurus 20.04-21.05 Drama with the squad is your theme RN—so sorry, babes! It might be time to ditch the pals who…

Cosmo: Many people are having a tough time dealing with the situation right now… Tahira Kashyap Khurrana: “Remember that the toughest battles are given to the strongest soldiers! If it has come to us, we have to fight it. And it hasn’t come to get the better of us, but to make us better versions of ourselves. It’s a plight that we all share, and how we choose to look at it is what makes the difference. We can learn from it or allow it to make us bitter. I choose to learn from this challenge and bounce back stronger.” C: They say the first step to being mentally and emotionally stronger is to accept a situation instead of living in denial. But what’s happening right now feels surreal…and kind…

I started watching a lot of movies after 10th grade, in the free time after the board exams. I’d watch everything—in Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil—that was aired on the various TV channels. This was around 1995. Later, when I joined college, my friends and I would often bunk classes to go watch English movies. I still remember standing in a long queue outside Mumbai’s Regal Cinema to buy tickets for Titanic. Moments like those made me realise how much people liked to watch movies, to experience all kinds of emotions through them. I am one of those people. I’ve watched some of my favourite movies countless times! Like The Pursuit of Happyness, The Notebook, Goodwill Hunting, A Beautiful Mind, Life Is Beautiful, Anjali, Katha, and all Woody Allen films,…

1 You acknowledge only the photos you actually like… How retro! You’re the rare breed of human beings who passes on an online sale when you truly don’t need anything—even if it’s all, like, 70% off. Your self-control is astounding and low-key disturbing. 2 You accidentally Like and immediately un-Like… Removing that little red heart is a true act of bravery. But we’re gonna pretend not to know you when you ask to speak to a manager over the rogue tomatoes in your salad. Those ‘food allergies’? Lies. 3 You refuse to Like any post with 500 or more Likes… IYO, that girl from college, who’s always featured on fashion blogs, gets enough Likes! Your fave activity is dragging popular radio songs for being overplayed. FWIW, it’s okay to enjoy…

While trippy prints make for the perfect weekend wear, don’t be mistaken into thinking that a Sunday lounge sesh is all tie-n-dye is good for. For Spring/Summer 2020, runways around the world showcased upgraded versions of tie-n-dye, featuring luxe fabrics (like silk and satin) and evening-appropriate embellishments.…

MRUNAL THAKUR, ACTOR Mrunal’s look is inspired by Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘extra’ vibe. While the backstage pros at the show went with a classic, black, cat eyeliner, Mrunal swapped it with a bright-AF shade. To cop her bold-mouth-meets-vivid-eye look, start with foundation to even out your complexion. Next, fill in your brows—the bolder, the better. Prep your lids with a lid primer and swipe on yellow eyeliner—start at the centre to draw out the cat-eye shape. Then, using a fluffy brush, dust a matte (shimmer-less) bronzer to get a sun-kissed glow. Finish the look by dabbing on your favourite red lipstick.” SAYANI GUPTA, ACTOR Clean, glowing skin is always a trend. Sayani took inspiration from lightly-perfected skin (with barely-there foundation) paired with bright lips. This look is super-easy to recreate—take…

AKANSHA BAHADUR Editorial Co-ordinator “This scent is floral, spicy, and woody…which makes it both day- and evening-appropriate. Another plus: the cute bottle with a signature Hermès-print bow around the neck…how can you not fall in love?!” ARPITA KALA Digital Assistant Features Editor “I recently sampled this fragrance and even though it is unlike the heavier scents I usually go for (Jimmy Choo Flash, forevs), I’m saving up for a bottle. It’s a classic, woody fragrance that gives me a vintage gothic library vibe!” HUMRA AFROZ KHAN Senior Features Editor “This new scent did not disappoint! With rose, vanilla and orange blossom notes, it sure lives up to its hype. I tend to go for creamy-floral scents, and this is all that and more!” NANDINI BHALLA Editor “I smelled this on…

When your mate hits a rough patch, you try to get them to move on as quickly as possible. True False It’s been a while since you’ve done something kind for your partner… just because. True False When you argue, your SO calls you self-absorbed or selfish (and sometimes you see their point). True False IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY TRUE, your focus may be too much on yourself, which could leave your lover feeling alone or resentful. Make an effort to ask them things like, ‘How are you?’ more often, and listen when they answer. IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY FALSE, you are likely pushing your partner to be the best version of themselves, which can boost their self-esteem. Keep supporting and encouraging them in all aspects of their life.…

Goonj The nonprofit undertakes disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and community development in 25 states across the country. With the outbreak of the current crisis, Goonj’s teams have been tirelessly ensuring help reaches all—over 27,600 families have been given immediate relief, under their Rahat COVID-19 initiative. The organisation has also been running (and supporting) multiple community kitchens, and has supplied more than 16,600 kilos of ration and 80,000 ready-to-eat meals to migrant labourers and daily wagers, among other efforts. They have also been distributing masks and cloth sanitary pads—produced at their processing centres, thus, also generating employment for the underprivileged. Goonj is especially focused on the many marginalised communities such as sex workers, transgenders, tribal population, HIV-positive people, tea garden workers, leprosy patients, and devdasis, especially in the rural areas. “Ironically,…

Brew Some Tea Specifically, dandelion or caffeinated green or black tea. They act as a mild diuretic that flushes excess water out of your system to help you de-puff. Pop an OTC Gas Remedy These meds’ main ingredient, simethicone, breaks gas bubbles in your gut into smaller bubbles, allowing them to dissolve. Bounce Around The impact from moves like jumping jacks and jogging can push gas through your bowels pretty quickly, which will give gravity a key assist, says Sonya.…

QLately, I have been having trouble sleeping at night and it’s taking a toll on my skin… A: We all go through that sometimes. It could be a result of many things: maybe, you are feeling anxious or tense, or getting too much screen time…it has proven to affect one’s sleep cycle. Certain scents like lavender, frankincense, jasmine, and sandalwood may help induce sleep. A few drops of these essential oils can relax your mind, and help you sleep better. You can also try pillow mists…they are easy to use, spill-proof, and do the job in just a few spritzes. (Bonus: your pillow will always smell nice!). By the way, if your sleep situation doesn’t improve soon, consider speaking with a doctor. QI long for shiny, highlighted legs under my…