Home/Women's Lifestyle/Cosmopolitan UK/June 2017/In This Issue
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017FROM THE EDITORWhen I took over as editor of Cosmopolitan at the tail end of 2015, I had a problem. (Well, actually,I had 99 problems but that’s a whole other story. You can watch my TEDx talk to find out the rest, if you’re really interested.) No, the problem was this: we needed to find a new features intern. And we were struggling.Now, I know what you’re thinking: there’s no shortage of young women who want to work on a glossy women’s magazine. And you’d be right. These sort of entry-level jobs can see us ploughing through as many as 800 applications.But here’s the thing: almost all the women who applied were the same woman. Not literally, obviously, although we do always get that one candidate who thinks the number of times…3 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Eyeshadow on tour1 SMUDGE IT UPSTARE-AT SCALE 1/3Want a fresh take on the smokey eye? Giorgio Armani international make-up artist Linda Cantello says a hint of electric blue adds vibrancy. Use black kohl liner on the top and bottom waterlines, then plant a hefty amount of metallic blue shadow in the middle of the lid. Use a small, pointed brush to drag it along the lash line and outwards – this elongates eyes. Smudge shadow underneath and dab glossy highlighter at the outer corners. Finish with a nude lip like Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer Crystal Shine Gloss in 109 (£28) to make this look even sexier.2 GET SQUARESTARE-AT SCALE 2.5/3Make-up artist Tom Pecheux says the inspiration for this striking yet minimalist look came from ’50s African dancers. After mixing pink highlighter drops…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Musical makeoversWhat do you get when you mix Nicole Scherzinger, a watermelon and men in tight trousers singing about their feelings? A Dirty Dancing revamp is what. ABC has remade the classic as a TV musical, airing this month, with Little Miss Sunshine’s Abigail Breslin as Baby, Scherzy as Penny, and... Colt Prattes (he was in a P!nk video) as Johnny. Patrick Swayze he ain’t, but a Google search reveals a six-pack to rival The Rock’s. So what if these films got the same treatment?The Social NetworkRemind me: Computer geek Mark Zuckerberg has a pretty good idea for a new website.Who would play the lead? Harry Styles has those Zuckerberg/Jesse Eisenberg curls going on, and he’s giving acting a go, so…The big number would be… Where Are My Likes? – the…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017LOOKING GOOD, BABEIn the pantheon of most flattering sunglasses known to womankind, the classic John Lennon tinted Ray-Bans are right up there. Which is good news given these ’60s-inspired shades are having a major moment this summer. An instant facial game changer, they suit everyone (as evidenced by our porcine model, Molly). Slip them on when you’re heading to the office, just to make the world seem like a happier place, or post-festival, when you need to cover up the evidence of four nights sleeping in a puddle under a Tesco bag.Sunglasses, £132, Ray-BanPHOTOGRAPH DENNIS PEDERSEN. MODEL MOLLY, WITH THANKS TO PETPIGGIES.CO.UK. NO PIGS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS IMAGE…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017THE JEANIUS... RUFFLED DENIMIf the word ‘ruffles’ conjures up images of Little Bo Peep and Adam Ant, then think again. I’m here to let you know that there’s a new kind of ruffle in town – and it’s on your favourite denim pieces. Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Chloé all showcased fluttery ruffles on the catwalk, and they’ve made their way down the fashion grapevine and popped up on denim – on hems, sleeves and skirts.It’s the classic meets the frou-frou – the ultra feminine meets the ruggedly masculine. It’s an odd sartorial sweet spot that, paired with the right pieces, may just be the most flattering trend you buy all year.So what exactly do those pieces look like? Simple. A plain white tee (Gap do great variations every single season) or a pair…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Follow the lightEver noticed how you don’t need to filter your photos when you’re abroad? It’s not only because your mini-break is a hell of a lot more scenic than your local authority park. It’s because temperature plays a big part in whether your skin will look good on Instagram.“In warm weather, the sun is higher but closer to the earth, which is more flattering,” explains Nicolas Degennes, creative artistic director at Givenchy. That’ll be all those lovely amber tones thrown out by the hotter, redder rays. “But in colder climates, where the sun is lower and further away, the light can leave you looking a little washed out.” This is because the light refracts as it collides with obstacles like clouds and gas particles that can turn the rays blue, so…4 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017“You need a bit of fear to drive a business”> Believe your customer existsWhen we started out in the ’90s, women’s activewear was relegated to the back of men’s sports shops. People thought we were mad, but I knew our customer was out there and that, if I stuck to my guns, it would work. You can’t entertain thoughts of failure. A lot of older men were insistent that the name Sweaty Betty wouldn’t work. They just couldn’t understand it. Women… sweating? It wasn’t cool to admit you went to the gym then either. We now have 50 shops, so we’re doing something right.> Perfect your building blocksI spent about six months writing a business plan (with the help of my now-husband, who went to business school), but it was only when I was made redundant from my buying…3 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Forever charmingYou’ve got a few special occasions in the diary, and you’re starting to panic. There are just so many decisions – do you wear an LBD, a floral number, a tuxedo suit? The good thing is iconic jewellery can work with all of these looks, and Emmy London’s exclusive collection for H Samuel is just the thing. As a bespoke bridal designer, her collection includes delicate diamond pendants, earrings, as well as diamond engagement rings, wedding and anniversary bands. With art deco touches and modern designs, these are divine pieces to treasure forever. For the full collection and your nearest store, visit Hsamuel.co.uk/emmylondon.…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017VR p*rn IS READY FOR ITS MONEY SHOT* *But are you?Sitting in a white-walled villa, I look down at ‘my’ body. I am perched on a metal chair and am (rather unusually for me) wearing a white T-shirt and black trousers. Stranger still is that kneeling in front of me is a beautiful nun. She looks up and catches my gaze. Then she starts to talk in breathy, lusty tones. She says something about wanting to confess “impure thoughts” to me, before explaining how she wants to make amends for them. She reaches out. I watch her unzip my black trousers, pop out ‘my’ erection and then starts… well, you know what. “Am I doing it right? I hope I’m good enough for you...”I’ve never harboured a nun fetish, but I’m soon feeling the familiar, heavy buzz of arousal. This…11 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Instaworthy style in secondsLouise O’ReillyModel. Style blogger. Curve champion. Whether you’re size 6 or 26, Louise’s aim is to make you feel great in whatever you’re wearing, and she uses her Instagram account to showcase her personal style. But her busy life, which may include networking with Olivia Palermo at New York Fashion Week or hitting the red carpet back home in Ireland, means she needs to look good in a hurry. No mean feat when you’ve got hair as long and blonde as hers. Luckily Batiste’s 2 In 1 is an invisible dry shampoo and conditioner that targets dryness and provides softness for 18 hours – no water required. Louise told us, “My hair is quite dry naturally, so I loved the added conditioner. And it smells amazing!”HAIR DIARY“My hair is quite…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017JUICY LUBESLIP MASKSLip masks?! That’s just a glorified lip balm someone from the marketing department has come up with a new angle for, right? Wrong. While they have the plant oils and vitamins in common, they also have ingredients like plumping hyaluronic acid and peptides, along with film-forming technology to lock in the actives. Apply, chill out for 10 minutes and rub off the excess, or leave them on overnight – the result is the same: a boosted (if only temporary) pout.We like Erborian Camellia for Lips Mask, £20, and Starskin Dreamkiss Lip Mask, £8.50.LIP PLUMPERSGlosses, primers, balms, top coats… the moment they call themselves ‘plumping’, there’s usually a slightly irritating (or ‘tingling’) oil involved. Think menthol or chilli (look for capsaicin or menthyl lactate); they boost blood flow for a…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017TROUT-PROOF PRO PLUMPING TREATMENTSActing beauty editor Becci tried Lip PerkImagine a serum-filled pen attached to a Henry Hoover and then run over and around your mouth, exfoliating dead skin while blasting in natural rehydrating ingredients. That’s Lip Perk, a treatment that works by helping boost blood circulation to subtly swell lips.Did it hurt? Not a jot. Unless you find tingly peppermint oil painful.Did anyone notice? I did. My husband did not.How long does it last? Results can be seen in 10 minutes. You then get a 12- to 48-hour window to flaunt it. Nationwide from £40; Perkskincare.co.ukBeauty writer Lucy tried a Laser Lip Lift‘Laser lip plumping’ (yes, really) uses heat to stimulate blood flow in the deeper lip layers, to the point where lips increase in size by 10-15%. Having a laser beam…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017BRITISH SUMMER TIMEModel Bambi. Hair and make-up Jessica Mejia at Stella Creative Artists, using Clinique and Moroccanoil. Location The Lulworth Estate (Lulworth.com). Dogs courtesy of Dorset Dogs (Dorsetdogs.org.uk). With thanks to Jeep for the Wrangler. Special thanks to Joe and Tom…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017MY BEST SEX EVER WAS… over Skype“I pretended it was his hands touching me as I came”‘My boyfriend and I were very much in the ‘lust’ stage of our relationship when we discovered he was going to move away. We had sex everywhere and it was a rare occasion that I wasn’t trussed up in full lingerie – matching pants, bra and suspenders – for our date nights. So when he was accepted on a university course in Paris for a year, I was gutted. It seemed that we hadn’t been together long enough for us to make it work long distance, so I just assumed we would break up.But he wanted us to try and make it work by visiting each other, and finding other ways to satisfy ourselves while we were apart. We had…3 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017TASTE BOMBFirst, everything – smoothies, co*cktails, coffee – turned green. Then came the acai invasion, and with it a wave of oxblood-coloured concoctions (and lines of people mispronouncing it at the tills). Now, a delicacy called pitaya (dragon fruit, to you or I) from Central America has captured the hearts – and Instagram accounts – of the hipster food brigade, and turned the world hot pink in the process. A bona fide superfood, it’s packed with antioxidants, iron, magnesium and vitamin C. More importantly, it looks (and tastes) brilliant when blitzed and swirled into cheesecake, lattes and co*cktails. To get the full effects of the colour, make sure you buy the pink-flesh pitayas, as the white ones won’t do much for your Insta-feed. Or, have someone do it for you. Planet…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017SUMMER ESSENTIALSVAIZAVAIZA is a fashion brand that promotes and preserves the Central American artisan heritage through the design and manufacturing of unique accessories. Violeta Martínez, the CEO and designer behind the brand supports the development of local artisan communities affected by poverty and violence by educating them and preserving the use of traditional techniques. The result is a socially responsible product that stands out for its quality and unique design. Every illustrated pattern and every colour used in the collections is inspired by the life, the culture and the tropical environment of her beautiful Central America. Website: www.vaizadesigns.com Facebook: vaizadesign Instagram: vaizadesign Twitter: vaizadesignLOOK GOOD, FEEL GOODShreddies Flatulence Filtering Garments are the perfect solution to flatulence related issues. Using activated carbon panels they can filter all flatulence odours and their stylish…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017THE SUNDAY SHUFFLEOnce upon a time, a good night ended at 4am with a kebab in hand. But a new era of ‘civilised clubbing’ has arrived, where the party starts at lunchtime and you’re home by 11pm with a mug of Ovaltine. This month, party planners Elrow kick off with a daytime rave at Cardiff’s Glamorgan Cricket Ground, while London club Printworks hosts weekend sessions that finish by 10pm. And for the truly sedate... there’s the ‘sit down rave’: just you, 1,000 clubbers, a DJ and the key addition: seats to relax on. Milk and two sugars· , please.PHOTOGRAPH PIXELEYES. VISIT PRINTWORKSLONDON.CO.UK AND THERESTISNOISE.CO.UK…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017WELL, HELLO THERE Brenton ThwaitesHIS VITALSAge 27Home townCairns, AustraliaBig breakLanding the role of Prince Phillip (a modern twist on Mr Charming) in Disney’s Maleficent in 2014.Crazy fact #1One of Brenton’s first roles was as Home And Away pin-up Stu Henderson.Crazy fact #2He bites his nails so badly that when he was filming The Giver with Meryl Streep, a hand model had to be employed for close-up shots of his fingers.First love“When I was 17 I dated a girl from Essex who was 30 – I said I was 24. I really liked her, but one day I admitted my real age. She slapped me across the face and I never saw her again. I was heartbroken, but learned to always tell the truth!”Honest truth“I’m lucky because my partner is amazing and really honest. It…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017MY CULTURED LIFEWhat I’m listening to...“I’m always surprised by what comes on my playlist. I’m really into The Chainsmokers and Tove Lo, but some days I’ll be working out and Lovely Day by Bill Withers will come on. When I was younger, I’d play my dad [singer Phil Collins] new music and, once, after I played John Mayer’s album a lot, Dad started loving him, too.”What I’m reading…“I like to read in my trailer on set – it’s such a good way of chilling out. I’m in the middle of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah at the moment. It’s about two sisters in France when the Nazis invaded during World War II. It’s an amazing story of camaraderie. I’ve loved books since I was little, and they are one of the reasons…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Costume dramasTHE CLASSIC ONE-PIECEChic, flattering, reliable. All hail the LBD of swimwearTHE RETRO BIKINIVintage girls, assemble. The high-waisted swim brief was a catwalk hitTHE PARTY POOLWEARJLo’s on the phone. She said of course you can borrow her swimming costumeTIP!Bikini Don’t top even , £ think 22, briefs about , £ swimming 13, River in Island sequins – the chlorine will bleach out their shine. These are strictly for posing poolsideTHE SURFER-GIRL SUITBaywatch is back – so save some lives (no pressure) in a sporty numberTIP!Neoprene should be hand-washed in cold water and left to dry flat. Machine washing will ruin the fabric. And always rinse out salty seawater as it can rot your costume…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Skin RECIPESSustainable, natural and free from are the big buzzwords in beauty right now with over half of women pouring over ingredients lists before purchasing a product. But while parabens are out and plants are in, navigating naturals isn’t always easy, especially with so many soil-to-skin options available. From small batch boutique brands to high-street heroes like Garnier who have just launched a 96% naturals range, we’ve gone green fingered so you can feel confident that your next beauty haul will be as ethical as it is effective.Aloe VeraWhile aloe vera has been high on the ingredients list of after-suns since the ’80s, it’s only recently the gel-filled leaves have been seen in exfoliators, cleansing milks and everything in between. Made up of around 95% water but full of vitamins, enzymes,…5 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Career moves you have to makeRave all night in Ibiza. Learn a language (you will never use). Date someone with no job/no hope/no soul. We’re all aware of the rites of passage that we’re supposed to pass through on our way to becoming a more ‘rounded’ person, but what about in our career? What moments do we need on our road to being successful? Seven businesswomen explain the milestones that they had to go through in order to boss it.1 f*ck up hugely“I once pressed ‘stop’ instead of ‘record’ when I was filming a pivotal scene for a prison documentary I was working on. I tried to style it out, but I was a wreck for the rest of the shoot, because I was worrying so much. Now I respect people who can say, ‘I…4 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 20175 things PTs do... ...that you probably don’tConspiracy theory: all personal trainers are cyborgs. It does sometimes feel like those who make fitness their life and career are specially engineered – with strength, tone and self-discipline on another level. But what if they’re not? What if they’re just normal, burger-loving, cider-drinking layabouts like us – who have a few cunning tricks up their sweat-wicking sleeves? We asked. They answered. Emulate at your leisure.1 THEY FOAM ROLL BEFORE A WORKOUTYep, we’ve been reserving it for after training too (and as a head rest when lazing on the floor during a Netflix binge).“Foam rolling before a workout is more important than doing it after. It releases tight trigger points, so you’re more mobile when exercising,” says trainer to Melanie C Matt Roberts, who religiously rolls before every workout. A…4 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017The jet-set job clubIt’s Sunday night and Amelia Peaco*ck has a rare evening off: the 25-year-old has just flown in after six months working in LA, and her next client isn’t scheduled to be born until tomorrow. In the US she lived in her own, eight-bedroom mansion and her average working day involved a beach stroll, meal-planning with her personal chef followed by a Beverly Hills shopping spree, with her boss picking up the tab. While her friends back in the UK were commuting from squashed suburban house-shares and packing onto sweaty trains, Amelia would dial for her chauffeur if she wanted to go anywhere (except if it was abroad – then it would be via private jet). Tomorrow, the start of her new job will see her move into a multi-million pound…11 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017THE WOMAN WHO HELPS THE MEGA-RICH GET CLEANI’m crouching on the floor surrounded by Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Prada heels – they’re all scattered across the thick carpet like confetti (I was instructed to remove my own shoes – a pair of plain white plimsolls – as soon as I stepped through the front door). Now upstairs, I root around the walk-in wardrobe, picking up shoes and discarding them one by one. The sound of a woman sobbing echoes up the stairs.I reach deep inside a snakeskin Isabel Marant boot. I have to stretch my fingers so they can feel right into the toe, where I grab what I’ve been looking for: a tiny bag of pills, wrapped up tightly in clingfilm. I pull it out and pop it into my pocket. Then it’s into the…11 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Inside THE COSMOPOLITAN HOUSE...Mitali “We’re all going to skill-swap. It’s great we’ve got such diverse careers”Sophie“The minute I moved in here, everything seemed to click into place”“As a full-time creative, I was priced out of the city”he bus pulled away, and Sophie Lane burst into tears. As the last chugs of exhaust fumes faded into the darkness, and the tail lights grew dimmer, she wearily pulled out her phone and called the only person who might listen at 11 o’clock at night.“Mum..?”“Sophie, are you OK? What’s wrong?” her mother asked anxiously, 190 miles away in Shropshire.“I missed the last bus,” she said, wearily.She then spent the next 15 minutes listing the frustrations of her day: working late to impress her boss at the music-industry internship in central London she’d fought so hard to…9 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017TIPS FOR BIGGER, BETTER LIPS“Use fingers to pat on lip colour, or a cotton bud to diffuse the edge of already-applied lipstick. This ensures a blurred, undefined line that gives the illusion of fullness.”Kenneth Soh“Take your favourite highlighter and lightly outline the Cupid’s bow, then do the same with the centre part of your lower lip line. It gives a fab instant pouty finish.”Stila’s Sascha Jackson“When experimenting with a multi-tone or ombré lip, keep the darker shades on the outside and the lightest one in the middle. It’s textbook optical-illusion plumping!”Marco Antonio“When lining lips, begin with the Cupid’s bow, then go from the corners of the mouth upwards and inwards. It gives the mouth shape a more rounded effect.”Rebecca Restrepo“To correct uneven lips without lipliner, take a small amount of concealer and line the…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Garden PARTYAfter what felt like a decade of waiting, summer has finally arrived – and this year it’s all about variety. Whether you need a floaty skirt for a lazy BBQ, or a sculptured dress with just the right amount of ‘all eyes on me’ for a glitzy rooftop party, Simply Be has you covered. The new collection will take you from festival to wedding, with each piece tailor-made to work with your shape.Fill your wardrobe to match your packed out calendar this season and be sure to turn heads wherever you go. Shop sizes 12-32 online at simplybe.co.uk or in store.…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017WORST DATES EVERAs we sat in the cinema, I could smell a waft of rotten veg. I quickly realised it was coming from my date. A smelly 118 minutes later, we went outside where his dad was waiting for him – to witness his son begging to kiss me. No, thanks.ELISE, 20On our third date, he asked if I enjoyed the smell of my own farts. He then told me that sometimes his are so strong you can almost taste them. Repulsive.LAUREN, 23We headed back to his and when he noticed that the light was on, he said, “That’ll be my ex, she likes to come round and stroke the cat.”AMARA, 23He spent the entire date reminiscing about “the horrors of World War I” – which he wasn’t actually alive for.KALYPSO, 29HE…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Get your party on...HÔTEL BYBLOS, SAINT-TROPEZSO IT’S A NON-STOP PARTY HOTEL, YOU SAY?Well, yes and no. By day, this iconic hotel (which celebrates 50 years in the business this summer) is a lesson in restrained chic. Waltz by the heated outdoor pool and you’ll find some of the most expensive bodies in the world supine under gleaming white parasols. (Seriously, look closer and those actually are the legs of one of fashion’s highest-paid supermodels.) The hotel is arranged as a series of pastel-hued villas, the inhabitants of which are some of the most famous names in the world. Not that you’d ever know, of course. You’ll get a smile as bright as the sun from the hugely democratic hotel staff, whether you’re Beyoncé (a regular, naturally) or just normal Becky from Hull. By…6 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREATDON’T PUT IT OFF ANY LONGER, TAKE CONTROL OF THOSE EMBARRASSING LEAKS TODAY!Did you know that poor bladder control is a symptom of stress incontinence, which is caused by a weak pelvic floor? If left untreated, a small leak can quickly turn into a big problem.The good news is you can put a stop to these leaks without medical intervention, especially if you catch them early enough. This is where the PelvicToner can help.NHS approved, clinically proven and available on prescription, the PelvicToner is a simple and easy to use pelvic toning device that provides positive feedback, so you know you’re squeezing the right muscles. It has multiple spring settings, so you exercise at the right level, and can strengthen weak muscles and restore confidence in just a few weeks.It…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017ConfessionsSAY CHEESEAfter a long afternoon of whisky tasting, I came home starving. I thought I’d struck gold when I saw some cheese belonging to my housemate in the fridge. I cut myself a massive slab and shoved it in my mouth. It was butter. And I threw up.LARRY, 26, START-UP DIRECTOR, JOHANNESBURGFEELING SAUCYAfter trying to eat a Chinese takeaway in an Uber, I spilt sauce on my boots. I gave them a scrub when I got home and they looked fine to wear on a date the next day. I was wrong. He kept saying, “Can you smell Chinese? I fancy Chinese.” I did not fancy a Chinese.RACHEL, 20, PR INTERN, PENNSYLVANIA, USAJOG ONI was running on the treadmill at my new gym when I accidentally dropped my iPod and…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Girl boss‘Hello,I’m looking for Olivia Palermo.” The hotel receptionist stares blankly back at me. “Olivia Pa..ler..mo?” I say, slower this time. Still nothing. “Is she a guest here?” the woman asks, frowning, then languidly taps through the computer database. I lean over the desk. “Erm, not exactly. I’m meeting her for an interview. She’s a… she’s a…” I whisper the last part, “She’s a celebrity.” The woman smiles. “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am. Should I have known that?”Of course Olivia Palermo is not a celebrity. Not really. The 31-year-old New Yorker is something far more aspirational than that. She is an influencer and social media sensation who has used her sometime-celebrity (you’ll remember her from 2008 reality show The City) to leverage herself into a multimillion-pound lifestyle and fashion brand. A simple…9 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017HEY, HOW DO I WEAR… The sheer dress?1 SHEER BRILLIANCEBoth the catwalks and the street are awash with sheer, floaty dresses for summer. From punky mesh to dark gothic lace and ballerina tulle, there’s one for every personality. Not into pink floral frills like actress Tiffany Hsu? Opt for a sporty, straight-cut mesh style to avoid a sugar overdose.2 BLUE JEAN BABYWhen it comes to the trusty blues, a slightly loose fit that’s cropped three inches or so above the ankle is the most ‘now’ shape. Our advice: incorporate wherever possible. Unless, of course, you need to counteract the volume of a particularly frothy dress, in which case, you have our permission to dig out your skinnies.3 TREND TALLYThis dress manages to tick three major S/S 17 trends at once: the colour pink, sheer layers AND ruffles…3 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017WATT A BEAUTYDIY facials are getting an OS upgrade. Comedy gold on camera, wearable masks use serious tech to give dermatologist-grade results. Neutrogena’s plug-in pimple zapper may look like it’s from an ’80s slasher film, but its blue-and-red light rays blast bacteria, and null inflammation (it works). Lines your downfall? Play Skin’s hydrogel mask has two tiny electrodes that connect your temples to your phone to lift and tone using micro-currents. If this all sounds a bit too scary for you, may we suggest ZIIP’s hand-held face vibrator. Controlled by an app, it’s basically some buzzing (metal) balls that jiggle the collagen in your face for a youthful glow. Now that’s a far better result than we got last time we had a pair of balls that close to our mouths.PHOTOGRAPHS GETTY…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Strokes of geniusCan a hairbrush do more than style and comb? These mavericks claim to, so Acting Beauty Editor BECCI VALLIS tested them… Power Styler Brush, from £14 If the idea of boar-bristle brushes freaks you out, park it, because this natural and nylon combo works like Velcro, so you can grip, glide, hook and scoop hair into 1,001 formations – with volume, without frizz. The tips are just as adept at freeing those wispy baby hairs at the hairline, so there’s no disruption to the rest of your ’do.Wet Brush for Thin Hair, £11.99 Tangle tee*zer was life-changing, but then we discovered Wet Brush. The Houdini of hairbrushes, its mega-bendy bristles and super-soft tips wheedle right into knots to work them free in nanoseconds. The bristles on this one, specially designed…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017BUILD SOME TEAM SPIRITLeaving your work wife a photocopy of your rear-end assets could do more than raise a smile – it could actually help get her a pay rise. Penn State University found those of us who have fun 9 to 5 are more likely to learn on the job as the endorphins produced by laughter boost confidence and sharpen focus. Which may explain why some offices are way ahead of the fun curve. Ticketmaster HQ in London has a slide, an indoor picnic area and arcade games, while creative agency Karmarama has a disco room and beer on tap. If your boss’s budget doesn’t stretch to that, experts suggest team-building activities (yes, Friday wines count) and celebrating achievements as a group. Office streaking – maybe a step too far.PHOTOGRAPH JOHANNA PARKIN,…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017CAREER STRIDES YOU CAN SKIPGOING BACK TO THE OFFICE POST-WINEYou went for your forgotten make-up bag. You ended up locked in the stationery cupboard trying to steal a stapler you’re allowed to take for free anyway.ATTEMPTING TO USE THE PHONETIC ALPHABETYou’re on the phone, having to spell something out, and your boss is behind you. Cue mind blank. “C for… condom? V for… vagin*?” I for inappropriate.DOING YOUR SIGNATURE MOVE AT OFFICE DRINKSYour friends find your ‘worm’ hilarious. All your colleagues see is a woman in a white shirt rolling around a sticky floor desperately searching for her dignity.SHUTTING YOUR EYES TO ‘LISTEN’It seemed sensible at the time – five seconds of shut-eye would wake you up during the most boring meeting of all time... We all know how it ends.…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Get a Baywatch bodyIf you’re stepping into The World’s Most Famous Swimsuit, you need a seriously sculpting fitness regime. Step up Patrick Murphy, trainer to Baywatch newbie Alexandra Daddario (oh, and Zac Efron). Murphy devised a tough, five-day-a-week schedule to get the stars in shape: “The aim was to make them super-agile and athletic.” No biggie, then. Try his taster workout below, by performing all five exercises in a row, before resting for a minute and doing it all again four more times. Red inflatable, optional.* Baywatch is out on 29th MaySTEP 1 Reverse lunge knee hopTARGETS Glutes, abs and thighs1 Stand, legs hip-distance apart, arms by your sides.2 Reverse lunge with your right leg.3 Pull that knee high in front, hopping on your left leg.4 Repeat 10 times each side.STEP 2 Leg…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017Steal their jobsALL ABOARDFor super-yacht jobs, most recruits show up where they dock with their CV on a USB stick (can’t risk it fluttering off into the water). The port of Antibes is a top recruitment spot.SUPER NANNYIf you’ve got the vital qualifications, check out Sorted Personal Management to be the next Mary Poppins; Sorted-pa.comFINE DININGGalor recruitment are searching for private chefs who know their way around a celebrity’s diet; Galor.co.ukV-I-P-ABecome an A-lister’s must-have at boutique PA recruitment agency Bain And Gray; Bainandgray.com…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017The most luxurious rehabs in the worldTHE COTTAGE, SURREY, UKThe Cottage only treats one client at a time, with therapists on hand to arrange a personalised treatment. Kitted out with Egyptian cotton sheets, a private chef and chauffeur, it may end up being difficult to leave.PASSAGES, MALIBU, USAThere’s only room for 12 guests here, and at a whopping $67,550 for a month, it’s no wonder this has been named as one of Forbes’ most luxurious places to dry out.THE DUNES, EAST HAMPTON, USASet over four acres with a pool, spa, tennis court, personal trainer and bespoke nutritional meals, this place aims to feel just like home.…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 20173D lipsThe last time tight, dry lips were the height of fashion was – well, never. Admit it: when it comes to our lips, we all like to err on the side of juicy plumpness. But few could have predicted the lengths some of us would one day go to to get it.“I’ve seen a 45% increase in demand for lip fillers over the past three years,” says Dr Tijion Esho, lip man to the inflated likes of Charlotte Crosby, with clinics in London and Newcastle. And here’s the shocking bit: “Most filler enthusiasts are between 25 and 29 years old.”Now, we care deeply about your lips and would never dream of letting you leave the house with a pair of inner-tyre tubes on your face. So we’ve collected the best…3 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017A beautiful BALANCE“Aveeno's Daily Moisturising Body Yogurt leaves my skin smooth and hydrated”For me, no two days are ever the same, which is exciting and fun but it can be hard to find a balance. As well as teaching classes, I could be writing my blog, on a shoot, organising retreats, filming for my YouTube channel, meeting other bloggers or attending events to discover new brands.I still have to squeeze in some normality though and trying to stick to a routine helps. That way I don't forget to take a little time out of my day to do things I enjoy like working out, cooking a delicious meal or giving my skin some tender love and care!Regarding my daily routine, my make -up doesn't take very long (as I don't wear much)…3 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017HATERS GONNA DATEDo you spend most dates desperately trying to find something, anything in common? Don’t bother. New app Hater matches users with others who despise the same things – so you can meet and bond over your mutual rants. Turns out the idea might be grounded in more than just novelty. QUT* analysed the online dating preferences of more than 41,000 people and found that while they all had a ‘wish list’ of what they wanted, the majority contacted people nothing like their dream match. Word of warning: don’t go thinking you’ve found a soulmate if they also can’t stand Adam Sandler movies. Everyone agrees with you on that one.…1 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017First Love“I can be totally honest with him”Laura Hartley, 28, is a trainee lawyer from Lancashire‘When I first met Jack, I was a barmaid and he was desperate for me to serve him a drink. He was wasted, so I said no. Still, he intrigued me. I was 19 and had just returned from a trip abroad, so I was working at my local to save up for university. I was bored and a bit lost and then this odd guy came along.The next day, I saw him hanging around in the village looking a bit worse for wear. We got chatting, had a few drinks and decided to climb trees. The day ended with a kiss.We were together pretty much from that moment forward, and it always felt adventurous. It…4 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017The best festivals abroadTHE ALTERNATIVE ONE: OBONJAN ISLAND, CROATIAWHEN: 23rd June-3rd SeptemberWHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT IT? Well, it’s a summer-long festival on a private island. It has a mix of art, music and wellbeing (yoga at sunrise, dancing to DJ Gilles Peterson at sunset), plus seriously good restaurants serving seafood and organic pizza. Oh, and there’s also self-improvement workshops, luxury safari-style tents, and… well, you get the idea. There’s nothing else quite like it in the world.WHO’S HEADLINING? Line-up to be confirmed, but last year it featured Gilles Peterson, Kate Tempest and Four Tet.WHAT TO PACK: Kaftans, yoga gear, PG Tips tea bags (it’s hard to get a decent brew and if you stay for a month you’ll miss it).WHO GOES? Multi-tasking millennials who want meditation sessions and green juice, along with live…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017THE S/S 17 EDITFLOPZBeautifully colourful flip flops with a unique massaging sensation.These comfortable flip flops with fun coral reef designs will revolutionise your holiday footwear.Find them online at www.flopz.com £30BEL ÉTÉAdd your design and initials to a basket and get the look this summer with Bel Été London. The Monogram Baskets come in a variety of designs. Handmade in Spain from woven Palm Straw with a linen lining enabling you to close your bag and keep things protected. Bel Été baskets are by far the best quality beach bags on the market! Priced from just £50-£75. www.bel-ete.comLONDON VIRGIN HAIRLondon Virgin Hair offer a delightful range of premium virgin hair and handmade wigs. Be proudly beautiful today with their luscious bundle deals.For more information visit www.londonvirginhair.com 10% off all orders with the code Cosmo10.PRETTY…2 min
Cosmopolitan UK|June 2017THE LAST WORD The hangover contract1 THE AWAKENINGThe Hungover will wake with a jolt, wondering why her mouth tastes as though she’s been licking the underbelly of a dusty camel. She only had ‘a few’ last night, so it can’t be a hangover. Maybe she has flu? Is this death’s sweet embrace? She will sense that moving her head would be a mistake, and so keeps it glued to the pillow until her stomach or bladder send further instructions.2 DAMAGE LIMITATIONIt’s time for the truth. The Hungover will send ‘WAS I REALLY AWFUL?’ texts to anyone who might be able to vouch for the whereabouts of her tongue, dignity and leather jacket. ‘You were fiiiiiine!’ they’ll reply, which she will believe until she finds the 32 blurry toilet selfies on her camera roll, the receipt…3 min
