Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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On the Cover
Sweep into the office looking sweet and sleek
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32 Katy Perry Her rocky road to making it big 72 Sex Myths Decoded His bedroom desires are simpler than you think 76 Being The New Girl How to navigate a budding relationship 82 The Pitfalls Of Lending Your $$$ To Friends Things can get a little awkward, even if you are besties 85 Your Career Only Better! 36 pages of inspiring stories; with Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg leading the charge 128 Hot Hair Accessories Cute new styles to best frame your face
for being good at everything they do except being good 28 Manthropology Attention, girls thats what guys really want from you 29 The Naughtiest Thing Ive Ever Done I Got Back At My Evil Roommate!
LIVE BIG!
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blossoming trend will take you through the summer 22 Brighten Your Mood Cheer up with a swipe of colour on the lips 24 Catwalk To Cosmo Its migration season as fashion moves towards animal prints and tribal trinkets 25 Fiesta Fever Revamp your allblack style with a blast of happy colours 26 Summer Fling We show you the trick to looking sweet and fresh despite the raging heat
37 Fun Fearless Fashion Denim, boring? These printed jeans prove otherwise 40 Get Her Look We are adoring fans of this starlets pretty yet punky style 41 Fashion Radar Sexy bags to get you recognition at the workplace 42 Fashion Workbook Stand a cut above the rest with this asymmetrical skirt 44 Fast Glam The Kardashian sisters share their style picks 46 Lust Haves Theres a sunglass out there to fit every face shape 110 Pastel Impressions Power up for the office while keeping your look soft and mellow 120 Dress For The Job You Want Whether you want to be an investment banker or your own boss, heres how to dress the part 47 Beauty News Less is truly more when choosing what you put on your face 54 Beauty Book Youll be surprised how a scratchy handshake and chapped lips can work against you 56 Beauty Basics A new and potent hair treatment for stronger, shinier locks
FASHION
BEAUTY
July 2013
142
Heres how you, too, can steal a power nap at work
prominent, defined brow in 4 simple steps 58 Divine Desire This dark, alluring scent will leave you wanting more 60 Beauty Loot Nail a polished look at the workplace with these 61 Hair Heaven One of the simplest way to wear your hair only sleeker and more elegant 134 Out and About The green, green Grasse of perfumery home: Many of the worlds greatest noses were trained in this small French town
74 Man Of Steel 5 ways to help your guy raise his game 78 Sex And The Single Girl So you have expectations thats not necessarily a bad thing 79 Sex And The Not-So-Single Girl Scoring an A with your potential in-laws is easier than you think 137 Early Bonus Banking a work out before you head in to the office could earn you a higher pay 142 How To Work Power Napping Grabbing some zzzs while on the job requires some skill; and these advice rk will help you be more productive at work 144 Cosmo Gyno Tips to help you avoid oid a raging UTI
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120
Be the boss of your own sartorial style
COSMO ZEST
65 Hunk Without His Shirt Weve got our eyes set on this artist who hopes to cut it in New Yorks fashion industry someday 66 Men 101 Decoding the scary dreams that freak out your guy 68 What Goes Through Mens Minds When We Go On Diets 70 The Big Question Who do you side with when your girlfriend disagrees with your mum? 71 Ask Him Anything Your mans got a case of the jitters when it comes to making out?
MAN MANUAL
LIFE STYLIST
nd waiting for now let your hair loose and get that party started
EVERY MONTH
16 From The Editor 18 Kiss & Tell
156 Cosmo Checkout 158 Stockists 160 Bedside Astrologer 162 Cosmo Quiz: How Well Do You
Read Guys Signals?
COSMOPOLITAN
Q. Which superhero would you like to date?
Publishing Director BRIDGET HOPE... Iron Man!
FASHION DIRECTOR SALLY TEO... Iron
Robert Downey Junior look out! Man for me too! Its refreshing to have a bad boy turned superhero instead of one whos an emo momo. SENIOR ART DIRECTOR NG SAY LEE... Plastic Man. Hell be fun to manipulate.
FEATURES WRITER MAVIS NGUI... Batman! Rich, sexy and misunderstood. Oh yeah. SUB-EDITOR CHIA EE KHIM... Professor X. Finally, someone who can read my mind. FASHION EDITOR JANICE PIDDUCK... Thor. Theres something about him wielding that hammer! EDITORIAL ASSISTANT HAYDEN NG... Catwoman. I like her sneakiness. Purr FASHION ASSISTANT ANGELA CHU... Spiderman. I dig Peter Parkers nerdy look. BEAUTY WRITER CARINA KOH... Captain America. Hes very hot. And strong too. CONTRIBUTORS JOSH AIELLO, MIKA BRZEZINSKI, JESSICA KNOLL, ANGELA LEDGERWOOD, DENISE LI, ANDREW LUA, EMMA MARKEZIC, BANG ONG, YEONG SASSALL, MARTA TOPRAN, AURORA TOWER, SERENE WU INTERNS KAVISHA THACKER, GRACIE LEE, YAP FIONA, OREAL GOH, YVONNE LEK
Editorial
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER KATHLEEN CHAN... Mr Incredible. A true family man. GRAPHIC DESIGNER CANDICE PHANG... SUPERMAN. Id like to know if my kick-ass superhero SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER NYEN... Mystique. So I can date a different girl every day. PHOTOGRAPHER ALEXANDER OW... Bionic Woman. I like to speed things up. HEAD OF DIGITAL IMAGING CHAN SIEW BOON... Spiderman! So we can stick to each other. DIGITAL IMAGING ARTISTS ANGELA CHAN... Human Torch. Wah, hot! IVY GOH... Thor. Because he is strong and can protect me. GRACE TAY... Wolverine. Though maybe its Hugh Jackman that I like better.
Art
Dior Addict Extreme in Princess, $45 Diorshow Iconic Overcurl in 090 Over Black, $52
GET HER
LOOK
Production
Diorsnow White Reveal Fresh Transparency Liquid Foundation, $76
PRODUCTION MANAGER HESTA FOONG ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION EXECUTIVES CARRIE TAN, LI DANLIN
Corporate
SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER IRENE LEE OFFICE MANAGER CYNTHIA ONG EDITORIAL SUPPORT EXECUTIVE WENDY WONG SENIOR SUPPORT ANALYST JOEY CHOW
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Dress, Forever 21, 21 1 $39 1,
GET HER
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LOH YEW SENG MANAGING DIRECTOR MAUREEN WEE GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CAROLINE NGUI PUBLISHING SERVICES DIRECTOR LEONG TSCHENG YEE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & INTERNATIONAL LICENSING DIRECTOR FOONG SEONG KHONG EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
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PRESIDENT/CEO: DUNCAN EDWARDS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/CFO AND GENERAL MANAGER: SIMONE HORNE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/ INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: JEANETTE CHANG SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR OF LICENSING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: IN GAUTAM RANJI VICE PRESIDENT: PATRICK L. BRENNAN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: KIM ST. CLAIR BODDEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/EDITORIAL: ASTRID O. BERTONCINI CREATIVE DIRECTOR: PETER YATES FASHION/ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR: KRISTEN INGERSOLL INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS EDITORS: MARION COLLINS, SHAHRZAD GOLCHIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: HELEN GURLEY BROWN (1965 1997) EDITOR, ARGENTINA: Mara Jos Grillo EDITOR, ARMENIA: Hrachuhi Utmazyan EDITOR, AUSTRALIA: Bronwyn McCahon EDITOR, AZERBAIJAN: Leyla Orujova EDITOR, BRAZIL: Monica Gailewitch EDITOR, BRITAIN: Louise Court EDITOR, BULGARIA: Detelina Stamenova EDITOR, CHILE: Andrea Larrabe EDITOR, CHINA: Vera Xu EDITOR, CROATIA: Marjana Filipovic-Grcic EDITOR, CYPRUS: Stalo Papanastasiou EDITOR, CZECH REPUBLIC: Sabrina Karasova ESTONIA EDITOR, FINLAND: Miina Lange EDITOR, FRANCE: Sylvie Overnoy EDITOR, GERMANY: Kerstin Weng EDITOR, GREECE: Nassia Bitha EDITOR, HONG KONG: Ruqiyah Law Kam Ying EDITOR, HUNGARY: Johanna Sabjan EDITOR, INDIA: Nandini Bhalla EDITOR, INDONESIA: Fira Basuki EDITOR, ITALY: Francesca Delogu EDITOR, KAZAKHSTAN: Maya Akisheva EDITOR, KOREA: Hyun Joo Kim EDITOR, LATIN AMERICA: Ana Victoria Tach EDITOR, LATVIA: Santa Kristiana Zamuele EDITOR, LITHUANIA: Violeta Sorkiniene EDITOR, MALAYSIA: Eena Houzyama EDITOR, MIDDLE EAST: Kerrie Simon-Lawrence EDITOR, MONGOLIA: Bolor Zaankhuu EDITOR, NETHERLANDS: Anne Marije de Vries Lentsch EDITOR, PHILIPPINES: Myrza Sison EDITOR, POLAND: Hanna Wolska EDITOR, PORTUGAL: Sandra Mauricio EDITOR, ROMANIA: Gabriela Zavaleanu EDITOR, RUSSIA: Alexandra Badanina EDITOR, SERBIA: Nasja Veljkovic SINGAPORE EDITOR, SLOVENIA: Tina Deu EDITOR, SOUTH AFRICA: Cathy Lund EDITOR, SPAIN: Lala Herrero EDITOR, TAIWAN: Min Chun Chang THAILAND EDITOR, TURKEY: Ozlem Kotan EDITOR, UKRAINE: Anna Zemskova EDITOR, USA: Joanna Coles EDITOR, VIETNAM: Nguyen Mai Phuong
EDITORS LETTER
Hello!
The Cosmo Singapore team. First row seated: (L-R) Hayden Ng, Carina Koh. Second row seated: Mavis Ngui, Janice Pidduck, Chia Ee Khim. Third row: Ng Say Lee, Candice Phang, Sally Teo, Angela Chu, Kathleen Chan
PS:
Sunglasses, Topshop, $36
list, Choose minima but bold, coloured to accessor ies look. the modern ise
ET GADG STASH
Top, Zhoppetizer, $89 Dress, Victoria, Victoria Beckham at Net-aporter.com, US$1,164 Pants, Forever 21, $39 Sony Alpha NEX-3N, $749
TIP! Light up your creativity and travel in style with these smart gadgets and bold colour accessories.
Your work wardrobe says a lot about who you are and where youre headed, so heres the style inspiration you need to dress like a leader in your profession.
Dress, Roland Mouret at Neta-porter.com, US$1,755 Dress, Victoria Beckham at Net-a-porter.com, US$2,336
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
While a fun pop of colour can be risky in a corporate workplace, you can totally rock it at yours. Opt for well-tailored classics with a twist.
DREAM JOB:
Look for tailored feature separat es that and quir ky details shapes. interest ing
BlackBerry Q10, $898
DRESS CODE:
blocking Tr y colour y, yellow, with burgund pink; orange and grounds the burgund y r colours. brighte
Working in an office with a relaxed dress code is the perfect environment to express yourself through your clothes; be creative and think outside the box.
Tip!
WRIST MATES
Heels, Zara, $109 Coin purse, Kate Spade, $140
TIP! A coloured watch says youre not afraid to stand out; it will add to your artistic persona.
FROM LEFT: A/X Armani Exchange, $199; Baume & Mercier, $2,790; Marc by Marc Jacobs, $310; A/X Armani Exchange, $199; Fossil, $189
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TEXT & STYLING: (INVESTMENT JANICE PIDDUCK. BANKER) PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR) MARC BAPTISTE.BAUERSYNDIC : ALEXANDER FASHION ATION.COM/SNAPPER OW; (CREATIVE ASSISTANTS: GRACIE LEE; MEDIA; (CEO OF DIRECTOR) NAOMI YOUR OWN YANG/FIGARO YAP FIONA START-UP) NICHOLAS PHOTO/SNAPP ER MEDIA; ROUTZEN; (FASHION
2 4
2 0 1 3 - 0 5 - 2 9 T2 2 : 0 0 : 3 6 + 0 8 : 0 0
2 7
2 0 1 3 - 0 5 - 3 0 T1 1 : 4 9 : 3 1 + 0 8 : 0 0
Pants, Guess,
$145
GADGET STASH
TIP! Capture fashion happenthe latest these trusty ings with stylish gadgets and accesso ries.
Sony VAIO Duo 11 (i7), $2,699
Always look for new ways to wear fashion; a glam piece can totally work with a casual separate such as slouchy joggers.
Your style philosophy? Youre electri cally fashion forwar d forced. but it never looks The trick pieces that look is to pick cool but feel comfy.
FASHIO EDITO N R
JOB: DRESS CODE:
DREAM
Make y our own fashion rules; who says you cant wear sequins during the day?
Bag, Mulberry
Sony Cyber-shot
DSC-RX1,
$3,999
iPhone wallet,
Victorias
Secret, $168
Avoid fashion wearing OTT trends that you feel self-consc make it will show. ious; line between Theres a fine being fashion forward and a (tragic) looking like street wannabe. style
Tip!
WRIST MATES
TIP! White, and gold black stylish is a combincolour 2 1 ation. 9 T 3 - 0 5 - 2
Vest, Guess,
$179
2 9 3 p1 2 3 _ CSS0 7 1
1 2 0
2 0 1 FROM LEFT: Nixon, $499;Gucci, $3,200; Swarovski, Guess, $248; $1,080; DKNY, $218
1 2 0
5 - 2 9 T2 2 0 1 3 - 0
Top, A/X Armani Exchange, $120 Shirt, ICB, $270 Pants, G2000, $59 Dress, BCBG Max Azria, $449
ET GADG STASH
and JULY 2013 TIP! For a polished / COSMOP opt for OLITAN professional look, in colours devices that come and silver. such as black
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Panasonic LUMIX
TZ40, $549
T INVESTMEN BANKER
Your work wardrobe of pieces should consist that are sleek, and not overtly sophisticated is to convey sexy. The idea at all times, professionalism lines and so opt for clean-cut pristine tailoring.
DREAM JOB:
DRESS CODE:
pain out Take the a wor k a of puttinger with look togeth n-fit dress. precisio
Cuff, Club Monaco, $359 Michelle Skirt, Mason by Mason at Net-a-porter. com, US$725
A corporate dress code doesnt have colour to be boring; try blocking with Skirt, A/X Armani black, white and Exchange, $190 light brown.
Tip!
WRIST MATES
TIP! Pick a watch thats understated and elegant. Avoid anything too casual or flashy.
$3,720; FROM LEFT: Gucci, request; Tudor, price upon Emporio Michael Kors, $319; $6,350 Armani, $469; EBEL,
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There is a renewed buzz in the Cosmo office this month. The reason? A new book called Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg, the dynamic COO of Facebook. Sandberg is making a real impression for working women by suggesting that an attitudinal shift is needed in order for more women to make it into top level senior management positions. She daringly suggests it is the decisions that we are making as women that is hindering our ability to get to the top. Her writing is bold in that she says one of the single biggest career decisions a woman can make is choosing the right partner. And by this she does not mean a guy who can be the breadwinner but instead a partner who will be a real partner in life someone who will fully celebrate and support our careers by taking an active role in whats also happening at home (if/when we have children) rather than just sitting
PHOTOGRAPHY: (GUY SLEEPING) ERIC RAY DAVIDSON; (COUPLE) CHRIS CLINTON; (BEER) ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES
on the sidelines, watching while we try to juggle it all (pg 86). In Singapore, we talked to women who have determined new career paths by making brave decisions and acting upon them. Plus, we asked successful professional women about the challenges they are facing, and overcoming, at work today (pg 94). This month also sees the first instalment of Cosmopolitans Fun Fearless Females 2013. Here, we salute 12 young women in Singapore who, through sheer determination and hard work, are making significant waves in their respective fields and industries. Be inspired by the first six finalists (pg 104) in the areas of Business & Entrepreneurship and Sports & Arts. Or as Sheryl Sandberg puts it, Fortune does favour the bold and youll never know what youre capable of, if you dont try.
$359
2013
2 FRIENDSHIP ATM
ask for a bigger favour. For Laura*, 26, lending her mate $2,000 seemed simple enough at the time. Her friend needed to consolidate debts and Laura was happy to help, but two months later, the money still hasnt materialised. I love catching up, but whenever were at the pub, all I can focus on is him handing over my money at the bar! she says. Its not like I need to use it now, but Id still like to know when to expect it back.
If theres a fair bit of money involved, get them to sign a document to say that theyve borrowed it and how theyre going to repay it.
These situations are common, says psychologist Meredith Fuller. Sometimes we can be casual about lending money to friends, because its done socially. She warns against verbal deals and suggests treating it like a formal agreement. If theres a fair bit of money involved, get them to sign a document to say that theyve borrowed it and how theyre going to repay it. A contract might seem weird, but if the borrower treats it seriously, it shows their commitment to repaying the loan. You really shouldnt have to ask but if they need reminding, be calm and confident. Youve got every right to request your money back, so dont feel embarrassed, says Fuller. What if youre the one borrowing? Its acceptable if theres an unexpected bill or emergency, says Fuller. Education-related expenses are also okay, but never borrow money if you simply overspent your pay cheque. You cant rely on friends to sort out your messy life, she says. And if you cant repay it right away? Pay in instalments. This shows your intention JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
Weve heard the saying, friends and money dont mix. And we can probably all share tales about penny-pinchers who never buy a round and label-loving pals who dismiss your bargain duds. Just being mates with someone doesnt mean you share the same attitudes to spending and saving. Combining friends with money can be as awkward as bumping into your exs new girlfriend but there are
*Names have been changed
ways to make it work. Whether youve borrowed or loaned, are doing business with a buddy, or youre planning bridal festivities, there are issues to consider. We got the lowdown on how to merge your social and financial assets.
We spot our friends for dinner and cab fares all the time, but sometimes they
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How to help your man if hes having trouble down there. See pg 74.
LOVE & LUST
Man of Steel
We love that hes always ready to tear off his clothes and y into action.
Why is your guy sometimes more aroused than a Harlequin romance hero but at other times barely rising to the occasion? Well, science has the answer plus ways to make his manhood a titanium rod. BY JESSICA KNOLL
Here at Cosmo, its our mission to make sure you have spectacular sex as often as you want. Hence our tips about things you can do for yourself to ensure youre a happy camper. But theres another piece of the hotaction puzzle that new research is shining a light on how the quality of your guys erection affects your pleasure and his condence. The rationale is this: The more primed he is for action, the more stimulation he can provide, which will, in turn, make sex more satisfactory for both of you. But up until recently, it didnt seem like there was anything that you or even the owner of the equipment could do to improve his manhood. Now, science tells us differently. We know that certain nutrients, sexual techniques and lifestyle factors absolutely affect the potency of a mans erection, which helps to improve his partners experience as well, says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory. We spoke to experts, who gave us ve secrets behind the steely science of it all. Obviously, we dont want his ego to get the wrong idea, which is why we came up with ways to implement these moves on the sly.
Any dark fruit, like blackberries, bilberries or elderberries, contains high levels of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that are basically an erections best friend. An Indiana University study found that arteries treated with anthocyanins were better able to hold on to nitric oxide which is what allows blood vessels to expand, making room for the blood that rushes into the penis when arousal occurs. Since we havent seen a bilberry or an elderberry in, oh, ever, your best bet is to pick up a carton of blackberries or a jar of blackberry jam, and get crazy territorial about making breakfast in the morning.
DO IT ON EMPTY
Erections in peak condition typically have one thing in common: Theyre attached to men who log at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. A solid session of zzzs contributes to penis health in two ways. Men experience erections during the REM cycle of sleep, says Dr Lamm. This means that fresh blood is being driven into his manhood, which ensures its getting the nourishment it needs. The second factor is mental. Morning erections are common in men, but not just because testosterone is highest then, says Barry McCarthy, PhD, author of Mens Sexual Health. Its also because if hes getting enough deep sleep, hes dreaming, which is the bodys way of renewing itself psychologically. His mind is a fresh palette in the morning, and with no other thoughts or anxieties competing for his attention, he can focus 100 percent on sex.
BE IN BED EARLY
If theres ever a time that a mans performance is sure to disappoint you, its when hes in a food coma. After a large meal, the blood he needs to produce an erection goes to his stomach to help digest the food, says Dr Lamm. And if he chowed down at a fast-food joint, it packs a double whammy. When there are a lot of extra fats circulating, it stuns the cells in the body that are responsible for redirecting the ow of blood to his manhood, so an erection isnt going to form easily, explains Dr Lamm. Instead, pounce on him after a very light meal.
Prevent condom induced shrinkage by making sure the guy is fully aroused before you roll on the glove.
SOURCE: STEVEN LAMM, MD
HEADS-UP
BOOZE LESS
All our experts were unanimous on this front: Alcohol improves the quality of sex only in so far that it makes both men and women feel less self-conscious. But physiologically, its an inhibitor. It reduces testosterone formation in the testes, which makes it more difcult for him to get an erection, says McCarthy. This means that when your guy is under the inuence, hes probably not going to get aroused enough for you to get yours. And thats totally unacceptable. So make sure that neither of you has had more than two drinks before getting busy. Or better yet, be stone-cold sober.
Now that you know how to make him Superman-strong, consider this nugget about increasing his stamina for a bonus round. The secret is to seduce him one hour after youve already had sex. According to Dr Lamm, those 60 minutes are known as the refractory period aka the amount of time it takes a man to recover fully after ejaculation. Doctors have discovered that after an hours worth of rest, men will last longer during the second round of sex than they will during the rst, says Dr Lamm. Hurrah for refractory periods.
JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
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Ive had to face many disappointments during the past few months, and I found myself hiding from my life. I had nothing to look forward to and felt emotionally empty until I read 50 Things That Put You In An Instant Good Mood in your May issue. The story helped me to reflect on myself and everything around me. I was able to regain my confidence, drive and smile. I needed that little push and Cosmo gave me just that. Now, I feel thankful and certainly look at things more positively. Felicia
naturally gravitate towards Singaporeans by pharmaceu cheerful people? In a tical company Menarini, 2013 survey of 500 more likely to approach nine out of 10 respondent s said theyll be with sunny dispositions a smiley person in a social setting. Apart from being approachab and a positive attitude le, people theyre smarter, but because also tend to be more successful. theyre more willing to This is not because may seem simple, they take have a potentially huge on new challenges. While the tips here impact on your overall wellbeing.
In January 2012, a group of local undergrads banded together to start The Happiness Revolution. Their mantra: Happy youths = a healthier and more empowered society. Using social media, theyve reached out to over 100,000 youths with the secrets to happiness. Here are some key steps:
Which is your favourite mood-lifting activity? Take time off work and indulge in it.
50
Do something nice for three different people today. Even a simple compliment will do wonders for both the other persons and your mood!
You know those friends who make you soooo happy? Give them a handwritten note to tell them how much they mean to you.
Identify ve things you like about yourself (your sense of humour? The way your bum looks in tight jeans?). Celebrate them today, and every day going forward.
Set a meaningful goal like completing a full marathon or reading a new book every month and start on it today.
Announcing your commitment to happiness will make it easier to stick to your new plan. Pledge now at www. thehappinessrevolution.sg !
Who needs antidepressants when youve got these ditties on iTunes? Cosmo staffers share their happy-fying picks.
PROZAC PLAYLIST
Features Editor
I know its a really old song, but I cant help but break into a dance whenever I hear it. B-A-N-A-N-A-S! Denise Li,
leaping through the sky ... Im a rocket ship on my way to Mars ... See, the lyrics are so empowering!
This song just makes me wanna have raw, animalistic sex while headbanging at the same time. Tan Lili, Sub-Editor
KIDS BY MGMT
Im a shooting star
Perfect road trip song just roll down the windows and sing your heart out!
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A New Independence
A Safe Bet
I spend a lot on lottery tickets and dont usually care much about my looks. Im probably the sloppiest-looking employee in my office and perhaps this is why I cant seem to clinch many deals compared to my well-dressed colleagues. On my way to the betting station one day, I passed by a news vendor and saw your June issue and decided to buy a copy. After reading it, Im now inspired to buy fashionable clothes to look and feel great. Less betting and more reading from now on. Cheers! Janevy Soh
Winning Letter
I never thought Id say this but I fell in love with Cosmo at first sight. I was having a lousy week after breaking up with my boyfriend but your June cover girl Zoe Saldanas confident smile perked me up. I was also glad for the tips in How to Survive a Breakup in 2013. It helped me sort out my feelings and I was able to move on by finding new hobbies to keep my mind occupied. Now, I carry Cosmo wherever I go. Be it on the train or during lunch breaks, you are always a great companion. Its a monthly magazine that I will never want to miss. Kudos to your hard work! Gloria Wong
Congratulations! Youve won an Albion Beauty Hamper worth $429.
When I was a student, my mum would always object to things that I wanted. Back then, buying magazines was also a big No. I recently started working and can finally use my own money to buy all the magazines I like. As I stood in front of the newsstand, Cosmos cover popped out as the most colourful and attractive. After my purchase, I quickly flipped to your cover story 5 Reasons Your Enemies Are Good For You. It was such an interesting feature! I cant wait to buy y the next
Win!
Cosmo would love to hear from you. Email us at cosmopolitan@sph.com.sg by July 15, 2013, with the subject Cosmo Kiss & Tell. The winning letter next month receives this fabulous fragrance hamper.
ALL LETTERS HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR GRAMMAR, LENGTH AND CLARITY.
confessions
HER
Trapped by Love
I have a crush on my handsome colleague at work, but every other hotblooded female colleague seems to share the same admiration. My heart thumps especially fast when I approach my office building every morning as I imagine us taking the same elevator and being trapped together in it just the two of us. I would give anything just for that to happen!
Valerie, 28
This month, we ask what are the crazy things that go through your mind on the way to work.
LIVE BIG!
THATS YOU
LIVE BIG!
WHATS
TEXT: CARINA KOH. STYLING: CANDICE PHANG. PHOTOGRAPHY: RAYMOND TOH/VINEYARD PRODUCTION. ASSISTED BY: BAI JIWEN
LIVE BIG!
Fashion goes on safari with animal prints and tribal accessories leading the way.
Shirt, Tosphop, $89 Marios Schwab Wedge Heels, Jessica Simpson at Vince Camuto, $159 Loewe Bralet, H&M, $39.90. Necklace, Mango Touch, $59. Skirt, Forever 21, $21. Bangles, Mango Touch, $9 for two. Bag, Mango Touch, $159. Heels, Steve Madden, $250
Max Mara
TIP!
COSMO-TIZE ME
Summer Fling
SPRUCE UP YOUR MAKEUP KIT WITH THESE LIVELY COLOURS FROM REVLON.
AFTER
EYES
BASE
Dip a dense, flat-top foundation brush into Revlon Colorstay Makeup, $30.90, and sweep it on your nose, cheeks, chin and forehead, blending in small circles from the outer borders of the face up to the nose. The slightly matte finish will ensure your complexion stays glowing through the day. Let it set for 2 minutes before applying Revlon Colorstay Liquid Concealer in Light Medium, $19.90, over your dark circles and blemishes (Tip: Neutralise darkness with a light beige concealer.)
To prep your lids, spread the light pink shade from Revlon PhotoReady Primer, Shadow + Sparkle in Bohemian, $24.90, all over up to the brow bone. Use an eyeliner brush to sweep on the gold shade over your lower lash line. Dust the brown shade over to define your eyes. Layer the aqua shade over your entire lid. Then use the light bronze shade to highlight your features by applying it just below your eyebrows. Apply Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara, $19.90, on your upper and lower lashes.
Im always pretty dressed down and I usually only apply BEFORE eyeliner before heading out. I want to appear more radiant and a little more feminine.
Wong Xue Li, 24, Student
LIPS
CHEEKS
A light, dusty pink colour will do the trick if you want naturally flushed cheeks. Use a blusher brush and sweep Revlon Powder Blush in Soft Spoken Pink, $19.90, over the entire cheeks with broad strokes. This will ensure the blush is applied evenly.
Send your details (name, contact number, email address) to cosmopolitan@ sph.com.sg, and stand a chance to be featured in the next Cosmo-tize Me!
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TEXT: CARINA KOH. PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEXANDER OW. HAIR & MAKEUP: ZENNIE CASANN (WWW.ZEN-MAKEUP.COM)
The crayon-like Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, $18.90, makes for easy application. Its deep pink tint simply enhances the lushness of your lips.
HappyList
JULY
Body Scrub, $25 Body ButterCream, $25 Body Wash, $20
LIVE BIG!
Sugar Rush
The next time your sweet tooth gets a craving, treat yourself to Soap & Glorys Sugar Crush Body Scrub. The zesty scent of smashed brown sugar and kaffir limes is a great morning pick-me-up, while the blend of almond oil and fine macadamia grains gives an amazing exfoliation that leaves your skin silky soft. Zero calories guaranteed!
From the creator of Army Daze, Beauty World and Private Parts comes High Class, a wicked comedy that revolves around a newly divorced socialite playing fairy godmother to five very unlikely Cinderellas. Written by Michael Chiang and directed by Beatrice ChiaRichmond, this throwback to the 50s and 60s promises heaps of delirious fun. High Class runs from July 5 to 14 at the Drama Centre with t tickets starting from $42 at Sistic.
With 1.94m of pure muscle, Alexander Skarsgard towers over the the rest of the smoking hot cast. His hunger for power, impish grin (when hes in a good mood) and, um, other fine assets shown over the past five seasons of the show puts him at the top of our list. Vikings have never been hotter.
For a character that wasnt even in l the original ryl script, Darryl (played by Norman Reedus) is stealing the limelight in a world filled with zombies. Hes aloof, volatile and doesnt bother with smouldering. But you can always count on him and his crossbow to save the day.
O thing One a about bad boys b they usually t y a are a little d ur ur damaged. Our urge to fix them adds to their allure, and when someone like Austin Butler tells you his whole life is a poor little rich boy stuck in a broken family cliche, its almost impossible to resist.
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LIVE BIG!
AN IRREPLACEABLE DATE
Whats the best date-night a girl has planned for you?
My girlfriend blindfolded me e on my birthday and brought me to o a surprise hotel staycation on followed by a romantic dinner. Shes the best! Glenn Ng, 24 A nice homecooked meal and DIY cupcakes (with my name frosted on it). Simplicity city and sincerity made it great. Vincent Ong, 30 My ex planned ed a romantic midnight picnic at a park. It was dark so tasting the food od felt mysterious us yet exciting. Jun Hong, 25
No, its not only because he likes you a little tipsy. Guys want a break from being the date leader once in a while. Stepping up and selecting the next bar or activity every so often takes the pressure off them, so they feel more relaxed hanging with th you. And guys uys find the ability to make them feel e comfortable really sexy.
As long as it was a random guy (not your ex), your date wants to hear about it. Why? Because, basically, it says, People think Im hot. Im kind of a big deal, but in a more, uh, subtle way. And remind us again what w guy doesnt d want to to be with a smart sm woman wo in demand? de Oh, t ha right. thats N o one. No
TELLING HIM ABOUT THE GUY WHO JUST HIT ON YOU AT THE GYM
Yes, it says something about our current dating landscape when simply not texting during a date earns you boy brownie points. But here we are. Disconnecting from technology lets a guy know you care about what hes saying and assures him you arent half-listening while secretly counting the Likes on your post about your puppy. In our crazy age of catfishing and drawn-out predate texting, your being present in the moment is the biggest compliment a guy can get.
Hey, Guys
A date is when two people hang out. Doesnt matter when, doesnt matter where, doesnt matter how. Daniel S, 29
3 4
Its when two people who are attracted to each other make plans to do something, usually at night. But not starting past 10pm then its a hookup. Chris B, 27
Im not big on labelling human interactions but I guess its a date if Im expected to pay for everything. Christopher B, 26
HOW The bad news: Guys cant decide DO YOU on a universal The good DEFINE answer. news: Their takes A DATE? are hilarious.
Dates cant be at home. Ordering food on the couch isnt a date its a what I was gonna do anyway. Dates are when guys make a plan to go out and play. Sean K, 27
Its when a guy hangs with a girl one-on-one at night. One exception: concerts. Then its okay if a couple of friends are around but he cant pay too much attention to them or else its not a date. Josh K, 27
If he thinks its a date and she thinks its a date, its a date. If she thinks its a date and he thinks its just a hookup, its still a date but hes a d*ck. Nich K, 30
grabbed her backpack and her keys, and went to the library. After she left, I headed to my friends dorm to crash on her couch. As I had anticipated, Nina came back from the library at around 2am, all burnt out from her marathon study. She couldnt find her key, so she called my mobile to see if I could let her in. I didnt answer, and couldnt help but enjoy listening to her high-pitched, stressed-out message. I heard the rest of the story the next day from our neighbours across the hall: Nina had cracked right
Taking revenge is not a solution. If you sense resentment from your friends or colleagues, try telling them how you feel and talk things out politely. If talking isnt there in your forte, try writing. Our advice: Never hold a grudge against the anybody, especially hallway your co-workers.
and started screaming how much she hated me and the school and just about everything else, waking up the entire dorm. After she calmed down, she called campus security but they were busy with an emergency and couldnt let her in for a few hours, so she ended up on a friends futon. Consequently, she got zero sleep and a D on her final. We barely spoke after that, and the next semester, I got a new roomie who became my BFF.
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The chic Californian girls sunny disposition is what women the world over admire in Katy Perry.
KATY
With her chameleon persona and infectious tunes, its not hard to see the appeal of Katy Perry. Her breakout single I Kissed a Girl raised industry eyebrows, angered parents but won the hearts of adoring fans around the globe. She cemented her place in the pop Hall of Fame with sophomore album Teenage Dream, spawning five chart toppers (the first since Michael Jacksons Bad) and selling more than 6 million copies worldwide. All seems well in Katyland until a very public divorce with comedian Russell Brand after a year-long marriage in 2012. However, the ultimate Californian girl is no stranger to setbacks. Looking at her ornate outfits and extravagant concerts, youll never guess that this entrepreneurial, charming confection of a woman once survived on 20 dollars a week. was on television. It felt like she wrote the soundtrack of my life. So I came back and said, Glen Ballard. They made a couple calls and I happened to get a meeting with him. I was 17, and I brought my guitar in and I played him a song that I had written. The next day he called and said, Ive been looking for you since I found Alanis and it all happened so suddenly. He became my mentor and challenged me to write a song every day we wrote about 60 to 70 songs, but that album never got released.
o l l e H
How was it like before One of the Boys was released?
The road to success is never easy. From open mic nights in Santa Barbara to making history as the first woman to have five Billboard hits from the same album, Katy Perry is living proof you cant let setbacks get you down.
While I was still making my Christian records, I met a producer. I was kind of open to anything and he asked, Who would you like to work with if you could work with any producer? I didnt have any references because I didnt grow up with secular music so I said, Let me think about it. I went home that night and Alanis Morissette
At that point I was just trying to feed myself so I was ready to do anything. They wanted me to duplicate Complicated, which was a huge song for Avril Lavigne. They wanted Complicated: The Sequel and then Since Youve Been Gone: The Sequel. I didnt really want to do that because I dont feel that I am that artiste. What kept me going is the fact that Im in the industry and I see all these people but I still saw a spot left for me. Then my current record label said, Were just gonna let you be you, and I was so relieved.
JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
33
I remember going to the Chateau Marmot and I was so poor. I sat at one of those fancy dinner tables where everyone was someone and I wanted to be someone. I had the water with the side salad and at the end of the party, everyone was splitting the check. I literally went to the bathroom and cried.
with the Joneses, but really I dont even have a pot to piss in.
Shes the queen of confident style, as seen here at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute Gala.
Wasnt there a time you called your younger brother and asked to borrow money from him?
Back then, he was 16, living with my parents and obviously a lot better with money than I was. I called him to borrow 20 bucks because my parents would do a direct deposit of 20 dollars every once in a while just so I could live off of Taco Bell for at least a week. He didnt have any either which was really depressing.
I remember going to the Chateau Marmot and I was so poor. I sat at one of those fancy dinner tables where everyone was someone and I wanted to be someone. I made sure to eat before I went. I had the water with the side salad and at the end of the party, everyone was splitting the check. I literally went to the bathroom and cried. You want to be somebody and you try and keep up
Your parents are very religious. What was it like growing up in an environment like that?
They were strict but they were different. I actually couldnt tell my parents that I wrote my first single I made my older sister tell them. They were upset but I was out on my own and taking care of myself and my siblings my older sister and younger brother so weve all turned out okay. We like to push the
If I had all that I wanted at 17, I wouldnt be on this planet now. I had this really skewed perspective of what it meant to make it so I kind of needed the rug pulled out from under me to appreciate what I have now. Now, I just keep that in mind when things go bad. Theres always a way for things to get better. Ive got really good life experience from there.
envelope. I am definitely the black sheep of the family and I wear that proudly, but we all love each other and are completely annoyed by each other.
Do you feel that you were being provocative for the sake of it?
I was a little bit more attentionseeking back then because I had something to prove, but I knew exactly what I was doing. I had Hot and Cold, Thinking of You and Waking Up in Vegas up my sleeve. Even if those werent going to chart as well as the other two, I put out I Kissed a Girl first as it would open the most doors first. It was a little bit more risque than the others but it would get people talking. I couldnt ever have put that out first if I didnt have other aces up my sleeve. There was definitely a plan in my mind.
you get dressed, it helps you fall in love and it helps you when youre down and out and thats the best thing a song can do; help someone when theyre down and out. What makes the song really meaningful to me was performing it on television with an autistic girl who was like 10 or 11. We dueted Firework together and it was the most important moment of my musical career so far. If I hadnt written Firework I wouldnt have been able to help that group with their cause. Its a small thing, but it really impacted me.
people that can help you figure out what youre doing.
Yes. Its a special feeling you get like finding the person you love. Writing a song that you know is a hit feels like the way you do when you meet someone special. I wish I could bottle that feeling up and give you all a whiff of it. Its a special feeling and its all good. You just know. You walk around with this confidence ...
What advice do you have for women struggling with who they are and trying to stay true to themselves?
Firework. Its the most important song Ive written for myself. Its so versatile it helps a party, it helps
Some people dont know what theyre doing. I knew what I was doing. Im the head of my ship but I had an incredible crew of sailors around me who would help me day in, day out and would listen to my opinions. Its so important to have a group of
I had no idea I was going to have this type of run. I could never really dream this up but I was a consistent little girl. I was let down by so many dreams and by so many label guys who had no idea what they were shutting down. I didnt know it was going to be like this but Im happy with this. Its cool that I got to experience both sides of the spectrum.
Unlike Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga who thrive in the OTT, Katy Perry always manages to find the balance between being feminine and making a statement.
GIRLY GLAMOUR
2010 A light up gown? Only Katy could pull this off. 2009 The punch-outs in this Viktor and Rolf creation celebrate Katys offbeat style.
2011 She pays homage to the original One of the Boys blondie Smurfette.
2013 Katy keeps the midriff trend classy and fun in Herve Leger.
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HEALTH
FOR EVERY GIRL. EVERY WOMAN. EVERYWHERE.
Beyonc Knowles - Carter, Artist, Producer, Entrepreneur, Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister
FUN FEARLESS
Fashion
Aeropostale, $99.90 Michael Kors, $229 Lowrys Farm, $49.90
JEANS GENIUS
The classic skinny jeans get a revamp; are you team floral or team tie-dye?
F lor al
Zara, $79.90
Minka Kelly
Stephanie Pratt
T ie-D ye
Ciara
Dress up a pair of printed jeans with a plain slouchy tee and a blazer.
Guess, $235 Paige at Bread & Butter, $529 Zara, $39.90
TIP!
37
SWEATER ENVY
Skirt, Bebe, $189 Pants, Bysi, $49 Bag, Tila March, $899
Whats better than a bling-bling necklace? One with neon stones; work it! Necklace, Shourouk at On Pedder
A whole lot of pretty and a little bit of punk; we like this rising starlets style philosophy.
5
40 COSMOPOLITAN / JULY 2013
Leather shorts add edge to your outfit. Shorts, Zara, $79.90 Give your pins an extra few inches with a bright and quirky pair of heels. Heels, Christian Louboutin at On Pedder, $1,600
TEXT: JANICE PIDDUCK. PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEXANDER OW; GETTY IMAGES. FASHION ASSISTANT: GRACIE LEE
A simple white top creates the perfect amount of contrast. Top, Zhoppetizer, $89.90
FASHION RADAR
PERFECT THE ART OF POWER DRESSING WITH A SEXY, SOPHISTICATED BAG; THESE ONES MEAN BUSINESS.
Lindsay Ellingson
Want to wear bright colours to the office but still get taken seriously? Then primary colours like red or cobalt blue are just for you.
Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley
Break up a black and red ensemble with a bag that contains grey.
Penelope bag, Furla, $1,250
A black and white carrier teams well with a solid blue dress.
Diamante bag, Furla, $695
Anne Hathaway
Liv Tyler
FASHION WORKBOOK
T r ic k y T r e n d
Up your style stakes with this asymmetrical separate; its easier to wear than you think.
Play Peek-ABoo
TEXT AND STYLING: JANICE PIDDUCK. PHOTOGRAPHY: JOEL LIM/CALIBRE PICTURES. HAIR: SEAN ANG. MAKEUP: ANDREA CLAIRE/UGLYD.COM. FASHION ASSISTANT: KAVISHA THACKER. MODEL: PAULA V/UPFRONT MODELS
Layer a sheer shell-top over a bright coloured bra; a pretty print on the top earns extra style points.
Bra, Dion Lee at Inhabit The Other Store, $239. Top, Alice McCall at Lula Rock, $395. Heels, Zara, $129
If you want to look edgier, wear a piece that features an unusual cut-out. This skirt rocks because it ticks that box, plus a special fused foam finish makes it look almost futuristic. Cosmo says buy it now, dont wait for pay day.
BE A SKIRT FLIRT
Dont be afraid to mix trends; cut-outs look great with sportsinspired pieces.
Top, H&M, $49.90. Bra, Dion Lee at Inhabit The Other store, $239. Clutch, Nine West, $140. Heels, H&M, $59.90
Sports Star
If youve got it, flaunt it! A cropped bralet works amazingly well with the proportions of the skirt.
Cropped tank top, Topshop, $19. Bralet, Victoria Jomo Designer, $18. Clutch, Charlotte Olympia at On Pedder, $990. Heels, Aldo, $199.
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FastGlam
Rachel McAdams
The hot trends, tips, and stuff youve gotta try this month
T E E W S ATS TRE
Whats cuter than a Candy Bag? A mini Candy Bag, of course! Cue the Furla Candy Cookie collection. With smaller dimensions and a reinterpreted design, these fun-sized PVC bags are right on trend with its delicious range of cookie and confectionary inspired colours. Well have two please!
Im planning on wearing a figurehugging (almost sheer) white dress to a party. What type of underwear can I wear that wont be seen? (Going commando is not an option!) Sarah Pan, 29, Sales Advisor This is a question we are asked a lot at Cosmo lately, as sheer fabrics and light colours are currently so hot. Try the Triumph Body Make-Up High Definition Invisibility collection; lingerie which promises the enticing visual effect of wearing nothing at all. Its super-soft, light and it will make your body look defined and pretty! The range comes in five fresh nude colours so we suggest you choose the closest match to your Bras, $89.90 each. Panties, skin tone and it should be $27.90 each. Available at all virtually undetectable Triumph boutiques and major under your dress. department stores.
Blue Crew
The latest jewel in the Haji Lane crown is Crayon, a fun little shop that prides itself on trend-driven finds at bargain prices nothing in the shop costs more than $55. Take note; stock sells out fast so best to call in regularly.
Pretty in Peach
Top, $28
Skirt, $28
Dress, $38
Music-fest junkies will dance for joy when they clap their eyes on the H&M Divided Music Festivals collection. Promising the perfect pieces for rain, hail or shine, this line is the ultimate kit for the fun-lovin festival-goer. Highlights include a range of glow-in-the dark pieces and a full line of accessories including the obligatory feathered headpiece. BONUS: There are also options for your guy. Prices range from $7.90 to $139.
COSMO E EXLUSIV
Cosmo caught up with Kourtney, Kim and Khloe to get their top picks from the second Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins. Prices range from $66 to $143. Available at selected Dorothy Perkins stores including Wisma Atria, JEM and Great World City.
isterA t 2
Im all about ombre this season, and this ombre jacket is so cute and really unique its also a pretty colour and has an edgy effect, which I love.
Heels, $59.90
This blush sleeveless blouse is one of those pieces that you can take from the office to dinner or happy hour with your girlfriends. Tres chic!
TEXT: JANICE PIDDUCK. PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEXANDER OW; GETTY IMAGES. FASHION ASSISTANT: GRACIE LEE
I love the gold bar black and white print dress. We had such an amazing response to our long sleeve gold bar dresses last season, so we definitely wanted to feature this style again but switch it up for summer with the short sleeves.
Kim Kardashian Dress, $106
Dress, $24.90
Bracelet set
C o ll a b o r a t io n Ale
rt!
Necklace, $69.90 Necklace, $89.90
What do you get when two well-known but vastly different local brands create a line together? The answer is an awesome capsule collection of six accessories that takes inspiration from arrows, Vice &Vanitys quirky design ethic, and subtle influences from the Afrilectric line from the Charles & Keith Summer 13 collection. The line is available exclusively at www.charleskeith.com.
Bracelet, $39.90
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LUST HAVES
DIAMOND SHAPE
Narrow forehead, wide cheekbones and narrow chin. Top-heavy styles with details on the brow line will help to balance out your face. Le Specs at Antipodean, $78
Wide forehead and cheekbones; narrow chin. Proportion-wise, a pair of cats-eye sunglasses was made for you. Avoid square and round styles. Anna-Karin Karlsson at On Pedder, $900
HEART SHAPE
Broad forehead, square jaw. Contrast your angles with a pair of round sunnies; John Lennon-style shades are your best friend. Quay Eyeware Australia at The Editors Market/ Avenue, $65
SQUARE SHAPE
PICK THE RIGHT SUNNIES FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE WITH OUR FOOLPROOF GUIDE.
Long face with narrow cheekbones and chin. Complement your strong features with oversized sunnies and wrap-around styles. Jeremy Scott at On Pedder, $350
OBLONG SHAPE
Balanced forehead, cheekbones and chin. Aviator frames work perfectly for your face shape; you can also experiment with other slightly square shapes. Ray-Ban At DH Sunglass, $300
OVAL SHAPE
Full cheekbones, narrow forehead and jaw. Make your face look more angular by opting for square shades. Cheap Monday at The Editors Market/Avenue, $79
ROUND SHAPE
Beauty News
Blake Lively Kate Beckinsale
Essentials
Krysten Ritter
Bare
On days when you feel like putting away your smoky eyeshadows and luscious red lipsticks, pressed powder alone or a light liquid foundation is enough to provide the coverage you need. If you have oily skin or open pores, try a super-matte foundation like Diorskin Forever Extreme Control Compact Powder, $90. Blessed with a flawless complexion? Opt for a light, sheer powder (like the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder, $80). And, if you struggle with dull, uneven skin tones, go for the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat in B30, $75 its radiant finish will put the glow back where it belongs.
Jessica Biel
47
BEAUTY NEWS
PHOTO-READY
You want to look professional at work. We show you how with just 4 products.
Etude House Water Color Blusher in Pink, $11.90, has a powdery finish that melts into skin effortlessly so youll look naturally flushed. Give your lips a dab of colour with Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick, $19.90.
Conceal scars and pores, and keep shine at bay with Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser, $19.90.
Look alert by giving your lashes a boost with The Face Shop Face It MaxxEye Mascara 02 Double Curling, $35.90. The brush has a comb on one side and a nylon brush on the other, designed to curl even sagging lashes.
greasy and pore-clogging, but its useful to note that oil actually ally works to dissolve oil a sure-win win method to reducing sebum while hile maintaining the skins natural l moisture levels. A cleansing oil will also break down grime, dirt and nd makeup in a jiffy.
contains eucalyptus oil to refresh resh the senses.
Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi xi Skin Refining Antidullness Cleansing Oil, $55 55 for 150ml, purifies and
I hate to wash my face again after I remove my makeup, is this bad for my skin?
1 2 3
It really depends on your makeup remover. But even if it says theres no need for a second wash, check again. Leftover makeup, grease and impurities clog our pores and promote blemishes. Nivea Visage 3-in-1 Daily Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Wipes, $9.90, contain magnolia extract to gently remove dirt and grime from your skin, and the handy package is travel-friendly.
es. brightens skin while it cleanses. is enriched with olive and ur skin. grapeseed oil to condition your
Za Smooth Cleansing g , Oil, $15.50 for 100ml,
Double Defence
You know that UV rays are harmful but ever wondered whats the difference between UVA and UVB? UVA rays can pass through clouds and glass, and cause up to 90 percent of visible photoageing and the destruction of collagen and elastin. UVB damages the outermost layers of the epidermis and is responsible for sunburns. Use sunscreens labelled broad spectrum, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB. For better protection, invest in a serum rich SkinCeuticals Physical in antioxidants to Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $69 strengthen the skins natural defence system.
Sandar a Park
This feisty member of K-pop group 2NE1 talks about sleeping well and t eyeliners from Clio. Cosmo finds out its. more about her beauty habits.
SHAPE UP
Ultra-Stretch Corset Mask, $168 Designed to fit Asian faces, this refreshing sheath mask defines your chin with a reshaping serum that not only shapes your face instantly but also has a long-t long-term slimming and lifting effect.
Pack Pack, $55 This tummy-toning gel c comes with a nubby appl applicator to help massage the form formula into your skin. A blend in of ingredients including menthol and oat kernel extract helps redu the appearance of cellulite. reduce
PROBLEM AREA: TUMMY PRO TRY: Bliss Fat Girl Six TRY
Lo Lotion Ingredients such as chilli ex extract and a high concentration of ca caffeine help burn fat and drain excess w water. Tip: Apply using upward strokes to boost circulation.
I AM ACTUALLY A VERY SHY Y PERSON. Though I love dramatic ic and colourful styles, I still want to look timeless and chic. I think k its important to strike a balance between drastic and boring. For example, if I wear extraordinary makeup, I will try to sport a safe hairstyle. I LIKE TO MIX UP MY EYELINERS ACCORDING TO MY MOOD. I love my Clio eyeliners! My current favourite is the Clio Gelpresso Series because its trendy and just right for the season now. MY BEAUTY SECRET IS A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP. My complexion is especially rosy and fair after a good rest. If I cant sleep well due to a tight schedule, I will put on a facial mask to moisturise and brighten my skin. MY EYELINER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF MY MAKEUP. When I want to leave a strong impression, I draw on a very intense and bold eye line.
Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner, $18.90 each
BEAUTY NEWS
Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Holidays Mascara in 53 Electric Blue, $14 Lots of volume so your lashes stay beefed up all night. I also love that this vibrant shade of blue offers a great contrast against brown eyes. Sally Teo, Fashion Director Za Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation + Za 15th Anniversary Limited Edition Case, $18.50 It brightens my complexion and skin stays non-greasy through the day. Plus, the case is so cute. Kathleen Chan, Senior Graphic Designer Prep Blowout at #03-34 Mandarin Gallery (Tel: 6732 6123), $39 onwards This inviting space has everything you need for perfectly coiffed hair attentive stylists, cosy chairs and a ton of creativity. Best of all, it costs only $39 for a standard wash, massage and blow-dry. Carina Koh, Beauty Writer
Laniege Sun Block Sensitive SPF 30 PA++, $36 I splurge on sun blocks due to my sensitive skin. This dermatologisttested sun block is soothing on my skin and affordable! Janice Pidduck, Fashion Editor
From the best skin savers Fro to eye makeup and blow-wave services, Cosmo picks our favourite preppers to guarantee a gu g uara glam glam night nig igh ht ahead. ah
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in LSD, $30 This liner stays on for hours, and its lush shimmery hue works as a highlighter as well. Mavis Ngui, Features Writer
Stila In The Garden Eye Shadow Palette, $55 All the colours are so fun and wearable that I only need this one palette to create my morning and after-dark looks! Candice Phang, Graphic Designer
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil in 02 Golden Honey, $36.90 Apply all over your body and especially the dcolletage area for a sexy, sunkissed glow. Chia Ee Khim, Sub-Editor
PHOTOGRAPHY: NYEN
Ettusais Aqua Splash UV SPF 30 PA++, $35 Not only does this keep my face less shiny after a long day, it also protects my skin from harmful UV rays all this in a convenient spray bottle! Ng Say Lee, Senior Art Director
Pretty
LOral Paris Dermo-Expertises retail manager, Aileen Lee, answers some of your most queries about skincare. st pressing press
I apply app both an eye serum and cream every night; will th cause that m seeds? milia I have good skin and I only use a moisturiser at night. Is it sufficient to keep my skin from ageing?
M seeds are Milia pi pimple-like bumps found around the eyes, forehead and nose; they are usually formed when the sweat glands are clogged with products that are too rich. Always use the exact amount as instructed on the packaging. A lightweight eye essence like LOral Paris Youth Code Rejuvenating Eye Essence, $34.90, gets absorbed quickly without any oily residue.
TWEET ME
LOral Paris Youth Code Boosting Essence to try. Did it boost their skins absorption powers? Read I heard that mixing what they have to say on skincare products can the Cosmo blog at cause breakouts. cosmopolitan.sg.
Our skin battles external aggressors such as UV rays, pollution and stress daily. When you stop seeing improvements after a while, it could be that the product has improved your skins condition to an optimal level, and is maintaining it there. Another reason is because your skin loses its absorption pow as it ages. power Th efficacy of a The sk skincare product is lar largely determined by how effectively the skin can ab absorb it. Rotating or changing p products will not h the skin help i increase its a absorption rate. B Before treating or m moisturising skin, a apply LOral P Paris Youth C Code Boosting E Essence, $39.90. It pro-gen Its te technology aids s skins optimum n natural recovery a amplifies and COSMO t effect of the OPINIONATORS! Three readers were o other products each given a bottle of a applied after.
Our skin has different needs in the day and at night, so using only a night moisturiser is not enough. During the day, we need to protect our skin from internal and external aggressors, while at night we need to replenish it with sufficient nutrients as it recovers. Although your skin may require little or no maintenance now, it may not be the case in the long-term as problems like wrinkles and pigmentation have not surfaced yet. Incorporate skinrepairing serums and essences to help boost your skins recovery power, so that it can better combat such problems in the future.
Everyone has different skin types and concerns, so picking different products from various brands to cater to different needs will not compromise the effectiveness of the products. If the products are suitable for your skin, it shouldnt cause any breakouts. But you should always use the products in the correct sequence to get the most out of your skincare from the lightest texture to the heaviest.
53
BEAUTY BOOK
Y o u r S k in:
WORK
1 2
CHAPPED LIPS A SCALY BOD
When you speak during an interview or at a meeting, you wouldnt want your chapped lips stealing your thunder, right? Lip balms not only add a touch of colour, they keep your pout soft and moisturised. Bliss Fabulips Glossy Balm, $34, freshens your breath with peppermint oil as it conditions.
More than 50 percent of HR pros rank a scratchy handshake as the number one skin no-no in a work environment. When meeting the big bosses, lube up (keep hand cream in your purse), and use hydrating antibacterial gels, says dermatologist Mona Gohara.
3 4
ROUGH HANDS
The workplace contributes to flakes, especially a cold office (which is a total moisture suck). Your skin turns dry and wrinkly if you dont hydrate your body regularly. Skin Inc Onsen + Miracle Body Dew, $78, replenishes moisture with Japanese onsen water and contains yuzu extract to refresh and repair skin.
Dryness causes flakes, which can lead to acne since a build-up of skin blocks oil-filled pores, says dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas. Slough every other day with an exfoliator, or nightly with a scrub. And if you wake up with a whopper, ice it, then cover with a yellow-toned concealer.
SKIN BREAKOUTS
54
YOU
1
DULL SKIN
The heat and humidity (especially during the hotter months!) wreaks havoc on your sebum levels, making it go out of whack. Other than he having to deal with the problems that come with it pimples, blackheads and redness you also have to h contend with dull, greasy skin. Wash p daily with a glycerine-rich facial soap to control your oil production levels, and slough twice a week with a gentle gritty scrub like Eucerin Dermopurifyer Scrub, $21.90.
2 3
Not only do puffy, sleepy eyes age you instantly, they make you look weary and unprofessional in a work setting. Firm them up with a at caffeine-rich eye cream, then combat dark circles with a whitening eye ant treatment to keep them looking radiant and refreshed. A crinkly neck gives away ay your g on the age fast. Its no use piling kles face creams when your wrinkles k years below the chin make you look aily to older. Apply a neck cream daily firm and tone the area. Two times ith a a week, pamper your neck with e antioxidant-rich mask The re Face Shop Special Zone Care Neck Firming Patch, $5.90, contains grapeseed oil to keep the skin supple, and hydrolysed collagen to firm.
TIRED EYES
HIM
1
CHAPPED LIPS
StriVectin-TL Tightening and Sculpting Face & Neck Cream, $139 3
A WRINKLY NECK
This is mens biggest skin peeve. As one guy we spoke to put it: No one wants to make out with sandpaper! If you are out and need to soften up, head to the ladies room, buff lips with a wet paper towel, then apply balm for succulent puckers. We like Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited in AT 60C, $33. Whether they are stroking his bod or clasping his arms, rough palms are something guys dont dig. A fast-absorbing hand cream will fix that in a jiffy. No hand cream in sight? A swipe of clear lip balm can also hydrate knuckles, cuticles and fingers.
PRICKLY HANDS
Lizard legs, scratchy shins, ins, dusty y all sorts of dry elbows youre annoyed by ri ich spots. Step one: Lather with a hyaluronic acid acid-rich body wash, such as Fancl Body Wash g, Moisturizing, in $33, to retain moisture. Afterwards, slather on a body butter or dry-oil spray.
The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter, $30.90
PARCHED SKIN
Youve probably heard that most guys love women as they are barefaced (or with just a teeny bit of makeup on). When your less-than-dewy complexion makes you look way more tired than you really are, remedy dullness with Sulwhasoo Snowise Ex Whitening Cream, $168.
LACKLUSTRE SKIN
2 Caudalie Caudal alie ie Hand Han H nd & Nail Cream, Cre Cr C ra re am, m, $xx $xx $x xx Caudalie Hand & Nail Cream, $25
55
BEAUTY BASICS
The golden rule to healthy hair: Treat it right.
manager of Krastase Singapore. Apply the treatment on a small area and wait for two hours. If no sensitivity occurs, you can proceed to apply it onto the rest of the scalp.
There are many scalp serums and essences available in the market. Visit a trichologist if youre unsure of your scalp type so you can choose the right product. Krastase Initialiste improves the quality of your hair by acting on two pools of stem cells that exist within the hair follicle, making new hair stronger and shinier. Shiseido Professional The Hair Care Adenovital contains adenosine to stimulate growth and restoration for fuller, thicker hair.
SCALP
Youve heard of facial serums; what about scalp serums? Do these work better in solving our hair problems?
Scalp treatments contain potent ingredients in concentrated doses, targeting areas like the hair papilla cells to improve the hair growth cycle or treat problems such as hair loss or thinning hair, says Apple Soo, Shiseido Professionals educator. Compared to a shampoo or hair mask, scalp serums or treatments are usually more directed at improving certain hair conditions.
The Lowdown On
To get the most out of your scalp serum, wash with a deep cleansing shampoo to remove build-up before applying serum onto the roots of towel-dried hair. Using the wrong shampoo and frequent use of heating tools can also cause damage to hair, so your scalp is not entirely to blame for your bad hair days.
SERUMS
1
HOW DO SCALP SERUMS COMPARE TO USING A SHAMPOO OR HAIR MASK? ARE THESE SAFE? WILL IT CAUSE ANY IRRITATION TO THE SCALP?
Three readers were each given a bottle of Krastase Initialiste to try. Did it improve their hair quality? Read what they have to say on the Cosmo blog at cosmopolitan.sg.
COSMO OPINIONATORS!
Scalp essences or serums are safe for all hair types. If you have a very sensitive scalp and youre worried, you might want to do a patch test first to prevent any irritation, advises Adeline Ho, education
Shiseido Professional The Hair Care Adenovital Scalp Essence, $108 Enhances the activation level of hair growth-related genes to make the cuticle stronger against damage. Contains sophora extract to promote the proliferation of hair follicle cells for thicker hair.
Krastase Initialiste, $80 Suitable for all hair types, this gentle scalp serum targets the inside of our hair follicles to ensure that hair quality will be at its best after each cycle of hair growth.
BROWS
A BOOST
The latest arch amplifying technique, called shadowing, makes the boldbrow trend totally foolproof. Here, how to look polished, not painted on.
BY LONI ALBERT
Tweeze any obvious strays, then brush down brows.
GIVE YOUR
T h e P r ep
Lily Collins
T he Technique
Dip an angled brush into matching brow powder, then sweep a light layer across the entire brow. This shadowing effect fills in gaps in a soft, diffused way.
With a brow pencil (use a shade lighter than your hair), gently sketch across the top of the brow from mid-point (or arch) to tail, creating definition along your natural root line.
Brush through arches in an upand-out direction to soften any lines and lift excess powder. Repeat the motion with clear brow gel to set. Brush hairs up (theyll hide the line you just made), and gently connect the bottom brow line. (Top inner corners should be left bare it looks more natural.)
57
SCENT NOTES
Desire
Are you fearless enough to pursue your desires? Dolce & Gabbanas new scent, The One Desire, breaks the inhibitions that stand between a woman and success.
BY HAYDEN NG
There are two types of dreamers in this world those who sit around fantasising about what could be, and those who are inspired to act on it, which often involves a tremendous amount of hardwork and determination. The designers behind luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana definitely belong to the latter. In their latest pursuit for olfactory perfection, they have added yet another intoxicating scent, The One Desire, to their range of successful fragrances. Said the duo: Everything starts with desire. There
Divine
wouldnt be seduction, sensuality or passion if it wasnt for it. The bottles matte black exterior exudes a dark allure, while the gold inscription creates a signature of luxe. The One Desire epitomises the characteristics of a Dolce & Gabbana woman: Confident, powerful, seductive and feminine. And it is these qualities that made the designers choose the beautiful Scarlett Johansson to interpret the many sides of this woman. Now all you have left to ask yourself is: What is your desire? THE SCENT
The One Desire sparks an immediate freshness with top notes of mandarin, lychee and bergamot before trickling into warmer, sensual notes of sandalwood.
Johanssons beauty quietly seduces, with an inner confidence making her the envy of women the world over.
THE FACE
I believe desire to be something unique to each individual. It could be that someones personality is desirable, or their looks or sense of humour its something which is not just skin deep and cannot be quantified or defined easily.
Ive always admired Dolce & Gabbanas focus on femininity and the way the designers portray women in passionate, audacious ways in their campaigns. For me, the Desire campaign completely encapsulates the emotion of those unique moments you remember for a lifetime. Wearing Desire is that final accessory; its the must-have element of your look or outfit that fills you with confidence and that air of magnetism which is so powerful.
Its been fantastic. I feel so honoured that I could get a peek into their world and understand how their minds work creatively and I love the concept for the fragrance. Stefano and Domenico are extremely inspiring; from the level of detail they apply to their work to the way they work so seamlessly together. Its apparent that their personalities complement each other in such a brilliant way, and I love Stefanos penmanship of the word Desire on the bottle.
Ive always been interested in the idea of using fragrance as a means of expressing myself, and I think you can learn a lot about a person from the scent they wear. Scents conjure memories and remind us of certain times in our lives, and Im intrigued by the idea that we attach certain feelings to smells, just as we do with music or things we see and touch in our lives.
BEAUTY LOOT
Nail polishes are one of the best accessories you can have, plus they come in a plethora of shades and textures so theres one for every occasion or workplace.
Beauty Writer
NAIL IT
Cosmo Reader
Carina Koh, 24
Audrey Tsen, 25
Cosmo Reader
Vanessa Huang, 25
IN BANKING INDUSTRY; WANTS CLEAN, PROFESSIONAL NAILS
Pierre Hardy X Nars Nail Polish Duo in Sharks, $43 Edgy but with a hint of femininity best describes this duo. Pair these two complementary shades for added fun.
Nails Inc Nail Effects in Stonehenge Concrete, $22 Concrete textured nails may be rough and gritty to the touch, but the unusual texture gets everyone talking. This royal blue colour complements the rugged look perfectly.
Etude House Dear My Deep Color Nails in DBL603 Never Navy, $6.90 This khaki shade is a more subtle take on the usual black, but its grey undertones keep it sophisticated. Plus, its not too harsh for the corporate work environment.
Make Up Store Nail Polish in 201 Claire, $22 A musthave colour this season, bright peach-orange is a whole lot sexier than your usual shades of pastel.
LOral Paris Color Riche Le Nail Art in Disco Diamond, $17.90 Make these glamorous, fuss-free stickers your next party essential they are easy to put on and can be changed up within seconds.
Lancme Vernis in Love in Beige Dentelle, $30 Thanks to Lancmes patented brush, all it takes is a single stroke to get a uniform coat of varnish.
Covet London Nail Polish in Beauty & The Bling Possibly the chicest shade of fuchsia weve ever seen in a lacquer bottle. Brownie points for its fast-drying formula too!
YSL La Laque Couture Tie & Dye Shimmer Top Coat in Hip Coat, $35 It looks great as a top coat over pop colours, and even better when its barely-there glittery sheen is applied over naked nails.
Cosmo Tip: Even if you have no nail polish on, wipe nails with a polish remover first to get rid of oils that will prevent the polish from sticking.
Ciat Spring Sugar Caviar Manicure Set in Tutti Frutti, $34 3D beaded nails make a fun statement. And no worries g hard ard d to remove; it about it being comes off easily with a regular g nail polish remover.
ou radiate energy and confidence and only want the best of everything. The latest handbag, that highly coveted job, and a sassy, charismatic personality yes, you have them all. Of course, to complete the look, you only use quality skincare products for your face and, boy, does it show on your clear, supple skin. Your body, too, deserves nothing but the best. As it is exposed to the sun all year round in Singapores humid climate, it is prone to sun damage and dryness. Cue the latest NIVEA Body UV Whitening Serum SPF 25 the first body moisturiser in serum format. Enriched with Camu Camu (a top source of vitamin C) and vitamin C of 95 percent purity, it efficiently protects from the harmful effects of the sun while gently brightening your skin. It delivers hydrating nutrients and brightening ingredients into the deeper layers of your skin thanks to its fastabsorbing texture, which means you can easily take good care of your skin even if you are pressed for time. The best part? NIVEA Body UV Whitening Serum SPF 25 gives you fairer skin without thinning it. This means no peeling, exfoliating or having to shield your skin from the sun, and no harsh ingredients that will sensitise your skin. This time, you can really have your cake and eat it too.
NIVEA SPECIAL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Shields your skin with SPF 25 and PA++ for advanced UVA and UVB protection
Deeply nourishes and hydrates sun-damaged skin Enriched with Licorice to aid skin lightening
Enhances and supports the skin renewal process Contains red seaweed and hydra IQ for added radiance and suppleness Contains naturally derived vitamin C from Camu Camu
Promotes healthy, fairer skin with 95 percent antioxidant Pure Vitamin C Readily absorbed thanks to its light and non-sticky texture Smoothes and brightens your skin Achieves radiant and more even skin tone
*From the results of an In Vivo test on 25 Asian females aged 18 40 years old by Spin Control Asia Institute Thailand in December 2011)
LE ON SA Y! L U J D I M
MA N
Did You Know? Iwans into Hatha Yoga.
Working out at the gym strengthens my body, while yoga calms my mind. Its the yin and yang of a healthy lifestyle.
M Manual
Iwan Bigwanto
Hunk Without His Shirt
If there is ever a contest for Sensitive New Age Guys, were voting for Iwan. This finalyear student at Curtin Singapore is an artist at heart who embraces unconventional beauty. Born in Singapore but raised in Jarkata, the 20-year-old has his Indonesian Chinese heritage to thank for his good looks. Iwan is proud of his home countrys rich culture especially the traditional food and batik industry. The chiselled hunk cites Michael Kors, Tom Ford and Calvin Klein among his favourite designers, and plans to head to New York after graduating and take baby steps into the fashion industry there. I want to turn the tide on the fashion worlds unhealthy obsession with size zeros, and inspire designs made for a realistic body. One last thing before you swoon, ladies Iwan is not only single but cooks up a storm, too. He confesses to recreating fine dining dishes at home. Bon appetit!
TEXT: MAVIS NGUI. PHOTOGRAPHY: JUSTIN LOH. HAIR & MAKEUP: BENEDICT CHOO
101
Who doesnt love a sporty man who enjoys the sun, sand and smells good? Embodying the spirit of sun-loving men, Shiseidos limited edition Zen Sun for men, $79, is the incarnation of its original Zen for men. The new fragrance opens with instant crisp but settles almost immediately into masculine woodiness that doesnt come across as overpowering. Available at Tangs (Orchard and Vivo) and Robinsons (Raffles City and Centrepoint).
Men
If hes physically attacked in a dream, it means hes facing major pressure in real life, such as a looming deadline.
This symbolises his desires to protect the people he cares about most, which he acts out by navigating the terrifying scenario. This dream might occur if he thinks his friends or family are threatened (maybe his parents are fighting or his buddy just got his heart broken).
SOURCE: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST EDWARD A. DREYFUS, PHD; EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
MA N
PLAY IT RIGHT
This month, W!ld Rice brightens up the local arts scene with a special festival dedicated to playwright Alfian Saat. Running from July 3 to 20, the festival will present three plays, including The Optic Trilogy which stars Brendon Fernandez (picture). We asked the stage actor for some dating tips.
He Says, We Say
HE SAYS ...
The more she earns, the more comfortable my life will be! Max, 21 I think guys should always be the breadwinner at home. If my girlfriend earns more than me, that means shes capable its good. But if your wife earns more than you, itll denitely cause some chagrin to a man.
James, 27
HEAR WHAT MEN HAVE TO SAY ABOUT WOMEN EARNING MORE THAN THEM.
WE SAY ...
Erm, were not sure if hes a keeper. Hmm ... it seems like men with an ego can also be attractive. Still, who would say No to more money, right? Aww were attered.
I could find many aspects of a woman attractive. Her passport is not one of them.
Take off the gorilla suit first. If not wearing a gorilla suit, then dont worry; Men rather enjoy being approached by women.
THE BEST COMPLIMENT 4 WHATS YOUVE RECEIVED FROM A LADY? WHATS YOUR IDEAL DATE E NIGHT?
More than comfortable. If shes capable and talented enough to have a career that makes more than me, more power to my girl! If she werent that amazing, I wouldnt be with r right? her right? Keith, 25
SOURCE: SOURCE E: COSMOPOLITAN SINGAPORE E POLL
5
COMPILED BY: HAYDEN NG. PHOTOGRAPHY: (MAIN PICTURE) TAMARA SCHLESINGER; GETTY IMAGES
Thats a difficult one, but Im going oin ing g to t g go o with 14 September 2016.
of men we surveyed reveal they would (rather not but) be fine fin with their other half earning more.
71%
WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS HINGS YOU CANT TOLERATE WHEN ON A DATE? ?
Tickets for Alfian Saat in the Spotlight ht festival fest fe estiv stiv st ival al al com m.s sg. are available from $35 at www.sistic.com.sg.
Hot-Weather Beanies
ITS SUMMER FROM THE E ER NECK DOWN AND WINTER HAT? FROM THE NECK UP. WHAT?
67
Mens Minds
The Men
John, 25: Game Designer; actively dating. Michael, 28: Writer; in a committed relationship for ve years. Charlie, 30: Logistics Manager; has been a smug married for one year. Richard, 33: Broker; very active in the local dating scene.
WHEN WE GO ON DIETS
Its only sexy when its done for the right reasons. BANG ONG finds out more.
want an objective opinion on a particular piece of clothing. Either way, you have to choose your words really carefully.
Be honest. What do you think when your girl asks: Do I look fat in this?
John: Its a trap! Michael: I dont think, I just shake my head as violently as possible and avoid eye contact. Charlie: I think about new ways to say No, you look fine because I have to answer the question probably at least 10 times a day. Richard: Ill just be honest. Theres no point in lying. Charlie: Though it really depends. My wife appreciates my opinion. Some girls know they look fine, and really just
John: My previous girlfriend was really obsessed with her weight so I was always actively trying to stop her from dieting! She was very sensitive about her body and everything made her feel insecure. Charlie: I made a passing comment about feeling a
Have you ever said anything to make her think about going on a diet?
little out of shape and she took it personally. But it was really about getting more exercise. I just wanted someone to work out with. Michael: My girlfriend is a real foodie, but the pounds come off her quite quickly. I do hint that we should cut back on eating out when I think were going overboard, but a week of eating clean usually puts us on the right side of the scale. Richard: A few years ago, I was with a girl who started packing on an unhealthy amount of weight. I was concerned so I encouraged her to exercise and diet. She
MA N
was a bit hurt initially but eventually saw the point that I was making. I think its important to understand that losing weight isnt just about physical appearances, its about your health and fitness as well. most of the weight was probably water loss. Charlie: Im a big fan of Christian Bale, so I know that he did this diet once where he had an apple, tuna and a piece of bread a day to lose weight for The Machinist (2004). I dont think girls should go for that since you only have to see how he looked like in the movie to understand why. share the portion. Thats what love is, isnt it? working towards, you will get there eventually. And remember, muscle weighs more than fat. Richard: Women should learn reliable methods of tracking their progress ... the scale isnt a good indicator of fat percentage or fitness level. Learn how to use a pair of fat callipers or get a scale that also calculates fat percentage. The easiest way is to use your clothes. If your skinny jeans are getting looser, youll know that youre on the right track. Charlie: The most important thing is to stay healthy. If you adopt a diet that robs your body of nutrition, youre doing more harm than good. Women and men come in all shapes and sizes, so if youre fit, healthy and living an active life, why are you trying so hard to look like Megan Fox? Be happy and love yourself for who you are.
John: Girls diet for themselves! Well, everyone does. Whether its for the satisfaction of proving people wrong or the desire for others to stop teasing and start admiring you, youre doing it for your own sake. Charlie: I would say that girls diet for other girls, more than they do for men. Girls who are image conscious enough to diet are in a silent weight battle against other women. Richard: I agree. Attached women hardly ever feel the need to diet for their spouse or partner because of the security found in a relationship.
Michael: I used to have a weight problem so Ive heard them all. The worst was probably controlled food poisoning eating stuff that would make you sick just so you would lose weight, such as food that has gone bad. I hated that. It could be fatal. And after you get well again, youll put the weight back on, which makes it pointless. John: A few of my friends did this lemon juice diet for a while. Apparently, lemon juice thrice daily would provide you with lots of nutrients and vitamin C while clearing your digestive tract. But the catch was you couldnt have anything else except for some honey and rock salt in the morning. They did lose weight in the short term, but it wasnt something you could keep up for more than a week. And
John: That shes image conscious, or possibly quite vain. Charlie: I mean, that depends on the girl ... itd be silly to call someone vain if theyre losing weight for health reasons. Michael: I dont think theres anything wrong with dieting. It means that you care about your body and want to keep in shape. Its how the actual dieting is done that speaks volumes about the person. Someone who fusses over every calorie is too uptight; someone who goes on a diet when they are already stick thin is insecure; and a girl who skips meals to fit into a dress is doing it wrong. Its all about your motivation.
John: Dont turn into a monster. We know it sucks that you cant eat all the food you normally would, but dont take it out on us! And do your homework first. Dont let some fad diet get you sick. Charlie: Dieting is just one half of the solution. If you want to shed weight, you need to eat sensibly and exercise. Find an activity that you enjoy or go for a run. The thing is to keep at it. Its a lifestyle, not a temporary phase. Michael: Losing fat the right way is a very slow process for most people, and a lot of people give up after a month. It took me seven years to lose most of the fat I gained after I left the army. If you have a goal in mind that you keep
confessions
GUY
High Maintenance
John: I dont know ... I love food. I guess I wouldnt mind as long as we have a nice meal once in a while. Richard: I eat quite healthily, so shed probably be dieting along with me instead. I dont mind joining a diet to encourage someone, but I hate it when its done halfheartedly ... like pigging out on junk food when the other person isnt around. If you want to adopt a good diet, do it properly. Charlie: I actually diet with my wife quite often ... sometimes, we order only one item at meal times and
Undersight
After months of crushing on this smoking hot girl at work, I finally got the courage to ask her out. She said yes and I was over the moon. I spent ages choosing the perfect place to take her for dinner. However, throughout the date I was so nervous I couldnt look her in the eye. Unfortunately, she thought I was checking out her chest area, called me a sleaze and stomped out of the restaurant. ALEX, 25
PO
MA N
When faced with the riddle of a question Both your mum and your girlfriend are drowning. Who would you save? I always reply ruefully that Ill save both. Ill determine who has a higher chance of surviving in the water longer and save the other first. In this hypothetical scenario, I would save my elderly mother before coming back for my girlfriend. But fights are never ideal, especially when youre caught in the middle. With the right preventive manoeuvres, however, you can stop World War 3 taking place at home.
Question
BIG
The
I have a good relationship with my mother, though admittedly it got a little strained during my teenage years. Six years ago, my father passed away, and our family unit got a lot closer. My mother is a traditional Chinese woman and shes very strong, in terms of mental prowess. In one of the conversations we had, my girlfriend said that if any conflict were to arise, I should always side with my mother first. Thats when I went, this girls a keeper! These two women are women that you love. One gave you life. The other will hopefully be the mother of your children someday. Both are equally important in your life and that is why its imperative that they not only get along but get along well.
Who do you side with when your girlfriend disagrees with your mum?
SOMETIMES, YOU HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE, SAYS ANDREW LUA.
Got a question you want answered? Drop us an email at cosmopolitan@sph.com.sg and well get onto your case.
Andrew Lua, 32, is an artiste with Fly Entertainment. Catch him in the new stage comedy High Class from July 5 to 14.
I dont buy into short term affairs, choosing only to enter relationships that promise commitment. Its important to take the time to really know your date before you get serious about each other. Usually, by the time I bring my girlfriend home, she is someone whom I know will get along well with my mother and my family. Finding a lifelong partner is not easy, but I strongly believe that people with common interests have a far higher chance of success. My girlfriend and I are in the same industry and the support she provides is invaluable. If I were dating someone who is not in the industry and I have to be in an intimate scene with another actress, she would not be able to understand that its part of my job. Arguments and fights are unavoidable because of differences in perspectives or miscommunication. When an argument takes place, its not just about resolving it but going beyond to see where the other party is coming from. Im very lucky to have a partner and a mother who are both very willing to communicate with each other. Since my mum speaks mainly Mandarin and my girlfriend English, its not easy for them to connect. But this language barrier can be a good thing. By the time theyve translated their thoughts, any transitory tension would have dissolved and when they actually speak, their thoughts are composed and calm. For the men, its important to pick your battles. And if you ever had to choose, make sure both parties know the reason for you picking a particular side. Never let resentment accumulate, as it will only harm both relationships in the long run.
Date Smart
OUR GUY GURU KY HENDERSON HELPS YOU SOLVE YOUR TRICKIEST SITUATIONS.
QUESTION: Im a huge fan of making out, but my man rarely initiates it. It makes me feel unwanted. Is that silly? ANSWER: Nope,
not silly at all. His lacklustre attempt at kissing you may be a result of an issue in your relationship. Be honest; if you guys are having a problem, address it kissing may very well follow. If everything else seems fine, just tell him why there needs to be more making out: When you kiss me, it lets me know you care about me, and it turns me on. At best, hell get the message right away. At worst, itll start a conversation about why hes not kissing you more.
My guy constantly asks me for cash to pay his bills. Hes going through a rough time and I dont mind helping out, but how can I stop this from becoming a regular thing?
The fact that hes asking you for financial help a tough thing for many guys to do is a sign he trusts you. But, it sounds like hes also treating you like an ATM. So, you need to set boundaries. Say, I want to be there for you, but my budget wont allow me to keep doing this. Tell him how much longer youll be able to help, then come up with some ways to ease the pain together, like eating meals at home. Hes the only one who can get his life in order, and your (nonmonetary) support will be a big help.
Kiss and tell: Sometimes, you have to show him how things are done.
QUESTION: People keep telling me I intimidate men. What does that mean? Im extremely ambitious at work could that be a problem? ANSWER: It means your friends dont know how to tell you what the real issue is. Maybe you constantly
PHOTOGRAPHY: (MAIN PICTURE) ROBERT WHITMAN; NICK ONKEN
talk about your job when you go out with guys in which case, theyre not intimidated; theyre bored. Or maybe you dont make time in your life for relationships because of your job. (Hey, as long as youre happy, theres nothing wrong with that.) If you want
to find out exactly what your friends mean, go ahead and ask them to explain whats so intimidating about you. Oh, and if a guy really is put off by the fact that youre ambitious, my advice is, dont waste your time on him chances are, hes insecure.
QUESTION: My boyfriend of two years broke up with me six months ago, but he still texts every day to say things like, I really miss you and, I feel like Im going to regret ending our relationship. I dont understand.
ANSWER: Sounds like hes using you as an emotional booty call he wants to be reassured that youre still into him without having to commit to getting back
together. What he says may be true to an extent, but this screwed up dynamic only benefits him by making it more difficult for you to date other guys, which means your ex doesnt need to truly deal with the fact that your relationship is over. Whether he realises it or not, hes acting selfish and playing games. Tell him you need space and you dont want to talk for a while. Then do what he doesnt want you to do move on.
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k n i h T U O Y S E V O M D E B N I S T N A W E H esnt
ch adv e to try Theres so muguess what? You dont hav AIELLO H your guy. But think to turn us on. BY JOS u as hard as yo
Everywhere you look, theres a new list of tips on how to Drive Him Wild! The message they send? Hey, girls, if youd only try harder, hell like you more. Actually, most guys I know are pretty simple. Are you a girl? Okay, good. Youre 99 percent of the way there. All that crazy advice is, well, crazy to us. Like these doozies
A GUYS GUT REACTION: Oh, you mean the only 10 minutes of alone time I get all day? WHY ITS NOT THAT SEXY: Sex in the shower can be a divisive issue. Taking it to his pre-work morning shower ups the ante. This might be the only time all day a guy isnt dying for sex. As my friend D (yes, he goes by D), 26, says, Theres nothing like getting ready for work with a round of awkward shower sex. Unless you have a seat in there, shower sex is never as fun as it sounds. Who gets to stand under the water? And she cant like it when she goes down on me and theres hot water blasting her in the face. Sure makes the climax kind of anticlimactic.
Wear a top with a million little buttons and slooowly undo them while he watches.
A GUYS GUT REACTION: Is it cool if I watch football till you nish? WHY ITS NOT THAT SEXY: This sounds more goofy than sexy. Sure, most guys enjoy a striptease, but theres a reason strippers dont wear such tops. There are few things less hot than unbuttoning a million buttons. Guys like it when you take off your clothes, but its better if it doesnt take an entire football match to get to the main event.
4
PHOTOGRAPHY: (LINGERIE) D. HURST/ALAMY; (COUPLE) TAMARA SCHLESINGER; GETTY IMAGES
Strongly hint youre in the mood, then play hard to get and make him work at seducing you.
A GUYS GUT REACTION: The only time a guy notices expensive lingerie is when its hard to take off. WHY ITS NOT THAT SEXY: Sexy lingerie is kind of a non-starter. If it makes you feel sexy, great! Go for it. But if youre wearing it to turn a guy on, just know it doesnt do as much for us as you might think. The one hot thing about lingerie is the mystery of whats underneath. But as Will, 40, says, If I already know whats under there,
then whats the point? I spoke to multiple guys about lingerie, and all had some variation of the same response unless you crawl into bed wearing stained granny panties, we really dont care if your undies are silk, lace, or a cottonLycra blend.
A GUYS GUT REACTION: Just what a guy wants when he gets home from work: More work. WHY ITS NOT THAT SEXY: The Chase is a game for those whove just met. When youre in a new relationship, youre so excited, youll try anything. I once spent three weeks eating at vegan restaurants just because a girl was cute (and vegan). Of course, Id grab a cheeseburger afterwards. But still, thats working for it! One of the great perks of a long-term relationship is sure-thing sex. As my buddy, Jim, 38, puts it, If youve been in the relationship for a while, this tip amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. We worked hard to catch you in the rst place, so lets just enjoy the fruits of our labour.
A GUYS GUT REACTION: You know theres True Blood on HBO, right? WHY ITS NOT THAT SEXY: These days, the average guy has spent most of his life immersed in whats become a highly sexualised culture. From the Kardashians to the lingerie ad at the bus stop, were constantly being hit over the head with sex, causing our senses to be dulled. We dont want to read a bedtime story we want to engage in the story ourselves. But talking dirty to each other? Thats a win.
Make love in front of a mirror so you can see every erotic angle of each others bodies.
A GUYS GUT REACTION: Its the nonerotic angles were afraid of. WHY ITS NOT THAT SEXY: Maybe a guy in amazing shape wouldnt dread this tip quite as much as I do. But even my athletic friend, Brad, 25, says, Im not crazy about it. Its distracting. When youre scrutinising every bit of action unfolding in the mirror, youll likely see some seriously non-sexy angles. Unless youve both discussed and agreed to it, or its 1977 and a mirror is hanging on the ceiling above your guys water bed, forget the whole reection thing. Its too hard to get lost in the moment when youre watching what your butt looks like in every position.
A GUYS GUT REACTION: Why, is it going to be cold out? WHY ITS NOT THAT SEXY: Unless youre (1) Stevie Nicks or (2) dating Steven Tyler, silk scarves have no place at sexy time. The same goes for most supposedly sexy props: Red light bulbs, handcuffs, geisha costumes (unless you know a guy is into those things). Its not the prop that counts; its you, up for fun, thats the real exciting part. Most of us dont know what to make of silk scarves and all that stuff, and the last thing we want in bed is to be confused. JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
Stick a silk scarf in his bag with a note that reads, Youre going to need this later tonight.
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Man of Steel
We love that hes always ready to tear off his clothes and y into action.
Why is your guy sometimes more aroused than a Harlequin romance hero but at other times barely rising to the occasion? Well, science has the answer plus ways to make his manhood a titanium rod. BY JESSICA KNOLL
Here at Cosmo, its our mission to make sure you have spectacular sex as often as you want. Hence our tips about things you can do for yourself to ensure youre a happy camper. But theres another piece of the hotaction puzzle that new research is shining a light on how the quality of your guys erection affects your pleasure and his condence. The rationale is this: The more primed he is for action, the more stimulation he can provide, which will, in turn, make sex more satisfactory for both of you. But up until recently, it didnt seem like there was anything that you or even the owner of the equipment could do to improve his manhood. Now, science tells us differently. We know that certain nutrients, sexual techniques and lifestyle factors absolutely affect the potency of a mans erection, which helps to improve his partners experience as well, says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory. We spoke to experts, who gave us ve secrets behind the steely science of it all. Obviously, we dont want his ego to get the wrong idea, which is why we came up with ways to implement these moves on the sly.
BE IN BED EARLY
Erections in peak condition typically have one thing in common: Theyre attached to men who log at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. A solid session of zzzs contributes to penis health in two ways. Men experience erections during the REM cycle of sleep, says Dr Lamm. This means that fresh blood is being driven into his manhood, which ensures its getting the nourishment it needs. The second factor is mental. Morning erections are common in men, but not just because testosterone is highest then, says Barry McCarthy, PhD, author of Mens Sexual Health. Its also because if hes getting enough deep sleep, hes dreaming, which is the bodys way of renewing itself psychologically. His mind is a fresh palette in the morning, and with no other thoughts or anxieties competing for his attention, he can focus 100 percent on sex.
Any dark fruit, like blackberries, bilberries or elderberries, contains high levels of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that are basically an erections best friend. An Indiana University study found that arteries treated with anthocyanins were better able to hold on to nitric oxide which is what allows blood vessels to expand, making room for the blood that rushes into the penis when arousal occurs. Since we havent seen a bilberry or an elderberry in, oh, ever, your best bet is to pick up a carton of blackberries or a jar of blackberry jam, and get crazy territorial about making breakfast in the morning.
DO IT ON EMPTY
PHOTOGRAPHY: (GUY SLEEPING) ERIC RAY DAVIDSON; (COUPLE) CHRIS CLINTON; (BEER) ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES
If theres ever a time that a mans performance is sure to disappoint you, its when hes in a food coma. After a large meal, the blood he needs to produce an erection goes to his stomach to help digest the food, says Dr Lamm. And if he chowed down at a fast-food joint, it packs a double whammy. When there are a lot of extra fats circulating, it stuns the cells in the body that are responsible for redirecting the ow of blood to his manhood, so an erection isnt going to form easily, explains Dr Lamm. Instead, pounce on him after a very light meal.
induced shrinkage by making sure the guy is fully aroused before you roll on the glove.
SOURCE: STEVEN LAMM, MD
BOOZE LESS
All our experts were unanimous on this front: Alcohol improves the quality of sex only in so far that it makes both men and women feel less self-conscious. But physiologically, its an inhibitor. It reduces testosterone formation in the testes, which makes it more difcult for him to get an erection, says McCarthy. This means that when your guy is under the inuence, hes probably not going to get aroused enough for you to get yours. And thats totally unacceptable. So make sure that neither of you has had more than two drinks before getting busy. Or better yet, be stone-cold sober.
Now that you know how to make him Superman-strong, consider this nugget about increasing his stamina for a bonus round. The secret is to seduce him one hour after youve already had sex. According to Dr Lamm, those 60 minutes are known as the refractory period aka the amount of time it takes a man to recover fully after ejaculation. Doctors have discovered that after an hours worth of rest, men will last longer during the second round of sex than they will during the rst, says Dr Lamm. Hurrah for refractory periods.
JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
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S L L E T Y D O B O WHAT N G N I E B T U O B A YOU
YOU THINK:
this is true. But for whatever reason the previous relationship ended, the likelihood is that hell judge the new girlfriend in terms of how shes not like the last girl, he points out. So thats in all the ways that you are better.
YOU THINK:
and friends continuously mentioning her name to the point its making you feel uncomfortable, youre within your rights to say so. Tell him privately that youve observed whats her name keeps coming up; perhaps he should check if he still has feelings for her, says Green. This will serve as a polite reminder that hes with you now.
YOU THINK: If youre GoogleNeed To Be On stalking him, youre You Your Best Behaviour only doing yourself THE REALITY: It might drive your mum nuttier than a squirrel that you a disservice by not twirl your hair at the dinner table, but getting to know him he thinks youre cuter than ... well, an adorable baby squirrel. New one-to-one. And if relationships offer the excitement of hes google-stalking testing yourself out and getting to know what your boundaries are, says you? Better make Green. Theyre an opportunity for sure those wet you to see yourself reflected in a new way by somebody else. Theyre as T-shirt contest much a discovery of another person as photos circa 2001 of your own strengths and weaknesses. are well and truly buried. YOU THINK:
Hes Not Over Her
THE REALITY: Recent research by the University of California, US, found that people are considered more attractive by the opposite sex when theyre with a good-looking partner. So not only does he have eyes on you, it also turns out every other foxy male specimen your eye can see does, too. Its like the law of attraction only with hot dudes instead of metaphorical matter.
YOU THINK:
YOU THINK:
former flames can grow excessive and cause negative vibes to wash over your relationship. But theres a simple way to make sure hes over her. Listen to hear if he speaks of her in the past tense, says Green. If not, theres still a string attached and youre banging your head against a brick wall, wasting time and running the risk of being a character hes sent to central casting to be a ploy in some playback game.
About, oh, 100 per cent of us will have had a little Facebook stalk to look for clues about a new guy, right? Its one thing to gather information about a new partner out of curiosity, but remember that no relationship ever comes with a guarantee, says Green. Which means if youre Googlestalking him, youre only doing yourself a disservice by not getting to know him one-to-one. And if hes google-stalking you? Better make sure those wet T-shirt contest photos circa 2001 are well and truly buried.
YOU THIN K:
THE REALITY: Unlikely the case, according to science. Men are more programmed to choose a mate based on physical appearance, while women are more predisposed to choose men wholl be good fathers which can only be revealed over time. A Canadian study found that men feel theyre falling in love after just three dates, while it takes 14 for a gal to be sure. All relationships offer the potential for growth, no matter how they turn out, Green says. So go for it.
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Sex SINGLE
AND THE
GIRL
Great Expectations
AN INTRIGUING TALE OF SINGLES SEEKING LOVE WITH A CHECKLIST. BY CHIA EE KHIM
PHOTOGRAPHY: CHER HIM. HAIR: ASH LOI @ ESTIQUE SALON USING SHISEIDO PROFESSIONAL. MAKEUP: MELISSA CHAN USING LAURA MERCIER. APPAREL: (DRESS) BCBGMAXAZRIA, (CUFF) QUINTESSENTIAL
I recently attended atte an event hosted by months later, however, I found myself matchmaking agency Lunch Actually. Are dreading his daily calls and even started you thinking a bunch of single men and avoiding them. Eventually, things sort of just gettin together for a speed dating women getting cooled down after he got the hint. Im not h wished it was; instead, marathon? I half exactly sure what went wrong where, and put coCEO and co-founder Violet Lim was it down to my fickle personality that had prese the results of a study on there to present quickly resulted in a lost of interest. ha the dating habits of singles. Of the 788 On hindsight, I didnt know what I wanted Singaporeans surveyed, 51 percent have from the relationship. I went out with him d tried online dating as a means to get because I found him cute. But I wasnt ready hitched, with more than 70 percent to be committed though by that I mean the potential dates. e-stalking their merely having to pick up his call every day surp If Im surprised at the and reporting what I did and what I Ee Khim, 32, o because I number, its only once dated a guy ate. It just wasnt me. had expected it to be a she met on the Internet, and feels p GETTING TO KNOW YOU much larger percentage. no How many its a misconception Failed relationships, however, have Come on, now. that online dating guilt of using a positive impact in that, with each of us are guilty is for desperate t e-stalk breakup, you learn a little more social media to people. espec about yourself and what works for you others, especially when these platform make it easier and (or doesnt) in a partner, as well as how to very platforms accessib than ever. And Im no handle or express yourself better in future more accessible W to set me up on a date? relationships. exception. Want In my 20s, when asked what kind of guys Sure, I tell my friends, but show me his pag and let me check him out I prefer, I would always reply I have no Facebook page co specific type in mind. If he was the right first. Next comes the grilling. What does n one, Id simply know. Now, I know better. he do? Is he nice? Funny? Generous? way very few of us now go into Yes, Id like a Prince Charming to sweep me In this way, knowin absolutely nothing about off my feet, but princes also come in many dates knowing w are about to meet. different sizes, shapes and temperaments. the person we So just like how many women in their GETTING T TO KNOW HIM 30s might find a long drawn out dating I used to thin think dating is a process where process a bit of a luxury, I prefer to cut to the you learn a little lit more about a person each chase and go after the one whom I know fits time; then as you y get to know him better, my expectations. Its what I call a woman you either end en up falling even harder for who knows what she wants, and I think him or you figure fig out that a relationship thats sexy! just isnt possible. possi Said Violet: People who use our m think back on one of my It made me matchmaking services tend to be more ready earlier relationships, relatio with Mr Call Every to be in a relationship. They know what they Day. A friend introduced us and we went are looking for, so we short cut the process out a couple of o times in a group. He told and match them up with someone who fits me one day he h liked me. I was thrilled their criteria. When they meet, its really just because I had a crush on him too. We went a matter of whether theres chemistry; if out a few mor more times after that; and he there is, the chances of it progressing to the called me eve every night to chat. Only two next stage is actually quite high.
FROM WASHING UP TO DRESSING DOWN, MAVIS NGUI THINKS SHES ON HER WAY TO AN A.
PHOTOGRAPHY: CHER HIM. HAIR: ASH LOI @ ESTIQUE SALON USING SHISEIDO PROFESSIONAL. MAKEUP: MELISSA CHAN USING LAURA MERCIER. APPAREL: (TOP) ECLECTICISM, (NECKLACE) FOREVER21, (HEELS) PEDRO
When I first met Farley, I never would have foreseen that in a few short weeks Id end up in his kitchen, cooking up spaghetti bolognese like Nigella. In all honesty (just in case my family reads this and gets delusional), the pasta came in a plastic bag, the sauce from a jar, and the only topping we had was good ol sausages we found in the freezer. A homecooked meal was never part of my dating modus operandi Im obviously not a domestic goddess but this was a one-off in the throes of our honeymoon phase. His parents werent home, which was a good thing in retrospect since no one was around to witness my abysmal culinary skills. A few days after the somewhat romantic dinner, Farley said his mother was very impressed, because not only did I cook an actual meal, I also did the dishes afterwards. At this point I had not met his folks, so the early brownie points were heartening even in a bewildering way. I was raised to clean up my own mess, and getting praised for doing what you should was strange but I wasnt complaining. Five years on, his family treat me like one of their own. His mum cooks my favourite dishes and plies me with medicine when Im sick. His dad drives me to the shops when Im craving for froyo yogurt and takes my side when Farley and I have an argument. His sister buys me cosmetics when she goes to Japan for work (her brother gets nothing) and wins my lunch money over mahjong. If this isnt acceptance, I dont know what is.
these are often paired with holey, shredded tank tops. Well, we all make fashion mistakes! But even though I was foolishly obstinate Ill never change for anyone at that age, I knew enough to throw on a pretty sundress and demure sandals. In a budding relationship, meeting your other halfs parents is a milestone. This lovely couple is also seeing you for the first time and, like it or not, theyre going to form assumptions of you based on their initial impression. So unless you intend to send the wrong message, save your spiked cuffs and hooker heels for Halloween. Dressing up in your Sunday best not only projects a positive image of you but also shows respect for his folks.
SINCERITY COUNTS
The first time I met his parents, it was a Sunday. And it happened around the time I was in a self-proclaimed sexy Californian chic phase, and practically lived in tiny denim shorts. Unfortunately,
As clich as it sounds, its important to be who you are. Faking delight at a vegetarian dinner when youre a devoted carnivore is not going to convince anyone, much less his mother, who at her age has Mavis, 22, pretty much seen it all. Im lucky thinks that to be able to get along very well filial piety is with Farleys parents, but I know the true measure of not everyone is. Whether its a a man. clash of beliefs, interests or personalities, monsters-in-law are unavoidable and can sometimes be the last straw in relationships. A girlfriend of mine had five boyfriends in a row break up with her all citing her unreasonable dragon lady mother as the reason. If theres an unamicable potential inlaw in the picture, try your hardest to gain their acceptance. It can be a grand gesture, or something as small as helping out with dinner once in a while. Know that its definitely worth putting in the effort because if hes the one and you end up marrying him, youll inherit his family too.
GAME PLAN:
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SMART MOVE
ask for a bigger favour. For Laura*, 26, lending her mate $2,000 seemed simple enough at the time. Her friend needed to consolidate debts and Laura was happy to help, but two months later, the money still hasnt materialised. I love catching up, but whenever were at the pub, all I can focus on is him handing over my money at the bar! she says. Its not like I need to use it now, but Id still like to know when to expect it back.
If theres a fair bit of money involved, get them to sign a document to say that theyve borrowed it and how theyre going to repay it.
These situations are common, says psychologist Meredith Fuller. Sometimes we can be casual about lending money to friends, because its done socially. She warns against verbal deals and suggests treating it like a formal agreement. If theres a fair bit of money involved, get them to sign a document to say that theyve borrowed it and how theyre going to repay it. A contract might seem weird, but if the borrower treats it seriously, it shows their commitment to repaying the loan. You really shouldnt have to ask but if they need reminding, be calm and confident. Youve got every right to request your money back, so dont feel embarrassed, says Fuller. What if youre the one borrowing? Its acceptable if theres an unexpected bill or emergency, says Fuller. Education-related expenses are also okay, but never borrow money if you simply overspent your pay cheque. You cant rely on friends to sort out your messy life, she says. And if you cant repay it right away? Pay in instalments. This shows your intention JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
Weve heard the saying, friends and money dont mix. And we can probably all share tales about penny-pinchers who never buy a round and label-loving pals who dismiss your bargain duds. Just being mates with someone doesnt mean you share the same attitudes to spending and saving. Combining friends with money can be as awkward as bumping into your exs new girlfriend but there are
*Names have been changed
ways to make it work. Whether youve borrowed or loaned, are doing business with a buddy, or youre planning bridal festivities, there are issues to consider. We got the lowdown on how to merge your social and financial assets.
We spot our friends for dinner and cab fares all the time, but sometimes they
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with ideas; shes the logical, organised one who persists with tasks. Together it works.
Its one thing to share career woes over wine but its different when you and your pal are co-owners of a business. Just ask Jess, 32, who opened up a brow salon with her friend Jaimee, 28. After seeing a few friend/business partnerships head south, Jess was wary, so she and Jaimee discussed issues beforehand. They wrote down all their business and personal expectations, and listed pet peeves about each other. We made a lot of headway both for the business and our friendship, recalls Jess. Personal issues aside, there is also a significant financial risk associated with joint ventures. Money can bring out the worst in all of us, explains finance expert Dane Bouris. Generally, its not when theres success, but when a business isnt doing so well. Pressure starts to mount and blame gets shifted. The tightest of friendships can sour, so set up financial affairs with this in mind. Any business relationship should start with a legal document that details your agreed terms of the business and just as importantly, exit
Money can bring out the worst in all of us. Its not when theres success, but when a business isnt doing so well. Pressure starts to mount and blame gets shifted.
strategies,says Bouris. Nevertheless, going into partnership with a friend can have huge benefits. As long as both parties have common goals and complement each others skills set, then theres no reason it cant be a success, says Bouris. For Jess and Jaimee, 10 years of friendship has paid its dividends. We complement each other, says Jess. I have the guts and drive and Im good
Planning a wedding is stressful and, if youre the bride, its easy to overlook details such as discussing with your bridal party whos paying for what. According to etiquette guru Natalie Reilly, author of What Your Mother Shouldve Told You and Nobody Else Will, there are no hard and fast rules. It depends a lot on the age of the bride, she says. If youre getting married at 22, your friends are likely to be in entry-level jobs or still at uni, and you need to keep that in mind. If youre older, maybe your bridesmaids can afford to pitch in. Either way, Reilly reckons that if the dress is truly unwearable, or you want everyone with the same hair and makeup, then its up to you to pay. But what if your bridesmaids are unwilling to spend a cent? Jennifer*, 27, found herself in this situation with one of her friends. I paid for their dresses, shoes, hair, makeup and flowers. But one of my bridesmaids made it clear that she resented spending money on flying out of town for the wedding and kept mentioning how much she was spending. It became so uncomfortable Jennifer eventually asked her friend to step down from bridesmaid duty. While this is an unfortunate situation, Reilly believes that relieving a reluctant bridesmaid can do both of you a favour. It releases her from any obligations (including financial ones) and leaves you with one less thing to worry about. Hens parties can also bring up monetary issues, especially if guests have financial commitments outside of the wedding. Within a six-month period, I went to seven weddings, says Allison*, 28, who estimates she spent up to $1,500 on each. I love weddings, but at the same time its frustrating when youve got a mortgage. If youre not a close friend of the bride, you do have the option of sitting some celebrations out, says Reilly. If you cant afford it, tell a soft lie. Tell her, Look, unfortunately, that clashes with something else I have. Suggest catching up over a coffee instead. So long as the brides not counting on your attendance to make up numbers, shell understand.
SHERYL SANDBERG
The Dynamic Facebook COO Making A Difference
MEET
CAREER
THE POWER OF !
N et w o r k i n g
Beat Off ice Politics
Th is is an illu str ati on of Ma rk in one of the sta irw ells at Fa ceb ook. No, I didnt dra w it my self !
I cant say were encouraged to draw on the walls, but creative rulebreaking is a do at Facebook.
LEANS IN
With a new book and a global community, Sheryl Sandberg is on a mission to help you reach your potential at work and in life. Here, an excerpt.
Sheryl Sandberg
n March 24, 2008, I headed to my first day of work as chief operating officer of a small company called Facebook. As I pulled out of my driveway, I remember feeling excited. I also felt a little nervous a little anxious okay, maybe even a little scared about this new challenge. It wasnt anything specific that concerned me. I knew the tech business well after spending more than six years at Google. I had shared many dinners with CEO Mark Zuckerberg before he offered me the job, and I knew we were in sync about the importance of Facebooks mission. My fear was more the general anxiety you feel over the risks associated with a new job and the worry that you wont succeed. I parked my car and went up to an industrial, open-plan office space. My desk faced Marks and was near the very popular Rainbow Room, which was crammed with couches and video games. At the time, the office walls were bare. Today, those walls are filled with posters that reflect the companys philosophy and encourage employees to take risks. Proceed and be bold, declares one. Move fast and break things, advises another. But the one that would have helped me on that first morning doesnt make a statement; it asks a question: What would you do if you werent afraid? This question speaks to everyone, but I think it has special significance for women. Fear is at the root of so many of the barriers that women face.
1849
Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school.
Victoria Woodhull becomes the he first woman n to run for r president of the United d States.
1872
Le Pate Whitehead Lettie is the first American wo woman to direct a major US corporation The C Coca-Cola Company. R Rosie the Riveter gets women psy psyched to enter the workforce.
1934
1942
Equal-pay legislation prohibits sex-based wage discrimination. Also this year, feminist Betty Friedan publishes The Feminine Mystique.
1963
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CAREER
Fear of not being liked. Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear of drawing negative attention. Fear of overreaching. Fear of being judged. Fear of failure. And for those who want to have children, the fear that we cant be both good employees and good mothers. I know its pointless to tell someone to be fearless. I regularly fail to convince even myself. But it does help to tell ourselves to fight our fears at every stage of our lives. In school, dont be afraid to raise your hand. When you are attending a meeting, dont be afraid to sit at the table. Dont be afraid to offer your opinion. Dont be afraid of waiting to find a life partner who will support you in achieving your dreams. And dont be afraid to be fully engaged in your career, even as you plan to have a family. By fighting these fears, women can pursue professional success and personal fulfilment and freely choose one or the other or both. Five years ago, I dove into my new Facebook job as fearlessly as I could. And although at the time a lot of people questioned why I would want to go to work for a 23-year-old, no one asks me that question anymore. Its your turn now. Please ask yourself: What would I do if I werent afraid? And then go do it. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner at Facebook. We invited 15 executives from across Silicon Valley for breakfast and a discussion about the economy. Secretary Geithner arrived with four members of his staff, two senior and two more junior, and we all gathered in our one nice conference room. After the usual milling around, I encouraged everyone to take a seat. Our invited guests, mostly men, sat down at the large conference table. Secretary Geithners team, all women, took their food last and sat in chairs off to the side of the room. I motioned for the women to come sit at the table, waving them over publicly so they would feel welcomed. They demurred and remained in their seats. The four women had every right to be at this meeting, but because of their seating choice, they seemed like spectators rather than participants. I knew I had to say something. So after the meeting, I pulled them aside to talk. I pointed out that they should have sat at the table even without an invitation, but when publicly welcomed, they most certainly should have joined. At first, they seemed surprised, then they agreed. It was a watershed moment for me. A moment when I witnessed an internal barrier altering womens behaviour. A moment when I realised that in addition to facing Institutional obstacles, women face a battle from within. We consistently underestimate
SUCCESS SECRET 1
After her 2010 TED Talk, which has been viewed almost 2 million times, Sheryl was inspired to write this book to urge women to go to the top. See page 91 to nd out how you can win one.
ourselves. Multiple studies in multiple industries show that women often judge their own performance as worse than it actually is, while men judge their own performance as better than it actually is. We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking selfconfidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in. We internalise the negative messages we get throughout our lives the messages that say its wrong to be outspoken, aggressive, or more powerful than men. We lower our own expectations of what we can achieve. We continue to do the majority of the housework and child care. We compromise our career goals to make room for partners and children who may not even exist yet. Compared to our male colleagues, fewer of us aspire to senior positions.
1966
Yves Saint Laurent designs Le Smoking, a womans tuxedo, changing the definition of what sexy fashion can look like.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show becomes a ratings hit with a young woman making it in the male-dominated TV business.
1970
1974
Shirley Chisolm is the first African-American woman to run for president of the US.
1972
Diane von Furstenberg designs the jersey wrap dress, revolutionising what women wear to work.
Sherry Lansing becomes the first woman to lead a major film studio, 20th Century Fox, greenlighting such hits as Forrest Gump and Titanic.
1980
Cagney & Lacey (Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly) show that women can be tough New York detectives too.
1981
Sandra Day O Connor becomes the first female US Supreme Court Justice.
1981
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CAREER
Internal obstacles are rarely discussed and often underplayed. Throughout my life, I was told over and over about inequalities in the workplace and how hard it would be to have a career and a family. I rarely, however, heard anything about the ways I might hold myself back. These internal obstacles deserve a lot more attention because they are under our control. We cannot change what we are unaware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change. I know that in order to continue to grow and challenge myself, I have to believe in my own abilities. I still face situations that I fear are beyond my qualifications. And I still sometimes find myself spoken over and discounted while men sitting next to me are not. But now I know how to take a deep breath and keep my hand up. I have learnt to sit at the table.
I truly believe that the single most important career decision that a woman makes is whether she will have a life partner and who that partner is. A woman who can find someone who is willing to share the burdens and Millennial women joys of home life will are less likely than go further in her work their male peers to life. I dont know of a characterise themselves single woman in a by traits such as leadership position workforce than in leader, visionary, whose life partner is the home. When a self-confident not fully and I husband and wife and willing to mean fully both work full-time, take risks. supportive of her career. the mother does 40 No exceptions. And contrary percent more child care to the popular notion that only and about 30 percent more unmarried women can make it to the housework than the father. So while top, the majority of the most successful men are taking on more household female business leaders have partners. responsibilities, this increase is In the last 30 years, women have happening very slowly, and we are made more progress in the still far from parity.
SUCCESS SECRET 2
My kids visited the Facebook ofces one day and made this picture for me.
This has to change. Just as we need to encourage women to lean in to their careers, we need to encourage men to lean in to their families. If we expect and allow them to do more, they will do more. And everyone will benefit. When husbands do more housework, wives are less depressed, marital conflicts decrease, and satisfaction rises. When women work outside the home and share breadwinning duties, couples are
Clair Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) of The Cosby Show has it all as an attorney and mum of five. Donna Karan launches her line of Seven Easy Pieces, introducing a new line of mixing and matching for work.
1984
1985
Alpha TV journalist Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) shocks America when she has a baby on her own.
1992
Erin Brockovich shows the power of one woman against a huge company.
1996
Madeleine Albright is sworn in to the Clinton Administration as the first female Secretary of State in US history.
1997
1997
Lilith Fair, the first concert festival for female musicians only, debuts. Sarah McLachlan headlines.
88
WHEN WOMEN WORK OUTSIDE THE more likely to stay together. In fact, HOME AND SHARE BREADWINNING DUTIES, the risk of divorce reduces by about half when a wife earns half the COUPLES ARE MORE LIKELY TO STAY income and a husband does half the TOGETHER. IN FACT, THE RISK OF DIVORCE housework. For men, participating in REDUCES BY ABOUT HALF WHEN A WIFE child rearing fosters the development of patience, empathy, and EARNS HALF THE INCOME AND A HUSBAND adaptability, characteristics that DOES HALF THE HOUSEWORK. benefit them in all their relationships. For women, earning money increases ages are out there. And the more that heads down a challenging career path their decision-making ability in the women value kindness and support in with the thought of having children in home, protects them in case of their boyfriends, the more men will the back of her mind. At some point, divorce, and can be important demonstrate it. So, when looking for a this thought moves to the front of her security in later years, as women often life partner, my advice to women is date mind, typically once she finds a outlive their husbands. Also and all of them: The bad boys, the cool partner. The woman considers how many might find this the most boys, the commitment-phobic boys, hard she is working and reasons that motivating factor couples who share the crazy boys. But do not marry to make room for a child she will have domestic responsibilities have more sex. them. The things that make the to scale back. A law associate might It may be counterintuitive, bad boys sexy do not make decide not to shoot for partner but the best way for a them good husbands. because someday she hopes to have a man to make a pass at Now we know When it comes time to family. A teacher might pass on his wife might be to do that women can do settle down, find leading curriculum development for the dishes. what men can do, but someone who wants her school. A sales representative I could not do an equal partner. we dont know that might take a smaller territory or not what I do without my Someone who apply for a management role. men can do what husband, Dave. Still, thinks women Often without even realising it, the women can do. like all marriages, should be smart, woman stops reaching for new GLORIA STEINEM, IN A ours is a work in 2012 INTERVIEW WITH opinionated, and opportunities. If any are presented to progress. Dave and I OPRAH WINFREY ambitious. Someone her, she is likely to decline or offer have had our share of who values fairness and the kind of hesitant yes that gets the bumps on our path to expects or, even better, project assigned to someone else. The achieving a roughly 50/50 split. wants to do his share in the home. problem is that even if she were to get After a lot of effort and seemingly And at the start of a romance, even pregnant immediately, she still has endless discussion, we are truly partners. though it may be tempting for you to nine months before she has to care for The good news is that men in show a more classic girlfriend-y side an actual child. And since women younger generations appear more by cooking meals and taking care of usually start this mental preparation eager to be real partners than previous errands, hold yourself back from doing well before trying to conceive, several generations did. A survey that asked this too much. If a relationship begins in years often pass between the thought participants to rate the importance of an unequal place, it is likely to get more and conception, let alone birth. By various job characteristics found that unbalanced if and when children are the time the baby arrives, the woman men in their 40s most frequently added to the equation. Instead, use the is likely to be in a drastically different selected work that challenges me as beginning of a relationship to establish place in her career than she would very important, while men in their 20s the bar for the division of labour. have been had she not leaned back. and 30s most frequently selected having Before, she was a top performer, on a job with a schedule that allows me to SUCCESS SECRET 3 a par with her peers in responsibility, spend time with my family. If these Dont Leave Before opportunity, and pay. By not finding trends hold as this group ages, this You Leave ways to stretch herself in the years could signal a promising shift toward The classic scenario unfolds like this: leading up to motherhood, she has greater equality. An ambitious and successful woman fallen behind. When she returns to the Wonderful, sensitive men of all
1999 2000 2005
1998
Tina Fey becomes Saturday Night Lives first female head writer.
1999
Nancy Mace becomes the first woman to graduate from The Citadel, a formerly all-male military school.
While a VP at Google, Sheryl Sandberg spearheads an initiative to create parking for pregnant women at Google.
2004
Condoleezza Rice creates an uproar by wearing a pencil skirt with knee-high boots to greet US troops in Germany.
Drew Gilpin Faust becomes the first female president of Harvard University.
2007
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CAREER
workplace after her child is born, she is likely to feel less fulfilled, underutilised, or unappreciated. She may wonder why she is working for someone (often a man) who has less experience than she has. Or she may wonder why she does not have the exciting new project or the corner office. At this point, she probably scales back her ambitions even further since she no longer believes that she can get to the top. And if she has the financial resources to leave her job, she is more likely to do so. For some women, pregnancy does not slow them down at all. For others,
Of the 28 women who have served as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, 26 were married, one was divorced, and only one had never married. Many of these CEOs said they could not have succeeded without the support of their husbands, helping with the children, the household chores, and showing a willingness to move.
Sallie Krawcheck breaks the glass ceiling of finance as president of Global Wealth and Investment Management at Bank of America.
2009
In The Good Wife, Alicia Florrick (Julianne Margulies) chooses not to stand by her man after he cheats but to rebuild her career and life on her own terms.
2009
Kathryn Bigelow wins a Best Director Academy Award for The Hurt Locker a true Hollywood leading lady.
2010
2012
Leaving the success of her show, Oprah takes a gamble by launching OWN, her 24-hour cable network.
2011
2013
A record number of women are sworn in to the 113th US Congress 20 in the Senate and 78 in the House of Representatives.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT TRACHTENBERG; (BOOK) ALEXANDAR OW; (THE GOOD WIFE) JEFFREY NEIRA/CBS; GETTY IMAGES
like me, pregnancy comes with real health issues, making it impossible to be as effective as normal. Therefore, given lifes variables, I would never recommend that every woman lean in to their careers regardless of circumstances.
But when it comes to integrating career and family, planning too far in advance can close doors rather than open them. The time to scale back is when a break is needed or when a child arrives, not years in advance. The years leading up to having children are not the time to lean back but rather the critical time to lean in. Anyone who is lucky enough to have options should keep them open
for as long as possible. Dont enter the workforce already looking for the exit. Dont put on the brakes. Continue to accelerate. Keep a foot on the gas pedal until a decision must be made. Thats the only way to ensure that when that day comes, there will be a real decision to make.
FROM THE BOOK LEAN IN: WOMEN, WORK AND THE WILL TO LEAD, BY SHERYL SANDBERG. PUBLISHED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH EBURY PUBLISHING.
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MADE MY CAREER
I Relocated To A City I Fell In Love With
TRISH CHAN, 32 WEB/DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Lean In, the revolutionary movement by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, is all about stepping up and making risky choices even when its scary. Cosmos on board. MAVIS NGUI meets women who are, too.
I FACED DOWN AN
KAREN LEE, 28
UNFOUNDED FEAR
Three years ago, I was captivated by the tech-savvy culture in San Francisco while on vacation there. I felt like I belonged there and decided I had to stay. Ive worked for years as a journalist in Singapore, and scrambled to nd a similar position in San Francisco. Through sheer gut and determination, I got two job offers a month later, packed up a suitcase and never looked back. The rst few
years were tough as I had to acclimatise to the local culture and weather all alone. To be honest, Ive always been a little bit of an idealist I believe in my potential for bigger and better things. After working for years in Singapore, things were going stale and my work did not contribute to my personal growth. Thats whats great about being in San Francisco; if you work hard and actively seek growth, there will be opportunities for you.
In 1997, I was the top scorer in Grade 8 violin performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (London). When I was in university, I briey entertained the idea of pursuing music but struck it off because I was afraid that turning a hobby/passion into a job would kill the joy. Upon starting my career in marketing, I was intent on being a high achiever. I was assistant brand manager at an MNC, and later a strategic planner with an advertising agency. However, over the years, Ive come to realise there is more to life than the traditional notion of career accomplishment. Ive also come to really enjoy making music and performing with my band family. That said, its a struggle for me because I still value my business career and Im trying to nd a balance between that and music. But right now Im just thankful to be able to do both.
CAREER
I Stopped Saying Someday
LIYI WEE, 32
WEDDING PLANNER AT ODE TO JOY WEDDING CONCEPTS (WWW.ODETOJOY.COM.SG)
In 2010, after seven years of a stable career in public relations, I knew my role wasnt going to give me what I was looking for. While my previous positions in communications and media relations offered promising prospects, I wasnt sure if I would be able to do that for the next 15 or 25 years of my working life. The next year, I set up my own wedding consultancy with two other partners. Preparations for my own nuptials sparked off my
passion for it, and after helping many friends with theirs, I realised wedding planning wasnt just a hobby I had developed overnight. I had the opportunity to make it my profession. There will never be a right time to take risks and chase after what you really love. It was a big step for me as Ive never been the kind of person to take risks easily. But I did, and Id say setting up my own business has been the best career decision Ive ever made.
I grew up watching my mum whip up delicious cakes in the kitchen. During my university exchange trip to Paris, my closet obsession with sweets came to a head and I fell head over heels in love with macarons. I was also very fascinated by the intricacy of baking and cake decorating. In 2007, I took a leap of faith, left my stable job in public relations and moved more than 15,000 kilometres to attend an eight-month pastry programme. After a year of professional experience, I set up my own cake boutique, specialising in macarons and bespoke cakes. Im grateful that every day, Im able to do what I love and bring joy to people through my work.
MARISSA MIR, 22
AIR STEWARDESS
decision that would ruin my life. Ultimately, I think its our choices that make us who we are. In the two years that Ive been ying, Ive seen so much and become much more independent and versatile. I love that when I get off the plane, my holiday starts. Thats all I ever wanted a job that I look forward to and am excited to wake up to. I still plan to get my degree, but for now, Im seeing and experiencing as much of the world as I can. Time waits for no woman, and Im living every second of my life my way.
93
CAREER
Jasmine
Trying to get the work done while nding your own life. People have been nagging at me about my dating life. I think theres a missed chance of meeting people not that I dont want to date, but its difcult trying to nd someone as Im such a workaholic.
Having to balance family and work has been an ongoing issue, just that no
Janet Oh,
feasible solution has been developed. Increasingly, I think women would like to spend more time with their kids because their parents didnt get to spend time with them, so that was something that they missed out in their childhood.
Innika Choo,
Because I am young, and sport a lot of body art, some people at work tend not to take me seriously, thinking Im just an immature kid. Customers are also doubtful when I tell them Im the manager. I just make sure I keep my tone professional to make a better impression on them.
Being a new mother while trying to build up my career thats sometimes difcult to manage. I try and work freelance so that I can spend as much time with my daughter during the day. Im very lucky that my husband lets me work part-time at this stage, but I think in a few months time Ill have to get cracking and get a bit more work. Thankfully, there are many opportunities in Singapore, especially if you have ambition; people are willing to give you a hand. I try and make sure I get as much sleep as possible and eat well so I get a clearer head to stay on top of every single problem and all the different tasks.
Due to my young age, I have little experience to back me up, so it is challenging having to prove my capabilities to a multigenerational team. Working with people younger than me and those who are old enough to be my grandmother, I have to learn to show tact when communicating with them.
Suzy Kooy,
25, Senior Account Executive for Text100 Global
show how good you are at your work. But because you stay and work longer, even though slower, the boss sees you as more hardworking and serious about your job. I prefer having a life outside of work than just sitting there showing my worth, when I can show my value through my work.
Management Trainee
Ling Lim,
26, Architect
One of the main struggles women generally have at the workplace is being able to control your emotions. Im a pretty emotional person so I try to be zen and control my stress levels. What helps me stay in check is dressing properly and being professional, because once you have a good outt on, you can kind of get into a professional mindset and stay in check in terms of emotion, and also it helps you articulate things clearly as well.
Nowadays, most of us who are working generally have to work longer hours, and we also have more responsibilities compared with women in the past. Yet, we are still expected to play that dual role of being almost a full-time mummy and having to hold a full-time job. My company is pro-family; but having good family support is also very important. The family also has to be understanding as sometimes we do have to give more to our work. It all depends on what your priorities are.
workforce, I had to learn many things myself. We need a new generation of trusted mentors to help interns get placement, groom the newcomers, and help other women succeed.
VicePresident at a bank
The biggest challenge would probably be the constant ow of opportunities and how to manage them. Setting up a business was hard. Understanding the market, the consumers, how to deal with the new things that come along and t them into my day, whether they will be benecial for my business, and even learning how to say no it can get a little overwhelming.
95
(ALMOST)
The backstabber, the creditstealer, the narcissist work is hard enough without having to deal with these unsavoury characters, but, fact is, these people will be a staple in most workplaces. Given a choice, however, most women would rather avoid political manoeuvring altogether than deal or engage in it themselves. Lisa Tan, 27, a marketing executive, is one of them. Once, I ran an idea for a marketing strategy I had by my immediate supervisor. Next thing I knew, she was pitching it to her boss as her own, she says. Indeed, seven out of 10 women
CAREER
that Cosmo polled said they would rather leave their jobs than stay on at a workplace where they have to put up with ofce politics on a frequent basis, even if there was a high chance they would be promoted. Many women see political manoeuvring as violation of their own code of ethics. But, is it really? The term ofce politics has always had negative connotations, especially to women. On its own, its actually a neutral term. When you have a group of people working together, be it for a common outcome or for conicting goals, thats ofce politics at work. Its how you handle the situation that determines whether its a positive or negative thing, shares Emily Hoole, Group Director, Global Research and Evaluation at the Center for Creative Leadership. The reason why most women see ofce politics as a bad thing lies in the different ways men and women have been brought up. Men are socialised to think that there is an insiders club they need to be a part of, that its important for them to network and have inuence. Women, on the other hand, have been told that if they work hard, are capable and perform well, its all they need to get ahead, says Hoole. But that may not be enough for women to climb the ladder, and is possibly the reason why men continue to outnumber women at the board level. Hoole reminds us that being politically savvy is a necessary step to becoming an effective leader and getting people to collaborate and work well together. All set to climb the ladder? Start by navigating these tricky work mineelds like a pro. your revenge; but why sink to your colleagues levels? If she does it often enough, and to other people, it wont be long before shes exposed for what she is.
H o w t o de a l ...
The best way to navigate a difcult ofce environment? Think things through.
H o w t o de a l ...
Emily says: Your instinct might be to go straight to your boss to set things straight, but I wouldnt advise it, or you might gain a reputation for being a tattle-tale or being a calculative person, even if you werent the one in the wrong. If your colleague pitched your idea to your boss, you might still be able to claim the credit for being the one to successfully implement it. Try saying something like, Thats a great idea. I was thinking something along the same lines, and I might have an idea of how to get it done. Remember: Your colleague may have pitched your idea as her own, but that doesnt mean she has to know-how or skills to ensure its carried out properly.
Emily says: This is denitely a frustrating situation, and I can see how it can be de-motivating. But your ultimate goal is probably to progress in your career, and this is one instance you should denitely bring it up to your boss. Dont go in with guns blazing though. You might want to try saying something such as, Its great that you trust me with these important projects. Can we have a conversation about what this could mean for me in about one year? This lets your boss know that you are proactive in managing your career and, this is one of the traits that bosses tend to look for when they are considering promoting employees. But dont just stop there; be sure to leverage on the other contacts in your network to see how you can develop even stronger skills that will help you out in your work. If theres a person you have in mind, it might be time for you to invite her out for coffee to see if shed be keen to take you on as a mentor. This will also up your chances of other people in your company recognising the amount of work youve done and mentioning it to your boss.
NOTE TO SELF: You cant control other peoples actions but you can decide how you want to react. It might be tempting to start plotting
Ofce politics is a neutral term. When you have a group of people working together, be it for a common outcome or for conicting goals, thats ofce politics at work.
JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
97
CAREER
NOTE TO SELF: You might be tempted to stop putting in 100 percent, especially when colleagues who arent doing as much as you seem to be getting away for it. But start seeing it as your chance to shine. Look at it as an opportunity to see how you can excel above and beyond co-workers who arent taking on as much as you are.
insight that co-workers you work directly with might not have.
NOTE TO SELF:
H o w t o de a l ...
Emily says: It can denitely get lonely when you feel like youre being left out, and women are likely to take this rejection a lot more badly than men do. The rst thing you need to ask yourself is how inuential these people are in your network. If its people you work directly with, there might be that one person whos friendlier to you than the rest of them. This person can then be an important source of information. From her, you can start determining what it is you have that this group will nd valuable. Once they start seeing you as an asset, it wont be long before they start accepting you into the group. Sometimes, it might not be personal at all; they could have simply been too busy to get to know you better. Its all about reframing the situation in an objective manner. Be sure to broaden your scope as well; start developing relationships with people from other departments, as they might be able to give you great
If you feel that information is being withheld from you, its time for you to get creative. New to the Learn how to company? manage egos by Youre in a offering to help in great position stressful situations. to observe how certain things and practices can be improved on. Pick an opportune time to voice your suggestions to the right people thats one sure way of showing youre an asset to the company.
H o w t o de a l ...
Emily says: When your supervisor starts seeing you as a threat and starts withholding information, or is just mistrustful of your intentions, it can quickly escalate into something quite unpleasant. Your goal here is to assure her that while youre keen on your own career progression, your aim is always to make her look good. That way, shell start seeing her relationship with you as a mutually
benecial one. If the relationship with her has deteriorated beyond repair, but you happen to have a good relationship with her boss, you might want to approach the latter to ask if there are any other positions in the company you can explore. Of course, if you suspect your supervisors behaviour is crossing over into bullying or harassment, its time to seek counsel from your companys human resources department.
NOTE TO SELF: When someone goes on a power trip, the likely reason behind that is insecurity. To deal with such a person, youll need to learn how to manage her ego. Were not saying you have to become a brown noser; rather, its about getting used to, and accommodating, her style of work.
SOURCE: EMILY HOOLE, GROUP DIRECTOR, GLOBAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION AT THE CENTER FOR CREATIVE LEADERSHIP
With yourself at the centre, map out the person in your organisation closest to you, as well as the inuential ones you need to start building relationships with. When determining whether you should add this person to your network, bear in mind the relationship has to be a mutually benecial one not just to you. If you are able to connect people to information, resources or even to other people they need, youre more likely to be seen as a valuable asset.
Are you able to read situations well, or correctly interpret other peoples body language? It is important to be able to sense underlying tension or the hidden agendas of others so you can better manage each situation or problem that comes along. Also, start practising being an active listener; this is when you can better suss out what your colleague or boss is really saying or looking for.
It can be easy to say or do the wrong thing when youre mad, stressed or anxious. Always bear in mind that you can never take back something thats been said in anger all you can do is ask for forgiveness. The best way to avoid doing damage control is to avoid inicting it in the rst place, so if youre someone whos quick to anger, be a master of scenarioplanning so youre not caught off-guard when a problem arises.
NEED A HANDY KIT TO SURVIVE A HARD DAY AT THE OFFICE? THESE AT-WORK ESSENTIALS WILL SERVE YOU WELL IN EMERGENCIES.
Face Cream
Cleansing Wipes
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Hand Cream
Solid Perfume
Lift your mood with a floral scent. Bonus: Solid perfumes are mess-free and they last a long time. LOccitane Rose 4 Reines Solid Perfume, $18
Defeat dryness with a rich and moisturising hand cream. The Face Shop Honey Citron Tea Moisture Hand Cream, $7.90, improves your skins texture while hydrating your hands.
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Dry Shampoo
This makes sure your hair is perfectly groomed, coiffed and degreased any time of the day, even if there is no shower nearby. Alterna Bamboo Beach Mango & Coconut Refreshing Dry Shampoo, $16 for 15g
QUICK-FIX TIP!
sleepy eyes a boost, and three coats will have you ready for that big after work party. Benefit Theyre Real Mascara Deluxe Mini curls, volumises and lengthens for lush lashes.
Multi-Tasking Foundation
Body Wipes
Ideal for midday touch-ups. Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm (in travel size) has a comfortable matte finish that stays on the entire day.
These wipes not only keep you looking (and smelling) fresh, they also get the sweat and grime off to prevent nasty breakouts. Biore SaraSara Body Powder Sheets, $2.95 JULY 2013 / COSMOPOLITAN
99
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Keep the all-nighters and grooving raves going with Sony Xperia SPs massive battery charge, which lasts up to two full days on light usage; it can even be extended by enabling Stamina mode. Get all eyes on you in the club with the unique colourchanging transparent bar which lights up to alert you of incoming calls and messages. You can even customise the illuminations to pulse to the beat of your favourite beats. The 8-megapixel fast-capture camera launches quickly even from the lock screen and comes with autofocus as well as LED flash, which makes for amazing photos even at night.
The worlds slimmest tablet, when matched with powerful hardware and sophisticated imaging technology, is the perfect gadget for the woman who wants it all.
At first touch, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z is unbelievably light. As I ran my fingers around its sleek, nearly rounded edges, I was impressed with its slim frame. While watching movies on the train or bus, you can expect the attention of your fellow passengers to be drawn to the 10.1-inch display.
Go back to basics with the Sony Xperia Ls super handy 4.3-inch display. Equipped with the unique Exmor RS for mobile sensor technology, your photos and videos are captured clearly and in vivid detail even when you are against a strong backlight. Its 8-megapixel camera also comes with a dedicated button that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second, making sure youll never miss that moment. Feeling bored in-between auditions? Whip out the Xperia L with its multi-touch display and break your latest gaming high score.
Ive had countless gadgets ruined by splashes, spills or sand. The Sony Xperia Tablet Z, however, is dust-resistant and waterproof, and capable of staying submerged for up to 30 minutes. The ports for charging, memory card and earphone jack come with attached covers to keep water out. I can
CAREER
12 outstanding women, 1 common trait: Tenacity. From entrepreneurs to social champions, the Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Females 2013 contestants are young women who have dared to be different in tackling both their careers and lifes challenges. This month, we introduce the rst six inspiring women in the Business & Entrepreneurship and Sports & Arts categories. BY MAVIS NGUI
After I graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Economics, I took a leap of faith and went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris for patisserie training. From there, I worked at various restaurants around the world including Le Amis in Paris, Room4Dessert in New York and Alinea in Chicago. I returned to Singapore in 2006 and felt that there was a lack of focus on ne dining desserts here. At the age of 24, I opened 2am:dessertbar, and it was the rst in Singapore to have an entire wine menu paired to
progressive desserts. It wasnt easy I was very hands on with the construction and yet had to manage the kitchen as well. Last year, we had plans to expand. Instead of opening up another branch, I chose to open 2am:lab, a non-prot and independent culinary think tank and test kitchen in Fusionopolis. Its the rst of its kind in Asia and one of my proudest achievements. FUN FEARLESS FEMALE MANTRA:
Your imagination is your world, never short-change yourself. Start by taking baby steps!
I had just wrapped production on a TV series called Girls Out Loud hosted by Xiaxue and Rosalyn Lee, and we were on a road trip to Malaysia. I put the footage recorded on YouTube for fun, and people started watching. Many people wrote in requesting for more content. From there, I decided to start my own online channel and Clicknetwork.tv was born. At that time, there was only YouTube, and the concept of produced content for an online TV channel was totally unheard of; so no one understood what we were trying to do. It was very hard to convince advertisers to put money into something like that. Six years on, were bigger than ever with over 40 million views at last count. FUN FEARLESS FEMALE MANTRA:
Ignore the naysayers, its better to be noticed than overlooked. No one makes it to the top by being mediocre.
Effectiveness is predicated by replacing the words wish, should and try with I will.
STAY PROFESSIONAL AND SMART WITH THESE QUIETLY ELEGANT MONOTONE TIMEPIECES.
Watches, DKNY, from $138 to $218
My job as a civil engineer was stable and came with a decent pay. It was one of those jobs where you can completely not think about work after. However, there was no emotional fullment for me. In 2005, I started Wedding Harmony with my husband after we got married. We compose and produce custom love songs for couples. Along the way, we received many requests to perform at the weddings, so we started doing that as well. Now we provide all music related services, including the writing of the song, studio recordings, performing and hosting. Ive also released two albums commercially. To date, Ive written more than 100 original songs and performed at more than 500 weddings. Being able to be a part of one of the most important memories of a couple really makes the job worthwhile. FUN FEARLESS FEMALE MANTRA:
Set your goals high. Work hard and never give up on your dreams.
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CAREER
In 2009, I won the Aviva 70.3 Ironman in the 19-24 age group and qualied for the world championships in Florida. The race consists of a 2km swim, 90km bike ride and ends with a 21km run. The world championships for 70.3 is a very prestigious race where only the top age groupers across the world are invited to compete against each other. Three weeks before I was leaving for Florida, I got hit by a car while on my last training run. I broke my left thigh bone and femur, tore three ligaments in my right ankle, sustained a stress fracture in my tailbone and had a small blood clot in my brain. A metal plate had to be inserted into my left thigh. Doctors told me I may never run again. It was a brutal and premature end to my quest for the world championships and a world ranking. However, I knew I couldnt just sit around feeling sorry for myself. After eight months of rehab, I made my comeback and in August 2010, I won the Ironman 70.3 race in the Philippines and qualied for the Ironman World Championship! FUN FEARLESS FEMALE MANTRA:
Be the change in the world you want to see. Believe, and youll see.
Next month, meet the other six Fun Fearless Females in the categories of Social Awareness and Media & Entertainment. Then, in the September issue, you will get to vote for the contestant who most inspired you; and the ultimate winner will be revealed at the Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Females 2013 event in September.
GET YOUR GAME FACE ON WITH ENDURING DESIGNS AND FUNKY COLOURS.
WIN
Promotion
CODE
Toshiba Regza Tablet AT270 ($599 each) and Canvio Slim External HDD ($99 each)
Need access to your business files while on the go but prefer a larger screen? Opt for a tablet. Toshibas Regza Tablet AT270 provides a powerful screen display that is perfect to use for both business and recreation.
FOR WORK:
CODE
FOR MOBILE:
CODE
FOR HOME:
CODE
Coffee machines have never looked so chic. This trendy machine is easy to use for preparing hot and cold beverages all day. The accompanying capsule holder also looks stylish and provides easy access making your lattes and hot chocolates even more addictive. Get your cups ready. We are sure youll love it as much as we do!
NESCAF Dolce Gusto Circolo Automatic ($339 each) and PARCO capsule holder ($55 each)
Believe it or not, even celebrities wake up with unorderly hair. Heres a quick solution. Use Panasonics Multi-Styling Straightener EH-HW58 to tame unruly locks. Choose among five different attachments to create your preferred hairdo before heading out.
FOR BEAUTY:
To participate, scan this QR code and enter your details (name, NRIC, mobile number, address). Contest ends July 15, 2013.
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DKNY SPECIAL
PRETTY
CITY
CONFIDENCE AND ELEGANCE SET THE SCENE FOR THE NEW COLLECTION OF DKNY WATCHES.
New York City, a restless urban jungle packed with hopeful dream-chasers embarking on their adventures of a lifetime. To epitomise this citys sleek and fast-moving spirit, the new DKNY designs stay energetic; yet, they provide the calm elegance needed to contrast the city bustle making them equally wearable from work to the weekend.
COSMO TIP: Delicate features and muted
IN THE
DATE
NY8784 (28mm) $148 NY8801 (38mm) $188
tones make for a feminine romantic watch; pair it with a sultry pastel dress.
DKNY watches are available at Watch Station International #02-22 313@Somerset, selected department stores and authorised retailers.
WEEKEND
COSMO TIP: A simple dial and a smooth leather strap go perfectly with an urban weekend look.
NY8820 (32mm) $308
WORK
COSMO TIP: Give your monochromatic work outfit a subtle sartorial boost; a rose gold dial and stainless steel strap spell instant sophistication.
Rock casual Friday in a pair of tailored shorts and structured blazer its the perfect way to relax a suit while still looking polished.
Top, Zara, $79.90. Shorts, Marella, $239. Blazer, Massimo Dutti, $345. Necklace, Vince Camuto, $99. Carryall, Coach, $875. Heels, Vince Camuto, $179
PASTEL IMPRESSIONS
Step up to the boardroom with just the right amount of femininity in sweet shades of sorbet and cotton candy textures.
PHOTOGRAPHY: CHER HIM FASHION DIRECTION: SALLY TEO
The power suit gets an instant style update in powder blue with tuxedo-inspired lapels.
Blazer, Zara, $189. Trousers, Zara, $109. Blouse, Rosebullet, $139. Bag, Coach, $570
Dress, Guess, $259. Bralet, H&M, $24.90. Three-tier necklace, Topshop, $23. Shark tooth necklace, Vince Camuto, $79. Cuff, Vince Camuto, $59. Clutch, Accessorize, $75.90
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PINK BLUSH
Layering it light with a slouchy blazer gets you through the scorching heat with ease.
Blazer, b+ab at I.T., $149. Skirt, BCBG, $289. Blouse, iblues, $359. Silver necklace with crystal, ICB, $170. Clear teardrop crystal necklace, Accessorize, $21.90. Horseshoe clasp bangle, H&M, $12.90. Gem bangle, Aldo, $19. Bag, Accessorize, $75.90
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
It works! Clashing the elements proves refreshing try the ladylike peplum blouse with mod-inspired grid print heels.
Top, Marella, $359. Belt, Marella, $149. Trousers, ICB, $280. Earrings, Vince Camuto, $59. Leather studded bracelet, BCBG, $89. Chain bracelet with leather detail, Vince Camuto, $99. Ring, Vince Camuto, $79. Satchel, Accessorize, $80.90. Heels, Aldo, $179
EMBELLISHED CHIC
The studded pullover adds a relaxed, effortless elegance to workwear dressing.
Pullover, H&M, $119. Trousers, H&M, $79.90. Rings, H&M, $17.90 (set of 3). Cuff, Vince Camuto, $99. Bag, Vince Camuto, $359
BARE MINIMUM
A deep V neckline adds femininity to a structured blazer for modern at-work apparel.
Blazer, Massimo Dutti, $345. Bodysuit, Guess by Marciano, $179. Skirt, Massimo Dutti, $145. Ear cuff, H&M, $17.90. Bracelet (sold in set of 2), Aldo, $39. Clutch, Rosebullet, $99
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JEANS GENIUS
Skinny jeans for work? Its an absolute do when teamed with an elaborate textured blazer!
Jacket, H&M, $119. Blouse, Massimo Dutti, $99.90. Jeans, Guess, $165. Belt, Marella, $149. Sunglasses, H&M, $12.90. Earrings, Vince Camuto, $69. Bangle, H&M, $14.90. Carryall, Coach, $1,745. Wedge heels, Coach, $425
Assisted by: Angela Chu Makeup & Manicure: Melissa Chan using Laura Mercier Hair: Sean Ang Model: Lisa M/Upfront Models Location: Special thanks to PUB, Singapores national water agency
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Your work wardrobe says a lot about who you are and where youre headed, so heres the style inspiration you need to dress like a leader in your profession.
Sunglasses, Topshop, $36
Dress, Roland Mouret at Neta-porter.com, US$1,755 Dress, Victoria Beckham at Net-a-porter.com, US$2,336
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
While a fun pop of colour can be risky in a corporate workplace, you can totally rock it at yours. Opt for well-tailored classics with a twist.
DREAM JOB:
DRESS CODE:
b lo c k in g T r y c ol ou rn d y , y e ll ow , u w it h b u rg p in k ; or a n g e a nrd n ds t he ou g b u rg u n d y ol ou r s. b r ig h t e r c
im a li st , C h oo se m,inc ol ou re d d b u t b ol ie s t o a c ce ss or he lo ok . t m od e r n is e
ET GADG STASH
Top, Zhoppetizer, $89 Dress, Victoria, Victoria Beckham at Net-aporter.com, US$1,164 Pants, Forever 21, $39 Sony Alpha NEX-3N, $749
TIP! Light up your creativity and travel in style with these smart gadgets and bold colour accessories.
a il or e d L oo k f or ta t f e a t u re h se p a r a t es t a il s a n d q u ir k y det sh a p e s. g in in t e r e st
BlackBerry Q10, $898
Working in an office with a relaxed dress code is the perfect environment to express yourself through your clothes; be creative and think outside the box.
Tip!
T WRIS MATES
TIP! A coloured watch says youre not afraid to stand out; it will add to your artistic persona.
FROM LEFT: A/X Armani Exchange, $199; Baume & Mercier, $2,790; Marc by Marc Jacobs, $310; A/X Armani Exchange, $199; Fossil, $189
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INVESTMENT BANKER
Your work wardrobe should consist of pieces that are sleek, sophisticated and not overtly sexy. The idea is to convey professionalism at all times, so opt for clean-cut lines and pristine tailoring.
Bag, Furla, $1,130 Bag, Mulberry, $2,190
DREAM JOB:
DRESS CODE:
p a in ou t T a ke t h e g a w or k of p u t t inh e r w it h a lo ok t og e t-f it d re ss . p r e c is io n
d bag A st r u ct u re st y li sh re lo ok s su p of f ic e . in t h e
z e r is A sp or t y fbela t m ix t h e p e r gcla m ou r. of c a su a l
DREAM JOB:
g a T r y p a ir int w it h ir sk b od y c on u re d t op. a st r u ct
DRESS CODE:
Opt for stylish sports-influenced pieces; they are comfortable and perfect for when you are on the go.
Tip!
ET GADG STASH
TIP! Since youre in charge, go for smart technologies that can be used for both business and fun.
ce by a n d p a t ie n Sa ve t im e in a t ra n sp a re n t in ve st in g it w il l e li m in a t e b a g f or it e m s t h a t d ig g in g se e in a n or m a l y ou c a n th e r c a rr ie r. le a t
Panasonic LUMIX FT5, $499 Shorts, H&M, $59.90 Bag, Furla, $480 iPhone case, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $80
Pouch, ck Calvin Klein, $290 Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, from $1,699
T WRIS E MAT S
TIP! A sporty watch is home office-friendly.
FROM LEFT: Swatch, $230; Marc by Marc Jacobs, $310; Fossil, $189; A/X Armani Exchange, $309; Adidas, $160
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ored Add a tail outfit y n a to blazer tly make to instan chic. it look
Pants, Paul & Joe at Net-a-porter. com, US$233 Shorts, H&M, $49.90
ays for new wla m g Always look shion; a ork to wear fa w y ll tota piece can su al separate ca a . h it w chy joggers such as slou
FASHION EDITOR
Your style philosophy? Youre electrically fashion forward but it never looks forced. The trick is to pick pieces that look cool but feel comfy.
DREAM JOB:
DRESS CODE:
Avoid wearing OTT fashion trends that make you feel self-conscious; it will show. Theres a fine line between being fashion forward and looking like a (tragic) street style wannabe.
Tip!
ET GADG STASH
TIP! Capture the latest fashion happenings with these trusty gadgets and stylish accessories.
Sony VAIO Duo 11 (i7), $2,699
ow n M a ke y ou r w h o sa y s s; le f a sh io n ru w e a r se q u in s y ou c a nt t h e d a y ? d u ri n g
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1, $3,999
Bag, Mulberry
T WRIS E MAT S
TIP! White, black and gold is a stylish colour combination.
FROM LEFT: Gucci, $3,200; Nixon, $499; Guess, $248; Swarovski, $1,080; DKNY, $218
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Pixie Lott
The super versatile ribbon goes with a ponytail, a chic bob, long wavy hair and even a classy bun. Pair these headbands with a mod dress to sweeten the entire look.
Sport A Bow
Whats the best way to wear a ribbon this season? With a shift dress and on your bouffant beehive do, of course. The 50s are back at Louis Vuitton in great (hair)style.
Helen, $22.90
Louis Vuitton
Chomel, $26
Tresses!
THE IT ACCESSORIES THIS SEASON? NO, ITS NOT A BAG OR BANGLE. TAKE YOUR CUE FROM THESE MODELS ON THE CATWALK: THEIR HAIR ACCESSORIES ARE WHAT WE ARE HANKERING AFTER THIS TIME.
COSMOPOLITAN / JULY 2013
DRESS YOUR
Helen, $10.90
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Contrary to popular belief, this look is not only for the beach. Jazz up a formal gown or a cocktail dress with flowers on the side (ala Issa London).
Issa London
Coco Rocha
Flaunt your feminine side with orchids, peonies, or whichever you fancy. These floral accessories shave years off your age.
Pretty Blossoms
Issa London
Cream hair clip, Accessorize, $21.90; Green hair clip, Lovisa, $17 Hair clip, Lovisa, $17 Hair clips, Talismans, $2 each
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The models at Dolce & Gabbana looked like they came straight from a summer break in Sicily fresh, luxurious and joyful. The hair wrap (undeniably the hottest accesory this season) is the cherry on top of this old-school, crowdpleasing look. Headto-toe bold prints never looked this good.
Alessandra Ambrosio
Having a bad hair day? Turn it around by hiding your frizz with a scarf. Cute prints will distract everybody and have them gushing about your headpiece instead.
Accessorize, $41.90
Head Turner
Talismans, $2
Accessorize, $47.90
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Update this romantic look by adding jewels to your headband. It instantly transforms your hair (and you!) from girly to stylish.
Band Of Flowers
Accessorize, $16.90
Lovisa, $26
HIPPIE CHIC
Headband decorated with petite Headbands flowers ar are the go-to accessories for flowy, boh bohemian dresses. Blugirl gives this trend an edgy twist with punkish fl floral bands.
Blugirl
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Stand out in the crowd with a bunch of jewels tucked in your hair. Tacky? Not at all if you keep it simple and pair it with a classy tailored dress. Honor is a shining example of how to work this trend. With the help of a few bejewelled hair accessories, it provides a fresh spin on the done-todeath braided bun hairdo, and shows us just how to look edgy, polished and cute at the same time.
POLISHED GEMS
Honor
Honor
Add character to either a low, loose bun or a tight updo by fastening it with embellished hair pins, clips and brooches. These will fit in with every hairstyle!
Crown Jewels
Freida Pinto
Brooch, Chomel, $69 She shows what it means to shine from all angles.
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Style Me Pretty!
TO COMPLETE THESE FABULOUS LOOKS, COSMO PICKS OUT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE STYLING PRODUCTS THAT WILL HELP YOU SHAPE UP YOUR TRESSES.
A RETRO BEEHIVE SPICES THINGS UP A LITTLE (OR A WHOLE LOT). Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Mousse, $35, to give your roots a boost.
Sport A Bow
EVERYONE WEARS FLOWERS WITH THEIR LONG, LUSH HAIR LET DOWN. CHANGE IT UP BY TUCKING ONE INTO YOUR UPDO. Ward off stray hairs with Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Seasilk Oil Gel, $51. Lebel IAU Essence Moist, $50, to smooth and hydrate.
Pretty Blossoms
A MIDDLE PARTING AND LOOSE, TOUSLED WAVES BEST MATCHES THIS ACCESSORY. ADD VOLUME ON THE TOP FOR A LITTLE MORE TEXTURE. Create glossy, bouncy hair with Lucido-L Designing Whip Hair Foam Springy Curl, $9.60.
Band Of Flowers
TIE A PRINTED SCARF JUST ABOVE YOUR HAIRLINE SO IT LOOKS LIKE A CHIC TURBAN. Make sure to prep and protect with Mods Hair Glamorous Make Loose Wave Foam.
Head Turner
PAIR IT WITH AN EXTRAVAGANT HAIRSTYLE TO AMP UP THE ATTENTION FACTOR. The non-sticky Liese Free Arrange Hair Spray, $9.90, is your best bet for creating texture.
Crown Jewels
TEXT: SALLY TEO & CARINA KOH. PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEXANDER OW; GETTY IMAGES
Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Leave-On Cream, $5.90, to combat frizz. Make your beehive stay voluminous at the top with Shiseido Professional Stage Works Super Hard Spray, $30. KMS California Hair Play Playable Texture, $33, so you can rework your hairstyle even if it falls flat. Organic Connect Finale Hairsprays soft but firm hold gives your hair a rugged look. LOral Paris Everstyle Volume Root Lifting Spray, $18.90, will revive flat locks.
Toni & Guy HairMeetWardrobe Sea Salt Texturising Spray, $24.90, adds body with a light hold.
Add gloss and shine with Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shine Spray, $46.
Give your hair body and volume while protecting it from heat damage with John Frieda Full Repair Protecting Root Lift Foam.
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scents
LOccitane pays homage to the capital of perfumery, Grasse, with their latest fragrance collection, La Collection De Grasse. Cosmo travels to Hong Kong for the launch and to meet Karine Dubreuil the nose behind the new scents.
BY CARINA KOH
Dinner with the LOccitane team at Nanhai No. 1. La Collection De Grasse all ready for the press.
This cute quartet from LOccitane is so simple and refreshing that you wonder why arent more fragrances made this way. Instead of the usual complex fragrances, each of the four LOccitane La Collection De Grasse Beauty Writer Carina scents only combine two testing the main ingredients which scents. either complement or echo one another. Inspired by Grasse, a small town in France, the scents are created to evoke authenticity and sincerity. This sees no complicated notes, and only the most exquisite ingredients are bottled. The premise of LOccitanes latest fragrance collection is easy, and yet it takes precise skill to find the perfect balance between the two main accords so it doesnt become overwhelming for the consumer. Extracts are sourced from Grasse and all around the world, and they include magnolia from the Far East, bitter orange from Tunisa, blackberry from the south of France and even green tea from Japan. These ingredients are then brought together by Karine Dubreuil, the perfumer for LOccitante.
TWO BY TWO
Paris, New York and Milan are regarded as the big four the four principal fashion capitals of the world. They are major trend influencers, host most of the biggest, glitziest events in the year and they attract a super hip crowd. But do you know what is the capital of perfumery? Grasse, the mecca of fragrance, is a quaint, picture-perfect little town located on the French Riveria. It is home to flower farms, famed perfumeries such as Galimard and Molinard, and hundreds of perfumers specially schooled in the art of concocting a scent. The towns prospering perfume trade produces rare notes like jasmine, orange blossom and rose; it not only attracts thousands of visitors every year but also big international brands seeking a new scent to market for the next season.
INTRODUCING GRASSE
In the world of fashion, London,
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Karine Dubreuil
Born and bred in Grasse, the effervescent Karine Dubreuil is also the nose behind many other iconic scents from ls us brands such as Gucci, Lanvin and Mugler. She tells k. about her childhood, jasmine owers and her work.
My childhood in Grasse is my inspiration for this collection. This collection is a very big part of me because I grew up with these raw materials. As a child, I grew up with two of my grandmothers one is French and the other is Italian. They both loved gardening and I spent most of my childhood in their flower gardens. My French grandma was really, really messy, so her garden was overfilled with every type of flower there is. I picked jasmine flowers in the early mornings and I could walk around the countryside and pick fresh blackberries to eat. It was like an education for me. Per Pe P r Perfumery was actually a maledom do d m dominated profession. Women didnt use to work in the past, so all perfumers w were men. Back then, a father w would only pass on his skills to his s son. Of course, its different now.
Karine Dubreuil with LOccitane Asia a Pacic President Andre Hoffman.
T This scent has a story about na nature, about the ingredients, about th h union of different extracts. Its the
orro or ro ow. w W hen he nI the perfumery of tomorrow. When meth th th create scents, its something very abstract. Im designing for someone very young, very rich or very pretty, etc. This collection, on the other hand, is very pure. I want to make the right sound, not just create noise. In perfumery, it is important to convey a message and a vision, not just about creating any smell. I choose the best quality of raw materials as I want to retain the natural scent of the extracts as much as I can. Jasmine was a very tough ingredient to acquire. Most of the flower fields here in Grasse are owned by large beauty companies, so its not easy finding an independent flower field with jasmine flowers simply because it is expensive to maintain jasmine fields. It is a very fragile flower and its rare. The most satisfying aspect of my job is seeing other people on the streets wearing my creations. It really touches my heart when I see that my fragrance appeals to other people.
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WIN
Promotion
oes your skin feel uncomfortable and dry after long hours at the office? The air conditioned work environment where we spend most of our day can strip our body of moisture, so it is important to hydrate your skin throughout. At home, after cleansing your face, try the Arsainte Eco-Therapy Extreme-Moisture Tonic with Essential to relax tired skin and mind. Next, apply the Chia Seed MoistureHolding Seed Cream. This moisturiser contains chia seed, known for its ability to absorb water and withstand extreme dry environments. Use during the day and before bed as your last skincare step. While youre out, keep the Arsainte EcoTherapy Crystal Water Cooling Mist handy as its especially useful when skin turns red after constant exposure to sunlight. Spritz the mist over the face for an immediate cooling sensation. It contains 100 percent iceberg water, and boasts small molecules to ensure that moisture sinks deep into the skin. If the skin around your eyes looks dull in the morning, trace the Chia Seed Watery Eye & Spot Essence around the area to instantly perk up tired-looking eyes. It contains natural pearl extract to whiten dull skin around the eyes, and also doubles as a spot treatment to lighten blemishes. Now, with these at-home and on-the-go products, you have all you need to keep your skin hydrated from day to night.
Were giving away 44 The Face Shop hampers worth $121.60 each.
Each hamper includes: Chia Seed Moisture-Holding Seed Cream (worth $36.90) Arsainte Eco-Therapy Crystal Water Cooling Mist (worth $22.90) Chia Seed Watery Eye & Spot Essence (worth $36.90) Arsainte Eco-Therapy Extreme-Moisture Tonic with Essential (worth $24.90)
To participate, scan this QR code and enter your details (name, NRIC, mobile number, address). Contest ends July 15, 2013.
EARLY BONUS
High earners tend to exercise first thing in the morning, a study shows. BY NICOLA DAVENPORT
Research from athletic equipment company Asics indicates that not only do early risers who work out before they clock in feel less stressed and more effective at work they also earn more. Some 46 percent of the people questioned who exercise early were earning above the national average, compared with those who exercise during the day or evening (31 and 37 percent, respectively). Psychologist Dr Victor Thomson says, When you hit the office after a morning workout, you have already achieved something important, putting you mentally and physically in a positive position to face whatever the working day throws at you.
Preparing your gear the night before will get you psyched up and more likely to wake up early to exercise.
TIP!
Earlier this year, the Singapore Health Promotion Board kick-started Sunrise in the City (SITC). It aims to encourage working adults to improve their well-being and productivity by offering workouts such as yoga, brisk walking and multi-dimensional stretch in the mornings (7.30am to 8.30am). SITC will be available at six central locations, including Marina Bay Financial Centre and Collyer Quay. Sessions are open to the public and free of charge. To find out more or register for a session, visit www.hpb.gov.sg/ sunrise-in-the-city.
FLIP THE PAGE TO FIND OUT WHAT BENEFITS EXERCISING AT OTHER TIMES OF THE DAY BRINGS.
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COSMO ZEST
If you are feeling unusual symptoms, you can now seek credible information online.
ZEST S EXPRES
Yes. Whenever you want! Any workout is a win, and every time offers health perks.
AFTERNOON Exercising in the afternoon may help optimise your circadian rhythm, helping you sleep more soundly at night, according to a new study in the Journal of Physiology. EVENING Your body temperature is at its highest in the late afternoon, making your muscles more flexible. Exercise starts to feel easier. Plus, testosterone peaks at this time of the day, boosting your strength-training results. LATE NIGHT Although an intense workout late at night can make it tough to fall asleep, doing yoga before bed will lower cortisol levels, which will reduce anxiety and make it easier for you to drift off to sleep, according to a Harvard University study.
THE AMOUNT OF CALORIES IN THE AVERAGE OFFICE WORKERS DESKSIDE SNACK STASH
427
COSMOPOLITAN / JULY 2013
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LET COSMOS FITNESS EXPERT SIMON PINK SOLVE YOUR TOUGHEST FITNESS QUESTIONS.
this condition?
COMPILED BY: CHIA EE KHIM. PHOTOGRAPHY: (WOMAN IN YOGA POSE) NICK ONKEN; (GLASS OF WATER) SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; GETTY IMAGES
I would have to do a thorough assessment to see the root cause of your discomfort. It could be that your glutes are not firing properly when you climb the stairs. This could cause you to overuse the muscles around your knees, thus creating the discomfort. When you sit down for many hours daily, your glutes are completely inactive. Over time they become dysfunctional.You need to be stretching tight muscles first, such as your hip flexors, hamstrings and lower back. After stretching, you need to do exercises that work your glutes, such as squats, deadlifts and lunges. Addressing this muscular imbalance is key.
HAVE A FITNESS QUESTION? FIRE AWAY AT COSMOPOLITAN@ SPH.COM.SG, AND WELL GET ONTO YOUR CASE.
EAT CLEAN, GET LEAN: PAIR THESE SE FOOD RULES WITH EXERCISE
Drink Up Aim for around two litres of water a day and include some healing g green tea too. o. And drink as many caffeineefree herbal teas eas as you like.
Eat Clean And Lean Meals If you want to ditch body fat, you need to avoid artificial foods. Stick tick to t natural, fresh and organic orga foods. Sugars from carbs make your body cling to fat, so essential its es you cut cu down on them. th
Embrace The Good Fat Good fats actually help you y tackle body y fat and improve e metabolic rate. Ditch anything labelled fat free its often pumped with sugar.
Dieters who frequently posted weight loss-related stuff like At the gym! dropped more kilos than those less active on Twitter, according to a new University of South Carolina study. How much? Half a percent of their total weight with every 10 tweets. (If you weigh, say, 70kg, that works out to more than 1kg for every 30 tweets.) Researchers think Twitter keeps you accountable and gives real-time support. Post your waistline wins to @Greatist, a handle run by health gurus that blasts out daily workouts, nutrition advice and virtual high fives.
SOURCE: GABRIELLE TURNER-MCGRIEVY, PHD, MS, RD, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, US
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COSMO ZEST
Bodyism
3
TARGETS: CORE, GREAT FOR SCULPTING A SMALLER WAIST T Get into a plank position and bring your left knee towards your chest est and then out towards your right elbow. bow. Repeat with your right knee, aiming for your left elbow. Try for 10 reps on each leg.
15 MINUTES OF
Knee-Tuck Plank
Achieve a lean, toned look in as little as 14 days with the workout all the celebrities are tweeting about. Repeat this circuit once or twice through, four times a week.
4 1
TARGETS: ARMS Tilt your upper body forwards. Swing your arms out to the sides, bringing your elbows up high and pointing your thumbs up. Repeat 20 times.
The W
TARGETS: UPPER BODY Get into a press-up position. Bring your right hand forward slightly tly and perform 5 push-ups with y your right g hand in front, then switch, so that your left hand is forward, and perform 5 reps. Repeat twice.
TARGETS: THIGHS T Lie on your right side with your legs straight, lift up your left le leg up and draw circles in the air with your toes. Aim for 20 clockwise circles and 20 anti-clockwise. Swap legs and repeat.
140
TARGETS: BUM AND THIGHS IGHS Lie on your back with k knees b bent, t h heels l on th the ground and your toes pointing upwards. Rest your arms on the floor, palms up. Lift y your hips p off the g ground 20 times, , not letting gy your bottom touch the ground in between reps. Lift one knee up then repeat the action 10 times. Repeat with the other knee lifted.
Hip Extensions
2
TARGETS: TOTAL BODY, GETS YOUR HEART RATE UP TOO Bend your knees and jump p high into the air, lifting your arms overhead. As you land, bend your knees and touch uch the floor. Jump both feet eet backwards, until ntil youre in an upright press-up ss-up position, jump p your feet y back in and b repeat. r Aim for 20 reps. eps.
Burpees
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We have all experienced it before. A wave of sleepiness that overcomes you at work, usually right after lunch. You fear that dozing off at your desk will affect your to-do list, so you fight the heavy lids and continue staring at the computer while getting no work done at all. At this point, many people tend to reach out for a dose of caffeine to get an instant kick; however, it can actually lead to a decrease in memory performance and make you more prone to mistakes. Instead, follow these suggestions to make the most out of your snooze sesh.
Boost your productivity, beat stress, build energy and perform better with a quick midday snooze. BY LAURA POTTER
142 COSMOPOLITAN / JULY 2013
Use the term nap loosely think of it more like the deep relaxation at the end of a yoga class, says sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley. Sleep physiologist Dr Guy Meadows agrees: Its about training your body to get used to a
HEALTH REPORT
period of relaxation, he says. So get comfy, set an alarm for 20 minutes and keep your eyes closed until it goes off whether you fall asleep or not.
Impairment from lack of sleep is the same as youd get from drinking excess alcohol the night before, and you wouldnt turn up to work half cut, says Dr Stanley. When youre tired, your body wants sleep not stimulation. A short nap gives your body the boost it needs, rather than masking it with caffeine, so napping isnt time-wasting or slacking; its a healthy, energy-boosting exercise.
Impossible to work in some shuteye on the job? Stay perky throughout the day by avoiding sugary snacks and heavy lunches, and tucking into these energising foods.
To optimise energy through the day, you need to maintain an even blood sugar level. Slow-releasing carbohydrates such as oats are a rich source of soluble fibre, which travels slowly through your gut and helps slow down the release of sugars in the food you eat. A meal of oats will keep you feeling satisfied, and sustains energy levels through the afternoon, preventing energy dips and food cravings mid-afternoon.
OATS
Timing Is Key
Try it post-lunch, says Dr Meadows. Thats when we get a natural dip in our core body temperature the same thing that happens at night to help us fall asleep and we get a rise in the sleep hormone melatonin, too. Dr Stanley advises to keep it to 20 minutes any longer and youll wake up groggy and disorientated because youll have slipped into a deeper sleep.
Miso is rich in tyrosine, which helps to increase the release of the feel-good brain chemical dopamine. This will prevent sluggishness and make you more motivated.
MISO SOUP
Nap anywhere you wont be disturbed, says Dr Stanley. But if youre worrying the boss is going to come around the corner, or your phone will ring, you wont be able to relax. If theres a quiet corner at work, great. If not, head out and sit in a park. Close your eyes, feel the breeze on your face, listen to the birds or hum of traffic, and focus on your breathing.
manganese, the mineral that helps produce energy from protein and carbs. Opt for brown rice with your favourite lean proteins and nutrientpacked veggies at the economy rice stall to help you maintain high energy all day.
high levels of tryptophan, which gets converted into the happy hormone serotonin in your brain. It is also an excellent source of manganese and betacarotene, as well as thiamin, a B vitamin that aids the body in converting carbs into energy.
NASA research has found that a 40-minute snooze boosts productivity by 34 percent, and a study in which pilots took an in-flight nap (as their co-pilots took over) increased their alertness by 54 percent. So when can a power nap benefit you? After a long week at work, before a Friday night out to give you staying power, suggests Dr Stanley. Or a lunchbreak nap before an important meeting.
more than sugar, a much better choice when you need a boost. Packed with protein, manganese, copper and riboflavin, almonds are a handy snack to keep at your desk.
Iron is a key component of energy production in the body, and you can find a lot of it in this vegetable. Eat a spinach salad for lunch and pair it with a glass of OJ as
SPINACH
High in carbohydrates but low in fat, and loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene, these will help fight off midday fatigue. They are a healthier alternative to your regular spud.
SWEET POTATO
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COSMO GYNO
HIT THE BATHROOM 2 BEFORE AND AFTER SEX Bacteria can get pushed into the urethra
while you do it; peeing flushes it away.
DONT HOLD IT IN 3 A full bladder creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Go to the toilet at least once
every four hours.
4 You dont want those germs getting into your urethra and bladder.
WIPE FRONT TO BACK CHOOSE COTTON 5 Opt for cotton undies as they are breathable, which means less moisture down below that
helps bacteria grow.
HPV, or genital human papillomavirus, is the most common HPV sex sexually transmitted infection. It can cause serious health prob problems, including genital warts and certain cancers. Drin Drinking a probiotic beverage, such as Yakult, daily during an o outbreak of HPV-related lesions makes women twice as likel to be wart-free within six months. Probiotics are likely hea healthy bacteria, and a strain called lactobacillus may help your immune system fight HPV, says researcher Veronique Verh Verhoeven of the University of Antwerp-Belgium. In fact, it may even prevent an outbreak.
COMPILED BY: CHIA EE KHIM. PHOTOGRAPHY: (YAKULT) ALEXANDER OW; GETTY IMAGES
sex any less enjoyable for men or women, a study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine finds. So no more excuses!
It is common for women to want to use the most absorbent tampons to reduce the chance of leaking; however, doing so can increase the risk of vaginal dryness and ulcers. A heavyduty tampon can absorb too much of the vaginal fluids and dry out the vaginal wall, causing splits and tears. Avoid using tampons that are more absorbent than is needed to control your menstrual flow which means that on days when your flow isnt heavy, opt for light tampons or panty liners. Also, never wear a tampon overnight or use it as a precaution when you think your period is due.
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Here at Cosmo, we want to make you feel and look fabulous, but we need your help. Share with us whats in your beauty stash and well work hard to make sure you keep on glowing. Plus, as a Cosmo Beauty Club member, youll get the scoop on the latest products and receive invites to exclusive beauty events. All you have to do is fill up the form with your personal details:
MS/MRS (SURNAME): FIRST NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: ADDRESS: TEL (HOME): EMAIL: SIGNATURE: (HP): AGE:
By Mail Enclose p146147 and send it to Cosmo Beauty Club, SPHM Pte. Ltd., 317 Outram Road, #03-01A/B Concorde Shopping Centre, S 169075 By Fax Fax it to 6737 6839 By Email Scan and email it to cosmopromo@sph.com.sg
146
BEAUTY CLUB!
1
Your favourite beauty brands:
[Tick whichever that applies]
Bio-Essence Biotherm Bliss Bobbi Brown Bulgari Chanel Clarins Cl De Peau Beaut Clinique Dermalogica Dior Dr Brandt
Elizabeth Arden Este Lauder Ettusais Fancl Ginvera Guerlain Jurlique Kao Biore Kenzo Kraskin Kiehls Kos
La Mer Lanege Lancme La Roche-Posay LOccitane LOral Paris M.A.C Maquillage Maybelline Murad Neutrogena Nivea
Nuxe Olay RMK Sephora Shiseido Shu Uemura SK-II The Body Shop The Face Shop Vichy Za Others:
5
Fine lines Pigmentation Sensitive skin
$50 and below From $51 to $100 From $101 to $150 From $151 to $200 $201 and above
147
CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations,Winners!
W SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE STAYCATION (Code: COSMOSG02H) Gabrielle Lew 4894 THE WHITE RABBIT DINING EXPERIENCE (Code: COSMOSG2W) Andrea Tang 6798 Chan Kai Lin Christina 6456 Chen LiJun 0170 Claire Tan Peiyong 3666 Genevieve Ong 6593 Jessie Kuah 0402 Mary Grace Marquez 2696 Neo Ting Ting 2659 Stephanie Lim Li Jia 0135 Wang Shu Wen Jenna 4367 Yap Rou Yu 7072 Yeo Yee Leng 2050 OPINIONATORS FOR BELOVED ONE (Code: CSS-FB) Belle Tamang 4969 Cai Meifang 4155 Cheryl Chu Qin Ying 2283 Chloe Huo Xiuxian 2156 Edna Seah 3166 Geraldine Chiew 0891 Goh Hui Shi Audrey 4514 Jasymin Cheong 9960 Joyce Sung 1013 Verlyn Lou 1407 HENS PARTY EXPERIENCE (Code: COSMOSG03H) Eleanor Wang 9795 Tan Peiqi 2947 OPINIONATORS KENZOKI WHITENING CHEERING LOTION AND COCOONING CREAM (Code: CSS-FB72) Luxi Zhang 3147 Rella Soh 1302 Peh Share Mei Selina 3706 Shirlene Poon Toh Jinq Yi 3983 2078 RESIDENT EVIL (Code: COSMOSG10Z) 5980 Abigail Wong Alicia Tan 7266 Cher Yilin 8955 3809 Cyrene Chong Dinah Wong 0219 Evelyn Tan 4807 Grace Chua 9246 Gan Jia Hui 2352 Huang Ling 3742 Jessica Gan 5093 Michelle Eu Lai Sie 7251 Michelle Wee 0622 Nadine Gan Li-Mei 7704 Nurul Fatin 0734 Nur Fariza Binte Ahmad Razif 9363 Phua Jiaying 3086 Priscilla Tay 7889 Vivian Law 2981 Verena Lim Shu Yi 3143 Vanessa Lim Shu Yan 2017 ARMANI CODE LUNA EDT FRAGRANCE (Code: COSMOSG10A) Angelica Acar 5372 Aw Hee Yan 1274 Boon Yen 7690 Charissa Tan 1307 Chee Li Li 0926 Chen Yi-Chuan 5203 Cherilyn Jane Jefferson 1233 Cherry Liu 2761 Chiam Xiu Li 7337 Chloe Leong 9332 Chong Karen 4854 Genevieve Chee Xin Hui 0716 Goh Chin Yen Calista 0372 Hartini Yusoff 6412 Jolin Lee 1439 Koh Ee Ann 6548 Kuah Mei Ling 6277 Leong Josephine Liew Yiting Lorine Chai Siok Hwee Marlina Tjung Ng Qian Xiu Ng Shu Hui Kaela Nicole Traci Poh Jia Xuan Letitia Rebecca Foo Regina Chia Saw Lip Chien Selene Ng Shawna Goh Sheila May Ting Que Syazana Tan Bin Ying Teo Sue Jun Toh Shu Ying Tomoko Nishioka Tripti Warinat Lim Wong Mingming Faye Yap Wee Min Yee Yoke Kheng Yeo Ai Lan Zhou Qiangui 8816 2225 2309 3634 2807 4742 2813 5917 4532 9208 4394 5939 3895 2930 3058 5087 3654 2088 5210 7394 0021 4751 0271 2652 5983 3592 Angeline Chang Charo Celis Cheng Fang Fang Cheong Hui Leng Chua Siao Wen Danielle Esther Ong Ho Jau Fern Hong Hanni Irene Deng Jamie Feng Jessica Brampy Joanne Chan Karie Khng Kiat Leng Koh Zhi Chao Kyla Wong Kylie Goh Leong Enling Liew Hui Hwa Lim Kai Ling Lim Rou Chi Linnike Lynn Toh Mabel Huang Maretta Kailani Michelle Koh Ong Ling Ling Jenny Pan Caiping Png Choe Wei Seah Huixin Seet Kia Khim Serene Koh Sherin Tay Shernelle Cheong Soo Kai Li Carrie Susan Tan Tan Ying Jun Tay Hwee Hwee Teoh Ming Yan Teresa Lim Ung Lee Keng Wendy Fu Yap Sansan Yulian 7777 5622 3804 2419 0562 4286 9765 5463 0571 8456 5690 4199 9267 0477 0127 5141 7193 6367 8816 5819 2798 9691 4375 8922 4499 5750 4743 9065 8957 7565 2177 0139 7717 5900 3779 4989 7294 2290 3222 7147 5781 8425 2339 8027 9760
SALON RUNWAY SHU UEMURA PAMPERING SESSION (Code: COSMOSG10H) Chen Sixian Betsy 7085 Haley Chan 2844 Kam Wei Li Elis 7062 Kyna 2229 Li Shuhan 5066 Nina Aquino 9536 Nova Theresianto 5581 Ong Wanyi 8296 Tan Yin Choo 1299 Yulia Johan 9053 LIPTON HAMPER (Code: COSMOSG10L) Adeline Lim 5936 Agnes Chua 8600 Aileen Goh Sok Hoon 0336 Alice 1420 Amanda Lim Pei Jing 2506
Only the last four digits of your IC number are printed here for verification as well as privacy purposes. All winners will be notified via email with the redemption details. You can also contact us at cosmopromo@sph.com.sg.
TGIF!
Who doesnt look forward to a Friday night? Its the time of the week when our happiness index peaks, so weve amassed ve new things to try and kick-start your weekend.
The Green Door
Looking for a new Friday night bar to chill out with your man or girlfriends? Look no further. Treat them to a well-deserved drink at the newly opened The Green Door. This garden bar has an indoor dining area and an outdoor al fresco yard for romantic diners who prefer dining under the stars. Try their exclusive cocktail creations like For Goodness Sake, $19, and Starry Starry Night, $19, which are surprisingly refreshing. Share small nibbles such as the Mexican Catsh Salad, $14, and Crispy Corn and Shrimp Fritters, $15, while spending a lovely evening cozying up on the sofa seats in the full view of starry skies.
THE GREEN DOOR IS AT 13A DEMPSEY ROAD, TEL: 6476 2922
Plan A Date
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A New JEM
Are your legs itching for new grounds to explore? Check off your fashion, lifestyle and entertainment needs at the upcoming suburb mall, Jurong East Mall (JEM). Set to transform the way you think about neighbourhood malls, the new heavyweight has attracted international
retailers including H&M, Books Kinokuniya, Victorias Secret, Muji, Marks & Spencer and Robinsons. With so many choices to make your Friday night shopping more enjoyable, JEM is primed to become Singapores new upper west side.
JEM IS AT 50 JURONG GATEWAY ROAD, TEL: 6672 9500
Your week at work may have added burden to your mind and body, leaving you listless by the time the weekend arrives. Give your body a Pure Ener.g boost. This treatment by Willow Stream Spa uses its exclusive ener.g body care products to help draw out bad energy and accumulated impurities from your body. First, your feet are treated to a warm crystal salt foot bath. According to the therapist, our feet are most burdened by daily body toxins and they need better blood circulation. The body is then treated to a good scrub to get rid of rough skin. The treatment ends with an oil massage to relax tired limbs and ease muscle tension. As bad energy is being drained out, dont forget to drink more water to help replace the lost of H2O. Now, youll be red up to fully enjoy your weekend. Pure Ener.g, $289+, is available at Willow Stream Spa.
WILLOW STREAM SPA IS AT LEVEL 6 FAIRMONT SINGAPORE, TEL: 6339 7777
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Embark On An Adventure
For the adventure-seeking women, heres some thrilling action right in the heart of Sentosa. Grab your BFFs and jump into the Sentosa 4D AdventureLand. Visitors can expect to enjoy stimulating 4-dimensional effects and experience several rsts here. High-tech highlights include South-east Asias rst 4D theatre movie screenings
with special sensory effects such as seat motions, wind and water; Singapores rst cinematic roller coaster ride surrounded by crocodiles; and an interactive shoot-out game that will train your gun ghting skills (Yee ha!). Tickets are available on www.4dadventureland.com.sg.
SENTOSA 4D ADVENTURELAND IS AT 51B IMBIAH ROAD, SENTOSA, TEL: 6274 5355
Glam It Up
Its nearing 6pm and youve got a hot date or a company dinner and dance waiting for you. Of course its rude to appear with greasy and worn-out hair. Swing by Prep for a quick hair transformation. Here, you can choose whichever blowout you fancy be it long owing waves or old Hollywood glamour you name it, theyll replicate it. Be ready to step out in style! To make your blowout last, Prep introduces a one of a kind shower cap called Bath Time Bodyguard. It safeguards your new voluptuous hairdo against steam and moisture during showers. Standard blowouts are available at $39 regardless of hair length.
PREP IS AT #03-34 MANDARIN GALLERY, TEL: 6732 6123
LIFE STYLIST
FOOD PORN
This months gotta-try dining spot.
MUSEO
Forget overcrowded restaurants with unappetising views. This could be your next hang out. The owners of Arteastiq Boutique Tea House opened MUSEO (pronounced moozay-o) earlier this year at Sentosa. Away from the citys bustle, this restaurant cum bar serves as a chic unwinding spot for locals and expatriates. Interestingly, the mezzanines are served in small glass cups and named after world-renowned art pieces, like the Smile of Mona Lisa, $12. These deep fried Camembert cheese nuggets dipped in cranberry sauce were so delish we couldnt stop at one. Our other favourite is the chicken satay, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island, $12. The tender meat was not too oily and was oh-so-good when dunked into pineapple peanut sauce. You can customise your own mezzanine set at $39 for four mezzanines. To cool you down on a hot night, we recommend their Jelly Slush Beer and Ciders, from $11. If you still have room for dessert (who doesnt?), share their signature Green Tea Creme Brulee, $12, while you enjoy the relaxing sea view with el your man. Hayden yden Ng MUSEO is at t #01-22 Quayside Isle, Isle 31 Ocean Way Sentosa, Tel: 6734 8066 806
y u B & y r T o t s g 3 Thin
Not a fan of bright summer er colours? Ys new The neutral hues from DKNYs Summer 2013 collection are both 48, romantic and elegant. From $148, tional available at Watch Station International #02-22 313@Somerset, selected ilers. department stores and authorised retailers.
Samsung Galaxy S4
This smartphones most notable function is its Smart Scroll technology, which allows users to control the screen with a simple wave of a finger; no contact needed. Technology has never been so intuitive ... The S4 is available at Samsung Experience Stores, and costs $998 without contract.
The annual outdoor ballet event is back. The Singapore apore Dance ver two Theatre will present brilliant dance performances over ght of love lov weekends this year. Ballet enthusiasts can expect a night me the tragedy in Giselle (July 26 to 28), where a peasant girl meets love of her life but dies from grief later. Tickets are available at $25 from Sistic.
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Balzac Brasserie
Fancy a French date night but dont have tickets to Paris? Visit Balzac Brasserie for an authentic French dining experience. The indoor al fresco is reminiscent of typical Parisian bistros. Dont miss the Dubois Lobster Bisque, $16, a thick buttery soup accompanied by mini black Qwehli prawns. Pair it with the Golden Dawn cocktail, $18, with hints of apricot and orange. Finish your meal with the star dessert, Tarte au Citron, $9. The delish lemon tart will surely send waves of bliss to your taste buds.
Keystone Restaurant
Located in the CBD, Keystone Restaurant has long been a favourite with the office crowd and expats for its sleek interior and sophisticated menu. Their new Chief de Cuisine Immanuel introduces his take on a produce-driven lineup that brings you on a journey to the food capitals of Europe. The most well-known dish at Keystone is the Iberian Black Pig served on a bed of onsen egg, and it definitely will not disappoint. Succulent and tender, it melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting for more.
The Green Bar introduces a new brunch menu with heartier options. The Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad, $10.90, proves that salads can taste more enjoyable than they sound. The mix of beetroot, cheese, leafy greens and lime juice tastes refreshing and doesnt leave your stomach growling for more food. But if you still feel hungry, try the hearty Smoked Salmon and Dill pancakes, $19.90. Instead of the usual maple syrup, the pancakes are paired with smoked salmon and freshly made cream sauce.
Wat ch This
Watch This
Watch This
Watch This
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LIFE STYLIST
Rewarding Scrub
A new study from Duke University, US, proves what we kind of already knew: We are not our freshest at the end of a busy work-week and, as a result, neither are our decision-making skills. Seems our brains are too spent to register potential negative outcomes. So, on Fridays, when youre totally blitzed, just dont plan. Otherwise, you might agree to dinner with the weirdo in your book club o or something even worse.
Ever dreamt of learning sushi-making from the real Japanese sushi chefs? Now you can. Tokyo Sushi Academy is newly opened in Singapore and aims to impart traditional sushi-making methods to keen learners. Amateur cooks wont need to worry as the attentive chef will patiently demonstrate the steps to all students. Visit www.sushiacademy.sg for details.
Master Chefs
OOH LA LA LEMON
1 part Pinnacle Vodka 1 part Lemonade Method Shake all the ingredients together with ice and strain into a shot glass. Top this off with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Ready to serve!
Attention tea A lo lovers: Boncaf h has introduced th three new avours of premium tea targeted at soothing ailments.
THERAPEUTIC TEA
Thyme calms 1 headaches and coughs. Lemongrass 2 and Ginger helps relieve indigestion and relaxes mind. Rosehip and Hibiscus eases colds and is rich in antioxidants.
154
TEXT: HAYDEN NG. ADDITIONAL REPORTING: CHIA EE KHIM, MAVIS NGUI AND YVONNE LEK. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
PRE-FALL FABULOUS
LUXE COATS & STRIKING JACKETS FOR THE JET-SET
The search is on for Asias next budding fashion designer, and it could just be you
POWER
HOT ROCKS
VINTAGE-INSPIRED GEMS & JEWELS
PLAY
Whether youre a fashion student or simply passionate about creating your own designs, Harpers BAZAAR, Singapores fashion authority, is giving you an opportunity to showcase your creativity regionally and represent Singapore in the final judging event in Bangkok, Thailand, at the end of the year. The winning designer will not only get his or her works published in four editions of Harpers BAZAAR (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand), but will also be sponsored for a masters degree in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management at the prestigious Instituto Marangoni in London for 15 months, worth GBP20,000. For full information, please visit Harpers BAZAARs Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ harpersbazaarsingapore For enquiries, email bazaar@sph.com.sg
osmo h kout
VDL Tint Bar Lip Series
Available at Suntec City
inspired lip tints come in an array of uplifting colours.
The eye-catching shades will illuminate your lips and the fruity scent will keep them smelling sweet all day.
$888, available at all operator stores (M1, SingTel, StarHub), Sony stores and authorised retailers THE HARD SELL: Highly durable and protected with anti-shatter film, Xperia Z is a tough and water resistant smartphone that will brave through falls with you. COSMO SAYS:
Sony Xperia Z
Sony is toughening up the mobile market, and were amazed by the phones water resistance ability.
These whitening products are easily absorbed by the skin and do not leave a sticky feeling after application. Is your date night nearing? Put on the face mask to brighten your skin instantly.
You can now smell as graceful as you look. The fragrance evokes femininity in a charismatic and sensual way, and were definitely in love.
THE HARD SELL: Five different types of face masks to target different COSMO SAYS:
The facial sheet sits comfortably on the skin and relieves stressed skin. For an extra cooling treat, place the sheet masks in your refrigerator before using.
156
This sweet apple cider tops our list for weekend chill-out drinks. Youll want to keep a cold one close to you.
Practising good personal hygiene shows that you care about yourself. With this bathroom must-have, you can probably save trips to the clinic to get treated for painful infections.
COSMO SAYS:
The top notes contain grapefruit, mint and lemon tree leaf. Were tempted to slip into our Sunday outfits and throw a weekend party at the beach. This one is definitely a keeper!
COSMO SAYS:
Work hard, play harder. Try Durexs Play Tingle for some sensual spearmint-flavoured tickles. Keep one near your bed to turn up the heat in your bedroom.
The lotions chilli and caffeine extracts encourage faster cell turnovers to prevent puffiness especially in the morning and helps define the jaw line.
157
STOCKISTS
Square, Tel: 6636 0028 CORTINA WATCHES BOUTIQUE #01-36 Raffles City, Tel: 6339 9185; #03-02 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 9218; #01-13 Paragon, Tel: 6235 0084 CRAYON 80 Haji Lane, Tel: 6299 0824 DH SUNGLASS 69 Haji Lane, Tel: 6298 0840 DKNY #03-12 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6304 1395 DKNY WATCHES Available at Watch Station International DOROTHY PERKINS #01-27/28 Wisma Atria, Tel: 6733 9893 EBEL Available at Cortina Watches Boutique ELEVENTH #04-50 Far East Plaza, Tel: 6737 3116 EMPORIO ARMANI #01-12/13 & #02-13 Mandarin Gallery, Tel: 6304 1330 FOREVER 21 #B1-01/18 Orchard Exchange, Tel: 6834 4893 FOSSIL #B2-06 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 9286; #02-07 313@ Somerset, Tel: 6884 6030 FURLA #03-01 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8662 G2000 #0108/10 Wisma Atria, Tel: 6735 2782 GUCCI Available at Cortina Watches Boutique GUESS #B1-24/28 Ngee Ann City, Tel: 6735 7363; #B2-39B/40 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 9320; #B2-83 Marina Bay Sands, Tel: 6509 6647 H&M #B2-28 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8702; 1 Grange Road, Tel: 6235 1459 INHABIT THE OTHER STORE #02-16 Mandarin Gallery, Tel: 6836 8441 IBLUES Level 2 Isetan Scotts, Tel: 6738 8433 ICB Level 2 Isetan Scotts, Tel: 6733 8257 JUICY COUTURE #03-03 Ngee Ann City, Tel: 6736 3597 KATE SPADE #03-27 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6634 9177 ANTIPODEAN 27A Lorong Mambong, Tel: 6463 7336 LOWRYS FARM #03-22/23/24/25 313@ Somerset, Tel: 6235 5469 LULA ROCK #0207 Palais Renaissance, Tel: 6235 7179 MANGO TOUCH #B2-17 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6634 3341 MARC BY MARC JACOBS #02-12 Mandarin Gallery, Tel: 6304 1376 MDS COLLECTIONS #B1-40 Wisma Atria, Tel: 6887 4462 MICHAEL KORS #01-16/17 Scotts Square, Tel: 6723 8068 MISS SELFRIDGE #01-25/27 Wisma Atria, Tel: 6732 1430 MULBERRY #01-09 Mandarin Gallery, Tel: 6304 1384 MY WARDROBE #03-18 Far East Plaza, Tel: 6734 3461 NEW LOOK #B204/05, #B3-06/07 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8483/503 NINE WEST #B1-06/08 Wisma Atria, Tel: 6735 6660 ON PEDDER #02-12P/ Q Ngee Ann City, Tel: 6835 1307; #02-1013 Scotts Square, Tel: 6636 3060 PROMOD #B2-49A Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 9277 QUINTESSENTIAL #02-01 Pacific Plaza, Tel: 6738 4811 ROSE BULLET Level 1 Isetan Scotts, Tel: 6235 5756 SILVOTINO #04137AA Far East Plaza, Tel: 6836 2515 SKAGEN #02-22 313@Somerset, Tel: 6884 6012 S.T.A.M.P.S. Timehouse Singapore #01-26 Holiday Inn Atrium, Tel: 6842 2088 STEVE MADDEN #B2-25/26 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8322 SWAROVSKI #B117/18 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 9293 SWATCH #B2-37 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8835; #01-
Fashion
A LODGE #03-94 Far East Plaza, Tel: 6235 4117 AEROPOSTALE #B3-06/07 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6636 7838 ALDO #B2-02 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 1198 ALEXANDER WANG #02-03/04 Hilton Hotel, Tel: 6304 3571 A/X ARMANI EXCHANGE #B1-03 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6304 1369/70 BEBE #B1-11 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8607; #B1-10/11 Ngee Ann City, Tel: 6732 3358; #01120/125 Vivo City, Tel: 6376 9486 BECKY BERRY #03-02 Orchard Cineleisure, Tel:
6737 9586 BERSHKA #B2-09/11 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8708 BCBGMAXAZRIA #B1-28 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6238 0958 BIMBA & LOLA #B1-04 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 3305 BREAD & BUTTER #02-06 Scotts Square, Tel: 6636 1474 BYSI #0101/01A/02 Far East Plaza, Tel: 6836 7715 CK CALVIN KLEIN #01-19 Mandarin Gallery, Tel: 6304 3569 CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN #0212C/D Ngee Ann City, Tel: 6732 2813 CLUB MONACO #B1-12-14 Ngee Ann City, Tel: 6732 1767 CODA CO. #02-03 Scotts
158
41 Raffles City, Tel: 6334 5951 THE EDITORS MARKET #03-04/06A Cineleisure Orchard, Tel: 6737 0669 THE EDITORS MARKET/AVENUE #04-08/09 Orchard Central, Tel: 6884 6648 THE EMPORIUM #B1-04 Wheelock Place, Tel: 6733 9161 THEBLACKGROUND #04-117A Far East Plaza TILA MARCH #02-08 Scotts Square, Tel: 6636 3990 TOPSHOP #B2-01 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8602; #01-05/06 Knightsbridge, Tel: 6733 8912 TRIUMPH #B3-40 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 8195 TUDOR #01-01 Tong Building, Tel: 6830 5138 VICTORIA JOMO DESIGNER 47 Haji Lane, Tel: 6396 4947 VINCE CAMUTO #B1-51 Ngee Ann City, Tel: 6737 1433; #B2-20 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6238 9380 WAREHOUSE #B1-15 Ion Orchard, Tel: 6509 6361 WATCH STATION INTERNATIONAL #02-22 313@Somerset, Tel: 6884 6012 WITCHERY Isetan Wisma Atria, Tel: 6733 7777 ZARA #02-02/03 Liat Towers, Tel: 6733 0029 ZHOPPETIZER #03134B Far East Plaza, Tel: 6887 3362
Beauty
AESOP Tangs Beauty Hall ALTERNA Sephora; Kimrobinson #02-12 Ngee Ann City Tower B APIVITA #B3-45/46 Ion Orchard AVEDA Urbanhair, #B1-02/03/04 Marina Bay Sands, Tel: 6688 7766 BELIF #B1-64 Wisma Atria BENEFIT Robinsons Raffles City Shopping Centre; Sephora; Tangs Beauty Hall BIJINSENMON Guardian; Sasa BIORE Available at leading drugstores and pharmacies BLISS Sephora BOBBI BROWN Ion Orchard; Tampines Mall; Isetan (Scotts and Katong); Takashimaya D.S.; Robinsons (The Centrepoint and Raffles City); Tangs VivoCity BOSCIA Sephora BOURJOIS BHG (Bugis, Lot 1 and Junction 8); Metro (Causeway Point and City Square); Robinsons (Centrepoint and Raffles City); Selected Watsons stores CAUDALIE Sephora CHANEL BHG Bugis; Isetan (Katong, Scotts, Serangoon and Tampines); Metro Paragon; #B1-134 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; Robinsons (Centrepoint and Raffles City); Ngee Ann City; Tangs (Orchard and VivoCity) CIAT Sephora CLIO Watsons CORIOLISS #02-K1 Plaza Singapura COVET Escentials (#03-02/05 Paragon Shopping Centre) DIOR BHG Bugis; Ion Beaute Boutique at #01-05/06; Isetan (Katong, Scotts, Serangoon and Tampines); Metro Paragon; Robinsons (Centrepoint and Raffles City); Takashimaya D.S.; Tangs Orchard DOLCE & GABBANA DFS Galleria ELIZABETH ARDEN Takashimaya D.S.; OG (Albert Complex and Peoples Park); Metro (Paragon and Causeway Point); Robinsons (Centrepoint and Raffles City) ETTUSAIS BHG (Bugis, Bishan and
Clementi); Isetan (Orchard, Scotts, Tampines and Serangoon Nex); Metro (Causeway Point and Paragon) ETUDE HOUSE #01-62/62A Bugis Junction; #B2-54 Ion Orchard; #B1-26 Plaza Singapura; #01-098 Suntec City; #01-K3 VivoCity EUCERIN Selected Guardian and Watsons stores FANCL #B2-35/36 Ion Orchard; #B2-03/03A Ngee Ann City; #01-64 Plaza Singapura GOLDWELL Call 6835 1551 for stockists JOHN FREIDA Watsons and Guardian KRASTASE Action Hair Boutique (#B1-149/150 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Tel: 6688 7321); Action Hair Salon (#05-08 Paragon, Tel: 6732 1003); Salon 360 (#B2-40 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Tel: 6688 7666) KMS CALIFORNIA Call 6681 4748 for stockists K-PALETTE Watsons LOCCITANE Changi Airport (Budget Departure Shop, T1, T2 and T3); DFS Galleria; Ion Orchard; Marina Bay Sands; Ngee Ann City; Paragon, Raffles City; VivoCity LORAL PARIS OG Orchard; Guardian; Watsons; Sasa; Selected supermarkets, hypermarkets and all leading department stores LANCME BHG Bugis; Isetan (City Square, Katong, Scotts, Serangoon and Tampines); #B2-40 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; Metro (Causeway Point and Paragon); OG Peoples Park; Robinsons (Centrepoint and Raffles City); Takashimaya D.S.; Tangs (Orchard and VivoCity) LANEIGE BHG (Bugis and Bishan); Metro (City Square, Paragon, Seng Kang and Woodlands); Isetan (Serangoon Nex, Tampines, Katong and Orchard); Tangs Orchard; Takashimaya D.S. LEBEL De Hair-tique Salon (#04-29 Nex) LIESE Available at leading supermarkets, hypermarkets, drugstores and pharmacies LUCIDO-L Watsons; Guardian M.A.C Isetan Scotts; #B1-36 Ngee Ann City; Robinsons Raffles City; Tangs Orchard MAKE UP STORE #03-20 Paragon MAYBELLINE Guardian; Sasa; Watsons; Selected department stores, major supermarkets and hypermarkets MODS HAIR Watsons NAILS INC Sephora NEUTROGENA Available at leading drugstores and pharmacies NIVEA Available at leading drugstores and pharmacies OSCAR BLANDI Sephora PAUL MITCHELL Act Point Salon (#01-08 International Building, Tel: 6734 2898); Live Culture (3 Thomson Ridge, Tel: 6456 7797) PHILIPS Available at major department stores and leading electronic stores PIERRE HARDY On Pedder (#02-10/13 Scotts Square) PREP #03-34 Mandarin Gallery REVLON Available at leading drugstores and pharmacies SEPHORA #01-05/06 Ion Orchard; #01-59/60 Great World City; #B2-32 The Shoppes at Marina Bay
Sands; #B1-05/06/07 Ngee Ann City SHISEIDO PROFESSIONAL Call 6739 8639 for stockists SHU UEMURA BHG Bugis Junction; Isetan (Orchard, Scotts and Tampines); Metro Paragon; Robinsons (Centrepoint and Raffles City); Takashimaya D.S.; Tangs (Orchard and VivoCity) SKIN INC CONCEPT STORES #B343 Ion Orchard; #B2-25 Marina Bay Link Mall; #01-58 Nex SKINCEUTICALS Spa Artisan (The Fullerton Hotel, Mezzanine Floor); The Revival Medical Centre (10 Sinaran Drive 2, Square 2); Skin Physicians (Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre) STILA Sephora STRIVECTIN Metro Paragon SULWHASOO Tangs Beauty Hall SUNSILK Leading pharmacies and supermarkets THE BODY SHOP #B2-39 Ion Orchard; #B1-14 OUB Centre; #B1-14/15 Paragon THE FACE SHOP #B1-K5/K6 Wisma Atria; #02-23/24 Bugis Junction; #02-092/094 Suntec City Mall; #B1-39 Raffles City TONI & GUY Watsons URBAN DECAY Sephora YVES SAINT LAURENT Tangs Beauty Hall ZA Guardian; Watsons
Tech
APPLE Available at www.store.apple.com/ sg BLACKBERRY Available at all authorised partners in Singapore including Courts Connect, M1, Singtel and StarHub HTC Available at HTC Concept Store #03-26 Nex, Tel: 6787 0800; and all authorised partners in Singapore LENOVO #03-16 Funan DigitaLife Mall, Tel: 6338 3778; #04-64 Sim Lim Square, Tel: 6332 0172 PANASONIC #B1-87/88 Lucky Plaza Shopping Centre, Tel: 6235 2686; #02-07 Funan the IT Mall, Tel: 6883 0922; #01-38 Sim Lim Square, Tel: 6336 0922 SEAGATE Available at all major electronic retailers SONY #04-01 Isetan Orchard, Tel: 6733 1876
159
BEDSIDE ASTROLOGER
the Sun slides into your sign on the 22nd, youll be catapulted into the spotlight. Have head-turning dresses at the ready, so you can run out the door at a minutes notice. Your Mantra: Bottle the brilliance. Your creativity is flowing, but remember to record your ideas as they unfold. Dont Bother: Replaying old dramas in your head. Be open to whos right in front of you. Power of Attraction: Saturday the 13th is an ideal day to spend with your BF or a new crush. A date at the zoo will bring out the animal magnetism between you.
Uranus may prompt jealousies on the 17th, so wait a day to share an achievement online. Dont Bother: Gossiping. Whispers are likely to find their way to the wrong ears. Power of Attraction: An ex could make an unexpected appearance. If youre open to it, an outdoorsy date could help rekindle the flame.
Join a club or take on a project with a charitable organisation. Youll make new friends while helping others. Your Mantra: Be a team player. Youll make major progress at work by collaborating with others. Dont Bother: Waltzing around like you own the place. Hard work, not flashiness, will get results. Power of Attraction: Love rules on the 26th. Surprise your guy by making him breakfast hell repay the favour in an equally delish way.
Focus On: Your cash flow. If you hit the town with your girls, watch out for those pricey cocktails. Your Mantra: Ask the hard questions. If there is an unresolved issue at home, ask for the truth. More info will help you make better decisions. Dont Bother: Getting bogged down with negative thoughts. Worrying just wastes your awesome energy, which you should channel toward your goals. Power of Attraction: The 25th is a goldstar date night. Light some candles and whip up your guys favourite meal.
Olivia Munn
July 3, 1980
Cancer Girl
experimenting will thrill you (and him!). Get your groove on in an unexpected location. Kitchen table, anyone?
CAPRICORN
your posse for a cant-miss fiesta! The 8th or 17th is ideal for dancing up a storm. Your Mantra: Keep the peace. If a colleague rubs you the wrong way on the 31st, make amends by being calm and direct. Youll both appreciate a quick resolution. Dont Bother: Trying to control the uncontrollable. You cant be everywhere at once, so make peace with where you are. Power of Attraction: Romance is in the air. If youre single, hit up a barbecue and flash your smile. That cute guy will love the subtle encouragement.
Focus On: Hosting a killer party. Gather
(DEC 23 JAN 20)
SAGITTARIUS
Splurging on little luxuries adds up. Cut down, and save for something special. Your Mantra: Its okay to say no. Decline invitations that dont excite you ahead of time rather than flaking out at the last minute. Dont Bother: Getting impatient with your guy. Youll be tempted to throw a mini tantrum on the 27th. Take a breather instead.
Focus On: Targeting your spending.
(NOV 23 DEC 22)
Focus On: Nailing a work project. Your boss thinks its time to offer you more responsibility (finally!). Show youre up to it by putting in extra hours. Your Mantra: Patience is a virtue.
CANCER
AQUARIUS
market for fresh, colourful ingredients to energise your bod. Your Mantra: Embrace your inner warrior. If youre facing challenges at work, remind yourself of your strengths to help you through the day. Dont Bother: Getting carried away by unreasonable fantasies, like winning the lottery. Appreciate the life you have. Power of Attraction: A blind date on the 23rd could blow your mind. Ask your friends to set you up. If youre attached, quiz your guy about his childhood your connection will grow.
Focus On: Your health. Hit your local
(JAN 20 FEB 18)
up your pad with some small investments. A plant and some new artwork will make you feel more at home. Your Mantra: Laugh often. If youre stressing out on the 13th, schedule a fun brunch with the girls to relieve the pressure. Dont Bother: Forcing an unpopular strategy at work. If others resist, let it go. Power of Attraction: Skip the group outings and spend quality time together between the sheets. If youre single, one-on-one dates will help you click with a potential partner.
Focus On: Finding your rhythm. Get your body moving in new ways with a salsa or hip-hop dance class. Your Mantra: Keep connected. Freshen your Facebook profile, and share a thoughtful opinion on a hot topic. Youll link with similar-minded friends as the conversations unfold. Dont Bother: Planning a trip. Mercury in retrograde will complicate your travel plans. Power of Attraction: The 2nd is ideal for a sunset cocktail with your guy. Youll both be in the mood by the time the stars come out!
grandma, or send your dad a funny card. Youll feel warm and fuzzy knowing itll make their day. Your Mantra: Listen and learn. Ask what matters most to your best friend. Dont Bother: Trying to win em all. A colleague will try to take credit for your work. Dont lose your cool. Subtly let her know that you know whats up, and be proud your ideas are worth stealing! Power of Attraction: Make an album of your fave photos for your BF to remind him of all the fun you have together.
Focus On: An important business relationship. Focusing on a single lucrative work opportunity will pay off. Your Mantra: Consistency is key. Start a new workout plan on the 7th youll be likely to stick to it this time! Dont Bother: Letting your emotions get the best of you. Keep a positive attitude in love. Look for the upside even in the face of frustrations. Power of Attraction: Treat your guy to a sexy massage heck, spring for some scented oils. Hell be putty p y in your y hands.
GEMINI Put the moves on him in the great outdoors. Hell love your fearlessness. Just make sure youre in a secluded spot!
TEXT: AURORA TOWER. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
spurred on by the hot summer nights. Be ready for some fun in bed.
boss. Boost his confidence by playing cheerleader in and out of the bedroom.
Your Body Is a Wonderland? Hes feeling that about you this month.
staycation, and spend all day listening to his and your favourite songs. him this month. Go hang with your ladies, and the two of you will reconnect in no time.
AQUARIUS
Hes on a health kick. Hit the gym together, and hell show you his appreciation in other ways.
A cozy homecooked meal or an intimate dinner out with a few close friends.
WIN HIM OVER
Allow him time to open up about his feelings. He likes to get to know you slowly so your bond has a solid foundation.
161
COSMO QUIZ
GUYS SIGNALS?
1
2 3 4 5
The guy youve been dating for a month asks you to his family reunion weekend. Youre thinking:
A OMG, time to get a copy of
Cosmo Bride.
B Hes moving too fast. Does he rush C Im excited to see his old bedroom
into things with every girl he dates? and teenage sneaker collection.
The hot waiter whos been flirting with you all night writes his number on the bill. You:
A Assume hes into you. Nice!
B Figure hes just looking for a tip. C Drum your fingers at the bar until he
The cute new guy at the office asks you out for an after work cocktail. You:
8 TO 10 POINTS
and makeup. Its a date! B Think he wants to talk business. C Wonder if theres a spark; but youre not going to make assumptions. Youll go with an open attitude.
Youve just been on the best first date ever. Youre making out in the street, and he tries to get you to spend the night. You:
A Assume hes only interested in
getting some action. Ugh, just another player! B Dig the awesome chemistry, but if he wants to see you again, hell call. C Stay over. Otherwise, he might not want another date.
Slow down, lady! Youre reading way too much into guys cues. When that hot waiter leaves you his number, hes hoping youll call, not hover at the bar for three hours! Dont risk sabotaging a great connection by jumping the gun. If your radar is a little wonky, it helps to zoom out, says Emily Balcetis, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology at New York University. Imagine your best friend is in your situation. How would you tell her to respond? Playing it a little cool helps build momentum in a relationship.
Guy, says that your confidence and stellar ability to read guys signals put you in the perfect position to connect with the eligible men that come your way. You can tell hes interested the next step? Hussey suggests mirroring his body language and ramping up the eye contact to strengthen your bond. Let the flirting begin!
0 TO 3 POINTS
The guy you really like calls you twice a week around 11pm to ask if you want to sleep over. You think:
A The time you spend together is so
4 TO 7 POINTS
fun, hes bound to want to see you in daylight soon. B Its obvious youre his booty call. C Next step, dim sum with your parents.
If youre calling your once-a-week, late-night hookup your boyfriend, youre probably ignoring his signals, says Hussey. If you dont spend any time together outside the bedroom and not for lack of your trying hes not looking for more, he says. On the flip side, dont be clueless and repel your crush without SCORING: knowing it. See someone 1 A) 2 B) 0 C) 1 cute? Smile in his direction. 2 A) 1 B) 0 C) 2 It gives us something to go 3 A) 2 B) 0 C) 1 on. A little encouragement 4 A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 goes a long way, says 5 A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 Hussey.