Cosmopolitan articles from February 2001

Cosmopolitan archives from February 2001

Is a Bad Little Habit Holding You Back?
February 1, 2001... Compulsive gossiping, sinister snooping, TV-aholism... these nasty practices can screw with your sanity. Well, this is a raid by Cosmo's Vice Squad. We'll nix your niggling addictions once and for all. * Admit it: You have a problem. Don't...

Cosmo's Girl Code Glossary.
February 1, 2001... Searching for the perfect phrase to describe your out-of-control crush or a recent dating dilemma? This list of lingo will give you the right term for every romantic sitch. * Even though most chick cliques have their own vernacular--those...

5 ways to spoil your sweetie.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Fulfill all your fella's fantasies by devoting a day to playing love slave. Stock up on guy grub. The men at Maxim mag swear by salsa and tortilla chips, a frozen pepperoni pizza, potato chips (BBQ or sour-cream flavor), and the fixings...

Pick-Him-Up Pointer.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... One fine way to get a guy's attention Brew up a sexy storm: When you spot a cute guy at a bar, ask him what kind of beer he's drinking and why it's his pick. If there's a twinkle in his eye when he answers, ask for a taste. It says you're...

Dating Dazed and Confused "Should I offer to split the tab on a first date?".(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Courtney Weaver, romance guru and author of Unzipped (Doubleday, 1999), an examination of modern relationships, says, "It depends on who initiated the date. If he asked you out, simply say 'May I contribute?' when the bill comes. If you did the...

Light His Fire.
February 1, 2001... Here's a simple plan for a sexy evening: Fib that you're having a power outage at home, or tell him you want to play Little House on the Prairie, then pull the plugs or throw the breaker switches. "With no TV to tempt you, no computer to occupy...

7 Sexy Essentials.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Every saucy seductress needs this give-him-fever gear in her arsenal. A bitty skirt that shows off your gorgeous gains Poly-denim mini, Tommy Jeans, $45 Shoulder-dusting earrings say "I'm all girl." Gold hoops with fringe,...

Shoshanna says...(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... What to do when a dud asks you to dance? Cosmo's contributing editor Shoshanna Lonstein says, "If you really can't bear the thought of partnering up with him, politely claim that your feet hurt or you're too tired to take the floor, then...

FUN FEARLESS FEMALE OF THE YEAR DEBRA MESSING.
February 1, 2001... She's the gorgeous, hilarious star of the hit Will and Grace. At times, she's risked her career by putting passion above money. Flip the page to find out the other amazing reasons Debra Messing snagged Cosmo's premier prize * Debra Messing...

Stretch your sexual boundaries.
February 1, 2001... Want to reach a whole new realm of carnal rapture with your guy? It just takes a creative streak, a game attitude, and a little limbering up. Start here. * Lusty ladies of the world know a thing or two about getting it good. And the one...

Get Back That New-Love Giddiness.
February 1, 2001... Rekindle a crush on your boyfriend--even after you've settled into cozy coupledom. From eliciting I-miss-you emotions to mastering the makeout session, these tricks will help you regain the intensity of your early infatuation. * Is there...

WHY WE'RE PSYCHO FOR CHRISTIAN BALE.
February 1, 2001... The American Psycho star tells his tactic for avoiding the press (we caught him!), his favorite thing about his true love, and the sexy celeb he wishes would call. * Christian Bale has slipped so convincingly into his movie roles that it's...

Murder in Paradise?
February 1, 2001... Last May, 29-year-old Claudia Kirschhoch vanished from a Jamaican resort. All she left behind were questions: What happened to her and why can't anyone--the local police, her parents, the FBI--find out? * Seated at a table overlooking the...

BEAUTY and the BEACH.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Cosmo contributing editor and red-hot designer Shoshanna Lonstein's latest feat? A line of flirty, femme bikinis designed to fit every babe's body. Here, she models a few of her creations. If Shoshanna Lonstein could have things her way,...

Risque business.
February 1, 2001... Think about how hot a guy looks in a tuxedo...black and white attire will have the same sexy effect on you. Just pick tailored pieces inspired by menswear but cut to reveal stretches of your supple skin. Bold shoulder (opposite page) Silk...

Living color.
February 1, 2001... Hot on the trend horizon: a new-wave fusion of kaleidoscopic hues and exuberant patterns. This is fashion at its most feminine and fun! Lavender ladies (opposite page) (left) Deep V-neck cotton top, Paul & Joe, $191; stretch-cotton capri...

Get Irresistibly Soft.
February 1, 2001... Craving caressable skin and hair that defies midwinter dryness? Set in motion this strategy for making every inch of you silk smooth. Soften Your Locks Exposure to winter's harsh elements can make strands feel like straw, so make sure...

The Look MEN CAN'T SAY "NO" TO.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The beauty moves that'll make your eyes so beguiling he'll beg for mercy. and your lips so lush, he won't mean it. The drop-dead sexiest parts of your body that a guy can glimpse when you're fully clothed? Your eyes and lips. Together, they...

Kiss, Kiss.
February 1, 2001... You can't get much more up close and personal with your favorite celebs than this (at least not without getting arrested!). Sneak a peek as social commentators Wendy Shanker, host of Oxygen's SheCommerce, and Susie Felber, of Comedy...

His 8 sexiest spots.
February 1, 2001... What your favorite says about you We uncovered the guy body parts women love most--and the erotic explanations behind those choices. Read on to discover why you can't stop oohing and aahing over certain lusty locales. (Caution: You may...

COSMO'S POSTHOLIDAY POUND-SHEDDING PLAN.
February 1, 2001... Still trying to lose the extra five you packed on over the holidays? Scrap dieting dogma and slim down with Cosmo's two-part, zero-deprivation weight-loss proposal. * Be honest: You still haven't dropped those last few pounds you swore...

20 Sneaky Ways to Make Him Crave You.
February 1, 2001... Guys are wired to respond to even the slyest feminine wiles. Activate his imagination with these suggestive suggestions and he'll be aching for you all day. * Nothing makes you feel more powerful, seductive, and all-around feminine than...

Mortifying Meet-the-Parents Moments.
February 1, 2001... And you thought Ben Stiller had it tough! Cosmo readers share face-to-face-with-the-folks fiascoes so bad, they almost wished they'd never even been born. * No matter how tight you and your guy are, just the thought of meeting his folks...

"I had a Heart Attack in My 20s".
February 1, 2001... Tatijana Shoan was an energetic 27-year-old when she was crippled by excruciating pains. Later, she learned her doctors' misdiagnosis could have cost her life. * By the time I turned 27, I had a very successful career as an international...

Bring Out His Inner Bad Boy.
February 1, 2001... Nothing makes a girl go weak like a rough-edged James Dean kind of dude. These tawdry tips will get any man misbehavin'--and add a little black leather to your love life. * Ever wish your considerate, mild-mannered man would occasionally...

"Yikes! I Itch Down There!".
February 1, 2001... Few things are more embarrassing than the need to scratch south of the border. Spare yourself with these fixes for your most intimate itches. * When Susan Glover[degrees], 25, a computer analyst in Atlanta, was first plagued by an irksome...

Ashton Kutcher on past party days and his rock-solid relationship.(Brief Article)(Interview)
February 1, 2001... On a surprisingly crisp California morning, Ashton Kutcher goes by his favorite Hollywood coffeehouse for a huge cup of joe before heading to work on his hit television series, That '70s Show. The coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is a daily stop for...

COSMOPOLITAN'S FUN FEARLESS FEMALES.
February 1, 2001... Introducing nine fabulous forces in movies, music, and more---plus our Fun Fearless Female of the year: These women wowed us with their awesome achievements and garnered Cosomo's highest honors. IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM, women continued to...

The New Birth Control.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Tired of taking your Pill every day? Well, now there's a solution. The FDA has approved a new birth-control option: a once-a-month injection called Lunelle, administered by your gyno. The contraceptive contains estrogen and progestin, the same...

Q Are there natural remedies for cold sores?(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... A While there's no cure for herpes--the virus that causes cold sores--there's an arsenal of alternative therapies for controlling outbreaks, says Christiane Northrup, M.D., a University of Vermont clinical assistant professor of OB--GYN. Lab...

Q How can I call it quits with class?(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... A It's smart to take steps to resign the right way, says Dana May Casperson, author of Power Etiquette (Amacom, 1999). Explain to your boss that your new job is a rare opportunity you can't refuse. By shifting the focus away from what's lacking...

3 Risks You Should Take at Work.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... These smart gambles will help you get noticed. Get in over head. Instead of sticking to set duties, try tackling tasks beyond your comfort zone, says Harvey Mackay, author of Pushing the Envelope: All the Way to the Top (Ballantine,...

Read Your Boss Like a Book.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Suss out your superior's state of mind by tuning into these subtle signals. Look at Her Legs If they're casually crossed at the knee, she's relaxed and open to suggestions, which makes this a prime time to pitch an off-the-wall...

4 Steps That Ensure a Great First Date.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Set the stage for an amazing night with this ice-breaking advice from Josey Vogels, author of Dating (Adams Media, 1999). 1 Smile. Sounds obvious, but when you're supernervous, it's easy to forget this ultranecessary step. A great grin...

My Most Romantic Valentine's Day Ever.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Readers reveal the sweetest and most swoon-worthy ways their cuties played Cupid. "After dating for two years, my boyfriend Randy and I broke up right before Valentine's Day. I was completely depressed, and to make matters worse, I heard...

Serve Him a Sexy Supper.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... His mouth will water over a romance-ready setting, eros-inspiring edibles--and you, his hot hostess. Man-Pleasing Meal Gratify his taste buds and leave him hungry for you. For a dinner that's the perfect prelude to passion, we...

Glam up your do.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... High-profile pretties like model Heidi Klum are making their locks the mane attraction with a spotlight-stealing supersize sequin clip. Get the look by sweeping hair up to one side or pulling it back into a ponytail or low bun and tacking a...

Be a cocktail-party pro.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... To get the status of soiree superstar, tune in to the testy and tasteless but always trendy Howard Stern for some fab convo fodder, suggests T.E. Krieger, author of The Portable Pundit (Warner Books, 2000). "If a conversation flatlines, rag on...

Laugh at life.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Roll with the punches better than any Charlie's Angel by snickering a sucky situation in the face. After a bad break--or just a nightmare day--ignite your silly side by watching a funny movie or hanging out with zany friends. "You can cry about...

Boldly grab him from behind.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Fire up your fella by surprising him with a saucy sneak attack. Slowly slink up behind him and press the length of your body against his. Then wrap your arms around him and suggestively stroke his chest. "This gesture says 'Hey, stud, I'm in...

Sport a faux tattoo of your sweetie's name.(Valentine's Day)(Abstract)
February 1, 2001... Show some vixenish Valentine's Day spirit with a sexy token of your devotion (custom designs are available at www.temptu.com). We suggest you play a naughty name game by putting your man's moniker someplace private--your hip or lower tummy--so...

Score to-Die-for Thighs.(leg-fitness suggestions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Achieving killer legs is just a few simple lifts away. If lately your thighs feel crammed into your favorite jeans, don't fret. You can firm up those saddlebags in no time. All you have to do is this slimming move from Spartak Delas, a...

Q How can I recover from a pulled muscle?(therapeutic suggestions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... A Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time (with 30-minute breaks), and take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen to reduce swelling. If the spot feels hard and hot to the touch or if it bruises within two days, see a doctor. Otherwise, after three...

Workout Rut Repair.(physical fitness)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Here's How to push past a fitness plateau. Problem: You're bored with your routine. Fitness fix: Experiment with new workouts, says Richard Cotton, a trainer and spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. Try something you've...

"My Food Faux Pas".(restaurant meals, and cooking: personal accounts)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Women reveal the meal mistakes they've made. "I Thought I'd impress my folks with a chicken and pasta dish, but instead of two cloves of garlic, I put in two bulbs! I was mortified, especially when Dad had to down his heartburn medicine."...

Do You Suffer from Portion Distortion?(being aware of food portions in restaurants)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Food portions have become so supersized that it's hard not to consume extra calories. "If you assume what's on your plate is a single serving and eat it all, you could gain weight," says Lisa Young, Ph.D., a nutrition consultant. To keep...

Q My friend may have an eating disorder. What can I do?(talking to a friend about a perceived problem)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... The best thing you can do is talk with her. She may get mad, but it's worth the risk--without treatment, up to 20 percent of people with serious eating disorders die. Pick a private place and a time when you won't be rushed, and tell her how...

HEALTHY-HABIT CHECK.(possible causes of a thirst)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Q NO matter how much I drink, I'm still thirsty. Why? A Eating a lot of salty foods (such as chips or pretzels) increases thirst, and consuming six or more caffeinated beverages daily can cause dehydration. So cut down on these...

Help for Hush-Hush Horrors Cursed With Clammy Hands.(sweaty palms)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... "My palms often get supersweaty. What can I do about it?" You probably have a condition called palmar hyperhidrosis, Which occurs when the nerves that trigger the sweat glands in your palms fire too frequently, says Richard Glogau, a...

To breathe easier, go nuts.(the vitamin E in almonds and peanuts may aid asthma and allergies)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... To breathe easier, go nuts: The vitamin E found in peanuts and almonds may help prevent allergies and asthma. A study reported in Lancet found that those who ate the most vitamin E (more than 9 milligrams per day) were less sensitive to...

Before you pop that diet pill.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Before you pop that diet pill or take your trusty cold medication, check the label--it may be hazardous to your health. The FDA has issued a consumer warning that phenylpropanolamine (PPA), an ingredient in OTC diet pills and some cold...

Decode Your Wacky Cycle.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Has your once-regular menstrual cycle gone haywire? Mary Jane Bovo, an OB--GYN in New York City, pinpoints the causes of an inconsistent period. PERIOD PROBLEM SYMPTOMS CULPRITS Breakthrough Spotting between ...

Big-Pore Busters.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... If you fear the pores on your face have expanded to larger-than-usual proportions, it may not be your imagination, says Miami dermatologist Fredric Brandt. "Pores can swell up and look bigger when they're clogged with dirt and oil," he says....

Scribble-On Shimmery Eyes.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... New beauty loot that makes primping feel like child's play: eye shadow "chalk" sticks. They look just like the stuff you once used to doodle on the sidewalk with but are made of shimmering pigments that create oh-so-grown-up eye effects. Our...

"I hate foundation but need coverage. Help!".(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... It's possible to get the benefits of foundation without feeling like you're wearing a mask of spackle. The secret: Don't spread it all over--just where you need coverage (i.e., under your eyes, around your nose, or on blemishes). Or try a...

Gwyneth's Red-Hot Routine.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Leave it to the talented Ms. Paltrow to make a tried-and-true temptress look-- lush black lashes and a molten red mouth-appear fresh and modern. To pull off her racy and retro effect, it's crucial you select the right ruby lip hue. "Everyone...

Pro Tip: Fab Cheekbone Fake-Out.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Enviably defined cheekbones of the Julia Roberts/Michelle Pfeiffer variety can be created by anyone with this quick "reverse contouring" technique used by Hollywood makeup artist Jeni Lee. (1) Sweep a peach blush on the apples of your...

Cop Kate's Bedroom Eyes.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Learn the secret technique behind this star's stunningly sexy peepers. The sultry-but-sweet lid look Kate Hudson pulled off for a recent party says "bedroom" for a reason. "When you put dramatic clark makeup on the upper lid but leave the...

Win It! Chip-Proof Manicure.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Few things are more maddening than painting your pointers a delicious hue, only to see the polish chip away the next day. To the rescue: L'Oreal Shock Proof Extreme Wear Nail Colour, $4.95. It contains a plasticlike formula that dries to a...

Tress Trend: Pretty Pony Holders.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Turn your plain-Jane pony into a hot hairstyle in seconds with the latest coif craze: middle school-inspired elastics bedecked with funky, flirty baubles. The newest incarnations of this drugstore staple are stylish, statement-making, and...

The Secret to Sexy Texture.
February 1, 2001... Want to nab that purposely mussed, slightly wavy style that's all the rage right now? Stop shampooing so often. "When your strands are slightly dirty, all your natural kinks will come out, creating a tousled, texturized effect," says New...

Get Jen's Ultraglam Updo.
February 1, 2001... The classic bun goes babelicious. Need a hot-to-trot, ties sophisticated look for a big night out? Cop this hip honey's high-placed updo. Oribe, Jennifer Lopez's NYC mane man, spills his secret for creating such a sexy, upswept style:...

Split-Second Chic.
February 1, 2001... We've discovered a sexy, stylish lock look that's ridiculously simple and perfect for your next Saturday afternoon date. All it takes: a humble bobby pin to clip face-framing tresses to one side (as seen on Gisele, right, at Miu Miu's spring...

Surviving Salon Rage.
February 1, 2001... You're wrapped in foils or stuck under a dryer 30 minutes before a crucial meeting (or hot date). You were on time, but a crammed salon or slow stylist has your new coif running OT. River Lloyd of NYC's John Frieda Salon offers an exit strategy...

What's the 'cool' button on my blow-dryer really for?
February 1, 2001... The blast of hot air your tresses get during blow-drying opens hair cuticles, creating a lot of frizz and flyaways. Nix those pesky pieces by giving your mane a shot of cold air for a couple of minutes after styling to seal and smooth strands,...

Try Winona's Flirty Flip.
February 1, 2001... How to give a bob side-swept style Leave it to always-stylish star Winona Ryder to choose a coquettish do that's the coolest to hit red carpets in ages. "The fringe that sweeps over one eye and the flipped-up ends make this look...

Beauty Q&A.
February 1, 2001... PASTY-FACE FIXERS Is there a way to bring healthy-looking color to my ghostly winter complexion? Cold air cuts down on your body's circulation and moisture levels, resulting in a drab, dry complexion and undereye circles. To cop a...

Are You a Fun and Fearless Female?
February 1, 2001... Welcome to our fifth annual Fun Fearless Female Awards issue. Every year, we honor the women we find absolutely amazing in entertainment and culture. You'll get to read all about this year's spectacular group on page 177. Since you're a...

Cosmo mailbox.(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2001... "How can I get the amazing Anna Sui shirt that James King wore on your December cover?" Lindsay Staffaroni, Neenah, Wisc. Editor's note: Tons of you wrote in wanting to snag this fabulous top. Visit the Anna Sui NYC store, or call them...

Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets.
February 1, 2001... COPY CATTY "I have a friend who always goes after the guys I like. So I pretended to obsess over this superclingy loser. Sure enough, she made a play for him--and he fell for it. Now she's desperate to ditch the geek, and I'm free to...

THE BEST TUNES OF 2000.
February 1, 2001... These are the must-have CDs of the year. If this music isn't already heating up your headphones, get a move on! Lenny Kravitz, Greatest Hits Over the years, his albums have been met with mixed reviews, but this collection is the...

Cosmo Confidential.
February 1, 2001... We have the dish on Madonna's money crisis, how Jennifer and Brad stay connected, and the gorgeous girl doing favors for Matt and Ben. Destiny's New Direction In the past nine months, Destiny's Child has lost and replaced half its...

You Asked, We Answered.
February 1, 2001... How is Dennis Quaid coping with his split from Meg Ryan? The actor spends as much time as he can with the couple's son, Jack, playing catch at their Santa Monica home and renting movies at the local video store. Quaid has also been getting...

Romantic Moves He.
February 1, 2001... Can't Resist To take over his heart, you need to tune in to his idea of true romance. * Ladies, allow me to let you in on a little secret: The male idea of a gushy gesture is a lot simpler than any scenario that's likely to sweep you off...

Why Your 20s Are So Tough.
February 1, 2001... It may seem like torture at the time, says novelist Darcey Steinke, but the turbulence of your post-teen years serves a purpose. I have a recurring dream that never fails to freak me out: Late for a job interview, I drag a suitcase filled...

Is Marriage On Its Way Out?
February 1, 2001... More and more unmarried couples are having kids. Is it okay to start a family without being wed? * Celebs like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Madonna, and Elle Macpherson have all recently had babies with their boyfriends before first walking down...

PRISONER OF LOVE.
February 1, 2001... I'm in love with a man who is 10 years older than I am and in jail. (We'd been dating for a few months when he was arrested for credit-card fraud.) My mom, whom I live with, says she doesn't want him calling. But I want to resume our...

Be a Jean Genius.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... Celebs show how low-slung, slim-fit denim--the hipster's style staple--can go from sexy to glam to boho. Simply sexy Elizabeth Hurley makes blues va-va-voom in a bitsy black top, gltzy belt, andikitterish mule. Disco Glam ...

4 Fashion-Editor Faves.
February 1, 2001... Nab these runway trends now (no matter what your budget) to look totally fab this spring. The Military Shirt Army-inspired looks will be huge, and a fatigue-green shirt like this one by Michael Kors is a great way to wear the trend....

Sweet Tart.
February 1, 2001... Spice up spring's sagary separates with bad girl basics to create a look that's seductively naughty and nice Ellaine's Advice Fashion and beauty direstol Blaine ferleye caster mix the sugar and sofce. * Balance is key with this...

Cleavage Counsel.
February 1, 2001... Three ways to amplify your assets to ensure your escort can't take his eyes off, uh, you. Tank, Melissa M, $52 Skirt, Tommy Hilfiger, $59; belt, Joomi Joolz, $170 Handbag, Aldo, $25 Mules, Sacha London, $84 Keyhole Top...

Debra's Divine Style.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2001... It's hard to believe Cosmo cover girl and Fun Fearless Female of the Year Debra Messing could ever doubt her status as a stunner. But the actress (you know her best as spunky Grace Adler on Will and Grace) and spokesperson for Clairol Nice 'n...